So let us introduce ourselves....
Alan Ward - Owner and Licensed Virginia Wedding Celebrant
Alan is available to perform traditional, civil, faith based or non-denominational wedding ceremonies. He is thrilled to customize a ceremony to make it the perfect reflection of your unique feelings and values. Alan was born in Wales and later immigrated to Canada with his family as a boy. He has been an Architect, a USCG Sea Captain and for the past 20+ years has been the owner of the Golden Horsehoe Inn and the founder and Master Potter of Blue Ridge Pottery.
Norma Caron-Ward - Owner and Photographic Services.
Norma is an accomplished Artist and co-owner of Blue Ridge Pottery and The Golden Horseshoe Inn. She has created the interior design for all of our properties and has especially enjoyed researching the rich history of the Golden Horseshoe Inn, circa 1827. Norma provides the photography services for our Elegance Elopement Package.
Heather Tusing - Your Personal Wedding Coordinator
Heather is the Wedding Coordinator for Golden Horseshoe Inn and the proprietor of Picture Perfect Party Co. She delights in all the little details that make a celebration special. A former professional actor, she has an eye for detail and drama, and lots of experience with big productions! Having coordinated scores of weddings, she can steer you past common pitfalls and ensure your event is stress free with no forgotten details! Heather's calm, relaxed presence will help put you at ease as you plan your wedding. It is a special joy to participate in bringing your dreams to reality in this beautiful, peaceful mountain setting.
ABOUT OUR WEDDING PHILOSOPHY - from Heather
So – you have found “the one” and that alone is pretty fabulous. Now comes the time to envision two things: a Ceremony to join your lives and a Celebration to honor your new life together.
A formal wedding with a harpist and white gloved waiters – we’ve done that. A wedding with a barefoot bridal party and country songs, we’ve done that too. The Star Wars theme song for the recessional – yep, that too. The point is, all these things were perfect for the couple who chose them. Think about what you love, and my staff and I are here to ensure it comes together seamlessly for you.
One of the big advantages and sanity savers of a wedding at GHI is having your own personal wedding planner. I’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you work thru each decision and detail. I'll also be there directing the events on your wedding day –setting up decorations, receiving deliveries, welcoming guests, making sure everything falls into place. Having your own wedding planner to rely on, lets you experience your wedding, rather than overseeing it. I don’t think it is possible to do both equally at the same time. Your wedding day will go by quickly, and I want our Golden Horseshoe brides to have the freedom to enjoy and really soak in every moment!
Our venue is designed to be welcoming, warm and inviting. Our staff is experienced and skillful, and all the basic elements – chairs, tables, linens, shaded ceremony deck and inviting decorated reception rooms are already here on site to help you easily build the look you have envisioned.
As your wedding planner, I can help you design the special touches that make the day uniquely yours, without having to spend a fortune. And honestly, the fact that your wedding involves your unique personalities, your unique circumstances, your beliefs and dreams, makes it a one of a kind event – no matter what.
One of the best compliments I have received, came from a bride at the conclusion of her wedding day. She pulled me aside and glowing with contentment, said “I have no idea why people say planning a wedding is so difficult – this was so easy, so simple and just perfect”!
I look forward to the possibility of creating a day just as stress free and wonderful for you!
~Heather
