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When wedding professionals gather at Sweeney Barn on September 9 for the 2026 Brides & Weddings Cake-Off, Dana Henry, CTA, will bring a destination marketing perspective to the judges’ table, along with an appreciation for both beautiful presentation and exceptional flavor.
Henry is Social Sales & Client Services Manager for Visit Loudoun, where her work includes group services, weddings, social events, and connecting couples with the venues, accommodations, and wedding professionals that help make Loudoun County a popular wedding destination.
As part of the Cake-Off judging panel, she is looking forward to seeing what the participating bakers create. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the creativity each baker brings to the competition,” Henry said. “I love seeing the different designs, details, and decorating techniques displayed.”
But presentation will only be part of the equation. “When it comes to the actual tasting aspect, texture and flavor are key,” she said. “A great balance of flavors, moist texture, and intentional details like fillings that add depth all bring the experience together.”
For Henry, the standout entry will be one that successfully combines creativity and visual appeal with exceptional flavor.
Supporting Loudoun’s Wedding Industry
Henry’s work gives her a close-up view of the wedding industry throughout Loudoun County and the professionals who help couples bring their celebrations to life.
Known as DC’s Wine Country, Loudoun combines its countryside setting with proximity to Washington, DC. Rolling hills, vineyards, small towns, and scenic landscapes provide a variety of wedding settings, while Dulles International Airport and three Metro stations help make the area accessible for couples and their guests.
“Couples can escape the pace and feel of the city without having to travel far,” Henry said. “That combination of beauty, convenience, and variety makes it a very appealing destination for couples and their guests.” The choices extend well beyond wineries.
“Loudoun truly has something for every wedding style and vision, from beautiful wineries and historic homes to country clubs and barns that range from rustic and charming to sophisticated and glamorous,” Henry said. She also points to the wedding professionals serving the area as an important part of the destination.
“The quality of the wedding professionals working here is truly top tier,” she said. “Couples have access to talented vendors who have the expertise to create a memorable wedding experience.”
Connecting Couples With Wedding Professionals
Visit Loudoun works directly with couples as they navigate those choices. According to Henry, the organization typically assists more than 300 couples each year by connecting them with venues, vendors, and accommodations throughout Loudoun County.
The services are provided to couples at no charge. “It’s a wonderful resource for couples who may not know where to begin or who want help discovering the many options available to them,” Henry said.
Visit Loudoun also underwrites the Love Loudoun Wedding Showcase, which gives couples an opportunity to meet local venues, wedding professionals, and accommodations in person. That personal interaction still matters, even as couples conduct more of their initial wedding research online.
“Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and being able to have face-to-face conversations with the people you may ultimately work with gives couples a much better sense of who they connect with and who can help bring their wedding vision to life,” Henry said.
Why Wedding Industry Relationships Matter
That emphasis on relationships is also one of the reasons Henry sees value in professional events such as the Brides & Weddings Cake-Off. Cake-Off brings bakers, venues, photographers, planners, and other wedding professionals together for lunch, networking, tastings, and a friendly competition. For Henry, those connections can have an impact long after the event ends.
“The wedding industry is such a relationship-driven business,” she said. “There is tremendous strength in having a strong sense of community.” Wedding days require professionals from different companies and specialties to work together, often under tight timelines. Developing those relationships before they find themselves working together at an event can make collaboration easier and strengthen professional referrals.
“When you know and trust another professional’s work, you can confidently recommend them to clients and know they will be well taken care of,” Henry said. That makes Cake-Off about more than determining which creations take home this year’s awards. “Events like the Cake-Off are a great opportunity to build those relationships, celebrate the talent within our industry, and strengthen the community as a whole,” Henry said.
Join Us at the 2026 Cake-Off
The 2026 Brides & Weddings Cake-Off, presented by the Women’s Wedding Network, takes place Wednesday, September 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sweeney Barn in Manassas, Virginia.
Wedding professionals are invited to join us for lunch, networking, cake and dessert tastings, and the opportunity to vote for the Attendees’ Choice award.
Come meet Dana Henry and other members of the judging panel, support the participating bakers, discover some talented wedding professionals, and make new connections within the regional wedding industry.
Learn more and purchase tickets:
https://bridesandweddings.com/womens-wedding-network/cake-off/
