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.

Nara and Wan: October 3, 2009 Beautiful ceremony, reception and Thailand honeymoon

Nara had an eye for the elegant and with a perfect fall day, she was able to realize her dream.
















For their outside ceremony, Nara and Wan elected to use the drape as their backdrop instead of the lattice panels.




They also took some photos around the garden, some including the bridal party.




As you can see, for Nara and Wan, it was a day surrounded by their friends, family and lots of love!




After a wardrobe change, they departed under the glow of sparklers to make their way to lush and beautiful Thailand. As you can see, they seem to be having a great time.



Best wishes to Nara and Wan for a lifetime of happiness!

Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax hosts Association of Wedding Professionals

On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax was proud to host the Association of Wedding Professionals for their monthly meeting. I was a little disappointed that damp, chilly weather kept us from enjoying cocktails and hors d' oeuvres outside but the spirit inside was enthusiastic nonetheless. Here are a few photos provided by photographer Ron Jones.

Chef Ed Martinez provided an assortment of hors d' oeuvres including Mini Lamb "Lollies" with mint dipping sauce, Mini Quesadillas wiht Avocado Cream, and Lump Crab Bruschetta. Yum! Banquet Manager Julio Lemus created a special cocktail for the event - Strawberry Puree mixed with Dry Champagne. Sometimes the most simple is the most elegant!

Inside the ballroom, there was a profusion of spring color. The beautiful linens were provided courtesy of Donna Felter with Gala Cloths by Dulaney. The lovely centerpieces, provided by Melissa of Sylvain's Florist featured self illuminating bases. Myrna Grossman of For all Occasions provided the candle favors. Thank you to everyone for your contributions to this successful event!

Our presenter for the evening was Dr. Maggie Daniels, a wedding planner, published author and professor at George Mason University. She provided fantastic information on recent survey findings regarding which criteria engaged couples use to identify their wedding venue. Additionally, she included the detailed process on how surveys should be created to ensure maximum participation and the most accurate results. On top of all of that, she brought some gifts for the attendees - favors that she had created herself. Thank you Dr. Daniels for sharing your insights with our group!

After the presentation, the group was delighted by a fabulous menu created by chef Ed Martinez including a Micro Greens Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella with Balsamic Viniagrette.

The main course was a duet of Filet Mignon with Port Wine Demi Glaze paired with Mahi Mahi topped with Citrus Thyme Butter. This sumptuous entree was accompanied by Scalloped Potatoes and Tourney Vegetables.

For dessert, we enjoyed a Chocolate Raspberry Dome and Starbucks Coffee. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves!

To read more on this event, visit Ron Jones account and see additional photos at Ron's Blog.

A perfect fall evening! Sheri and Stuart: October 26, 2008

While it is true that most brides are beautiful, one of the things that has always touched me about the weddings business is how truly kind and sweet brides glow from within on their wedding day. Looking through Sheri's photo album, you can see what I mean.

Once Sheri and Stuart were ready, they met in the ballroom to sign the Ketubah before the ceremony began.

Inside the ballroom, Sheri walked down the aisle, joining Stuart and the Rabbi under the chuppah.




















Afterwards, they posed for a few photos both indoors and outside in the beautiful fall sunshine.

Inside, the reception was set with Sheri's choice of mixed fall colors - wine, pumpkin, forest green and gold. The floral centerpieces included a burst of deep purple!

The reception started off with bridal party introductions and then a blessing with Challah and wine.

Afterward, there was much signing and dancing. As you can see, everyone seemed to have a great time!

Best wishes Sheri and Stuart for a long and happy marriage!

Photos provided by Anne Lord Photography

http://www.annelordphotography.com/