Destination Weddings

I just returned home from a destination wedding to the Ashburn, VA area. The wedding was held at Silverbrook Farm, which is something right out of the magazines you look at and think you'll never see! The farmhouse was built in the late 1700's and the owner, Dottie Shetterly not only lives there, but has two charming bedrooms that she rents out on occasion as a B&B. The rolling hills, cattle - along with the white chaperon goat, in the pasture made for the most scenic of backdrops. As the sun set to the west, there was a full moon that made it's way up into a clear sky from the East. It couldn't have been more perfect if it has been scripted!

We had a tent set up for the reception and a smaller one for the buffet. The flowers were magnificent, done in fall colors. The food was wonderful and the service outstanding. If you are looking for a wonderful caterer, check out www.Shirleycatering.com. Shirley is one of the most efficient and accommodating caterers I've worked with.

For your make up give Angela Perez at www.Wildflowermakeup.com 571-235-5840 a call. She'll come to is, is reasonably priced and great to work with.

I'm hoping to soon have pictures, provided by the photographer, Tracy Sanders Photography, that I can post.

These are just a few of the vendors I worked with, but I'll be happy to provide vendor contact information to anyone looking for great vendors in the Leesburg area. Contact me through www.weddingsbytanya.com. I'm also available to travel to set up and coordinator your wedding in Virginia, Georgia or anywhere else you might decide to get married.

Which bring up another issues. How do you work with a long distance coordinator? I'm located in Colorado doing a wedding in Virginia. How do I handle this? First, I find out if my client has vendors selected or if they need help doing this then I get to work. I start by researching the vendors to be sure they are professionals and up to the task. I ask for references and check them out! (This is a must for all long distance planning.) The bride should also do this! I talk to other vendors in the area to get referrals as well. If possible, I like to make at least one trip to the location to meet with the vendors, visit the venue so I'm well appraised on what to expect.

It takes a larger time investment, but well worth it. I try to arrive three days early so I can go over everything with the client as well as the vendors and leave nothing to chance. I've even learned how to pack the essentials from my emergency kit so the bride doesn't have to worry about these things.

I work with many clients from out of state or country so whether planning a Colorado wedding, or planning a destination wedding away from my home state isn't a problem. For more information, visit www.weddingsbytanya.com.

Until next time, enjoy the changing colors of the fall!