Kara and Jared’s wedding was recently at the Mansion and the wonderful Kuhn’s Photography captured all of the festivities. Check out the video below to see all of the fun from the Big Day!

Thank you to Kuhn’s Photography for sharing this video with us.

See You Soon,

~Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests.

We were just ecstatic when we saw the June issue of Virginia Living Magazine on newsstands because one of our lovely couples’ wedding was featured! Lisa and James’ wedding was captured by the wonderful David Abel Photography and you can check out all of the photos on page 49.

Our sincerest thanks to Virginia Living Magazine for this wonderful opportunity, as well as to David for sharing his fabulous images. Pick up your copy today to see the full feature!

See You Soon,

~Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests

We LOVE shoes!! Sandals, flats, boots, stilettos. Your wedding shoes will be one of the most important pair you ever wear, so it is time to get flashy and show them off.

Brides showcase their personality through their shoes. Are you conservative? Are you country? Are you against uncomfortable, flashy shoes and opt for bare feet with jewelry? The wedding dress is difficult, but what will be peaking out from underneath that beautiful white dress. With so many options how do you choose?

Have no fear, our experts at Historic Mankin Mansion have searched high and low for options to try and aid your search of the flawless shoe. But prepare yourself because these shoes are dangerously beautiful.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Bling: Us girls love our shiny things, so why should that change when it comes to fancy footwear? Bejeweled shoes are a great accent to a wedding dress because they add that perfect punch of color. The fact that they are just beyond gorgeous is a bonus.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Colors: Bright colors are everywhere! Color is always wonderful and can generate quite a presence. We adore the way a bold color stands out from a white wedding gown. Also, it is very easy to pair your wedding color palette with your shoes.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Boots: A big trend is outdoors wedding and if you have ever attempted to walk through grass wearing heels, you know it is quite a challenge. Just because you are in a fancy, white dress does not mean you can’t breakaway from tradition and express your personality with bold boots. Plus, you won’t have to worry about falling down in your stunning white gown.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Sandals: A great way to celebrate a fun beach wedding, is to wear sandals. Sandals can be very simple or extremely decorated and wild. A good advantage of sandal is the comfort level associated with them. After standing for a while taking pictures, greeting guest, it’s nice to be comfortable in your fancy shoes.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Jewelry: Who says you have to wear shoes at all? Sparkling jewelry made for your feet can make a great impression. This would be perfect for a beach or garden wedding. This option is not common and is a good way to make you standout from other brides.

With all those glorious shoes floating around out there, we know that it is difficult to choose just one pair. But we have no doubt that whichever style you decide to go with, you will be glowing on your special day!

See You Soon,

~Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests.

We here at Historic Mankin Mansion love to serve as the backdrop for photo and video shoots and this lovely RVA Fashion Week 2013- Dream Shoot was no exception.

You can see the wonderful video below! We just adore the polka dot dresses and 50’s feel of the fashion choices.

RVA Fashion Week 2013 – Dream Shoot from Christopher Harris on Vimeo.

Thank you to RVA Fashion Week for the wonderful opportunity!

See You Soon,

~Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests

Video Credit: Image Machine and 2B Determined Studios

There’s no doubt that one of the most challenging parts of a wedding is budgeting for it. What kind of wedding do you want to have? Where do you want to have the wedding? And on top of that, who is going to pay for all of that?

For decades there have been so-called ‘rules’ or ‘traditions’ as to who is supposed to pay for the different parts of your wedding, and we’re here to help break down that list.

Traditionally, the bride’s family usually takes on much of the cost, and in general their responsibilities include:

• Ceremony Venue- whether it’s a church, synagogue or any other location
• Bride’s gown
• Floral Arrangements
• Reception Venue
• Photographer and/or videographer
• Engagement Party- sometimes groom’s parents also will host one, however it is customary that bride’s parents hold the first one
• Groom’s wedding ring
• Reception- this includes all costs that go along with the location like food, music, decorations, etc.
• Invitations and Paper Goods- This includes save the dates, invitations, programs, menus and so on.
• Bridal party transportation to and from wedding location

Photo Credit: Pinterest

As for the family of the groom, their responsibilities include:

• Marriage license
• Groom’s outfit
• Bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
• Honeymoon- Full cost
• Rehearsal dinner
• Bride’s wedding ring

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Today, with DIY style weddings becoming more of the norm, families are able to split the cost more evenly and even spend less altogether.

This list is by-the-book traditional and by no means is set in stone. Many couples are deciding to throw tradition out the window and are not only pitching in for their wedding but paying for it all themselves. It is entirely a family decision and making sure everyone involved with the finances feels comfortable with what they are paying is the most important.

See You Soon,
Paula & Martin Ramirez
Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests.

Wedding season is upon us! Robbie and Emily recently exchanged vows at the Mansion and we could not be more thrilled to share these enchanting photos with you.

The lovely couples dashing wedding theme was elegant with splashes of vibrant green, creating a delightful backdrop. Mixing in their own unique style, the couple created a memorable wedding from start to finish.  It was not only enjoyable working with Robbie and Emily, but also heartwarming to see two individuals so much in love.

Thank you to Robbie and Emily for letting us share in their special day. Congratulations! Also, we would like to send a huge thank you to V.A. Photography for allowing us to use these lovely photos.

See You Soon,

~Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests.

After the wedding is all said and done you’re left with beautiful memories, lots of new gifts to open and a brand new spouse. To hold onto those memories many couples will frame pictures of their favorite moments and start using those wedding gifts. But many brides also want to hold onto their bouquet, and unfortunately flowers don’t naturally last that long. However, there are ways around it for not only petals but full bouquets.

When preserving your wedding bouquet, you can either DIY or take it to a professional, depending on your budget. First, there is the old-fashion method of drying your bouquet via hanging them upside down. To do this the right way, remove all of the lower leaves on the stems and divide them into small bunches, holding them together with a rubber band. And hang in a dry environment for about five days.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Another more traditional and easier DIY way to preserve your bouquet is by pressing them. Selecting a few petals from your favorite blossoms and then putting them in between the pages in a heavy book for several days. This is a great method if you want to mount and frame them in a cute arrangement. If you don’t think you want to bother with the framing, you can also take your pressed petals to a pro and they can mount and arrange them for you.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Finally, there is a much more high-tech way of preserving your flowers, freeze drying. However, this method is not DIY friendly and should be taken to a professional. This will yield the best looking results, and can make your bouquet look fresh and alive forever. The bouquet is put into a special vacuum sealed freezer and completely dehydrated. Your bouquet will remain 3-dimensional and perfectly preserved, but must be put into a glass dome or shadow-box.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Any of these methods for preserving your wedding bouquet can be made to look beautiful for years to come, whether you hang it on your wall or just keep some of your favorite petals pressed into your wedding album.

See You Soon,
Paula & Martin Ramirez
Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests.

To many, the reception is the best part of a wedding. Now don’t get us wrong, we absolutely adore the ceremony, but the reception holds a special place in most people’s hearts.

A reception is for tasty food, delicious drinks, questionable dancing and various games the delightful newlyweds have conjured up. Traditional reception activities like the question game or horseshoes have always been a success, but if you’re the kind of couple that is looking to spice up your reception, take a stab at something original.

We here at the Historic Mankin Mansion understand that deciding on new reception amusements can be somewhat difficult, but have no fear. Here are several innovative games that are sure to get your guest up and moving during your reception.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

This fun lawn game has become all the rage! It is simple, engaging and easy to assemble. The best part of corn-hole is the board and beanbags can be personalized for your wedding. You can add portraits, a monogram or even your favorite team onto the playing board, which really makes the game a personalized touch.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

A very traditional lawn game, croquet that can be enjoyed by all ages!  It’s an easygoing game that can be set up on any lawn, plus the set up is kind to the budget. Not to mention croquet creates an ideal photo opportunity!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Who doesn’t enjoy Jenga? This game is an enlarged lawn version of the classic that everyone loves. Lawn Jenga is perfect for a small lawn and can be enjoyed by several participants. This activity is sure to get your guest engaged and laughing at your reception.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Bowling is so much fun and a great activity for guests who are not interested in dancing. This game is easy to set up, does not require much lawn space and is entertaining for all ages.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

This could be a little difficult for ladies in dresses, but they would be more than happy to watch the men hop towards the finish line. Sack races transports guests to childhood and will give nothing but pure bliss. The added bonus is watching the show!

Whether your wedding reception is packed with games or you stick to traditional activities, we are confident that your Big Day will be a hit! With so many games to choose from, it could be hard to pick just one! Happy playing!

See You Soon,

~Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests.

One of the most fun activities you and your fiancé will do after getting engaged is your wedding registry. There is nothing better than walking into your favorite department store and go on a huge shopping spree and not have to pay a dime.

Living in the 21^st century means that making your registry is simple, you can do it in person or you can set it up all on-line. At most major department stores like Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Macy’s you can click on their registry page, set yours up and shop away. When you’re choosing where you want to register, we suggest making a checklist of everything you want and figure out which places have them. Make sure not to go overboard, pick a couple national stores and one local place if you really love it. Also remember to check that your registry will be available for your guests to view on-line, so they can purchase your gift at their convenience.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

When deciding how much you should be registering for, just remember too much is better than too little. Department stores aren’t going to force you to buy the leftover items after the wedding (although some do offer discounts if you do), so make sure there are an adequate number of items to go around so that everyone can find a good gift.

When choosing your items, make sure you have varying prices. Not everything should cost at least $200 because most likely not all of your guests will have that kind of money to spend. Have some of the more pricey gifts listed, but also items that are under $100 and under $50. Your guests will certainly appreciate it.

Just remember, include your fiancé in the process, be practical about what you choose and have fun with it. Also, don’t forget, thank you cards always go a long way. Happy Registering!

See You Soon,

~Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests.

Best friends, family members and those crazy individuals that bring a certain flair to your life, make a couples wedding not only fun and memorable, but also possible. From jumping up and down with you after announcing your engagement to wiping the tears from your face, the bridal party is the backbone of a successful wedding.

Bridal parties put their hearts and souls into your ‘big day’ and assure the event runs beautifully.  They come in all shapes and sizes, some have been there from the beginning and others come later, but all fit perfectly into your life. A wedding requires a lot of time and effort from those special people, so it is very important to put a good deal of thought into your bridal party gift.

Many traditional gifts include jewelry, flasks, personalized clothing or engraved glasses, all of which are very thoughtful and appreciative. However, if your looking to get creative and give your special bridal party something he or she would love, here are some favors sure to amaze!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Personalized bobble heads! Who would have thought of this? These bobble heads are fun and extremely exclusive; a favor everyone can appreciate and cherish for years to come. You can create entertaining characters for each individual person. Design a superhero, princess or favorite animal for your exciting bridal party.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Drink coolers are very popular for wedding favors. Most of the time they contain the couple’s names and wedding date, sometimes a fun quote. However, this drink cooler raises the bar with its material and engraving. This favor is both handy and elegant.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Always looking for that bottle opener that is hidden behind all the other utensils? Here is a great bridal party favor that is useful and thoughtful. The key chain doubles as a bottle opener, plus you can engrave witty phrases or just names into the metal.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Today, almost everyone has their iPhone glued to their side, so why not give a favor that will surely be used frequently. Personalized iPhone cases can be used for both groomsmen and bridesmaids. Simply choose patterns to fit each individual and finish it off with initials.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Every bridesmaid would love this thoughtful favor! An engraved compact is helpful and convenient. Not to mention, the compact is absolutely stunning.

Good luck finding the perfect bridal party gifts! We are sure they will be nothing but amazing!

See You Soon,

~Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort just minutes from Downtown Richmond. They enjoy new restaurant finds, Virginia wines and discovering fun events and activities throughout the area for their guests.