Bridal News

Just because there’s snow on the ground, it doesn’t mean events aren’t happening out at Grandale Farm, located just west of Leesburg off Route 9. Chef Author Clark and the staff are preparing special Valentine’s Day dinners for two, in addition to their regular fare, the weekend of 2/13-14,

And if you’re looking for something different to do, check out the Dinner Theatre at Grandale Farm. On Feb. 27, Entree Act will perform “Are We There Yet?” in the Grandale Assembly Hall. Enjoy fine cuisine and a play for $65 per person. Reservations are required and tickets may be purchased online.

There’s also a full slate of music on the February calendar with performances by Marty Fair (2/11), Steve DeVries (2/13 and 2/19), Andy Hawk (2/18), The Zekiah Swamp Cats (2/20) and Jake and the Burtones (2/25). Musical performances are held in the restaurant and start at 7pm.

Grandale Farm is available for weddings and rehearsal dinners and Chef Author and his staff can also provide off-premise catering. To learn more about Grandale Farm and to make dinner reservations, call 540.668.6000.

Cindie

Yummmmm. If you’re a carnivore, that’s what comes to mind when you think of Ruth’s Chris. With three restaurants in Northern Virginia, Ruth’s Chris can provide a first class rehearsal dinner experience in one of their well-appointed private rooms.

The restaurants are also available for daytime wedding receptions. There are no room fees and all three properties offer valet parking. Ruth’s Chris offers high quality, affordable packages in the $51-$75 range.

At 4100 Monument Corner Drive, the Fairfax Ruth’s Chris can easily accommodate up to 70 guests for a rehearsal dinner and you can take over the entire restaurant for a daytime event and seat up to 200. There’s a patio for cocktails. And at this location, off premise catering is available.

Located at 8152 Leesburg Pike you’ll find the Tysons Corner Ruth’s Chris. This restaurant features an intimate private party room that can accommodate up to 60 for a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or a small wedding. It too offers an outside reception area.

Completing the trio is the famous Crystal City Ruth’s Chris, located on the 11th floor of 2231 Crystal Drive. This restaurant features wonderful views of DC and Reagan National Airport and offers several room options. This property can accommodate up to 200 guests for a daytime wedding and provide a Kosher style menu.

To see the Fairfax or Tysons locations, contact Sales Manager Ellen Fatigati at 703.266.1004 (Fairfax) or 703.848.4290 (Tysons). To see the Arlington location, contact Sales Manager Catherine Robertson at 703.979.7275.

Cindie

Our area offers a wide variety of country clubs, and Bowling Green Country Club, located just outside of Front Royal, is truly one of our hidden jewels.

Ceremony at Bowling Green

This facility, with lovely views of the Blue Ridge and an arbor perfect for outdoor wedding ceremonies, can accommodate up to 350 guests. They also offer a fabulous value for the dollar, with packages under $50 per person. With those kinds of savings, it’s worth the drive!

Event director Brian Jones just sent me the following “hot dates” still available for your Spring wedding: March 6, 13, and 27 and April 3 and 10. Book one of these dates and receive $500 off your room rental when you mention Brides & Weddings.

To schedule a tour of the club, call Brian at 540.635.2095.

Cindie

Holiday Inn Terrace

Erin Hobson, Catering Sales Manager of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites and Crowne Plaza Alexandria, just sent me these “hot dates” for wedding receptions.

Book your wedding for any of the following dates, and receive 10% off your package when you mention Brides & Weddings:

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites: Apr. 17, May 15, June 5 & 12, Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Crowne Plaza Old Town: Apr. 24, May 22 & 29, June 19, July 24, Aug. 21 and 28.

These sister properties offer beautiful banquet space and the Holiday Inn features a terrific terrace for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours. They are perfect locations for an in-town wedding weekend.

Erin also has other specials available for other dates. To schedule a tour of either property, contact her at 703.299.4690.

Cindie

Are you (or your fiance) a golfer and looking for a country club setting for your wedding reception? Then check out this offer from Montclair Country Club.

Montclair, located off Route 234, is offering a seasonal membership for a one-time fee of $1700. This membership is good until October 31, and includes access to golf, tennis, swim and social privileges. And by having a membership at Montclair, you will have use of their ballroom with no room fee.

To learn more about this offer and to tour the club, contact Corrina Natale at 703.670.7503 ext. 18.

Cindie

One of my favorite Alexandria restaurants is now offering brunch, starting January 17th.

Stardust Restaurant, located at 608 Montgomery Street at the north end of Old Town, is a fun restaurant with eclectic decor and terrific cuisine. The Sunday Brunch, which starts at 11:30am, will feature classic, Midwestern farm house food. Look for the menu coming soon to their website.

Located within walking distance of three hotels, (Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Crowne Plaza Alexandria and Sheraton Suites Old Town), this cozy eatery makes the perfect place for your out of town guest brunch or rehearsal dinner.

Cindie

Jennifer Bodnar of Regency at Dominion Valley Country Club just sent me these hot reception dates that are still available in May.

Regency at Dominion Valley

Mention Brides & Weddings when you book either May 1st or May 8th and Jennifer will waive your room fee - a $1500 value! Regency offers an elegant ballroom with cherry wood paneling, a covered patio overlooking a water feature and a beautiful amphitheater for outdoor wedding ceremonies.

To learn more about Regency at Dominion Valley and to schedule a tour, contact Jennifer at 571.261.3335 or email jbodnar@westernhospitalitygroup.com

Cindie

This “hot date” just came across my desk, courtesy of Tony Sossa, Event Manager at the Compass & Anchor Club …

June 19th is available at the club - mention Brides & Weddings when you secure this date and you’ll receive 25% off your wedding buffet package. Tony wants to book this date ASAP so take advantage of these savings!

The Compass & Anchor Club is a Knights of Columbus center, located at 401 West Holly Avenue in Sterling. This converted dairy barn can accommodate up to 200 guests and has wedding reception menus in the $51-$75 range. The facility offers wood floors, natural light, two levels and a great staircase. There’s plenty of complimentary parking and nearby hotels for your out of town wedding guests.

To schedule at tour call 703.547.7870 or 571.230.0149 (cell). Tell Tony Brides & Weddings sent ya!

Cindie

Brian Atkins, Director of Events and Catering at the DoubleTree Hotel Crystal City-National Airport, is a driven man these days. He wants weddings, weddings and more weddings! And he’s putting his money where his mouth is by offering a 20% discount on wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners held between now through March 31st.

If you’re engaged to someone in the military (or in the service yourself), it’s hard sometimes to nail down a wedding date, and plans are often made short term. Uncle Sam does not understand wedding planning that’s for sure! But the folks at the Doubletree Crystal City, located at 300 Army Navy Drive, do. Short term - no problem!

This hotel features three rooftop rooms and their famous Sky Dome with some of the best views of DC, along with their Crystal Ballroom and can accommodate events of 50 to 500. Their wedding specialist will create a custom wedding package for you and there are special room rates for your out of town guests.

To learn more about the Doubletree and to schedule a consultation and tour, call Brian at 703.416.3850 or email brian.atkins@hilton.com.

Cindie

If you’re looking for a unique reception venue for your 2010 wedding, you must check out Sunset Crest Manor. This facility, situated on 80 rolling and wooded acres, offers countryside charm yet convenient location - just minutes from I-66 north of Manassas.

Sunset Crest Manor features a two level event structure in the shape of a barn. Adorable on the outside - state of the art on the inside with the latest audio/video equipment and DJ booth. There’s also a built in bar and cozy fireplace. Your off-premise caterer will find their loading dock and kitchen setup a dream. There are also three terraces that are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and tented events.

Joe Cusato, Event Manager at Sunset Crest, is offering an special incentive to book your 2010 event before April 1st. Mention Brides & Weddings and book this space for your Saturday reception for $3750, Sunday for $3000 and Friday for only $2000. To schedule a tour, call 703.967.9148 and be sure to visit www.sunsetcrestmanor.com.

Cindie