My Wedding Bag

The Westin of Virginia Beach Town Center

unltdlove — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:11:19 +0000

The Westin is defined by modern design, gracious service and a deeply relaxing atmosphere. In 2010, Westin Hotels & Resorts celebrated its 80th birthday, proving that intuitive service and luxurious comfort are never out of style. The Westin name graces more than 160 hotels in 37 countries and continues to drive new ideas and innovative services across the hospitality industry.

Tiffjones 81from WeddingPlanner.com said, “The Westin was amazing! I am so happy that I chose this location for my wedding and ceremony. Everything was classy from the service, the food, and the decor. If I had to do it all over again I would not have chosen another place because no other place in this area can top The Westin’s true elegance!”

At the Westin you will discover a feeling of wellbeing that touches all the senses, including the scent of White Tea lightly perfuming the air, the sound of local music drifting through the lobby, the exhilaration felt after a rejuvenating workout, or the nourishing sweetness of fresh blueberries and raspberries.

Whether an intimate affair for 10 or a gala for 600, The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center delivers a level of service that is truly above all else.

Photo Credit(s): westin.com; weddingplanner.com; scotthayneblog.com’ keithcephus.com

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

unltdlove — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:04:00 +0000

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, located in Richmond, VA, has several special event spaces to choose from, providing a unique experience for small or large gatherings. VMFA consists of a 13 acre campus with two buildings (the main museum and the Pauley Center) and a Sculpture Garden which offers a wide range of settings, from formal and classical to dramatic and contemporary.

The Pauley Center (designed to replicate the White House in Washington, DC.) is across the Lora Robins Sculpture Garden from the main museum. It contains an elegant dining room, large formal event room, and opens to a slate terrace in the Sculpture Garden.

The main museum, designed by London architect Rick Mather, combines the timeless beauty of the Marble Hall with the impressive views and contemporary openness of the Cochrane Atrium, considered the heart of the newly transformed VMFA. The Cochrane Atrium includes several works of art and views into the Sculpture Garden and reflecting pool, while the Marble Hall contains soaring three-story columns and views into the galleries of priceless art.

To sum this all up the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a magnificent venue for any wedding reception. The intimate elegance of the Pauley Center, the classical warmth of the Marble Hall, the spectacular soaring architecture of the Cochrane Atrium, and the contemporary chic of Amuse Restaurant allows VMFA to provide every bride a venue that celebrates her unique style.

Photo credit(s): weddingchannel.com; vmfa.state.va.us; swanv.com

Marriott Defines Class

unltdlove — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:06:00 +0000

The Norfolk Waterside Marriott is located in the historic district of downtown Norfolk. It is conveniently connected to the Waterside Convention Center, and is one of the finest and most popular in the Hampton Roads area. With its stunning views of the Elizabeth River waterfront, marble accents, classic wood styling, eclectic artwork, and renown cuisine, the Norfolk Waterside Marriott defines class.

The Norfolk Marriott Waterside

The City of Norfolk and the Elizabeth River

The Marriott has a 60,000 square footage of total meeting space. Its largest meeting room is called the Norfolk Ballroom and has a maximum meeting space of 14,400 square feet and maximum seating capacity of 2,400. Of its 24 floors, Marriott can accommodate guests one of their 397 rooms, 8 suites, and 3 concierge levels.

Grand Staircase

Private Dining Room

Lightening and Canopy shown in the Ballroom

An intimate outdoor gathering on the sixth-floor Riverview Terrace or execute grand galas in over 60,000 square feet of premier Norfolk hotel event space. For unrivaled lodging on the vibrant waterfront, look no further than Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

Outdoor Terrance

Main street in front of the hotel

Nearby attractions include Children’s Museum of Virginia, Naval Station Norfolk, or the Virginia Zoo.

Photo Credit(s): travel.yahoo.com; weddingwire.com; ononblog.com

The Secret is Out!

courtjon — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:08:23 +0000

Do you ever wonder how brides and celebrities get that smooth, curvy look when wearing form fitting clothing? Despite popular belief, it’s not from just working out. The secret is out. The key to this smooth, curvy look is shapewear.

Shapewear is a category of undergarments that was created to enhance the curves of a woman’s body. These garments support, smooth out, and shape the body figure. Properly fitting shapewear will trim the waistline and give a toned look. Clothing will appear to fit better, and will even make it look like a woman has lost a few inches!

www.sylenedc.com

There are different types of shapewear garments that target specific areas. Instead of wearing a garment that covers the entire midsection, brides can select shapewear pieces that will cover up any area they’d like. The following are the four most common pieces of shapewear:

Mid-thigh: This garment lays over the stomach and thighs, but stops above the knee

davidsbridal.com

Cami: This garment covers the torso–it slims the upper body, smooths out love handles, flattens and tightens up the stomach, and can flatten the bustline

davidsbridal.com

Panty: This garment takes care of the lower abdomin while also compressing the rear

www.biggerbras.com

Body suit: This garment combines the functions of the cami and the mid-thigh shapewear pieces–commonly used with form-fitting dresses

davidsbridal.com

There are some key rules that come along with shapewear use. If shapewear is not worn correctly, it can make dresses, and other clothing, fit incorrectly and can even cause health issues. Brides should make sure that the shapewear they select is not too constricting. If it is too tight, it can cut off circulation and cause blood clots, lead to heartburn sensations, cause loss of breath, and even lead to fainting.

When selecting shapewear, chose a size where the waist stays in place. The garment shouldn’t squeeze or bind when sitting down or crossing legs. The selected shapewear should also completely smooth out the bride’s curves. If they’re not completely smoothed out, choose a larger size.

Today, shapewear has become an extremely popular component of a woman’s wardrobe. They make shapewear for everyday use, as well as options specifically for special occasions–like weddings for example. Body Wrap, Spanx, Bubbles, and Yummie Tummy are popular brands of shapewear.

www.lovemybubbles.com

Using the above guidelines, brides should chose the shapewear that best suits their needs. Check out the Bubbles Shapewear website. They have lots of great pieces for everyday use and perfect shapewear for wedding attire.

Experience History and Class at the Clifton Inn

unltdlove — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:23:00 +0000

This white manor house of Central Virginia sits on 100 acres of rolling lawns outside of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The land was originally given to Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Martha, upon her marriage to Thomas Mann Randolph, a former Virginia governor. The current owner now utilizes the space as a country inn and restaurant which has often been referred to as the best of both worlds because of its intimacy in size, exquisite comfort, and luxury of world-class.

Charlottesville, Virginia has consistently been ranked as one of America’s favorite small city destinations. As Thomas Jefferson discovered more than two centuries ago, Charlottesville offers history, culture, and natural beauty which is all within a small radius from the Clifton Inn. The Clifton has the best fine dining on the red-hot Charlottesville restaurant scene. With new and traditional American cuisine for both formal and casual settings, Clifton’s staff may accommodate your guests’ dietary needs such as gluten-free, kosher, lactose free, no pork, organic, vegan, and vegetarian. Tastings are also available for potential customers.

The Clifton Inn accommodates a capacity up to 200 guests with linens and china included at no additional charge. The location has 17 individually designed rooms as unique, and uniquely appointed as you’ll find at any Charlottesville hotel. With its Mascioni linens, freshly cut flowers, waterworks bath fixtures, Molton Brown soaps and lotions, and plush terry cloth robes, no two rooms, or two Clifton Inn experiences, are alike. My Wedding Bag will work attentively with you and the Clifton to assure a wedding made to perfection.

Blow your guests away as they experience the land by strolling or sitting dockside by the private lake, diving into the waterfall infinity pool, or enjoying a game of tennis or having a cocktail on the expansive back deck or picturesque gazebo.From your perch at Clifton Inn, countless Charlottesville attractions are right within your grasp. You can be touring Jefferson’s Monticello in a matter of minutes, sipping from the cream of the state’s internationally acclaimed wine crops within a few more, strolling the bricks of the Downtown Mall shopping and dining area, or heading off into the truly great outdoors for any combination of hikes, walks, runs, games and fun.

“Amazing food, excellent service, wonderful, wonderful venue! Highly recommended.”

- Michelle and King

Photo Credit(s): cliftoninn.net; nateliegibbs.com; elizabethanndesigns.com; leoducker.com; lovetripper.com

Romance Awaits in the Mountains

unltdlove — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:29:00 +0000

The Golden Horseshoe Inn sits in the midst of Standardsville, Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains bordering Shenandoah National Park. Established in 2004, the Golden Horseshoe Inn provides settings for both indoors and outdoors occasions. The area’s warm feel is perfect for any intimate wedding ceremony for 50 guest or less. With their small staff of five, this venue specializes in wedding celebrations. They have won the Bride’s Choice Award in 2010, 2011, and 2012, according to WeddingWire.com.

The inn usually does not accommodate more than one ceremony at a time which will allow your day to be that much more intimate.

The Golden Horseshoe Inn offers several all-inclusive elopement and boutique wedding packages. Additional items include tables, chairs, floor length linens, champagne toast, flowers, a decadent wedding cake, and a wedding officiate.

“My husband and I got married at the Golden Horseshoe Inn in August and we wouldn’t have changed anything! The staff at the Inn went above and beyond to make sure no detail was overlooked. They were professional, accommodating, and relaxed throughout the whole planning process and during our wedding day. The staff made sure that our guests’ needs were met, as well as our own. I would definitely recommend this venue to anyone getting married who is looking for a small yet lovely wedding. Our guests loved the quaint Inn and the serene setting. I have already told newly engaged couples about this venue and will continue too!”

-Dana & Brent (Wedding 8.28.2010)

Photo Credit(s): www.weddingwire.com; www.nps.gov; www.goldenhorseshoeinn.com; www.goldenhorseshoeinn.blogspot.com

Have a Farmhouse Wedding Westwood Style

unltdlove — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:14:00 +0000

The Inn at Westwood Farm is a 1910 farmhouse sitting on 15 lovely acres and is landscaped by black walnut, white and red oak, maple, hickory, and cedar trees. This Orange, Virginia bed and breakfast is perfect for an intimate wedding by the beautiful countryside. Located 90 minutes from Washington D.C. and 60 minutes from Richmond, you will have access to a full range of catering, floral, and entertainment services within minutes of the Inn.

Westwood’s Greek Revival architecture is complimented with a thoughtful blend of antique furniture and art. The owners have worked to maintain the simplicity of the original home while renovating the Inn. With Crisp Yves Delorme linens and down bedding, newly burnished heart pine floors, and modern bathrooms, you’ll enjoy bright and airy open rooms with soft colors to instill an ambiance of relaxation and comfort. Fresh cut flowers from the farm’s perennial beds are placed in guest rooms and throughout the Inn.

“Amazing Venue – Highly Recommended! The Inn at Westwood Farm offers an amazing country/rustic experience for anyone that is visiting the area – it is convenient to local wineries and historical sites, and the innkeepers (Jay and Elizabeth) spare no detail in offering a truly wonderful experience to their guests, including excellent food, great knowledge of the local area, and a warm, welcoming personal touch. We rented the entire inn for the weekend and had a fantastic visit – we would strongly recommend it.”

- C & T, Alexandria, Virginia

During the growing season many ingredients are products straight out of the Inn’s gardens. Organic gardening and preparing fresh and nutritious meals are passions of the innkeepers. A satisfying main course is provided as well as a bouquet of fruits and juices.

Photo Credits: gogobot.com; farmstayus.com; charolettesvilleweddingplanner.com, weddingwire.com; innatwestwoodfarm.com

It’s All A Matter of Measurements

courtjon — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:49:36 +0000

Planning a wedding can be an extremely stressful situation, especially when selecting the various elements of decor. It’s easy to look at pictures and watch TV shows to find items you’d like to include, but problems often occur when it’s time to actually execute your plan. A question we often get deals with table cloth lengths.

What exactly is the right length for the table cloths for your wedding reception?

Honestly, the answer to that question is it all depends on your personal preference. Do you want your linens to touch the floor? Do you only want the table cloth to drape to lap length? Do you only want a short overlay because you want to show off your table? What about using two table cloths–a full length drape and an overlay? As you can see, the questions on this topic can be endless.

If you are having a formal event, many wedding professionals suggest having full length table cloths. This longer length will give your reception a cleaner look and really give off that elegant, upscale vibe.

weddings.theknot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Wedding-Bag/339386760518

Another popular option for linen length is lap length. Lap length allows easy leg movement when guests are seated. It still gives that clean, elegant look but it leaves more room to play with texture. This length allows you to show off details of the tables underneath. For example, your reception tables may have beautiful detailing on the legs and you definitely wouldn’t want to hide that element. The only drawback to this length is it can tend to have a less formal vibe than the floor length linens.

boards.weddingbee.com

alloccasionsweb.net

As you can see pictured above, there is only a subtle difference between the looks of a lap length table cloth versus a full length table cloth–especially when paired with seat covers. This could be an effective budget friendly option. If you decide to choose lap length table cloths and cover your chairs with seat covers, it will appear as though your tables are covered with full length linens. My Wedding Bag offers a multitude of table linens and seat covers with coordinating sashes.

Many brides are often attracted to using table cloths with coordinating overlays.

boards.weddingbee.com

ebay.com

weddingbycolor.com

Brides have used all kinds of fabrics with multitudes of different textures for their table overlays. Two popular overlay fabrics are crinkled taffeta and sheer organzas.

The following table gives guidelines for linen lengths for different size tables:

Table Size	Mid Length	Floor Length	Overlay
30″ Round	60″ Round	90″ Round	48″ x 48″60″ Round
30″ Cocktail (42″ height)	60″ Round90″ Round	108″ Round	48″ x 48″72″ x 72″90″ Round
48″ Round (seats 6)	90″ Round	108″ Round	60″ x 60″60″ round72″ x 72″
60″ Round (seats 8)	90″ Round108″ Round72″ x 72″	120″ Round	72″ x 72″90″ Round
72″ Round (seats 10)	108″ Round	132″ Round	90″ x 90″108″ Round
30″ Square	60″ x 60″	72″ x 72″	48″ x 48″
60″ Square (seats 8-12)	90″ x 90″	special order	72″ x 72″
4′ Banquet (seats 4)	60″ x 78″	90″ x 108″	48″ x 48″Runner
6′ Banquet (seats 6)	60″ x 120″	90″ x 132″	48″ x 48″60″ x 60″Runner
8′ Banquet (seats 8)	60″ x 120″	90″ x 156″	48″ x 48″60″ x 60″60″ x 120″

Again, table linen length is all a matter of preference. Whether you chose to have table cloths to the floor, or lap length linens with overlays, using table linens in your reception decor will give your day an chic, sophisticated air.

table credit: pacificpartycanopies.com

The Kingsmill Resort of Williamsburg, VA

unltdlove — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:05:00 +0000

Kingsmill Resort is located on the grounds of Colonial Virginia along the James River. It is where the English first set foot in America, and resided from the 1600s to the 1800s.

Today, some would say that golf is the heart of the Kingsmill experience. It is surrounded by an incredible display of natural beauty helping them to keep a commitment to this planet at all times. In fact, Kingsmill Resort has dedicated some 40% of the area’s acreage to environmentally friendly initiatives. This dedication has resulted in a Virginia Green certification and a listing in Preferred Hotels and Resorts as an eco-friendly hotel/resort.

From just a few guests to over 300, the venues at Kingsmill are designed to accommodate, yet remain intimate in feel, and completely enchanting in style. With 2,900 gently rolling acres of woodlands framing the majestic James River, this is a stunning and unforgettable backdrop to your wedding.

Kingsmill offers two ballrooms as well as any number of available venues for tented outdoor use with river and resort views.

Even extra touches like arranging a bridal party spa day, a golf outing for the groomsmen, or recreational activities for guests are handled with our hallmark style and grace.

Photo Credit: kingsmill.com; weddingwire.com; wejustgotback.com; williamsburgcc.com; the meetingmagazines.com; donmanteaux.com; hamptonroadsbride.com

A Natural Beauty

unltdlove — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:56:43 +0000

Norfolk Botanical Garden is nationally recognized for its history and is celebrated for its beautiful blooming flowers in every season. It has major collections of azaleas, camellias, roses, and hydrangeas. The 155-acre garden is home to 40 themed gardens, 95 species of birds, and 30 kinds of butterflies.

Butterfly resting in blooming flowers

Every season the Garden provides a fantastic array of color creating a splendid backdrop for any occasion. From a walk down a natural aisle of flowers in the Statuary Vista to holding your company picnic surrounded by the lush greenery of Mayor’s Row, there are many outdoor options at the Garden.

Sunflowers at the Garden

Butterfly Garden

Get married surrounded by your family, friends, and 3,000 rose bushes at the Bicentennial Rose Garden. This All America Rose Selection (AARS) public display garden features different roses of all colors and sweet smells.

Rose Garden

In addition to a variety of idyllic outdoor settings, the garden offers three indoor banquet spaces that come fully equipped with catering kitchens and service areas. Theses spaces also include sound systems, drop down screens, adjustable lighting, and an AV package.

Baker Hall and Visitor Center, Room Capacity: 150 people.

Rose Garden Hall, Room capacity: 240 seated, 400 reception, 325 lecture.

Located adjacent to Lake Whitehurst and the Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, Norfolk Botanical Garden is conveniently near many hotels and I-64.

Photo Credits: NorfolkBotanicalGarden.org; WeddingWire.com; destination360.com