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Vendor Highlight // Lissa Marie Weddings and Events in the DMV

Lissa Marie Weddings and Events, DMV Wedding Planner, DC Wedding Planner, MD Wedding Planner, VA Wedding Planner, PA Wedding Planner

Introducing Lissa of Lissa Marie Weddings and Events (DMV Wedding Planner)

I absolutely believe in the mantra “community over competition”. Without other wedding vendors adopting this philosophy, my business would never exist. The support of like-minded wedding professionals and photographers is what helped launch my business this year. I want to give back!

Every week, I am going to be highlighting a local wedding vendor and professional. I’ve interviewed a number of local vendors about their business and what they love most about serving couples.

Choosing the right vendors can be the make or break of your wedding day. My hope is to provide you and your fiancé with a resource that helps you build your wedding day dream team!


I’m delighted to introduce you to Lissa Marie, owner of Lissa Marie Weddings and Events (DMV wedding planner).

Lissa is such a sweet person! I enjoyed chatting with her over e-mail, and I would just love to work with her one day! Her portfolio shows such a wonderful eye for detail and an appreciation of beauty.

I’m excited to introduce you to her, so let’s jump right in!!


Start by introducing yourself! Tell us your name, business name, what you do, where you’re located, and who you serve!

Lissa Marie Weddings and Events, DMV Wedding Planner, DC Wedding Planner, MD Wedding Planner, VA Wedding Planner, PA Wedding Planner
Lissa hard at work, helping her bride pin loose hair back in place. Photo credit: @ahainer

I’m Lissa and I am the lead planner of Lissa Marie Weddings and Events. My event planning business plans and coordinates weddings and parties for clients in the DMV and southern PA areas. We also provide planning and coordination services to a few destination weddings per year.

How long have you been in business?

I’ve been a wedding coordinator for a few years and have recently added customized planning services for my clients.

What is one piece of advice you would offer a newly engaged couple as they plan their wedding?

Hmm…that’s a tough question because there is so much to consider when planning a wedding. I think the best advice I would give is to remember that it is YOUR wedding and not to let expectations from friends or family come between what you and your fiancé want.

Lissa Marie Weddings and Events, DC Wedding Planner, MD Wedding Planner, VA Wedding Planner, PA Wedding Planner
A snapshot of some lovely wedding details Lissa helped coordinate! Photos not mine.

Do you want a llama to walk down the aisle with you? Go for it! Do you want a kid-free wedding? I’m not letting Aunt Bernice stop you! Do you want a food truck for your reception instead of a sit-down dinner? I am dying to coordinate (or attend!) your food truck wedding!

What drew you to start a business in this industry / service?

I think I have always had a love of planning and entertaining. When I was a kid, I would plan my own birthday parties, including very detailed schedules of events that my friends never quite played along with. I loved choosing the invitations, decorations, cake, and games. As I got older, I would help my mom plan birthday parties and anniversary parties for our friends and family. And then in college, I planned events for various clubs and organizations. I even planned concerts for artists like Paramore and Breaking Benjamin!

 Sometimes I feel like Katherine Heigl in the movie “27 Dresses”. I’m not at 27 quite yet, but I have about 10 bridesmaids dresses in my closet from being the right-hand gal to friends and family over the years. Having grown up in a big Italian family, I was used to entertaining and planning. I soon realized that I could make a living planning events for other people. I helped a few friends plan their weddings right after college and fell in LOVE with the romance, creativity, and logistics of planning. 

Describe your services… what do you offer brides/grooms?

We offer customized packages for each couple that include day-of coordination in addition to partial planning services. Day-of coordinator services includes a review of vendor duties, assistance with the timeline, a meeting for a walkthrough of the venue, and I serve as their point of contact so clients are able to focus on getting ready for their big day. As part of any package, my team and I make ourselves available to consult on other wedding-related items on their lists such as bridesmaids dresses, table decor, general wedding-related venting, etc.  In addition to day-of coordinator duties, we also offer partial planning services where we walk you through the planning process from the beginning by offering services such as vendor scouting, assistance with overall design, and accommodation planning, in addition to the day-of coordinator services.

Lissa Marie Weddings and Events, DMV Wedding Planner, DC Wedding Planner, MD Wedding Planner, VA Wedding Planner, PA Wedding Planner
Beautiful image from a wedding ceremony Lissa helped plan. Photo not mine.

What is one unique thing about your business that is different from your competitors?

I think one unique part of my business is that I treat each client as if they were my best friend. I’m friends with many of my former clients. We still meet up when I’m not busy with a wedding for a current client. I think they appreciate that I am open and honest with them about the wedding industry and try to get the best deals to save them money wherever I can.

I can also understand firsthand how stressful wedding planning can be and how lonely it can get sometimes. So I make myself available for brides to vent about their bridal party, parents, or just the stress of planning.

Tell us about one of your favorite projects you’ve done as a vendor!

I couldn’t possibly choose a favorite, because I love each wedding for how beautiful and unique they are. I can say that one of my favorite side projects has been a Harry Potter-inspired styled shoot that I worked on a few weeks ago.

If you were planning a wedding, what is one thing you would make sure to discuss with a vendor like you and why?

I had the unique experience of being a wedding planner, but also planning my own wedding this past June. Being on the ‘other side’ of planning as the client was a very unique experience that I believe helps me work with my current clients. I truly understand the amount of pressure they put themselves under. And I can offer some helpful advice during the planning process.

Share one goal you have for your business right now.

My goal is to coordinate more destination weddings in 2020 and 2021!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Whether you are recently engaged or ready to walk down the aisle, remember to breathe. Wedding planning can be a crazy rollercoaster of emotions, but you have so many professionals that can help you make all of your wedding dreams come true! 


Thanks for all your answers, Lissa!!

I was super impressed by Lissa from the beginning. One of the things that really stood out to me about this DMV wedding planner was how she very carefully credits the photographers at her weddings. As a wedding photographer myself, I appreciate that!! It’s easy to take claim of a wedding as yours when you’re a vendor. But it’s so important to remember that the wedding is the couple’s! And you were just one piece in the team they assembled. Team work makes the dream work!

Also, she has a great blog page with some helpful tips for planning your own wedding! If you’re engaged, definitely check her out! You can visit her website, follow her Instagram, or “like” her on Facebook!

And if you need a DMV wedding planner and wedding photographer, and you think Lissa and I should definitely work together soon…. (hint, hint!) contact me to chat about how we can make that happen and make your dream day a reality!!

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Planning your wedding in Savannah, Georgia, provides you with so many options in a city full of Southern charm, historic elegance, and breathtaking low-country beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or something in between, Savannah seems to have wedding venues for every taste. As a Georgia wedding photographer, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side images of Spanish moss at a Savannah wedding venue

Why You Should Consider Savannah Wedding Venues

Savannah is a city unlike any other. With its oak-lined streets, historic homes, and timeless coastal views, it’s no surprise that couples flock here to tie the knot. Savannah wedding venues offer something for everyone—from intimate settings surrounded by nature to grand estates steeped in history. Plus, its mild climate makes it a perfect choice for weddings year-round.

Top Savannah Wedding Venues to Consider

Hotel Bardo (formerly, The Mansion on Forsyth Park)

For couples seeking a venue that provides a fun vintage aesthetic amidst classic Savannah landmarks, Hotel Bardo is one of Savannah’s crown jewels. This venue combines historic charm with mid-century modern sophistication, offering everything from intimate indoor spaces to a picturesque garden courtyard.

Wormsloe Historic Site

For those who want to embrace Savannah’s natural beauty, Wormsloe Historic Site provides one of the most iconic backdrops in the city. The long driveway lined with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss is a bride’s dream. It’s a serene, ethereal setting perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

If waterfront views are your vibe, The Westin Savannah Harbor offers a stunning riverside backdrop. With expansive lawns overlooking the Savannah River, this venue blends elegance and nature seamlessly. Plus, the convenience of on-site accommodations makes it ideal for your out-of-town guests.

The Savannah Yacht Club

Couples who envision a sophisticated coastal wedding will fall in love with The Savannah Yacht Club. This venue offers sweeping views of the water, nautical charm, and an air of exclusivity. It’s perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings or grand celebrations with a coastal flair.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

For history buffs and lovers of unique spaces, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a standout option. This venue features a lush garden courtyard and historic exhibits that add personality and charm to your wedding. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces offers flexibility for your big day.

Bethesda Academy

Bethesda Academy boasts one of Savannah’s most stunning natural landscapes, featuring majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss and rolling green fields. Its historic chapel and beautiful outdoor spaces create a dreamy, intimate setting perfect for a romantic Low-Country-inspired wedding.

The Mackey House

Tucked away in a private estate surrounded by nature, The Mackey House is a venue straight out of a fairytale. With a grand Southern-style mansion, lush gardens, and a peaceful lake, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor wedding full of whimsy and charm.

The Ford Field & River Club

Located just outside Savannah in Richmond Hill, this venue exudes refined Southern elegance. The sprawling estate features scenic views of the Ogeechee River, romantic oak groves, and luxurious accommodations, making it a perfect choice for an intimate yet grand wedding experience.

The Harper Fowlkes House

The Harper Fowlkes House is a historic and elegant mansion nestled in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. With its Greek Revival architecture, sweeping staircase, and lush gardens, this venue exudes timeless sophistication and charm. The courtyard garden is ideal for an intimate outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, while the mansion’s interior offers a beautifully preserved space for receptions with intricate details like antique furnishings and grand windows.

The Kehoe House

The Kehoe House is a stunning, historic mansion located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District. Built in 1892, this stately home is an exquisite example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Known for its ornate ironwork, grand interiors, and warm Southern hospitality, the Kehoe House is ideal for couples seeking a venue with timeless elegance and charm.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side photos, left side image shows a long rectangle table set for a wedding reception amidst live oak trees draped with Spanish moss; right side photo shows a set of gold wedding rings next to a strand of Spanish moss

Tips for Choosing Between These Savannah Wedding Venues

  1. Consider Your Guest List Size
    Savannah wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes. From intimate gardens to sprawling estates, ensure the venue you choose comfortably accommodates your guest list.
  2. Think About Your Wedding Style
    Your venue should reflect your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of timeless elegance, coastal charm, or a whimsical outdoor affair? Savannah has venues that can bring any aesthetic to life, but the wrong venue can make your details and decor appear out of place. Make the most of that investment (and wedding photos) by choosing a venue that harmonizes with your style!
  3. Factor in Logistics
    From transportation to accommodations, Savannah is known for its hospitality, but it’s wise to consider the proximity of your venue to hotels and local attractions for your guests’ convenience. Consider traffic, city events on or around your wedding day that may cause disruption, and other logistics your guests may face. A wedding planner will help you navigate all the unexpected challenges with ease!
  4. Book Early
    Savannah is a popular wedding destination, especially in spring and fall. To secure your dream venue, book your Savannah wedding venue as early as possible! Then secure primary vendors on your list such as photographer, videographer, planner (if you don’t yet have one) and more.
Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | photo shows a wedding couple kissing under the Spanish moss, wearing a light grey linen suit (groom) and an off-the-shoulder satin wedding gown (bride)

Making the Most of Savannah Wedding Venues

Choosing one of Savannah’s stunning wedding venues is just the beginning. Personalize your celebration with touches that reflect your interests and love story. Whether it’s incorporating local cuisine like shrimp and grits, offering your guests trolley rides through the historic district, or having your photos taken under the iconic Spanish moss, Savannah is full of ways to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience for all.

Planning a wedding is no small task, but having a photographer who knows and loves the charm of Savannah can make all the difference.

I specialize in creating artful images out of your favorite memories. Booking me ensures you’ll have a wedding gallery that represents the essence of your love and legacy in every image. Learn more about my services and approach here.

If you’re considering a wedding in Savannah, I’d love to capture every moment for you. Let’s connect and discuss how I can create timeless art from your most cherished memories.

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