Venue: This bar mitzvah took place at the family’s country club under a tent out back. With the pandemic still a concern, the family felt that their guests would appreciate the open air setting. Party: The bat mitzvah them was a rockstar theme. Our guest of honor wanted something that was edgy, cool,…
Eloping is becoming a more popular, chic way for couples to get married. You can exchange your vows anywhere, and you can be as low key, or as over the top as you would like. Elopements and micro weddings are not a new thing, especially in cities, like Richmond, Virginia where we have a vibrant art…
When it comes to allocating your 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 on…
Wedding planning is time-consuming and time-sensitive work. Make sure you know what you are getting when you hire your professional. What is a Wedding Planner: A wedding planner is hired by the couple, they are not hired by the venue. Their sole job is to make sure your wedding is exactly what you want…
This wedding was originally planned for June 2020 with more than 200 guests. Of course the plans changed with the pandemic and we were forced to make a few really tough decisions. The couple ultimately decided that the big party could wait, but that their marriage could not. Kristina and Ryan had been together for…
Inspiration: The inspiration for this shoot was pulled from a variety of sources. The initial inspiration was one of my all time favorite venues in England, Anyhoe Park. They have a space, The Orangery, that is so whimsical and inspiring. The room is mostly neutrals. Shades of whites and creams with a bit…
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…
Planning a large, multicultural wedding, during a pandemic is not for the faint of heart. Not to mention that in Virginia, the guidelines were changing by the day. We were restricted by guest count the whole time we were planning this wedding, however the allowances were changing frequently. We weren’t sure how many…
This is one of the most common concerns I get as a marriage proposal planner. Where do I put the ring? The average ring box is two inches thick. When you are wearing nice clothes, and trying to keep the proposal a surprise, this is tough to conceal. The option most people go with is…
I have been planning weddings for some time now. I have heard A BUNCH of proposal stories. Some have been amazing, and so sweet. Others could have used some guidance and a better plan of execution. This is the beginning of your lives together. This is the first step of your future as a married…
Inspiration for the Editorial: It is no secret that the South East boasts hospitality, southern charm, and some seriously great food. It is also no secret that New York City is famous for the fashion, architecture, art, and it’s incredible cultural mix and social scene. So what happens when a girl from the south, falls…
The Most Amazing First Dance Planning a wedding during a pandemic is 100% not for the faint of heart. It is stressful, it is confusing, and it can be expensive. The rules change quickly and we need to make decisions fast. I am so fortunate to have Channing and Nathaniel as one of…
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…
Intimate Wedding Venue in Washington DC The Meridian House is one of Washington DC’s most elegant and intimate venues. It is located about 1.5 miles from the white house in a residential setting. The house was built by renowned architect John Russell Pope, who designed the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art (West…
Luxury Wedding Venue in Washington DC The iconic Hay Adams in Washington DC is one of DC’s most coveted luxury wedding venues. No where else in the city can you view several national monuments, the White House, Lafayette Park, and St. John’s Church. With a legacy of service and excellence, elegant event spaces, and…
Wedding Venue in Loudon County Virginia, right outside of Washington DC Goodstone Inn is a beautiful escape about an hour outside of Washington DC. This wedding venue is located on 265 acres of rolling hills, in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country. With its exclusive access, you can reserve the venue for the…
What you need to know about hosting a wedding during the Covid-19 Pandemic. We understand how uncertain the times ahead are and we want to continue to be a resource, and forward-thinking, to ensure the safety of your loved ones and your vendor team. We are working to stay on top of the ever-changing mandates.…
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…
An outdoor wedding venue with onsite accommodations outside of Richmond Virginia I am not only a wedding planner, but I am also a matchmaker. You come to me as a resource. I need to know what venues will fit your budget and style, what vendors will help create the perfect atmosphere, and what will make…
Private Estate Engagement Party in Richmond Virginia Private residence weddings and parties have been a favorite of ours for a long time. Celebrating at a place that means something to you or your family always makes it that much more special. When our bride’s mom contacted us and told us she was wanting to host…
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…
Historic Train Station Wedding Venue in Washington DC Union Station in DC is of course a train station, but it is also a grand event space. If you are hosting a corporate convention, gala, or large wedding this should definitely be a space to consider. The full venue can accommodate up to 4,000 people…
Historic Wedding Venue in Charlottesville Virginia The Clifton Inn received a makeover and I am in love. The Clifton Inn is a bed and breakfast located just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. It is the perfect escape from the city, without going too far. The Inn is a sophisticated blend of traditional and modern, and…
Luxury Wedding Venue in Washington DC Perfectly situated in the heart of Washington DC, The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium is one of the most sought-after luxury wedding venues in Washington D.C. This venue has hosted several galas, conferences, and weddings. It is located in the Federal Triangle, which is formed by 15th Street NW,…
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…
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…
A Fine Art Wedding Venue in Washington DC In the spring of 1905, the Anderson House, in Washington DC, was completed and took its place as one of the capital city’s most fashionable mansions—a “Florentine villa in the midst of American independence.” The Anderson House was designed as the winter residence of Larz Anderson and…
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…
See the Video Here A “Night at the Museum” Wedding at The National Museum of Women in the Arts When most people think of a wedding at The National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC they imagine a very traditional and classic wedding. Although those weddings are beautiful and definitely reflective…
Elopements, Mini-Monies, and Micro-Weddings are all the rage now. With Covid-19, couples have been left wondering what they are going to do. Spring events moved to the fall, and now many fall events are postponing into 2021. Many couples were hoping that this virus would be contained before the next season rolled around, unfortunately, that…
Charlottesville, Virginia Wedding Venue with Beautiful Mountain Views Located just out of Orange County Virginia, near Charlottesville, is The Market at Grelen. This event venue is a perfect blend of a garden party and modern luxury. There are so many options here and there are so many different ways to style the space. …
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…
With the onset of the Covid-19 crisis many of our clients needed to postpone their events. In order to keep the excitement and momentum going we have opened up Styled Soirees to real couples getting married. With Styled Soirees, you can have a celebration now and the big party later. If you started wedding planning,…
Almost 20 years ago most of us had not heard of al-Qaeda or Osama bin Laden, and ISIS didn’t even exist. The federal agencies didn’t share information, our surveillance was not at all where it is today, and airport security was minimum. Going through an airport was a breeze. You didn’t have to arrive super early…
Fall Wedding with Jewel Tone Florals at Dover Hall in Richmond Virginia I love the fall season. It is by far my favorite season, followed by winter. The colors and the textures are always so rich. The temperatures are cool and the fashion is in full force. I always get so excited when I get…
The thought of planning a wedding right now is daunting. There is so much that is unknown. You have watched an entire Spring season need to be postponed, travel is at a standstill, and everyone is practicing social distancing. These are all valid concerns, and I hear you. Don’t let the unknown take away…
As if planning a wedding wasn’t stressful enough, the universe goes and throws a global pandemic at you. The event industry has been absolutely flipped upside down, but the show must go on. Event professionals are used to adjusting, and thinking on their feet. Yes, this is a much larger situation then anyone has ever…
Eco- Friendly Winter Wedding at Dover Hall in Richmond Virginia Most of the time when we think of Eco-friendly, or ‘green’ weddings I imagine sitting around in vegan leather, smoking a peace pipe while crunching on granola. If we have ever done anything together, you know this is not my vibe. I am much more…
I am so excited to finally share this wedding. Becca and Jimmy are the most fun, and their wedding was nothing short of a riot. Their wedding took place on the weekend of summer solstice, the longest day of the year. They had selected Walden Hall as their venue as they could stay on-site…
There was no bug spray or sunscreen needed at this adorable Nautical Glamping Bat Mitzvah at The Hermitage Country Club in Richmond Virginia. Once the Bat MItzvah ceremony was over all of the ‘campers’ boarded a shuttle and headed out to Hermitage Country Club. When they were on board the shuttle they were handed a…
If you are looking for a venue that can accommodate a large guest count, that is not a hotel ballroom, you should check out Castle Hill. This venue is located just a short distance outside of Charlottesville. The venue can accommodate a maximum of 350 guests and has multiple locations for ceremony. Castle Hill…
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…
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…
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…
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 is…
If you are looking for a historic wedding venue with a Tuscan charm the Barboursville Vineyards may be the place for you. The venue is located on a 900-acre plantation with mountain views. You can have your ceremony either right in front of the Palladiam ruins of the Jefferson-designed mansion, or down a ways…
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 huge. …
Kelly and Brian live and work in the DC area so it was important to them to host their wedding in the area they love. They wanted to tie in several of their family traditions and showcase some special attributes from their years of dating. Here are some of the unique and fun details of…
We found ourselves back at The Hippodrome with another fun filled Bat Mitzvah. This family really wanted to focus on their love of Broadway and their New York City roots. Hannah has been going to broadway shows since she was just a little girl, and it was something that they really cherished as a…
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…
Richmond is such a unique and fun city with a huge personality. There is always something going on. We are a southern city with a foodie and artsy vibe. Depending on what you are looking for there is something for everyone. Richmond is about an hour and a half from Washington DC, and about an…
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. …
We have our official bios, but here are some fun facts about our team and some photos taken by Erika Lynn Photography Josie joined our team in 2018 and I am so glad to have her as a member of Swoon Soiree. She has a passion for art, design, and theatre, which has come…
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 this is your venue.…
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 Erika Lynn Photography Lauren is the owner and lead designer/planner of Swoon Soiree. What’s…
Oak Ridge Estate is an 1802 estate out in Arrington 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 – adding a formal…
It’s almost the busy time for bridal boutiques. Most bridal boutiques will really ramp up after the holidays when all of the new year’s gowns come in and the brides really start getting serious about dress shopping. Here are some tried and true things to consider before heading out. 1. Wedding Dress sizes are…
We create experiences for our clients and their guests. We have often said that “we create events where weddings just so happen to take place.” When Kelly was referred to us from another planner I was so excited to see what she had cooked up. Kelly is an event specialist with The Smithsonian Museums in…
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,…
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…
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 could go on. There…
I love when couples showcase the city they love, bring in personal elements and surprises into their weddings. This couple did all of those things. Christine and Powell are such a cute couple and come from such supportive and loving families. The ladies got ready at The Linden Row Inn which is one of Richmond’s…
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…
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…
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. …
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…
When a son (Bar) or a daughter (Bat) reach a certain age in the Jewish community they are considered a bar or bat mitzvah. This signifies them becoming a contributing member of the Jewish community. They are now expected to uphold certain responsibilities and remain in good moral standing. When this huge milestone is met…
I spend a lot of time with people who are in love. It is so interesting to see how each couple interacts with each other. Each relationship is so different. Everyone showcases their love in their own ways. The family dynamics are always new and unique as well. Christiane and John are two people who…
Bright blue skies, the lake and mountains in the background, a romantic breeze, and the perfect serene environment. This is exactly how Jordan and Ryan envisioned their Smith Mountain Lake wedding. The groom’s family has a house on Smith Mountain Lake that provided the perfect backdrop for this intimate wedding. I love outdoor weddings if…
The bride Tara, is a photographer and a blogger. When Nicole from Stag and Lily called me and told me she was planning Tara and Stephens wedding I knew it was going to be right out of a dream. Tara has such a unique style and Nicole does a great job with bohemian inspired weddings. …
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…
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.…
Wedding planning is tough. It’s stressful, it’s expensive, and it’s easy to get lost in the mess that is peonies and Excel sheets. It is so important to take some time for yourselves, regroup, and enjoy the process. If you are planning a wedding, where you have several out of town guests, take a staycation…
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 shows as well as…
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…
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. The Graduate Richmond is…
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. …
I have always wanted to visit the Greenbriar Resort. When I booked a wedding out at Smith Mountain Lake around the same time as my wedding anniversary, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity. My husband came out as my assistant (he has worked weddings before and does a great job) and we made a…
Why a Welcome Party: By hosting a welcome party for guests who are coming from out of town, or who don’t necessarily know each other, you are creating a more intimate and meaningful experience for them. When they meet again at the wedding everyone will have a much more enjoyable time. Why Mid-Century: The…
” 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…
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 has interesting architecture and…
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 built in the mid-1800s. …
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 Botton off of Main…
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 permanent exhibits there are several…
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 Richmond, right off of…
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…
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 so much. When you…
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 your day everything you…
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 in 1733 The 2-story colonial…
Choosing your wedding party is not an easy feat. There are so many things to think about. Do you ask your family members, your best friends, your college roommates, your childhood bff? Ugh, it’s impossible to choose. The good news is that there are trends moving toward having smaller wedding parties, or not even having…
There are so many reasons why you should get your engagement photos taken. I know that it may be an added expense, or you may not have the time, but it’s definitely worth it. For most couples from the time they get engaged to when they get to the altar, it just flies by. You…
I can’t tell you how many times I have been in a consultation with a potential couple, and they say “I just really want an easy, relaxed, outdoor wedding. We are hoping to save some money by having our wedding at our family estate, lake house, backyard, insert private property here.” Outdoor weddings are…
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 by a team of…
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 by a team of…
Taylor and Stu’s wedding was the first wedding I booked under Swoon Soiree. They are such a sweet couple and they have such great friends and family. Taylor wanted a very “fall” wedding. She couldn’t have had a prettier day. The trees had just turned, the skies were clear, and the air was crisp. …
Sarah Mitchell with sknowphoto and I were able to sneak away from the day-to-day grind and tour The Renaissance. I have been working on getting a tour with Tommy and Jon for sometime now but they are literally booked solid. If you have ever met Tommy or Jon, or seen the venue you know why.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
My sweet Francesca. Your wedding was full of raw and authentic emotion. I would not have wanted to ride the highs and lows of this event with anyone else. I answered my phone around 7am one morning. This is something I don’t usually do as my mornings usually consist of rounding up the wild boys…
I love giving and getting gifts. It’s my love language. There is something so fun about thinking about the receiver, wondering what they will like, how they will use it, and how it will make them feel. Who is on your gift list is telling you who is important in your life. It also puts…
Upper Shirley Vineyards is an estate, winery, restaurant and wedding venue right on the James River. The venue is gorgeous. It is clean and modern, something that Richmond desperately needed. When you walk in the first thing you notice is all of the natural light. This is a photographers dream come true. The walls…
The recently renovated Altria Theater Ballroom is one of the largest venues in Richmond Va. It has hosted numerous gala’s, after parties for the concerts at the Richmond Coliseum, and they are booking weddings. They have the capacity for approximately 1,000 standing and a seated capacity for about 900. If you wanted a dance floor…
“I want a ballroom where I can entertain 300 of my closest friends” joked Dennis Pryor when he met with Architect Mark Spangler. The Pryors wanted a house that they could entertain in. They requested a two floor library like the one at the Biltmore House in North Carolina. The gothic architecture was inspired by…
Frozen, year-old wedding cake is delicious! Said no one ever. What’s up with us taking valuable real estate in our freezer for a full year, just so we can eat old cake on our anniversary? It has been a long standing tradition for couples to save the top tier of their wedding cake dating back…
We are back again with more songs from DJ Eric/Sharon Husbands. Earlier this week DJ Eric/Sharon Husbands sent over some songs that are perfect for the first dance of a same sex marriage. Today we have listed out the most popular songs at a wedding and those that will get the “Floor Jumping.“ VIC –…
Being a woman married to a man I never realized just how easy we had it. I didn’t realize how gender specific the wedding industry was until I started planning weddings for the modern union. Everything is focused on a man and a woman, including the songs that are most popular for the first dance. …
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…
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…
Well the venue tour continues, and this week I am covering Celebrations on the Reservoir. This venue has five different sites to get married at. They all have their unique features and can be used for several different events. They also have several options for your reception. The Manor House is the most traditional site,…
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…
I have been waiting to put this venue tour up on the blog for a little while. I toured The Bolling Haxall House a few months ago, but I was waiting to see how an actual wedding happened here. The Woman’s Club has a very distinct style to it, and very busy decor. I was…
I had no idea when I walked into the VMFA for my tour that they had so many options available. There are several spaces available, and several different styles. They are also reasonably priced. I was truly surprised. The first venue is the one I’m sure most people think of when they think of the…
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…
We took a trip down to Historic Petersburg to check out The Ward Center for Contemporary Art. This venue is such a versatile space for a large or small event. It is the perfect clean and modern backdrop. With it’s wide open spaces you can party and dance the night away. They also have rolling walls…
This hotel is super fun. I mean seriously who doesn’t love an art focused, pink hotel, that was built in a converted luxury department store? There are several fun art pieces on each floor, the rooms are modern, and the beds are made from refurbished wood. Quirk even has it’s own custom blend coffee, you…
This 10-acre site has everything you need to make your day perfect. The grounds have gorgeous gardens, trees, pathways, and a babbling granite creek. The old mill ruins offer a truly unique and historic site for your ceremony. The large gray stone of the old mill is covered with greenery and makes for a gorgeous…
Clients who want luxury weddings are also striving for perfection. They have a strong attention to detail and a huge emphasis on the style of the event. They include the details that go above and beyond and are carried throughout the whole event. One of the reasons that luxury clients are expecting such perfection at…
Elegant, Grand, Classic. “The Finest Hotel in the South.” These are all words used to describe The John Marshall Ballrooms. Your guests will be awestruck by the lobby space with it’s classic black and tan decor and it’s inviting lounge furniture. As your guests arrive, this is a great space for some pre-ceremony cocktails and…
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…
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…
This is no ordinary church. This is one of my favorite wedding venues in Richmond Virginia if it’s done right. This church has been making it’s way up the wedding circuit very quickly after Jason Mraz and his wife said their I Do’s at The Polegreen in October 2015. With its history of religious freedom…
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,…
Welcome to the Hipp! Those are Ron Stallings famous words as he escorts you into the grandeur theatre that we know as The Hippodrome. The Hippodrome is located in historic Jackson Ward right off of Second Street. The Hippodrome was originally opened in 1914 as an entertainment venue for African Americans. It quickly became a…
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,…
I am not only a wedding planner, but I am also a match maker. You come to me as a resource. I need to know what venues will fit your budget and style, what vendors will help create the perfect atmosphere, and what will make your event spectacular. As your wedding match maker I conducted…