BIG STAGE FOR THE BIG DAY

from KCC_ KC Magazine February 2022

by Shaw Media

CHARM SOPHISTICATION

QBIG STAGE FOR THE BIG DAY A&

A Q&A with Jennifer Hahn, special events director, about weddings at the Paramount Theatre

By Chris Walker Photos provided by Paramount Theatre, taken by Jamie Loren with Loren Weddings

Whether you’re recently engaged, ready to get engaged or simply dreaming of the perfect wedding, there’s a good chance love is on your mind. It is February, after all.

Recently, Kane County Magazine talked with Jennifer Hahn, special events director at the Paramount Theatre, about weddings at the well-known venue. This interview has been edited slightly for length.

 KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: Few special occasions have been affected like weddings have these past two years — so what advice do you have for those who recently said “yes” after the question was popped?

JENNIFER HAHN: Think about what is most important to you on your wedding day, and let that be your focus and guide. There is so much out of our control, and so if the things shifting don’t affect what is most important to you, take a deep breath and know that everything will be all right.

 KC: Why the Paramount for your wedding?

JH: First, how many people can say they got married on the same stage that Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Tim Allen and countless other celebrities performed on? If the theater is available, we can make that happen. Plus, Paramount also has a stunning art deco Grand Gallery that’s perfect for a ceremony and reception. Directly across the street from Paramount is our newly renovated Meyer Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a stunning view of the Fox River. The Meyer also has new, beautiful bride and groom suites and a brand-new gorgeous private bar. Not only do we have three beautiful venues that will make your day unforgettable, but our staff goes above and beyond in every way to make your wedding day unforgettable and stressfree … or at least as stress-free as any wedding can be.

 KC: How do you ensure such an important day is as perfect as possible for the couple and their family and friends?

JH: Simply put, we care. We treat each couple and their wedding day as if it was our own. We know how important this day is. We stay in constant contact with every couple from the day they contact us for a tour through the big day — so we understand everything they need so we can make the day as perfect as possible. Little things are always going to go differently than planned, and that is why our dedicated team goes the extra mile to take care of everything.

VISIT WWW.PARAMOUNTAURORA.COM/WEDDINGS TO LEARN MORE!

Briana Jackson-Webber and Trent Webber recently married at the Paramount. The couple lives in Sandwich.

 KC: Can you share some examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond?

JH: From finding a backup photographer the day of the wedding when the couple’s contracted photographer accidentally double-booked, to a time my colleague was ready to stand in and officiate when the couple’s booked officiate had not shown up with two minutes until go time. I can go on and on with similar stories, but at the end of the day our team is here to handle whatever the big day sends your way.

 KC: What’s your favorite wedding proposal story?

JH: I love hearing our couples tell us how they came to the Paramount Theatre for their first date, or were proposed to on the riverwalk outside the Meyer Ballroom. Being such a staple in downtown Aurora is so magical, and we get to continue making couples’ memories here. We’ve even had couples get married here and then come back for a baby shower.