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!

Welcome Laura and Garden Updates May 20, 2010

Joining us for the month of June is our new GMU intern, Laura. Although she will be focusing her attention on Sweet 16s and other teen events, she will be assisting us in a variety of other events as well. Please join me in welcoming her to the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax team!



While I was out snapping photos of Laura, I got a few more of the garden as well. The impatiens are in and doing well and the vines on the arbor are growing in thickly. It's been a beautiful spring season so far, just perfect for our April and May weddings! Stay tuned for more updates as we get our summer plantings!

Timeless Romance: Jennifer and Joseph, September 26, 2009

Jennifer and Joseph had a way of staying positive and turning every challenge into an opportunity. As you can see, rather than let their rainy day wedding be a downer, they seized the opportunity to capture some of the most remarkable photos!



Because the cold and heavy rain prohibited us from holding the ceremony outside, we set the ceremony inside the ballroom. The guests are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride!



The mirror made a beautiful backdrop for their exchange of vows.



Afterward, the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour while the bridal party took a few photos in the lobby.

Back inside the ballroom for the first dance, the mirror made an elegant backdrop. They also enjoyed the garter toss.




Jennifer and Joseph found time to steal away for a few moments of privacy in the garden under the umbrella.





Best wishes to Jennifer and Joseph for a long and happy marriage!

Professional photography provided by TurtleFeet Photography.