By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings A couple may begin wedding planning with a few photographs saved on their phone, a favorite cake flavor, and an idea of how they want the day to feel. Turning those ideas into a celebration means making decisions about the room, the food, the desserts, and the way guests will be welcomed. For Engy Ghabryal of Divine Dine & Decor, those conversations belong together. Her business works across wedding decor, reception styling, custom cakes, dessert displays, and hospitality, giving couples the opportunity to consider several parts of their wedding with the same team. “What we enjoy most is taking a couple’s ideas, sometimes even just a few pictures or a feeling they are trying to describe, and turning them into something that feels completely their own,” Ghabryal said in written responses to Brides …

Erica and Cody were married on Oct. 3, 2026, in Millport, Alabama. Erica tells their story here: Tell us your story. Include how you met, your engagement, etc. We met over social media and then slowly found out my brother and his brother were friends. So, we started hanging out and ever since that we have been inseparable. We have been dating for five years, and I was getting impatient. He had just bought a boat, and I was upset he had yet to buy me a ring. So, he had packages on the table; I started opening them out of spite and I found my engagement ring. Three words that describe your wedding: Elegant, classy, and Southern. What was your theme? What inspired you to pick that theme? I wanted to use my blue willow vases and my favorite …

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings Couples are increasingly looking for wedding details their guests can experience, not simply see. Caviar To You offers one decidedly unexpected option: a mobile caviar tasting experience that brings the luxury directly to the celebration. Founded by Kellie Poirier, Caviar To You takes caviar out of the formal dining room and puts it in the middle of the party. Guests can sample curated caviar, learn a little about what they are tasting, and even participate in the brand’s signature caviar belt experience. The result is part food experience, part entertainment, and a memorable conversation starter. FROM AN IDEA TO AN EXPERIENCE Poirier launched Caviar To You in spring 2026 after discovering mobile caviar concepts on TikTok and seeing an opportunity to bring something similar to the Virginia wedding and event market. Rather than …

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides and Weddings With rosy cheeks, wide eyes, and a happy little smile, this ghost looks much more likely to ask for candy than send anyone running. Add a jaunty black witch hat, a tiny bat companion, and a pumpkin bucket overflowing with sweets, and you have a birthday guest ready for a little Halloween fun. Created by Dillyn Ketterman of Ketterman’s Kitchen for a child’s second birthday, the ghost cake brings together the sweetness of a childhood celebration and the playful side of spooky season. A white “2” curls across the hat, giving the design its own birthday detail. A Ghost with Character The charm is in the expressions. The ghost’s pink cheeks and open smile make it look delighted to be at the party. Beside it, a little black bat has bright eyes and …

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings Couples looking for a wedding treat that doubles as part of the guest experience have another local option to consider. The Woolly Spoke, a Northern Virginia mobile cotton candy business founded by Genevieve Jin, brings live-spun cotton candy to weddings, cocktail hours, late-night snack service, pre-wedding celebrations, and other events. The concept is familiar, but the presentation is designed for a more polished setting. The Woolly Spoke uses organic cane sugar, food-source flavoring with no dyes, paper cones, and mini bamboo tongs. Couples can choose between two cart styles and customize flavors, presentation, menus, toppings, and cart details to complement their celebration. A Familiar Treat, Reimagined “I built The Woolly Spoke around a clean, elevated version of cotton candy because cotton candy is a timeless treat that deserves better,” Jin said. “There is …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Landfall Lodge When couples choose Landfall Lodge as their wedding venue, they step into more than just a venue—they enter a world designed for comfort, customization, and unforgettable memories.  Whether planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Landfall Lodge offers a rare combination of privacy, breathtaking landscapes, and thoughtful amenities. Here, wedding weekends become treasured stories—moments where every guest feels connected to the land, to each other, and to the occasion itself. The Great Outdoors For couples seeking a getaway feel, a destination wedding, or something a little unique, Landfall Lodge does not disappoint. As couples and guests approach Landfall Lodge, they are greeted by rolling pastures, a stately stone manor, and a landscape that unfolds into serene ponds, a picturesque outdoor ceremony site, wildflowers, fruit and maple trees, and grazing horses. This breathtaking …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Landfall Lodge There’s a special kind of magic that happens when time slows down, and loved ones gather in a place that feels both grand and deeply personal. Tucked away in the rolling valleys outside Winchester, Virginia, Landfall Lodge offers just that: a private, picturesque escape where wedding weekends become cherished celebrations and every guest feels like part of the family. With more than 200 acres of lush countryside and a philosophy that puts meaningful moments above all else, Landfall Lodge invites couples to experience a wedding unlike any other, one that unfolds over an entire weekend, surrounded by nature’s finest and steeped in heartfelt hospitality. Landfall Lodge welcomes you with rolling pastures, serene ponds, and sweeping meadows of wildflowers. Shaded by stately maple trees and graced by grazing horses, the property is a living …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Cakes by Happy Eatery As couples look for ways to make their big day more personal and memorable, many are moving away from the classic tiered wedding cake in favor of alternative desserts.  “While traditional wedding cakes are timeless, today’s couples want to express their unique style and surprise their guests with something unexpected,” says Victoria Wu, co-owner and lead cake designer at Cakes by Happy Eatery bakery in Manassas.  That’s where Wu and her team come in: devising and designing delicious options for couples who want something different.  Cupcake Towers Cupcakes are among the most popular alternatives, offering both convenience and variety. “Cupcake towers are a fantastic option because they allow couples to showcase multiple flavors and accommodate different dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan,” Wu explains. The visual impact of a beautifully …

  Photos by Krista Peterson, krispysmedia Jessica and Aina were married on Dec. 6, 2025, on Oahu. Here’s their story. Tell us how you met, your engagement, etc. Aina and I met through a mutual friend and became friends first. We were inseparable for a full year, always together, talking, laughing, and doing life side by side, until we both realized we wanted more. What started as a strong friendship naturally turned into something deeper, and that foundation is still our favorite part of our story. Three years later, Aina proposed on the same beach where he first asked me to officially be his girlfriend. My parents and his family were there, which made the moment even more meaningful. Our best friend Krista captured our engagement photos, and then a year later, when we got married, she was there again—taking …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns, nestled amid the tranquil landscape of Quicksburg, Virginia and just off I-81, offers a stunning setting for weddings and events. Its rustic charm and natural beauty provide an unforgettable backdrop for photos and create endless possibilities for couples eager to capture lasting memories on their special day. And what could be more memorable than your choice of music? From that special first dance to the daughter’s dance to the less-than-traditional options, your music will be something you and your guests recall for a lifetime. Fortunately, The Yellow Barn has you covered with a top-notch sound system, dance floor space, a stage and more. Director of Events & Marketing Ashley Proctor said, “We have a sound system that has AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. …

Provided by Dusk to Dawn Events This styled shoot, captured in the fall of 2025, took place at the beautiful new Highland Ridge venue in Culpeper, Virginia. Designed to highlight the charm and versatility of this recently opened space, the shoot offers a first look at what Highland Ridge brings to couples and event planners looking for a fresh, scenic setting in the region. What was the theme and what was the inspiration? Inspired by the rustic and warm background that Highland Ridge provides, they wanted to play on the earthy side of rustic with floral lines plates and warm earthy tones of browns, oranges, and greens. Other Details The bridal model didn’t try on her dress until the day of the styled shoot, and it was a moment when it fit her like a glove and zipped up perfectly. …

Amy and Scott were married at Florentine Gardens in New Jersey on Oct. 17, 2025. Here’s their story: Tell us how you met, your engagement, etc. Scott and I met right before COVID. I had come home from college and joined a gym he was already attending. Our first year together we survived the lockdown and the fact I was working in a large trauma emergency room as a nurse during all of the pandemic. The special part of all our wedding story traces back to an ED visit as well. I met my wedding photographer in the ED. He was my patient, and let’s say he had a very critical condition we discovered. I was with him through the entire ER visit, when neurosurgeons arrived, and helped calm him and his wife’s nerves. When he asked when he can …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Cakes by Happy Eatery No wedding is complete without a stunning cake that reflects the couple’s taste and style. But flavor is equally important. At Cakes by Happy Eatery in Manassas, Virginia, every cake is a work of art, crafted with care and creativity to ensure your special day is unforgettable—and delicious. With a myriad of flavors to choose from, here are some favorite wedding cake flavors that have delighted couples and guests alike. Wedding Cake Flavor Trends Emily Wu, co-owner of Cakes by Happy Eatery, said it’s important to note that wedding cake trends come and go. However, when it comes to your wedding cake, the most significant aspect is making it yours. No matter the flavors or design you prefer, having a cake that tastes fantastic and leaves your guests raving is a …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns Have you always dreamed of an autumn wedding? How about something Halloween-ish? Just need the right venue? With its breathtaking landscapes and flexible space, The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns offers the perfect setting for a wedding in Virginia.  This charming venue, with its rustic aesthetic, aligns perfectly with the beauty of autumn. And at night? It’s especially adaptable for Halloween fun! As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, couples can transform The Yellow Barn into a magical space that reflects both the season and personal style.  “We have so many weddings in the fall and the fall colors and rustic theme really make the room pop,” said Ashley Proctor, Director of Events & Marketing. “The outside of our barn is light yellow and blue, but …

Submitted by Danielle Towle Photography Red Fox Located in the heart of downtown Middleburg, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern is celebrated as the oldest inn in America. Its preserved architecture and hunt country charm offer guests a warm, nostalgic retreat. Beyond its cozy accommodations, Red Fox is an ideal setting for wedding weekend events. For the rehearsal dinner, the tavern-style room—lined with equestrian artwork—provided the perfect backdrop. Our design paired hunt country heritage with a farm-to-table sensibility. Grasses placed between tables echoed the surrounding hunt landscape, while fresh fruits and vegetables brought a seasonal, organic touch to the table. Vendors – Red Fox Venue | Red Fox Inn & Tavern | @redfoxinntavern Planning & Design | Britt Jones Co | @britt.jones.co Florals | Sweet Root Village | @sweetrootvillage Tabletop Rentals | Emerson James | @emersonjamesrental Furniture Rentals | Curated Events | @curatedeventsdmv Stationery | Paper Refinery | …

Submitted by Danielle Towle Photography The Manor 1858 in the heart of Hunt Country is a unique barn venue in Northern Virginia. This bank style barn has original stone and wooden beams in the interior with modern touches of black lined windows and gold touches throughout the space. It’s hidden away from major roads so it’s a perfect place to get lost for a while and enjoy the sounds of nature. We wanted to create a design that could transcend all seasons. With hues of dusty rose, berry and touches of black and gold it felt warm, modern and inviting. We also wanted to highlight the incredible beauty of The Manor 1858 by choosing a design that would bring out it’s natural beauty and not take away from it. So, the design features things like natural fabrics, leather, and wood …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Cakes by Happy Eatery Wedding cakes are one of the most iconic elements of a wedding celebration. In the United States, the design of wedding cakes reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences, traditions, and personal styles. According to Emily Wu, award-winning wedding cake designer and co-owner of Cakes by Happy Eatery bakery in Manassas, couples seek to express their unique stories and identities through their cakes. “Bridal couples want to make their cakes more personal by adding a touch of their culture, either through flavor or design, making them more meaningful,” she said. Here are some common cultural influences that have shaped wedding cake designs in the U.S. European Traditions Many wedding cake designs in the U.S. have roots in European traditions, particularly from England and France. The classic tiered cake, often adorned …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns Amid the serene landscape of Quicksburg, Virginia, and just off I-81, The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns is a picturesque wedding and event venue that sets the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photographs. Known for its rustic charm and natural beauty, this venue offers countless opportunities for engaged and marrying couples looking to create lasting memories through stunning photography. Here’s where, when, and how to capture the best wedding photos at this enchanting location. The Location: Beyond the Barn Door The Yellow Barn itself is a gem – its rich yellow hue and rustic wooden beams instantly create an inviting and warm atmosphere. Photographers can take advantage of the barn’s exterior and maximize the warm light that naturally lends a romantic mood. Couples can pose in front of the …

By David Greenspoon, Owner, I Do’s With David Couples seeking a secular or religiously neutral ceremony might find a specialist celebrant or officiant a perfect solution. A specialist celebrant with credentials is usually highly trained in crafting and celebrating ceremonies. A quick look at any potential celebrant’s website and social media accounts should make affiliations with professional association and credentials clear. When you meet with a potential celebrant, be ready to share the essentials of your ceremony like venue, time, date, etc. Also be ready to share a sense of your values and style and how you want the ceremony to reflect them. Have your questions and don’t be afraid to ask them. Some personal considerations might include a musically capable officiant, someone with skills in a particular language, or someone with experience with a particular cultural wedding practice. Sometimes …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by Cakes by Happy Eatery As every bride and groom know, weddings aren’t just about dresses, tuxes and venues. They are also about the centerpiece of every celebration—the wedding cake. Victoria Wu, owner of Cakes by Happy Eatery bakery in Manassas, is preparing 2026 wedding cake orders, working with couples that view the cake as an integral part of the wedding’s overall design, décor and color scheme. “Cakes complement the whole wedding look,” Wu explains. “They also often follow fashion trends. If you look at fashion, you’ll see what the next collection is. It gives you the upcoming style. Wedding cake styles will complement what’s coming down the line.” For Wu, this means keeping her finger on the pulse of fashion and design while working closely with couples to create something truly unique, something that …

By Katherine Gotthardt | Sponsored by The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns Imagine a picturesque setting for your wedding that combines rustic charm with romantic elegance—all conveniently located near breathtaking caverns.  Welcome to The Yellow Barn, a gem for engaged couples, wedding parties, and event planners alike. Nestled just off I-81 at 470 Caverns Road in Quicksburg, Virginia, this enchanting venue has quickly become a favorite destination in the DMV area for unforgettable weddings and events. Available for use on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the venue provides everything you need for a seamless celebration. Ready to envision your dream wedding? Take a quick tour today with Brides & Weddings and discover the charm and allure of this sensational venue. The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns radiates charm and beauty with a warm rustic style perfect for capturing those special moments. …

Photos by Rob Jinks Tell Us Your Story Q: How did you meet? Sam and I grew up five minutes down the road from one another but didn’t meet until after he moved back home from college in 2015. I was invited by a mutual friend to a party Sam was hosting, and following a few more strategic invites, we were successfully set up on our first of many dates. Q: Tell us about your engagement. In the summer of 2023, Sam and I were throwing a party for my birthday and unbeknownst to me, also for our engagement! At the height of the evening the cake was brought over and when I blew out the candles, the lights came back on, and Sam was down on one knee. We’ve built a beautiful life together this past decade and are …