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FOXCHASE ROSE HILL R A S P B E R RY P L A I N POPLAR SPRINGS We strive to create the most memorable experiences for our wonderful couples, and we hope that you will find your dream Wedding here at one of our venues.
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loudoun WEDDINGS MAGAZINE DESIGNER
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A Natural Portrayal Photography Bakerture Photo & Video Darling Photographers Emily Jackson Photography Photography Dujour Robert Holley Productions The Photo & Flower Girl
Love Loudoun Weddings is published by The Frederick News-Post 351 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick, MD 21703 301-662-1163
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elcome to Love Loudoun Weddings Magazine, your guide to Loudoun County’s premier wedding professionals. From historic settings and vineyards to modern ballrooms, Loudoun has some of the most diverse wedding venues in the D.C. region. Whether you’re planning a big blowout or an intimate affair, finding the right people to fulfill your vision is crucial to making your day go smoothly and keeping your stress level in check. The Love Loudoun Wedding magazine will help you find the area’s best vendors – venues, photographers, entertainment services, florists, caterers, stylists and more. All of them are ready to go that extra mile to make your day exactly what you want it to be. Plus, read the stories of five local couples who got married in Loudoun, and see a slew of photos from their weddings to get ideas for your own. And, make sure to check out the new Love Loudoun Real Weddings page in the Loudoun Times Mirror starting in April 2020, where we will feature a Loudoun County wedding each month.
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Contents 13
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Why get married in Loudoun County? How one military couple won a free wedding How to elevate your dinner plate
your best smile for a your important days
REAL WEDDINGS: Get ideas from couples who’ve married in Loudoun Why your guests will love a Loudoun wedding
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You’ll never forget your vows. Or where you exchanged them. Whether you celebrate your big day with an intimate outdoor ceremony or a ballroom reception surrounded by your closest friends and family, West Belmont Place at The National Conference Center is where your forever begins. Visit conferencecenter.com or call 703.724.5111 today.
18980 Upper Belmont Place • Leesburg, VA 20176 703.724.5111 • @TheNationalNoVa • conferencecenter.com
Breathtaking country setting • Beautiful event building for up to 200 Outstanding accomodations in 12 bedrooms
Historic charm in the wine country of Middleburg,Virginia 703.327.5911 | 23130 Briar Patch Lane | Middleburg, VA 20117
www.BriarPatchBandB.com | info@BriarPatchBandB.com
lansdowneresort.com • @lansdowneresort • #LansdowneWeddings 10 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Get married in
LOUDOUN One bright Saturday in July 2019, Sara Grannis, her mother Elizabeth and other family members took a tour of Loudoun wedding venues.
12 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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“I loved that it was a combination of history and contemporary style.” SARA GRANNIS ON FLEETWOOD FARM WINERY
A
A Winchester, Virginia native, visiting from her fiancé James’ hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, Sara had only been engaged three weeks, but already had a list of locations and venue coordinators to meet.
“It was like being courted,” Grannis said. “We started at a beautiful resort with Potomac River views outside Leesburg; moved on to a hilltop vineyard off Route 15 where they opened sparkling wine and served us a wonderful lunch; then we had a full wine tasting and private tour of an 18th-century farm winery. We were treated like royalty.” By the end of the day Grannis had made her mind up. She loved all the venues. She had studied and worked in historic preservation and was passionate about Virginia history, so she went with the farm venue: Fleetwood Farm Winery, set in lush countryside with a manor house dating back to 1745 – 20 years before the American Revolution began. “I loved that it was a combination of history and contemporary style,” she said. “I wanted a place where we could have the ceremony and reception in different spaces. It’s perfect.”
The wedding will take place in October 2020, and 75 guests are expected, many flying in from Texas.
Loudoun has it all Loudoun has it all when it comes to wedding venues: luxury resorts, boutique B&Bs, breathtaking wineries and historic farms with reception areas that range from rustic barns to climatecontrolled oak beam tasting rooms. Add in mountain, valley or river views comparable to Tuscany or Provence, and Loudoun is one of the premier wedding destinations on the East Coast.
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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wedding destination that sets it apart from other in the U.S., a complimentary in-house wedding concierge service run by the county’s tourism office, Visit Loudoun.
‘‘
It was like being courted...we were treated like royalty.” SARA GRANNIS AND FIANCÉ JAMES CADMAN ON VISITING POTENTIAL WEDDING VENUES IN LOUDOUN
Aside from the range of venues and stunning scenery, part of Loudoun’s appeal is its accessibility. Dulles International Airport is literally in the county, while Washington, D.C., with its rail network and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, is less than 30 miles away. “Most of my fiancé’s family will be flying in from Texas and I didn’t want them having to drive for hours. We’re literally 30 or 40 minutes from D.C. – in the countryside with spectacular views,” Grannis said. There’s another element to Loudoun’s appeal as a 16 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
Unique among visitor bureaus in the United States, the weddings team at Visit Loudoun assists couples planning their big day by connecting venues, hotels and vendors to them, narrowing down options to the specific needs of the couple based on budget and requested style of wedding. “We help them find everything from venues, caterers, photographers, accommodations, and florists to hair stylists, vintage bar stands and limousine services,” says Dana Henry, Social Market Sales and Client Services Manager at Visit Loudoun who oversees the program. The program began 10 years ago with the goal of capitalizing on the bur-
geoning wedding market in Loudoun, and it has only expanded since, simplifying what can be a costly and time-consuming process for couples. Indeed, it was thanks to Visit Loudoun that Sara Grannis was able to plan her wedding so quickly and have it all arranged more than a year in advance. “I was astonished,” said Elizabeth Grannis, Sara’s mother, who lives in Winchester, but works in Leesburg. “I had a chance meeting with someone from Visit Loudoun and in no time Sara and I had a list of venues, hotels, florists, bakers, photographers and much more.” Best of all, when Elizabeth Grannis approached Visit Loudoun to pay for the service and she was astonished to discover that it was free.
Unique. Exceptional. Riverside.
“Where else in the world does that?” she beamed. Her daughter is sure to be beaming this October.
GETTING MARRIED IN LOUDOUN? Make sure to contact Loudoun’s complimentary in-house wedding concierge service run by the country’s tourism office, Visit Loudoun. VISITLOUDOUN.ORG/WEDDING
ON THE
POTOMAC
Climate controlled for making history year-round. (571) 528-1065 | riversideonthepotomac.com @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Military couple wins a free wedding MAJ. Noor Merchant & CPT. Justin James Last spring, Robert Holley, a Loudoun-based photographer for more than 20 years and who was named Photographer of the Year by the Loudoun Times-Mirror in 2018, launched a foundation called Loudoun is for Lovers, because he wanted to give something back to the community. @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Holley wanted to show his appreciation to the community and suggested to his wife that he offer the prize of a free lesson to a budding Loudoun wedding photographer as thanks. His wife, Christina, had other ideas.
“The venue and the caterer are the most important part of any wedding and we had those straight away,” recalled Holley. “But to have a coordinator and a florist too – that was amazing!”
“Don’t do that,” she scoffed. “Offer a completely free wedding to a couple. That’s a much better gift.”
Since Loudoun is close to Washington, D.C., and several military bases, Holley decided that he wanted the recipient of the giveaway to be a military veteran.
So began an epic journey that not only shaped much of Robert Holley’s professional life for the next 18 months, but the work of more than two dozen vendors in the tight-knit Loudoun wedding community who helped to make the event happen. In some way, it also changed the lives of a Maryland-based military couple who won the giveaway, and who are now married and living in the region. The story begins days after Christina’s suggestion, when Holley met up with a group of wedding professionals of which he is a member. “We get together every month to network, and I presented them with my idea – to give away a free wedding. Even I thought it was crazy and I didn’t think it was going to get much of a response.” Instead, by the end of that meeting, several members had signed on, among them a venue (Kalero Vineyard in Purcellville), a caterer (Ford’s Fish Shack in Ashburn); a florist (Rick’s Flowers based in Sterling); and a celebrated Loudoun wedding coordinator (Amy Thunell of Amy T Events). 22 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
The members agreed. “I’d always wanted to do something meaningful for the military branch and thought it was wonderful to be able to make this contribution,” says Ann Fortin of Kalero, whose rustic, country-chic stone and timber barn on a 130-acre farm and vineyard in western Loudoun was to be the setting.
A Maryland couple with 27 years of combined military service in the U.S. Army were chosen and received a wedding valued over $50,000. November 17, 2019 was chosen as the date, giving them well over a year to plan. To choose the couple, the foundation held an essay competition: veterans were asked to submit an essay describing why they thought they should be chosen. The website loudounisforlovers.org was launched.
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thanks
to all the local wedding professionals who donated their services to make this happen: ROBERT HOLLEY PRODUCTIONS AMY T EVENTS
‘‘
868 ESTATE VINEYARDS
Even I thought it was crazy...”
ANY TIME ANY PLACE MARRIAGES
HOLLEY RECALLS ON THEIR IDEA OF GIVING AWAY A FREE WEDDING
Word got out, and entries started pouring in from across the country. “I must have read 60 or 70 deeply moving stories about PTSD, losing limbs, of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Holley. The foundation narrowed the candidates down and in March 2019, the winning couple, Army officers MAJ. Noor Merchant and CPT. Justin James, parents of an 8-month-old baby girl, Rory James, were announced as winners. It was Noor’s essay that swayed the judges. “I met Justin in January 2017 when we both started working at the Army Physical Disability Agency in Arlington, Virginia,” she wrote. “During a team hail and farewell, the Chief of Staff was reading off our bio cards. ‘In his spare time CPT. James enjoys cross-fit, yoga, cooking and traveling.’ This was followed by ‘In her spare time, MAJ. Merchant enjoys running, yoga, cooking and brunching.’ The similarities in our bio cards made it obvious we were compatible from the start.”
BELLA VILLA BIG ROCK STUDIO
The essay concluded: “We have sacrificed for our country and now we are giving everything we have towards raising our amazing baby girl. Unfortunately, this means we don’t have the time or money available for a wedding. After our journey together, I believe Justin and I would cherish the opportunity and recognize the magnanimity of being gifted a beautiful and stress-free wedding – one where we can relax and celebrate our life and love, while surrounded by those we love.”
BLUEMONT VINEYARD
And so, on November 17, 2019, more than 100 guests gathered at Kalero Vineyard for the big day. The bride wore white, the groom his officer’s uniform. By this time more than two dozen Loudoun vendors had come on board, working for no pay for the year of planning. Most of the vendors were in attendance, some working as waiters and ushers. Caterer Savoir Fare provided the rehearsal dinner and a foundation board member tended bar. The estimated value of the event was more than $50,000.
RICK’S FLOWERS
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CURIOUS FOX PRESS DREAM DAY DJS FLAGS OF VALOR FORD’S FISH SHACK GALLOP WEB SERVICES KALERO VINEYARD L’AUBERGE PROVENCALE OLD 690 BREWING COMPANY POINT TO POINT LIMOUSINES PURE PERFECTION CATERING SALON MONTAGE
During the speeches groom CPT. James welcomed their guests and thanked the vendors, in particular one Robert Holley for making it all possible. “I was so busy taking photographs hearing that took me by complete surprise.” While the journey took almost two years, Holley and the wider Loudoun wedding community had succeeded in their mission: to give something back.
SWEETZ BAKERY TIP TOP PHOTO BOOTHS VALLEY BRIDE SMOKIN WILLY SAGE AND SILHOUETTES CORK & KEG TOURS VIRGINIA PICNIC BASKET CO. HIDDEN VIEW B & B SAVOIR FARE LIMITED VISIT LOUDOUN
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Couples want the dinner to be an experience, so they’re looking to customize their menus to reflect their tastes.” CHRISTINA KOZICH, BLUEWATER KITCHEN
How to Elevate your Dinner Plate @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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It’s the reception dinner that really brings a wedding together. We asked three of Loudoun’s leading wedding caterers to talk us through the latest in culinary tastes and trends. CHEF MATTHEW WARSCHAW PURE PERFECTION CATERING “The main culinary trend today is personalization,” said Warschaw, a former Hyatt Hotels chef who co-founded this Northern Virginia catering company six years ago. “The country chic vibe of Loudoun is drawing people to rustic barns and elegant wineries.” This has translated to a more personalized plate. “We don’t have a set culinary package. We meet with the bride and groom and their families and hear what they want, Chef Matthew Warschaw, Pure Perfection Catering
incorporating elements of their interests, roots and family traditions.” For a wedding last August, Warschaw was inspired by the English background of the bride’s mother. “We had a bangers and mash appetizer, little Yorkshire puddings to pass around and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.” Another bride had Hispanic roots and wanted tacos, which can sound like street food. Not so, said Warschaw. “The way we presented set it apart. We did flash grilled marinated beef for the tacos and put the chef in front of a carving station. It became this elegant affair.” At another elegant affair, when one of the groom’s, who was Filipino, “heard we could do a traditional lechón - whole roasted pig brushed and marinated with soy sauce with crisp skin and brown sauce – we jumped at it.”
Warschaw said food trucks have also become a popular addition and he often suggests a food truck for a dessert or late-night snack: donuts or BBQ sandwiches or grilled cheese. All of which fits the more casual, less agenda-driven weddings of our time.
CHRISTINA KOZICH BLUEWATER KITCHEN “People are moving away from typical wedding food and sit-down dinners,” said Kozich who Christina Kozich, Bluewater Kitchen started boutique farm-to-table catering company Bluewater Kitchen with chef husband Michael. “They want the dinner to be an experience, so they’re looking to customize their menus to reflect their tastes.”
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Getting into the specifics and small details is thus very popular. “If one of the couples is from New Orleans and the other from Virginia, we might offer something Creole on the menu – a jambalaya bite – and something Southern, like fried green tomatoes or Virginia ham and biscuits.” It helps to have mini versions of large things – a small bratwurst in a bun, or mini tacos for hors d’oeuvres or late-night snacks. Respect for local farms and producers is another demand. “Increasingly we find couples and their guests from out of town want to know that what’s on the plate is locally sourced or coming from within an hour of where we are.” Bluewater lists a dozen or so Loudoun farms and producers on its website and Kozich encourages couples to present their guests with detailed written menus listing where produce came from. Another trend, this being the social media age, is that presentation is so important. “People want to have dishes that are instantly Instagrammable. The dishes have to look unique enough to post pictures on social media.” While this may seem to detract from the food,
getting creative is actually part of the fun. “We might do a food station with miniature Adirondack chairs that hold small bites, say, or a Ward 8 cocktail made with Catoctin Creek rye.”
JOAN WOLFORD SAVOIR FARE LIMITED Joan Wolford, founder of Savoir Fare in Round Hill, does more than 135 weddings a year and is the exclusive caterer for weddings at The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard. “We’re seeing couples thinking more about what a great party they can throw based on their interests, personal life, heritage and roots,” she said. “The completely traditional wedding is out.” This has opened the space for fun innovations. “Instead of three-course sit downs, we do a lot of small bite food stations or butler service – passed hors d’oeuvres such as pork belly sliders or jerk chicken. These work well late at night for guests to take home.” Increasingly, desserts are more than traditional wedding cake, but fun additions such as a classic s’mores bars, milkshake shots, or mason jars filled with chocolate brownies, peach cobbler or tiramisu. With an increasing number of multi-cultural weddings, Wolfard has added ethnic dishes to her menus. “The couple may not want an all Indian or all American dinner, but a mix of an Indian dish such as chicken tikka masala, and say, beef tenderloin with two sides, covers the bases.” It’s about a little bit of give and take, just the recipe for a successful marriage.
Joan Wolford, Savoir Fare Limited
‘‘
We are seeing couples thinking more about what a great party they can throw based on their interests, personal life, heritage and roots. The completely traditional wedding is out.” CHRISTINA KOZICH, BLUEWATER KITCHEN
IMPECCABLE FOOD, ARTISTRY AND FLAWLESS SERVICE Weddings, International Cuisine, Special Events & Corporate Catering CALL US TODAY! (571) 203-0111 • MAISONCULINAIRE.COM
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loudoun real weddings GET IDEAS FOR YOUR OWN WEDDING FROM FIVE COUPLES WHO GOT MARRIED IN LOUDOUN. PHOTO BY EMILY JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Real Weddings
THE PROPOSAL Joe wanted to make their engagement something really special, so he ended up enlisting his dad’s help to pull something off at their graduation party.
taylor &
JOE
“My dad basically lives in a castle, complete with a fire breathing dragon statue and ‘moat’ (a local stream crosses his property and you have to cross a bridge to enter). I wrote a big love letter in fancy calligraphy on parchment paper and rolled it up into a scroll, which my dad put in a chest with a lock on it. He then hid a bunch of clues around the property. The final clue was the key. Taylor pulled out the scroll and started reading it out loud. There was a lot of mushy stuff, but it ended with ‘You are my one true love. My goddess. My queen. And to you, and you alone, I bend the knee.’ At which point she turned @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Real Weddings around as I was kneeling and popped the question. She fell into my arms and started crying, as did most of the people in the room. One of the best moments of my life.”
THE WEDDING Taylor and Joe love the countryside and when they visited Riverside on the Potomac in Leesburg, it just stuck. One deciding factor for the groom was all the friendly dogs that were on the property. “I spent more time with them than I did any planning there!” The ceremony was fairly short and sweet with a small band playing the Fellowship theme from “Lord of the Rings” as they walked. Since there was an uneven number in the bridal party, Joe decided to have his best man, who he’s known since they were six years old, help him walk his mother up and down the aisle. It was a special moment as he was like a second son to her. Their friend Jan did a very emotional reading before the couple’s vows.
VENUE
Riverside on the Potomac
PHOTOGRAPHER A Natural Portrayal Photography
COORDINATOR
Events with Delia-Anne
ATTIRE
J&B Bridal David’s Bridal Men’s Wearhouse
“I was crying pretty much the whole time. We were supposed to end with a quote from “Game of Thrones”, but I forgot my line and we laughed it off and finished without missing a beat,” said the groom. Toward the end of the evening, the DJ played “The Rains of Castamere” from “Game of Thrones”, and several groomsmen showed up in medieval gear and proceeded to pretend to kill the groom and the other half of the groomsmen. “We had everyone roaring with laughter.”
THE MOMENTS FIRST DANCE: “I Will Follow You Into the
Dark,” by Death Cab for Cutie ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES: Book your
location quick! Dates get snatched up fast in the area.
HAIR & MAKEUP Sugar & Spice Salon
FLORALS
Monica’s Floral Designs
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CATERER & RENTALS
Celebrations Catering
That whole weekend felt so magical and was a constant stream of good moments,” says the groom.
DESSERT Cakes by E
ENTERTAINMENT Repeatable DJ
VIDEOGRAPHER Matt Stevens
OFFICIANT Diane Stanley
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Real Weddings
valery &ADRIAN
THE PROPOSAL “It was amazing and breathtaking, “Valery recalls. “Honestly, I had been hoping this would happen, but it was a complete surprise. He said that he was taking me to New York for my birthday weekend. Nearing the proposal, we went to the middle of Central Park and rode a boat on the lake and it literally was just like the scene in the movie “The Notebook”. He stopped and told me how much he loved me and how I am his world and he never @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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VENUE
Birkby House
PHOTOGRAPHER
Darling Photographers
COORDINATOR Mathy Gonzalez
GOWN
Couture Bridal
TUX
Bonobos
FLORALS
wanted to know how life would be without me. I started crying and said, ‘OMG I can’t believe this is happening’. He took out the ring and asked me to marry him. I got up, almost knocking over the boat, kissed him so hard and said “YES”.
J Morris Flowers
CAKE
Custom Cake Design
THE WEDDING One hundred and two guests, four bridesmaids and four groomsmen helped the couple celebrate their love for each other. The couple wanted their ceremony to be outside and the reception inside and found the perfect venue with Birkby House in Leesburg. All its greenery, wildflowers and fountains, they immediately fell in love. Their wedding was romantic and elegant and the couple used hints of burgundy, gold, dark green and navy blue to add to their ‘vintage glamour’ theme. “Adrian and I had two amazing supporters, our moms, and we were able to enjoy a special dance with them during the reception.” Their guests really enjoyed the wedding favor, which was a photo booth decked out with funny hats and glasses.
THE MOMENTS FIRST DANCE: “Lost Without You,”
by Robin Thicke ADVICE TO OTHER COUPLES:
Get an amazing wedding coordinator who will make your wedding experience smooth and worry free. 42 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
‘‘
Being with Adrian made me feel safe and I could never ever see myself without him. He is the love of my life and I am so happy that I married my high school sweetheart,” says Valery. @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Real Weddings
THE PROPOSAL Crista and Heather proposed to each other separately.
crista
&HEATHER
Crista: “Heather had wanted to propose during her family’s annual trip to the Outer Banks, but due to a hurricane, we were evacuated and her plan was ruined. One evening in October, after taking me out to dinner, she told me to get a ‘special’ dessert out of the freezer. When I opened the freezer door, I found a personalized ice cream cake asking, ‘Will you marry me?’ She had also gotten personalized Coke bottles, my favorite soda) asking the same question. I (obviously) said yes.” @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Real Weddings
VENUE
Heather: “We were packing to go on a trip to Crista’s mom’s house for Thanksgiving. I had last minute things to put into my duffel bag. When I opened the bag, I found a ring box sitting on top of my clothes, which is when Crista asked me to marry her.”
Winding Creek Farm
COORDINATOR Pam Cash
PHOTOGRAPHER
Bakerture Photo & Video
THE WEDDING With the couple wanting a rustic venue for their day and Crista having grown up in Loudoun County, they immediately loved Winding Creek Farm in Lovettsville. One of the best benefits was that everything could be done at one location. They had a fully-furnished farm house to get ready in, multiple areas in which to hold a ceremony, and the perfect barn for a reception. One hundred and fifteen guests and a seven-person wedding party helped the couple celebrate their special day. With the help of their crafty sisters, they were able to add special touches to their wedding. Many of their decorations were home-made, which they all got to do together as a family. “One of the most important details we wanted for our wedding was to have someone we knew marry us.” Their friend, Jessica Charney, was gracious enough to perform the ceremony. “We each wrote our own vows, making the ceremony even more personal.”
CATERER
Food4Thought Catering
‘‘
DESSERT
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Make sure to take the time during all the hustle and bustle to sit back and enjoy everything,” said Heather.
ENTERTAINMENT YanzEvents
PHOTO BOOTH YanzEvents
FLORALS
Twinbrook Floral Design
HAIR & MAKEUP Makeovers On Call
The DJ kept the dance floor busy and a photo booth downstairs captured silly and fun photos the couple will have forever.
THE MOMENTS FIRST DANCE SONG: “Speechless,”
by Dan + Shay ADVICE TO OTHER COUPLES:
Start early! We started planning our wedding immediately after we booked our venue. Our thought was the more we get done early, the less stressed we will be closer to the wedding date and it paid off. Second, is to have a day-of coordinator, if possible. 46 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
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maggie VINCE & Real Weddings
THE PROPOSAL “After only nine months of dating, we were engaged and had a long engagement to prepare for the wedding. We are best friends and truly balance each other out!” Maggie said. “Vince and I took a weekend beach trip in Ocean City, Maryland. It was the perfect day – sun, ice cream, arcade games, and a sunset. Vince asked me if I wanted to take a picture on the beach. Of course I did. @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 48 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings 48
Real Weddings
Somehow, Vince found a lone dad to take our photo, and, as we posed for our picture, Vince got down on one knee! I was so shocked, I thought he was joking. After freezing for a solid 20 seconds, I said yes! Thankfully, Vince asked the dad to take a video instead of a photo, and we were able to capture the moment on film.
VENUE
THE WEDDING
Chef’s Table Caterers and Event Planners
Raspberry Plain Manor
COORDINATOR
EVOKE Design & Creative
PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTO BOOTH The Photo & Flower Girl
CATERER
The couple loved the views that Raspberry Plain Manor in Leesburg offered. It was spacious and perfect for their style. They wanted their wedding ceremony to be very casual and since they come from different faiths, they opted for a simple outdoor ceremony. It was very special to them to have Vince’s godmother officiate and to recite their own vows. “I remember Vince and I kept giggling during the ceremony!” Their wedding was all about fun, emotions and surprises...including Maggie’s dad surprising them with a full fireworks show. Friends and family were in awe. It was a great moment!
THE MOMENTS FIRST DANCE SONG: “Perfect” by Ed
Sheeran BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING
Maggie: Spending time with my family
DESSERT/FAVORS The Cake Boutique
ATTIRE
Vivid Bridal Boutique
HAIR & MAKEUP UpDos For I Dos
ENTERTAINMENT DJ Rich Londell Taylor (pianist)
‘‘
DECOR
Elegant Momentz
The butterflies and nerves that I felt were out of this world. It was like I was meeting Vince for the first time again. To have the special moment together truly made it magical,” Maggie recalls from their first look.
DESIGN & CREATIVE
EVOKE Design & Creative
WEDDING PARTY FLOWERS
The Photo & Flower Girl
TRANSPORTATION Reston Limousine
and friends – we had so much positive support and love during the process that it made it easy and fun! I look back and smile when I remember my friends going to open houses with me, my sister and I getting a hair trial done, and my mom accompanying me to my wedding dress fittings. That quality time together was so special! Vince: The planning itself – I love figuring things out logistically. Trying out all of the food was certainly a bonus as well!
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Real Weddings
THE PROPOSAL “Our love story happened when James came back from Army Basic Training. We coincidently ran into each other at our church event, and that led to the ‘coffee date’. James and I bonded over shared faith and why we were pursuing what we were pursuing at that moment. That night we ended up having a conversation until the coffee shop closed for the day,” Angela said.
Angela
& JAMES
James popped the question at the National Harbor in Virginia, where he took Angela on their first Valentine’s Day. “It’s kind of funny... we were sitting on the dock when James asked me to be his wife, and I did not know what to do, so I knelt too. It definitely confused pedestrians who were passing by. However, it was romantic to us that we could really see each other’s eyes. I said, ‘Yes’, and we had a week to find a venue before James had to leave for Army training.” Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Real Weddings
VENUE
The Barn at Willow Brook WEDDING PLANNER
Kelly Prince
PHOTOGRAPHER
Emily Jackson Photography CATERER
Mission BBQ
THE WEDDING The venue search was hard, but they came across The Barn at Willow Brook in Leesburg and fell in love with the owner’s personality and passion. The venue was unfinished, but they trusted that it would be built and ready for them in three months. “We didn’t know if the venue would be done in time...so many things had to align for this sweet couple to marry and it worked out perfectly,” said Betsy Madden, owner of The Barn at Willow Brook. With James just finishing up basic training, Angela didn’t know if he would make it back in time for the wedding. “I joked with people that I might need to enter the aisle with someone holding James’ picture.” All the stars aligned, the venue was complete, and James arrived home. Their wedding day couldn’t of been more perfect...a great view, food, music, love and laughter. “Our day was more than perfect because we had support from family, friends and a family-like venue.”
‘‘
Angela and James are known as The King and Queen of Willow Brook as they were the first couple to be married at this brand new venue in Loudoun County,” said Betsy Madden, venue owner.
THE MOMENTS FIRST DANCE SONG: “Move Together,”
by James Bay
SPECIAL MOMENT: “During our first
dance, our guests circled around us and danced together with their hands held. We were in the middle of the circle and that was a very emotional and amazing experience.” 54 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
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WEDDING & EVENT FLORAL DESIGNS ricksflowers.com • 703-439-9129
Ain’t we got fun? CLASSIC MUSIC FOR YOUR VINTAGE HEART
Weddings
thedapperdjs.com
Corporate
Private SOIREE
+301.992.1378
Joy M. Suits Private Event Florist & Wedding Coordinator 571.388.9924-m 540.668.5439-o www.minirosefarm.com www.facebook.com/minirosefarmf loral suits@minirosefarm.com @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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PROVIDING YOU WITH SERVICE THAT IS ATTENTIVE, ACCOMMODATING, AND ABOVE EXPECTATIONS.
Schedule a free consultation at PrenupPros.com Prenuptial Agreement Attorneys
A premarital agreement is the most important contract a couple considers before marriage.
“Chris did an amazing job for my wedding last Saturday. He did our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception music and everything was perfect and flawless. We have received so many compliments about our DJ this week following our wedding last weekend. Chris was accommodating and a joy to work with.”
Get peace of mind and protection for $1,295. (800) 995-1535 | 20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Ste. 400, Ashburn, VA 20147
REPEATABLE DJ & PHOTO BOOTH
For more information or to book us: info@repeatabledj.com or 202.329.3218
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Give us a call to schedule a site visit. @sugarplumtents
703.217.2358 ı ElegantMomentz.com
Sugarplum Tent Company
sugarplumtents.com
❧
301-869-2054
A Unique Treat for Guests! • Favors & Welcome Bags • Personalized Labels Popped fresh in Berryville, VA!
FunCountryKettleCorn.com
Your route to fine cigars for any special occasion. LEESBURG I 703.777.5233
Sit back and enjoy the ride with Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia's Premier Limousine Service. POINTTOPOINTLIMO.COM ı 800-882-8208 703-771-8100
60 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
521 E. Market Street, Suite F
STERLING I 703.826.8991
46950 Community Plaza, Suite 103
WWW.ROUTE 7 CI GARS .COM @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VENUES FOR YOUR WEDDING, RECEPTION, REHEARSAL DINNER, AND MORE
C o nt a c t u s fo r m o r e i n fo r m at i o n : 70 3-737-2371 | www.idalee.org | rentalc oordinator@leesburg va.gov
FOUNDERS HALL at Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Ideal Venue for Wedding Receptions & Rehearsal Dinner 3,600 SQ FT • 225 CAPACITY • COMMERICAL KITCHEN VARIOUS STYLE SET-UPS • WET BAR
703.729.6850 • Founders-Hall.com 20688 Ashburn Road ı Ashburn, VA 20147
62 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
Why your guests will love a
LOUDOUN WEDDING @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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Check out the five reasons why Loudoun County has a reputation among wedding guests and is the “Go To” destination for saying, “I do!”
It takes about a week for anyone planning a wedding to settle upon this fascinating realization that “your” weekend is actually not just about you. You choose your favorite foods, while also curating a menu that will appease all the specialty diets. You pick a venue that makes your heart twirl, while also checking that it will comfortably hold everyone you hold dear – and everyone you’re obligated to invite. You select a music option that gets your love in full swing, while also making sure the tunes will get people on the dance floor. This is what it takes to design a wedding that not only celebrates you and your loved one,
but also entertains the effusively adoring yet occasionally opinionated people in your fan club. Planning your big “day” actually also means planning a mini vacation for all your friends and extended family, with a big party in the middle. In a crowd-pleasing destination like Loudoun County, Virginia, it’s much easier than you might think for your wedding to achieve “bestweekend-ever” status. From misty morning hikes to afternoons hopping between wineries to evenings of experimental yet seasonal cuisine, your guests might even want to extend their stay to get their fill of Loudoun.
Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings 64 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
YOU WILL LOVE THE SCENE From a completely chocolate-themed restaurant to a historic tavern built in the 1700s – your guests will savor every chance they get to experience Loudoun’s acclaimed restaurants. Loudoun’s nightlife options will also keep the post-reception party going. Think pop-up bars or a progressive Thai fusion joint that hypes up its club vibes after dark. There’s even a golf cart service in downtown Leesburg that can scoot you from spot to spot until the early morning hours. And if you have guests seeking a little retail therapy after a big night out, Loudoun has tons of unique shopping destinations that fit the bill.
YOU WILL LOVE THE ADVENTURES If the thrill of eternal commitment gets your guests in the mood for an adrenaline rush, they can easily find a full spectrum of indoor and outdoor activities in Loudoun County.
A ropes course with a million different climb combinations, whitewater rafting at the confluence of two rivers, axe-throwing and go-kart racing under one roof – there’s a place you can find even the most out-there experiences in Loudoun. Give your wedding guests the freedom to choose their own adventure as you embark on the greatest one with your lifetime partner.
YOU’LL LOVE THE CRAFT BEVERAGES Whether you go the open bar route is totally up to you. For your grownup guests who enjoy a drink or two, Loudoun’s diverse craft beverage scene provides enough variety to entertain them for much longer than 72 hours. From cocktail classes to pitchers of wine slushie, Loudoun has your 21-and-over crowd covered. The county’s 40-plus wineries and 30-plus breweries provide the perfect setting for guests to unwind from matrimonial festivities. Friends and family can kick back and let one
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of the top-rated tour services tote them around the vineyards or they can grab a wine trail guide or Beer Passport and explore on their own. And, don’t forget: Serving local libations at the wedding is always a popular option, especially among consumption-conscious millennials!
YOU WILL LOVE THE ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION Got friends flying in from Georgia? A cousin cruising in from Colorado? Dad who just doesn’t want to drive back to D.C. at the end of the night? Show your loved ones traveling from near and far how much you appreciate them going the distance by making them feel right at home in Loudoun. With hotels that offer free shuttles from Dulles International Airport, the coziest countryside bed-andbreakfasts and nationally-ranked resorts, Loudoun’s got convenient and comfortable accommodation options galore. Your wedding guests will feel so welcome lounging poolside, wandering through enchanted estates and soaking up onsite spa luxuries, they may never want to leave Loudoun.
YOU WILL LOVE THE HISTORY One of the most exciting elements of the wedding for many guests is hearing all about your love story, from your serendipitous meeting to the sweet proposal. Loudoun is known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, healthy diversity of expanding business opportunities, comfortable neighborhoods, and high quality public services. Encourage these detail-driven attendees to dive further and explore the history-rich landmarks throughout Loudoun. The county is dotted with iconic structures and designated areas – and full of experts eager to share Loudoun’s storied past.
FOR MORE INFORMATION STOP BY THE VISITOR CENTER: Market Station - Lower Deck Corner of Loudoun St. & Harrison St. Leesburg, VA 20175
703.771.2170 ı VisitLoudoun.org
66 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
Gluten free, vegan, dairy free and/or eggless options available Complimentary first anniversary cake with each full wedding package cakesbyhappyeatery.com
Offering an atmosphere of understated luxury coupled with warm hospitality for those seeking a relaxing and romantic experience. 540.822.3032 virginiabandb.net 68 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
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Wedding Directory
Accommodations/Venues
Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn
(703) 327-5911 BriarPatchBandB.com
Comfort Suites Leesburg
(703) 669-1650 ComfortSuitesLeesburg.com
Lansdowne Resort & Spa
(703) 729-8400 LansdowneResort.com
Attire/Fashion
Fashion Irina – Custom Wedding Gowns fashionirina.wordpress.com
J.Hilburn Pamela Deelsnyder Jennifer Malloy jhilburn.com
Sage Bridal
(703) 691-3620 SageBridal.net
Beauty
Holiday Inn WashingtonDulles International Airport 703-480-7443 hidullesairport.com/ weddings-events
Mini Rose Farm
(540) 668-5439 MiniRoseFarm.com
Rose Hill Manor
(703) 771-9177 RoseHillManor.com
Sondra Falk Couture (714) 852-1952 SondraFalkCouture.com
Alya Salon & Spa (703) 281-2592 AlyaSalon.com
Jenny’s Salon
(540) 338-7634 JennysHairSalon.com
Caterers
Raspberry Plain Manor (703) 777-1888 RaspberryPlainManor.com
The Middleburg Barn at Fox Chase Farm (540) 441-1660 theMiddleburgBarn.com
Seven Springs
(800) 452-2223, ext. 7279 7springs.com/weddings
Meredith Ehler Makeup Artist
(703) 409-1342 MeredithEhler.com
Northern Virginia Orthodontics (703) 574-2174 nvorthodontics.com
(703) 729-8000 ConferenceCenter.com
Best Rack Around (703) 669-BRAS BestRackAround.com
70 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
(703) 879-4676 Asadosathome.com
Flowers
Attire/Fashion
West Belmont Place
Asados at Home
Ebrada Atelier
(703) 362-7878 CathyEbrada.com
Bluewater Kitchen (703) 628-2583 bwkitchen.com
Savior Fare Limited (540) 338-8300 SavoirFareLimited.com
Rick’s Flowers
703-439-9129 RicksFlowers.com
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Flowers
The FlowerGal Co. (703) 581-9077 theflowergalco.com
Twinbrook Floral Designs (703) 978-3700 TwinbrookFloralDesign.com
Local Resources
Love Loudoun Weddings (301) 662-1163 @loveloudounweddings
Visit Loudoun
(703) 771-2170 VisitLoudoun.org
Jewelry
Planning & Decor
Rentals
Diamond Lake Jewelry
An Exceptional Event
Capital Party Rentals
(571) 293-1117 DiamondLakeJewelry. jewelershowcase.com
(703) 505-3677 AnExceptionalEvent.com
Music & Entertainment
Transportation
A2Z Music Factory
Bay Country Coach
(703) 444-1562 a2zMusicFactory.com
866-238-2240 BayCountryCoach.com
(703) 661-8290 CapitalPartyRentals.com
Johnny Blue Restroom Rentals 540-665-0968 JohnnyBlueInc.com
Travel
Presidential Limousine (703) 347-6900 Presidential-Limo.com
DA Marketing/ Diamond Resorts
(443) 829-2574 DiamondResorts.com
Photography
Olivera Entertainment (703) 724-0505 OliveraMusic.com
theDCdjs
(703) 662-3555 thedcdjs.com
Alex Mangione Photography
(607) 377-7317 AlexMangionePhotography.com
Photo Booth
Santa Ana Photography
(248) 895-3031 SantaAnaPhotos.com
Stephanie Leigh Photography & Design
(571) 991-8067 StephanieLeighPhotoDesign.com
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The Marigold Bus & Booth
(248) 895-3031 MarigoldBusandBooth.com @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2020
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THE
SAVE DATE SUNDAY, NOV. 1, 2020 • 12:30-3PM @ Clarion Inn Frederick Event Center
Tickets on sale this Summer 74 Love Loudoun Weddings 2020 @LoveLoudounWeddings
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STUNNING FLORALS. STELLAR SERVICE.
LUXURY WEDDING
Designs 4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 110 Chantilly, VA 20151 twinbrookfloraldesignweddings.com
COUPLES’ CHOICE
AWARDS ® 2020