VOW- What a FABULOUS event!!

We'd like to thank all of the brides for coming to visit our booth at the VOW Bridal Event on Sunday!  We had an amazing time meeting all of you!

In case you missed it, here are some photos:

The Distinctive Gourmet Staff did a remarkable job decorating our booth!

Come sit and chat about your wedding!

Sabrina, DG Catering Sales Manager; James, Virginia Beach Convention Center Sales Manager; and Cassie, DG Catering Sales Manager: Ready and Excited to Meet the Brides!

VOW Bridal Event

Our exclusive caterer, Distinctive Gourmet is providing breaksfast for all of the fabulous brides attending the "Pros in the Know" Event prior to the VOW Bridal Event. Register Now!

The Virginia Beach Convention Center proudly sponors the VOW Bridal Event!

Come see us at booth #54!!

Bridal Spotlight: David and Mackenzie Towell

David and Mackenzie Towell

Wedding Date: 9/22/2012

Ceremony Site: Virginia Beach Convention Center

Reception Site: Virginia Beach Convention Center

Photographer: Keith Bernstien

What first drew you to the VBCC? 

The building is so versitile and open. The location is great for out-of-town guests  because it is right by the beach and it is one of the main buildings in the Hampton Roads area so it is easy to find. The ballroom was my dream room becuase with out any decoration it is gorgeous. This creates a great blank canvas to build what ever wedding you can think of.

What made you decide to book?

Cassie and Darcy made me so confident and excited to have my wedding there. I was completely confident that they would do whatever they could to make me happy and make my day happen. I trusted them so much and I didn't want to go any where else after our first meeting.

What was your favorite part of planning your wedding?

THE FOOD TASTING!! Cassie was awesome about explaing all of the food options and helping me make decisions about my package. When it came to the day of the tasting, I felt like a celebrity. It was sooo fun and stress free. I felt like it was one of the most painless parts of the process with the help of Cassie and Distinctive Gourment.

What was the most challenging part of planning your wedding ?

Keeping my sanity. There is no one thing I remember agonizing over, but everything together was tough. I had lists and notes every where in my house, trying to keep everything straight. Communicating with every one was a challenge as well, all I can say is thank goodness for e-mail and Facebook.

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day (Bride)?

When I walked down the aisle to my groom. The look on his face when he saw me for the first time in my dress was so sweet. The thing I will always remember is when I walked to him and grabbed his hand, he looked me right in the eyes, his eyes a little watery, and said "You look beautiful"

What was your favorite thing you ate at your wedding reception?

EVERYTHING!! I love food and I had been waiting to pig out for months. The chicken dinner we picked was amazing and I love love loved the hors d'oeuvres at cocktail hour.

What is your favorite photo from your wedding day?

What is your favorite part of being married (Bride)?

Having my best friend with me all the time :) and knowing that he always wants to be with me.

Thank you so much for picking us David and Mackenzie! The VBCC was proud to host your special day! What a beautiful night!

Neighbor Spotlight: The Best Body Co. Salon & Spa

Located just a block from the VBCC, The Best Body Co. Salon & Spa offers brides any services needed to look and feel their best on the big day!

We recently had a chat with Best Body Co. Salon & Spa's Jenny and here is what she had to share:

What makes your salon unique?  The Best Body Co. is an AVEDA Concept Salon and Spa.  We believe in and support the philosophy of Aveda, and carry the full line of Aveda products.

What services do you provide?  We provide hair, nails, and make-up services at our salon. We also do massages, facials, waxing, and other body treatments in our spa using all of the Aveda products. 

Bridal?  For brides and their bridal parties, we have 4 salon chairs and all of our stylists have the talent to create exquisite hair styles.  We also have an on site make-up artist with experience in bridal make-up. 

How many people can we accommodate at one time?  We can accommodate up to 6-10 people.  However, we have had bridal parties who booked the entire salon to have nails, make-up, hair, and other spa services done.  They are allowed to bring their own refreshments and set up in our salon.

Favorite bride or salon memory?  We have many good memories with our bridal and regular guests who come to our salon and spa.  A lot of our guests refers to us as their “happy place” and that is what we strive for.  Back in May of 2012 we did have a bridal party of 26 guests who came in all at one time.  We transformed the salon to their beauty central and provided chair massages, hair up-do’s, make-up and nails to all the girls.  It was a beautiful experience and our bride really enjoyed everything.

Any other information you’d like to include?  As said before, we provide an exquisite amount of services to all of our guest.  We take pride in making sure that everyone feels comfortable while receiving a service from.  There are some reviews that are posted on our Facebook, Yelp, and Website if you would like to read some of them.

For More Information: Visit their Website!

 

Before you say “I Do”, do something special for yourself and those you love with an aromatic AVEDA experience at The Best Body Spa & Salon. For your wedding day, we offer a variety of services from hair to make-up, skin and body.  Each service is a ceremony within itself.  Our focus is to create a nurturing environment where you can relax and enjoy your special day. Choose one of our Bridal services for yourself, your husband to be or invite your entire wedding party to celebrate  and prepare for your big event.    Upon scheduling, consider a practice Formal Style and Make-up application. Our couples' room may also be available, upon request.  You may even bring your own refreshments.  We are one block away from the VA Beach Convention Center on 19Th ST.

Special Announcement: We're a Preferred Vendor of The Bridal Dish!

The VBCC is thrilled to announce that we are now a
Preferred Vendor (Venue) of The Bridal Dish!

This is very exciting news!

The Bridal Dish is a one-stop-shop for all things wedding where you can get free information and assistance in planning your big day!

Check out the site here:

Happy Planning!

Bridal Spotlight! Raymond and Leila Raquipiso

  Raymond and Leila Raquipiso

Wedding Date:   May  19, 2012

Ceremony Site:  Star of the Sea Catholic Church

Reception Site:  Virginia Beach Convention Center

Photographer:  Marco DiFlorio

DJ:  Phillip Andrada

What first drew you to the VBCC? 

Knowing it would accommodate a dance floor the size that we've always imagined.  The space in just one of the ballrooms is grand and the height of the ceiling makes it feel majestic.  We've heard great things about the ballrooms from our friends and families who've attending previous wedding receptions and other events there. 

What made you decide to book? 

We'd have to say the atmosphere presented to us by each individual we met at the VBCC.  Everyone we dealt with (Cassie, Tina, James and Chris) were enormously helpful, friendly and absolutely made us feel comfortable with our decision to commit to the VBCC Ballroom. 

What was your favorite part of planning your wedding? 

Everything was falling together with the church and the VBCC coordinating the schedule of events... the best thing, the most awesome feeling about planning the wedding was knowing that our two families and groups of friends would be gathering at one location (well two) especially for Lei and me. 

What was the most challenging part of planning your wedding? 

This was an absolute tie.  First there were all the requirements from our church in order to have a Catholic wedding.  When we thought we had fulfilled all of these requirements, it seemed another "need" would come up.  Everyone at the church, especially Father Steve gave us the guidance we needed to complete everything on time.  Secondly, the seating arrangement and "nesting" those familiar with each other at the same table or near one another.  But that was certainly alleviated after dinner once everyone mingled and got up to dance. 

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day (Groom)? 

 We started of our First Dance just slowly swaying to our song "You and Me" by Lifehouse.  We practiced and practiced our routine... and at about 55 seconds into the song, it hits a certain note where it picks up the beat.  We slowly took our pose and went into a Waltz frame.  The second we took our first Waltz step, the crowd roared and cheered for us. 

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day (Bride)?  

During the wedding ceremony when I was saying my  vows. 

What was your favorite thing you ate at your wedding reception? 

Dinner entrees were absolutely delicious.  Everyone we've had a chance to talk to said they really loved their plate. 

 What is your favorite photo from your wedding day?

What is your favorite part of being married (Groom)? 

 Knowing I'm in a loving, trusting and committed relationship with my best friend. 

 What is your favorite part of being married (Bride)?

 From Leila:  "Being with you, spending time with the one you love, acting and making decisions as one" 

 Anything else you want to share? 

We would like to thank everyone at the VBCC for helping us make our day wonderful

We here at the VBCC loved working with such a fun and laid back couple! Thank you for sharing your day with us- best wishes!

Bridal Spotlight! Chris and Cynthia Tenney

Name:  Chris and Cynthia Tenney

 

  Wedding Date:  May 12, 2012

Ceremony Site: Indian River Plantations

Reception Site: Virginia Beach Convention Center Ballroom

Photographer: Jennifer Warthan Photography

DJ: I had a band! Fine SWISS Cheese!! Amazing!!

What first drew you to the VBCC?

The people and the spacious atmosphere that provided a comfortable place to celebrate with our friends and family

What made you decide to book?

The Room and the details they had to offer. The employees are all so sweet and helpful, How could I not?

What was your favorite part of planning your wedding?  

My favorite part was actually having my now husband wanting to be apart of everything. He wanted to go to all the meetings with the vendors. He never just said “you do it all and I’ll love it” No, he actually made the time to show up to things with me and place his input. It was a wonderful bonding experience for us. :)

What was the most challenging part of planning your wedding? 

The most challenging I would have to say would be “the LIST”. It was so hard to pick who to invite.  We at one time had 400 people listed. I know, crazy! It was just so hard to pick between all of our family members, friends, acquaintances, etc.

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day (Bride)?

The first dance!!! Chris actually picked out the song! I was shocked by his choosing because he hates country, so when he picked it I was so excited and shocked at the same time. The song truly describes us. It was called “when you have a good thing” by Lady Antebellum.

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day (Groom)?

When I first saw her walk over the bridge to me and being able to see her in her dress. “She looked beautiful”

What was your favorite thing you ate at your wedding reception? Definitely the Fajita station!!

What is your favorite photo from your wedding day?  

What is your favorite part of being married (Bride)?

It feels good to say “Yes!! I am Married!”  and to be able to say I have a husband and having someone to care for other than myself. Just walking hand and hand together doing every day things as husband and wife is my all time favorite.

What is your favorite part of being married (Groom)?

Just being more connected to the most beautiful woman in the world has taken the cake for me. It was the most great feeling to tie the knot and to know that this is the one person I will love and will love me unconditionally forever.

Thank you Chris and Cynthia for sharing your amazing day with us at the VBCC! We loved having you and we wish you the very best!

Bridal Spotlight: Anselmo and Jennifer Cantu

Name: Jennifer Dionisio and Anselmo Cantu (Mr. and Mrs. Cantu!)

Wedding Date: May 26, 2012

Ceremony Site: International Christian Church

 

Reception Site:  Virginia Beach Convention Center

Photographer: Erin Lundy

DJ: Emer Lunasin

What first drew you to the VBCC?

I went to a friend's wedding several years ago and loved loved the food and the ceiling lights. I went to many weddings before but did not remember the food except VBCC. I wasn't even dating Anselmo then but I remember telling my mom "I want my wedding reception here!"

What made you decide to book?

For me, the two things that are important at a wedding reception is number one the FOOD and two if people had fun.The Virginia Beach Convention Center was the first venue that came to my mind when I got engaged because I loved the food  so much and the ambiance of the ballroom.  Plus it was the only venue available for May 26, so I figured it was meant to be!

What was your favorite part of planning your wedding? By far the taste testing at the VBCC. I love to eat and I enjoyed trying all the delicious food.

What was the most challenging part of planning your wedding ? To be honest the hardest part about wedding planning was choosing the flowers. There are so many beautiful flowers to choose from and I wanted to make sure I chose the right flowers to fill the ballroom (since the room was so large)

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day (Groom)?

When my beautiful bride walked down the aisle.

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day (Bride)?

So many moments to choose from, but I believe it was when I walked into the ceremony for the first time and  looked into Anselmo's eyes while he waited for me at the alter. At the moment everything sunk in and realized this is it, I'm getting married! I felt like I was in a fairy tale.

 

What was your favorite thing you ate at your wedding reception?

I didn't get a chance to eat dinner because we were so busy greeting our guests, but the cocktail food was delicious!  I had like 5 pieces of crabcake! But everything was so good from the coconut shrimp to the breaded scallops to the pan seared salmon and walnut chicken. We received so many compliments on the food from our guests!

What is your favorite photo from your wedding day?

What is your favorite part of being married (Groom)?

Its a wonderful feeling being able to look back (planning, stressing out, decision-making) and know that God was in control the whole time. My favorite part is that our marriage is God-centered and being able to share a lifetime together.

What is your favorite part of being married (Bride)?

It's awesome to wake up next to your best friend and know God brought us together. I look forward to building memories and growing old with Anselmo. It's a blessing to be married to your best friend and being a team.

Anything else you want to share?

Thank you VBCC -Cassie and Darcy especially for making our day so memorable. Your team did an awesome job. It was more than I imagined and I would certainly recommend anyone to have their wedding reception at VBCC!

Thank you Jennifer and Anselmo for sharing your special day with us!! Best wishes for many happy years together!