Vendor Spotlight – Riverview Manor Part One
Central Virginia brides are so fortunate when it comes to selecting a venue. Whether they crave a city chic wedding or a sprawling estate, our area offers such a vast array of choices to satisfy a variety of styles and tastes. Well, when it comes to a historical, family oriented, estate feel … Riverview Manor is an amazing venue to consider! Special thanks goes out to Stone Blue Productions for the photos from our field trip to the plantation.
I have been conversing with Mary Helen of Riverview Manor for a while via email and telephone, but I decided that it was about time that I venture out to meet her and see this amazing property … after all, the manor has been featured on the blog many times, and I wanted to lay eyes on it myself. I think I picked the absolute windiest day to go out (as you will see in one of the photos below), but what can you expect in March?
Driving up to the plantation is a pure treat. Although it is a short jaunt from Lynchburg, the drive to the property is beautiful, and when you approach the estate, it feels as though you are being transported back in time with its amazing features such as a cabin, original outbuildings (such as a summer kitchen and servants’ quarters) and pond not to mention the majestic home itself. There is even a long driveway with greenery and a fountain to greet you.
The views from Riverview Manor are breathtaking in and of themselves. Personal favorites of mine are the lone chimneys left from buildings (such as a schoolhouse) that are long gone and also the graveyards … one for former residents and the other for slaves (yes, the plantation has THAT much history!).
The outside really does speak for itself, and the possibilities are endless. Riverview Manor offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony area coupled with a barn that can be used for the rehearsal dinner. They are also in the process of having a permanent tent constructed … I adore tent receptions!
On the property is a cabin that the couple can stay in on their wedding night … it may look rustic on the outside, but the inside is truly a romantic retreat with its exposed wood and cozy feel. Mary Helen even lets you determine the time you would like your day after breakfast … how wonderful to be able to sleep on the property and have your breakfast freshly brought to you in a picnic basket.
Although the ceremonies and receptions take place outside, Mary Helen and her husband actually give the couples and their bridal parties free reign over their own personal plantation home to get ready and relax. The guys are given the first level with its many rooms (including the kitchen!), while the ladies have the upstairs to themselves to pamper and dress. As you can see, the interior also make a beautiful backdrop for photos of the bride, family and wedding party.
And, I must brag on Mary Helen herself. She is sweet, and after 14 years of owning Riverview Manor, her love for her brides and her estate definitely shine through. I would trust any bride into her hands as Mary Helen will take great care of you! If you would like to visit Riverview Manor, just click here and give her a call. She would love to show you around the manor. Below is a photo of Mary Helen and me in the foyer.
And if you think my hair looks windblown in the photo below, then you guessed it. Remember that windy day I told you about? Well, the proof is in the pudding, er, I mean the photography, which is again compliments of Jeremiah Guelzo of Stone Blue Productions.
Yes, so no matter rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor a super windy day … I am always there to support the great HCB vendors. I am laughing b/c I can’t believe I am putting this corny, hold up the house, windblown hair photo on the blog. Ha! Ok, enough of that … if you want to see Riverview Manor in action, be sure to click on the video below by Shaking Hands Productions. It is a great glimpse into what the plantation has to offer.
Angelica + Tim :: Riverview Manor :: from Shaking Hands Productions on Vimeo.
I can’t wait to show off some actual photos of weddings that took place on this beautiful plantation in part two of showing off Riverview Manor on Thursday, April 7th … sorry to make you wait, but it will be worth it!
I LOVE Riverview Manor. It’s amazing.
Great post and windy yes it was.
So glad you featured Riverview Manor! The place is a gem tucked away near Altavista – away from the hustle and bustle – it’s warm and inviting, elegant but not toooo fussy. Mary Helen is a very gracious hostess and has a heart of gold.
Cannot wait for our 5/21/11 wedding there. I don’t think it could get any better!
ohhhh just love the video – Brad, you are totally THE MAN!
I like the place ’cause it is so nice. And thanks also for posting the video.