AVE's newest rentals!

This past weekend St. John's Episcopal Church, in the heart of Georgetown, was getting ready to dump two antique church pews. I love anything old, and especially old things out of a church! Ours need a little TLC before I post pictures ;) Pews are all the rage for outdoor ceremonies and I totally dig them too!

photo credit: Tec Petaja Wedding Photography 

photo credit: Jose Villa

photo credit: Jose Villa

photo credit: Desi Baytan Photography

Till next time, happy planning!

Happy Birthday Kate Middleton!

Happy 31st Birthday to Kate Middleton! I have to admit, she is one of my biggest role models, with a straight head on her shoulders and an impeccable fashion style! What I would give to raid her closest!!

This was one of my favorites :) 

photo credit: uknown

Till next time, happy planning!

Happy New Years!!

From all of us at AVE, we wish you the happiest New Year!

photo credit: Whimsy Boutique

And always remember...

Till next time, happy planning!!

Old Town Alexandria's Fashion Night Out!

by Ashlee

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend! The hubs and I headed up to Ocean City for a surprise party. Can you believe in my eight years of living in VA that I had never been to Ocean City during the summer? I have been there two times, but both in the off season. Boy is there a HUGE difference in the off to peak season :) I am lucky to have friends that live there year round. I felt like such a celebrity heading to Secrets by boat ;) Can you imagine having this view year round?

I also found my new second favorite drink (behind Sweet Tea vodka of course)- Birthday Cake flavored vodka! How have I never heard of this before now!?!?!

Enough about my wannabe P.Diddy lifestyle...Last night Trish, AVE's newest planner, and I headed out to Old Town to check out their first Annual Fashion Night Out. We are both huge Old Town lovers. We chose Alexandria for two reasons- 1. We love Alexandria's traditional, preppy vibe, and 2. We both REALLLY wanted to meet Monte from Atlanta's Say Yes to the Dress. Unfortunately both of us were tied up with event stuff and got there about 2 hours later than we anticipated. We arrived right at the start of the Fashion Show so our chances were ruined of a meet and greet...tear :'( Luckily Trish got a picture during the show!! I'm thinking he wasn't a fan of what the model was wearing...

After checking out the Fashion Show, we headed to a few of our favorite shops to score some sweet deals :) Our favs in Old Town are- The Lucky Knot, 3 Sisters, Lou Lou's, and Ben and Jerry's! I scored a super cute purple blazer from 3 Sisters which has me uber excited for fall! We had such a good time and wish we could have gotten there earlier. Already can't wait till next year!

The next few weeks are insanely busy so I will try to keep up with blogging! Remember you can always follow us on Twitter too!! 

Lastly, we will be at the Patriot Center Bridal Show this Sunday so please come by and say Heeeyyyy!!!!!

Till next time, happy planning!!

Jamie and Ed at Oxon Hill Manor

by Ashlee

Last year I was introduce to Jamie and Ed through a mutual friend. They had already selected a venue, but were looking for someone to help with all the other planning processes. Since I have been to Oxon Hill eight million times, they knew I'd be the perfect fit!

Check out the pictures below of their gorgeous celebration!

All pictures are courtesy of Freed Photography!

More weddings coming soon!!

Till next time, happy planning!!

Welcome Back!!

by Ashlee

Hello lovelies! I'm back to blogging and am another year older. Thanks to all those that sent well wishes my way. I cannot get over the fact that September is two weeks away. While I love me some fall weather, I seriously don't think I even got a tan this summer!!

I have owned the DMV area this summer. I have traveled up to the Eastern Shore and as far west as Charlottesville. I love that I get to hop around and check out so many beautiful areas and don't have to sit behind a desk and long for freedom outside. 

Check out some of my awesome summer adventures below! 

Eastern Shore

I did a beautiful wedding on Kent Island at Kent Manor Inn. Luckily the weather held out and we had a beautiful summer night. We had lounge furniture from AFR Rentals that was such a hit. It's where Lisa and I relaxed once we got the party started! Professional pictures will be coming soon from Natalie Lane Photography!

 Fauquier County

My wonderful husband recently got a promotion at his job so they've sent him away for training in Richmond for four weeks. We tried to spend as much time as possible together since he won't be at home until the middle of September. We had a wonderful date night in Old Town Warrenton. One of the reason I love Warrenton so much is because it's where I found my love in Event Planning and Design. I can't believe it's been 4 years since I've become a full time Event Planner. 

Keswick, VA (Albemarle County, VA)

Castle Hill Cider

The hubby and I went out to meet some clients at Keswick Vineyards to do a site visit. We got done with lunch with his family reallllly early and had about an hour to kill before our appointment. We thought we would go to the tasting room of the vineyard but on the way we passed Castle Hill Cider. I have looked into this venue for a couple clients and it has never worked out. The pictures online make it look absolutely gorgeous so I thought why not swing by and have a glass there...O.M.G....the place is absolutely amazing. I must must must must place a bride here. 

Keswick Vineyards

The last stop on our 'tour' was Keswick Vineyards, where we have a wedding OCT 2013. This venue is perfect for an outdoor bride. They have a permeant sperry tent that overlooks the vines and the ceremony and cocktail area has views of the Blue Ridge Mountain in the back. The owner Cindy is such a sweetheart too and gave us a personal tour!

 

It doesn't hurt that their wine is totally delish too :) Keswick is just getting ready to start harvesting the grapes so the vineyard was lush and picture perfect! 

Luckily the next few weeks should be pretty low key and I should be staying around the NOVA area. 

Till next time, happy planning!!

Rainy Saturday

I had the best day shopping with my little sister and got to end it with with some friends at Miracle Valley Vineyards in Fauquier. Not a bad view to end of the day :)

Till next time, happy planning!!