Darin and Michelle, DC area millennials, connected via Hinge, leading to a memorable first date at Barcelona Wine Bar in D.C., where they discovered an instant connection and spent the evening enjoying wine until midnight. Their initial meeting set the foundation for a deep bond, resulting in deleting their dating profiles the following day.
The couple quickly became inseparable, eventually buying a dream house, adopting a Collie puppy named Lincoln, and expanding their family. Darin proposed to Michelle by Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, NY, unaware that Michelle had preemptively booked Zion Springs for their wedding, aiming to secure a date. They celebrated their spring wedding at Zion Springs, heralding the start of their new life together.
The Engagement
Morven Park
The Rehearsal
Brisket, Pulled Pork Sandwiches | Ice-cream Sundaes
"Our experience with the planning process at Zion Springs was nothing short of delightful. The team there made every step enjoyable, ensuring not a single moment felt stressful. One standout event was the Dream Dinner they hosted, where we invited family members to join us at the venue for a dinner tasting session, helping us decide on the menu for the wedding day. Throughout the entire process, from start to finish, the atmosphere was relaxed and stress-free. Working with their cohesive team, who handled everything in-house, was a seamless experience that added to the overall ease of planning and spectacular wedding day."
The Bride and Groom
Wedding Shop at Nordstrom
The Black Tux
Dresses by Show Me Your Mumu | Suits by Tux Rentals
The Ceremony
Michelle: "Can't Help Falling In Love" | Darin: “Rewrite the Stars”
The Reception
Short Rib and Chicken Piccatta with Mashed Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts | Donuts
"The setting of Zion Springs perfectly complemented the ambiance we envisioned for our wedding. We were looking for a venue nestled in the countryside, with rolling hills, flowers, trees, and a rustic barn with a patriotic touch, and that is exactly what we found at Zion Springs. The barn is beautiful, spacious and has a large antique American flag over the bride and groom table, it added the touch of patriotism we wanted."
Chocolate with Cream Cheese Frosting
What advice would you give to other wedding couples?
"For couples at the beginning stage of wedding planning, our biggest suggestion is to prioritize your peace of mind. Many find themselves overwhelmed and stressed during the planning stages, often due to juggling full-time jobs and the complexities of wedding planning. Our advice? Leave the planning process to the professionals. Booking with an all-inclusive venue can alleviate a significant amount of stress and allow you to truly enjoy the journey leading up to your special day. The wedding planning process should be enjoyable and exciting, not a source of anxiety.
By choosing Zion Springs, you're not just booking a venue; you're ensuring a stress-free and delightful experience that will set the perfect tone for an unforgettable wedding day. Trust in their expertise and dedication to making your dream wedding a reality, and you'll be able to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love and creating beautiful memories with your partner and loved ones."
An all-inclusive wedding event at Zion Springs requires a lot of music! Avoid leaving the selection of music options until the last minute. Music sets the tone for the entire event, from the Rehearsal Dinner, Cocktail Hours, Ceremony to the Reception and First Dance, so it's important to spend the time to curate the perfect playlists!"
Zion Springs: Your Dream Wedding Setting Comes to Life
Are you curious and ready to explore further? We warmly welcome you to browse through our Real Weddings stories on our Answers and Advice page. Here, you will encounter a variety of heartfelt celebrations that Zion Springs has had the honor of hosting.
As a comprehensive wedding venue, our aim is to streamline the planning process for you, so you can concentrate on the joy of your union. Our wide array of articles is designed to assist you at every stage of planning your wedding, ensuring your day is not only unforgettable but truly the pinnacle of your celebrations.
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