Today, we’re thrilled to be starting off our Best of 2011 series, where we get to revisit some of our favorite weddings from last season. As you  may remember from our recent post, we’re changing things up a bit this year. We asked bride’s to share not only their photos but a bit about their Big Day as well.

Up first, we’re excited to share Blair and Nick’s wedding from this past summer. We dare say that Blair likes wedding blogs as much as we do and did a wonderful job add incorporating special touches into her wedding day. A bit more from Blair-

Our wedding day, July 1st, 2011, was a beautifully sunny and an uncharacteristically cool summer day, which was perfect for our outdoor wedding and celebration. When I first broached the subject of an outdoor wedding in Virginia’s July climate, my fiance looked at me as if I were crazy, but all turned out for the best. Family and friends traveled from all over to help celebrate our special day and the beginning of our lives together. The vendors we chose to help assist us in creating our special day could not have possibly done a better job. Our day was filled with nothing but love and happiness, and luckily, not an ounce of stress!

This year’s blog series is going to be a bit different as each wedding will be featured on the Historic Mankin Mansion Blog and the top three posts with the most blog and Facebook comments will be selected as finalists.  Each wedding will receive one more feature and the one with the most Facebook and blog comments by the deadline will be the winner!  This year, we’re taking it up a notch as we will be hosting a contest along with it for a complimentary overnight room stay at the Mansion, as well as a gift certificate to one of Paula and Martin’s favorite restaurants in town.

So do you just adore Blair and Nick’s wedding and want them to win? Simply comment on this blog post and let us know why you love this wedding so much. If you’d like to score an extra point for the couple if you visit our Facebook page and comment under the Facebook post in which we share this fabulous feature.

Thanks Blair and Nick for revisiting your Historic Mankin Mansion Wedding Day with us!

See You Soon,
Paula & Martin Ramirez

Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort and bed and breakfast 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 are just thrilled to share our recent feature on Honeydew Event’s Vendor  Vail! We had a great time chatting with Honey about the Mansion, as well as sharing some fun pictures from our shoots and events.

Between now and Tuesday, December 20, at midnight, please visit the feature and try your chance at winning a complimentary overnight stay at the welcome!

Check it out here. Thanks Honeydew Events for the opportunity!

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

Photo Credit: Bob Schnell Photography

The always lovely Maymont is decked out for the Holiday Season and is inviting everyone to enjoy in the festivities.

The Victorian Holidays program has a wide variety of activities that incorporate the elegance of the 1900’s with gorgeous décor and events. The Mansion Holiday Tours are on Tuesdays- Sundays until January 6 for $5 a person. With the mansion decked to the nines with opulent decorations that will make you will just gawk over and fun and games for the children to play it’s a happy holiday for everyone in the family. The Deck The Halls Workshop is a new addition this year that will take place Saturday, December 3, at 9am and 12pm for $40 a person. You will learn special techniques to making wreaths, mantle adornment and door décor for you to take and deck your halls.

An Old-Fashioned Christmas will take place Sunday, December 4, at 12pm on the beautiful Carriage House Lawn for a bona fide Victorian party. Ladies and gents will be dressed the part greeting the guests to the party. Gifts and games of 1893 are available for purchase Belowstairs. Festive music will float through the air along with the scent of delicious food and drink. With a roaring fire and carriage rides, it couldn’t be more picture perfect. Santa Clause will make a stop by the mansion at 2pm in the afternoon to share in the jolly spirit. We hope you and yours are having a wonderful holiday season, and that you partake in the Maymont merriment.

For More Information: http://www.maymont.org/Page.aspx?pid=324

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

Photo Credit: http://thriftyrichmond.blogspot.com

The Holidays are just around the corner and we have just the right concerts that will put you in the mood of season. The Mannheim Steamroller and Trans Siberian Orchestra are making a stop in Richmond for their Winter Tours.

The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis will roll through town on November 26 at the Landmark Theater. Mannheim Steamroller has been in the music game for 30 years and has become one of the most popular bands in its genre. The band is described as combining the sounds of classical, rock, acoustic and electronic together to create a beautiful one of a kind sound. With the use of lights and special effects along with the music it creates a complete experience. The event starts at 8pm and ticket prices range from $37- $67.

The Trans Siberian Orchestra will be in town November 30 at the Richmond Coliseum kicking off the holiday season with a bang. The show that Trans-Siberian puts on is like none other, with explosions, lasers, lights, fogs and so much more to create a rock concert feel. With the music being described as “rock opera,” the Trans Siberian Orchestra boasts 7 million albums sold and multiple tours to its name. The fun will explode at 8pm continuing on through the evening.

Both bands take your favorite classic Holiday music and present it to you in a new and exciting way. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance and don’t miss out on these amazing winter concerts.

For More Information:

http://www.richmondcenterstage.com/event/christmas-music-mannheim-steamroller-chip-davis ,

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/010046FDD31EC0BB

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

Photo Credit: http://www.wunderground.com

With the holidays just around the corner, Theatre IV, has a great line up of plays for the next several months that everyone’s inner child will be sure to enjoy!

Theater IV brings children’s classics alive on stage, and the 2011-2012 season includes A Year with Frog and Toad, The Stinky Cheese Man and Seussical. Currently,A Year with Frog and Toad is running now through December 31. The play follows the upbeat frog and his grumpy friend toad as they learn important lessons about friendship and life. The Stinky Chesse Man begins February 17- March 18 and is based on an award-winning book that takes fairy tales and puts a new spin on them. And last but certainty not least Seussical will run April 27-May 20 and will take the most famous characters from Dr. Seuss books to create a wonderful story.

The different play ticket prices run from $14- $38 depending on the show and the seating assignment. Concessions are available for everyone to snack on during the shows including candy, chips and drinks available for purchase before the show begins and at intermission. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, so be sure to arrive before your show time; parking is available on the street or at parking lots located around the theater.

For More Information: http://www.theatreivrichmond.org/

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

Photo Credit: http://www.theatreivrichmond.org/

The Virginia Fine Arts Museum is bringing Egypt and its most intriguing artifacts and art for the Richmond area for a once in a lifetime experience!

The VMFA will unveil the exhibit on November 19 and it will be on display until March 11 featuring more than 100 objects. Egypt causes quit a stir with  history buffs and art lovers alike with the mystery of the afterlife and rituals. The experience begins with a 3-D movie that unveils the life and death of Nesperennub, a temple priest who lived over 3,000 years ago! The main attraction of artifacts on display will of course be Nesperennub’s mummy and sarcophagus with the addition of other human and animals mummies, a gilded mask, ornate jewelry and so many more objects.

This is not all the only fantastic spot at the VMFA, the rest of the museum deserves your attention as well. The permanent museum inventory has an impressive collection of more than 23,000 pieces of individual work that encompasses every major world culture. While you’re there be sure to check out Amuse Café, which offers an extensive menu with Virginia-sourced specialties in a contemporary setting. Due to its popularity, we highly recommend reservations. The Best Café offers a more laid back atmosphere with delicious food as well.

General admission to the museum is free to see the special Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb exhibit an adult ticket is $15, seniors 65+ and youth 7-17 are $12 and children under 6 are free. Tickets are available for pre-purchase.

For More Information: http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Exhibitions/Mummy.aspx

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

Photo Credit: http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Exhibitions/Mummy.aspx

Today, we’re taking a break from our usual blogging to share this great feature from this Sunday’s Celebrations section of the Richmond Times Dispatch. Anna and James were married here at the Mansion last month and we’re thrilled to find them the stars of I Do, I Do.

Please click HERE to read more about Anna and James big day.

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

The Richmond International Wine Excursion presented by MARTIN’S is bringing International wine and cuisine to Richmond on October 28^th – 29^th for everyone to enjoy the finer things in life.

The RIWE is a two-day wine and food excursion that will take you on a whirlwind trip throughout several different countries to experience the best that each region has to offer. The event helps to benefit the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, a non-profit organization that helps to keep history alive and well in the Commonwealth on the Richmond waterfront. This year the event is celebrating the sesquicentennial of the 150^th anniversaries of the Civil War and the emancipation of slavery.

This event is designed to give each and every attendee a “culinary journey around the world that enlightens, entertains and surprise.” The two-day event has several different ways to enjoy the wine and food with Walk-Around Grand Tastings, luncheons and seminars.

The Culinary Village at Historic Tredegar will be the hosting site for the event, with everything taking place under temperature controlled tents to ensure an enjoyable experience no matter what Mother Nature throws their way. Each year the event will pick a particular region or two to showcase the best wines available, with this year features of Spain and Portugal.

The Lexus of Richmond Walk-Around Grand Tasting will have an extensive 25o plus wines, 100 wineries, with 12 countries represented. During the wine tasting small plates will be available for purchase featuring globally inspired cuisine. On Saturday in the Wine Garden the Farm-to-Table Locavore Luncheon will take place. This is a must attend event that pairs local cuisine paired with wines from the U.S. and around the world. Several other events will take place and more information is available on their website.

We hope you take time to have an international experience in the heart of Richmond!

For More Information: https://wineexcursion.com/

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

Photo Credit: http://riwe.eventbrite.com/

It’s that time of year again for Richmond Restaurant Week and helping to support the FeedMore Organization by dining out at your favorite restaurants and maybe even trying something new!

This year’s Restaurant Week starts October 24 and continues through the 30th, and includes 29 different restaurants creating a special three-course meal for only $25.11 a person, with $2.11 being donated to the FeedMore charitable Organization. FeedMore helps to support the Richmond and Tri-City area with the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and the Community Kitchen. Helping to prevent hunger in children, families and the elderly, FeedMore received over $25,000 last year from this wonderful event.

The restaurants offer a set menu that includes several options for an appetizer, main course and dessert with all menus available prior to the start of Restaurant Week.  A variety of different restaurant types including: Italian, seafood, Southern cuisine, Asian inspiration, comfort food and so much more are available to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Restaurants are also conventionally located throughout the city and the surrounding area. Most restaurants suggest making reservations, to ensure that a table is available at your preferred time but walk-ins are also welcome. Come enjoy the local favorites in Richmond and help out the FeedMore Organization!

For More Information: http://www.richmondrestaurantweek.com/home.aspx

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

Photo Credit: http://www.richmondrestaurantweek.com/T0.aspx?PID=2

With fall in full swing here in Richmond and the surrounding areas, it is time to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather and some beautiful Charlottesville landscape. Charlottesville is just a quick hour jaunt from the Mansion, and once you see all that it has in store, you won’t be disappointed.

Charlottesville sits snuggled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the edge of the Rivanna River. With so many different options of attractions in Charlottesville, we thought we would just share a few of our favorites: Carter Mountain Orchard, Blenhiem Vineyards and the Downtown Mall.

Carter Mountain Orchard is in the midst of apple picking season and has plenty to keep you occupied all afternoon long. With rows and rows of several different varieties of apples, apple cinnamon donuts made fresh, hot apple cider and a throw in some wine tasting, you might just want to stay and enjoy the orchard all day!

Right around the corner at Blenhiem Vineyards, a beautiful, tranquil winery owned by bona fide Charlottesville native Dave Matthews, is the perfect place to sip away the evening. Wine tastings are available for $5 a person with a souvenir Blenhiem wine glass included while private cellar tours and tastings are available for $25 a person. Tucked back off the road in a quaint A-frame building you will feel as though you left the world behind and all your cares will disappear. A beautiful patio over looks the rows of grapes waiting to be picked. And if you’re lucky, Dave himself might just stop by.

As the evening winds down, you might find yourself in need of some dinner and the Downtown Mall is filled from one end to another with delicious restaurants. Unique shopping is also available to pick up some unique items to remember your trip. So, take a short ride from the Mansion and enjoy the gorgeous Charlottesville countryside.

For More Information: http://www.cartermountainorchard.com/, http://www.blenheimvineyards.com/ and http://charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?page=177

See you soon,
~Paula and Martin Ramirez

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

Photo Credit: http://melissameadowsphotography.blogspot.com