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!

Follow us on Pinterest!

The Virginia Beach Convention Center has created some Pinterest Boards to share great event ideas and some fabulous wedding inspiration! Follow us to see all of the great stuff!

A Wedding Thank You...

Check out this amazing VBCC Family Portrait we received as a thank you from a recent wedding...

James (VBCC Sales Manager), Tina (VBCC Event Manager), Cassie (DG Catering Sales Manager), Chris (Whitlock AV Coordinator)

Signature Drinks!

In the world of weddings there are so many ways to personalize the reception from color to decor to little surprising touches here and there.

Why not take that one step further and add a signature drink to your event?  Our Exclusive Caterer, Distinctive Gourmet offers a variety of signature drinks that are popular among any crowd.

Some examples:

Blue Paradise Martini  

Vodka, Sweet and Sour mix, Blue Curacao, and Pineapple Juice

Crystal Raspberry Fizz

Vodka, Cranberry Juice Cocktail, and Raspberry Liqueur, Topped with Champagne

Peach Bellini

Peach Puree and Champagne

Cranberry Slash

Vodka, Lime Juice and  Cranberry,

Watermelon Martini  

Vodka, Watermelon Pucker (Pink or Green) and a Splash of lime

The Zahara

Malibu Coconut Rum, Pineapple, and Sierra Mist with a Grenadine floater.

The Green Island

Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila, Melon Liqueur, Sour Mix and Sierra Mist

ALSO AVAILABLE:

THE CRUSH BAR (a really unique focal point for your cocktail hour)

Crushed Ice with Guest Choice of Orange, Grapefruit or Strawberry

Orange is served with Vodka, Triple Sec and Orange juice topped with Sierra Mist

Grapefruit is served with Vodka and Grapefruit with a splash of Cranberry

Strawberry is served with Rum and Sour with a splash of Cranberry and Raspberry Liqueur, then topped with Sierra Mist

Already have a signature drink that you and friends and family love?  Give us the recipe and we will make it for you! We can do almost anything!

Want a fabulous signature drink and want to keep it non-alcoholic??  We can so do that too!  Chat with your catering sales manager and we can set you up!

Want some other ideas? Click on the photo below.

Another Happy Couple!

We got a sweet note from the mother of the bride for a wedding we had on March 31, 2012 and we just couldn't help but share.

"I just want to thank you so much for everything you did to make my daughter’s reception  magnificent. Words just can’t express how I felt Saturday. Everybody is talking about how they enjoyed themselves, how it was just beautiful and how the food was great. The staff was awesome and  of course you were awesome also. The food OMG even the tea J was superb. There is NOT one thing I would have done different. That’s how great everything was. There was NOT one thing that I could complain about. THE EVENT WAS FLAWLESS. The cocktail hour when I got there, I could see how people were enjoying that and were just so laid back like they were homeJ. People were telling me it seems as if they had traveled far away couldn’t believe that it was right in VA. People were so amazed with what they saw and they bragged about that food. People were saying they had never been to anything like this. That was my goal to have something that no one had seen or been to. You made that dream come true for me and of course my daughter but especially me J. I was a teen mother and she is my only daughter. I wanted to do something that people and she will always remember and you did just that. Oh the lighting was excellent. The lightning made it feel so romantic in there. Everything was magnificent!!!!!! When I think about it, I get teary-eyed. It was AWESOME!!!

Thank you again for everything!

Amy Carver"

The Bride and Groom  (photo taken by Sabrina Rinaldo)

Thank you to the new Mr. and Mrs. Watson for choosing the VBCC and sharing your wedding day with us!

We wish you the very best for a happy life together!

Menu Cards Inspiration

A trend we have been seeing with our weddings (especially those that do a custom spread) are Menu Cards!  They not only provide your guests with useful information (What's for dinner??) but also can add style and color to your table. Menu cards can add that little something extra to an otherwise tranditional table setting.

Here are some of our favorite ideas:

Photo: Courtesy of Sarah Drake Designs

Photo: Courtesy of Wedding Paper Divas

Photo: Courtesy of The Dandelion Patch

Photo: Courtesy of Invitations by Dawn

Cards can be specialy ordered or printed yourself at home so they can be a reality for any budget.

For more information check out what Martha Stewart has to say here!

Meet the VBCC Catering Sales Team!

Last week you met the VBCC Building Team and learned a little about the people behind the space and tables here at the Convention Center when it comes to your wedding.

Next up: The Catering Sales Team!

Our exclusive caterer, Distinctive Gourmet has two exceptional Catering Sales Managers that have tons of experience with weddings and events in general. They are available to chat about your menu selections even before you book- but once you have signed both a building contract and a banquet contract- that is where the fun begins!

To get to know the girls a little better- we asked them the same questions we asked the building team:

Name: Sabrina Rinaldo

Direct Phone: 757-385-2009

Email: srinaldo@vbgov.com

How long have you been involved with weddings?

For about two years. Started in Miami Beach.

Your role in the VBCC wedding process? 

I work with the bride and groom on creating the perfect menu for their wedding. As we all know, food can make or break an event! We try to make sure each menu fits the needs and wants of the couple, as well as is enjoyable to all guests. I also assist the couple with upscale linen and centerpiece options to complete the look of their reception space.

Your favorite part about working with weddings?

I love knowing that I am a part of one of the most important days in a couple’s life together. It is a very rewarding job. To work with brides weeks before their wedding and then to actually see them on their wedding day, when all of the hard work and planning comes together,  full of excitement and happiness-knowing that I was a part of that is a great feeling.

The BEST thing about the VBCC for weddings?

The building is absolutely beautiful! It’s a great venue to take pictures that will create breathtaking memories. This is the third venue I have worked in and it is by far my favorite for weddings.

Any advice you have for brides and grooms?

Learn to let go. My colleagues and I are here to assist you on making your day smooth and effortless. Some brides have a hard time letting go of some of the smaller things and add too much stress onto themselves prior to, or on their wedding day. Our job is to help take some of the stresses away, so allow us to help you.  Also, if budget allows, hire a coordinator or designate a friend to arrive to the venue early on the wedding day to oversee set-up and address any last minute questions that arise.

Personal Info-

I recently moved to Virginia Beach from Miami, Florida. I still have many areas of the city to learn and explore, but I am thoroughly enjoying it thus far.  In my spare time I enjoy cooking, dancing, or curling up with a good book. I love the beach/outdoors and can’t wait to enjoy this beautiful city in the summer!



Sabrina



Name: Cassandra Murdough

Direct Phone: 757-385-2015

Email: cmurdoug@vbgov.com

How long have you been involved with weddings?

About 7 years. I started working at the VBCC in 2005 on the building side- I did weddings  as an event supervisor and then moved to Catering Sales with Distinctive Gourmet last August.  In my personal life I have been a bridesmaid 6 times so I have been in 7 weddings (including my own) and have seen all sides of the process.

Your role in the VBCC wedding process? 

I am very involved in weddings here in that I handle not only individual weddings, but I also have taken on being the coordinator for revamping our wedding menus, DG’s involvement in bridal shows and work very closely with the VBCC’s Marketing Coordinator to put together our bridal initiatives like our wedding posts on Facebook and Twitter , this bridal blog (blowing my cover here!), and our upcoming Pinterest page (look out for more details on that soon!).

Your favorite part about working with weddings?

I love that at the root of every wedding are two people that care enough about each other to stand in front of family and friends and tell the world they are together (and then invite them to an AWESOME party). It warms my heart to be a part of the months of planning that come with that.  I also love that although each wedding may have the same components (cocktail hour, dinner, cake cutting, etc) each wedding is completely different from the last and that keeps my part of the job fresh and exciting.

The BEST thing about the VBCC for weddings?

The best thing about us is that we care so much about weddings. We are not a venue that “turns and burns” several weddings each day in the same room- we take pride in the fact that we pay special attention to each wedding reception and act as though each one is the most important event in the building each day- even if we have more than one (because really- it is the most important event in your life, right?).

Any advice you have for brides and grooms?

I have to agree with Sabrina on this one- let go a smidge. Really- we do this all the time- we have your back J

I would also say don’t be afraid to think “outside the menu” if you want to. Yes, we do have standard wedding menus. Yes, they are pretty fabulous. But, if at the end of the day you really just want to have tacos (or whatever else your favorite food is) at your wedding – we can absolutely do that. Our Chef and his culinary team can do pretty much anything you might want that makes your wedding yours.

Personal Info-

I usually go by "Cassie" so if you hear that name- don't be confused- it's still me! I live Virginia Beach with my husband, our son Bennett, and our cat Joey.   I love my job, but when I am not at the VBCC or hanging out with my boys, I like shopping and reading books with no real intellectual value and watching ridiculous television (and I have a slight Facebook addiction).  



Cassie

Here are some great shots of Sabrina and Cassie together:

Meet the VBCC Building Team!

We thought since so many of you have called and emailed about holding your wedding here with us, that we should introduce ourselves (so you know who to look to for all of the important wedding questions you need answers to). Keep in mind too that ANY wedding question can always be answered if you email vbccweddings@gmail.com or comment on a blog post :).

When you come to the VBCC to look at a space to hold your perfect dream wedding- one of the first people you will deal with is James Caralivanos (yeah, we can't pronounce his last name either- so we call him "James" :)). James is the Virginia Beach Convention Center's Sales Manager that specializes in short-term bookings (events that happen within one year -18 months from today's date). Since we book weddings only one year in advance, James handles all of the contracts for booking building space for wedding receptions, ceremonies,  rehearsal dinners, showers, luncheons, or any other wedding related parties you might want to throw.

We asked him so questions so you could get to know him and his role a little better:

Name: James Caralivanos

Direct Phone: 757-385-2164

Email: jcaraliv@visitvirginiabeach.com

How long have you been involved with weddings? 8 yrs. Prior to working here at the VBCC I worked at hotels and was often involved in weddings at those properties.

Your role in the VBCC wedding process?  First steps,  dates, space, details to start, contract for space.

Your favorite part about working with weddings? Just that we can help make the day special.

The BEST thing about the VBCC for weddings? Food, environment, best staff, presentation, attention to details, personalized service – our brides and grooms are in the best of hands here!

Any advice you have for brides and grooms? Make sure you eat.

Personal Info-  I live in Virginia Beach with my wife and we have one son. We like spending time together and on the weekends can often we can be found working in the yard or shopping together.  

James

After you are booked in your space and have signed your contract, you are assigned an event coordinator to help with your floor plan, timeline, and other day-of wedding essentials. Most often, this is none other than the famous "wedding coordinator extraordinaire" Darcy Potter.  We asked her the same questions:

Name: Darcy Potter

Direct Phone: w-385-2183, c-439-0050

Email: dpotter@vbgov.com

How long have you been involved with weddings? About 10 years. I actually did 3 wedding receptions in the old Pavilion and almost all of the weddings here at the VBCC since it opened. 

Your role in the VBCC wedding process?   I am your VBCC Wedding Coordinator for everything but your food and beverage needs.  I help develop your dream floor plan, suggest ideas, vendors, and what can be done in the space you have booked.  I make sure all rooms are set and ready and provide a wedding checklist that gives the VBCC staff the information we need to make your day perfect.  I will also be here the entire day of your event to make sure everything goes as planned.

Your favorite part about working with weddings? The excitement of sharing such a special day in many people’s  lives.  There is so much happiness associated with a wedding event. Also, seeing that beautiful bride……they are all fabulous on that special day!

The BEST thing about the VBCC for weddings?  The venue and the food.  Our building is fabulous for parties, provides plenty of space for any sized crowd and is a photographer’s dream.  Our food is not hotel food, not Convention Center food, it is food that you would be served in a fine restaurant. Your guests will be talking about it long after your wedding day is over!

Any advice you have for brides and grooms? Enjoy your day and let us take care of all the details. As crazy as things may seem, we will make it happen.  We have done countless weddings and receptions, you need to trust us, we’ve got it!

Personal Info-   I have worked at the Pavilion and VBCC since March 1, 1994. I live on a nine acre horse farm in Pungo and enjoy pleasure trail riding with all my horse friends.  I have two daughters that have graduated from college and are now working and a son that is in high school and is a goalie for a U18 travel ice hockey team.  I am a hockey Mom and I DO wear Lipstick!!! LOL

Darcy

Our Exclusive Caterer Wins Big!

Our Exclusive On-Site Caterer, Distinctive Gourmet, participated earlier in the month in the Taste of Hampton Roads Fundraiser to benefit the Foodbank.

(Click the logo for more information!)

The event  had 34 restaurants/companies that participated and served about 1,000 guests a sample of what their food is all about. We are proud to report that Distinctive Gourmet won the award for "Best Overall" with their Chef's signature crab cakes topped with microgreens and a red brick remoulade served with an edible parmesan spoon!

Congrats DG!!

Our booth team: Hank, Executive Sous Chef Rob, and Catering Sales Manager Sabrina show off the award!

and the winner is ... US!!!

We got word today that the Virginia Beach Convention Center (in partnership with Style Events, Ampa Events, and Whitlock) won the "Table Top Distinction" Award for the 2012 VOW Bridal Event!

Check out the award:

In case you missed it here are some photos of our (award winning!) booth:

Photo Credit: Sabrina Rinaldo

Photo Credit: Sabrina Rinaldo

Photo Credit: Sabrina Rinaldo



Working the booth was James Caralivanos (VBCCSales Manager), Darcy Potter (VBCC wedding event coordinator) and these 3 ladies below representing our exclusive in house caterer, Distinctive Gourmet:

Beth Williamson (DG General Manager), Cassandra Murdough (DG Catering Sales Manager),
and Sabrina Rinaldo (DG Catering Sales Manager)