on the blog

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

How to Create a Cohesive Wedding Design (Without Overcomplicating It)

February 13, 2026

Chelsea Quenum styling a cohesive tablescape with florals, linens, and candlelight.

Cohesive wedding design isn’t about matching everything perfectly or chasing trends. It’s about creating an experience that feels thoughtful, layered, and true to you—through clear vision, editing, and aligned execution.

Why “Day-Of Coordination” Is a Misleading Term

February 6, 2026

Chelsea Quenum, wedding planner and designer adjusting place settings during reception setup.

‘Day-of coordination’ sounds simple but weddings don’t run smoothly because someone shows up on the day. They run smoothly because of weeks of preparation, vendor communication, and timeline leadership. Here’s why Wedding Day Management is the more accurate term, and what it includes.

How to Know What Level of Wedding Planning Support You Actually Need

January 30, 2026

Northern Virginia Wedding Planner Chelsea Quenum at Clyde's Will Creek Farm

Choosing the right level of wedding planning support can feel overwhelming—especially when terms like wedding day management, design support, and full-service planning are used differently across the industry. This guide walks through each level of planning support so you can choose with clarity, confidence, and intention.

Entering 2026 with Clarity: A Reflection on 2025

January 14, 2026

Wedding planner behind the scenes styling a reception table in Northern Virginia.

January feels like a quiet doorway—an invitation to reflect on what the last year shaped before rushing into what’s next. In this post, I’m looking back on what I built in 2025, what I learned about creating a calm, at-ease planning experience, and the steady decisions that helped me grow with clarity. I’m also sharing what I’m carrying into 2026: more refinement, more presence, and a continued commitment to guiding couples with thoughtful structure and grace.

Designing Cozy Candlelit Weddings in Northern Virginia

January 9, 2026

Elegant indoor wedding table lined with bright pink and berry roses and tall taper candles in glass hurricanes, creating a romantic candlelit centerpiece.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels intimate, glowy, and wonderfully relaxed, candlelight might be the design element you’ve been looking for. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite tips as a Northern Virginia wedding planner for designing cozy candlelit weddings—from layered lighting and rentals to timelines and safety—so you can create an evening that feels warm, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant.

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.

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