ROANOKE.LOVE
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A Virginia Family Publication
Josh Eagan Publisher
Andrea Eagan Editor-in-Chief
Tracy Fisher Creative Director
Jackie Moon Editor Sales
Lisa Bowers
Ashley Vigorito
Contributions by:
Sarah Pendleton
Michael Fisher
Jackie Moon
Ashley Vigorito
Lisa Bowers
Special Thanks to: Sinkland Farms
Casey’s Cakes Pumperknickel Pickle
Mountain Lake Lodge Azario Salon
Pete Dye River Course
Contact Us (540) 251-1660 PO Box 12263 Roanoke, VA 24024 tracy@virginiafamily.com
We welcome reader’s comments, submissions ans the support of advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse and edit any materials submitted to us that we deem inappropriate for our audience. Please include a selfaddressed envelope with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsibility for any unsolicited submissions.
Roanoke.Love is a Virginia Family Publication, because all families start with love. Roanoke.Love is published twice a year. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Virginia Family, its staff or contributors. Information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to presetn accurate information, we do not in any way accept the responsibility for the accuracy thereof or consquences from the use of this information or businesses and organizations presented within. We urge everyone to consult with an appropriate professional concerning any question or information. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or whole without the express written consent of the publisher.
©Copyright 2018 Virginia Family Publications
“In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love...” -Lord Tennyson
When people asked why we at Virginia Family wanted to start a local wedding magazine I told them the answer was simple- all families start with love.
Our flagship publication, Growing Up in the Valley is known for being the best resource for families in the southwest Virginia area. There we focus on local businesses that support families, but we know those families all had to begin with love.
Roanoke.Love is dedicated to helping local couples plan their celebration. We prepared an indepth guide with the best local caterers, venues, musicians, and bakeries.
Weddings can be a stressful time in a couple’s relationship and Roanoke. Love is here to be a source of planning, organization and stategy. We want to share your celebrations as well, you can send wedding photos and stories to Tracy@virginiafamily.com!
Josh Eagan, Publisher
Plan The POP
How to create a perfect proposal you will remember for a lifetime.
You are planning on popping the question to your beloved! They are the one you want to grow old with, build a life with and the one with whom you want to share the good and bad. Roanoke.Love is here with some top tips to make your proposal picture perfect and a lovely memory to last a lifetime.
First, make sure you and your partner are in the same place in your relationship. We often advise that the question shouldn’t be the big surprise, but rather the method of delivery should be what shocks your partner with delight. Have discussions about your relationship’s goals, where you see yourself personally and professionally in a few years and if your partner’s own goals mesh well. There is no set length of time to know if you will be good marriage partners, but rather a deepness of your relationship. Some couples find themselves knowing within a short few months (or even weeks) that their partner is the one for them. Other couples need to take their time to test
the waters of a lifelong commitment. Do not feel pressured to compare yourself to other couples, everyone is different. Some couples even go as far to set the date for the wedding before the official proposal happens!
Secondly, know your partner! This seems obvious, but if your partner is shy, quiet and introverted, a giant, involved public proposal may make them feel uncomfortable. However, a more lively, extroverted person may feel let down if their special moment didn’t have an audience. You should know how involved your partner wants their friends and family in the proposal- and if it is important to them that you have their parent’s permission beforehand. (Some find the tradition charming and sweet, others think it is old-fashioned.) Then of course, you should know your partner’s feelings about jewelry if you plan to use a ring. You can snoop (or send a friendly spy!) on their current collection of jewelry to find out metal preferences or allergies and ring sizes.
Third, practice the moment. This is especially important if your proposal involves many moving parts. Show any of your conspirators the space beforehand. Don’t forget to practice what you’ll say before popping the big question! You don’t need to have a speech memorized, but there may be things you want to remember to express and practicing keeps you from forgetting in the highly emotional moment.
knee. You can use other proposals as inspiration of course, but try to not copy anyone else directly. The moment will mean so much more to you and your partner if you’ve taken the time to customize it to your relationship.
You will also want to prepare for the memories. This is a story you and your partner will be repeating for years to come. If possible, sneak a professional photographer to your location and have them literally capture the magical moment for you. Your partner will treasure the photos and be touched by your forethought. If a photographer would be out of place, try a disguised friend with a smart phone camera!
Instead of waiting until the end of a lovely evening with your partner to propose, consider starting the night off with it. You can then spend the rest of the date celebrating (alone or with friends and family) Some partners can’t hardly wait to show off their new ring and tell the world how excited they are to marry you. Starting the night with the proposal keeps them from having to wait until the next morning.
Lastly, be prepared for you best-laid plans to fall apart. Weather can affect outdoor locations, a friend could spill the beans early, you may get tongue tied and forget everything you practiced! Laugh off the troubles and move on to a back up plan, don’t get these small problems ruin the moment!
Next, you will want to make sure the moment is personal. Think about the location and what it means to you as a couple. Maybe it’s a park you frequent on dates, or the building you two first met. If possible, have a special song playing, or start to play right before you go down on one
Share your proposal with Roanoke.Love by emailing photos and story to tracy@virginiafamily.com
Interview with Pumperknickel Pickle Catering Sarah Pendleton from
How did your catering company get started?
After many years in healthcare, I wanted a change. It was a great honor in my life to take care of people, but being an HSP, I began to not cope so well with the constant illness, death, and all the negative aspects of care-taking. Willie meanwhile, had worked many years in catering and I sort of managed to talk him into giving it a go. We had very humble beginnings and almost never agree on anything, but we work hard to meet in the middle and each bring a balance that has made this company successful beyond anything we had ever imagined.
What kind of food does your company specialize in?
We do a little bit of everything. We kind of specialize in special events as a whole. We always are seeking the balance between trends and always evolving with that, but finding foods that appeal to a great deal of people at once. We have to assess each client and their priorities, you may have someone who wants traditional Southern flair or you may have a couple seeking to bring elements of their culture together so the kitchen might be breaking out the curry and sattu or having your mixologist research the perfect pisco sour recipe and method for bulk batching.
We have to plan logistically how to bring our mobile kitchen capabilities to the venue so that items are made
as fresh as possible, we have to feed a lot of people in a short amount of time, and we have to make sure it knocks their socks off. It is a challenge, but so worth it when you see guests enjoying the experience of great company and amazing food.
What is your personal favorite style of food?
My personal favorite is Southern breakfast/brunch. I personally believe that breakfast every hour could save the world.
What’s the largest single event you’ve ever catered for?
We have done several shift jobs of 400 plus, though most times the large events are really a breeze!
If you weren’t a caterer, what career do you think you’d have?
I would be a big fat and happy chocolatier or Hotelier on the Scottish coast.
Any memorable clients or events?
We have so many wonderful and memorable clients, and we often keep in touch with them. They are all very special to me and you can become quite close to some as you can work together for a year or more on a reception.
Some more memorable moments would be removing a rattlesnake from the ladies room, meeting a very drunk Baroness of France and entertaining her with my French, helping a groom with a spontaneous pnemothorax from dancing, and trying to keep food
hot in January at 6 degrees in a barn working out of a box truck come to mind!
What is your pet peeve when it comes to clients?
My clients are perfect and never ever irritate me, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be when they have wrinkled linens from purchasing them online instead of having nice pressed linen from a rental company.
What is the number one piece of advice you’d give to engaged couples preparing for their reception?
Do your research and make sure you love your vendor team. This is more important than anything else! Who wants to work with someone you don’t enjoy! You will never be able to relax and enjoy yourself if you can’t trust
them to deliver for you! Then, LISTEN to what they say, this is what they do every single day.
Get a wedding planner who is not your family or friend. Make sure the vendors you choose are licensed and please do not buy your own linen! You don’t save that much money-your time pressing them or the cost of pressing them at a cleaners is just as much if not more.
Capturing Memories
It’s important to find the right fit with your photographer. They are vital in creating the long-lasting memories that you will look at for years to come. At your first consultation, be prepared with these questions to make sure you get the style and quality you are looking for.
How would you describe your style of photography and can I see examples?
Have you ever photographed a wedding at my venue before?
Will you be the one photographing my wedding?
What if you get sick or an emergency comes up and you can’t photograph my wedding?
Are you insured?
Can I see the full album from a wedding?
What do your packages include?
How and when will I receive my proofs?
How do you like to schedule a wedding day?
Do you shoot mostly in black and white or color?
How long have you been photographing weddings and how many weddings do you photograph a year?
What do you love most about photographing weddings?
Can I see a contract?
Photography
Preparation
Getting styled and made up
Detail shots of gown and tux in ready room
Detail shots of something old, new, borrowed and blue
Candid shots of wedding party getting ready
Detail shots of bouquets and flowers
Candid shots of wedding party putting on couple’s final touches such as bride’s veil and groom’s cuff-links
Parents seeing couple for first time fully dressed
Close up shot of rings
Ceremony
Exterior and interior shots of location
Couple’s first look
Bridal party as they go down the aisle
Bride’s entrance
Parents reaction during ceremony
Candid shots of guests reaction during ceremony
Close up of couple during vow exchange and ring ceremony
Close up of any special moments such as readings, musical numbers or candle lighting
The kiss!
The newly-weds leaving the venue
Hugs and reception line candid shots
Portraits
Bride and Groom
Bride with Siblings
Parents
Bridal party
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Maid of Honor
New in-laws
Flower girl
Ring Bearer
Groom with Siblings
Parents
Bridal party
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Best Man
New in-laws
Flower girl
Ring Bearer
Reception
Close up shots of table decor, place settings, guestbook and memoriam display
Cake and cake cutting
Detail shots of food and speciality drinks
Candid shots of guests dancing and celebrating
Portraits of toasts
First dance
Mother/son dance
Father/daughter dance
Bouquet toss
Newly-wed’s departure
Fun with Food no need to stick with stuffy traditional meals at your wedding. Customize your menu to match your personality!
Breaking Tradition
A great party needs three things: Good friends, good music, and good food. Learn how modern couples are breaking tradition with their reception menu.
There is nothing wrong with a plated dinner with a simple salad, pasta side and your guest’s choice of chicken or fish. The traditional American wedding food has lasted for so long because it is delicious and often a decent price for the quality. But with many modern couples wishing to express their personalities and shake up the traditions of their forefathers, new and interesting food options are becoming more available.
Barbecue
A southern summer party staple has snuck its way into wedding fare. Barbecue is extremely customizable for both flavor and price. It also is one of the simpler dishes to cook in large quantities for the do-it-yourself couples. Some couples even give small custom-made bottles of barbecue sauce as wedding favors to their guests.
Taco Bar
This option may be our editor’s favorite, but for a very good reason. A taco bar (or any build-your-own style meal) is perfect for guests with allergies or food aversions. Allowing the guests to customize their own dinner insures they will enjoy it fully.
Food Trucks
Turn your reception in a full on block party by hiring a food truck to provide the refreshments. There are several different styles of cuisine available in Roanoke an the surrounding areas; from hamburgers to gourmet grilled cheese to thai to hot dogs. Perfect for a fun loving couple who wants their wedding to be remembered for a long time to come.
Pot Lucks
Food can be one of the biggest costs for a wedding reception. The idea of feeding fifty, one hundred or even two hundred people a meal can be very daunting. Many couples have turned to a pot luck style meal. They ask for guests to bring a family favorite dish in lieu of gifts, or have the wedding party combine forces to pull together a meal. You can also ask guests to bring a copy of the recipe to create a keepsake for the couple.
Donuts & Cookies
Somewhere in history, cakes became the default dessert for weddings. Many couples find they prefer a different sweet treat. Donut towers and cookie buffets are a great way to cater to your tastes.
Springtime Love
Take inspiration from this sweet, natural, springtime wedding. Soft pastel colors allow the location’s natural beauty really shine through. Decor is simple but purposeful and easily used in various designs.
Photos by Ryan Polei
Happily Ever After
Bakeries & Catering
Bella Events Catering Serves Roanoke Area (540) 330-6544 bellaeventsonline.com
Blue Ridge Catering 522 Salem Avenue Roanoke, VA (540) 982-7700 blueridgecatering.net
Classic Caterers
274 Floyd Highway, Floyd, VA (877) 226-1107 chefrichperry.com
Fresh Baked 611 S Jefferson Street Roanoke, VA (540) 493-6812 freshbakedva.com
Harvest Moon Catering 3352 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA (434) 296-9091 hmcatering.com
HazelBea Catering 6226 University Park Drive Radford, VA (540) 267-6648 hazelbeacatering.com
Kellycakes Serves Roanoke Area (540) 676-8993 kellycakes.com
La Bella Torta 1575 McIver Ferry Road Lynchburg, VA (434) 485-1221 labellatorta.wixsite.com/ labellatorta
Love is in the Air 173A Vista Centre Drive Forest, VA (434) 841-3444 loveisintheairevents.com
Mosiac Catering + Events 3001 Cutshaw Ave Richmond , VA (804) 525-2190 mosaiccateringevents.com
OMO Catering 6329 Mallory Drive, Richmond, VA (804) 288-2653 omocatering.com
Personal Touch Catering 17 Owens Hall, Blacksburg, VA (540) 231-5827 catering.vt.edu
Pumpernickel Pickle Catering
910 South College Ave Salem, VA (540) 797-6550 pumpernickelpicklecatering.com
Shaal’s Catering & Events 717 13th Street SW Roanoke, VA (540) 343-2577
Sweethaus Bakery 843 W Main St Charlottesville, VA (434) 422-2677 sweethaus.com
Traditions Catering & Events
1201 Club House Drive, Chesapeake, VA (757) 550-3582 traditionscateringva.com
Viva La Cupcake 2123 Crystal Spring Ave Roanoke VA 24014 (540) 204-3100 vivalacupcakes.com
Wildflour Restaurant & Bakery 1212 4th Street SW Roanoke, VA (540) 343-4543 wildflour4thst.com
Willow Pond Bakery 1302 Grandin Rd. SW Roanoke, VA (540) 595-7774 willowpondbakery.com
937 Estates Road SE Roanoke, VA (540) 427-5538 www.caseyscakes.com
“I would highly recommend Casey’s Cakes; all of our guests talked about how great it tasted and looked!” - Leah S.
Have the Time of Your Life Rustic and Charming, the Mountain Lake Lodge offers venue spaces for many different style weddings.
Local Venues
Back Creek Farm
528 Back Creek Lane Buchanan, VA 24066 (540) 816-0552
Blacksburg Country Club 1064 Clubhouse Road Blacksburg, VA (540) 552-9165 blacksburgcc.com
Chantilly Farm
2697 Franklin Pike, SE Floyd, VA 24091 (540) 353-5898 chantillyfarm.com
Charter Hall in the City Market Building
32 Market Square SE Roanoke, VA (540) 986-5992 citymarketbuilding.com
Claytor Lake State Park 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive Dublin, VA 24084 (540) 643-2500
Corinthian Ballroom 109 Kirk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 982-1188 thecorinthianballroom.com
Fairy Stone State Park 967 Fairystone Lake Drive Stuart, VA 24171 (276) 930-2424
Fincastle Vineyard 203 Maple Ridge Lane Fincastle, VA 24090 (540) 591-9000 fincastlewine.com
Historic Smithfield Plantation
1000 Smithfield Plantation Rd Blacksburg, VA (540) 231-3947 smithfieldplantation.org
Hotel Roanoke 110 Shenandoah Ave NW Roanoke, VA (540) 985-5900 hotelroanoke.com
Jefferson Center 541 Luck Ave SW Roanoke, VA (540) 343-2624 Jeffcenter.org
King George Inn 315 King George Avenue SW Roanoke, VA (757) 675-4034 kinggeorgeinnbandb.com
The Kyle House 101 E Main St Fincastle, VA (540) 819-1483 schaalsevents.com/kyle.php
The Maridor 1857 Grandin Road Roanoke, VA (540) 982-1940 themaridor.com
Mariners Landing Resort 1217 Graves Harbor Trl, Huddleston, VA (540) 537-3999 mariners-resort.com
Mill Mountain Zoo & Park 2404 Prospect Road Roanoke, VA 24014 (540) 343-3241 mmzoo.org
Mountain Lake Lodge 115 Hotel Circle Pembroke, VA (540) 626-7121 mtnlakelodge.com
Mountain View 714 13th Street SW Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 853-2236
Nesselrod Bed & Breakfast 7535 Lee Highway Radford, VA (540) 731-4970 nesselrod.com
The Penthouse at Center in the Square 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA (540) 923-2533 penthouseroanoke.com
Pete Dye River Course
8400 River Course Dr. Radford, VA (540) 633-6732 petedyerivercourse.com
Roanoke Country Club
3360 Country Club Drive Roanoke, VA 24017 (540) 345-1508 Ext. 401 roanokecountryclub.org
Rockwood Manor 5189 Rockwood Road Dublin, VA 24084 (540) 674-1328 rockwood-manor.com
Sinkland Farms
3020 Riner Rd, Christiansburg, VA (540) 382-4647 sinklandfarms.com
Sundara 453 Apple Lane Boones Mill, VA 24065 (540) 488-4715 mysundara.com
Taubman Museum of Art
110 Salem Avenue SE Roanoke, VA 24011 (540) 204-4139 taubman.org
Whitebarrel Winery 4025 Childress Road
Christiansburg, VA (540) 382-7619 whitebarrel.com
Wisteria Ridge Events 765 Algoma Road Callaway, VA 24067 (540) 483-8368 Wisteriaridge.net
Woodland Place 935 Niagara Road Vinton, VA 24179 (540) 982-9759 thewoodlandplace.com
Featured Venue Sinkland Farms
3020 Riner Road Christiansburg, VA (540) 382-4647 sinklandfarms.com
Enjoy the southern charm of this beautiful historic farm. With outdoor and indoor venue options, Sinkland Farms is a perfect choice for a rustic summer time wedding.
“The entire property is gorgeous. From the beautiful house to the meadows ceremony site. It has something to offer for everyone. I highly recommend Sinkland!” -Wendy
(540) 362-6021 • bfoutz2@hollins.edu eventplanning.hollins.edu
Photography & Entertainment
Bachelor Boy Band
Serves VA, DC, MD, PA, & DE (412) 523-9462 bachelorboysband.com
Blake Prim Photography 1524 Main St SW Roanoke, VA (704) 221-8127 blakeprimphotography.com
Blue Ridge Entertainment Serves all of Virginia (540) 254-0035 blueridgeentertainment.net
Brian Mo Entertainment Serves Roanoke, VA (540) 384-0494
Click, Create, Connect Roanoke, VA (540) 529-7293 clickcreateconnect.com
DV Entertainment Serves Roanoke, New River Valley, Lynchburg, and Central VA (540) 440-1383 dventertainment.com
Grinnin’ Booth PO Box 11192 Lynchburg, VA (434) 258-7676 grinninbooth.com
Kama Photography Serves Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Roanoke (720) 270-5345 thekamaphotography.com
Kemper Mils Fant Photography and Design 919 Winona Ave SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 312-8460 kempermillsfant.com
Kevin Hurley Photography 1360 Maple Ave SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 345-3055 kevinhurleyphotography.com
Los Gatos Wedding Band 3809 Shadylawn Ave., Roanoke, VA (540) 815-3444 losgatos.cc
Memories 2 Capture Photobooth Serves Virginia (804) 223-5672 memories2capture photobooth.com
Molly Hagan Photography Serves Roanoke, Blacksburg, Charlottesville & Lynchburg (540) 835-3229 mollyhaganphotography.com
Over the Moon Photography 3633 View Avenue Roanoke, VA (540) 774-1170 lmvphotos.blogspot.com
Pat Cori Photography Serves Roanoke, Blacksburg, Charlottesville & DC (540) 204-3565 patcoriphotography.com
Photos by Farmer Vinton, VA (540) 589-0675
Quest Entertainment 516 Arbutus Ave Roanoke, VA (540) 588-1113 quest-entertainment.com
Sam Dean Photography 1032 Jeanette Avenue Vinton, VA (540) 309-7761 samdeanphotography.com
Schaffer Photography 5107 Hazelridge Rd NW, Roanoke, VA (540) 521-4690
Southern Virginia Harpist 4907 Lantern St Roanoke, VA (540) 818-4547 southernvirginiaharpist.com
Star City Photobooth 1401 Plantation Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 818-2746 starcityphotobooth.com
Featured Entertainer
Click, Create, Connect
Serves Roanoke, VA (540) 529-7293 clickcreateconnect.com
Click, Create, Connect allows you to take your reception photobooth to the next level. You can customize your backgrounds and foreground and print on site!
“At our wedding, we used the photo booth as our photo guest book. We were able to select our own backgrounds which allowed for our personalities and personal touch. From there our guests could cut loose and share their personalities while creating fun memories of our day for us and them.”
Wedding Planning Timeline
Just Engaged
Create guest list.
Choose a few wedding dates. Decide on your style of wedding Determine your budget. Book your engagement photo session.
Send out save the date cards.
6 months to 1 year before
Choose your wedding party. Book a venue.
Order bridesmaid dresses and wedding gown.
Book hotel room block.
Attend pre-marriage counselling. Consult with wedding planner or point-person for day of activities.
Book vendors:
Photographer Band and/or DJ
Videographer Transportation
Bakery Florist
Hairstylist Make-up Artist
4 to 6 months before
Finalize ceremony music. Register for gifts.
Order invitations, thank you cards and programs.
Begin any DIY craft/decor projects. Organize wedding time line.
Book any day of rentals such as table settings.
Order wedding bands.
Schedule first dress fittings.
Book any formal-wear rentals.
Meet with vendors and confirm design details
2 to 4 months before
Schedule a dry run for hair & makeup styles.
Final dress fittings. Book facial, massage, nail and eyebrow appointments for 2-4 days before wedding.
Purchase bridal party gifts. Mail invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
Finalize dress rehearsal details.
1 Month before
Create seating chart & complete place cards.
Schedule bridal portrait session. Create must-have pose list for your photographer.
Obtain marriage license. Make final payments to vendors. Confirm plans with all vendors.
1 Week before
Pack honeymoon luggage. Organize wedding day toiletries and supplies
Prepare bride and groom gifts
Enjoy your massage, facial and nail appointments!
Honeymoon in Southwest Virginia
After all, Virginia is for lovers.
The honeymoon can be the more exciting part of your wedding celebration to plan. You don’t need to travel hundreds of miles or fly to exotic locations to have a good time with your beloved though. After all, Virginia is for Lovers. Virginia is uniquely placed to have access to almost every climate for all vacation preferences.
Roanoke is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, full of geological wonders like warm springs and labyrinth-like caverns. Couples who prefer outdoors recreation such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing can find many trails and cliffs to suit their needs.
If you prefer the hustle and bustle of a larger city, Richmond and Washington D.C. and their urban sprawl is where you can find great local restaurants, theatres, art galleries and museums.
A more traditional beach vacation can also be found at Virginia Beach; though for the best water activity appropriate weather you may want to wait until the height of summer. Resorts, hotels, and short-term condos dot the coastline, giving you a plethora of choice and amenities.
Within a day’s drive of southwest Virginia are several theme parks, water resorts, skiing resorts and more. There is something for everyone and every style of honeymoon you desire.
