From the day I became engaged till the day that I will be married, it will have been a little over 8 months. For some reason I had 9 months in my mind and felt like I had plenty of time till recently I realized that I now have just over 6 months and needed to choose a reception site. In my decision making process I have gotten to see some really wonderful facilities who were available for my date. (There are also many other wonderful facilities that I was not able to visit.) Here is just a little about the 5 reception sites I was able to see.
The Woman’s Club’s Bolling Haxall House is a wonderful downtown location with lots of charm and character. The house has beautiful architecture and Victorian design. The front door opens to a front hall with gold monogrammed wallpaper and parlors to the sides and then flows to the ballroom in the back of the house. The house also has a stunning spiral staircase in the front hall with a stained glass skylight at the top.
The Virginia Center for Architecture was a location mother found that I knew nothing about but is one that should not be overlooked. When you walk up, you understand why the VA Center for Architecture chooses to be housed in this striking building. This stunning building will undoubtedly make a wonderful impression on the guests of any event. Receptions are actually able to take place in the galleries and can use the Center’s large and open garden. Even inside, there are beautiful details throughout that one would expect from a center for architecture.
The brand new Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown in what used to be the Miller and Rhodes building is a wonderful choice right now for the bride who wants to have her wedding somewhere “new and different.” The facility offers the history of and touches from the old Miller and Rhodes store, while offering all the amenities and services of a hotel and is newly renovated. They have even included items from the Miller and Rhodes dining room on the menu.
The Hermitage Country Club in Manakin Sabot is an elegant country club location. The rooms are lovely on their own but also have windows that overlook the picturesque landscape and golf course. It is further away from my downtown ceremony location, but well worth the drive (and they have a wonderful space for ceremonies for those who are so interested). I have been to events at The Hermitage and have never been disappointed.
The Mill at Fine Creek is a wonderful location with history and nature all around but still has all the amenities you want from your reception (and/or ceremony) location. The old stone mill ruins on the property add character and interest. There is also a lovely creek that runs behind the house and can be seen from the porch across the back of the house. I was lucky enough to go to a tasting at this location and just loved the food. The Mill is an amazing location and I understand why so many of my brides choose it and rave about it so.
