Sara Marinelli & Hayes Waltman Wedding

“Our wedding at the Hilton Christiana was absolutely magical. From the courtyard ceremony to the elegant reception, everything felt effortless and beautiful.”

When we started researching venues, the Hilton Christiana immediately stood out. It was conveniently located for our guests, and the wedding package offered so much, it was inclusive, flexible, and fit our vision perfectly. The property itself is gorgeous; the courtyard where we said our vows was picture-perfect, and the reception ballroom looked stunning. Our 5 PM ceremony caught that soft, golden light that made every photo glow.

The staff made all the difference. Katie and her team were on top of every detail from start to finish, and anytime I felt nervous or unsure, they were there with a smile and an answer. On our wedding day, they handled everything seamlessly so we could simply enjoy ourselves. I’ll never forget how calm and cared-for we felt—it allowed us to truly soak in every moment of the night.

My wedding theme had a soft vintage feel, lace details and rich blue tones inspired by the Titanic movie. Pinterest and TikTok became my best friends for creative ideas, and the Hilton team helped bring those inspirations to life. Every element, from the floral accents to the lighting, tied beautifully together. Guests couldn’t stop complimenting the ambiance and the food, especially the pork chop entrée and the hybrid Caesar salad, which became quick favorites.

One of the most emotional parts was seeing Hayes’ face when I walked down the aisle, and later, our first dance surrounded by family and friends joining in. It felt like time slowed down for a moment. The entire day went by in a flash, but thanks to Katie and the Hilton staff, it was everything we imagined and more. We even ended our celebration with a mini-honeymoon at The Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania, but nothing will ever compare to the joy we felt that night.