Venue Victory!

So while the Super Bowl was fun and everything, something even more important happened this weekend: we picked a wedding venue!

After impromptuedly booking a flight to D.C. with 34 hour turn around, I figured I should pack everything I could into the usable daylight hours of Saturday that I could. I had booked appointments at two venues (hoping to have time for the Fairfax Chocolate Festival, but no such luck) and we headed out early, only stopping to get some delicious pho at a local shop.

The first place we visited, Stone Mansion, was, for lack of a less polite word, lack-luster. There were empty cases of beer and beer bottles in the parking lot, the appointment was not private, and the guide was not only 30 minutes late, but quite unattentive to the guests (very happy to answer questions, but sat in the office watching television). The space inside was too small, even for our estimated maximum of fifty guests. It was dingy, dim, and I don’t even want to get started on the condition of the bathrooms! The back yard area was actually very nice and open with a lot of trees and a cute playground area, but I felt like I really would have to force myself to like having my wedding there.

The next place, Hidden Creek, was a bit out of the way. On the approach, it didn’t look like much, a pretty, but plain outside. Boy, was I surprised when we walked inside. The foyer/lobby had a high arching ceiling, from which hung an enormous bronze leaf chandelier. Behind the receptionist (who had to be one of the kindest people I have ever met) was a slate water wall. The manager for this venue came out to meet us, even though we were over twenty minutes early. After briefly discussing booking options and the layout of the venue, she led us into the dining area. I swear, it was like something out of a Disney movie. These beautiful wooden doors swung out into an expansive, light-filled dining room, with each table perfectly plated and linened, with sparkling candle centerpieces. the walls were almost entirely windows, which just made it feel even bigger, and it just kept going on either side.

After the initial dazzling shock, our host led us around the room, explaining how tables could be set, and how it could be partitioned to not be so overwhelming. As we crossed over into one of the adjoining areas, she turned us to the right so we could see the dance floor. And it was beautiful. One wall was entirely made up of a stone-face fireplace with a brass hood. The ceiling was high and draped with strings and strings of twinkling lights. The floor itself was a rich, dark wood that was polished to mirror-like reflection. I am pretty sure that that was the point at which I was sold, and then it just became a “but wait, there’s more!” scenario.

She led us out to the ceremony area, which was a wooden deck over-looking the 18th hole (did I forget to mention this is a country club?). She explained that there was a gazebo and a fire pit below and many natural setting areas to take pictures. We returned to the dining room and sat down to discuss prices. Long story short, this magnificent venue ended up being cheaper than the first one, had plenty of space, and was simply gorgeous. And it was available.

Needless to say, we have submitted a letter of intent to reserve the venue and now everything else wedding-wise will be a piece of cake (quite literally!)