Photo courtesy of Amanda Gulley
The Alexandrian's Amanda Gulley, director of catering and conventions, talks weddings prior to hosting the 2022 Alexandria Wedding Showcase.
We recently got a chance to catch up with Amanda Gulley, director of catering and convention services at The Alexandrian hotel in Old Town Alexandria, site of this year's Alexandria Wedding Showcase. One lucky couple will win a free venue reservation at The Alexandrian for their wedding, valued at $7,000.
What wedding trends are you looking forward to seeing this wedding season? Tablescapes and wedding colors.
Why is your business a great option for couples in Alexandria and elsewhere? We’re exactly like nothing else. Aside from a great location with a breathtaking courtyard and whimsical ballroom, we offer personalized service to not only larger details, but also to the more important smaller details.
At what point in the wedding planning process should couples start working with you? As a venue, we strongly encourage couples to make the venue one of, if not the first vendor they select. This will help them navigate their other vendors and availability.
Do you have any need-to-know advice for newly engaged couples? Stay true to who you are as a couple and the vision you have for your special day.
What’s the best wedding you’ve ever been to and what made it so great? We enjoy all the weddings we host, and love when couples personalize the space and experience for their guests.
How do you get inspiration and new ideas? We’re inspired by the history of our location in Old Town and enjoy exploring and incorporating new trends and ideas from our local partners to be inspired and reimagine some of these ideas to make it work for our clients and location.
Why is Alexandria a great wedding destination? Some of the best experiences you can ever have are just a walk, ride or boat away.
What is the most unique work you’ve done for a wedding? When every wedding we create is unique it’s hard to choose just one.
How can couples prepare to have an incredible experience working with you? By not being afraid to share all their dreams and visions of what they’d like to have and allowing us to make it happen.
Where can potential clients find you?
- www.thealexandrian.com
- Insta: @thealexandrianhotel
- Facebook: facebook.com/thealexandrianhotel
More about the 2022 Alexandria Wedding Showcase!
Brides and grooms, parents and friends — anyone planning a wedding — are welcome to attend the Alexandria Wedding Showcase, which will offer the opportunity to gather ideas and meet with local wedding professionals for everything to make your wedding day sheer perfection.
Ticket-holders will get the chance to talk one-on-one with more than 25 vendors including caterers, florists, photographers and more. Guests will sample wedding cake and appetizers, visit a pop-up Wedding Showcase Lounge in The Alexandrian’s brick courtyard, meet wedding planners, explore reception tablescapes and much more.
In addition, a limited number of guests will be able to attend a special VIP champagne brunch before the Alexandria Wedding Showcase with “Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta” star Monte Durham. Durham is a longtime Alexandria resident and opened his own salon in Old Town Alexandria in 2020.
Tickets for the wedding showcase are $25 per person or $40 per couple. VIP tickets, which include brunch with Durham before the showcase, are $75 per person. Tickets are available through AlexandriaWeddingShowcase.com.
