Visitor Information Center
112 South Street SE, Suite 200
Leesburg, VA 20175
800-752-6118 | 703-771-2170
11th Annual Visit Loudoun Wedding Professionals Forum
February 24, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Happy Hour 3:45-5:00 p.m.
Fleetwood Farm Winery, The Loft | 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, VA 20175
~ Schedule ~
Click here to Register
8:00-8:50 a.m. Registration/Breakfast/Networking
8:50 a.m. Welcome – Emcee Katie Barchas Wilson, The Market Group Inc., & Dana Henry, Visit Loudoun
9:00-10:00 a.m. Luxury Without Limits: Inclusive Values to Create a Modern Wedding Experience – Becca Mai, Wed 2 You
This presentation is designed to help wedding professionals interweave inclusive values into intentional and elevated business practices. It's a beautiful blend of foundational education on inclusive terminology, branding, and communication with practical tools to implement immediately with updating websites, forms, workflows, and social media. Attendees learn how to identify hidden assumptions, remove barriers, and create a client experience where all humans feel seen and celebrated. Through real examples and actionable strategies, this session reframes inclusion as a hallmark of modern luxury, rooted in authenticity and thoughtful intention.
10:00-10:45 a.m. "Up-Leveling" Your Business Image: Steps to Take to Upgrade Your Representation (and Reputation) in the Wedding Industry – Kawania Howerton-Wooten
In today's competitive marketplace, having a polished and professional business image is crucial for standing out and attracting the right couples. This engaging session is designed for wedding professionals who are ready to elevate their business image and make a lasting impression on the industry, the press, and their future clients. This session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to present your business in the best possible light. Prepare to be inspired and motivated to take actionable steps towards a more polished and professional business image.
10:45-11:00 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Panel Discussion – Better Together: Elevating the Wedding Experience Through Vendor Collaboration – Moderator Becca Mai – Wed 2 You, John Howard – A2Z Music Factory, Jennifer Morris – J. Morris Flowers, Veronica Reilly – White Dress Black Tie, Lauren Weber – Stone Tower Winery, David Weinschel – Celebrations Catering & Bluemont Station, Maddy Williams – Maddy Williams Photography
Every vendor plays a unique role in a wedding, but it’s the way those roles intersect that determines the success of a wedding day. This deep dive will explore into how photographers, planners, caterers, florists, DJs, venues, accommodations, and other wedding professionals can streamline communication, align expectations, and create seamless event experiences. Learn best practices for building trust, managing timelines, and supporting each other so couples enjoy a stress-free celebration.
12:00-1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15-2:00 p.m. Interactive Session – What Would You Do? Facilitator – Joan Wolford, Savoir Fare Catering
Weddings don’t always go as planned, and that’s where things get interesting! In this interactive session, attendees will tackle real-world wedding mishaps that vendors could encounter during a wedding. Each table will receive a scenario and team up to problem-solve and rescue the wedding before guests even notice a thing. We’ll wrap up with each table sharing their scenario and solution so everyone can learn and level up their wedding-day skills.
2:00-2:15 p.m. Break
Keynote: State of the Wedding Industry - Megan Garmers, The Wedding Masterclass
2:15-3:45 p.m
The world is not the same as last year or pre-pandemic and neither are the couples who you serve. If you are wondering where all the leads have gone and are ready to boost bookings, you cannot miss this. Understand the actual real-time trends, spending habits, and client expectations shaping Gen Z couples—and learn exactly how to incorporate them into your strategy, marketing, and packages. Discover where the money is actually being spent, how to identify high-value niches like luxury, micro, and cultural weddings, and how to craft irresistible packages that reflect today’s demand. If you're serious about growing your business and thriving through industry shifts, you can’t afford to miss this.
3:45-5:00 p.m. Happy Hour/Networking (Cash Bar)
Special Thank You to Our Sponsors:
