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By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings What began as cupcakes baked simply to bring joy to coworkers eventually led Cheryl Greene into the wedding industry. Now, Sweet Greene Cupcakery is bringing its approach to personalized, luxury desserts to the 2026 Brides & Weddings Cake-Off at Sweeney Barn in Manassas. The woman-owned, Black-owned Virginia bakery specializes in bespoke wedding and corporate event desserts, from sophisticated wedding cakes to cake pops, sugar cookies, chocolate-dipped treats, and coordinated dessert tables. But weddings were not originally part of Greene’s plan. From Cupcakes for Coworkers to Wedding Cakes Sweet Greene Cupcakery began with Greene baking cupcakes for coworkers because she enjoyed seeing how something she created could make people happy. The business grew into celebration cakes and desserts before a family friend signed her up for a local wedding show. “At the time, I …

Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings Engaged couples looking for wedding inspiration, trusted local vendors, and fresh ideas for their big day will want to mark their calendars for the **T. Rose Bridal Show DC – Bethesda 2026**, taking place on **Sunday, July 26, from noon to 3 p.m.** at the **Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center** in Rockville, Maryland. Unlike a traditional bridal expo, T. Rose Bridal Shows focuses on creating a boutique-style experience where couples can have meaningful conversations with wedding professionals in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re newly engaged or putting the finishing touches on your wedding plans, the event is designed to help you connect with experts who can bring your vision to life. Attendees can expect to meet a wide variety of wedding vendors, including professionals specializing in venues, photography, floral design, entertainment, beauty, …

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Brides & Weddings There is something special about walking into a venue and immediately understanding how your day could unfold there. Not through photos or floor plans, but by standing in the space, meeting the people, and imagining the moments as they would actually happen. That is exactly what couples are invited to experience at the Sweeney Barn Open House on Saturday, February 28, from 12–3 PM in Manassas. Hosted inside the beautifully renovated 1939 dairy barn, this Open House is designed to feel more like a welcoming preview than a traditional wedding show. Couples will have the opportunity to tour the venue, meet trusted local vendors, and enjoy samples from caterers and bakers who regularly work at Sweeney Barn. One of the things Brides & Weddings values most about events like this is how personal …

By Rebecca Barnes If you’re planning to tie the knot in Prince William County, there’s a beautiful way to say “I do” right here at home—whether you dream of an intimate courthouse wedding, a pop-up ceremony with local flair, or a special celebration that fits your timeline and budget. The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office makes the marriage process simple, meaningful, and full of heart. From obtaining a marriage license to exchanging vows in one of their civil ceremonies, couples can count on the Clerk’s team to guide them every step of the way. A Simple, Heartfelt Path to “I Do” Couples can begin their journey together with a civil ceremony hosted by the Clerk’s Office every Friday (except holidays) in a Circuit courtroom. These modest, heartfelt weddings are perfect for couples who want a stress-free, affordable way …

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Reserve your Wedding Business’s Space Today! The 2024 Love Loudoun Wedding Showcase is gearing up to be the premier event for all things wedding-related in Loudoun County, and it’s an affair that no one in the wedding industry should miss. Scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, this showcase promises to be a one-of-a-kind opportunity for engaged couples and wedding planners to explore the wealth of resources that Loudoun County has to offer when it comes to creating their dream wedding. Sponsored by Visit Loudoun and hosted at the elegant West Belmont Place within The National Conference Center, the Love Loudoun Wedding Showcase is a testament to the county’s dedication to making Loudoun the ultimate wedding destination. Loudoun County boasts a thriving community of wedding professionals and stunning venues that together, create an enchanting backdrop …

Brides & Weddings Magazine is thrilled to announce the winners of its inaugural First Annual Cake-Off competition. This event has ignited the culinary passions of bakers and cake enthusiasts in the Washington Metro area. With a staggering array of talent on display, the competition was friendly, and the judges had the enviable but challenging task of selecting the top creations. Held at Briar Patch in Middleburg, Virginia, the Women’s Wedding Network members and three celebrity judges had lunch before tasting and voting on all of the cakes present. The winning cakes emerged as delightful masterpieces that showcased the bakers’ exceptional skill and celebrated the artistry and imagination that go into crafting the perfect wedding cake. The Participants of the 2023 Annual Cake-Off included:   Field and Main Restaurant     Cakebee     Bakingwithpaty     Sweet Tooth Bakery     Nothing Bundt Cakes Gainesville-Haymarket …

Competitors (defined as a cake bakery owner, operator, manager, or licensed cottage makers) must meet the following requirements: Be a baker, dessert creator, pastry chef, or caterer who makes desserts for weddings. Be in business for more than one year. Be located in Washington DC Metro Area (VA, MD, DC) Be Over 18 years of age at the time of entry Be licensed and insured Cakes must be at least 70% real cake. The cake displayed is the same cake that judges and guests will be served from—no dummy/display cakes or separate sheet cakes may be used. Contestant will provide plates, napkins, and forks for guests. Brides & Weddings and Women’s Wedding Network staff and their family members, as well as judges at the Cake-Off, are not eligible.  Registration for the competition is available online at https://bridesandweddings.com/womens-wedding-network/cake-off and will remain …

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Brides & Weddings Signup for Bridal Buzz newsletter The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives, including how we celebrate. For brides-to-be, traditional bridal showers can now be enhanced or replaced with virtual celebrations. Planning a virtual bridal shower may seem daunting, but it can be a fun and meaningful way to celebrate with friends and family from all over the world. Here are some tips on how to plan a successful virtual bridal shower. Choose a Platform First and foremost, you will need to choose a platform to host your virtual bridal shower. There are many options available, including Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and FaceTime. Choose a platform that is easy to use and accessible for all guests. Test the platform before the event to ensure that everyone can join the call without any issues. …

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Brides & Weddings Signup for Bridal Buzz newsletter  Traveling with a partner is a beautiful way to explore the world, make memories, and deepen your bond. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been together for years, countless destinations offer romance, adventure, and relaxation. Andrea Savich of Unique Travel Events shares some of her favorite destinations for couples. Paris, France  Known as the City of Love, Paris is a classic destination for couples. Paris has something for everyone, from the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the charming neighborhoods. Enjoy a romantic stroll along the Seine River, savor a croissant and coffee at a sidewalk cafe, and indulge in the city’s world-famous cuisine. Quote: “Paris is always a good idea.” – Audrey Hepburn Santorini, Greece  With its stunning blue and white architecture and crystal-clear waters, Santorini is one …

Are you a bride-to-be looking to plan the wedding of your dreams? Look no further than the Wedding Bliss Luxury Wedding Showcase, presented by Wedding Bliss MD. On Sunday, April 19th, 2023, at the Brandywine Aquatic Complex in Brandywine, Maryland, this event is a must-attend for brides who want to connect with the best vendors in the business. Here’s what you can expect: A luxurious wedding showcase featuring top vendors in Maryland One-on-one consultations with vendors and wedding planners Inspiration and ideas for your big day Delicious food and drinks from top caterers and mixologists A chance to win amazing prizes and giveaways As a reader of Brides & Weddings magazine, we’re excited to promote Wedding Bliss Luxury Wedding Showcase tickets.  https://www.weddingblissmd.com/  This event is the perfect opportunity to get inspired, connect with vendors, and start planning the wedding of …

Gift-opening parties have become increasingly popular among engaged couples to celebrate and enjoy the many thoughtful gifts they have received from family and friends. These parties are a great way to express gratitude and appreciation for the generosity of loved ones while also creating a fun and festive atmosphere. If you’re planning a gift-opening party for your wedding, here are some ideas to make the event even more special. Create a Theme One way to add some fun and creativity to your gift-opening party is to choose a theme. This could be something as simple as a color scheme, or as elaborate as a beach or garden party. Whatever theme you choose, make sure to incorporate it into the decorations, food, and drinks to create a cohesive and memorable experience. Invite Guests to Share a Story Another way to make …

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and the food you serve to your guests can make a big difference in the success of your celebration. Menu tastings are an essential part of the wedding planning process, allowing you to sample the food served on your special day and ensure that it meets your expectations. What is a Menu Tasting? A menu tasting is a scheduled appointment with your caterer or wedding venue where you get to sample the menu options that will be served on your wedding day. Typically, the caterer or venue will prepare several options for you to taste, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. This allows you to get a feel for the quality of the food, the presentation, and the overall experience that your guests will have on your wedding …

Wedding videography is a beautiful way to capture and relive the special moments of your wedding day. With so many videography options available, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. Here are some wedding day videography options and tips on how to decide which one is best for you. Traditional Wedding Videography Traditional wedding videography is the most common option for capturing wedding day moments. It typically includes a highlight reel of the entire wedding day, including getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception. The videographer will use professional equipment to capture high-quality video and audio of the day’s events. Documentary-Style Wedding Videography If you’re looking for a more natural and unobtrusive way to capture your wedding day, consider documentary-style wedding videography. This style focuses on candid moments throughout the day, giving a more authentic …

A post-wedding brunch is a great way to extend the wedding celebrations and say farewell to guests in a more casual setting. It’s an opportunity to thank your guests for attending your wedding and spending time with you. Here are some tips to help you plan the ultimate post-wedding brunch: Choose a venue Consider a venue that’s convenient for you and your guests. It could be at a restaurant, hotel, or even at a family member’s home. If you’re having a destination wedding, choose a venue close to the hotel where most of your guests are staying. Set a date and time Choose a date and time that works well for everyone, ideally the day after the wedding. A brunch time around 11 am or noon is perfect, giving your guests time to sleep in after the wedding festivities. Plan …

By Lisa Beth Miller Shopping for wedding gowns can be fun, but overwhelming, and selecting a train length is just one more decision that a bride will need to make. Brides can, however, breathe a sigh of relief. This decision is all about common sense and personal preference! Obviously, a longer, more regal train length equals a super-formal look. If that is truly the style of your wedding, go for a long train! Just be sure to have a plan regarding what to do with the long train later in the day (for instance, when you want to dance)! In most cases, a seamstress can add hooks to the gown to allow the train to be bustled, or lifted off the floor. There are a few different bustle styles, and an experienced seamstress should be able to guide you through …

No one ever wants to go into a marriage thinking they will get a divorce. But the process of creating a prenup can actually HELP your marriage. It forces you to talk about things, understand your financial portfolio, and sets expectations of behavior during the marriage as well as the results of the ending of that marriage. A prenuptial agreement, or “prenup,” is a contract between two people who are about to be married. The prenup spells out each person’s financial rights and obligations during the marriage and what will happen to their property and assets if the marriage ends in divorce. Prenups are not just for the wealthy. Anyone who owns property has significant debt or expects to receive an inheritance, or other financial windfalls should seriously consider signing a prenup. If you’re considering a prenup, here are some …

You can’t get married without a marriage license! In the Commonwealth of Virginia, you must apply for a marriage license at least 24 hours before your wedding ceremony. Here’s what you need to know about getting a marriage license in Virginia.   To get a marriage license in Virginia, you and your soon-to-be spouse must go to the clerk’s office in any Virginia Circuit Court. Both of you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid photo ID. You will need to fill out an application and pay a fee of $30. * double check this fact* and pay a recording fee. You do not have to be a resident of Virginia to get a marriage license here, but if you are not a resident, you will need to get the license from the city or county …