The Fall Season is Upon us!

So the title of this blog means two things.  In my world, wedding season take two is about to erupt.  In the real world, also one I try to play in: Football.  Thank GOODness fellow planner Amanda has a healthy football obsession as well.  We were thrilled at the news just a few weeks ago that our Sunday post-wedding indulgence would once again commence.  And while it is only August 11th, it is Thursday night and tonight marks the start of the preseason.

So, what does this have to do with weddings?  You mean it's not cool enough to be able to share with your man that your wedding planners would be happy to trash talk with him and play Monday morning quarterback?  Well, I do have a wedding to share with you today.  One that was just over a year ago and adds to the things near and dear to my heart.

Ashley and Domonique were married at the University of Maryland Chapel last Fourth of July weekend.  The couple, who had met at Maryland as undergrads, always pictured coming back to the campus to tie the knot.  This happened to be the first proposal I was also involved in as I helped Domonique, who played cornerback for the Terps, propose in the same place where he first saw Ashley on campus.

I remember hearing Ashley's words to Domonique as she walked towards him, his back turned, for their first look, "I'm coming Domonique, you better be ready".

The two were surrounded by family and friends at the Memorial Chapel followed by a celebration at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center.  Ashley and Domonique took a walk through campus to reminisce before joining the festivities.

So, to tie back in to Football and my excitement about this evening, the two teams playing only play each other about every four years- in season play.  They also happen to be my two favorite teams, the Eagles- my home team and the Ravens- my husband's home team.  Once again, Miss Amanda and her beau share the same allegiance to these two teams.  And the final spin, Domonique plays for the team that is NOT my home team.  So, while I know it is only pre season play, who will I be cheering for?  Let's just say I'll be rooting for the birds...

Sara

Thank you to all the amazing vendors who worked on this wedding!
Mary Gardella, Love Life Images
Sarah Gallo, Design Cuisine
Digital Lightning
Bill Enright, Edge Floral
Hitched Bridal

Bedford Springs Bridal Getaways {Bachelorette Parties and Pre-Wedding Spa Weekends}

Not only is the Omni at Bedford Springs a fabulous wedding venue, it is an amazing spot for a fun girl's weekend away or a refined bachelorette party.  Since we recently sampled just about all the fun girl's activities, we felt compelled to share!

Even though Bedford Springs is only an easy drive from DC or Philly (or Pittsburgh), it feels like a different world. You and your girls can enjoy lounging by the outside pool with gorgeous views of the mountains or try the indoor thermal pool.  For those more energetic, there are hiking trails and yoga classes to keep you busy, as well as a gym. Into golf? Hit the course that is steps away from your room!

Then you must try the Eternal Springs Spa for real relaxation and pampering (I highly recommend the mud wrap)!

Then perhaps more lounging before heading off to a fabulous dinner at The 1789 Room or an interactive cooking experience at the Chef's Table?

Your evenings can be spent sipping wine on the veranda outside your rooms or making s'mores around the fire pit.  What a perfect way to unwind before your wedding!

Bedford Springs Weddings

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Bedford Week rolls on her at Bridal Bubbly!  Today we focus on the possibilities for beautiful weddings at The Omni at Bedford Springs Resort. If an idyllic setting, gorgeous property and amazing service are your cup of tea, then this might be your perfect wedding venue!

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Not only is the resort itself stunning (with rocking suites) but the property is nestled in the foothills of Pennsylvania lending it to lovely outdoor ceremonies when the leaves start to turn or when everything is blossoming in Spring.

www.beautifulblooms.com

Couples can choose one of several gardens for their ceremony (including the lovely Spa lawn) or the Magnesia Springs Pavilion connected to the resort by a wooden bridge or even the ruins of an old spring tucked away in the woods. Each has such a unique feel and style and all are gorgeous! There are indoor spaces in case of inclement weather but the views at Bedford are just to die for!

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I love the idea of a ceremony at sunset with the classic, old-world resort in the background.

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There are also multiple ballrooms available in the resort for your reception depending on the size and style of your wedding. I do think their Colonnade ballroom (shown above and below) is absolutely lovely and has tons of windows and natural light (so rare for a ballroom)!

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We hope you enjoyed this peek at wedding options at The Omni Bedford Springs. This is our new favorite spot for destinations weddings not too far from DC!  Be sure to contact Bryan Stiffler at The Omni to book your big day. He loves weddings and is so much fun!

The Omni at Bedford Springs {Fabulous FAM Trip}

Welcome to Bedford Springs week at Bridal Bubbly!  We were lucky enough to spend a few days at the lovely Omni at Bedford Springs Resort a couple of weeks ago, and we wanted to share what a wonderful venue this is for weddings, girls' weekends or bachelorette parties and honeymoons.

The fabulous Lori Amery from the Omni Shoreham in DC took us up to Bedford to share one of her favorite getaways with us. After a quick two-hour drive from the DC area, we drove up to the magnificent hotel tucked away in the middle of nowhere. After checking in, we went to the Frontier Tavern for a little lunch.  The casual fare was so yummy!

After lunch, we checked out our rooms and were so pleasantly surprised. We were in the spa wing of the hotel and our rooms were gorgeous with huge soaking tubs and gorgeous beds. Heaven!  Even though this is a historic property, the buildings were built or completely renovated only a few years ago so everything is pristine.

One of my favorite parts of the hotel is that each room walks out onto a long, connecting veranda with rocking chairs and wicker recliners. Perfect for relaxing with an afternoon drink.

We then met the charming Bryan Stiffler, who takes care of the weddings at Bedford Springs. Bryan gave us a tour of the property, showing us all the spots for ceremonies and receptions (and there are so many)!

The Engaging Affairs team dressed for dinner!

After our tour, we went back into the kitchen for the "Chef's Table" which is actually set up in the kitchen so guests can participate in the cooking process with the chefs. We all donned black aprons and (most of us) got to work preparing baby lamb chops, crab cakes, spinach spaetzle, a citrus and scallop salad, filet mignon, and chocolate mousse. Dinner was delicious and such fun. Our hats off to the chefs and Bryan who made our evening such fun and so educational!

Laura and Lori in the kitchen.

Sara and Lori getting pointers from the cooking staff.

Bryan, Laura and Chef making crab cakes.

Omni colleagues Bryan and Lori.

Laura and Amanda having fun in the kitchen.

Christine enjoying the crab cakes (maybe a little too much?)!

Laura and Christine goofing around.

After dinner, some of us enjoyed a late night swim in the beautiful thermal pool before heading off to bed.

The next morning, Sara impressed us all by hitting the hotel gym early then we had breakfast in the Crystal Room before heading off to the Eternal Springs Spa. What a fantastic breakfast buffet, complete with made-to-order stuffed French toast, waffles and omelettes.

Christine, Sara, and Amanda ready for the spa!

If there is one thing we love, it's spas. Our favorite in DC is the Mandarin Hotel Spa but the Eternal Springs Spa at Bedford Springs might just be our new favorite!  Before our treatments, we enjoyed the Bedford Baths, a water circuit of experience showers, steam room, hot and cool mineral pools and products like the black walnut ginger body polish and hydrating aroma mist.  Then we relaxed in the lounge until our mud wraps and massages. Heaven!

Even though our stay was brief, we got a wonderful taste of the amazing things the Omni at Bedford Springs offers. This stunning property has such old-world charm and grace yet is pristine and modern. It is such a great venue for a wedding (more on that this week) or a quick getaway from the city. I know it is one of Lori's favorite resorts and now we are all firmly in the fan category!

Thank you to Lori, Bryan, Chef David Noto, the cooking team and the entire staff at the Omni at Bedford Springs for treating us to an amazing visit. We were very impressed and can't wait to bring a wedding to the resort!

Photos courtesy of the Omni at Bedford Springs and our own cameras/phones (I'm sure you can tell the difference)!