Bridal News

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.

I had the pleasure on Sunday of taking a ride out Route 66 to the Northern VA countryside, stopping first to see Susan Boyce’s adorable stand for The Cheesecake Garden at The Plains Farmer’s Market (just off I-66 at Route 245). If you are looking for a different kind of wedding cake, dessert bar or favors, you should check out Susan’s work. She is a wealth of ideas and talent!

Outdoor ceremony site

My travels then lead me to Front Royal to visit Bowling Green Country Club. Or I should say clubs, as this facility boasts two separate event venues. Both rooms can accommodate large events (about 300 for a wedding reception). Each room as a stage for entertainment, and the south club’s room boasts a fantastic view of the golf course and nearby mountains. The south club also has a gorgeous outdoor ceremony site with a pergola.

Prices at Bowling Green are very reasonable - there are wedding packages for less than $50 per person. For guest accommodations, there’s a nearby, newly constructed Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites. Bowling Green Country Club is located about 10 miles north of I-66, off Route 522. To schedule a tour of the club, contact event specialist Brian Jones at 540.635.2095.

Cindie

If you’re looking at a 2010 wedding date, you need to check out this new reception venue on the banks of the Occoquan River - Harbour View.

From now until August 31st, receive $200 off your site rental for your 2010 wedding reception. As a new facility, Harbour View offers a wide choice of dates this year. Rates are based on capacity and date/time of day, so there’s a lot of flexbility with pricing.

Harbour View, located at 13200 Marina Way in Woodbridge, has capacity for up to 400 guests, a wonderful balcony on three sides, lots of natural light, a great pre-function area, covered patio ceremony site, and terrific kitchen for your choice of caterers.

The view from the ballroom

To schedule your tour, call 703.910.4273 and be sure to mention Brides & Weddings for your $200 discount.

Cindie

Events manager Janet Renner just sent me an email giving some last minute openings at The Patriot Hall in Vienna. November 21st and 28th, as well as December 5th are available. Mention Brides & Weddings and receive a special offer when you book your event.

I like to describe The Patriot Hall as a “tree house for adults” - the room has an elevated line of sight and features wood floors, brick fireplace (how cozy!) and lots of windows. Packages include catering and linens and begin at $35 per person. The venue can accommodate up to 180 persons.

For more details, call 703.625.5736 and visit www.thepatriothall.com.

Cindie

When it comes to reception sites, City Palace is a hidden jewel. Located in a pristine new office building just off the Route 234 Bypass in Manassas, City Palace offers a lovely contemporary reception space that features natural light, crystal chandeliers and wall sconces, neutral decor, a gorgeous wooden bar, a dance floor that can be set up in any part of the room, and great audio-video capabilities - perfect for those photo montages of you and your new husband.

In addition to the reception room, City Palace also offers a separate ceremony room and a rooftop that’s a natural for an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour. Room rates are very, very reasonable and you can bring in your own licensed/insured caterer, or work with one of their recommended vendors. Middle Eastern and South Asian weddings are most welcome.

City Place has some great dates available over the next few months for your wedding reception. Hot dates include Nov. 28th, Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Mention Brides & Weddings when you book your reception and receive complimentary use of their bridal salon - a delightful space for you and maids to change, freshen up your makeup or just chill out.

To schedule a consultation and tour, contact Ghazala Ali at 703.330.9991 or email gali@citypalaceinc.com. And be sure to visit www.citypalaceinc.com.

Cindie

The view from the ballroom

Are you looking for a truly unique venue with a million dollar view? Look no further than Harbour View, a new facility on the banks of the Occoquan in Woodbridge. This Sunday, October 11th, the folks at Harbour View are hosting a Bridal Fun Day from 1 to 5pm. There will be delicious food and several local wedding professionals on hand dispensing great advice. You can also pick up your complimentary copy of Brides & Weddings of Northern Virginia (www.bridesandweddings.com).

Room setup at Harbour View

This lovely venue offers two different ballrooms, beautiful decor, lots of windows, a three sided deck and an open air veranda that’s perfect for your ceremony or cocktail hour. This rental site has a great list of preferred caterers which will allow you to customize your day to fit your dreams and budget.

Harbour View is conveniently located off Route 1 at 13200 Marina Way. To learn more about the complimentary Fun Day, call 703.910.4273 or email info@harbourviewevents.com.

Cindie

Heritage Hunt

I had the pleasure of attending a bridal open house last Sunday at Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club, located in Gainesville. Heritage Hunt recently remodeled their spacious ballroom which features natural light, a raised stage with sound system and lighting, custom mouldings, high ceilings with chandeliers and can accommodate up to 350 guests.

In addition to their ballroom, Heritage Hunt also offers a more intimate venue with the Marsh House. This graciously restored home offers a private garden and lawn that are perfect for outdoor ceremonies.

Wedding packages range from $76-$100 per person. To learn more about Heritage Hunt and to schedule a tour, contact Katie Simmons at 703.743.2005 and visit www.heritagehuntgolf.com.

Cindie

Impression Bridal Trunk Show

Just a reminder about two events coming up this weekend. Moni’s Bridal Boutique is hosting a trunk show, Friday - Sunday (June 26th-28th), featuring designs by Impression Bridal. To schedule your appointment call 571.229.5193. Moni’s Bridal Boutique is located in Manassas at 9255 Center Street, Suite 308. For directions and hours, visit www.monisbridalboutique.com.

Heritage Hunt

And Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club will be hosting a bridal open house. on Sunday, June 28th, 11am-4pm. 6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville.  Complimentary admission. For more details contact Katie Fitzsimmonds, 703.743.2005.

Be sure to pick up your free copy of Brides & Weddings of Northern Virginia (www.bridesandweddings.com) at these events.

Cindie

If you grew up in Northern Virginia, the odds are good that you are familiar with the old Lorton Prison on Route 123. Over the last few years, this former DC correctional facility has been transformed into a series of artists’ studios and art gallery.

The Workhouse Arts Center is also available for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. The upstairs of the gallery can accommodate 200 for a seated event, while the downstairs can host a cocktail style reception for 160 or be used for your ceremony. There’s a dance floor and changing area and the grounds are also available for tenting. Licensed, insured caterers are permitted.

Short notice events are no problem (3 months is suggested number of months to schedule the facility). For more details and to schedule a tour, contact Camela Speer at 703.584.2973 or email camelaspeer@lortonarts.org. And be sure to visit www.workhousearts.org.

Cindie