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3rd Annual Alexandria Wedding Showcase
January 29, 2019

Couples planning to tie the knot in the D.C. region can take the hassle out of wedding planning at the 3rd Annual Alexandria Wedding Showcase! Discover Alexandria, Virginia’s historic charm, stunning waterside views and wide selection of world-class vendors, all in one place at the 2019 Alexandria Wedding Showcase on February 17, 2019. Come visit the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event is bigger than ever with more than 60 vendors, a grand prize $25,000 wedding giveaway, a fashion show, demonstrations, a multicultural wedding display, and destination experts ready to lend their expertise.

Sarah Marcella Creative

At the showcase, couples and their families and friends can visit with more than 60 world-class Alexandria wedding vendors. This includes bakeries and caterers, entertainment and music providers, florists, photographers, salons and spas, transportation, and hotels and other unique venues. Attendees will also enjoy specialty cocktails, a fashion show, and the Not-Yet Newlywed Game. How fun does that sound?!

Not only is this wedding show going to be so much fun, but it’s also an event benefiting Brides Across America. If you don’t know what that is, go check it out. This amazing non-profit is committed to gifting weddings and wedding gowns to military and first responder brides. During the showcase, 20 pre-selected brides chosen by the charity will select free gowns donated by Brides Across America. In addition, $2 from each ticket sold to the Alexandria Wedding Showcase will be donated to Brides Across America.

New this year, attendees are invited to take advantage of the Alexandria Weekend Love Package at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. Enjoy a weekend getaway in Alexandria! The package includes two tickets to the Alexandria Wedding Showcase, at the special rate $105 per night plus tax. This is a great chance to spend time with your fiance and plan the wedding of your dreams!

Emily Ann Photography

Don’t-Miss Prizes

Attendees will have the chance to win numerous prizes. The winners will be announced at 2:45 p.m. at the showcase. You must be present to win! Check out all of the amazing prizes below.

Grand Prize – Win a Wedding at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center 

Win an all-inclusive wedding of your dreams for up to 100 guests at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, valued at $25,000. Visit the Alexandria Wedding Showcase website for complete rules and restrictions.

Rehearsal Dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

Step back in history and enjoy a memorable rehearsal dinner for up to 30 guests at the charming Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant situated on George Washington’s breathtaking estate.

Romantic Weekend Getaway in Old Town Alexandria 

One lucky couple will win a romantic weekend at The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection. Enjoy two weekend nights in the heart of Alexandria’s historic district along with $100 gift certificates at The Wharf and The Warehouse restaurants and a complimentary Key to the City museum pass for two.

LOVE Letters Giveaway

Virginia Tourism Corporation’s iconic LOVE letters make the perfect backdrop for pictures! Attendees will be entered for a chance to win a free rental of the LOVE letters.

Sarah Marcella Creative

Don’t hesitate! Secure your tickets to the Alexandria Wedding Showcase today at a discounted rate. Tickets are $20 for one ticket or $15 each for two or more tickets if purchased in advance, and are $25 at the door.

If you’re looking for amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries. While you’re doing that, don’t miss all of our beautiful Washington DC area real weddings.

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Pretty Pastel Alexandrian Hotel Wedding
May 21, 2018

Happy Monday! You are in for some beautiful wedding inspiration this week. Kirk and Jennifer got ready at The Alexandrian Hotel (formerly Hotel Monaco of Alexandria) for their Virginia wedding. They then had a first look in Wales Alley before heading over to Georgetown for their ceremony at Holy Trinity. After the ceremony the bride, groom, and wedding party took portraits at the Historic Tudor Place followed by a reception at The Alexandrian.

Their blush and cream wedding was stunning. Their signature cocktails looked delicious and their flowers accented the space perfectly. Guests enjoyed a take-away gift of Krispy Kreme doughnuts since the two shared one on their first date. They also had fun cocktail napkins that said: Fact: Kirk Egan his proposal to Jenn by saying “Let’s Do This!” What a great way to inject a little personality into the big day. Thank you to Lisa Blume Photography for sharing this Alexandrian hotel  wedding with us today.

The following Washington DC wedding professionals contributed to this Alexandrian hotel wedding:

Photography: Lisa Blume Photography | Planning: Kelley Cannon Events | Florals: Floral and Bloom | Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals | Beauty: Amie Decker Beauty | Band: Broadsound Band | Venue: Alexandrian Hotel

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide. For additional local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries. Especially relevant would be our Washington DC area real weddings.

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Classic Christ Church Alexandria Wedding
March 22, 2018

I am sure that everyone is thinking the same thing today, where in the world is spring? While it’s utterly beautiful outside, we are over the snow and ready for spring! We cant wait for DC Cherry Blossom engagement photos, picnic bridal showers, and outdoor wedding ceremonies! Can you? Today we are sharing a Celtic inspired Christ Church Alexandria wedding; it’s full of emerald details, plaid gentleman’s fashion, and romantic white florals!

Though they’d lived a mere block away from each other, Keith & Sarah didn’t meet for several years until they were introduced through mutual friends. Their first date was over wine at Virtue Feed & Grain in Old Town Alexandria. Just over a year later, Keith proposed with the assistance of Sarah’s Scottish Terrier William Wallace. He had the ring attached to his collar; how adorable is that?! Sarah happily accepted while snowflakes fell at the waterfront, a stone’s throw from the site of the couple’s first date. About eight months later, they married in front of friends and family, in the place where they both live and spent most of their time together: Old Town Alexandria.

The coupled set out to have a classic Virginia wedding, with a Celtic theme. For colors, florals and decorations, they felt strongly about a simple emphasis on natural greenery and white. Since the groom, flower girl and three young boys in the wedding party were all wearing different kilt patterns, an emerald green and white color story paired perfectly against the attire. The tartan ribbon representing the groom’s Scottish heritage wrapped the stems of the bride’s bouquet. We love that they were able to bring such an important piece of his background into the decor. In addition, the men’s boutonnieres featured a pale purple Scottish thistle. We love when a theme is subtle yet so consistently classic at the same time. Congratulations to the couple. Thank you for sharing your lovely wedding with us today!

The following Washington DC wedding professionals contributed to this classic Christ Church wedding:

Venue: Historic Christ Church | Catering: Good Gracious Catering | Planner: Sincerely Pete | Dress: Ellie’s Bridal Boutique | Florist: Atelier Ashley Flowers | Band: Blue Tips Rhythm Revue | Ceremony Music: Celtic Music For Your Wedding | Photography: David Bohrer and Suzanne Tylander | Cake: Morgan Phillips Cakes

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide and for additional local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries and other Washington DC area real weddings.

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2nd Annual Alexandria Wedding Showcase
January 30, 2018

When planning your DC area wedding, there can be a lot of choices to make. We know we say that all the time but it’s SO true! Which venue do you choose? Who are the vendors you like? What type of food do you want to serve? And the list goes on and on… take the pressure off yourself and save yourself some time by attending the 2nd annual Alexandria Wedding Showcase! It’s happening Sunday, February 18th at The Westin Alexandria from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Timmester Photography

With its historic charm, red brick architecture, and stunning waterfront views, Alexandria is frequently rated one of the “Most Romantic Cities in the U.S.” It’s a sought-after location for weddings, and so it’s a perfect location for a wedding show! This year’s event is bigger than ever with more than 60 vendors, a grand prize wedding giveaway, a weekend getaway in Alexandria giveaway, live music, fashion show, and destination experts ready to lend their expertise. Not only is this a killer wedding show, but it’s also an event benefiting Brides Across America. If you don’t know what that is, go check it out. It’s an amazing non-profit committed to gifting weddings and wedding gowns to military and first responder brides. 

At the showcase, couples, their families, and friends can visit with more than 60 world-class Alexandria wedding vendors. This includes all the heavy hitters: bakeries and caterers, boutiques, entertainment and music providers, florists, photographers, salons and spas, transportation, and hotels and other unique venues. Attendees will also enjoy specialty cocktails, a champagne bar, live entertainment, an expert wedding panel, and a fashion show highlighting the latest wedding trends. Advance tickets to the Alexandria Wedding Showcase can be purchased online for $20 for one or $15 each for two or more. Tickets are $25 per person the day of the event. Keep reading for the schedule of events and, of course, the amazing prizes! One lucky couple can even win an all-inclusive wedding of their dreams! So awesome!

 

Sarah Marcella Creative

Schedule of Events

The Alexandria Wedding Showcase will feature on stage events for guests to enjoy between meeting with exhibitors and enjoying cocktails.

11:00 AM: Show Opens

11:15 AM: Celebrate with EastCoast Entertainment’s Perfekt Blend

11:50 AM: Demonstration: Strike a Pose! Photography tips featuring Sarah Marcella Creative

12:15 PM: Discussion: Ask our Expert Wedding Panel

  • David Magsumbol, Account Director, The Westin Alexandria
  • Annee Gillett, Catering Director, Eat Good Food Group
  • Kristin Carrigan, Event Designer, Kelley Cannon Events

12:45 PM: Fashion Show featuring Fabulous Frocks Alexandria, Hair & Makeup by Stylists at North

1:30 PM: Celebrate with EastCoast Entertainment’s Perfekt Blend

2:00 PM: Discussion: Perfecting your Alexandria Wedding

  • Megan Hosford, Destination Wedding Specialist, Visit Alexandria
  • Gretchen Bulova, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria
  • Valerie Ianierie, Owner, The Old Town Shop

2:45 PM: Prizes! Featuring the Grand Prize: Win a Wedding from The Westin Alexandria

3:00 PM: Au Revoir! Thanks for coming!

Sarah Marcella Creative

Prize Information

Stick around for the prize drawing at 2:45 PM. You won’t want to miss it because you have to be present to win! Please see complete list of rules and regulations here. 

  • Grand Prize: Your Dream Wedding! Attendees have the chance to win the grand prize, a wedding at The Westin Alexandria for up to 100 guests. The Westin Alexandria will provide the ceremony space, reception space in the Edison Ballroom, a one hour pre-dinner cocktail reception, a plated dinner, lighting and draping throughout the reception space and two complimentary nights in the Presidential Suite. In Addition, the grand prize package also includes linens, chairs, chargers and flatware provided by Select Event Group, photography by Sarah Marcella Creative, floral centerpieces by Velvet Moss Floral for up to 10 tables plus a bridal bouquet or two boutonnieres, and a wedding cake by Alexandria Pastry Shop for up to 100 guests.
  • Weekend Getaway in Alexandria: Take a break from wedding planning and have a mini moon before the wedding in Alexandria. The winner of this prize will receive a complimentary two-night stay with breakfast at Lorien Hotel & Spa, lunch for two at Virtue Feed & Grain, dinner for two at Columbia Firehouse, dinner for two at Magnolia’s on King and a $100 Visa gift card to use while shopping at Alexandria’s many independent boutiques.
  • LOVE Letters Giveaway: Virginia Tourism Corporation’s iconic LOVE letters make the perfect backdrop for pictures and attendees will be entered for a chance to win a free rental of the white six feet tall white LOVE letters.
  • Scout Bag Giveaway: The first 500 attendees will receive a large  Scout Tote Bag from the Georgetown-based store.

Dyanna LaMora

If you’re looking for amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries. While you’re doing that, don’t miss all of our beautiful Washington DC area real weddings.

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Romantic Winter Old Town Alexandria Wedding
January 29, 2018

Welcome back to a new fresh week of DC wedding inspiration and real weddings! We took a few days off last week to allow for flu recovery as our family was wiped. We hope that you are all staying healthy and happy in the new year!

Today we have a lovely romantic winter Old Town Alexandria wedding at Virtue Feed and Grain. Melissa and Bogdan were married during a snowy March weekend. Knowing that they wanted an intimate feel to their wedding, the restaurant turned wedding space was the perfect fit. The pair wanted an industrial yet familiar feel for their day. Their largest priorities were having an energetic evening that was more of a party than a formal gathering. We are always down for that! Thank you to Andrea Rodway Photography for sharing a look into this day! Keep reading below for insight from the newlyweds about planning!

Any DIY or special projects? “Bogdan’s ring. We have mismatched rings, which we absolutely love. One of our favorite details is Bogdan’s ring, since it has both metals on it. The copper piece is the profile of the Carpathian mountains – the mountain range Bogdan grew up near. He’s actually hiked a few of the peaks on his ring!”

 

What was most important to you in the planning, splurge or skip? “Well, the largest thing we skipped was a long engagement. We planned our wedding in just over 10 weeks and were helped by an incredible team of vendors, a hugely supportive family, and wonderful friends that were able to pull it all off in a short time. We knew immediately that we didn’t care for the long year+ of planning, so we did it on our own terms. With two engineers in one union, our style has always been more to plan, execute, and move on to the next challenge! It might be a weird way to approach wedding planning, but it worked for us!” 

Favorite moment of the day: ” We had a non-traditional ceremony officiated by a friend of ours. We had put together our ceremony and vows, and knew what was included. However, during the ceremony our friend added a part where he spoke about how much we (Bogdan & I) meant to everyone in the room, and how much they loved us and supported us. He asked us to turn from facing each other and instead turn towards our guests, and really take a moment to appreciate just how much we were loved by so many.

Both of us did not see that coming, and for me I was truly overwhelmed and teared up. I had been doing such a good job at composure, but lost it at that moment! Never before have I stood in front of such a ‘proof of love’, and it was one of my favorite parts of the entire day. Nothing like being overwhelmed (in an amazingly great way!), by your own officiant! “

Did you have favors? “Instead of traditional wedding favors, we chose to donate the amount of money we would’ve spent on them to charities that our guests could choose. We had cards at the the guest book table that explained this, and that had choices for three charities that have impacted us or our families in some way. Guests could choose what they felt most strongly about, and then dropped the card in a copper geometric vase.”

Family Heirlooms or moments?  “There is a family story in my [bride’s] family about my paternal grandfather giving a speech at the 50th wedding anniversary of his in-laws. He toasted his wife’s parents, who immigrated from Italy, and worked really hard to be able to say part of the speech in Italian. I’ve watched the grainy footage of it, and it’s a beautiful video of my grandfather (who passed in the early 2000s, and was not at our wedding) thanking his in-laws for not only his wife, but for their shining example of marriage.

Fast-forward to our wedding, my father stood up and gave a toast to Bogdan and I, and part of it was in Romanian! How much of it made sense in Romanian, only Bogdan and our Romanian guests know, but it meant the world to us. It was a touching moment at our wedding that we will not soon forget.”

The following Washington DC wedding professionals contributed to their Old Town Alexandria wedding:

Photography: Andrea Rodway Photography | Venue: Virtue Feed and Grain | Event Planning: Amelia Lawrence | Floral: Vintage Floral Design | Stationery: The Dandelion Patch | Beauty: Agape Airbrush Makeup and Hair | Engagement Ring: Paul Michael Design | Wedding Ring: Mara Joyce | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Groom’s Attire: Joseph a. Bank | Bride’s Shoes: Charlotte Olympia | Pocket Squares: The Union DC | Ties: The Union DC | Ring Box: Ostap of Leosklo | Groom’s Shoes: Magnanni | Submitted via: Matchology

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide. For even more amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries and other Washington DC area real weddings.

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Classic Winter Alexandria Wedding
November 1, 2017

Can you believe it is already November? We are kicking off the last true fall month with a beautiful winter Alexandrian Hotel wedding planned by Kelley Cannon Events. Chrissy and Vincent worked with so many of our favorite DC wedding vendors to create a memorable and classic affair that while planned for winter, had a mother nature induced change in plans! In the winter months, at least in this area, many wedding professionals receive a well-deserved break. Lots of couples want to plan their weddings for the warmer months. The cold months are less attractive. Why? Because contingency plans for snow and lack of daylight impede on the fun of the day.

Chrissy & Vincent were prepared for anything at their wedding, but lucked out with a wonderful day! Surprised by the gentle breeze and warm sun, Mason Photography moved Chrissy & Vincent’s first look outside into the open courtyard space. After their intimate first look, the bridal party strolled through the cobblestone streets of Alexandria towards St. Mary’s Catholic Church where their ceremony took place. We loved the surprise Hokie inspired Fluffy Thoughts grooms cake that Chrissy planned for Vincent, as the wedding was also on his birthday! Thank you to Mason Photography for sharing a look into this classic winter Alexandria wedding!

The following DC wedding professionals contributed to this lovely Winter Alexandria wedding:

Photography: Mason Photography | Venue: Alexandrian Hotel | Planner: Kelley Cannon Events  | Florist: Helen Olivia Flowers  | Cake: Fluffy Thoughts | DJ: Dan Goldman | Beauty: Modern Bridal Studio | Dress: Elegance by Roya | Bridesmaids Dresses: Davids Bridal  | Mens Suiting: The Black Tux

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide. For even more amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries. In addition, check out our other Washington DC area real weddings for more wedding inspo.

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Traditional Old Town Alexandria Wedding
October 2, 2017

John and Cady met on Cady’s first day of work. During toasts at the wedding, Cady’s sister humorously said “Growing up, Cady never met a rule she couldn’t follow.” This was why she found it so surprising when Cady clued her in that she was trying not to fall in love with her boss, John! Needless to say, her efforts were all for naught. The two of them began a romantic relationship, fell in love and the rest is history. This is lucky for us because their traditional Old Town Alexandria wedding is a stunner!
Cady’s family home is near Old Town Alexandria, and she loves the town’s history. She and John wanted a traditional Alexandria wedding that took advantage of Old Town’s natural charm. From getting ready at home, to their ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on South Royal Street, followed by a reception at Mount Vernon Country Club, their wedding day did just that. We’re pretty in love with their classically elegant invitation suite by UWL vendor, The Dandelion Patch, and their 6 tiered cake by Cakefest. Thank you toRebekah Emily Photography for sharing this beautifully classic wedding day with us!
 
 
 
 
 

 The following Washington D.C. wedding professionals contributed this wedding:

Photography: Rebekah Emily Photography | Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s Catholic Chuch | Reception Venue: Mount Vernon Country Club |  Floral: Enchanted Florist | Stationery: The Dandelion Patch | Wedding Cake: Cakefest | DJ: J White Productions | Beauty: Ella Beauty| Wedding Dress: Bree Corset & Almira Skirt | Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide. For even more amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries. In addition, check out our other Washington DC area real weddings for more wedding inspo.

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Minimalist Fairytale Alexandria Wedding Inspiration
August 3, 2017

Today we have quite the swoon worthy minimalist Alexandria wedding inspiration by Studeo 23 Event Planners. We promise it will make you want to have your own waterside affair! By aiming for minimalist meets romantic, the DC wedding vendors showed that less can be more! The shoot took place in beautiful Old Town Alexandria. We love the simplistic vision which included a color palette of white and greenery. They also added in touches of rose gold to create a chic aesthetic. The table runner accented the simple florals; this created a big impact at a lower price point. The taper candles added in a varying height element. Having this on your tables is often helpful. It can make them appear fuller! The cake too was subtle but stunning. We love the texture that gives it a little something special!

To continue with the minimalistic vibe, the couple were dressed in classic attire. For the bride, a clean sleek sheath. For the groom, it was a monochromatic tuxedo. Both were dressed with timelessness in mind. Their outfits were also easily translatable. They could go from a simple waterfront wedding to a more grand affair. And her braids are so perfect! We love a ornate touch with a simple gown. We were drawn to this inspiration because it truly showcased that with the right details, you can create a simplistic wedding that is beautiful. It still leaves an impression! Couples can translate these elements into their own wedding for a lower cost. Just look at all the pretty! Doesn’t it make you want to have a minimalist wedding? Thank you to the team and Rachel E.H. Photography for sharing this minimalist wedding inspiration with us today!

The following Washington DC area wedding professionals contributed to this inspiration:

Venue: Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Planner: Studeo 23 Event Planners
Makeup: Jackie Cyrille Beauty / Hair: Jameta Nelson
Photography: Rachel E. H Photography
Floral Design: Pretty Petals Floral Design
Stationery: LePenn Designs
Calligraphy: Just Write Studios
Bridal Attire: Soliloquy Bridal
Cake: Alexandra Sweets
Groom and Groomsmen: Men’s Wearhouse
Models: Cristina Luna and Messai Desta

Visit our vendor guide for more fabulous Washington, DC area wedding professionals. See our real wedding gallery for more beautiful Washington, DC area weddings.

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Intimate Old Town Alexandria Wedding
May 17, 2017

Lauren and Mark wanted an intimate wedding with their closest friends and family. First, they needed the perfect venue to achieve this. The remodeled Morrison House was their choice. We love that they opted for something a little different for their ceremony space, something few people have thought of. Rather than going with a traditional inside ceremony, they were married on the front steps of the Virginia wedding venue. Guests then moved inside for cocktail hour followed by the reception. This is such a unique idea; we hope some of you brides and grooms can draw wedding day inspiration from it! 

Since the reception was happening in such an intimate space, Lauren wanted to fill it with warmth. She obtained this by bringing in summery Virginia blooms. She decided to go with deep pinks, oranges, and purples for the space. They were perfect for the reception and as an accent to her stunning, modern gown. The greenery table runners were dotted with flowers and added romance to the design. We love this as an alternative to traditional floral centerpieces! Thank you to Cedar and Lime Co for sharing this intimate Morrison House wedding with us today.

The following Washington DC area wedding professionals contributed to their wedding:

Venue & Catering: The Morrison House

Cake: Society Fair 

Photographer: Gray Kammera Photography

Floral Designer: Cedar and Lime Co

Ceremony and Reception Music:  Innocenti Strings

Hair and Makeup:  Salon DeZen

Bridal Salon:  Fabulous Frocks

Grooms Suit:  The Knot Standard

Invitation Suite:  Minted

Cake Topper:  Lollipop Workshop

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide and for even more amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries and other Washington DC area real weddings.
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