About Us | Charlottesville Wedding Society

Where Charlottesville's best-in-class wedding vendors go to foster connections, growth, and success.

Founded in 2010, the CCWEP aimed to bring together and unify the expanding wedding industry in Charlottesville. By 2025, it had evolved into the Charlottesville Wedding Society (CWS), under the leadership of Lisa Skillman Watson.

Leading the Way Forward with Lisa Skillman Watson

Lisa Skillman Watson, with her roots in Central New Jersey and higher education from Mary Baldwin College in Virginia, has been a significant figure in Charlottesville for over 18 years. She founded the Local Nanny Network in 2014, uniquely providing nannies for weddings and events, which pivotal her connection to the Charlottesville wedding industry through her involvement with CCWEP(Community of Charlottesville Wedding Event Professionals).

In 2020, the challenges posed by COVID-19 led to the closure of both Lisa's Wedding Nanny venture and CCWEP. Inspired by the community's needs and the legacy of CCWEP, Lisa relaunched the organization in 2023, and then in 2025 rebranding it as the Charlottesville Wedding Society (CWS) to better spread the organization's reignited vision.

Under Lisa’s leadership, CWS embodies a renewed mission to not only connect industry professionals, but also uplift Charlottesville as a premier wedding destination. With an eye toward fostering a vibrant, supportive community, Lisa has been instrumental in redefining what it means to be part of Charlottesville's wedding industry. CWS enhances the community with strong networking, educational opportunities, and collaborative initiatives. Lisa's vision and dedication are propelling CWS towards a new era of connectivity and excellence in the wedding industry.

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We Are On A Mission

Our mission is to empower local wedding and event professionals by offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, continuing education, and access to shared resources. Through our efforts, we aim to inspire excellence within Charlottesville's wedding industry, uplifting Charlottesville as the best Wedding Destination on the East Coast.

Member-Only & Public Events

One of the many ways that CWS aims to strengthen the community of wedding professionals is through our events. We love connecting members through our member socials, bringing new ideas through our educational events, and supporting one another through small group get-togethers!

View our Member Events

Cville Specific Online Directory

The CWS online directory serves as a complimentary resource for both industry professionals and couples planning their Charlottesville wedding. It’s an essential tool designed to connect individuals with the resources they require, while showcasing the finest local businesses Charlottesville has to offer.

Browse our Vendor Directory

Charlottesville Wedding Blog & Magazine

The Charlottesville Wedding Blog and Charlottesville Wedding Magazine are quintessential sources of wedding inspiration, expertly guiding couples through their planning journey. These resources shine a spotlight on everything Charlottesville has to offer while delivering the latest in trends, tips, and creative ideas to inspire your dream wedding.

Browse Real Weddings & Get the Magazine

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Two women smiling and walking on a brick patio in front of a white house surrounded by greenery.

Multiple wine glasses filled with Sunset Sangria garnished with citrus slices and black straws on a wooden tray, with a floral arrangement in the background.

Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a black top and a black necklace against a neutral background.

Be a part of the Best Community of Wedding and Event Professionals in Charlottesville, VA!

Join the most vibrant community of wedding and event professionals in Charlottesville, VA. Connect with like-minded individuals, share your expertise, and grow your business in a supportive environment. Our community offers networking opportunities, industry insights, and resources to help you succeed.

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