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The questions with the most variety and complexity, though, may come as you plan your wedding. Where will you have it? Who’s catering? What colors will you use? Do you have a theme? Photographer? Flowers? Cake? Groom’s cake? Makeup? Bridesmaids’ gifts? Honeymoon? Have you booked the reception yet? Where are you going to put all those guests?

A wedding can be an avalanche of details that must be considered months in advance. And that befits the fact that in creating a wedding, you’re creating a memory for a lifetime—for yourself and the groom, yes, but also for family and friends. It’s an experience you’re building, with many moving parts. If you live in or around Virginia, you’re in luck; the region has an abundance of venues, vendors and service providers to meet your every nuptial need.

But first, you need to take stock of your limits. Planning a wedding can resemble taking on a second job, and your life may be such that doing so is less than feasible. Engaging the services of a wedding planner can take an enormous load off your mind. Not only are wedding planners professionally trained to structure planning and anticipate needs, but they also most likely have connections in the industry that could save you some money in the long run. A planner can help you create an experience that matches or even exceeds what you always imagined. And the overall peace of mind is golden: no more “What am I forgetting? I know I’m forgetting something ….”

Whether you hire someone to direct or you do it yourself, you’ve got amazing resources to choose from in and around our lovely state. To get you started, here’s a list of professionals, venues and retailers poised to help you make your day.

Resources

AMERICAN SELF Appearances do make impressions … with spouses, clients, bosses, friends. So make your appearance a good one, not overdone. Think alternatives. Think budget. Think success. When surgery is too radical, Richmond plastic surgeon Ruth Hillelson, MD teaches internationally about revolutionary, comfortable, office-based cosmetic procedures to accomplish face and body improvements for impressive, lasting impressions. Educated at Hopkins and Harvard, she also formulated an all-new, all-natural, biologically active skin product line that increases cell production of collagen and elastin to make skin tighter, thicker and more radiant. 877-224-7549 or AmericanSelf.com

BLANDFIELD PLANTATION offers two unique settings that will provide an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests. The elegant 18th-century mansion and its sweeping grounds are listed as a Virginia Historic Landmark and can accommodate both intimate and gala affairs. The rustic lodge, with its breathtaking stone patio, offers a relaxed coastal setting that overlooks the Rappahannock River. BlandfieldPlantation.com, info@blandfieldplantation.com or 804-443-1683.

DIAMOND EVENTS provides wedding and event planning services across the state of Virginia. We strive to create unique events that showcase our client’s personality and style while leaving guests with an event they will never forget. Our services include a wide range of involvement from complete event coordination accounting for every detail, or day-of coordination for the do-it-yourself party planner. Call or e-mail to receive a customized quote or schedule a complimentary consultation appointment. 877-558-8143, Contact@WeddingsbyDE.com or WeddingsbyDE.com

GARI MELCHERS HOME AND STUDIO at Belmont is a 28-acre estate and former residence of the artist Gari Melchers. Overlooking beautiful gardens and the Rappahannock River, the Studio Pavilion is a unique location for a wedding, reception or other special event. Gari Melchers Home and Studio, conveniently located midway between Richmond and Washington, D.C., is an intimate oasis for your private event. Contact Betsy Labar at 540-654-1848/ blabar@umw.edu. GariMelchers.org

GEARHARTS FINE CHOCOLATES is an artisanal chocolate shop that specializes in handmade confections of uncompromising quality. Voted one of Chocolatier magazine’s “Top 20 Artisan Chocolatiers” in the U.S., Tim Gearhart combines single-bean Venezuelan chocolates, fine local and exotic ingredients, and passionate craftsmanship to create chocolates of unparalleled depth and complexity. All Gearharts chocolates are produced at our flagship shop in Charlottesville and are available in a variety of gift assortments and by the piece. Remember Gearharts for wedding favors, hotel room and attendants’ gifts and event mignardise. GearhartsChocolates.com or 434.972.9100

THE GREENBRIAR Set in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains you will find the perfect backdrop for any storybook wedding. No matter the size of your event, The Greenbrier’s grand ballrooms, impeccable gardens and expert on-site coordinators will make our 6,500 acres a one-of-a-kind setting for your picture-perfect day. With luxurious accommodations for up to 700, our 50+ activities will provide entertainment for all your guests. 800-908-0701 or Greenbrier.com

HALF MOONE CRUISE AND CELEBRATION CENTER Located on the downtown Norfolk waterfront, the Half Moone is Hampton Roads’ most impressive event space. With panoramic views of the Elizabeth River and Norfolk’s beautiful skyline, this extraordinary facility is unequaled. It’s a special day. Celebrate every moment! Call Dana Mayo at 757-664-1074; HalfMoone.org

THE HILTON VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT is Hampton Roads’ first flagship-quality oceanfront resort that offers an unforgettable wedding experience. The hotel and surrounding area offer everything you could imagine for bride, groom and up to 1,000 family members and friends. Twenty stories high with a million-dollar view, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers rooftop, beachfront and banquet wedding venues. Our wedding planner will see to it that everything you wish for happens simply and smoothly. 757-213-3000 or Hilton.com/VirginiaBeach

JEAN-JACQUES BAKERY is a European-style bakery in Richmond, offering freshly baked French pastries, croissants, breads, cakes and cookies. Wedding cakes are a specialty: From traditional to a specially designed cake, Jean Jacques Bakery offers many choices to achieve your desired result, a delicious beautiful cake. We like to replicate wedding dress lacing, invitations, flower arrangements and more. We also do grooms cakes for pre-wedding ceremonies or additions to wedding cake. Now serving lunch. 804-355-0666 or CarytownBakery.com

THE JEFFERSON Our elegant ballrooms can accommodate dinners and receptions with up to 350 guests. The hotel features 262 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Our guests enjoy a complete array of services on-site, including professional catering managers, award-winning chefs, superb service staff, florist and full-service salon. Brides and grooms hosting their wedding receptions with The Jefferson also receive a complimentary secured room for wedding gifts as well as deluxe accommodations on wedding night, complete with champagne. 804-649-4611 or JeffersonHotel.com

LEMAIRE is a new American restaurant recently named to Esquire magazine’s Best New Restaurant list. The bar and lounge features an innovative selection of cocktails, wines and small plates for sharing. New decor gives a nod to the rich history of The Jefferson. New pricing will bring you back again and again to sample Chef Walter Bundy’s menu, inspired by a “farm-to-table” philosophy and the bounty of Virginia-grown ingredients. 804-649-4644 or LemaireRestaurant.com

MACLAREN JEWELERS, LLC We invite you to experience over 100 feet of 19th-century-built, wood-with-glass jewelry cases featured in a stunningly different setting, our boutique jewelry shop. A very special ambiance of beauty and personal attention will prevail at MacLaren Jewelers as we strive to meet each customer’s jewelry-collecting expectations in an atmosphere inspired by the artists and craftsmen of the turn of the century. Our highly qualified team will guide and inspire you in the purchasing of exquisite, beautifully made jewelry at all price levels. Your experience begins here! 804.747.1575 or MaclarenJewelers.com

PLASTIC SURGERY SERVICES OF FREDERICKSBURG Look your best for your wedding day and its lifetime of memories, photographs and videos. The board-certified plastic surgeons of Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg provide the most current, safe and effective procedures available today in their accredited medical facility. All surgeons are trained in aesthetic analysis and are dedicated to bringing your cosmetic goals to life. Be confident in your choice. Don’t compromise. 540-371-7730 or PlasticSurgeryServices.com

PREMIER EVENTS has more than 18 years of event planning experience including weddings/social, bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, fund-raising efforts, branding events, green events, entertainment and corporate meeting management. Premier Events is able to provide exceptional events at affordable prices and offers complete concept and design through installation. A wide inventory of theme-party props, murals, linens and centerpieces and the highest-quality casino equipment are available for your special events. Contact Patty Ritzi at Premier Events, Inc. 757-340-2212, PremierEventsVa@aol.com or PremierEventsInc.com

PURE ENGLISH See why Pure English is the place to go for the modern, fashion-savvy bride who demands the best selection and deserves the ultimate in service and customer care. Call for your private appointment today and see why Pure English was voted “Best of the Beach”. Please see our website for details on upcoming events and trunk shows: Jan. 21-23, Marisa Bridals; Jan. 28-30, Tara Keely Bridal; Feb. 4-6, Pronovias-Manual Mota; Feb. 11-13, Jim Hjelm ; Feb. 25-27, Paloma Blanca. 757-631-9810 or PureEnglishBridal.com

STONEWALL JACKSON HOTEL Nestled in the historic district of downtown Staunton, at the crossroads of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the newly renovated and historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel is the perfect venue for your dream wedding. Our dedicated staff and talented chef can craft a glorious wedding, rehearsal dinner or reception. Only two hours from Washington, D.C., and 90 minutes from Richmond, we are ideally located for a destination wedding. 540-885-4848 or StonewallJacksonHotel.com

SURFSIDE HOTEL Enjoy spectacular views from your oceanfront room in our “beach-casual,” 76-room hotel on the Outer Banks in Nags Head, N.C., perfect for couples celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon. Weddings can be booked at the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens in nearby, historic Manteo. Choose from a wide selection of rooms including our honeymoon superior with a whirlpool tub, oceanfront rooms with balconies, poolside views, efficiencies and loft rooms. We offer complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon wine social, indoor and outdoor pools, exercise room and free wireless hotspots. Centrally located at MP15 1/2. 252-441-2105 1-800-552-SURF or SurfsideOBX.com

VICTORIA STILES It’s the most important day of your life … and you want to look your best! Victoria Stiles will craft your forever memory with a timeless look achieved through her professional perspective on beauty. Your wedding day look will be carefully designed to last throughout the day and optimized to present well in photography. Victoria Stiles specializes in bridal makeup and hair, editorial fashion, runway, red carpet events, television and commercial print makeup application. 571-265-7138, Info@VictoriaStiles.com or VictoriaStiles.com

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM Add life to your wedding! A stunning million-dollar view, 800,000 gallons of aquariums and more than 6,000 animals will make your special day especially memorable! Virginia Aquarium offers full-service catering with package or custom menus, as well as ceremony and reception spaces from intimate to grand. Plus, we’re less than two miles from the Virginia Beach oceanfront. 757-385-0306 or VirginiaAquarium.com

JEFFREY ZURAVLEFF, M.D., FACS is a facial plastic surgical specialist who has served Virginians for nearly 20 years. Surgical and non-surgical facial enhancement of both aesthetic and functional issues. Consultations in Richmond and Fredericksburg. 804-934-9344 or DrZuravleff.com

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