Northern Virginia Wedding Reception Site, Ceremony, Rehearsal Dinner

1 Month and Counting

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:04:00 +0000

The renovation on the main entrance of the facility is scheduled to begin in 1 month from today! We are very excited about our new entrance. Please contact me for more information regarding the renovation. WE ARE ALSO OFFERING SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR THIS TIME FOR ALL WEDDINGS AND OTHER EVENTS.

Charlena, Catering Sales Manager
703-352-3200
charlena@waterfordreceptions.com

Christmas Themed Wedding on the First Snow Day of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:56:00 +0000

All the decor for this wedding was red and gold - Christmas tree, flowers, and linens included! This couple left no part of their wedding without the proper colors/theme!
The Christmas Tree included over 100 ornaments, which were the favors for the guests. Each was hung on the tree with personalized ribbon. The Christmas tree smell filled the room!
Linens were rented from DC Rental.
The snow created a magical day for this bride and groom! Best of Luck Nick and Rita!

First Snow of the Year at Waterford!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:19:00 +0000

Its the first snow of the year at Waterford! This is the perfect setting for our afternoon Christmas themed wedding -- Christmas tree and all!

The Poinsettias Have Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Waterford at Fair Oaks decorates the holiday season with beautiful poinsettias around the fountain in the lobby.

Countdown to Construction!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:55:00 +0000

The renovation for Waterford at Fair Oaks is 9 weeks away! The front entrance of Waterford at Fair Oaks is going to be transformed into an elegant entrance with columns and a permanent structure. This new entrance will be great for photo ops, easier access to the building in inclement weather, greater visibility from the road, and an over all better look for Waterford at Fair Oaks.

Here is a photo of the current entrance:

Here is an artist's creation of what the new entrance will look like!
Construction is scheduled for January 15 through March 15.

CURRENT BRIDES: Do not be alarmed when you come in for your tasting - it will be completed on time!

FUTURE BRIDES: Take advantage of a great deal and book your reception during this time! We are offering our package with more than $20 off per person!

If you have any questions, please contact me, I will be happy to answer any questions regarding the renovation of our front entrance.

703-352-3200 (main office)
charlena@waterfordreceptions.com (my email)

Linens - Ways to save on linens and make your reception look AWESOME!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Colored linens definitely look great for any event. However, when you take a full length round linen and multiple by your number of tables (plus the head table, cake table, place card, etc), it can get costly! Here are some ideas to add colors with linens to your tables without breaking a budget!

The sashes on chair covers always add color, however, people sit in these chairs the whole time and look at the tables (not the chairs), added a colored napkin instead will give them something pretty to look at when they sit down! If napkins are delivered to Waterford at Fair Oaks before your reception, we will fold them and have them ready to go for your BIG DAY!*Colored floor length linens look great until the total comes - what about a table overlay instead? It adds just the right amount of color, PLUS Waterford also already includes your table linens.

*Don't like the look of table overlays? How about table runners? Table runners give a splash of color through the middle of your table and always look great!

(As a side note, when choosing your linens, do not worry about the colors in the carpet, no one will be looking there at your reception...)

Here are some pictures from events with specialty linens at Waterford at Fair Oaks!

Popular Fall Colors at Waterford at Fair Oaks

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:05:00 +0000

This year's HOT fall colors at Waterford are Red and Black.

Here are some RED AND BLACK weddings at Waterford at Fair Oaks.

Tasty Food @ Waterford at Fair Oaks

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:04:00 +0000

Waterford at Fair Oaks (and Waterford at Springfield) prepares some of the best food in the area! Our Chef, Chef Michael Rogers, has created a wonderful menu for both our plated/sit-down meals and our buffets (the most popular service at Waterford at Fair Oaks).

Food tastings (which are included with ALL our wedding packages) are scheduled with our Chefs on Wednesdays and Thursdays. All of our tastings are private tastings with a sales person and a Chef. Our food ALWAYS tastes just as good (if not better because you've waited for it so long) as it did at the tasting.

Below are some of the popular items served on our buffet.

Chicken Piccata - our number 1 dish on EVERY menu.

Three Peppercorn Strip Loin - this is a carved item for the buffet. The most popular buffet beef!

Colors in the Centerpieces are the Right amount (and the right Budget)

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:23:00 +0000

You don't have to have decorations all over the room to change the look of your wedding venue. Nicely adorned centerpieces that accent your wedding colors are enough to brighten the room of your reception. Having floral arrangements, chair covers, colored linens, balloons, and other decorations can bring a lot of color to your room, but can also be very expensive. Choosing to have colorful centerpieces can be low in cost, but still look fantastic! You can use anything from flowers and candles to fruit and vases with water. Using simple items such as a fish bowl or a large martini glass and placing floating candles or flowers inside makes a very nice centerpiece. You can also use the season to inspire your centerpieces; use pumpkins and colorful fall leaves for an autumn wedding or fruit and bright flowers for a spring or summer wedding. As long as your centerpiece includes the colors chosen for your wedding you can have any creative arrangement on your tables to change the look of your ballroom and give your wedding the right amount of color.

Holiday Weekend Weddings/Sunday Receptions

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Weddings on holiday weekends are very popular and can be more accommodating to your guests and their travel needs. If you hold your wedding on a Sunday of a holiday weekend (i.e. Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, or Columbus Day Weekend), travel time is available for most of your guests on Saturday so they do not have to leave work and then on Monday to return home (or to recover). With a Sunday wedding, your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner can be on a Saturday (instead of Friday) which helps those in your wedding party to miss less work as well. At Waterford at Fair Oaks, Sundays of holiday weekends usually fill up before the Saturdays do!

Sundays of non-holiday weekends are not as popular at Waterford at Fair Oaks and your reception is likely to be the ONLY reception with us. Sundays on non-holiday weekends also have a reduced rate from our Saturday evenings and timing is very flexible. You can have an early afternoon ceremony and/or reception with us and give your guests plenty of time to get home and get ready for work the next day.

Ceremony + Wedding Receptions --- Why to have your whole day at one place.

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Why add to the stress of your big day by having to deal with more than one location? Waterford at Fair Oaks can hold your ceremony and reception.

Church Reception:
Dieing to have a church reception? You can make this happen at Waterford at Fair Oaks. Check out this picture below of stained glass windows projected up onto our ballroom walls. This simple addition created a bride's perfect church wedding!
Outdoor Ceremony:
Do you really want to have an outdoor reception? This can be very difficult to have and the weather cannot be controlled by you. Is it worth the risk? Waterford at Fair Oaks can hold your reception indoors where the climate is controlled by us. Then you can go to a nearby park or outside on our property to take pictures.

You can also use us as the "Plan B" if you choose to have your reception outdoor somewhere else.

Michael and Fabiola - Sept. 20, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:13:00 +0000

In September, Michael and Fabiola hosted their ceremony and reception with Waterford at Fair Oaks. The ceremony look place in our Serafin Ballroom, the cocktail hour in our Club Room, and the reception in our Wordsworth Ballroom.
Invitation and Ceremony in the Serafin Ballroom.

Across from the fountain in the main lobby.

Outside Waterford at Fair Oaks.

Bride and Groom with their parents following the ceremony.

Just after the grand entrance and their first dance as husband and wife followed the introductions.

The party continues!

Flowers were provided by Flower Gallery of Chantilly - ask for Rick.

703-378-4007

Photography and DJ services provided by the Pros.

http://www.thepros.com/

Photos provided by the Pros.

Looking For Ethnic Catering for your Wedding?? Waterford has it!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Waterford at Fair Oaks can offer the perfect menu for your reception - American or Ethnic food!

Waterford at Fair Oaks offers packages for ethnic catering inwhich we have chosen a caterer for you, or packages that you can pick out your own caterer and have them provide the food for your reception. This includes Indian, Persian, Ethiopian, etc. Our packages start at $48 per person.

Waterford at Fair Oaks is also able to do split menus - ethnic and American. Most entrees can be added to our package for $5 per person and most sides for $2 per person.

E-Mail us for more information.

Host your Company's Holiday Party with Waterford at Fair Oaks

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Please Pardon our Dust - Waterford Announces Renovation!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Waterford at Fair Oaks is pleased to announce a renovation of the front entrance to begin in the middle of January. The new front entrance is scheduled to be completed by March 15. We are very excited! Here is what the new entrance is going to look like (an idea anways)!

During this time, Waterford at Fair Oaks is offering a SPECIAL discount on our wedding packages - $52 per person for a Saturday evening!! (GREAT PRICE!)

This price is only available during the scheduled construction time (Jan. 15 to Mar. 15).

The front entrance, both inside and out, will be covered so construction work will not be visible. The side entrance to our property will become the main entrance during this time.

If food, the elegance of your reception, and excellent service matter to you, this is a great deal to take advantage of!

Call me for details - Charlena 703-352-3200 or charlena@waterfordreceptions.com

Vendor Spotlight - Philip Kent Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Philip Kent Photography, located in Tysons Corner, Virginia, has been serving Northern Virginia since 1978. This studio has been praised over and over again by brides. As shown in the photos below, this studio produces wonderful photos of your big day.

Outdoor shot.

Getting in the limo following the ceremony.

Following introductions at Waterford at Fair Oaks, in the Wordsworth Ballroom.

The Wordsworth Ballroom, filled with guests!

Time to cut the cake!

Maid of Honor Toast.

Party time!

Philip Kent Photography offers a variety of packages, add-ons, etc. Many decisions that you will need to make regarding your photography package will be after the wedding! Please visit their website for more information. All of the contact information for the studio is listed below.

Address:

Centennial Plaza

8296 Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, Virginia 22182

Phone:

703-790-1020

Wedding Reception Lighting Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:03:00 +0000

I found this great article on theknot.com this week regarding lighting for your
reception, here is an excerpt below!

Wedding Reception Lighting Basics
Think lighting your wedding reception site means flipping on a light switch? If you want to turn your wedding site from standard to simply stunning, you'll probably need to take a more illuminating approach to your decor. "Lighting creates a mood," says event designer Preston Bailey, and when it's done well, lighting can make everything -- including your wedding flowers.

Assess Your Site
If you're planning an evening reception, make sure to visit your site at least once when it's dark outside. Look around the room and see where the fixed lighting is focused. Lights that illuminate the walls, windows, and ceiling can draw attention away from the center of the room -- and you want to keep everyone's eyes on the tables, dance floor, and each other.

Learn Lighting Lingo
Here are the types of lighting commonly used at weddings.

Pin spot - A focused beam of light that shines directly onto an object, like a centerpiece or wedding cake, as a highlight effect.

Color wash - There are a few different types of light fixtures that can create a "wash," which is basically a blanket of colored light covering an entire area.

Gobos - Circular stencils that are put over a light to project a design or pattern. Popular gobo designs are monograms, dates, or any other wedding motifs.

Led Short for light-emitting diodes, LED lights are currently popular for weddings because they use much less electricity (and don't get as hot) than regular, incandescent light bulbs. LEDs are great for color changes and vibrant colors. They're also common in strands and good for accent lighting.

Use Color
Think outside your wedding palette when you use colored lights. If you've used sage throughout your wedding, shy away from green lighting -- it might be too much, and green isn't always flattering. Opt for colors that complement all skin tones, like magenta or a soft rose.

Choose the Right Lights
The layout of your reception site can determine how you're going to use lighting techniques. If your reception site has sprawling ceilings, use pin spot lighting to keep the decor focused on certain details. And use a gobo light if you have a cute, recurring motif to help tie your reception together.

Work with your lighting designer to figure out which type of lighting fits your budget. All of your vendors (whose hard work will be well displayed) and your guests (who will all look great in flattering light) will be happy with the results, and you'll be left with a reception space that's bound to impress.

From: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-reception-planning/articles/wedding-reception-lighting-basics.aspx

Visit theknot.com for more information!

Vendor Spotlight - Artisitic Concepts Group

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:37:00 +0000

Artistic Concepts Group can create any lighting affect in your room that you desire. As you can see below, the bride's and groom's names are projected onto a wall behind their sweetheart table (where they will be seated for dinner). This looks GREAT for pictures and is another small detail to add into your special day. Here, in our Serafin Ballroom, green and yellow lighting changed the entire atmosphere of the ballroom. The yellow linens were also brought in for this birthday party.

You can also project initials onto the dance floor! Here, at Waterford at Springfield, the initals of the bride and groom were highlighted on the dance floor. This is another great touch to the ballroom for your special day!

In 2008, Bride and Groom Heather and Ricky choose to have their name's displayed on the wall behind their head table at our Springfield location. There was also a spotlight on the 2 of them for their big day! (See how the flowers are a little lighter at the bottom/the chairs are brighter? A great touch for pictures and to make sure everyone can see you!)

Artistic Concepts Group (AGC) can do almost anything imaginable for your wedding day! Visit their website or give them a call for more information (703-631-2213).

ACG is also offering a special discount to Waterford at Fair Oaks weddings ONLY.

ONE FREE Standard Metal Custom Pattern
with any $1000 order
-OR-
10% OFF Rental Equipment*
(DIY or have ACG set it up for you)
*not applicable labor

-Offers may not be combined-

EMAIL ACG FOR MORE INFORMATION

Mariana and Wayne

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:10:00 +0000

Mariana and Wayne hosted both their ceremony and reception with Waterford at Fair Oaks over the weekend. The ceremony was held in our Carrington Ballroom. The room was filled with their family and friends -- and lots of pink and black!

Mariana utilized a wedding planner to ensure that the evening went smoothly. The wedding planner also made sure that all necessary pictures were taken!

Mariana and her bridesmaids created the centerpieces on their own -- ordered the flowers, had them delivered and put together the 2 pieced centerpiece here at Waterford. Prior to their arrival here, the flowers stayed in a very cold hotel room. Favors included gift boxes and water bottles.

The cake was also adorned with pink and black.

The couple started off the evening with their first dance and the dancing did not stop for the rest of the evening!

Vendor Spotlight - Cynthia Kirsch Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:02:00 +0000

Cynthia Kirsch Photography aims to capture amazing moments in life through blending artistry with technical expertise and years of experience. Kirsch Photography is photography for the exeception moments in life and specializes in weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and corporate events.
Kirsch Photography can be reached at kirschphoto@yahoo.com , http://www.kirschphoto.com/, or 703-421-5454.

Kirsch Photography is currently offering a special discount for Waterford at Fair Oaks Brides. Please see the Waterford sales office for details!!

Bride$hare

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Trying to save money? Or love going Green! -- Check out Bride$hare.

What is Bride$hare?

Bride$hare is a social networking site designed to help brides save money by sharing wedding-related resources and goods. Decor, apparel, rentals, and even vendors can be shared, swapped, or sold through Bride$hare connections.

Using Bride$hare is easy! After creating a profile, you’ll be able to connect with other brides planning similarly themed or decorated weddings, find local brides willing to split costs by sharing goods and services, browse member profiles and photos for inspiration, use Bride$hare classifieds to find or sell wedding items.

Vendor Spotlight - Maryam Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Maryam Flowers is a family owned and operated flower shop in old town Fairfax (Fairfax City). Maryam Flowers has over 17 years of experience and can create anything you can imagine with flowers.

Services from Maryam Flowers include:
-unlimited consultations in the store
-centerpiece samples (with a signed contract)
-toss bouquet
-rental vases and other items
-delivery and set up of ceremony and reception flowers to an unlimited number of locations
-stage/back drop, chuppa design and set up
-transporting flowers from ceremony to reception location
-pick up of all rentals
-any additional requests a bride has for her special day
less stressful

Raji and Bree
Here are some photos of the flowers from Raji and Bree's Wedding in our Alexander/Carrington Ballroom last year (8-9-08). Their ceremony took place in our Carrington Ballroom prior to the reception.

Please contact Maryam at 703-385-2929 or maryam@maryamflowers.com or visit http://www.maryamflowersbridal.com/.

****MARYAM FLOWERS is currently offering a special discount to Waterford at Fair Oaks brides -- 5% off your total floral bill!****

Kristin and Jonathan 7-25-09

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Kristin and Jonathan held their evening eception in our Alexander Ballroom on July 25, 2009. The ceremony took place prior to their arrival to Waterford at Fair Oaks.

The cocktail hour was held in our Club Room. Kristin and Jonathan chose our International Cheese and Fruit Display for the displayed hors d'oeuvre station and there were also 3 butler passed hors d'oeuvres for their guests.

The couple's attendents created a tunnel for them to enter the ballroom -- this, of course, after the entire bridal party danced into the ballroom.

The couple danced their first dance prior to dinner being served, which was a buffet.

The Alexander Ballroom -- decorated with mugs and soaps on the tables, pink rose centerpieces from the Flower Gallery of Chantilly, and pink uplighting.

The couple chose to have their sweetheart table directly in front of the dance floor. This place was chosen so that their grandparents could be both close to them and the dance floor - to make sure that they did not miss a thing on this special day!

The party really got started after the cake cutting and everyone enjoyed the entire evening.

Photography for this wedding provided by Philip Kent. For more pictures and package information, please visit his website.

$99 Gown Sale at David's Bridal

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:58:00 +0000

The $99 gown sale is going on NOW at David's Bridal, now through August 10 - for the price savy bride. The closest stores are in Springfield and Woodbridge.

Vendor Spotlight - Cakes by Linda

noreply@blogger.com (Charlena) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Linda Rothgeb, Cakes by Linda, has been decorating cakes for more than 30 years. She specializes in laces pieces, stringwork, white chocolate bows and roses, sugar-paste orchids, and other specialty flowers.
All of her cakes are baked fresh and never frozen! She offers Buttercream designs starting at $4.00 per serving and Fondant designs starting at $5.00 per serving. She also offers a variety of icings and cake flavors including orange champagne and white with almond. Please visit her website for more information and to contact her to set up an appointment to create your perfect wedding cake! You may also email her at cakesbylinda@hotmail.com.