Bridal News

On a hot - but gorgeous Sunday - I had the opportunity to see the Manor House at Sunset Crest. I love the “party barn” (accommodates 100) with its built-in bar, DJ booth, fireplace and loft, and all the great terrace space (perfect for tented events and larger parties), and the manor house will definitely be a welcome addition for brides. Imagine your guests socializing around the lovely pool with its brick patio. Or descending down the double spiral staircase for an elegant bridal portrait.

The Manor House at Sunset Crest

Sunset Crest sits on 80 beautiful green acres, located just off Route 234 north of the Manassas Battlefields. It’s a serene environment with a spectacular view of the Bull Run Mountains. The property has an peaceful countryside feeling - yet is close to nearby hotels and Dulles Airport (great for your out of town wedding guests).

Event Coordinator Joe Cusato can help you find all the right wedding partners - from caterers and rentals to florists, musicians and photographers. To schedule your tour, call 703.967.9148.

I always enjoy dropping by the Middleburg Community Center, located in the heart of the village at 300 West Washington Street, and visiting with Director JoAnne Cole.

Established in 1949, this charming community center features the Grand Ballroom - with a stage - that can accommodate 150 guests, a flagstone garden terrace that works well for wedding ceremonies and the Terrace Room which can hold up to 50 for a rehearsal dinner. There’s also a herb garden that’s perfect for wedding photos.

As a rental site, Middleburg Community Center allows the use of licensed and insured caterers. The center can provide you with 60″ round tables (which can seat up to 10 guests), rectangular tables for your buffet and folding chairs. The spacious ballroom works for a variety of seating arrangements and the stage is a great place for your entertainment or even head table.

Office hours are 9am to 4pm. To check on pricing and availability, and to schedule a tour of the center, contact Joanne at 540.687.6373.

The Atrium at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner

With it’s grand ballroom and stunning atrium (perfect for ceremonies and cocktail receptions!), the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner is the epitome of a posh hotel wedding. If you’re thinking of a Fall event, Catering Sales Manager & Wedding Specialist Kendra Johnson has September 18, October 16 and October 30 available. When you book one of these dates and mention Brides & Weddings you’ll receive an upgraded Premium Brand Bar and Kendra will waive the bartender fees. You’ll also receive 50,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points - redeemable at any Hilton (equivalent to one night’s stay - think honeymoon!).

With all-inclusive reception packages in the $126-$150 per person range, the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner offers a convenient location and full service hospitality. The hotel will be undergoing some renovations in the public space in the near future (which will not affect events) that include the creation of a new junior ballroom. Look for more details soon on our Bridal News Blog.

To schedule your tour and consultation, call 703.761.5226.

One of the best parts of my job is touring Northern Virginia’s beautiful reception sites. On a gorgeous summer day, I journeyed out to River Creek Club, located just off Route 7 on Olympic Boulevard in Leesburg.

River Creek lives up to its name with fantastic views of the Potomac River - a perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. The spacious club can host up to 300 and does only one wedding at time, so you have the run of the club. You can host your wedding ceremony on the veranda or in one of the smaller rooms - which are perfect for winter weddings with their fireplaces. There are even rooms available which Private Event Director Alejandra (”Aley”) Montel Rethman can turn into a bridal suite and a groomsmen’s quarters. One room features a TV, DVD player and pull down movie screen that’s perfect for the young wedding guests.

The club prides itself on customizing its wedding packages and averages in the $76 to $100 per person range. All inclusive packages offer three to five hours and include cocktails, champagne toast and wine service, passed hors d’oeuvres and a delicious lunch or dinner.

River Creek has a full Saturday calendar for the rest of 2010, but still has selected Sundays and many Fridays from which to choose. To schedule your personal tour with Aley, call 703.779.2022.

I recently attended the Summer Social of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, held on the rooftop terrace of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites. I had the pleasure of meeting their new Executive Chef Mark Henry and enjoying his fine cuisine. Big time yummy!

Mark joined the Holiday Inn, and its sister property The Crowne Plaza, in May. He is a native of beautiful Jamaica and is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). He received a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Culinary Management and is a Certified Executive Chef. “Mark brings a highly eclectic and well-rounded culinary background to our hotels,” says Wedding Specialist Erin Hobson, “as he has worked in fabulous locations such as the US Virgin Islands, Italy, trained in India, Houston and North Carolina. Most recently Chef Mark came to us from a Marriott Hotel which he opened in North Carolina.”

Mark will be launching The Crowne Plaza’s very first five-course Progressive Dinner which will include beverage pairings alongside each course. Erin says to stay tuned for upcoming dates to enjoy this faulous cuisine, mouth-watering beverages, and electrifying company.

Mark and Erin are sure to make your wedding reception something special, and Erin has the following “hot dates” available at her hotels: Crowne Plaza - July 3, 10, 24; August 14, 21, 28; September 4, 11,18. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - July 17; August 14, 28; September 4, 11. Book one of these dates for your wedding reception and save 15%.

To learn more about these properties and to schedule your tour, contact Erin at 703.299.4960 or email erin.hobson@ihg.com.

One of the hottest wedding dates of the year has to be 10/10/10 - October 10th, 2010. If you are thinking about a Fall wedding and this memorable anniversary date, the new Continental Event Center has the date available for you!

Continental Event Center, located at 9705 Liberia Avenue in Manassas, has two ballrooms - the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests; the Continental Room up to 200. The center has a list of caterers from which to choose, a flexible floor plan, plenty of free parking and a gorgeous bridal suite. Neutral decor, wood floors and crystal chandeliers are part of the decor. To see this lovely facility, call 571.208.1208.

I recently received some “hot dates” from some of my reception site clients and thought I would pass those dates - and the savings - along to my readers:

The new 1757 Golf Club, located at 45120 Waxpool Road, in Dulles/Ashburn, is offering 10% off any wedding reception booked for September, November or December of 2010. This new clubhouse features a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 200 with a wraparound outdoor terrace. The club also offers some wonderful rehearsal dinner packages. To schedule a tour of the club, contact Wedding Specialist Lindsay Goodwin at 703.444.0901.

If you’re in the Gainesville area and looking for a Fall wedding reception, check out Stonewall Golf. Director of Sales Jeanna Hilton has some great November dates available and will waive the room fee when you book your reception. This lovely ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests. To learn more, call 703.753.6156.

And if you’re looking for something closer to DC and closer on the calendar, take a look at the Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston. Director of Catering Grace Radfar has July 10, 17 and 24 and August 7, 14, 21 and 28 available. Mention Brides & Weddings and receive 10% off your wedding package and an additional hour of open bar. This boutique hotel, conveniently located near Ballston Metro, has a ballroom that can comfortably accommodate up to 150 and is perfect for a summer wedding. For more details call 703.243.9800 x7116.

For more “hot dates” and special savings at area venues, check out the Quick Clicks page of our website, www.bridesandweddings.com.

I had the pleasure of recently touring the new Continental Event Center, located at 9705 Liberia Avenue in Manassas. Owner Jim Hester has certainly put his wedding experience to good use (as owner of Sound Wave DJ Services, Jim has worked more than 500 weddings over the years!), designing a facility that totally caters to the bride and her ceremony and reception desires.

The new Continental Event Center

Continental features beautiful ballrooms with natural light, neutral decor, exquisite chandeliers and wall sconces and lovely hardwood floors, offering tremendous flexibility for a variety of room setups. And there’s a terrific bridal chamber that allows convenience and privacy for getting ready for the big day. The facility offers a selection of preferred caterers that vary in price and style, and Jim can recommend other wedding partners as well.

On Sunday, June 13th, Continental will host a Bridal Open House with Helga’s Caterers from 11am to 3pm. What a great opportunity to preview this lovely new venue. Can’t make it by on Sunday? During the month of June, Continental will be hosting Saturday tours from 11am to 2pm. And personal tours at other times can also be arranged.

If you book your 2010 or 2011 reception in the next 30 days, you’ll receive $1000 off the grand ballroom rental with 160 guests or more. Smaller guest list? No problem - save $500 off the grand ballroom with a guest list of 150 or less. And if you use Elite Caterers for your food and beverage, they’ll upgrade your seating to Chiavari chairs at no extra cost!

To RSVP for the open house or to schedule a tour, call 571.208.1208 or email jim@thecontinentalcenter.com.

If you are looking for a large space and you’re on a tight budget, consider the Springfield American Legion, located at 6520 Amherst Avenue. This rental site offers a capacity of up to 200 for a sit down reception and a very reasonable rental rate of only $1500. There’s a separate ceremony area and your choice of caterer is permitted. And there’s a nice variety of guest accommodations in full and limited service hotels nearby.

Doug Wilson, who also manages the weddings at the Fairfax American Legion, can help you with all the rental details. To schedule a tour, call 703.440.0335 or email rentals@vapost176.org.

Hilton Washington Dulles

Short notice reception planning is no problem at the Hilton Washington Dulles. Wedding Specialist Maggie Boshra has July 10, 17, and 24 available at her beautiful hotel, located just off Route 28. Mention Brides & Weddings when you book your reception for one of these wedding dates and receive 20% off your total package. To schedule your tour call 703.834.1991.