Decembers at the Ridge

One of my favorite things about December isn’t just that Christmas comes along but that we have such a wide variety of events here at Stevenson Ridge. We’ve hosted holiday parties, a “Roaring Twenties”-themed office party, the Next Generation of Business Leader's “Top Ten of the Next Gen” ceremony, a wine tasting for our January brides, a six-year-old’s birthday party, a handful of rehearsals dinners, and of course several weddings.

From a coordination perspective, every event poses its own sorts of challenges, which is great for us because nothing ever feels routine or boring. That makes every event fun for us in its own way.

Sometimes we have to coordinate a full catering staff. What an amazing ballet it is behind-the-scenes as our servers attend to guests and get food back and forth from the kitchen and clear tables. Chef David, like a maestro, conducts activity in the kitchen to keep everything—and everyone—cooking.

Sometimes we have to arrange a room in a special configuration or set out lanterns along the path to one of the back cabins or set up special decorations. Sometimes we even have special cleaning challenges (for instance, Chris assures me that feather boas molt worse than a flock of chickens!).

Gail had to give detailed attention to the unique centerpieces she built for the season: tall vases filled with cedar boughs and cranberries and water, wrapped in burlap and ribbon and set on silver platters, with pine cones and snow-like crystals sprinkled around the base.

It’s a lot of fun to watch our guests have so much fun. I’ve watched people sit around the piano in the Riddick House and sing Christmas Carols and “Amazing Grace” and “Auld Lang Syde.” I’ve sat with brides as they’ve sampled an array of good wines, not only enjoying the different varieties but learning about how they were created. I’ve watched some of Fredericksburg’s best and brightest young business leaders earn recognition for the important contributions they’ve made to our community. I’ve basked in the white lights of our towering Christmas tree in the chapel in the lodge and watched bride and grooms begin their new lives together.

This is what makes Decembers such a treat at Stevenson Ridge, and it’s what makes my job here so rewarding. I could not have asked for a more wonderful way to wrap up 2013!

Coal in your stocking?

As the old tradition goes, Santa brings presents to good boys and girls, but people who’ve been naughty get a lump of coal. However, some newly engaged girls have been delighted to get a lump of coal this year—when that coal has come in the form of a diamond ring!

According to another popular story, diamonds come from coal. The earth exerts extreme pressure on the coal, and extreme heat, over millions of years. As a result, the coal is transformed into crystal form: diamonds!

At least that’s the lesson a lot of us learn in science class. But according to new research, that old story is just a myth. If you want an explanation of how diamonds do form, you can check out this article from the Smithsonian Institute.

So, maybe a lump of coal isn’t such a good idea for Christmas after all—although I’m excited for anyone who got a diamond. Congratulations!

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography

Repatriating Court Documents

Ever wonder where our guests come from or why they are visiting?  Check out this blog post by our upcoming guest, George H. Bresnick, director of the H. Stanley Bresnick Foundation:  Repatriating Court Documents Stolen from Stafford Courthouse, Virginia, by Union Troops in 1862.  Mr. Bresnick was a guest contributor to Emerging Civil War.

October Bridal Newsletter

Click here to read our latest bridal newsletter.

Photo credit: Katelyn James Photography

To subscribe to our monthly bridal newsletter, please contact Elizabeth, Head Wedding Coordinator.
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Wedding Gift Etiquette

In the realm of wedding gifts, manners matter. There are classy and tactful ways to encourage your guests to express their support for your future as a husband and wife. Considering that you have a common bond that you care for them and they care for you, be assured that most givers want to satisfy the desires of the recipient, and chances are they will inquire as to what would be the most welcome sort of gift. Spread the word to your close contacts, such as close family or bridesmaids, that if people do happen to ask, what you would prefer receiving. You can make it easier by having a gift registry at a popular retail store. Finally, don't sweat it if you get duplicate items, especially ones you didn't want or need. Just keep in mind the sentiment behind the gift, be sure to thank with a written note, and remember to mention what you intend to do with the money if that is what you are given. Doing so makes you look good and the giver of the gift feel great. 

Photo Credit:The Happy Couple

New Bridal Trend: Herb Bouquets

Once a bride begins to consider her wedding flowers, she might find herself in a virtual greenhouse brimming with possibilities. Ideas can be borrowed, old, or new. One fantastic trend for bouquets is the resurgence of incorporating herbs as a part of the arrangement. Ancient legends of long ago speak of the symbolic power of herbs. Not only do they stand for a grand virtue, such as strength or courage, but they also have been used as comforts for eons. Rosemary represents love, faithfulness, and remembrance- all essential ingredients for a long life together. Thyme hearkens back to the medieval era because it was adopted as a symbol of courage, a virtue any military spouse will be sure to value. For strength, choose sage, which is a lovely addition to both bold and romantic bouquets. Creative brides may consider mint or parsley, both of which have a pleasant effect on the aroma of the arrangement, and even of the breath when a leaf is nibbled! 

Photo Credit: ElizabethAnneDesigns.com

August 2013 Bridal Newsletter

Click here to read our latest bridal newsletter.

Photo credit: Principle in Action Blog

To subscribe to our monthly bridal newsletter, please contact our Wedding Director, Elizabeth.