The Gallery at Historic Mankin Mansion. (Photo by Quarterman Photography)
Old World Charm || Historic Mankin Mansion (4300 Oakleys Lane, 737-7773 or historicmankinmansion.com) has renovated its ballroom, The Gallery. The exposed brick space with gilded mirrors from Paris and Maria Theresa chandeliers from Rome creates old world European elegance. The Gallery and adjoining terrace can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests. Owner Paula Ramirez said in an email, “Historic Mankin Mansion offers a uniquely private historic landmark estate, with formal English gardens [and] comfortable Southern charm.” The final phase of renovation for The Gallery includes an open-air chapel, being constructed just outside the terrace. It is expected to be completed later this year.
Winery Wedding || Castle Glen Estates Farm & Winery in Doswell recently began hosting events and weddings on its 10 acres. The winery, co-owned by Pamela and Ed Cowdrey, has been producing wine for about 8 years. “We’re a small boutique winery so we’re less expensive … and more accommodating for the bride, so she can do a lot of the decorations and use her own stuff,” Pamela says. There’s a bride suite, groom suite with parlor, and kitchen available on site. An outdoor veranda and patio add to the picturesque setting, and a pergola is expected to be constructed by next spring. For more information call 837-0703 (wedding inquiries only) or visit castleglenwine.com.
Hugs and Kisses || With about 14 years of wedding industry experience under her belt, Angela Simpson started her own day-of wedding coordinator business, XOXO Weddings & Events (441-3609 or xoxoweddingsandeventsllc.com) in February. As a day-of coordinator, she takes the lead on planning a few months prior to the wedding to alleviate the stress of last-minute details. On the actual day, she says she is the first one to arrive to be sure vendors are going where they’re supposed to and everything is being setup in the correct fashion. She even assists with décor — making sure your wedding day proceeds without a hitch.
A New Frontier || Local consulting firm The Frontier Project (3005 W. Marshall St., 612-8796 or frontierprojectspaces.com) began renting out its Scott’s Addition office space for corporate events and weddings late last year. Located in a former East Coast Freight Lines 1940s warehouse, the space has an industrial Midcentury modern design. Mila Thomas, the Frontier Space’s business development lead, says the facility is meant to give patrons a sense of Richmond’s city life, from the local materials and manufacturers used for the internal construction and furniture, to the food vendors and décor. Thomas says a wedding party of about 100 people is the perfect size for the space.
Bride Meets Groom || Urban Set Bride has entered into the groomswear market with the March opening of companion company Urban Set Groom (604 N. 29th St. — by appointment only, 402-8716 or urbansetgroom.com). The business sells and rents tuxedos and is co-owned by father-and-son duo Tom Haines and Anthony Smith (keeping both businesses in the family, as Urban Set Bride is co-owned by Christine Haines Greenberg and Jennifer Haines). Located next to its sister shop, Urban Set Groom carries Jim’s Formal Wear lines and sells designer suits from Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.
Affordable Affection || Local wedding officiant Brian Purcell of Two Become One Ministry has opened a new wedding chapel at 7465 Old Hickory Drive in Mechanicsville. A small facility that can seat about 35 people, the chapel offers customizable packages from a basic, 1-hour rental, to an option that includes a photographer, videographer and decorator. At a cost of about $300 for a full package, Purcell says this is a way for couples to have a romantic wedding with close family and friends without accruing thousands of dollars in wedding debt. Visit twobecomeoneministry.com for more information.
How’s the View? || The historic Hofheimer Building in Scott’s Addition (2818 W. Broad St., 482-4200 or www.hofheimerbuilding.com) has been renovated and is ready for events. There’s an open-layout, second-floor space available for rentals, but the 3,600-square-foot rooftop overlooking the city makes for a one-of-a-kind venue. MOSAIC Catering + Events is leasing the rooftop space, partnering with owner, Snipes Properties, to bring events to the overhauled building. With the combined rental of the second floor and rooftop, 400 people can be accommodated. The building’s distinct architecture, hardwood floors and rustic exposed brick make it a perfect fit for any style of wedding.
Groom’s Place || Fairview Farm (1660 Ballsville Road, 492-4972 or fairviewfarmevents.com) is opening its newly constructed groomsmen cottage, The Blanton Cottage, this month on its 115-acre estate in Powhatan. A multiuse space, it was built to allow the bridal party and family to stay on the property, fitting about 16 people comfortably (up to 25 guests). The 2,200-square-foot building has an open floor plan, with three bedrooms, a master suite, kitchen, and 1,000 square feet of porches and decks. It can also double as a honeymoon suite.
Down on the Farm || Alturia Farm (6101 Dabneys Mill Road, 314-9750 or alturiafarm.com) has been in operation for 20 years, but has recently ramped up hosting more weddings and events on the 94-acre property. Ongoing improvements are being made to the farm — most recently a landscape design artist worked on beautifying the grounds. There’s also a new pergola with gardens around it. The farm houses a cabin in the woods, a bridal suite and barn. An added bonus is the resident Belgian Draft horse, “Jack,” who pulls a carriage for the bride and groom.
