Today we are super excited to introduce to you our friend Angela Bowles, Director of Events with The Barns at Mattaponi Springs. We have known Angela for a couple of decades. When Angela is on your side, you have no worries with your wedding. She is super passionate about weddings and overall a kind human and we adore her. Get to know her a little more here!
Awesomesauce Photography
How did you get to where you are now?
Almost 19 years ago, I took a leap of faith and took a job at a new wedding venue and quickly learned that I found my calling. I spent countless hours working about 75 weddings and events per year and loved every second of it! Since then, I have worked for a catering team, a planning team, two rental companies, my own wedding coordination business – and now here. I feel blessed to be here helping start this venue from scratch and I cannot wait to meet all of the wonderful couples that choose to start their journey at The Barns at Mattaponi Springs!
What makes you or your business stand out and why should a couple hire you?
We are in between Richmond and Fredericksburg off of I-95 making it convenient for couples to find us. We have over 600 acres of property in Caroline County offering a very intimate and private setting. Our barns sit atop a hill that overlooks the water and it’s simply breathtaking! We have not one barn, but TWO to choose from. Each with its own personality and size, not to mention they are both fully heated and air conditioned, which makes us a perfect wedding venue for any time of the year. We also offer overnight accommodations on the property with 2 homes sleeping up to 12 guests each. On part of our acreage, you will find a beautiful award-winning golf course where the wedding party can take part in playing 18 holes on the big day. Plus, you’ll have me helping guide you along the way making your day unforgettable.
What’s your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?
Our industry is very close-knit and I have “friendors” that I have been working with for nearly 19 years, making us family and I’m grateful to have worked beside some of the industry’s finest. I have built very strong connections with them and know that I can count on them for my couples and they can count on me as well.
I also love that every wedding is different and unique. I encourage my couples to truly dig deep into what’s most important to them to make their day stand out showcasing their love for each other.
What’s a unique tip you tell your couples?
Be sure you eat first at the reception so you can mingle amongst your tables and spend a little quality time with your guests. The day goes by so fast and it’s so hard to “touch” each and every person that attends your wedding. This is something that your guests will enjoy and never forget.
What’s your best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your wedding is not a fairytale or an epic movie scene. Things will go wrong, weather may not be perfect, humans make mistakes. With a great vendor team helping you plan your day, they will be prepared for just about anything – let them handle it and just go with the flow. Enjoy your day and I repeat – don’t sweat the small stuff.
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What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?
I love when couples write their own vows – there is nothing more sentimental than that. When they talk about how they first met and how they have impacted each other’s lives, it’s a true reflection of how much they adore one another.
What’s a funny/awesome story from a wedding you’ve worked?
One wedding with two very crazy things that happened. It was an outdoor wedding in August so it was extremely hot. The cake had been jolted during delivery and was already leaning – the cake proceeded to melt and completely fall over prior to the ceremony. My team and I called the baker to bring another cake, which arrived perfectly in time for the reception. We were able to salvage the tulips and reuse them so the couple never knew what happened. Same wedding – as we were beginning the processional…a big black snake decided to come down the aisle first. The guests were screaming and standing on chairs so we had to pause the processional and wait. The snake eventually climbed up a tree and stayed there so we could continue the ceremony. He came down later and joined us for cocktail hour – I may have died a little that day. NOT a snake fan.
How do you de-stress?
Wine and LOTS of it! I love wine – it’s tasty and it relaxes me down to my soul.
What’s your favorite food/dish/cuisine?
Mexican and margaritas, hands-down.
If you were to meet any celebrity, who would it be?
Lisa Vanderpump – she’s gorgeous, she’s classy, she’s stylish, she’s hilarious, her accent is to die for, she’s a huge pet lover, and she’s very giving to many charities and foundations. It would be an honor to meet her and share a cocktail over our love for the color pink.
What would your perfect Saturday be like?
On the beach somewhere sunny and warm with a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.
What’s a fun or unusual fact about you?
I love to sing! There aren’t enough good karaoke bars out there, in my humble opinion. I also once tried out for American Idol – when they raised the age limit, it was my last opportunity to do it. So, my bestie and I packed the car and drove to DC. We slept on the floor in sleeping bags all lined up awaiting our big auditions. We never made it in front of Randy, Paula, or Simon, but it was fun trying!
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on now?
Opening this venue, of course! So much fun picking out everything that I think couples will love as much as I do!
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Don’t laugh – NKOTB (New Kids On The Block). I just love their energy – even now that they are older. They’re still easy on the eyes, too. ; )
Do you love to travel? If so, what are some must-see destinations?
I do love to travel and I wish I could do it more! I have been blessed seeing many states so far and only been out of the country once. My fave spots so far are:
The Grand Canyon – if you can see this from a helicopter, do it! I literally cried it was so beautiful.
Niagara Falls is simply mesmerizing – I could listen and watch it all day long if someone let me.
Colorado – the entire state is amazing. I was lucky to live there when I was younger and the sites are something you must see in your lifetime, I promise.
Last, but not least, the Bahamas – the water is so clear and gorgeous! You can relax on the beach or find plenty of fun excursions to do!
What is your most used emoji?
Kissy face! It’s the best way to convey your love for someone and I use it with my hubby, my family, and my friends on the regular. Letting someone know that you love them may change their day in the best way.
Anything else you want our followers to know?
I am happily married to the most amazing man ever! Together, we have 5 children (one not shown in our pic) and we are quite the Brady Brunch.
Awesomesauce Photography
Get in touch with Angela and book this gorgeous new venue before they fill up! You won’t be sorry!
Email: abowles@mattaponisprings.com
Website http://www.mattaponisprings.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/barnsatmattaponisprings/