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Curated inspiration, thoughtful tips, and timeless ideas for your wedding day

Top 5 Planning Tips from a Northern Virginia Wedding Planner

December 12, 2025

Chelsea Quenum, Northern Virginia wedding planner, smiling in a pink blouse against a bright white background.

There’s something so special about getting engaged in Northern Virginia—and with the right plan, the planning season can feel calm, clear, and genuinely enjoyable. In this post, I’m sharing five practical tips to help you start with what matters most so you feel grounded, confident, and excited for what’s ahead.

A Cozy Season of Celebration: Christmas at Home

December 5, 2025

A Christmas tree decorated in soft pink, blue, and silver ornaments beside a chinoiserie wall panel and a pastel living room with a pink tufted ottoman.

Step inside our home for a cozy Christmas at home, where classic red-and-green tradition meets soft French blues and pinks. Discover how layered textures, candlelight, and meaningful little details create a calm, joy-filled space to gather and celebrate.

Behind the Scenes of a Modern Barn in Loudoun County

November 28, 2025

Romantic outdoor pavilion at Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm decorated with patterned linens, candlelight, and bistro lights for an elegant modern-barn dinner.

Step behind the scenes of a modern barn-style celebration at Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm. From layered botanical tablescapes to thoughtful guest experiences, this look inside the pavilion reveals how intentional design transforms a rustic setting into an elevated, welcoming event.

The Joy of Celebration: Finding Sacred Beauty in the Season of Advent

November 21, 2025

Chelsea-Quenum-Northern-Virginia-Wedding-Planner-Advent (8)

Advent invites us to pause, prepare room, and notice the quiet joy woven into our ordinary days. This gentle reflection explores how the season’s stillness, longing, and small sacred moments become a celebration all their own.

How to Choose the Right Wedding Venue in Northern Virginia

November 14, 2025

Rolling green hills and vineyard views at Stone Tower Winery in Northern Virginia, a romantic setting for elegant countryside weddings.

Your wedding venue sets the stage for everything—from your design aesthetic to the guest experience. As a Northern Virginia wedding planner, I’ve toured many of the region’s most beautiful estates, wineries, and gardens, and I know how meaningful it is to find a space that truly feels like you. Here’s how to approach your venue search with confidence, clarity, and ease.

Venue Highlight: Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm – Refined Warmth in Broadlands, Virginia

November 7, 2025

Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Bealeton, Virginia — wedding venue exterior captured by Morgan Kay Photo

Discover the refined warmth of Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Bealeton, Virginia — a venue where history, craftsmanship, and inviting design create the perfect setting for timeless celebrations.

An Evening of Connection at Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm

October 31, 2025

Candlelit dinner at Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Northern Virginia, planned by Chelsea Quenum Wedding Planning & Event Design

There’s a kind of beauty that happens only when people come together—when creativity and conversation intertwine, when laughter fills the air, when we pause long enough to enjoy one another’s presence. Gathering the Northern Virginia Creative Community As a planner and designer, so much of my work revolves around creating space for others—making sure every […]

Venue Highlight: Swann House — A Historic, Elegant Wedding Venue in Washington, D.C.

October 24, 2025

Swann House wedding venue exterior in Dupont Circle, Washington DC — photo by Morgan Kay Photography

Step inside the Swann House, a historic Washington, D.C. bed-and-breakfast filled with charm, character, and luminous beauty. This inviting venue blends timeless architecture and intimate elegance—an inspiring backdrop for couples who love design with a story.

Modern Parisian Wedding Inspiration at Swann House in Washington D.C.

October 17, 2025

Modern Parisian wedding editorial at Swann House in Washington D.C., planned and designed by Chelsea Quenum Weddings & Design.

Step into Parisian elegance without leaving DC. This Swann House wedding editorial features bold florals, couture gowns, and timeless romance—perfect inspiration for the modern couple.

10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Wedding Planner

August 6, 2025

Chelsea Quenum, Northern Virginia wedding planner, seated at an elegant floral table setting.

Choosing a wedding planner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make—but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are 10 thoughtful questions to ask that will help you find the right planner for your vision, values, and wedding day peace.

Feeling overwhelmed by what to do (and when)?

DOWNLOAD My FREE WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE CHECKLIST

Thoughtfully created for brides ready to get organized, this step-by-step wedding timeline checklist is simple, straightforward, and designed to walk you through every major milestone. From booking your dream venue to managing the final details, it gives you a clear picture of what’s ahead—and when to handle each task.

Download your complimentary copy to kick off your planning with confidence. And when you're ready to pass off the to-dos, I’ll be here to take your checklist and turn it into the wedding you’ve been dreaming of.

GRAB My Free Checklist