WEDDING & EVENT FLORAL DESIGNS
RICKSFLOWERS.COM 703-439-9129
w loudoun WEDDINGS MAGAZINE
DESIGNER
Samantha Bangh, The Frederick News-Post COVER PHOTOGRAPHER
Monica Ridgely Berg CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Douglas Rogers, Visit Loudoun Jennifer Sigal, Visit Loudoun CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alex Hines Photography Bakerture Photo & Video Bret & Brandie Photography Capture The Invisible Studio Chris Ferenzi Photography Jessie Smith Photography Lieb Photographic LLC Stefanie Kamerman Photography
Love Loudoun Weddings is published by The Frederick News-Post 351 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick, MD 21703 301-662-1163
Geordie Wilson, Publisher The Frederick News-Post Connie Hastings, Revenue Director The Frederick News-Post Mark Roeber, Multimedia Marketing Consultant The Frederick News-Post Katie Barchas Wilson The Market Group Inc. Fashion Show Coordinator
elcome to Love Loudoun Weddings Magazine! This is your pocket guide to all things weddings in Loudoun County, Virginia, a region that offers an array of indoor and outdoor venues, from historic vineyards and gardens to elegant, modern ballrooms.
In 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on weddings or changed plans for many couples, but sometimes challenges are just a portal for creativity. Wedding professionals have found new, innovative ways to hold weddings safely, and couples have come up with creative solutions to host events that reflect who they are and what they want most in a ceremony. Whether you’re planning a huge event or a small one, the Love Loudoun Wedding magazine will help you find the area’s best venues, photographers, florists, caterers, stylists, entertainment services, and more to help make your special day a reality. Plus, get inspired for your wedding by reading the stories of six Loudoun County weddings, get tips for your wedding music, and find a variety of local ideas for hosting bachelor parties, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. #LOVELOUDOUN FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: LoveLoudounWeddings
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Call for WEDDING CONSULTATIO CONSULTATION today!
(703) 495-2746 • MISSION-BBQ.com/catering @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Contents 12 20 29
34 59
The Magic of Micro Weddings Ask the Experts: COVID Trends REAL WEDDINGS: Get ideas from couples who’ve married in Loudoun Memorable Music for a Loudoun Wedding Beyond the Big Day
PHOTO BY ALEX HINES PHOTOGRAPHY
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Why Get Married in Loudoun County?
6 Love Loudoun Loudoun Weddings Weddings 2021 2021 @LoveLoudounWeddings @LoveLoudounWeddings 6 Love
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
Addy Marie Designs modern
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GLUTEN FREE • VEGAN DAIRY FREE AND/OR EGGLESS OPTIONS AVAILABLE DESSERTS GALORE AND MORE Complimentary first anniversary cake with each full wedding package
703-530-8898 • CAKESBYHAPPYEATERY.COM Open daily – 7 days a week • 9685 Liberia Avenue, Unit 107, Manassas, VA
10 Love Loudoun Weddings 2021 @LoveLoudounWeddings
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
www.bakerture.com
570.306.2849
hello@bakerture.com
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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loudoun GET MARRIED IN
W
hen Arlington residents Jenn Conrad and Matt Buccigrosso got engaged in 2019, they knew they wanted a winery wedding. Conrad, who grew up in Northern Virginia, and Buccigrosso, from Massachusetts, are fans of DC’s Wine Country and started making excursions to Loudoun to find the perfect venue. They loved Bluemont Vineyard for its spectacular views and scenic Stone Tower Winery on Hogback Mountain just off Route 15, but it was the location they visited in February 2020 that really stood out – Fleetwood Farm Winery, set in lush countryside outside of Leesburg, with its manor house dating back to 1745.
“It was charming and laid back, yet elegant and sophisticated,” said Conrad, 32, who works in sales for a data security company. “The grounds were gorgeous, and we loved the open flow of it all. The lawns with chairs and views of vines, which would be great for a ceremony, the tasting room in the historic manor house and the grand terrace with a wraparound porch. It was everything we wanted.” They also knew that while the property looked beautiful in the cold of February, it would look even more stunning in the lushness of Loudoun in spring or summer. They booked the venue and set a date for June 2021.
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PHOTOS BY LIEB PHOTOGRAPHIC LLC
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Excited to start planning her big day, Conrad attended the Washington Wedding Experience in the spring of 2020. During the event she came across the stand of Dana Henry, Social Marketing Sales and Client Services Manager at Visit Loudoun. Unique among visitor bureaus in the U.S., Visit Loudoun offers a complimentary service assisting couples planning their big day by connecting them to local venues, hotels and other vendors – everything from caterers, photographers and florists to hair stylists, vintage bar stands as well as limousine services. The program, overseen by Henry, started almost 11 years ago to capitalize on the burgeoning weddings market in Loudoun, and it has only expanded since, simplifying what can be a costly and time-consuming process for couples. “I saw the ‘Say “I Do” in Loudoun’ sign and was immediately drawn to Dana’s booth,” said Conrad. “I told her that I was getting married in Loudoun in 2021 and I was amazed when she told me about all the things that Visit Loudoun offers – completely free of charge. I was all for giving her my information.” Within a few days Henry had sent Conrad lists of potential vendors – florists, photographers, caterers, wedding planners – and even potential hotels and B&Bs for guests to stay. Conrad was well on her way to having the perfect wedding.
who is based in Middleburg. “We had our tasting with them and it was amazing,” said Conrad. “Hors d’oeuvres of flank steak, chicken skewers, deviled eggs, raw bar and three different entrees; and on the day itself, it was even better.” The couple purchased Fleetwood’s wine for the evening. Conrad and her fiancée were so taken with the beauty of Loudoun and the warmth of the welcome on their many visits, they moved to the county, buying a home in Leesburg. While their big event was a stunning destination wedding for their 130 or so guests, the destination is now their home. All of which is music to the ears of Henry, Visit Loudoun’s weddings guru. “This has been a challenging time for weddings, but Loudoun’s industry rose to the occasion, always finding creative ways to adapt and move forward,” she said. “It was inspiring to see the innovative ways the community created magical events that will live in the memory of so many.”
Through Visit Loudoun, she found an event coordinator – Vida Events from Purcellville – and she also used a Loudoun caterer, Bluewater Kitchen, 14 Love Loudoun Weddings 2021 @LoveLoudounWeddings
GETTING MARRIED IN LOUDOUN? Make sure to contact Loudoun’s complimentary in-house wedding concierge service run by the county’s tourism office, Visit Loudoun at VisitLoudoun.org/weddings.
Unique. Exceptional. Riverside.
ON THE
POTOMAC
Wolfcrest Photography
Climate controlled for making history year-round. (571) 528-1065 | riversideonthepotomac.com @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Visit Loudoun is here to help create your perfect wedding in DC’s Wine Country®! As a one-stop shop, Visit Loudoun is delighted to provide you with complimentary assistance in finding just the right wedding professionals to
make your dreams a reality.
Contact our weddings specialist today!
Dana Henry, CTA | Social Market Sales & Client Services Manager 112-G South Street, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 Phone: 703-669-2007 | Email: Henry@VisitLoudoun.org
VisitLoudoun.org/weddings | #LoveLoudoun
Bethanne Arthur Photography
Megan Rei Photography
Ruby Sky Photography
Loudoun, Virginia is DC’s Wine Country®, and an exquisite wedding destination just 25 miles from our nation’s capital. Visit Loudoun offers complimentary assistance to ease the stresses of planning and to ensure your dream wedding becomes a reality. At no charge, we can assist in finding your venue, accommodations and vendors as well as provide free visitor information to guests.
Complimentary Planning Services
Accommodations, Wedding/Reception Venues, Rehearsal Dinner Venues, Entertainment, Florists, Photographers/Videographers, Planners, Caterers, Celebrants, Transportation, Photo Booths, Decor, Hair/Makeup, Dance Lessons, Child Care, Officiants
Venues
From romantic B&Bs, gorgeous wineries and rustic barns, to magnificent resorts, historic estates and country clubs, Loudoun is home to the perfect venue for your shower, rehearsal dinner or wedding day.
Destination Highlights
40+ Wineries, 30+ Breweries, 5+ Cideries/Distilleries, Farm-to-Table Dining, Premium Outlet Shopping, Historic Sites, Exciting Nightlife, Family-Friendly Attractions
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@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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PHOTO BY STEFANIE KAMERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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THE
MAGIC OF MICRO
weddings
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Love Loudoun Loudoun Weddings Weddings 2021 2020
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micro wedd LO U D O U N C O U N T Y
ba
ris
In Spring of 2020, when COVID restrictions began, Sterling wedding planner Glory Barbaris started getting dozens of panicked phone calls. Some were from clients who had booked big ar weddings with her B ry for the summer and Glo fall and didn’t know what to do. Others were from couples thinking of planning a wedding and calling to ask how to plan one during the restrictions of a pandemic.
“It was such a confusing time and they all wanted advice,” recalls Barbaris, founder, CEO and creative director of Loudoun based Wildflower Hill Co. and A Styled Wedding. Between answering those calls for help, Barbaris had an idea – to start a second company specializing in bespoke, luxury small weddings – what have become known the world over as micro weddings. So in June 2020 Barbaris launched, A Styled Wedding, an events business catering to various types of small weddings. The response has been astonishing. Not only have clients who had planned large weddings now pulled off successful smaller ones, but she has a wave of new clients wanting in on the micro wedding phenomenon.
A Styled Wedding, offers three types of curated small wedding packages for those going the more intimate route. There is the ceremony focused “Elegant Elopement” package, which accommodates 10 guests for an hour-long wedding and includes a wedding planner, an officiant, photography, ceremony florals, bouquet, boutonniere, 15-minute champagne toast and mini reception. There is the 90-minute “Micro Wedding” package for couples with 30 or fewer guests. Enjoy a 20-minute ceremony and a 40-minute mini reception. Finally, there is the “Small Wedding” package for up to 50 guests. This has all the creative design and traditional wedding elements but on an intimate, curated scale. “You will celebrate your ceremony with your closest friends and family followed by small bites, drinks and light entertainment,” said Barbaris. Barbaris is just one of many wedding professionals seeing this shift in wedding planning. Over in Leesburg, Lynn Iannizzi, of renowned Loudoun design and event planning company, The Finer Points, notes a similar trend.“Before COVID, a small wedding in Loudoun would be approximately 80 people and an average wedding 150 people.
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n Ly
“In a strange way the pandemic has given couples permission to marry on their own terms,” said Barbaris. “There’s always
going to be a space for big lavish weddings but it’s now more socially acceptable to have a small, intimate wedding experience.”
n
Ia nn i zzi
dings Now, since the pandemic, weddings of 60 people or less are more common.” In August 2020, The Finer Points added a micro wedding and elopement package to its list of services to accommodate clients with smaller guest lists, looking for a more intimate experience. As with Barbaris, business is booming with the barns, wineries, breweries and historic homes that Loudoun has to offer. One advantage of a micro wedding, Iannizzi notes, is that often couples can stretch a budget and upgrade many aspects of their wedding to make it even more memorable for their guests. “When you have fewer guests, you can make your wedding more intimate and unique. We recommend a lot of personal touches when coordinating a micro wedding. Luxurious flowers, upgraded wine, personalized gifts for the guests. For example, in December, we had a micro wedding at Salamander Resort & Spa for 25 people and the bride gave a Christmas ornament for each guest, beautifully wrapped in a little box and set at each place setting.” Dinner menus can be more lavish too. “A typical wedding usually offers three courses,” Iannizzi said. “With a micro wedding you can select upgraded wines and pair them with each course and even offer a seasonal intermezzo before the entrée, which always adds a special touch.” Sometimes, less really does mean more. To which we might all say, “I do.”
“Small weddings are a big thing. I’m getting calls from people who were married years ago and now want to renew their vows with a luxury micro or mini wedding. Then there are people who planned weddings in cities like Washington, D.C., who now want an intimate micro wedding in Loudoun’s countryside.” GLORY BARBARIS A STYLED WEDDINGS
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@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Alex Mangione Photo
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Visit Brides & Weddings for the resources you need to plan your perfect day!
bridesandweddings.com
Ask the EXPERT
What trends are you seeing in weddings since COVID? And, do you think it is something that will stick or is it just a temporary solution?
RICHARD THOMPSON OWNER, RICKS FLOWERS We are seeing an increase of earlier bookings due to the high volume of weddings in the county. It is also interesting to see that couples have a bit more allotted for their wedding since they have not been able to get a date set until 2022 and even 2023.
JOAN E. WOLFORD
OWNER & EXECUTIVE CHEF SAVOIR FARE LIMITED What we are seeing that might be temporary is the host having a hard time getting the correct guest counts and having a lot of last-minute changes. What we are seeing a lot of outdoor activity, including home tent weddings. What we HOPE will be permanent is the attention and sense of value our couples are able to give to the more meaningful aspects of their event.
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Ask the Expert
LYNN IANNIZZI
OWNER/LEAD DESIGNER, THE FINER POINTS EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN We are seeing smaller guest counts with most events around 50-60 guests once permitted – and less people seated per table. At the ceremony, couples would put two chairs together and then provide space between the next grouping. And, if the couple offers a buffet, it is manned with servers so that guests aren’t touching all of the utensils and serveware. I’ve also seen some nicely decorated hand sanitizer stations.
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STEPHANIE NEWBERGER OWNER/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER STEPHANIE LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN I found that the micro wedding trend that started to be explored during COVID is a trend that is here to stay. Just over 50% of my 2022 wedding inquiries (and bookings) are for weddings with 40 guests or less, whereas before 2020, the majority of weddings on my books were 75-200 guest weddings. I think that the micro trend flourished because of restrictions but is here to stay because it set a theme for high-end elaborate events with less guests and more detail. And as a photographer, I am absolutely LOVING every micro wedding!
Ask the Expert
KEVIN OLIVERA
ELLEN GOLDBERG
OWNER/MANAGER, OLIVERA MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Just as dance band bookings were starting to trend up, COVID has brought DJs to the fore for wedding receptions. Smaller weddings and a preference for less performers has driven the change. I do think, however post COVID, couples will go back to considering live bands for their celebrations.
‘‘
OWNER, BRIAR PATCH BED & BREAKFAST We are seeing lower guest counts than originally planned and seating being more spread out. We are seeing requests to leave the doors open and ceiling fans on for better circulation. We are also seeing more do-ityourself décor. While these changes might be temporary, trends that might stay include somewhat less formal decor and a more “laid back” vibe as well as smaller wedding parties.
THE BIGGEST TREND THAT I HAVE SEEN IS THE UPTICK ON WEEKDAY BOOKINGS. DEBBIE SCHOEB, DIRECTOR OF SALES THE STABLE AT BLUEMONT VINEYARD
Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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SAY
“ I Do” Stunning View WITH A
Wedding Packages & Lodging Available. Call or visit our website to book your dream wedding today!
7springs.com | 800.452.2223
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Loudoun Weddings 2021 @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021@LoveLoudounWeddings 34Love
Get inspired for your own wedding from five couples who got married in Loudoun.
loudoun PHOTO BY BRET AND BRANDIE PHOTOGRAPHY
connie Real Weddings
&JACOB
@LoveLoudounWeddings LoveLoudoun LoudounWeddings Weddings2021 2021 @LoveLoudounWeddings 36 Love 36
THE PROPOSAL Connie and Jacob started out their college journey together during freshman welcome week and ended it together as they walked out with our diplomas. “We had talked about our next steps, married life, for years. It was never a question of if but when for us. Our families were always a large part of our lives and with the Fourth of July holiday weekend upon us, I knew there was no better time to pop the question to my soon to be wife,” said Jacob. “We’ve always loved a good winery and it doesn’t hurt they make for good photos too. I invited her cousin with us for good company (and a free photographer). To make the moment more natural, no one knew, but me. A trip is never complete without a good photo op for her, so tricking her into succumbing to a few quick photos was the easy part. With her guard down, and her cousin on standby to capture the moment, I dropped to one knee and made the term “us” “them” and our name as “Jacob Connie” all the more official.”
Real Weddings
THE WEDDING “Planning a wedding is already stressful, but planning two weddings during a pandemic is unimaginable,” the couple recalls. Connie and Jacob quickly learned that they were living in a new world with new rules. Their guest list had to be cut down, the venues they looked at changed their policies, and the other vendors could no longer do what they once promised. With only six months until their wedding, they realized they had to start again from square one. “We researched new venues looking into their space and policies and landed on a gold mine when we found East Lynn Farm. What really caught our attention and sold us was how large their venue, all the amenities they offered, and Georgia and her team. With COVID being so unknown at the time we had to pick a space where we knew our guests would be comfortable. Everything was so open and there was so much room for our guests to walk around the property.” “Our wedding was a little different – it was a 10-hour day consisting of an Eastern and Western ceremony.” In the morning they did a Vietnamese tea ceremony to represent and honor Connie’s Eastern heritage followed by a lunch reception with Vietnamese food. Then, went on to have a Western ceremony an hour later followed by a cocktail hour and dinner reception. “We did not disappoint when it came to giving our guests a show – we had four outfit changes each from Vietnamese Ao Dais to different American dresses, and different cuisines, desserts and drinks. We just wanted to give our guests a special experience in a short amount of time. It is not easy to find unity in so many groups of people and we are so grateful that we had such a passionate team behind us.”
THE MOMENTS FIRST DANCE SONG: “The Bones,”
by Maren Morris
VENUE
East Lynn Farm
COORDINATOR
EVOKE Design & Creative
PHOTOGRAPHER Capture the Invisible Studio
CATERER
Magnolia’s at the Mill
BAKERY
Breeze Bakery
‘‘
HAIR
Bridal with Hanna
Two weddings in one day was a lot of work, but was nice to share both of our worlds with our guests,” says the groom.
MAKEUP
Makeup by Alondra
ENTERTAINMENT Wroyal DJ Company, DMV DJ Services
FLOWERS
Vogue Flowers
EVENT RENTALS Select Event Group
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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rebecca Real Weddings
&BRANDON
THE PROPOSAL Rebecca and Brandon met through a mutual friend that Brandon grew up with and Rebecca met in college. Brandon proposed on Christmas Eve at Rebecca’s grandparents’ home and they have been together now for six years. “We originally planned to have a destination wedding. COVID put our plans on pause in the spring of 2020. August came and COVID seemed to have no end in sight, so we decided that we weren’t going to wait any longer to start our next chapter.” They began planning and two months later they were married.
THE WEDDING The ceremony was held at the pergola at The Woodland at Algonkian Park. The maid of honor’s father officiated the wedding. Rebecca’s mother walked her down the aisle as her father passed away a few years into their relationship. “We each had our own Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Real Weddings
written vows and partook in communion. After the ceremony, we got to spend a few minutes alone with one another, which was great and allowed us to really take in what had just happened,” recalls the bride and groom.
THE MOMENTS
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER COUPLES WHO ARE PLANNING A WEDDING?
Your wedding is your special day and you shouldn’t let anyone or anything take that away. Remember to take time to yourselves during your wedding day to take in what’s happening. FIRST DANCE SONG: “Find Someone Like
You,” by Snoh Aalegra
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VENUE
The Woodlands at Algonkian PLANNER
Eventful Thinking PHOTOGRAPHER
Alex Hines Photography CATERER
Great Blue Heron Catering FLORALS/DECOR
All RelEvents Inc. LINENS
Party Rental Ltd. DRESS
David’s Bridal
‘‘
Rebecca and Brandon took photos with masks on and Corona beers to make light of the situation and keep a playful fun mood!” said the venue owner.
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Real Weddings
kris
&RUSSELL
THE PROPOSAL Kris and I met in Tallahassee, in Florida in 2003 and have been together 18 years and counting! During our annual family Fourth of July vacation in 2018 to the Long Island Shoreline in East Haven, Connecticut, we decided to take a quick trip to Las Vegas. We splurged and had a great room at the Venetian Hotel and took in all the city has to offer. On the third day we planned a hike in Red Rock Canyon Park. Under the blistering morning desert sun, Kris got on his knee and proposed in the middle of the most breathtaking canyon @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Real Weddings
view, when it was just the two of us. A perfect moment. From that point on, the whole trip was a celebration of us. We wined and dined on the Las Vegas Strip.
THE WEDDING Kris and Russell wanted a wedding venue that was rustic with a view of the sunset, so when their wedding coordinator showed them Kalero Vineyard, they both feel in love. It was just what they were looking for and within budget. Kalero Vineyard gave them the canvas to create our own look and personal touch to their special day, from the chairs and tables to the forks and napkins. “The owner Ann was very personable and down to earth and felt like family. We knew we picked the right place to have our wedding.” Sixty-five guests helped Kris and Russell celebrate with an evening ceremony that captured an amazing sunset of rays of light beaming through the ribbons of clouds just before it sank below the Blue Ridge. A guitarist played “Fields of Gold” by Sting when they both walked down the aisle. “Our vows connected us, and all of our guests together. Afterwards, we were all ready to party.”
THE MOMENTS FIRST DANCE SONG: “Thinking Out
Loud” by Ed Sheeran FAVORITE PART OF WEDDING PLANNING:
Tasting the food! Our caterers, Savoir Fare Unlimited, were amazing and the menu planning and food tasting was the best. ADVICE TO OTHER COUPLES:
Have a wedding coordinator or a wedding planner. It will take a lot of stress off your plate. Remember, have fun and enjoy your special day. Things will change during the planning of your wedding, and that’s OK. 46 Love Loudoun Weddings 2021 @LoveLoudounWeddings
VENUE
Kalero Vineyard
COORDINATOR Darlene Shenier
PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Ferenzi Photography
FLORIST
Designing Flowers
‘‘
CATERING
Roll with it, enjoy your day and take care of it later. Remember, this is your day. No one will never know it did not go as planned.”
Savoir Fare Unlimited
MUSIC
Bialeks Music
RENTALS
Sammy’s Rentals
REHEARSAL BRUNCH Hidden View Bed & Breakfast
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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brianna Real Weddings
&KEVIN
HOW THEY MET Brianna and Kevin first met at a birthday party for one of Brianna’s sorority sisters at Virginia Tech in 2014. After talking all evening, Kevin asked Brianna to go on a date. The first date was successful – they shared their first kiss that night in front of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house, and all the girls in the house saw and cheered for them from inside the windows. Little did they know that these small moments would begin the first chapter in their story together! @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Real Weddings
THE WEDDING Five years later when they were searching the internet for wedding venues in Northern Virginia, Kevin stumbled across photos of a the gorgeous Oak Barn in Loudoun County. They were drawn to the barn’s spacious wooden interior overlooking scenic mountain views. After visiting The Oak Barn at Loyalty in person on a tour, Kevin and Brianna were blown away. Between the beauty of the venue and the warmth of the owners, Ernie and Barbara, they knew they had found their dream venue! It was a perfect summer day for Kevin and Brianna’s wedding. Everything from the gorgeous flowers to the red convertible to the sparkler send-off, this was a wedding to remember.
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VENUE
The Oak Barn at Loyalty
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jessie Smith Photography
PLANNER
Chancey Charm
FLORIST
Creations in Bloom
CATERING
Old Blue BBQ
BAKERY
Amphora Bakery
HAIR
Up Do Specialist LLC – Devon Baltimore
MAKEUP
Laura Henderson Makeup
ENTERTAINMENT
Kevin and Brianna knew they found their dream wedding venue after visiting The Oak Barn at Loyalty.
DJ Jake Ritchie
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Real Weddings
caitlin & JASON
THE WEDDING “Our wedding day was absolutely a dream come true! We spent the morning getting ready at Stone Tower Winery. Although we had a brief rain shower, the day was beautiful and perfect in every way. We got married in our church – St. Theresa – and returned to Stone Tower to celebrate with all our family and friends. Our colors were purples, mauves, champagnes and gold, which although was planned for April, was just as beautiful in August! We even got to share a few moments with our sweet pup, Louie, who was also featured on our signature drink sign!” Caitlin and Jason were convinced by their photographers, Bret and Brandie, to do a first look photo. The couple was glad they did, not only for logical reasons, but they felt it was a really special and @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Real Weddings intimate moment for them that they will never forget. “Ahhh … I still have goosebumps thinking about it,” said Caitlin. Jason recalls feeling Caitlin’s presence behind him and he said, “I immediately lost it after seeing this stunning beautiful vision of Caitlin in her white wedding dress. It was so perfect.” Their entire wedding day was amazing! It was everything they could have dreamed of and more!
ADVICE FOR OTHERS GETTING MARRIED “Take some time to stop and smell the roses. Planning a wedding can be stressful – not to mention during a pandemic, but remember WHY you are doing this! Look at your partner, tell them how much you love them … no matter what happens on your wedding day, it will be the most perfect day because you have each other. Try to enjoy the planning process as much as you can, and make decisions for each other!”
CEREMONY
St. Theresa Catholic Church
VENUE
Stone Tower Winery
PHOTOGRAPHER Bret & Brandie Photography
COORDINATOR Vida Events
ATTIRE
The Bridal Room The Black Tux
HAIR
Tress Hairstyling Co.
MAKEUP
Hyper Beauty & Laura Henderson Makeup
FLORALS
Bee’s Wing Farm
CATERER
Purple Onion Catering
CAKE
Scout’s Bakeshop
ENTERTAINMENT Repeatable DJ
‘‘
VIDEOGRAPHER Kathykins Creatives
Our wedding day was an absolute dream come true!” recalls the bride and groom.
SIGNS & PROGRAMS
Bailey Marie Studio
INVITATIONS Minted
OFFICIANT
Father Richard Guest @LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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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
@LoveLoudounWeddings Love Loudoun Weddings 2021
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Coming soon! Amenities include:
Seating up to 300 people
Spacious indoor event area featuring a stone fireplace and exposed wooden beams
Covered outdoor patio
Scenic pond and dock
Outdoor areas available for events
Contact us today at hansonlodge@loudoun.gov
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Embrace your first home sweet home.
You’ve found your one true love. Now to find the house you truly love. Just don’t go house hunting without Approved to MoveTM! This fully underwritten commitment is the next best thing to a cash offer — and that’s some serious negotiating power. Some of Embrace’s other offerings include low down payment options and extended rate locks, which are ideal if you decide to build your dream home. With your unique needs in mind, we’ll help you find the right loan for your happily ever after.
Reach out to Susan for financing and Deb for a home-buying strategy you’ll adore.
Susan Banville
Deb Williams
ph: 800.333.3004 x3718 c: 703.403.8336 10306 Eaton Place, Suite 100 Fairfax, VA 22030 sbanville@embracehomeloans.com embracehomeloans.com/susan-banville
ph: 571.386.1075 c: 703.953.8233 43777 Central Station Dr Ashburn, VA 20147 deb@debwilliamshomes.com debwilliamshomes.com
Loan Officer | NMLS ID # 1192567
®
Pearson Smith Realty
Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS ID # 2184; 25 Enterprise Center, Middletown, RI 02842, Phone 800.333.3004, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
memorable
MUSIC FOR A LOUDOUN WEDDING
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One spring afternoon in western Loudoun, as a beautiful bride began her walk down the aisle of Breaux Vineyards’ Lafayette Terrace, a gorgeous acoustic version of Bob Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love” floated through the vines, as if carried on the soft light of the sun. Minutes later, vows exchanged, cocktail hour began and the music on the terrace changed to romantic covers played by a musician on a six-string Gibson guitar: tender, upbeat tunes such as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Alison Krauss’ “When You Say Nothing at All”.
An hour later, as the sun set over the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 100-strong wedding party moved inside to Breaux’s opulent chandelier-hung Acadia pavilion for a sit-down dinner reception where the acoustic guitar gave way to a DJ spinning everything from Sinatra and classic rock to country tunes. In between the songs, the DJ introduced the happy couple, the wedding dances and the speeches, and by 9 p.m. was overseeing a dance floor, taking requests and blasting out dance hits. What set that day apart from most destination weddings, however was that at each stage of it – ceremony, cocktail hour, reception – the music was played and choreographed by one man: Leesburg based musician and DJ, Ken Wenzel. Wenzel, founder-owner of Ken Wenzel Music & Entertainment, is a one-man band for hire in the dynamic Loudoun wedding scene. A member of Visit Loudoun and a recently certified Tourism Ambassador, he plays all over the DMV region, but says Loudoun offers something unique. “When I do weddings in D.C. there’s often a lot of bling and I play the latest club hits. Loudoun is different. The rural wineries and historic barn venues are magical and lend themselves to this multigenerational family experience. It’s not about the hippest or the
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latest – it’s about a warm, inclusive family atmosphere and I play songs to match.” The fact that Wenzel can play and choreograph the musical experience for a whole wedding is part of his appeal to a couple. One thing Wenzel does not do is impose his own tastes on a couple. “I always ask a couple beforehand what they don’t want me to play – who they don’t like,” he said. “That gives me a good idea of their tastes. After that, I read the crowd and judge the room.” With so many wineries, breweries and restaurants for local musicians to perform at, Loudoun has developed a booming music scene with a myriad of different genres. Loudoun music impresario Todd Wright has even compiled a Spotify soundtrack of Loudoun artists, while breweries such as B Chord and wineries like 868 Estate Vineyards host frequent music festivals. Many of the local bands and artists featured play weddings, which means a couple getting married in Loudoun can hire anyone from a solo country artist to a soulful jazz quartet to a foot stomping bluegrass band. “We’re finding more and more couples are opting for live bands at their wedding,” said Kevin Olivera, who founded Leesburg based Olivera Music Entertainment with his wife Connie. The company operates as a “music broker” for weddings, supplying bands, solo artists and DJs to planners and couples. With some 80 regional bands on their books as well as a dozen DJs and many solo artists, there’s no shortage of genres to choose from. “I think COVID made people realize how much they miss live music,” Olivera said. “A band is great for dancing, and it gives those guests who don’t dance something to look at. Of course, it helps that Loudoun has such a diverse and exciting live music scene to draw from.”
3 TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE FIRST DANCE Your first dance as a married couple can be exciting (and nerve-racking) as walking down the aisle. Make it a moment you’ll remember for years to come. Choose a well-known song for the band to play, or ask the DJ to create a mashup of genres so you can transition from a graceful waltz into a energetic salsa or swing dance routine. Hire a professional to choreograph the dance and be sure to rehearse it (in the shoes you’ll wear at the wedding). If neither of you are particularly good dancers, opt for a slow romantic song and go all out on light or smoke effects to make your simple moves look more dynamic.
Moments that Matter.
Discover a world of bespoke possibilities to bring your dream wedding to life at our iconic Forbes Five-Star resort. For every couple’s wish, our talented wedding specialists are dedicated to making it come true. 888.881.2531
SalamanderResort.com
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There are endless possibilities when it comes to enhancing your wedding experience in Loudoun! Trendy restaurants, lush vineyards, outdoor adventures and more await your indulgence. It’s not only the wedding day that Loudoun caters to. Loudoun has something for every stage of a courtship.
Beyond
ENGAGEMENTS
There’s nothing more romantic as a proposal in a vineyard. Greenhill Winery and Vineyards in Middleburg has rolling views of Piedmont and seasonally, offers a horse drawn carriage to transport you through the vines. Nearby Goodstone Inn & Restaurant has more than superb fine dining and will help you set up a proposal area, with champagne. At Bluemont Vineyard in western Loudoun, soak in stunning east-facing vistas and book an engagement package where you can propose in the vines. We’ll toast to that.
BACHELOR PARTIES There’s 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. Nearby, iFly is for people who want to fly without going to astronaut school. Channel your medieval warrior at hot axe throwing spot Axes and O’s in Sterling, and when the action is done, head to hopping Leesburg meat emporium Schmidt’s Barbecue for ribs, briskets and local beer in the spacious back yard. If it’s summer, try rafting the Potomac River from Harpers Ferry Adventure Center whose base is also home to lively beerhall Harpers Ferry Brewing Company.
d the big day... BRIDAL SHOWERS
Pamper your friends at one of our spas. Lansdowne Resort & Spa offers innovative therapies and a sumptuous salon. The Forbes five-star Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg has a range of body treatments and rejuvenating facials. For people with a sweet tooth, The Conche at the Village at Leesburg is a chocolate-themed restaurant and cocktail bar with spacious new out-door 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, ambience 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.
REHEARSHAL DINNERS Restaurants for those all-important, pre- wedding dinners run the gamut from fine dining to low key. The Lightfoot Restaurant in downtown Leesburg is a classic replete with chandeliers, spiral staircase and an innovative New American menu. DC Prime Steaks & Lobsters in Ashburn is an upscale steakhouse with fine wines, but if you prefer something
more local with a great atmosphere, Tuscarora Mill in Leesburg and its Purcellville sister Magnolias, are both beloved gems with burger-meets-bistro menus and ample outdoor seating. For a more lively scene, Vanish Farmwoods Brewery near Lucketts has great on-site BBQ and craft beer, 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, handcrafted goods – sheep’s wool gloves, hats, scarves – 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. Our historic downtowns meanwhile are retail destinations too, with a slate of chic stores and trendy boutiques selling fashionable home décor and upscale urban gifts and accessories. Don’t miss Middleburg’s Washington Street and Leesburg’s King Street, the county’s two leading retail thoroughfares.
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Wedding Directory
Accommodations/Venues
Belmont Country Club
Birkby House
East Lynn Farm
(703) 723-5330 BelmontCountryClub.com
(703) 777-2700 BirkbyHouse.com
weddings@eastlynnfarm.com eastlynnfarm.com
Kalero Vineyard
River Creek Club
Riverside on the Potomac
Seven Springs
West Belmont Place
(540) 717-8119 KaleroVineyard.com
Salamander Resort & Spa (888) 881-2531 SalamanderResort.com
(703) 779-2022 ClubCorp.com/clubs/ river-creek-club/
(800) 452-2223, ext. 7279 7springs.com/weddings
(703) 362-7878 CathyEbrada.com
(703) 729-8000 ConferenceCenter.com
Beauty
Attire/Fashion
Ebrada Atelier
(571) 528-1065 RiversideonthePotomac.com
Fashion Irina – Custom Wedding Gowns fashionirina.wordpress.com
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Alya Salon & Spa (703) 281-2592 AlyaSalon.com
Beauty
Jenny’s Salon
Caterers
Glammed by Mima
Mission BBQ
(540) 338-7634 JennysHairSalon.com
703-895-2938 https://sites.google.com/ view/glammedbymima
(703) 495-2746 Mission-BBQ.com/catering
Rochelle Myers Catering
Savior Fare Limited
The Polished Foxx
(540) 338-8300 SavoirFareLimited.com
(703) 495-2746 thepolishedfoxx.com
Fun Country Kettle Corn
Very Virginia Shop
(703) 791-9328 RochelleMyersCatering.com
Gifts & Favors
Kitchen Traditions Bridal Registry (615) 832-2387 bridalregistry.today
(540) 533-4731 funcountrykettlecorn.com
Flowers
Rick’s Flowers
703-439-9129 RicksFlowers.com
(703) 973-6400 veryvirginia.com
Invitations
Twinbrook Floral Designs (703) 978-3700 TwinbrookFloralDesign.com
Turnage & Watts
turnageandwatts.com
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Jewelry
Diamond Lake Jewelry (571) 293-1117 DiamondLakeJewelry. jewelershowcase.com
Love Loudoun Weddings (301) 662-1163 @loveloudounweddings
Local Resources
Hunt Country Celebrations
huntcountrycelebrations.com
Potomac Mortgage Advisors
(703) 406-8200 potomacmortgageadvisors.com
Love County Bed & Breakfast Guild loudounbandb.com
Prenup Pros
(800) 995-1535 PrenupPros.com
Music/Entertainment
Visit Loudoun
(703) 771-2170 VisitLoudoun.org
A2Z Music Factory (703) 444-1562 a2zMusicFactory.com
Baraat Brass
(301) 467-1504 baraatbrass.com
Photography
Olivera Entertainment (703) 724-0505 OliveraMusic.com
Swingtopia
(301) 467-1504 swingtopiajazz.com
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A Natural Portrayal Photography (304) 707-7540 anaturalportrayal.com
An Endless Pursuit Photo & Video anendlesspursuit.com
Facebook.com/anendlesspursuit Instagram.com/anendlesspursuit
Photo Booth
The Marigold Bus & Booth
(248) 895-3031 MarigoldBusandBooth.com
Alex Mangione Photography
Santa Ana Photography
(607) 377-7317 AlexMangionePhotography.com
(248) 895-3031 SantaAnaPhotos.com
Planning & Decor
Rentals
An Exceptional Event
Capital Party Rentals
(703) 505-3677 AnExceptionalEvent.com
(703) 661-8290 CapitalPartyRentals.com
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Imagine your special day at the Heartstone Barn at Kalero Vineyard
Purcellville, VA · www.kalerovineyard.com
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