A Virginia Bride

For anyone who reads our blog they know that I don't often post about a couples wedding - mainly because each journey we go on seems too personal to just fit into a few paragraphs and some pretty pictures. Danielle and P.J.'s wedding however was a little different, as I know, when your mother is the incomparable Angeline Frame, the Owner of Virginia Bride Magazine, you are already aware that your story will be told in full, and in full color. (Keep reading till the end for my favorite picture, a list of vendors, and Angeline's own review of the weekend)

Rixey Manor, weeding venue in Northern Virignia. The Bride and her mother with the wedding dress

This is also not a love letter to just a great weekend, but to one of the best, and most meaningful industry friendships Ben and I have been lucky enough to form.

Rixey Manor, a wedding venue in Northern Virginia. Adjusting the brides dress in the bridal suite

I met Danielle at our very first bridal show. Her mother had organized it, and we did not put on a great face - we had no real wedding pictures, no real wedding experience, and no ballroom (it was still under construction). I'm still not sure why Danielle stopped by our booth before the show, but within a few minutes of enthusiastic chatting it became very clear that we would be friends. Our mutual love of horses, and our goofy, tall, sweet other halves meant that by the end of the show Danielle promised that if PJ popped the questions she wouldn't want to get married anywhere else. I'm not sure that Angeline was even 10% as sold!

Cut to a couple of years later, a few more shows, lots of weddings, and a couple of awards to back up the enthusiasm we never lost, I got a call from Angeline to tell me that in the pouring rain her daughter had officially become engaged to her long time love - and that true to her word she wanted to get married at Rixey.

Outside ceremony at Rixey Manor in Northern Virginia in November

To talk candidly, both sides were apprehensive. Angeline, I imagine thought we were quite a distance from Richmond, and hadn't worked with her chosen vendors before. We were also a little wary because we are always there to be advocates for our couples, and I was hesitant that a mother who had as much influence and experience not only running her own venue, but knowing almost every Virginia wedding vendor, she might find it hard to listen to what Danielle wanted, and so we agreed to meet in person.

Much like before, the chemistry was awesome between us all, and Angeline immediately made it obvious that she was there just to facilitate Danielle's wedding dreams and not her own - even supporting her in riding her horse to the ceremony!

From that moment on planning became the dream! Angeline introduced us to a whole area of Virginia vendors we had never even heard of (we can get a little stuck in the Culpeper talent, since there is so much of it) and because she trusted them so much she was actually a dream MOB (mother of bride) letting them do what they do best. Even more fun when we got to the weekend she sat back and just enjoyed the whole experience.

Amazing flower arbor at Rixey Manor a wedding venue in Northern Virginia

The planning itself settled into a normal wedding pattern - we met with some fantastic new vendors, nagged the lovely couple for the details, and helped them structure timelines and table layout's that made sense to everyone. It all was planned exactly to Danielle and PJ's liking (except for a tragic week of incident that meant Danielle would be walk, not riding down the aisle, which personally still makes my heart sad).

View from the balcony at Rixey Manor near Fredricksburg, and Washington D.C

Thankfully the weather was sunny, with that typical mid-November chill, it was perfect for the guests to pet the animals drink hot chocolate and do all the things that Danielle had fallen in love with Rixey Manor for - and all the vendors (non of whom we had seen before) - did an amazingly flawless job. Everyone from the oldest to the youngest guest had a lot of fun.

It has also taken me a month or two to write this post because I didn't know where to begin, or have a ability to do it justice. I could write about it for ages, but it seems a short and sweet one made the most sense. We are very grateful to the whole Frame family for welcoming us both as a new business, and as new friends. On a personal note I cried like a baby when Danielle walked down the stairs, by no means something that happens every week. You can just see my hand in the corner of this picture, and Danielle is laughing at me.

Walking down the staircase at Rixey Manor an wedding venue in Northern Virginia

Angeline couldn't review us online (as she has vendor accounts not personal ones) so she sent me an email with her thoughts to share.

We chose Rixey Manor for our daughter’s wedding and were thrilled with the venue and our experience working with Isadora and Ben.

Not only do you feel as if the manor is your own home, but Isadora and Ben make you feel as if you are family and so welcome.

Anything needed, was provided at the drop of the hat, to make the wedding go off without a hitch; warm blankets and a gourmet hot chocolate bar, that magically appeared for our guests on the chilly November wedding day, are just some examples.

The entire staff at Rixey Manor work to ensure that every detail is taken care of during the wedding and they execute it flawlessly.

The setting was the perfect backdrop for the most beautiful wedding imaged, our guests are still raving over what a lovely time they had at this perfect venue.

As the owner of Virginia Bride Magazine, and having been in this business for 25 years, I could not be more thrilled with our experience working with Rixey Manor.

I encourage anyone who is getting married to consider Rixey Manor for your venue.

You won’t be disappointed.

Angeline H. Frame

All photography by Tim Souza Photography

Rixey Manor

Venue for rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, weekend accommodations for bridal party and family members, brunch, hot chocolate bar, bar tending staff

Tim Souza Photography

Engagement, bridal portrait and all wedding photos

Something Blue Films

Rehearsal dinner and all wedding day events videoed

Music, Music, Music and More Music

Ceremony music, reception music, professional up lighting, signature gobo, master of ceremony, after party music

A Paper Wedding

Custom save the dates, invitations, and menu cards

Vogue Flowers

All flowers for ceremony, reception, bridal party, family members

BHK Catering

Appetizers, main courses, and drinks