AFFAIRS
It’s no secret Northern Virginia knows how to party.
By Susan Anspach
Tom Lightfoot (Photography by Jonathan Timmes)
Limo Driver
TOM LIGHTFOOT
Lightfoot Limo; 13908 Eggbornsville Road, Culpeper; 540-829-0997; www.lightfootlimo.com
When is a driver not a driver? When he’s a chauffeur. There’s a big difference between the two, according to 58-year-old Tom Lightfoot, whose 14-vehicle fleet serves the 24-7-365 stretch transportation needs of Central and Northern Virginia. “Drivers … just have a driver’s license and can get behind the wheel and drive, whereas a chauffeur has to have certain qualities to even be trained. You’re looking for a more polished person that has to be very sharp and keen with directions, as well as mannered.”
To whom or what in Northern Virginia would you give a failing grade?
“In-house activities for kids. I notice that they are lacking.”
Deejay
JARROD WRONSKI
Centreville; 703-398-5343; www.sportsannouncing.com
Jarrod Wronski can be heard making waves at sporting events both major and minor, from football to broomball. Employed by the Washington Capitals and American University, Wronski’s business has provided game production at 67 sports venues—to say nothing of private event and wedding history.
Event Planner
JENNIFER AREZZO
A Simple Wish; Ashburn; 703-328-0819; www.asimplewish.net
“I have been in business for six years and found the best way I can service my clients is to take on 10 to 12 weddings a year,” says A Simple Wish owner Jennifer Arezzo, who also credits strong professional relationships with other industry specialists as contributing to her success. “I think with a lower number I can focus on each individual, making them feel they’re my only client.”
Hotel Monaco (Courtesy of Hotel Monaco)
Hotel Banquet Room
Hotel Monaco
480 King St., Alexandria; 703-549-6080; www.monaco-alexandria.com
Hotel Monaco’s spaces accommodate both ladies in white and no-nonsense businessmen on the regular. According to director of catering Annee Gillett, seven room options—and one out-of-doors courtyard—can handle weddings up to 180, or boardroom groups as tightly knit as 12.
Event Photographer
Robert Holley
47619 Rhyolite Place, Sterling; 703-473-4556; www.robholley.net
“My photos don’t create beauty. They reveal it.”
1940s Big Band
Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra
202-244-4237; docscantlin.com
For a full-on mid-century feel, catch one of their regularly scheduled revues at Alexandria’s ritzy 1940s Carlyle Club. These Wammie Award-winning swing things can also be hired to channel melodic reminiscence at Northern Virginia weddings and society events.
2941 (Courtesy of 2941)
Venue to Celebrate Your Birthday in Style
2941
2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church; 703-270-1500
With max capacities from eight to 200 and private rooms lavishly decked with waterfall views, 2941 brings the party with its own event specialists, chef’s table seating, intimate nooks—and standing cocktail options for those of us who get our party on the good old-fashioned way (circulate, darling, circulate).
Blush Bridal Boutique (Courtesy of Blush Bridal Boutique)
Bridal Shop
Blush Bridal Boutique
7344 Atlas Walk Way, Gainesville; 703-753-8303; blushbridalboutique.com
Wedding Bands
Maya Caroleena Jewelers
20070 Ashbrook Commons Plaza, Unit 901, Ashburn; 703-723-9070; www.mayacaroleena.com
“By designing, manufacturing and selling directly to our clients, Maya Caroleena is able to offer compelling prices,” co-owner Monda Abdallah explains of her family-owned heirloom-quality jewelry business. “We are constantly travelling to Europe, Asia and the Far East to find unique pieces and gemstones.”
Stationer
Dandelion Patch
111 Church St., N.W., Suite 101, Vienna; 703-319-9099
11923 Market St., Reston; 703-689-2240; thedandelionpatch.com
Florist
PETAL’S EDGE
624 N. Washington St., Alexandria; 703-518-8488; www.petalsedge.com
Party Equipment Rental
CAPITAL PARTY RENTALS
44232 Mercure Circle, Dulles; 800-736-8253; www.capitalpartyrentals.com
Caterer
WINDOWS
5720 General Washington Drive, Alexandria; 703-519-3500; www.catering.com