January 2013 Bridal Newsletter

Click here to check out our latest bridal newsletter!

To subscribe to our monthly bridal newsletter, please contact our event coordinator, Elizabeth.

Staff Trip to A. Smith Bowman Distillery

While searching for unique activities for our guests, the staff took a trip to the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in early January.  After taking a wrong turn, we are now ready to give you tips on how to get there!  Upon arrival, we were greeted by Mary who provided us with a great tour of the facility and Truman Cox, the Master Distiller.  The picture above is where the whiskey and bourbon barrels are stored during the aging process.  Once we completed the tour, we were able to try samples of the A. Smith Bowman products.  Truman joined us during the tasting to share more about the flavors of each liquor and told us about his experimental batches!  With an ABC store in-house, you are able to pick up whatever you like and they have some fun things you won't find in your typical ABC store.  I will be going back to pick up the barrel chips for grilling!  If you are looking for a fun activity, you can tour the facility alone or as part of the Grapes & Grain Trail.  Guests can purchase tickets in the office or at any of the Grapes & Grain Trail stops.  To learn more about the distillery, click here.

2013 Wedding Trends

Vintage

This vintage theme is slightly changing from the rustic burlap and mason jars to the Roaring Twenties. This trend has perfect timing for 2013 as the “The Great Gatsby” with Leonardo DiCaprio premiers this summer. So get in touch with your inner Daisy Buchanan while planning your vintage wedding.

Photo Credit: Warner Brothers

Mint

Although Emerald Green was announced as Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year, the lighter but just as earthier, Mint Green, is popular among brides. Perfect for spring and summer weddings as this trend is fresh, fun and shabby chic. Get creative with your décor as this retro color will look great with little hints of gold or melon.

Photo Credit: Wedding Elation Blog

Rainbow

Why choose just one color when you can have them all? Incorporating many colors within your wedding décor is a fun trend that will be a hit as each bridesmaid, tables at the reception, centerpieces, or any other décor can each represent a unique color. Whether you choose jewel tones, primaries or pastels, your guests will enjoy a colorful day!

Photo Credit: Wedding Elation Blog

Birds

What’s more romantic and charming than lovebirds (or birds in general)! This trend is easy to integrate into your big day; you can’t walk into Hobby Lobby or browse Pinterest without seeing these cute creatures! You’ll find bird-themed stationary, cake toppers, statuettes, favors, etc. Don’t forget the birdcage for your cards!

Photo Credit: Wedding Elation Blog

Mini Menus

Smaller is better! This year mini menus are going to be a hit at weddings as miniature food will be seen more often for cocktail hour and desert bars. Mini waffles, mini cheeseburgers and fries, mini pies and cakes will be passed around so whatever you choose for your mini menu your guests are sure to love this itty bitty trend.

Photo Credit: Wedding Elation Blog

Stevenson Ridge's Best of 2012 Weddings

As we begin a new year, the staff at Stevenson Ridge reflects back on the amazing year we had in 2012. These are our TOP 5 moments we had at our 2012 weddings...

#5 Rocking out with the Blue Tip Revue

DJ’s are great to entertain your guests during your reception but it was refreshing to have a live band perform at a few of our events this past year. Instead of the overplayed “Gangnam Style” or the “Electric Slide,” the Blue Tip Revue provided a refreshing new sound of Motown grooves and guests boogied all night! Even though live bands are no longer as popular as they use to be, the staff at Stevenson Ridge enjoyed the change of entertainment for the night.

Photo Credit: Blue Tip Revue Facebook Page

#4 Roasting at the S’more Bar

Yum! This was a hit at one of our weddings where Caroline Street Catering setup a S’more bar inside the Lodge. Guests had the option to choose different kinds of chocolates (i.e. Reese’s, Hershey’s, Butter Fingers, etc) to melt with the classic marshmallow and graham cracker. Contact your caterer to see if this is possible for your wedding day.

Photo Credit: Amanda Dorian Photography

#3 “You can tell everybody this is your song”

This wedding couldn’t have been more adorable and perfect as this couple said “I Do” and their two families merged as one. The couple’s children (from previous marriages) wrote a song just for the newlyweds and performed it at the ceremony. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience and it was wonderful to see how much this family loves one another.

Photo Credit: Ampersand Photography

#2 Daddy Breaks it Down on the Dance Floor

This lovely Father/Daughter duo took the floor for their special moment. The music started off nice and slow then it switched to more upbeat and fast tempo songs! The duo jumped into a choreographed routine having everyone attending enjoying this unique Father/Daughter dance. YouTube more videos of Father/Daughter dances that change the beat unexpectedly.

Photo Credit: Mathy Shoots People Photography

#1 JMU’s Duke Dog Crashing the Reception

This bride & groom LOVED their Alma Mater and actually surprised their entire wedding party and guests with JMU’s Duke Dog in attendance. He came out dancing and everyone cheered in amazement! Then he hung out for a little while to pose in photos with the guests. This crowd pleaser was a great way to start the party at this wedding!

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography

We hope everyone had a great and safe holiday season as we gear up for our 2013 weddings!

Written by: Elizabeth Timms

Fredericksburg's 8th Annual Restaurant Week

Restaurant week is back!  January 18-28 participating Fredericksburg restaurants will feature two course luncheons and three course prix fixe dinners for $10.13 and $20.13, respectively.  Enjoy fine dining at any of the following restaurants: Bavarian Chef, Bistro Bethem, Brock’s Riverside Grill, Capital Ale House, Castiglias, Colonial Tavern, Eileen’s Bakery & Café, Fizzlebottom’s Café, Foode, Jake & Mike’s Kybecca Wine Bar, La Petite Auberge, Poppy Hill Tuscan Kitchen, Ristorante Renato, Sunken Well Tavern, Tru Luv’s and Virginia Deli.  Click here to see sample menus.

Annual Wine & Chili Cook-Off

This weekend the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail is hosting its annual Chili Cook-Off.  If you are looking for a fun excursion during your stay, visit Cooper Vineyards, Grayhaven Winery, James River Cellars or Lake Anna Winery to enjoy tastings and chili samplings.  Spotsylvania’s own Lake Anna Winery holds the “Chili Cup.”  Spend your weekend warming up with chili and local wines.  Tickets can be purchased at any of the wineries.  For more information, visit http://www.hovawinetrail.com/.

Stoecker/Lysher Wedding

Congrats Erin & Michael! Click here to check out their wedding on 

El Paso Wedding Blog | Belle The Magazine.

December 2012 Bridal Newsletter

Click here to check out our latest bridal newsletter!

To subscribe to our monthly bridal newsletters, please contact our event coordinator, Elizabeth.