Your wedding day will be filled with delicious appetizers, elegant jewelry to match the dress, and stunning photography to capture these special moments. But perhaps all you can see right now is an extremely long to-do list. Planning this special day can be daunting, but if you know these local hidden secrets, you’ll quickly be on your way to executing the wedding day of which you’ve always dreamed.

Food
When looking for a delicious menu for your reception, make sure you don’t overlook local Madigan’s Waterfront right here in Northern Virginia. It is locally owned, with over 20 years of experience serving customers, and is located on the Occoquan River in the quaint, historic Town of Occoquan. This location gives those a beautiful view when dining at the Waterfront. Seafood is their specialty, but they also feature an extensive menu with various pasta dishes and steaks. The Waterfront has a “casual, elegant” atmosphere that will welcome your guests genuinely. Madigan’s has experience hosting a variety of events, which each customer is invited to alter to their preference.

Photography
Father- and daughter-owned photography and video company Photoria makes sure to truly capture your special day. With the collaborative styles of daughters, Jen Roh and Alyssa Kim, and father, Richard Roh, they bring a little bit of everything to the table while capturing one of the most important of days. The elder Roh has a classic, documentary style, says Jen, while she and her sister bring a style that is more artistic and reflective of studio art. This mix of styles guarantees that they capture each moment in the best way possible.

“We all found ourselves heading in the same direction,” says Jen, about how her sister and father created Photoria. “I was studying studio art, videography and film. Photography and video has been a serious hobby for my father for a long time.” As a result, they opened Photoria in January 2009. They are open to travel for business, but they mostly cover Virginia, Maryland and the District.

Jewelry
Make sure your jewelry is a reflection of you, just like your wedding. At Hunt Country Jewelers, designers work with you personally to make sure you walk away with a unique piece of jewelry. If you visit Hunt Country Jewelers, you are guaranteed to find custom-designed jewelry you won’t find anywhere else. The business thrives on their bridal selection and working with the eager future bride and groom. You will be sure to find a design that matches the style of your wedding, whether it be a natural, highly detailed design or a bold, contemporary look.

Claire Cutshall, who owns the business along with her husband, Ed, and son, Logan, says, “What makes this business delightful is that all our customers are happy people because they are coming in to celebrate a fun occasion. We know all our customers, and have created great relationships with all of them.”

Often brides will bring in their grandmother’s ring, or a piece of jewelry that they hold dear to them. The Cutshalls redesign the baubles to the customers’ unique preferences, creating new masterpieces to be enjoyed for years and years to come.

The family has been creating jewelry for over 35 years, and within recent years, their son Logan has started creating jewelry. Logan, who has received a gemology and geology degree, has fulfilled a field study in the gem fields of Kenya to further his education.

The Couple: Christina and Don Caron

Wedding Date: July 4, 2009

The Proposal (as told by Christina): “We got engaged at the Four Seasons in Nevis (Jamaica). My husband enlisted the help of a number of the (very friendly) staff there and surprised me with all of “our favorite things.” He’s a rock star.”

Vendor Recommendations:
Gown: Nordstrom’s
Wedding-day hairstylist: Elizabeth Arden in Reston
Makeup artist: Elizabeth Arden in Reston
Cake: Chantel’s Cakes & Cateri
Photographer: Robert Holley

The Couple: Amanda and Amir Bayati

Engagement Date: December 2008

Wedding Date: July 25, 2009

The Proposal (as told by Amanda): “The night started with a trip to the ice skating rink on the National Mall in Washington, DC across from the National Archives. Surprisingly the temperature was 60 degrees on December 10, 2009! I was then taken to dinner at a DC classic restaurant – Old Ebbitts Grill. Because the weather was so warm, he suggested we take a trip to the place of our first date, the Jefferson Memorial. It was there that he got down on one knee & asked me to marry him.”

Vendor Recommendations:
Reception site: Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket, VA
Band/DJ: GS Productions: Greg Sanchez
Rehearsal Dinner: The Hyatt – Fair Lakes
Gown: The Bridal Closet in Vienna, VA
Tuxedo Rental: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Yas Persian Bakery
Florist: Annandale Florist
Photographer: Robert Holley
Videographer: Tripod Productions
Invitations Source: Julia’s Poppies Design

The Couple: Joseph and Jessica Marie Crawford

Engagement Date: March 23, 2008

Wedding Date: July 18, 2009

The Proposal (as told by Jessica): “My family has a long standing tradition of hiding “surprises” in Easter eggs. When I woke up on Easter morning, my mom told me that there were some “special surprises” in the eggs that year. In my mind, that meant money being that we sometimes got a $5 surprise when we were little. In typical competitive form, I went racing around the house grabbing the eggs before anyone else could get them. Quicker than Joey could have ever imagined, I raced over to a hot pink egg, ripped it open, and yelled, “oh, I got a diamond ring!” Clearly unaware of what was happening, I turned to run to the next egg to find Joey on one knee. It took him three times to get an answer, but I finally managed to get out an astonished, “of course!”

Vendor Recommendations:
Reception site: Congressional Country Club
Band/DJ: Black Tie (through Washington Talent Agency)
Rehearsal Dinner: Maggiano’s in Friendship Heights
Gown: Distinctive Designs
Tuxedo Rental: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Cakes in Style
Wedding Hair Stylist: Salon Prive
Florist: Plants Etc. Florist
Photographer: Robert Holley

Beth and Jon Kagarise

The Couple: Beth and Jon Kagarise

Engagement Date: April 8, 2009

Wedding Date: October 10, 2009

The Proposal (as told by Beth): “We were on a spring break trip to California traveling along the coast (Redwood, San Fran and Yosemite). We were having a great trip so far, and our last stop was in Yosemite National Park. We stayed at a wonderful resort where we had our own ‘cabin in the woods.’ We decided since it was one of our last nights we would go out into a little path area that has a ‘sunset bench’ that overlooks a valley and a beautiful sunset. It was there once others had left that he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!

Vendor Recommendations:
Reception site: Bristow Manor
Band/DJ: The Lace Music
Gown: David’s Bridal
Cake: Pamela Hutzell of Fabulous Wedding Cakes
Wedding Hair Stylist: Bubbles of Fair Oaks Mall
Florist: The Flower Gallery of Chantilly
Photographer: Robert Holley

Congratulations, you’re engaged! Excited but wondering what in the world to do now? Take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Even women who have dreamt of their wedding day from the time they were 5 years old, or perhaps just out of Pampers, often find that when the time comes and they get engaged, suddenly their plans don’t seem so clear. And it’s not hard to understand why. Let’s not forget about the other half of the engagement equation: your fiance, not to mention his family and their unique background and ideas—people and traditions that would have been impossible to predict.

Yet don’t worry, help is here! To help get you started with the planning process, we’ve compiled a list of esteemed area event venues as well as a list of renowned regional wedding planners. And that’s not all. We chatted with folks from several of the companies on both lists—people who have experienced more than their fair share of nuptials—asking them to divulge the details that make weddings most memorable. And they most certainly delivered.

While our pros recall plenty of extremely memorable moments, each uniquely special, the key component of the many stories they shared was immediately evident. The ultimate memory maker is personalization.

Perhaps wedding planner Bella Underwood of Northern Virginia-based Bella Betrothed says it best: “More often than not, you have a large group of people in a fabulous and enjoyable setting who have little more in common than the bride and groom. When the details of the couple are expressed and readily identified by the guests, they start to recognize their commonalities, why the couple is beloved to them and how this transcends to the other guests in attendance. This leads to more intimate conversations, laughter and the like, making for a memorable, happy occasion.”

In other words, say “goodbye” to cookie cutter options and “hello” to details that celebrate you as a couple. For instance, if you and your betrothed are known for being into surprises and spontaneity, you might want to make like a certain couple Judy Kozacik, co-owner of the historic Thomas Birkby House in Leesburg, fondly remembers, a couple who turned their event billed as an engagement party into a wedding. She says, “Approximately an hour into the event, the newly engaged couple thanked their guests for coming and then said, ‘While you are all here, we might as well get married.’”

Kozacik also recommends pulling on everyone’s heart strings. “Couples who choose something personal to share with their guests during their ceremony or reception always brings out the handkerchiefs. One of these moments is singing, which is so romantic,” she notes. Likewise, Carol Marino of A Perfect Wedding, based in Fairfax, recommends either pulling at the heart strings or tickling the funny bone. Some of the most memorable weddings in her mind are those during which the couple recited their own vows, “some hysterically funny and others real tearjerkers.”

Christine Bryson of Northern Virginia wedding planning business Married to the Details is a huge fan of personalization as well. She shares the example of one couple who loved singing karaoke so they had the guests at each table perform a song with “love” in the title during dinner. She also remembers one artist bride who hand-painted the covers of her programs. Bryson stresses, “Truly a memorable wedding isn’t always the wedding that was most extravagant.”

A few other fun examples of personalization come from Alexandra Pare of Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events, including an iPhone wedding cake and light saber send-off. Like Bryson, Pare insists that personalization doesn’t have to break the bank. She says having an inexpensive monogram made—like those from www.weddinglogodesigns.com at $25 for three—to put on the menu card, program, etc., “always makes a statement.”

Speaking of making a statement, Laura Auer of Wish Special Events fondly recalls a reception where the couple had their first-date treat, cotton candy, distributed to guests.

Auer also reminds us of what is most important: “Too often we spend so much time and money on the reception but then end up neglecting the most important part of the day!” She says tell your officiant all about your story—where you came from, how you came together and where you’re going. After all, “Guests will likely forget the food and the flowers but will always remember how sentimental and touching the wedding ceremony was.”

Venues At A Glance

Hotel Monaco
480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-549-6080
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 160
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): Plated style: $17,700 – $29,365, Buffet style: $19,050 – $32,175 (both ranges based on 150 guests; $500 additional for courtyard reservation)
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Cocktail reception with your choice of hors d’oeuvres, four-hour hosted bar, tableside wine service, complimentary cake presentation and service, dance floor, sparkling Champagne toast, bartender services and a complimentary luxury room at the hotel
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Onsite | Embassy Suites: 1900 Diagonal Road | Hilton: 1767 King St.

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
3001 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451; 757-213-3000
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 1,000
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): N/A
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Full coordination services from the beginning to the end of planning (with help from an onsite wedding expert with over 28 years of experience producing over 4,000 weddings), special accommodations for the bride and groom, rental of up to 12,000 square feet of space, including an oceanfront ballroom
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Onsite | Sheraton: 3501 Atlantic Ave. | Ocean Beach Club Resort: 3401 Atlantic Ave.

Hyatt Regency Reston
1800 Presidents St., Reston, VA 20190; 703-709-1234
Maximum Capacity Per Event: Grand Ballroom: 900, Regency Ballroom: 350
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): Events in the Grand Ballroom: $40,000 – $42,000, Events in the Regency Ballroom: $20,000 – $22,000
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Professional banquet captain, complimentary menu tasting for two guests, white glove service for cocktail hour, complimentary cake cutting, Champagne toast, complimentary bartender fee, complimentary reception room setup, complimentary room rental, votive candles and mirror tiles for guest tables, selections of floor-length linens, accommodation cards, a dance floor and stage
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Onsite | Westin: 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive | Sheraton: 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA 22182; 703-255-3631
Maximum Capacity Per Event: Seated: 170, standing: 300
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): 8 hours (minimum) in atrium: $3,400 -$9,000 | 2 hours in gazebo only: $263 plus 5% tax and $100 refundable deposit
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Use of Garden Room, Iris Room, Lilac Room, Terrace and Prep Kitchen, plus tables, chairs, two portable bars and a dance floor
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn: 8301 Boone Blvd. | Marriott: 8028 Leesburg Pike | Ritz-Carlton: 1700 Tysons Blvd.

Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22309; 703-780-0011
Maximum Capacity Per Event: Seated: 300
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): $8,000 minimum
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Linens, table cloths, hurricane globes and candles, tables and chairs, and china
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Lorien Hotel & Spa: 1600 King St. | Morrison House: 116 S. Alfred St. | Hilton: 1767 King St.

Oatlands Plantation
20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175; 703-777-3174
Maximum Capacity Per Event: Outdoor: 250; Indoor: 120 standing, 75 seated
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: No
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): Carriage House: $2,000 – $5,000, Mansion, lawn and garden: $6,749 – $10,239
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Outdoor rental: exclusive use of property, multiple venues, Oatlands point of contract for rehearsal and wedding, private room for bride and attendants, mansion tour during first two hours, formal gardens, ample parking, tax-deductible contributions, tent and equipment discounts from Select Event Rentals; Indoor rentals: garden ceremony, choice of cocktail area, dance floor and some equipment
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites: 117 Fort Evans Road N.E. | Homewood Suites: 115 Fort Evans Road N.E. | Lansdowne Resort: 44050 Woodridge Pkwy.

Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery
275 Decatur Road, Stafford, VA 22554; 540-446-2266
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 250
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: No
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): $5,200 – $7,400 plus $1,000 refundable damage deposit
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Bridal salon with waiting area for bridal party, which overlooks the courtyard; rental of the Barrel Room for rehearsal dinner; banquet tables and chairs; cake and gift tables or barrel platforms; children’s activity room, upon request; dance floor; and preferred vendor list
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Hampton Inn: 2925 Jefferson Davis Hwy. | Marriott TownPlace Suites: 2772 Jefferson Davis Hwy. | Wyngate by Wyndham: 15 Salisbury Drive

The Black Horse Inn
8393 Meetze Road, Warrenton, VA 20187; 540-349-4020
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 200
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: Yes
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): $7,200 – $13,272 plus deposit
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Guilded Fox Ballroom for dining and dancing; Garden Terrace with picturesque pond, fountain and bridge; tables and chairs in ballroom; formal garden and lawns; panoramic vistas and formal garden areas; two hours of full-service wedding planning
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Onsite | Goodstone Inn & Estate: 36205 Snakehill Road, Middleburg | Hampton Inn: 501 Blackwell Road

Thomas Birkby House
109 Loudoun St. S.W., Leesburg, VA 20175; 703-777-2700
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 150 (175 with supplemental tent)
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: No
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Outdoor
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): $3,000 – $7,000
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Dressing rooms for the bride/bridesmaids and the groom/groomsmen, bonus room for children, gazebo, gardens, tent with lighting and sidewalls, tables and chairs
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Homewood Suites: 115 Fort Evans Road N.E. | Hampton Inn and Suites: 117 Fort Evans Road N.E., | Norris House Inn: 108 Loudoun St. S.W.

Top of the Town
1400 N. 14th St., Arlington, VA 22209; 703-387-8696
Maximum Capacity Per Event: 180
Ceremony Site: Yes
Reception Site: Yes
Onsite Catering: No
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ceremony/Reception Options: Both
General Wedding Price Ranges (may exclude taxes and deposits): Daytime: $2,500 – $3,900; Eevening: $2,200 – $6,900
Services, Products & Amenities Included in Rental Packages (individual packages at each facility may have more benefits): Large private parking lot, private enclosed elevator to reception facility, private ground-floor lobby, outdoor terrace, partition walls, sound system, chairs, tables and dance floor
Lodging Options Onsite and/or Nearby: Hotel Palomar: 1121 N. 19th St. | Hyatt: 1325 Wilson Blvd. | Marriott Residence Inn: 1651 N. Oak St.

Area Wedding Planners

A Perfect Wedding
703-691-0133
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “The most money spent on a wedding reception is usually for food and drink for the wedding guests; however, I think guests really remember the ambiance and look of the wedding, so I recommend attention be paid to the location and design. Music plays a big role as well; a great band can make a great party and a very memorable wedding reception.” —Carol Marino

Allison Nichole LLC
703-999-0282
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and wedding weekend coordination

Amy VanMeter Events
540-324-6782
Service Options: Full planning, a la carte consulting, reception coordination, wedding/rehearsal coordination and day-of coordination
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “The location sets the tone for the event. A great location won’t mean much if the food isn’t good. Guests will remember the event for the food—good or bad. And, the photography is what you have left when it’s over—the memories.” —Amy Van Meter

Ayr Hill Events
703-964-6786
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning, proposals, month-of coordination, a la carte services and hourly consulting

Bella Betrothed
703-969-3780
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “Smaller, more intimate crowds allow for you to inlude all of the details of a dream day not skimping on quality for quantity.” —Bella Underwood

Breathe Event Planning
571-212-4693
Service Options: Full planning (including destination weddings) and day-of coordination

Cherry Blossom Wedding and Events
202-730-6427
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning, day-of coordination and custom packages
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “The most money has to go to the venue, and food and beverage. And after that, as much as I would love every budget to have more room to get creative, I would say photography is where we budget the most money. Your colors are important, but an amazing photo of how happy you were on your wedding day is priceless.” —Alexandra Pare

Creative Event Planner
571-217-9521
Service Options: Full and partial planning (specialty: Indian, Pakistani and Bangledeshi weddings)

Elegant Beginnings
703-490-8340
Service Options: Full planning, vendor referrals, day-of coordination and email consulting

Engaging Affairs
1-888-481-5156
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination

Events of Style and Class by Keylyn
540-538-9426
Service Options: Full planning, full planning plus travel arrangements, month-of coordination, day-of coordination and a la carte consulting

Galaxy Galas
703-626-4195
Service Options: Full and partial planning

Glitz Productions, Inc.
703-297-9223
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination

Lelyco Events, Event Planning by Lesley Cohen
703-531-1094
Service Options: Full planning (including destination weddings), wedding weekend coordination and day-of coordination
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “Not necessarily where to allocate the most money, but I highly recommend clients spend wisely when it comes to photography. When the wedding is over, weeks or years later, it is one of the only tangible items you have to remember your day.” —Lesley Cohen

Married to the Details
571-216-5192
Service Options: Day-of coordination and a la carte consulting
Some Budgetary Recommendations: “To save money, set up a buffet with different ‘themed’ stations rather than a sit-down dinner. This helps cater to all different food tastes and preferences.” —Christine Bryson

Simply Chic Events
703-220-1287
Service Options: Full planning and partial planning (including destination weddings) and a la carte services

Sweet Weddings LLC
703-350-0076
Service Options: Full planning and day-of coordination

The Finer Points LLC
703-431-9494
Service Options: Full planning, wedding weekend planning and day-of coordination

We Do Weddings, Etc.
703-583-5202
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination

Wedding Story
703-642-2247
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning and day-of coordination

Weddings by Cathy
703-470-2599
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning, day-of coordination and a la carte consulting

Why Knot Celebrate LLC
703-717-2582
Service Options: Full and partial planning

Wish Special Events
1-866-410-9474
Service Options: Full planning, partial planning, day-of coordination and hourly consulting
Some Budgetary Recommendations:“Of course catering will be the largest portion of every wedding budget. Feeding a large amount of people is always expensive. However, catering and venue fees should only add up to about half of the overall cost of the wedding. After that, we always encourage our brides to splurge a little on their photography. … It’s hard to compare apples to oranges, but look for a company that is quick to respond, has a fair price and has earned a stellar reputation.” —Laura Auer

(January 2010)

The Couple:

Engagement Date: March 15, 2008

Wedding Date: November 14, 2009

The Proposal (as told by Lauren): “We went to visit my family in my hometown of Columbia, SC. Little did I know that Matt planned to propose and enlisted the help of my family. After having dinner and attending the symphony with my parents, we planned to meet my sister and brother-in-law for drinks and dessert. Although I thought the rendezvous was my idea, it turned out that Matt had planned the entire event. When we walked into the restaurant we were escorted to a table in the back where a bottle of champagne was on ice chilling. Matt asked me to marry him, I said yes, and then my family joined us for a toast and dessert.”

Vendor Recommendations:
Wedding Planner: Vicky Choy of Event Accomplished
Reception Site: Washington Golf and Country Club
Caterer: Washington Golf and Country Club
Band/DJ: BS&M through East Coast Entertainment
Rehearsal dinner Site: 1789
Cake Baker: Laura Stucky at Fluffy Thoughts
Wedding Day Hair Stylist: Christof Yates, Salon A
Make Up Artist: Marti Wright, Tica Beauty
Florist: Barbara Von Elm, Growing Wild
Photographer: Robert Holley
Videographer: Tom Bowen, Bowen Video
Invitation Source: Haute Papier
Tent/Rental Company: A Grande Event, DC Party Rentals
Jeweler: Carol Kube, Dominion Jeweler
Limo/Transportation: LA Executive Sedans

The Couple: Sarah Sullivan and Nick Nycum

The Engagement Date: December 23, 2008

The Wedding Date: May 1, 2010

The Proposal (as told by Nick ): “Our plans were finalized—this year we were going to spend Christmas on the islands of Hawaii. There were a total of 10 of us, including my family and my girlfriend, Sarah. Sarah and I went to middle and high school together, but it wasn’t until after college when we reconnected and started dating. I knew that I wanted to propose to her, but I was imagining the perfect day and location. Once our travels plans were finalized, I knew Hawaii was that perfect location.

Being the traditional guy that I am, first it was important to ask approval from her parents. It was the weekend of Sarah’s birthday, and she was getting ready to go to church. Her parents and I were casually talking in the kitchen; I knew this was the ideal time to ask for Sarah’s hand in marriage. Surprisingly, I was extremely nervous, but I somehow was able to calmly express the words. I was happy (and relieved) to have their support. I went to a local jewelry store and purchased the ring for Sarah.

December 23, 2008 — The big day:
On the third day of our cruise we were in Hilo, Hawaii. I was excited to rent a Jeep and explore the volcanoes there—just Sarah and I. Well, Sarah, being the sweet person she is, wanted to invite half of my family since there was room for more in the Jeep. My family had an idea that I was going to propose that day, so they ‘already had other excursions to do’ when Sarah was inviting them. She didn’t understand why they didn’t want to come with us. We had our brand new, bright yellow Jeep; she was content that it was just us. We had about an hour drive until we would reach the Volcano National Park; we had a great time listening to Hawaiian tropical reggae music and having meaningful conversations. Little did she know, I was reflecting on the words I wanted to say to her when asking if we could spend our life together as one.

It was a beautiful December day in Hawaii, mid 70’s and a few rain showers that made gorgeous rainbows on our drive in the open Jeep to the top of the volcanoes. From the wonderful conversations, to the landscape to knowing that I was (hopefully) about to become engaged to Sarah … life was like a slice of heaven. We had finally arrived to our destination and proceeded to follow a little hiking trail. I then noticed a cliff that overlooked the volcano. My plan was to find a place where we could sit, talk and just be us. I love doing this kind of stuff with Sarah, so I did not anticipate she would suspect any surprises. She had no idea what was about to happen.

The sight was beautiful—Sarah and I were sitting on a cliff overlooking an active volcano in Hilo. Next to me, Sarah was sitting on a rock that was a slightly higher—this was ideal so I would ‘kind of’ be in the traditional one-knee position. Due to the steepness of the cliff, it would not be easy to get on one knee while proposing—I was already nervous and did not want to drop the ring or, even worse, me fall. We took a few moments and were admiring the vastness of the volcano and were talking, when I could not wait a second longer. I recall telling Sarah that the time we spend together is incredibly special and that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I wanted her to be the last voice I heard every night and the first to hear in the morning. Sarah looked at me with an enormous smile on her face. I also told her that I wanted to re-watch every single movie with her. She knows how many movies I have seen so this is very romantic! While I was expressing feelings from my heart, I presented the ring and happily asked her, “Sarah, will you marry me?” Her expression, I will never forget. Her initial question was, “Did you ask my parents?” I told her that they were already aware. She smiled even bigger and said, “Nick?!!!?!!!, Are you serious, of course, YES!!!” Sarah was completely elated and I think the whole island of Hilo heard her say yes—that was the best moment.

The entire day was truly amazing. But to us, knowing we will be spending our life together is even more special.

Vendor Recommendations: Reception site: Barren Ridge Vineyards
Caterer: Rowe’s Catering
Rehearsal Dinner: Massaki Japanese Steakhouse
Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist: Mill Street Salon
Photographer: Phocus Photography
Jeweler: Christopher Williams Jewelers
Wedding Planner: Jennifer Hamlin, Events with Panache

The Couple: Amanda Millward and Andrew Lander

Engagement Date: September 8, 2007

Wedding Date: August 30, 2008

The Proposal (According to Amanda): “Andrew and I were about to celebrate our 2.5-year anniversary in September 2007. He had just gotten home from his part-time job, and we were sitting on the couch pretending to watch a movie. I was wrapped in his arms and I was telling him about the book “Shopaholic and Baby” by Sophie Kinsella I had just finished. He asked me if I wanted a baby and I had said ‘Well, I want to get married first.’ Andrew was silent after I made this remark. I asked him what was wrong, and he told me that he wanted to propose to me for the longest time, but he didn’t because he said he couldn’t do it properly. I asked him what that meant, and he told me he wanted to buy me an engagement ring, but he couldn’t afford one. I looked at him and said that I didn’t need an engagement ring. All he had to do was ask me. Andrew pondered over this and then yelled out ‘Do you mean to tell me that if I asked you right now, on this couch, without an engagement ring or doing anything fancy that you would say yes?’ I told him to ask me. He became very sincere and said in a soft voice, ‘Amanda, will you marry me?’ Of course I had to tease him. I said ‘Oh, gee, this is quite sudden. I don’t know.’ Then I turned to him and said ‘yes.’

Vendor Recommendations:
Dance Lessons: The Wedding Dance Specialists
Make up: Robin Sailer of Vienna, VA, a Mary Kay Director

The Couple: Frank and Brijana Anderson

Wedding Date: July 26, 2008

The Proposal: Brijana and Frank’s first date was at a restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, along the Potomac River. After dinner, they walked hand in hand along the cobbled streets to the dock area where they had their first kiss. Three years later, Brijana and Frank went out to dinner and to Old Town for a walk. Brijana was unaware of the impending proposal, and wasn’t even tipped off by Frank punctuating the evening with “You’re beautiful” (because he often says that out of the blue). Walking north along the river into Founder’s Park, they stopped under a street light to canoodle (because they often do that out of the blue). Frank dropped to one knee and kissed Brijana’s ring finger, and put his hand into his coat pocket. After what seemed like an eternity, he pulled out a small box, at which point Brijana fell to her knees sobbing and hugging Frank (and saying yes, of course).

Vendor Recommendations:
Reception site: Woodlawn Manor
Caterer: R and R Catering
Videographer: Bad Weather Productions