The magnificent Georgian Mansion sits high upon a hill, and is surrounded by centuries-old trees, flowering shrubs and perfectly manicured lawns.  The inside features marble and polished oak, glittering chandeliers, gleaming brass fixtures, towering Palladian windows, and a sweeping staircase that just begs for a bridal procession. The Mansion at Strathmore has been the choice for hundreds of couples for their dream weddings.

On the other hand, the grand and contemporary Music Center takes its cues from the rolling hills and park-like setting with a softly undulating roof that appears to merge into the steep hills of the Strathmore property.  A six-story glass wall in the Lockheed Martin Lobby overlooks an 11-acre site of greenery.  With its soaring glass walls and windows throughout, beautiful natural light fills interior spaces of the Music Center, and the accents of natural wood make the spaces warm and inviting.

Both venues provide  a versatile blank canvas that can suit the needs of any individual.  In one campus we have the warm and cozy, historical turn of the century Mansion, and the light and airy brand new, world class performing arts center.

Restaurant Associates is their exclusive caterer at Strathmore.   Adaptable to suit many needs and tastes, Catering by Restaurant Associates will custom-design the menu for your dream wedding.  The Director of Catering will be present throughout the reception to oversee the event.  Like when working with most caterers, Restaurant Associates is responsible for renting all of your tables, chairs and other equipment for the reception.

The Strathmore Campus now features a “one stop shop” for all those hosting an event at Strathmore.  The Facilities Rentals Manager and Director of Catering share an office space in a brand new Events Showcase, where the happy couple can browse through endless options of linens, china, flatware and stemware.

For more information, contact Courtney at MCRentals@strathmore.org.

Recently, planner Aimee Dominick described the venue to me as an “urban barn” – I could not have said it better myself!  The columns, the open floor plan, the high ceilings, the back patio…it is just fabulous.

For more information, contact Wendy Charles at wendyc@halcyonhse.com.

Photographs courtesy of Holland Photo Arts.

Every Wednesday we’ll showcase a venue in the Greater D.C. area.  We’ll show you the best wedding sites, rehearsal dinner locations, and even a few fun brunch and bridal shower spots.  Hopefully, you’ll become more familiar with the fabulous venues D.C. has to offer — and maybe even fall in love with one or two (or twenty)!

First up…Oxon Hill Manor.  I’ve had a crush on Oxon Hill Manor ever since I attended an event there hosted by Engaged! Magazine.  Editor Doreen Tisone really knew she had found the next best D.C. venue when she first set eyes on Oxon Hill Manor for her daughter’s wedding.

Oxon Hill Manor is located just outside of metro D.C. in Oxon Hill, Maryland.  The manor sits on a hill overlooking the Potomac River.  Let me tell you…this venue has it ALL.  Outside gardens.  Rose bushes.  A reflecting pool.  A large terrace. Three gorgeous intimate rooms for dinner and dancing. A sweeping staircase leading up to a bride’s dressing room. 

These pictures just don’t do justice to the beauty of this venue.  Trust me, it really is spectacular. Here is a glimpse of what a wedding at Oxon Hill Manor could look like…

Photo: Catering by Uptown

The nitty-gritty details…

Capacity: 170 guests, seated with dance floor

Availability: Daily, year round

Booking dates in 2010?  Yes!

Tents allowed? Yes!

Surrounding hotels:  Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is only 5 minutes away

Address: 6901 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD

Distance from downtown D.C. (The White House): 10.43 miles

Contact: 301-839-7782

You gotta add Oxon Hill Manor to your list!

I am LOVING your emails (and comments) about how your mom found her dress for your wedding.  Or how she is also struggling.  Or how she doesn’t know where to start.  I’m going to compile these tips and questions into a list, and I’ll post it for everyone later this week.  I’m also recruiting an “expert” to share some light on the MOB dress dilemma.  Keep sending your words of wisdom (and your pictures of your moms!) — no matter how small, every tip is helpful!

Garrett Hubbard is the photographer behind these stunning photos.  I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Garrett… Here’s what he had to say…

How would you describe your style?

I am a storyteller at heart. I fill every wedding story I have the opportunity to tell with all the tender, expectant, and spontaneous moments of the day.  I want my photographs to really capture the joy, love, and personalities of the couple. Whether that be through the intricate details of the day or the expression on the grooms face when he sees his bride for the first time, it’s all about capturing the uniqueness of each wedding celebration. I love that wedding storytelling gives me the opportunity to serve my clients based on who they are and how they want to remember their wedding day.  

Amazing pictures, right?  Here’s more from Garrett…

How would you describe the way you work on a wedding day?

I come to every wedding ready to serve my client, their family, and their friends because I am incredibly grateful to be invited into the inner circle of their lives to tell their story. Couples and wedding planners tell me that I am a calming presence, kind and easy going yet hard working. Because of this I think everyone feels at ease around me, which is another building block towards great photographs.  I come to every wedding with a  genuine enthusiasm, eagerness, and passion. By limiting my schedule to only eight weddings each year I can continue to grow in quality and creativity. I don’t want to be the biggest wedding photographer in DC, or receive the most recognition, I just want to be the best for each of my clients.  I want them to relax and have fun on their wedding day knowing that I’m going to take care of them and tell their wedding story the way they want it remembered. 

For hours of wedding eye candy (and other AMAZING photographs), check out Garrett’s blog!

I just love how Aimee Dominick created just a fairy tale setting for this wedding.  As I said, she’s a rockstar.

A huge thanks to Garrett for sending us these fabulous photos!

The others who contributed to this knock-out wedding…

Transportation: Atlantic Services Group

Videography: Blue Sky Films

Draping: Fabrications

Lighting: Frost Lighting

Hair: Elegant Hair by Giselle

Flowers: Jack Lucky Floral Design

Catering: Occasions Caterers

Music: Time Machine Band

Carrie and Bobby were married last December at the Halcyon House in Georgetown.  The venue, well, it is incredible.  Sadly, they are taking a break from events as the house is currently on the market.  However, even more incredible than the venue?  The team that put together this BREATHTAKING affair.

Let’s start with the planner — A. Dominick Events.  Aimee Dominick is a superstar.  She has this way about her — a way of relating to brides, of making them feel like they are the center of her world, while giving the best advice on all things wedding-related (which later turns into all things life-related, as her brides continue to call her long after their weddings have come and gone).  

Aimee is friendly, easy-to-talk-to, and incredibly organized.  You want to hang out with her.  You want to think of a reason to call her about your wedding.  She is ridiculously talented (just look at the photos below), and she does it all with a bright smile.  So refreshing.  Oh, and as of last night, she’s a new mama.

And then, there’s Garrett Hubbard.  Three words for Garrett… USA TODAY Photographer.  As in, the newspaper USA TODAY.  Yes, he is a star photographer for this national paper, and yes, he will shoot your wedding.  

Garrett’s work is worthy of, well, the pages of a national newspaper.  He’s uber-talented, and very friendly.  He is calming, always reserved, never in-the-way.  I had the pleasure of asking him a few questions about his work — I’m excited to share his answers with you later today.  For now…take in these gorgeous shots….

Pretty great, huh?  Isn’t Carrie GORGEOUS?  She is so cute.  And I LOVE her dress.  The flowing fabric, the beautiful detailing, the sweetheart neckline…it just looks so great on that teeny, tiny body of hers!

There is something magical about December weddings.  There is extra excitement in the air, everyone is in a good mood…it is just a great time to be married.  Carrie and Bobby were married at Dahlgren Chapel on the campus of Georgetown University.  Such a beautiful church…

Can you tell where the bride and her maids waited before the ceremony?  How cute is that picture of Carrie?!?  Garrett Hubbard is so good.  

More to come in a bit!

I am loving all of the candlelight.  In my opinion, the more candlelight, the better.  Not only does it add romance, but everyone looks better in candlelight.  You can’t have too much!

A HUGE thanks to Love Life Images for sending us these show-stopping photos!  

A re-cap of the details…

Photography: Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images

Planning: Pam Barefoot of Atrendy Wedding

Venue: Meridian House

Tomorrow the loveliness continues with Day 2 of Real Weddings Week!

Sometimes, although we triple-check our facts before posting them, every once in a while, we are given misinformation.  Today is one of those days.  We have a BIG correction to announce…

The Meridian House still has 75% of 2010 wedding dates available!!!  This is such an exciting correction!  Especially for anyone planning a 2010 wedding!  (P.S. – Our DW Bride Blogger, Sarah Christine, will be married at this amazing venue in October of this year!)

Libbet and Scott were married at the Meridian House last November, and, well, I’ll let you see for yourself how this venue just drips with beauty… And how Jennifer Domenick captures every shot in just the perfect way… And how Atrendy Wedding put together such an exquisite affair… I’ll stop now, just look…

Love the chandeliers.  Love the fireplace.  Love the floral candelabras.  Love it all.

Much, much, more to come!

Libbet and Scott were married last November at the Meridian House.  Jennifer Domenick, one of the fabulous photographers at Love Life Images captured the day in such a beautiful way.  Pam Barefoot, of Atrendy Wedding, was the genius wedding planner behind the day.  Every event she touches turns to gold — and this one is no exception…

Oh, I am gushing over these photos!  LOTS more to come!

Libbet and Scott were married on November 8, 2008 at the Meridian House in Washington, DC.  If you’ve never been to the Meridian House, and you’re looking for the *perfect* venue (indoor space, outdoor space, gardens, central D.C. location, the list goes on…), definitely add the Meridian House to your list.  

Now, these gorgeous photos were captured by Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images.  And boy, do we L-O-V-E Jennifer, Mary, and Stephen — the amazingly talented photographers of Love Life Images.  Named “One to Watch” in the Washingtonian’s 2009 Best of Listings, Love Life Images knows what they’re doing.  They know how to capture emotion.  They know how to make every picture a work of art.  And they know how to be everywhere at once, without ever being noticed or in the way.  You don’t have to take my word for it, just look at these photos…

How beautiful is this bride!?!  She is stunning.  I’ll be updating throughout the day, so check back soon for more breathtaking photos, and more info on this amazing, detail-filled wedding!

Photos: Top (www.barackobama.net); Bottom (www.mccullagh.org)

Tomorrow we’re featuring gowns, gowns, and more gowns — check in with us to get your bridal fashion fix!