About Us
Kara Drinkwater
Owner and Stylist
Hi! I'm Kara! I'm a wife to my wonderful husband Justin, mother of three boys, daughter, sister, and friend to many. Originally from Upstate NY with a Bachelors in Art Education from the College of Saint Rose, a Masters in Painting and computer technology from VCU, and an Administration and Supervision endorsement from UVA. I have 20 years experience in the public school system as a teacher and Administrator and have a love for the arts! I have experience in teaching graphic design, mixed media arts, photography, painting, and drawing. I run a summer program for Fairfax County Public Schools called the Institute for the Arts. It's a wonderful program that allows me to work with talented teachers and creative children during the summer!
I have many passions that have brought me to this business including, decorating and redesigning our own home. I love to spend time at breweries and wineries with friends and I love to be outdoors with my dog! For me, this is the perfect business where I can provide my decorating talents for other people to enjoy and encourage them to get outdoors and spend time with the people they love! I look forward to providing you with that gift!
Lynsey B.
Stylist
Hey y’all! My name is Lynsey Brubaker, and I live in Warrenton with my husband of almost 20 years, Chad, and our teenage son. I am a native of Church Road, Virginia, which is a small town in Dinwiddie County, just outside of Petersburg. I am in my 21st year of teaching elementary school, and I have been a dancer/dance instructor for most of my life. I enjoy outdoor activities with my family, including camping and kayaking, and spending time with friends around a fire pit is my idea of fun! Crafting and creating cozy, seasonal spaces is also one of my most favorite things to do. Like Ben Napier says, “I love getting creative!” I am intrigued by beautiful spaces—from historic homes with high ceilings, huge windows, and elaborate woodwork to quaint, country farmhouses, I love daydreaming about how to style them. My family will tell you that even the smallest of details matter to me, and I love for my spaces to be clean and exact. I look forward to assisting you by creating the perfect, cozy picnic!
Candace B.
Office Manager /Stylist
Hello all! I would like to introduce myself, my name is Candace and I am one of the many talented stylists here at Warrenton Picnic Co. I am a momma to my son Maverick, and stepmom to two daughters. I am beyond excited to bring all of your picnic dreams to life. I have an eye for design, and love to decorate our home for every season. I may get an eye roll from my husband, but I just know he enjoys getting the decor boxes out of storage every few months. I am currently a stay at home mom and really enjoy being able to think outside of my mom brain to create the perfect set up for you. Before having my son, I was an Assistant Director for a daycare center. I have worked in childcare for over 15 years in various roles. I enjoy getting creative and making connections with others. We are so excited to see you here at Warrenton Picnic Co!
Shannon D.
Hello everyone! I’m Shannon. I moved from Prince William County to Fauquier County about 2 years ago and have thoroughly been enjoying life in the country! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Masters in Social Work from George Mason University. I have been working for Fairfax County Government in the Adult and Aging Division for the last 18 years. While I very much enjoy being a Social Worker, I equally enjoy party planning, decorating, and hosting family and friends. I love being able to be creative and design beautiful spaces. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to join Warrenton Picnic Co as a stylist and look forward to creating lasting memories for our clients!
Lydia G
Stylist
Hi friends! I am Lydia and I can’t wait to meet you in person! I am so blessed to be one of the many gifted stylists here at Warrenton Picnic Co. I am a wife of 21 years to an amazing realtor, Steve. We have a wonderful son, Coby, who is a sophomore at Liberty University and a fabulous daughter, Emmie, who will be graduating from Covenant Christian Academy in 2022! Our family has been fully invested in this University Model School and have been actively involved in this ministry and school family, in one way or another, for the last 10 years. I am a fourth grade teacher assistant at Covenant Christian Academy. The students are such a blessing to me and I look forward to going into work every day! They put a smile on my face and will always hold a special place in my heart. I like to say that I have MANY children. But, I only gave birth to two lovelies.
I love anything design. I am usually thinking of what I can decorate or paint. My dream is to one day meet Chip and Joanna Gaines. I love to spend my days outside driving in my Jeep with the top down enjoying the beautiful Virginia weather! You can also find me at the Northern Neck with my beloved family or at a winery with my hubby and friends.
I am looking forward to seeing you make precious memories with your loved ones! Thank you for letting WPC play a part in your very special day. Blessings.
Areli G.
Stylist
Hi, I'm Areli, a proud wife of 21 years and mother to four beautiful children. I grew up in the military and married a soldier. Together we traveled the world and this great country. We settled in Virginia about 8 years ago and absolutely love it here. I have worked as fifth grade teacher at Ritchie Elementary for the last five years. As a teacher I have enjoyed turning my classroom into a home away from home. I implement flexible seating, personal style, and décor to create a comfortable café-style learning environment. I also have many interests outside of the classroom that include cake decorating, photography, and event decorating. I am excited to join with Warrenton Picnic Co. to create a beautiful space for our clients to enjoy an intimate moment with friends and family. Hopefully the memories made will last a lifetime!
Karen H.
Stylist
Hi, I'm Karen, a wife, mother to two daughters, and grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter.
For 31 years, I've lived just outside Warrenton, and on weekdays, you'll find me working for the Town of Warrenton.
Beyond work, I love visiting with my family and hosting parties and events for our friends. Creating experiences that make people smile is one of my favorite things to do. I believe the saying, "People will forget what you've said, they'll forget what you've done, but they'll never forget how you made them feel." I look forward to creating lasting memories for you and your loved ones with Warrenton Picnic Co!
Gabi H.
Stylist
Hi there, I'm Gabi! I’m a fun loving, challenge seeking working professional and Balloon Artist. I was born and raised in the DMV area and have a background in hospitality and administration. My three great passions in life are exploring nature, traveling, health and fitness, and exercising my creativity. In the summer of 2021 I began a balloon and event decor company, Inflate Decor. I use my artistic ability to design and create unique and special balloon structures and layouts to bring beauty, joy, and smiles to the world. My passion for individualized art, fun, and global sustainability are the cornerstone for myself and my company. I'm so excited to bring my passion, and company, to join Warrenton Picnic Company and serve all of you alongside all of our wonderful stylists here!
Alexandra K.
Stylist
Hi, I’m Alexandra! I live in Old Town Manassas with my husband Brett and son Damian. I graduated from The Catholic University of America in 2019 with my B.S. in Psychological & Brain Science, and a certificate in Spanish for Healthcare. After graduating in 2019, I spent time living in Alderson, WV with Bethlehem Farm serving those experiencing poverty in rural Appalachia. Upon my return, I worked part time for Northern Virginia Community College in event coordinating while pursuing my Master’s degree. I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2020 with my Masters in Natural Resources, and a certificate in Global Sustainability. Now I’m a full time stay home mom with my baby boy! I love crossing stitching at home, hiking around Virginia, meeting up with friends, or hanging out with my family. I am so thrilled to be a stylist with Warrenton Picnic Co since it allows me to have a creative outlet and bring people joy! I look forward to styling your event.
Ali M.
Stylist
Hi! I'm Ali. I live in Warrenton, VA with my husband, Andy and two kids. I've always been very creative and 10 years ago I started my own portrait and wedding photography business, which I love!. I I thrive on building relationships and really connecting with people and hearing their stories.
I also love decorating my home.. you can always find me at the local Home Goods, so styling picnics will be right up my ally :-) I also love day trips to local wineries, quality time with friends and family and exploring new places I have never been. I'm a self proclaimed travel addict and love adventure and seeing the world.
I love meeting new people and can't wait to work on a fun, creative team styling picnics and can't wait to share in your joy!
Meghan Z.
Stylist
Hi, I’m Meghan! I’m excited to be a new stylist for Warrenton Picnic Co., alongside so many other talented women. After growing up outside Philadelphia for 26 years, I took a leap of faith and moved to Virginia to teach. I call Warrenton home, and there is nothing quite like the open land and bonfire smell in the air that makes my heart happy.
When I am not in the classroom, you can find me painting, upscaling hats, jackets, and accessories, baking homemade bread, sewing, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering at church. I believe my eye for detail and my creativity will help in making sure your picnic is picture perfect. I look forward to making your event a beautiful and lasting memory; one you will never forget.