Annelie and Chris - September 4, 2010

I couldn't have asked for a sweeter couple to work with. Annelie and Chris were incredibly easy going, gracious and fun. They were blessed with a day as beautiful as they are! They began their ceremony by exchanging notes to one another in their dressing rooms.










Annelie took a quick peek out the window as the guests arrive for the ceremony.



And then it was time.












Soon the ceremony was over and they were married! Time for some photos around the area with the bridal party.













Meanwhile, all of the details were set and ready for the night's reception.


And then Chris and Annelie were introduced into their ballroom full of waiting guests!









After a delicious buffet dinner featuring Herb Crusted Sirloin of Beef with Green Peppercorn Sauce, Marinated Salmon with Roma Tomatoes and Lobster Sauce and Roasted Garlic Yukon Mashed Potatoes, it was time to answer the dance floor. Dave Palmer with Kirkabees kept the dance floor packed.




Then it was time to cut the cake and toss the garter.











Then it was time to send the happy couple off under a sparkly hail of stars!



Best wishes to Annelie and Chris for a life time of happiness!

Professional images provided by Photos By Kelly.

April and Dwayne, July 9, 2011

I love this fresh new video from April and Dwayne's wedding this past July! Take a look!

To see more videos I love, check out my channel on YouTube!

A 4th of July weekend of fun for Hilary and Aaron: July 2, 2011

Hilary and Aaron were such kind people and so dynamic. They are really lucky to have found one another and were such a pleasure to work with.



Because they were planning their wedding in such a short time frame, the bridesmaids did not have time to throw a shower for Hilary in advance so they gathered together for a nice luncheon in the restaurant on the day of the wedding. Conveniently, Amy Mayo, photographer, was on hand to capture not only the ceremony and reception but also the shower and getting ready fun of the day.





Hilary and Aaron already have children and they managed to incorporate them into various roles throughout the day.








And here comes the bride!














After the ceremony, the bridal party gathered together for a few photos around the hotel.













After their first dance, they had a toast and blessing before dinner.



Best wishes to Hilary and Aaron for a lifetime of happiness!

Reminder - Menu Tasting is next Wednesday, 9/21/11

If you haven't already given your reply, please do so. The new tasting dates for next year are also already set in case you'd prefer to wait!

Bridal Showcase at Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax

You and up to 3 guests are cordially invited to attend one of the following Bridal Showcase and Menu Tasting events in preparation for your wedding reception at the

Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax.

Please RSVP to Laurie at laurie.pitzely@hilton.com at least four days prior to your selected date and we will look forward to having you join us at 6:30 in our Providence Ballroom!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax welcomes local author John Gilstrap

Have you read Threat Warning yet? This thrilling novel by local author John Gilstrap kept my eyes glued to the page from the beginning to the end. It was my first introduction to his work and to him. John lives in the local area and has been writing novels for several years. But his personal life's story is just as interesting as the characters he writes about. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet him late July when we were chosen as the host hotel for a Hilton Garden Inn sponsored book signing and meet and greet with the author.



And just why, you may ask, was Hilton Garden Inn so interested in this particular story? As it turns out, John set a scene in a ficticious Hilton Garden Inn following an episode of outstanding customer service at real Hilton Garden Inn. That's a way to get the word out!


Thank you to our vendor sponsors. These gorgeous linens were provided courtesy of Gala Cloths by Dulaney and the fresh floral centerpieces were provided by Maryam Flowers. They looked fabulous that night and lasted forever. So long, in fact, I was able to have fresh flowers on my desk all week! Thank you both for making this event beautiful!




John is such a warm person and he's so easy to talk to. Here he is speaking with our General Manager, Steve Steinberg.



Amado offers up some yummy crab cakes! For those who are thirsty, we offered traditional martinis and our own variation called the Threatini featuring the juice of blood oranges. Delish!






Mmmmmm. Four flavors of mousse including my favorite - S'mores! I can't resist!





And of course, HGIs own Josh Thompson was on hand to tweet about the whole event as it was unfolding live.

Thank you to everyone who made this event a success and especially to John Gilstrap for joining us at this fun party!

New Packages take effect September 1

We've issued the new Wedding Packages for 2012 and 2013. If you haven't locked in prior to then, please call me to secure your date and your rates right away! All contracts signed prior to September 1st can reserve at the 2011 rates. To see the new package pricing, please click here.

Bob and Meg's Wedding Video - July 30, 2011

Our latest video shot this weekend at Meg and Bob's wedding. Enjoy!

bob+meg from sandy meitzner on Vimeo.

Video courtesy of Sandy Meitzner, The Camera Chick.