Spotlight on Sites

By Erin Pittman Sponsored by Sweeney Barn When most people picture a barn, they don’t imagine gorgeous interiors, climate control, an elevator and the perfect place for elegant weddings and receptions. But at Sweeney Barn, that’s exactly what guests find. The History Sweeney Barn was built in 1939 as a dairy barn. The life of a farmer was rough, eventually leaving the barn abandoned and Prince William County took over ownership. “The county was trying to find someone to renovate the barn, but keep the unique architecture, and turn it into something that would bring economic development to Prince William,” said Andrea Van Wambeke, general manager of Sweeney Barn. In came owners Noel and Alannah Sweeney, an Irish couple with a love for bringing new life to historic buildings. The couple kept the true flavor of the barn, minus the …

Sponsored by The Osprey’s at Belmont Bay By Marianne Weaver The staff at The Osprey’s at Belmont Bay take each wedding personally. Not only do they prepare for the actual day of the wedding, but they’ve added some new options that let the couple incorporate a bit of their wedding day into their everyday married lives. Day Of Event The indoor venue can accommodate 146 guests for a seated dinner with a dance floor. Weather permitting, ceremonies are held outside. The wedding party follows a flagstone aisle to a pergola framed by an unobstructed waterfront view of Belmont Bay and the Occoquan River. While guests are making their way to the ceremony space, both the bride and groom and their parties are relaxing and getting ready in their own spacious—and separate–suites. Their dedicated event director is out and about making …

Sponsored by Catering by Uptown By Katrina Wilson Overlook the Bay Catering by Uptown is more than a catering service. They have a choice of venues for couples to choose from. One of their Maryland venues, The Bayfront Club, is their newest option for those looking for a waterfront wedding experience. Instead of traveling out of the country for a wedding by the water, this venue allows couples to stay in the DMV area.  Located near Baltimore, this location is adorned with a green lawn, plush shrubbery and trees that are like the frame to the quintessential day. The venue’s brick road leads the bride to the long dock that extends the couple into the breathtaking aura of the bay. The inside of The Bayfront Club is a ballroom that holds up to 300 guests for a seated dinner. The …

Sponsored by Catering by Uptown By Katrina Wilson   Celebrations at the Bay’s Attributes Catering by Uptown is more than a catering service. They have a selection of upscale venues for couples to choose from. One of their Maryland venues, Celebrations at the Bay, is an amazing option for couples who desire a waterfront wedding venue not only for breathtaking views but also for countless settings for romantic photographs. Celebrations at the Bay is the ultimate wedding destination in the DMV. Couples do not have to go far to experience that “getaway” feel for a wedding experience. The venue overlooks the Chesapeake Bay and contains two elongated piers, great for unique photography. There is also a gazebo and green, manicured grass and flower gardens to add to your once-in-a-lifetime experience. The venue offers three unique ballrooms for your event, depending …

By Amy Falkofske Sponsored by Monroe Bay Winery Monroe Bay Winery is a destination wedding venue situated on around 10 acres of private land on Monroe Bay in Colonial Beach, Virginia. It features a 3,000 square foot authentic, straw bale barn that seats up to 200 people. There’s also plenty of outdoor space with amazing water views for your special day. Inspired by the South of France Kiki Apple, owner of Monroe Bay Winery, got her inspiration for the winery from her time in France. “… The first house I ever bought when I was 28 was an old stone watermill in the south of France, and that’s where I fell in love with wine … I [also] fell in love with the architecture and became interested in historic preservation,” said Kiki. A Beautiful Location and a Historic Landmark Monroe …

Provided by The Residence Inn by Marriott Fair Lakes, Fairfax | Photos by Butterfly Photography Nestled in a quiet, residential area between I-66 and U.S. 50, The Inn by Marriott Fair Lakes, Fairfax comes as a delightful surprise to all who stumble upon it. If you live or travel in Northern Virginia, it is possible you have driven by this hotel countless times and did not even know it was there! This all-suite property built in 1997 has been a favorite for travelers for many years. After recently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, it has a new secret to share! Two years ago, the hotel owners and management company approached General Manager Hannah Adlam seeking an alternative option to the high cost, rarely used outdoor pool that occupied a focal point at the center of the property. With her British …

By Katrina Wilson Sponsored by SweeneyBarn Sweeney Barn was once a barn for cows to live in to produce milk. Now it is a modern event venue in Prince William County where modern city and country meets. The History In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the one-story dairy barn was a home for cows. Current owners Noel and Alannah Sweeney found the barn about 2017. Prince William County owned it at the time. The county wanted someone to renovate the place and would bring economic development to the county. The Sweeneys fell in love with the barn. They started the renovations March 2018 and finished around December 2018. The wedding and events venue have a rustic look with the rich barn history, but a modern aura for clients to enjoy. Andrea Van Wambeke, general manager at Sweeney Barn, oversees …

By Erin Pittman Sponsored by The Piedmont Club Have you dreamed of a winter wedding with family and friends gathers around cozy fires warding off the winter chill? How about in a grand ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and an attached patio with soft seating, firepits and toasty space heaters? If it’s a winter wedding you’re planning, you may want to check out all the Piedmont Club in Haymarket has to offer through their winter promotion. “For winter, we’re waiving the room rental fee,” said Kimberly McNamara, Events Director for The Piedmont Club. “Our couples will only be paying for their food and beverages, which is an exceptional value.” The room rental fee typically covers tables, chairs, linens in your color choice, glassware, table décor, use of the sound system and A/V equipment, and much more. There is even a beautiful …

By Amy Taylor Sponsored by Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn If you’re planning your wedding, you know there are a lot of moving parts to arrange. From finding a venue for the rehearsal dinner, a venue for the ceremony, a venue for the reception and shuttling everyone back and forth, everything needs to be coordinated perfectly so that the day goes smoothly and everyone can enjoy themselves. Why not take some of the stress away by holding everything in one venue and making a leisurely weekend of your wedding? Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn is one of the few unique venues in the area that gives you the option to rent out their whole place for the weekend. “One of the things that makes us quite unique is the fact that we have 12 bedrooms so people can …

By Amy Taylor Sponsored by Catoctin Creek Distilling Company The first distillery to open in Loudoun County since prohibition, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company is celebrating their 10-year anniversary in style. They are holding celebrations throughout the entire year and you won’t want to miss them! A Year of Celebration To kick off a year of celebration, they will hold a big anniversary party in March. Join them for an upscale southern-style cocktail party complete with signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live music. Celebrations will continue throughout the year with quarterly distillery dinners, special events and branded glassware. “Throughout the year we will be hosting many different events to celebrate our anniversary, from distillery dinners to interactive cocktail classes. These are great events for engaged couples to experience together and with their friends and family to get a feel for everything …

By Erin Pittman Sponsored by Historic Rosemont Manor There’s a new wedding venue debuting in Northern Virginia in April 2019 — Historic Rosemont Springs. For years, couples have been enjoying the class and elegance of Historic Rosemont Manor, a 200-year-old mansion which faces out over the Shenandoah Valley toward the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rosemont Manor has a rich political history. It served as the home of Harry S. Byrd, Sr., governor of Virginia, and as a civil war battlefield site. Seven U.S. presidents have visited the property, as well as other world-renowned people like Albert Einstein and Charles Lindbergh. Now, there’s another elegant option on the grounds of the manor. Historic Rosemont Springs in Berryville, Virginia is a beautiful new Amish-built post and beam barn, featuring a breathtaking waterfall, garden terrace and large stone fireplace. Bridal parties and guests can …

Majestic architecture, manicured landscaping, sparkling waters and elite service are some of our favorite aspects of a country club wedding. From the traditional bride to the modern bride, or even the rustic bride, these Northern Virginia country club destinations offer breathtaking beauty that will suit any theme. Read on to discover the magic each venue has to offer! Chantilly National Golf Club Northern Virginia brides have a plethora of beautiful wedding locations to choose from, but if you love golf, the Chantilly National Golf and Country Club is a perfect choice. Located in Centreville, it features a gorgeous Ed Ault-designed golf course with a traditional par-72 layout as well as a fun practice facility which includes a chipping green, putting green, bunker area, and even a 275-yard driving range. If golf isn’t your wedding theme or favorite activity, you can …