2013 Color of the Year: Emerald

As the New Year approaches, Pantone Color Institute® announced earlier last week that Emerald is the 2013 Color of the Year. “Green is the most abundant hue in nature—the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum… Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation” stated Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. You can incorporate Emerald (green) in your wedding with dress & ties/bows, floral arrangements, table linens or any other décor item. I’ll be interesting to see how much Emerald or green will be integrated in our special events next year!

Photo Credit: Melissa Arlena Photography

Previous article written on WeddingWire.

Happy Holidays from the Staff at Stevenson Ridge.

New Rescue Puppies

On your next trip to Stevenson Ridge, you will likely be greeted by our two new rescue puppies (and brothers), George Bailey & Billy!  We aren't sure of their breed mix, but definitely some Labrador Retriever.  George Bailey is a little shy, but Billy certainly makes up for it.  These inseparable pups are a fun addition to the Stevenson Ridge family!

Fire on the Rappahannock

On Dec. 7-9th, the commemoration of the Battle of Fredericksburg will take place on it's 150th anniversary!  This weekend event titled Fire on the Rappahannock will include re-enactments, living history demonstrations and educational programs.  Additional programming will take place through December 15th.  To see a full calender of events, click here.

Jingle Bell Wine Trail

Looking for a fun way to spend the weekend?  Four local wineries will be participating in the Jingle Bell Wine Trail December 1-2.  From 11am-5pm, Lake Anna Winery, Cooper Vineyards, Grayhaven Winery and James River Cellars will have snacks, tastings and a souvenir glass.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at any of the wineries.  Click here to learn more about the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail.

Movie Lincoln filmed in Virginia

Today is a big day for Virginia... Steven Spielberg's film Lincoln opens nationwide.  Filmed entirely in the Petersburg and Richmond areas, the tourism industry is hoping this will bring some history enthusiasts to our state for years to come. Stevenson Ridge is especially excited about the films' debut because one of our own was hired as an extra.  Congrats Trevor Spear!!  Here he is, so try to spot him in the movie...

Trevor Spear 

Happy America Recycles Day!

Happy AMERICA RECYCLES DAY!  Today is a happy day to be a member of Virginia Green.  In honor of America Recycles Day, they have announced an initiative to introduce recycling to many of Virginia's State Parks... one being our own Lake Anna State Park.  Congratulations to Virginia Green on their endeavor to Keep Virginia Beautiful!  Visit the Stevenson Ridge Virginia Green page here.  For more information on Keep Virginia Beautiful, click here.

Melissa & Ryan Lilley's Wedding

Bride Q&A- Melissa Green-Lilley

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Reception at The Lodge

How did you meet your husband?

Ryan and I met when I was a junior in high school at my first job.  We both worked at Tropical Smoothie during high school.  I moved on to a different job and Ryan began college.  We met back up a year later and began dating.  Ryan went to school at JMU and I went to Virginia Tech.  We dated throughout college and got engaged after I graduated with my master’s degree.

How did you choose your wedding date?

I am a teacher, so the summer was always a great fit for us to have our wedding followed by a honeymoon.  The month of August just fit, and August 4^th sounded perfect.

What was the one thing about Stevenson Ridge that made you know it was the one?

I loved the garden and rustic look and hadn’t quite found a place that met those needs along with a venue that could comfortably fit over 100 guests.  When we walked into the lodge and saw the extremely high ceilings with the wooden beams throughout we just knew it was the most beautiful venue to have our wedding reception. 

What was your overall wedding theme?

Our overall wedding theme was a mix of a rustic, garden, and vintage feel.

Which detail from your wedding was your favorite?

My favorite detail from our wedding was the groomsmen suits.  I absolutely LOVED how well the colors ended up looking together. All of the groomsmen looked extremely handsome!

Give us your favorite moment of that day.

My favorite memory of the day was when we first arrived at Stevenson Ridge.  The limo driver stopped at the end of the long driveway leading to the property to give us the chance to take a picture that I really wanted.  The guests began arriving for cocktail hour at that time and began to honk their horns in the excitement of seeing us.  Following that picture we went to the basement of the lodge to “chill out” for a minute and have some appetizers and drinks.  Caroline Catering did a wonderful job bringing us wonderful snacks and drinks while we were taking pictures.  This was the perfect time for us to relax and enjoy the moment with our wedding party (our best friends).

Advice for any brides-to-be.

My advice for any brides-to-be is to soak up every moment of the day.  The day goes by so fast and it is so wonderful to see all of the small details you planned all put together.  Soak in the smallest moments as well. The time you have with your groom when you are taking pictures just the two of you, or the intimate time you have with your bridal party is extremely special and wonderful.  Stay calm and just enjoy every moment!

Caterer: Caroline Street Catering I Florist: Jane Guerin Flowers I Photographer: Reed Photography I Coordinator: Elizabeth Timms, Stevenson Ridge I DJ: Richard Green Entertainment I Cake: The Icing