loudoun
WEDDINGS MAGAZINE
DESIGNER
Samantha Bangh
The Frederick News-Post
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER
Bay Productions
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Visit Loudoun
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bay Productions
Danielle Towle Photography
GetReadyPhoto
Neal Alfano Photography
Nicole Simensky Photography
PocketWatchPhoto
Visit Loudoun Yfeiphoto
LoveLoudounWeddingsispublishedby
The Frederick News-Post
351 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick, MD 21703
301-662-1163
Geordie Wilson, Publisher
The Frederick News-Post
Connie Hastings, Regional Ad Director FNP Events
Brittney Hamilton, Advertising Director
The Frederick News-Post
Katie Barchas Wilson
Fashion Show Coordinator
welcome to the newest edition of the Love Loudoun Weddings magazine, your pocket guide to all things weddings in Loudoun County, Virginia. Whether you’re orchestrating an elaborate affair or an intimate gathering, we can guide you to discovering the area’s best venues, florists, caterers, stylists, photographers, entertainment services, and more to help make your special day a reality. Learn what makes Loudoun County the “Go To” destination for weddings.
Inside, get tips from local wedding professionals on how to plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank, plus find out what Loudoun County can offer you beyond the wedding day from bachelor parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, thank-you gifts, and much more.
Plus, get inspired for your day from six couples who got married in Loudoun County.
#LOVELOUDOUN
BY YFEIPHOTO
PHOTO
Where to Stay for the Big Day { loudoun
With its tumbling green hills, gorgeous wineries and historic towns and villages, Loudoun is a beautiful place to get married. While the county has its share of luxury resorts and brand-name hotels, why not have friends and family stay together in one of Loudoun’s elegant and intimate Bed & Breakfasts in the heart of wine country. Here are six stays to perfectly complement your wedding weekend.
STAY IN
loudoun:
STONE GABLES BED & BREAKFAST, LEESBURG
Tucked in mist-shrouded hills west of Leesburg, Stone Gables has a distinct Colorado ski lodge vibe. The stone walls, pine interiors and crackling wood fireplaces keep you warm on winter nights, while the expansive grounds make for great walks and hiking trails. When it snows it really looks like the Rockies up here. The breakfasts here are sublime; they have a small wine menu in the evenings (innkeeper Travis Prott is a Certified Sommelier)
and of the four rooms, the Stone Gables Suite with original stone walls, wood beams and clawfoot tub is a couple’s favorite.
HEIGH TORR ESTATE, PURCELLVILLE
Set on 178 acres of rolling green hills in far western Loudoun, Heigh Torr is an award-winning all-in-one wedding destination with private rehearsal dinner
HEIGH TORR ESTATE
STONE GABLES B&B
space, indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception areas for up to 180 guests and luxury overnight accommodations for 21 people. Bridal suite The Crawford Room, an elegant parlor within the 19th Century stone-built Derry House, features 11-foot high ceilings, crystal chandelier, a cozy working fireplace and stunning views of the property’s expansive Grand Meadow. All this and an Olympic-size outdoor pool area perfect for cocktail receptions.
SCARLET SPRINGS FARM, WATERFORD
Nestled on 78 acres of rolling hills outside historic Waterford, the elegant wedding and event venue Scarlet Springs Farm is home to The Spring House B&B, a serene 19th Century four-bedroom 10-guest cottage with all the mod-cons and a handsome private deck overlooking a pond. During morning coffee or evening glasses of wine, gaze out on the lush grounds keeping your eyes peeled for the deer, rabbits, hawks, wild turkeys and foxes who make these
There are more than 30 B&Bs in Loudoun County, from boutique inns and restored historic homes to rustic barns and quaint farm cottages.
hills hills home. Aside from the weekend stays, the business offers enchanting ceremony spaces, alfresco cocktail hours and receptions in a handsome country-chic stone barn.
Contact Dana Henry, Loudoun’s complimentary in-house wedding concierge, at Henry@VisitLoudoun.org.
VisitLoudoun.org/weddings
SCARLET SPRINGS FARM
Ask the EXPERTS
You have found the love of your life, and said “yes” to forever, and now it’s time to plan your dream wedding. But as soon as you start crunching the numbers, you realize something terrifying – weddings are expensive. But fear not! With a little creativity and some tips from our local wedding experts you can have a gorgeous wedding without breaking the bank.
BELLA VILLA VINTAGE RENTALS
Rosanna Funiciello Smith
Starting with the right planner for your wedding needs is the most cost effective decision you can make.
In terms of actual ideas, consider hosting a brunch or an afternoon reception where the food cost, often the biggest budget item, is generally lower. Perhaps a kitschy reception of only cake and champagne ... or expand it a bit and make it a booze, bites and desserts party.
‘‘ MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO START BY IDENTIFYING THE THREE VENDORS THAT ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU.”
LAUREN WEBER
RICK’S FLOWERS
Rick Thompson
A great way to create maximum impact with your flower budget and still not break the bank is by choosing larger flowers like hydrangeas.
A larger bouquet for the bride with five or six blooms and two to three larger blooms tied with satin ribbon for bridesmaids.
For centerpieces simple clear vases with six to eight large blooms will create a simple, yet elegant feel with some size and depth.
Top everything at the reception off with more budget friendly cylinder vases with floating candles and as many votives as you can to give your event a twinkling enchanted feel for the evening.
CANA VINEYARDS
Meagan Butkus, CTA
Be flexible with your wedding date to get the best value for your budget. Most venues offer discounts for different seasons or for dates other than Saturdays. If you find a venue that you love, opting for a Friday, Sunday or even another weekday can generate savings to offset other costs.
HAPPILY HITCHED
Vy Le
We always emphasize the importance of personal style to our couples while allowing for their personalities and interests to be displayed on their wedding day. Our couples want their weddings to stand out, and to truly be a reflection of who they are and their unique relationships.
With this, we advise our couples to look at home. Take a look at items you already have in your possession, or items from your family and friends. By seeing what you already have at home that can be used as a part of your wedding, you’re not only saving money that can be reallocated to other high priority categories of your budget, but you’re creating an ambiance that allows for your guests to really get to know you as a couple, and as individuals, throughout the wedding day. This adds some flair to your wedding day and leaves your guests saying “that felt so them.”
BAKERTURE PHOTO & VIDEO
Rita Baker
The key to keeping your wedding within budget is knowing what matters most to you and your partner.
Consider having a more intimate celebration with close family and friends. This not only reduces your overall cost, but allows for a more personalized and meaningful experience. With fewer guests, you can focus on creating an unforgettable experience and still get stunning photographs and videos.
Weddings are typically more expensive during peak season (spring and fall). By choosing an off-peak month, weekday, or even around a holiday weekend, you can
save significantly on both venue and overall vendor costs.
While it’s tempting to jump on the latest wedding trends, many of these can significantly drive up your costs. Instead, focus on timeless elements that will still look incredible in your photographs and videos years down the line. Classic elements like simple floral arrangements, understated decorations, and elegant attire will keep your wedding looking stylish without breaking the bank.
PURE PERFECTION CATERING
Matthew Warschaw, Executive Chef & Owner
“Breaking the bank” can vary in meaning to couples and their families from one to the next. First we recommend couples gather ballpark pricing from a variety of venues and vendors and what is provided with regard to those costs. This will allow couples to understand real costs and differences from places like a hotel, which may only have a food and beverage minimum to a venue with a rental fee plus rentals that may be needed such as chairs, tables, tents, dance floor etc.
Couples should then prioritize what’s most important to them with regard to their special day and be willing and understanding to compromise on items of lesser importance. This allows couples to allocate more of their budget to the aspect of their wedding celebration that matter most to them, whether it is the venue, the entertainment, the food and beverage/catering, wedding planners, florists, photography and videography, hair and makeup, transportation, calligraphy and stationary, to just name a few. We always tell our couples that anything is possible, the only limitations are budget and time.
SHADOW CREEK WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Lori J. Carlyle
Start by creating a list of what matters most to you. For some, the location and venue are top priorities, while for others, it’s the food, guest list, flowers, or entertainment. We recommend once you have determined the most important items, start building your budget around those elements, remembering that guest count often directly impacts costs. Identify your “must-haves” and be flexible with what you can do without. Ultimately, it’s not about how much you spend –it’s about committing to each other for a lifetime.
TIP TOP TAP TRUCK & MOBILE TAP BARS
Michael Stump
Couples can cut the costs by using electronic forms of invitations. If you still want fancy stationery, you can at least send out electronic save-the-dates. Take the money you save here and allocate it to something else that is really important to make your dream wedding come true.
Being in the bar business, you wouldn’t think I would say move away from the traditional “open bar.” Instead, offer great local beer and wine. If liquor is a must, create a signature cocktail or two. Not only will you be able to better estimate the amount of alcohol needed for your special day, but you will save tons of money on all the mixers and liquors that are needed for an open bar. Use this savings to create a unique bar experience for guests.
THIRTY SEVEN MEDIA & MARKETING GROUP
Allison Shannon, SCMD
Make Every Dollar Count
Big-budget events waste money on unnecessary extras. A budget-friendly event is about maximizing impact.
• Rethink food and beverage. Skip the full bar and opt for a signature cocktail or beer and wine. A buffet is often more affordable than plated service.
• Use digital over print. Invitations, programs, and signage can all be done
digitally, saving both money and waste. (although you do lose the tradition)
• DIY smartly. Some things, like centerpieces or signage, can be done in-house without looking cheap. But don’t cut corners on things like sound, lighting, or staffing— those impact the experience way too much.
LOVE & LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Joshua Pelling
Planner/Day of Coordinator
Though it might seem like an extra expense, booking a good planner first can help to save time, and avoid disasters.
Venues
Many venues offer discounted rates on weekdays, or in slower seasons. Ask venues about any discounted dates they may have available.
Catering
Not every wedding needs a five course meal. Ask your caterer what their budget friendly options are, but be sure to do a tasting, and be careful about underestimating food needs. A hungry guest is much more likely to leave early.
Entertainment
While it might seem like a good Spotify playlist and a Bluetooth speaker is enough, proper wedding entertainment requires much more. A good DJ and/ or MC is not just there to play music. They help to control and build energy throughout the day, guide guests through each event,
foster atmosphere and emotion, and lead the party. There are so many reasons why DJs/MCs, and bands are so highly regarded as being crucial to your weddings success.
The key to these and all vendors for your Wedding is VALUE. Just because something costs more or less, does not mean it offers more value. Value is defined as “the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.”.
‘‘ HAVE PERSPECTIVE ABOUT A ‘DREAM WEDDING’ AND DO NOT STRIVE FOR PERFECTION.”
CHRISTINA MCGOWAN, COMPLETE WEDDINGS + EVENTS
DANIELLE TOWLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Danielle Towle
Look for decor and other trinkets to use for your wedding day on Facebook marketplace. Brides are constantly selling their used decor at a fraction of the price they paid for it. Early in the planning process it’s important to decide what things are worth the higher price tag and what things are not. Sit down with your fiance with a list of vendor types and pick a number between 1-5 (1 being the least priority and 5 being the top priority). You may find that decor is not something you care to spend a lot of money on, but your photographer is! So, once you can make those decisions together it is easier to price out all of your other vendors.
Consider bartering with vendors if you have a business or an asset they may be interested in. Maybe you can offer your accounting skills at a discounted rate or for free and they can offer their services at a discount for you.
HONEYMOON ISLANDS
Teresa Belcher
Travel to your preferred destination in the off season to save money.
Compromise on the view of the room in order to stay in a nicer hotel/resort.
Look beyond the price. Many years from now (10, 30, 50 years from now) what will you remember?
How much you paid?
Where you stayed and the experiences you shared?
loudoun
Get inspired by six couples who got married in Loudoun.
PHOTO BY DANIELLE TOWLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Vivi LEON &
THE PROPOSAL
Leon and Vivi met in high school and have shared 17 years of memories, from high school days to navigating a long-distance relationship.
Leon proposed to Vivi during their trip to Japan in November 2023, at Shibuya Sky. “We were taking pictures with the stunning city view, but there was a long line of people waiting for their turn. Just as I was focused on wrapping up quickly, he suddenly pulled out a ring. Completely caught off guard – and feeling shy with so many people around –I instinctively blurted out a casual “okay” instead of the heartfelt “yes, I do” he probably expected. We both burst out laughing, and to this day, it remains one of our favorite memories – so perfectly us, spontaneous and full of humor.
THE WEDDING
Thirty-four guests helped the couple celebrate their September wedding at Goodstone Inn. The venue’s atmosphere was warm and inviting, and it allowed the couple to have a small, intimate celebration surrounded by nature, which was exactly what they envisioned for their big day. “Our wedding ceremony was intimate, meaningful, and simple surrounded by our closest family and friends. Walking down the aisle to the song ‘Perfect,’ played by the harpist behind the ivy wall, I felt a blend of excitement and calm, knowing I was about to marry the person I love.
The couples vows were a special moment –filled with humor and heartfelt promises that truly reflected who they are as a couple. It gave them a chance to reflect on their journey, relive the little moments that made their relationship special. “Our officiant was our brother-in-law, and our day-of coordinator was our sister-in-law. Having them involved made our big day even more special and personal for us.”
One of the highlights was the groom’s 10-minute welcome speech, which he kept a surprise from Vivi until the day of the wedding. It was filled with humor, warmth, and fun, and definitely set the tone for the night.
Since the couple had a smaller guest list and limited space, they didn’t have a traditional dance party beyond the first dance. Instead, they played games. The first game was a wedding trivia quiz all about Leon and Vivi. “Most of the answers were hidden in our vows and the welcome speech, so it was a fun way to see if our guests had been paying attention – lots of laughs there. There were prizes for the winners of each game, and the guests really got into it. It kept things lighthearted, with plenty of laughs all around. The day was full of love, joy, and so many memories that will stay with us forever.”
Focus on what truly matters to both of you and make the day personal. Don’t worry about the small stuff – things might not go perfectly, and that’s completely fine. Embrace the unexpected and enjoy every moment,” the bride shares.
VENUE
Goodstone Inn & Restaurant
PHOTOGRAPHER
Yfeiphoto
FLORIST
Shining Time Wedding
HAIR & MAKEUP
Cindy Beauty
MAKEUP
Bridal With Hanna
kristina LUCAS&
THE PROPOSAL
Kristina and Lucas went to the same high school together, but were not friends. Years later, they met back up at a Darius Rucker outdoor concert. Lucas was working with an ice cream catering company during the concert that Kristina used to work during the summers. “When I went to get ice cream and catch up with old coworkers I recognized Lucas and we reconnected.”
The couple got engaged in November 2023. Kristina’s cousin was in town and a trip to Molon Lave Winery had been planned. Meanwhile, Lucas called all their friends and family and planned the proposal for that day at the winery. As the day got started, Kristina’s cousin said ‘let’s take pictures’, so as they were taking couple photos, Lucas turned and got down on one knee. “He was so nervous he didn’t say anything. Eventually he got out the words and I said yes.” Moments later their families showed up and about every five minutes a new set of friends or family arrived. It was an emotional, lovely day for the couple.
THE WEDDING
One hundred people, along with five groomsmen, five bridesmaids and two bridesmen, helped the couple celebrate their September wedding. Cana Vineyards was the perfect merge of both of the couple’s interests – wine and mountains. “We wanted to have a unique venue that didn’t feel like a business conference. Cana stood out for its stunning views and rustic feel. Plus, it looks amazing at sunset. It was really nice to have the entire venue just for us and our guests during the wedding.”
The couple had a short and sweet outside ceremony in the beautiful vineyard. The ring bearers brought the rings down in a Washington Capitals tin lunch box. The guests used bubble guns that Kristina and Lucas walked through back down the aisle as a married couple. “It was really fun and the photos turned out amazing. They were also a huge hit at the cocktail hour among guests of all ages.”
With September being hurricane season and an outdoor wedding planned, the couple decided a month before the big day to bury a bottle of bourbon in their backyard. The week before their wedding it rained every day. The morning of the wedding Lucas and his groomsmen dug the bottle up and the bridal party took a drink. “We had clear skies all wedding day. The following day the rain came back for another week.”
“Our wedding truly was a special day and night where we could feel the love of our guests surrounding us. The dance floor was crowded all night and even had some sing-a-longs. The desserts of mini cannolis’, espresso mouse and carrot cake were a guest highlight.
FIRST DANCE SONG: “God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You”, by NSYNC
HONEYMOON: Hilton Head Island, SC
Hear each other out during planning and try to stay organized. Make decisions together and do what you as a couple want, not what others want. Find vendors that you mesh well with and you can rely on to make your day special and bring your ideas to life,” the bride shares.
VENUE
Cana Vineyards & Winery
COORDINATOR
Best Wishes Loudoun
PHOTOGRAPHER
Nicole Simensky
Photography
CATERER
Twinleaf Catering
RENTALS
Select Event Group
HAIR
Looks by Lesley MAKEUP
caroline ALAINA&
THE PROPOSAL
Caroline and Alaina met on Hinge in August 2021. Despite living about 220 miles from each other at the time, after extensive phone calls and Facetime dates, they met in the middle, which ended up being Richmond, for a proper first date. “We continued spending weekends together in Ashburn, Richmond, Virginia Beach, as well as up and down the East Coast. In February 2022, Alaina’s job brought her to the Northern Virginia area. Alaina proposed on their vacation to Belgium and the Netherlands in May of 2023 on their second to last day in the heart of Amsterdam. “We had arranged to do a couples photo shoot that day. I had even picked out the photographer. We went shopping for outfits ahead of time, and still, I was oblivious to the ulterior motive behind the shoot. At the second shooting location Alaina got down on one knee and totally surprised me. We designed our rings together with a local jeweler, but I had no idea my ring was
ready yet. I proposed back to Alaina later that summer by taking her on a helicopter ride over Annapolis, and surprising her by flying in her siblings to be at the apartment waiting for us.”
THE WEDDING
Eighty guests, along with nine bridesmaids, one best man, and one flower girl, helped the couple celebrate their August wedding at Heartstone Barn at Kalero Vineyard. “Alaina and I spent so much time early on in our relationship bopping between the wineries and breweries that Loudoun offers. We love spending time on my family’s horse farm, and always pictured our wedding happening outside in a valley or meadow.
Caroline’s childhood friend Kate officiated the ceremony. It was important to them that their ceremony be unique to them individually and as a couple. They both walked down the aisle to their own songs so they could each have their special moment. “It was also very important to us that we share personalized vows. I am so glad we did this, because, even though I may have blacked out a bit, sharing my vows with Alaina, and hearing her vows to me, was by far the most meaningful part of the whole day. We wrote our vows in books and now can look back on and revisit as the years pass.”
Their engagement and wedding planning process include koozies, newspapers, fans, and playing cards to use as our guest book. “We loved the creative parts of our wedding and finding lots of ways to customize things for us.” Their save the dates included a piece of paper that Alaina made to look like Instagram. Caroline had custom magnets made, since fridge magnets are something they collect.
FIRST DANCE SONG: “Banks” by NeedToBreathe
HONEYMOON: A cruise from Venice, Italy to Athens, Greece
Don’t let social media, friends and family, or traditions, tell you what you have to or should do. Figure out what your priorities are and go from there. It should be a representation of the both of you and who you are as a couple. There are no rules,” the couple shared.
VENUE
Heartstone Barn at Kalero Vineyard
COORDINATOR
Sunflower Weddings LLC
PHOTOGRAPHER
PocketWatchPhoto
CATERER
Catering Reserved
FLORIST
CPK Floral Designs
ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Ryan Baker
DRESS
Garnish Boutique
HAIR & MAKEUP
Sandra Makeup & Hair Artistry
kylieALBERT &
THE PROPOSAL
Kylie and Albert met at the University of Rochester, in western New York, where they both were earning PhDs in chemistry. “We first knew each other as classmates, coteacher’s assistants, and fellow scientists, and grew to know each other as ice cream lovers, avid board gamers, and eventually lifetime partners. After dating in the snowy city of Rochester for almost five years, we moved together to New Jersey, where we now both work to support our cat Jenkins.
Right after graduating from the University of Rochester and before they started our trek to New Jersey, they took a 3-week trip to visit South Korea. Albert always knew that he wanted to propose there. After introducing Kylie to his extended family and hometown of Daejeon, he had big plans to propose to Kylie on a beach in Jeju Island, but unfortunately, a typhoon that year prevented their trip to the tropical
island. Albert couldn’t wait any longer and found himself kneeling in front of his best friend by Daecheongho Lake, a beautiful area located right in his hometown. “I was completely caught off-guard and said YES! before he could finish asking the question.
THE WEDDING
One hundred and thirty guests, including a 12-person wedding party, helped the couple celebrate their August wedding at Stone Tower Winery. Kylie grew up in Loudoun County so it holds a very special place in her heart. “My parents still live there and a lot of my close friends and extended family are nearby as well. It was nice to have an excuse to visit my hometown during the wedding planning process and to show our out-of-town guests the Leesburg area during our wedding weekend.
“We looked at several different venues at the start of wedding planning, but we were not able to truly come to an agreement on any until we visited Stone Tower Winery. From the stunning vineyard studded landscape, the large reception ballroom where we could dance the night away, to the delicious wine and incredibly helpful event coordinators, we knew this was the venue for us.”
The couple really wanted to the wedding ceremony to represent them as a couple, but to show that it was more than just the union of two people, it was the merging of two families. “Carol, their officiant and family friend, led us and both sets of parents through a separate set of vows to honor and support us, the new couple, and newly joined families.”
The couple are both chemists and wanted to showcase their background in some way. Albert came up with the idea to use chemical elements for their table numbers. “We thought this was a fun nod to how we met and our love for science.”
“Honestly, the entire day was a dream, it was filled with love from friends and family who traveled from near and far.”
‘‘
It’s really easy to get caught up in all of the details and lose sight of the big picture. Try to remember that the end goal is to marry the love of your life,” the bride shared.
VENUE
Stone Tower Winery
PLANNER
Best Wishes Weddings
PHOTOGRAPHER
Danielle Towle
Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER
Bowen Films
FLORIST
Sara Sider (family friend)
CATERING
Magnolias at the Mill
HAIR & MAKEUP
Jamie D’Agostino
DJ
Nathaniel Davis
OFFICIANT
Carol Francis (family friend)
joanRICHARD &
THE PROPOSAL
Joan and Richard met on a dating app, Hinge, during the pandemic in 2021. “We first met for drinks at a bar on Capitol Hill and from there didn’t look back. We dated for a year and a half, with Richard proposing in the Summer of 2023.” It was clear for both of them early on that they wanted to be together forever. “We both felt excited and had the butterflies, but also felt secure with one another.”
THE WEDDING
One hundred and thirty guests, including five bridesmaids and seven groomsmen, helped the couple celebrate their June wedding at Belmont Country Club. “We wanted to get married somewhere that felt far and tranquil, but didn’t want to have our guests travel too far. Having spent the last nine years in the D.C. area, most of our friends live here and it’s a very accessible city from the rest of the country. Loudoun County offered a plethora of options and they knew they could get everything they wanted locally.
“Our venue was stunning and provided the perfect balance of historic elegance for our ceremony with a trendy ballroom for our reception.” The historic home at Belmont Country Club was built in the 1790s and had backdrops of brick and ivy. The house was the perfect location for their ceremony and cocktail hour before they moved into the modern ballroom for the reception. The venue did a lot of the work and ensured our day ran smoothly.
“We had an outdoor ceremony with a long-time close friend and Minister, Nathan Newman, marrying us. My dad drove me up to the end of the aisle in a golf cart and we walked down the aisle to the acoustic version of ‘Tenerife Sea’ by Ed Sheeran. Reverend Nathan Newman recited a verse from the book of Philippians on loving one another, remaining humble, and valuing each other above ourselves. We committed to these principles, said ‘I do’, and the DJ played ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ as we walked away and got the party started.”
“One of our favorite parts of our wedding day was taking sunset photos by the historic home. Not only were they stunning photos, it was a time for us to spend together away from the party and briefly take in that we were officially married.”
FIRST DANCE: “You,” by Dan & Shay
HONEYMOON: Athens, Santorini & Naxos Greece
Our advice would be to keep things as simple and as meaningful as possible. We prioritized quality over quantity, which made our planning process relatively unstressful. We not only trusted our vendors, but saw them as an essential part of our day,” the bride shared.
VENUE
Belmont Country Club
PHOTOGRAPHER
GetReadyPhoto –Barbara Gomez and Luis Rivas
HAIR & MAKEUP
TamarC Makeup
ENTERTAINMENT
Upchurch Entertainment
FLOWERS
Blooms2u
britany
JONATHAN &
THE PROPOSAL
Britany and Jonathan were introduced to each other by mutual friends and reconnected years later when he was a senior finishing college at the Virginia Military Institute. “We have been together since December of 2018, and Jonathan proposed in December 2021. Jonathan had known for a few years he wanted to propose to Britany. “She definitely sensed I was up to something, so I decided to take her to dinner on Christmas Eve to throw her off. It’s safe to say she was quite disappointed when she did not receive an engagement ring to show off on Christmas Day. This aligned with my plan to surprise her the day after Christmas. Since Britany was a competitive figure skater and ice dancer growing up, I reserved the Westport Outdoor Ice Skating rink. She had no idea it was coming. After making a complete fool of myself on the ice, I got down on one knee and surprised her with the ring in the middle of the rink.”
THE WEDDING
Fifty-two guests, along with a four bridesmaids (one got stuck in a
snowstorm and couldn’t make it), five groomsmen, helped the couple celebrate their November wedding at 48 Fields Farm. “We both grew up in Loudoun County and knew from the start that we wanted our wedding there. Given the weather during that time of year, the option between the upstairs and downstairs allowed us to keep our guests comfortable.
“It was the coldest day of the year so far. We kept the guest list small, inviting only immediate family. We purposefully held the ceremony in the downstairs space of 48 Fields. Britany came out to a mix of two songs that our DJ layered together for us, and I’ll never forget the chills I felt down my spine, along with the tears I tried to hold back as I saw her walk down the aisle in her beautiful white dress.”
“We wanted to ensure that our faith in Jesus was included in the ceremony, providing time for our officiant to share biblical themes and highlight the significance of marriage. We had an unplugged ceremony and don’t regret the decision.”
The couple chose a neutral color palette because they felt it really best represented the both of them. Britany believed that ‘less is more.’ Britany and her mom made all the arrangements using artificial flowers and Pampas grass. “We had two 5-foot high pillars on either side of the aisle that were transferred upstairs after the ceremony. My father-in-law made the beautiful bases, each of the pillars took nearly 60 stems of different size flowers and Pompas grass, each taking over eight hours to make.”
Their specialty drink was named after Britany’s family’s Golden Retriever, Sadie, which was a special way to incorporate her into the day. One of Jonathan’s favorite moments from their day was the surprise by Britany and her father, who performed the iconic dance routine from Napoleon Dynamite.
Whether you decide to do something large-scale and traditional or unique and intimate, embrace the choice with your significant other. Don’t hesitate to try something different, including colors.,” the bride shares.
VENUE
48 Fields Farm
PHOTOGRAPHER
Bay Productions
VIDEOGRAPHER
Clear Vision Videography
DRESS
Diamonds and Pearls
STATIONERY & SIGNAGE
Jo Roback.Pal
CATERER
Smokin’ Willys
CAKE
HoneyBee Pastries
DJ MyDeeJay – Brian Jones
ENGAGEMENT
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ludwig Photo & Film
info@santaanaphotos.com instagram @santaanaweddings
Beyond THE BIG DAY
It’s not only the wedding day that Loudoun caters to. From bachelor parties and bridal showers to rehearsal dinners and thank-you gifts, Loudoun has a little something for every stage of a courtship.
Beyond the
DID YOU KNOW?
Loudoun County hosted 1,787 weddings in 2023
ENGAGEMENTS
There’s nothing so romantic as a proposal in a vineyard. Known as DC’s Wine Country®, Loudoun is home to more than 50 wineries and its winemakers have been crafting the beverage for 40 years now. Here, tasting rooms are in a stunning range of settings from Blue Ridge Mountain slopes to vine-crossed river valleys and historic farms – all perfect places to pop the question. On top of superb vintages and tastings, romantic winery experiences include classes with experts, picnics in the vines, live concerts, food pairings with guest chefs and overnight stays either on property or in nearby towns and villages. We’ll toast to that.
BACHELOR, BACHELORETTE & BRIDAL SHOWERS
Create the perfect experience with friends and family on one of our craft beverage trails. Beer lovers can tackle the LoCo Ale Trail, coffee lovers can stroll through Leesburg’s Coffee Corridor and wine aficionados can take winery or brewery tours with Vino Virginia, Vineyard Voyages or
Cork & Keg Tours. Love beer and wine? Visit places like Hillsborough Winery, Brewery & Vineyard and Bluemont Station, which offer both beverages.
There’s also plenty of adrenaline action for friends coming to town. Open day and night, TopGolf in Ashburn is the driving range craze –with drinks and dance music. Recently opened Padel Up is the first major public padel facility in the DC region. Channel your medieval warrior at hot axe throwing bar Elysium in Purcellville and when the action is done, pop downstairs for incredible smoked ribs, brisket and whiskey at BBQ temple Monk’s. If it’s adrenaline action you want, try zip lining at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, home to lively beerhall Harpers Ferry Brewing Company.
Alternatively, relax and pamper yourself at one of our superb spas or chic restaurants. King Spa is a multi-story complex with saunas, steam rooms and spectacular rooftop pools. For people with a sweet tooth, The Conche in the Village at Leesburg
is a chocolate-themed restaurant and cocktail bar with outdoor seating. Don’t miss the (literally) smoking Soot & Rye cocktail and remember to take a box of artisanal handcrafted chocolates home with you. If it’s history, ambiance and fine dining you want, enjoy the four-course tasting menu at the historic Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg – Jackie O’s former playground.
REHEARSAL DINNERS
Restaurants for those all-important, pre-wedding dinners run the gamut from fine dining to low key. West End Wine Bar & Pub is an elegant farm-to-table in a century-old building overlooking a golf course. Lost Fox Hideaway at One Loudoun is a sleek neighborhood gastropub overlooking the plaza above City Tap Loudoun. If you prefer something more local with a great atmosphere, Tuscarora Mill in Leesburg and its Purcellville sister Magnolias are beloved gems with burger-meets-bistro menus ample outdoor seating in summer. For a more lively scene, Lark Brewing on Route 15 near Aldie has ample outdoor space, firepits and a green turf courtyard while MacDowell Brew Kitchen with its al fresco “beach bar” is a downtown Leesburg legend.
WEDDING & THANK-YOU GIFTS
Forget the big box stores – Loudoun is perfect for quirky local gifts and accessories. You can purchase wines, beer, whiskey, bread, cheese, jams and handcrafted goods from a myriad of wineries, breweries, farm stores and farmers markets, all part of the #TakeLoudounHome initiative to inspire and promote local artists and artisans. The historic downtowns are retail destinations too, with a slate of chic stores and trendy boutiques selling fashionable home décor and upscale gifts and accessories. Don’t miss Middleburg’s Washington Street and Leesburg’s King Street, two leading independent retail thoroughfares, the latter home to the Very Virginia Shop, which sells all Virginia-made products.
Room
Venue
Visitor
Cathy Ebrada Atelier (703) 717-1808 hello@cathyebrada.com
Dana’s Cake Shoppe (703) 675- 4222 DanasCakeShoppe.com
Before Wedding Services
Cork & Keg Tours info@corkandkegtours.com CorkandKegTours.com
Luver Creations (703) 239-3445 LuverCreations.com The Valley Bride (540) 664-7580 thevalleybride.com
Bakery/Desserts Tuscarora Mill “Tuskies” Restaurant (703) 771-9300 Tuskies.com
Melissa’s Simply Sweet (804) 869 7464 MelissasSimplySweet.com
Cristina Buffington Hair & Makeup (703) 973-3027
CristinaBuffington.com
Kathleen Faliskie contact@kathleenfaliskie.com KathleenFaliskie.com
Pixie Lights LLC (703) 431-6767
PixieLightsCandles.com Favors & Gifts
Blooms4u (703) 861-2559
Blooms2u.net
Castle Drive Flowers (571) 446-8579
CastleDriveFlowers.com
Caterers
Enchanted Garden Event Planning (703) 987-0604 EnchantedGardenEvents.com Planning & Design
Rose Calla Event Planning & Design Company hello@roseandcallaevents.com RoseandCallaEvents.com
Southern & Grace Photography (301)857-2022
SouthernandGrace Photography.com
Peaceful Mind Weddings hello@peacefulmind weddings.com PeacefulMindWeddings.com
Darling & Dear kimber@darlinganddear.net DarlingandDear.net
pearl & poppy wedding co. hello@pearlpoppy.com PearlPoppy.com
Melissa Cook Weddings hello@melissacook weddings.com
MelissaCookWeddings.com
Santa Ana Photography (248) 895-3031 SantaAnaPhotos.com
The Marigold Bus & Booth (248) 895-3031 MarigoldBusandBooth.com
maykitmemorable.etsy.com
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