Unique Venues

By Dominique McIndoe Sponsored by Piedmont Club Setting the Scene Romantic French doors, wrought iron chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, a spiraling indoor staircase, a beautiful ballroom, expansive patio space, a natural wood bridge and views of green hills, fairways, and the Bull Run Mountains hunt country. What could be a better backdrop to exchange vows and begin the beautiful, lifelong journey that is marriage? Individually-Crafted Weddings As the recipient of the WeddingWire’s Couples Choice Award for seven years in a row (2010-2016), it’s no wonder that Piedmont Club is such a favorite wedding venue in Haymarket and all of Northern Virginia. For over 20 years, Piedmont Club has prided itself in being a sophisticated, stylish and charming choice for brides- and grooms-to-be; their lavish space has been home to many wedding showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions. Piedmont …

Sponsored by Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast Inn Located in Middleburg, Virginia, Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast Inn has two “newer” sites on the 47 acres of land that allow brides and their families to experience the historic charm of the area. The Main House, Cottage, Chicken Coop and Fox Den are the different buildings at Briar Patch. The Main House and Cottage were mentioned in a previous article. This article focuses on the Chicken Coop, the Fox Den, and the grounds. Chicken Coop Built a few years ago, the Chicken Coop is the “newest” construction on site. It may seem obvious — this was perhaps a chicken coop but not usable for accommodations for people. The owner, Ellen Goldberg, rebuilt the building, salvaged the wood and used it to decorate some of the three bedrooms and a kitchen. If …

Provided by Sonesta Sonesta ES Suites Fairfax, Fair Lakes is proud to join the the Sonesta International Hotels Corporation U.S. portfolio, becoming one of the first-ever Sonesta Select properties in the country and one of the first in Virginia.  Sonesta Select is an upscale, focused-service brand centered on delivering the authentic hospitality Sonesta is known for, while helping guests make meaningful connections in each of our hotels and their local communities. Sonesta is excited to begin to welcome guests so they can see first-hand how the spirit and warmth of our team members shine through day in and day out. The launch of the Sonesta Select helps to expand Sonesta’s footprint in key markets, growing their U.S. presence to to five brands in total and over 200 hotels. From airports to office parks, suburban neighborhoods to busy downtowns, Sonesta Select …

By Erin Pittman Sponsored by Town of Occoquan Every couple looks for that perfect venue for their ceremony and reception — one that provides beautiful backdrops and memorable photos. And nowadays, many couples are searching for beauty paired with fresh air and enough room for safe social distancing. River Mill Park in Occoquan fits all of those criteria. Rent River Mill Park   River Mill Park in Occoquan is a gorgeous 1.1-acre riverfront park on the west end of Occoquan. Reservations include reserved access to the LOVEwork sign and landscaped terrace, event pavilion, private event signage and crowd-containment stanchions. Couples will also have access to a stunning river view, power hookup for portable Wi-Fi and sound systems, the historic footbridge and waterwall, hand-cut stone walls, brick pathways and restrooms. Seat up to 100 guests, comfortably and safely outdoors. Exchange vows …

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 …

Photos by Monica Linda Photography

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 …

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 …

Brides & Weddings Publisher Rebecca Barnes speaks with Michael Haymaker, Historic Rosemont’s Director of Weddings and Design about how Rosemont is adapting and serving their clients as well as taking care of their staff. Wedding Package Questions or to Schedule a Tour weddings@rosemont1811.com http://rosemont1811.com/weddings/ https://www.facebook.com/RosemontManor/  www.womensweddingnetwork.com