Blown Away: The Windy Wedding of Shannon and Zack, May 8, 2010

What lovely, sweet couple! I really enjoyed working with Shannon and Zack and their family. The day of May 8th broke sunny but high winds resulted in a few minor adjustments to the ceremony decor.

Here you can see Shannon looking out the window from her dressing room.



Meanwhile, the Zack and the guys were relaxing at the bar.




Shannon and Zack opted for a first sighting photo shoot prior to the ceremony. Here you watch as they see one another for the first time in their wedding attire.





Zack and the guys found a little time to soak in the sun before the ceremony.


Shannon's father checked in on her to see if she was ready!



Shannon's sister gives her the okay and then it was time.








After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour including this yummy cheese display while Shannon and Zack took a few more photos.




Meanwhile, everything was in place. These beautiful escort cards featured fresh blooms making the room feel like the spring day it was.



Shannon made her own table numbers featuring the floral motif.


The cake table featured both a traditional wedding cake and a grooms cake.



The guests signed on the portraits mat and could enjoy a fun collage Shannon had put together.



For a really fun twist, the centerpieces featured live fish!


After formal introductions, Zack and Shannon shared their first dance and then began their buffet banquet.




After dinner, the crowd got up and danced!



Shannon and Zack cut their cake and then tossed the bouquet and garter.










Shannon and Zack departed under the shimmer of sparklers!



Best wishes to Shannon and Zack for a long and happy marriage!

Participating vendors included:
Anne Lord Photography
Ribbon Box Events Day of Coordinator

Love is in the air - literally look up!

You may recall from last year that we had a couple of doves living in the arbor in the garden patio. I was hopeful that they might hatch a nestful of "dovelets" but in spite of checking on them periodically, no dovelets appeared. Well, this year, my patience paid off and the happy couple returned to the arbor this year and has already hatched their first family. If you look closely at the photos, you may see a little bit of them. If you come by the hotel, I'll be happy to point the nest out to you but "shhhhh, babies are sleeping!"

Team Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax tags their way to victory!

The gang at the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax took a few moments out of their busy work day to put the team of the Hampton Inn Dulles South in their rightful place - second ; ) Meeting up for a friendly competition of laser tag, the HGI Team crushed Hampton Inn Dulles South in round 1, a game of Team Against Team. In round 2, a game of Pink Panther had some system difficulties which disappointed both teams although they allowed the opponents to gain the upper hand. Ending the day in a tie, both teams have vowed to meet again in July and this time, the stakes will be higher, involving more than just bragging rights. Stay posted for the latest!



The Hilton Garden Inn Team included operatives featured here left to right: 00 Steve, El Tigre, Princess Space Cadet, Souperman and Timmy Neutron (Boy Blunder.)

Fall In Love: Elizabeth and Ryan, September 19, 2009

Elizabeth and Ryan were a very easy going couple and a lot of fun to work with. Their wedding day was a mild fall September afternoon and was perfect for a wedding! Before the ceremony at Grace Presbyterian Church, they got ready at the hotel and did a "first sighting" photo shoot.









They took some photos in and around the church before a bubble send-off and a limo ride to the hotel.



Everything in the Providence Ballroom was set in pale shades of green with autumn flowers and fall flair. Table cloths, napkins with ribbon ties and chair covers with sashes were provided by Gala Cloths by Dulaney.







After their first dance and champagne toast, they enjoyed a delicious buffet including:

Dijon-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Wild Mushrooms
Mahi Mahi with Tropical Fruit Salsa
Chicken stuffed with Rice and Walnuts in Pomegranate Cream

After cutting the cake, Ryan and Elizabeth danced the night away!



Best wishes to Elizabeth and Ryan for a long and happy marriage!

Photos provided courtesy of Anne Lord Photography.

Garden Update from May 29, 2010

Hi Everyone!

This is Laura, Catherine's intern. I just wanted to share a few photos with you that I took in the garden over the weekend. The hibiscus flowers just came in last week, so be sure to look for them in the pictures, they are gorgeous! In addition to the pictures of the beautiful hibiscus flowers, I took a few shots from different angles of the fountain (which looked quite refreshing on that hot day), the arbor, and various other colorful flowers and plants around the patio. I hope you all enjoy the photos and be sure to stop by to see the new addition to the garden next time you come by the HGI Fairfax!