Five Tips for an Unforgettable Party

Five Tips for an Unforgettable Party   Location, Location, Location. I know that we have all heard this before, but location and the venue, make all the difference.  It sets the tone, the timeline, and the aesthetic for the entire event.  Many public venues only make themselves available during certain hours and days.  This will…

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Wedding Venue: Keswick Hall Charlottesville Virginia

Wedding Venue: Keswick Hall Charlottesville Virginia from the perspective of a professional event planner.    Keswick Hall: The Perfect Destination for Memorable Weddings and Corporate Events in Charlottesville, Virginia Xiaoqi Li and I toured Keswick Hall, a wedding and event venue in Charlottesville, Va,  and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the…

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The Best Steamers for Weddings found on Amazon

The Best Steamers for Weddings found on Amazon Choosing a steamer is a daunting task.  Especially when you are looking for a steamer that can stand up to the heavy lifting of preparing for a wedding day. From gowns, tuxedos, signage, and linens, the amount of items you will need to steam in preparation for…

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The Best Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

It’s almost the busiest time for bridal boutiques and wedding dress shopping.  Most bridal boutiques will really ramp up after the New York Bridal Fashion Week, which was last week!  Here are some tried and true things to consider before heading out. 1. Wedding Dress sizes are not the same as your street clothes.  You…

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The Line Hotel: A Modern Wedding Venue in Washington DC

  The Line Hotel, located in the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC, is quickly becoming one of the city’s most popular wedding venues. With its contemporary design, diverse event spaces – including a rooftop option, and exceptional amenities, it’s no wonder that couples are choosing to get married here.   Here’s why The…

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Wedding Budget Tips – Save or Splurge

When it comes to allocating your wedding budget, there are about a million different ways to do it.  Each client has different event goals, each venue requires different logistics, and each market is priced differently.  As an experienced wedding planner planning weddings in Richmond, Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland, here are a few tips…

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Club Theme Bat Mitzvah Richmond, Virginia

Venue: When you grow up going to the Carpenter Theatre, now the Dominion Energy Center,  with your mom and grandmother, it’s only natural you would host your bat mitzvah there.  This family opted for a full theatre takeover to maximize the space for their guests and the many fun features we had planned.  As guests…

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Seven Things to Consider Before You Propose

    The Date Matters: Weddings take about 12-18 months to plan.  If your soon to be fiancé has been dreaming of a spring wedding, time your proposal accordingly.  Also, take into consideration other important dates. Decide if you want to “share” your special day with a holiday or birthday. Find out if there is…

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Wedding Venue Tour- The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design Richmond Va

  Architectural Museum Wedding Venue in Richmond Virginia  The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, most often, just The Branch Museum, is located on Richmond’s historic Monument Avenue.  The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is a landmark wedding venue in Richmond, Virginia.  The architecture alone is stunning, but the secluded simplicity of the walled…

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Why You Should Get Married On a Weekday

There is an ‘It Factor”  A ‘je ne sais quoi’:   Weekday weddings are just very chic.  There is a level of sophistication with weekday weddings. It is a much more intentional event.  Special Date: If you have a special date in mind, don’t wait for it to come around on the weekend.  If you…

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10 Tips For Wedding Dress Alterations

1. Always assume you need alterations.  Even the most well-fitting gown will look better if it is tailored perfectly to your body.  2. Alterations can add up quickly.  The average alteration cost is between $100-$1000 depending on what you need to have done.  3. Get an estimate before you purchase the dress. Ask your dress boutique…

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Wedding Venue: The Perry Belmont House Washington DC

A Beaux – Arts Wedding Venue in Washington DC  “The Perry Belmont House is possibly the finest, intact example of a Beaux-Arts style mansion in Washington, DC. Beaux-Arts translates as “beautiful art”, a style-prevalent from 1880-1920 – and is generally related to theatrical or monumental design employing classical details and proportions.” Perry Belmont was a…

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Venue Tour Charlottesville- Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

An Iconic Wedding Venue in Charlottesville Virginia  The mountains, vineyards, rolling hills, and exemplary service is what you will find at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Pippin Hill is an all-season, full-service venue designed to offer the essential elements of successful, effortless entertainment.  The venue is owned and designed by a top-rated…

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Why Discounts Don’t Work In The Wedding Industry.

Value is something that is determined by many things.  Some consumers value the luxury experience.  Some consumers are driven by cost. Wherever your tolerances for either meet, is where your event lives.  What I offer are a great service and a customized design reflective of you and your desires.  Our prices are competitive for the…

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Indian Wedding Traditions

Indian/South Asian Wedding Traditions

Indian/South Asian Wedding Traditions India is the second-most populous country in the world. It was originally populated by varying forms of hunter-gatherers. Due to the nature of the hunter-gatherer, this area is highly diversified.  There are many sub-cultures and traditions throughout the country.  This makes planning an Indian/South Asian wedding both challenging but also very…

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Wedding Venue Tour: Mount Ida Farm Charlottesville Virginia

Mount Ida Farm is a gorgeous and expansive wedding venue in Charlottesville Virginia. Just minutes away from a few of Charlottesville most sought after destinations, Mount Ida offers their couples many great options for their celebrations. Couples have the choice between two distinct venues: The Lodge and The Event Barn. The Lodge is a 12,000…

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Things to See and Do In Richmond Virginia

  In a city full of history, fabulous food scenes, and outdoor activities, Richmond is one of the best central areas to vacation in and around in Virginia. Whether you’re a diehard foodie or outdoorsy guru, there is literally something for everyone in the River City. There are great restaurants, a ton of breweries, an…

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Wedding Venue Richmond Virginia: The Barns of Kanak

If you are on the search for a rustic barn wedding, The Barns of Kanak should definitely be on your list. The 13-acre property offers both outdoor and indoor facilities that can accommodate up to 200 guests.   There is a bridal suite, a grooms suite, a pool, and several locations for ceremony on site.   When you first pull into…

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How To Get Married In Virginia

  After months of planning your wedding you are ready to walk down the aisle.  Your vendors are all secured, your design plan is amazing, and your planner has the timeline and logistics on lock.  Then is dawns on you, how do we actually get married?  What makes this a legal arrangement.  Well, the answer…

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Wedding Venue Tour: Keswick Vineyards Charlottesville Virginia

  We took our wedding venue tour out to Charlottesville, Virginia and it did not disappoint.  Keswick Vineyards is such a pretty venue. At Keswick Vineyards you are surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, vineyards, manicured gardens, gorgeous architecture, and great water features.  With your rental you get the grounds for 12 hours!!  This is…

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Hotel Room Blocks for Weddings and Events

If you are hosting an event and have invited out of town guests, setting up room blocks is a good idea.  It is a nice gesture for your guests, but it also helps organize transportation, after parties, brunches, and welcome bag drop-offs. Room blocks do make scheduling transportation easier.  We will know where the majority…

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The Masculinity of Florals- Dover Hall Richmond Virginia

The Masculinity of Florals at Dover Hall in Richmond Virginia  ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]  Our editorial shoot is finally live and I can now share all of the dets.  This was a shoot that I had been thinking about for a while.  I ran through several concepts, watched several vendors, and edited, edited, edited. …

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Wedding Venue Tour Virginia: Pharsalia

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Pharsalia is a little oasis of beauty nestled in a valley of the Blue Ridge mountains between Charlottesville and Lynchburg.  Saying that this wedding venue is gorgeous and unique isn’t doing it any justice.  If you are looking for an outdoor, private, wedding venue with character and 360 mountain views then…

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Team Spotlight: Lauren Purcell

We ask our clients and our vendors a TON of questions during the planning process.  I figured it was about time we started answering some of them ourselves. We are sharing a fun Q & A, and some photos taken by Kir Tuben.  Lauren is the owner and lead designer/planner of Swoon Soiree. What’s on…

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Venue Tour: Oak Ridge Estate

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Oak Ridge Estate is an 1802 estate out in Arlington Virginia.  The estate was acquired at the turn of the 20th century by Thomas Fortune Ryan, a Nelson County native who had become one of the 10 wealthiest men in the nation. He made several alterations to the buildings and grounds…

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Seven Ways to Cut The Guest List

There are so many things to consider when planning a wedding.  It’s pretty universal that one of the largest pain points when planning an event of this magnitude is the guest count.  You would love to invite everyone you have ever shared part of your lives with.  Your college roommates, your friends from back home,…

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Groom’s Details

With all of the focus on the Bride and all of her details, it’s easy to overlook the Groom.   Groom’s details play a large part in telling the narrative of a wedding day.  They spend time curating their look and putting their details together too.  Those items should be showcased. Here is a list…

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Venue Tour: Burlington Plantation

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]There is a new venue in town, and it’s a looker. Burlington Plantation is technically located out in Charles, City, but I’m pretty sure we can group that in with Richmond Venues.  This venue is gorgeous.  The stables have been converted into a gorgeous ballroom.  High ceilings, natural light, chandeliers, I…

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Faberge Egg Ballet Wedding at The VMFA Richmond Virginia

A Romantic Ballet Inspired Wedding at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts  ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]  The creative process is such a funny thing.  When I started conceptualizing this shoot, I didn’t have a certain venue in mind.  As the design started falling into place, and I realized what size room I needed, and…

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How to Be The Best Wedding Guest

1. RSVP on time: For anyone who has ever planned an event, whether it be a birthday party or a full size wedding, you know the struggle.  People just don’t respond to RSVP’s anymore.  As our culture moves toward more casual interactions, RSVPs are being caught in the crossfire.  If you receive an invitation you…

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Why You Should Say “Yes” to a Styled Proposal

Asking someone to marry you is a MAJOR life moment.  You are asking someone to promise their life to you.  A marriage proposal is something that should be celebrated and executed flawlessly. This is the beginning of your journey to marital bliss. Most weddings are planned and executed by the bride, her family, and her…

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All of the Wedding Abbreviations You Need to Know

Soon after you start planning a wedding you will realize that you have just entered a whole new world. There is so much to learn.  Most couples turn to message boards, forums, blogs, social media, and other online sources for their inspiration and vendor referrals. There is a shorthand that is used in this space. …

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How To Choose The Perfect Venue:

There is so much that goes into wedding planning.  So much. However, nothing can be done without a venue.  The venue will determine your date, create an atmosphere, and will set the pace for the rest of the budget.  Figure out the basics: When you start planning your wedding you should have a general idea…

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Real Wedding: Becca and Kevin The Market at Grelen Charlottesville, Virginia

  Chic Garden Inspired Wedding in Charlottesville Virginia at The Market at Grelen ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]  I can’t tell you how long I sat staring at these photos.  There were SO MANY special moments, gorgeous details, and beautiful scenery. Charlottesville, Virginia is such a pretty location for weddings.  I knew I couldn’t share…

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Wedding Planner, Wedding Coordinator, Wedding Designer, Venue Coordinator. What is the difference?

There are many overlapping career titles within the wedding industry. It’s no wonder couples aren’t sure which one will fit their needs.  Although there is some overlap with each description, there are some key differences. Wedding planning is time-consuming and time-sensitive work.  Make sure you know what you are getting when you hire your professional.…

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Venue Tour: The National Theatre

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]The National Theatre is not the traditional wedding venue, but it would be perfect for someone who is looking for something unique. The National is located on the 700 block of Broad Street.  This used to be known as Theatre Row.  The National was opened in 1923.  It held both live…

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The Cardinal at The Mill at Fine Creek

This shoot was inspired by the Cardinal bird and the laws of attraction. The brighter red the male bird, the stronger a mate he will be.  I wanted this shoot to be about a deep romance, a strong courtship, and slightly reminiscent of a time past. The setting is The Mill at Fine Creek.  This…

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Venue Tour: The Graduate Richmond

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Richmond has a new hotel in town and it’s a fun one. The Graduate Richmond is definitely a spot to check out. The Graduate brand is unique in that it is only in college anchored cities. Each hotel is different and it reflects the city that it is in. Hey cool. …

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Leather and Lace at Upper Shirley Vineyards

I am totally in love with this shoot.  It has everything I love.  It’s different, it’s glam, it’s modern, and it’s bold.  It was also published on a major national blog which I am stoked about.   You can see the publication here.  This shoot was inspired by the Stevie Nix song Leather and Lace. …

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Bachelorette Parties in your 20s vs 30s: Girls Night Out at Quirk Hotel

  ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]  It’s wedding season. Which means, not only are you trying to figure out if you were tagged in someones photo wearing the same dress you are planning to wear to the next wedding, but you have bachelorette parties. I have been to my fair share of bachelorette parties.  I…

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Venue Tour: The Science Museum of Virginia

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]The former train station, now The Science Museum of Virginia, has several event spaces that serve multiple purposes.  From corporate events, to galas, to weddings, there are plenty of options to host your event.  The Rotunda is the most recognized event space at The Science Museum.  It is a five-story dome that…

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Venue Tour: Linden Row Inn

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Linden Row Inn is an historic urban hotel that focuses on the “True Richmond” experience. It has a European style and a great history. It was originally called Linden Square, named after the linden trees that are in the garden.  The Linden Row Inn was originally seven row houses that were…

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Venue Tour: Main Street Station

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]I can’t tell you how excited I am for this venue.  This is not your traditional four walls and a ceiling event space.  This one is cool.    Main Street Station opened in 1901 as “one of the most architecturally attractive stations in the nation.”  It is located downtown in Shockoe…

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Venue Tour: The Valentine

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]  The Valentine is a historical museum in the heart of downtown Richmond. It acts as a vault and a source of interpretation for Richmond’s rich history. The museum is broken out into several permanent exhibits that cover different topics, such as Richmond’s history, culture and government.  In addition to the several…

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Venue Tour: Ashton Creek Vineyards

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]I have been hearing so much about this venue that I just had to add it to my venue tour.  It is one of the newer venues in Richmond and they have been busy busy.  It is a working vineyard, event space, and tasting room.  The venue is located south of…

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Cake Pulls- A Southern Wedding Tradition

This may be one of my favorite southern wedding traditions. My Dad’s family is from New Orleans so I may be a little partial. It is one of the best cities in the US. New Orleans has some of the most fun traditions, and some really great weddings.  This tradition started during the Victorian Period, originally called…

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Venue Tour: Independence Golf Club

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]This venue is definitely a classic.  It is located right in the middle of Midlothian, Virginia which makes is such an easy venue to get to for both vendors and your guests.  There is ample space and parking.  The architecture of the building mirrors the iconic Jeffersonian style that Virginia loves…

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Venue Tour: Tuckahoe Woman’s Club

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]The Tuckahoe Woman’s Club is located off of Cary St. in the Near West End/Windsor Farms area. They are an operational social club, however you do not need to be a member, or be sponsored by one, to have an event here.  They allow outside vendors, and are focused on making…

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Venue Tour: Tuckahoe Plantation

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]  Tuckahoe plantation is the perfect venue to highlight the beauty and history of Richmond. Whether you have your ceremony downtown, or on site your guest will get to experience the city, its history, and its charm.  Classical elegance and southern hospitality is what you will get with Tuckahoe Plantation.  Built…

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Venue Tour: The Jefferson Hotel

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Oh The Jefferson.  The cornerstone of Richmond Va.  The Jefferson has been hosting luxury weddings since 1895.  With the gorgeous Rotunda for cocktail hours, the sprawling staircase for a grand entrance and portraits, and the recently renovated ballrooms, this is a venue that makes a statement.   The Jefferson is managed…

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Venue Tour: The Jefferson Hotel

” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Oh The Jefferson.  The cornerstone of Richmond Va.  The Jefferson has been hosting luxury weddings since 1895.  With the gorgeous Rotunda for cocktail hours, the sprawling staircase for a grand entrance and portraits, and the recently renovated ballrooms, this is a venue that makes a statement.   The Jefferson is managed…

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Wedding Dress Code Deciphered

Alright.  You have sent in your RSVP, booked your accommodations, and now you are staring at the fine print on the invitation that states the dress code.  White Tie, Black Tie, Black Tie Optional, Creative Black Tie, Cocktail Attire, Festive, Dress to Impress, Beach Attire, Garden Party Attire, the list goes one.  With so many options…

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Who Gets a Plus One to the Wedding?

Guest lists are for sure one of the most difficult parts of planning a wedding.  Your guest list is so tightly intertwined with your budget that even adding just a few people can put you over.  We all know that the best way to reduce your spend is to cut your guest list.  However, by…

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My Favorite Wedding Trends for 2017

Weddings are tough, and it’s hard to not get mixed up in what is popular and trendy. This is the first social event you are hosting as a couple and it should be something that feels like you.  You don’t want to attend several weddings in the same year and realize that all of your…

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Top Ten Reasons You Need a Wedding Planner

10.  You don’t have the time.  The average wedding takes about 200 hours to plan.  Most of the time it takes up to 300-400 hours since you will spend extra hours vetting out vendors, sourcing your rentals, and orchestrating everything.  There are a ton of people to hire. It takes time to find them and…

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What you need to know about Champagne and Sparkling Wines

It’s not Champagne unless it comes from Champagne, France.  If it comes from anywhere else it’s referred to as Sparkling Wine. Generally speaking sparkling wines DO NOT get better with age.  If you are fortunate enough to have a properly stored vintage you may get lucky.    Proper Pronunciation: •Dom Pérignon – Dom Peh-ree-nyon •Veuve Clicquot…

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Venue Tour: Fairview Farms

Photographer Jennifer Milota and I went on a venue your to Fairview Farms in Powhatan Virginia. This venue is so turn-key that it can save a couple a boatload if rustic chic is what they are looking for.  When you book with Fairview Farm you have complete access to the full estate.  Fairview Farm can…

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Venue Tour: Bandit’s Ridge

If you are looking for southern hospitality and a rustic venue, then you should check out Bandit’s Ridge.  The farm is located on 25 acres out in Louisa Virginia.  It is located right between Richmond and Charlottesville.  They have hay fields, a barn, a main house with a pool, and horses. At Bandit’s Ridge you…

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Venue Tour: Agecroft Hall

I have to start out and say that this is not an actual wedding venue.  You won’t be able to host a party or a wedding here.  However, they do accommodate non-profit organizations.  I toured this venue because people are always asking where they can get their engagement pictures done, their bridal portraits, where they…

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RSVP means Fucking Respond

I know that I just said what everyone is thinking. You’re welcome.  For anyone who has ever planned an event, whether it be a birthday party or a full size wedding, you know the struggle.  People just don’t respond to RSVP’s anymore.  As our culture moves toward more casual interactions, RSVPs are being caught in…

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Venue Tour: The Virginia Cliffe Inn

If you are looking for a beautiful southern style with spacious grounds, that is still in Richmond, this is the perfect location.  Located off of Mountain Road In Glen Allen this is just a short drive from the city.  The Virginia Cliffe Inn is an actual Bed and Breakfast where your guests could stay, or…

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Venue Tour: Historic Tredegar

With the city of Richmond as your backdrop and the James River streaming by this is the perfect blend of history, city, and nature.  The Historic Tredegar was built on a prime location near water power, working coal mines, and the railroad.  Originally the Tredegar was used to make locomotives, sugar mill factory pieces, and…

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The Five Million Ways to Address Envelopes

Just Kidding.  I don’t think there are five million different ways on how to address envelopes.  I hope not at least. In order to be socially mobile you must know how to properly address those around you.  Knowing the proper etiquette to use when addressing envelopes shows your level of education, your awareness of social practices,…

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Save the Date: Who, When, How

I am going to start off “How To Marry Up” with a question I get quite often.  When and how do we send Save the Dates?  With friends and family living all over the world, sending out save the dates in a timely manner is so important.  There are a few different thoughts on this,…

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