Cooper Mill: A New Gem for Intimate Events on Alexandria’s Waterfront

If there’s one thing we hear constantly from our couples and clients, it’s how hard it is to find the *perfect* event space in Old Town—something stylish and unique, in a prime location, with great food and views. Well, friends, we’re thrilled to share a new hidden gem that checks *all* the boxes: Cooper Mill.

Nestled right along the Alexandria waterfront, Cooper Mill is a brand-new restaurant and event venue that’s breathing fresh life into a historic space. If you’re an Old Town local, the building might feel familiar—it has lived many lives over the years, but this most recent transformation might just be our favorite yet.

The space is owned and operated by the seasoned restaurant group behind some of our city’s most iconic eateries—Landini Brothers, Fish Market, and Rex—so it’s no surprise that both the design and the hospitality are top-notch. We first learned about the venue through one of our landlords, Murray Bonnitt of Bonnitt Builders, who is a partner in the project. His eye for timeless design and deep ties to Alexandria helped bring this concept to life, and it shows in every detail.

Let’s talk about the space itself: industrial wood tables, a gorgeous built-in bar, flexible indoor-outdoor flow, and water views that make even rainy days feel romantic. While the interiors lean stylishly neutral, the venue gives you plenty of freedom to add your own spin—think rental linens in rich textures and bold hues, or floral runners bursting with seasonal blooms. It’s intimate and versatile, and it offers something we’ve been missing in the neighborhood: a venue that feels upscale but not overdone, ideal for milestone birthdays, rehearsal dinners, and even small weddings.

The food? Incredible. When we co-sponsored a recent vendor open house at Cooper Mill alongside Hotel Indigo, guests were treated to a delicious spread from Landini Brothers—think classic Italian done very right. The venue gives you the option to choose from any restaurant in their portfolio or bring in a licensed outside caterer, which makes it a dream for planners who want both flexibility and quality.

That open house brought together a few dozen local industry professionals—planners, photographers, caterers, and creatives—and every single one of them walked away impressed. From the moment you walk through the doors, it’s clear that Cooper Mill is something special: intimate, inviting, and distinctly Alexandria.

We can’t wait to see the weddings and celebrations that unfold in this beautiful space—and we’d be thrilled to bring the flowers.

Curious about how florals can elevate your event at Cooper Mill? Reach out to us at Helen Olivia Flowers—we’d love to help bring your vision to life.

SEE ALSO:  Let’s Play with Flowers This Summer!

Rachel Gang

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Owner | Helen Olivia Flowers

Rachel Gang is the owner of Helen Olivia Flowers, a boutique flower and home décor shop, located in Del Ray, Alexandria. She developed her love for flowers while working as an event planner in the busy Washington, D.C. events industry. Along with her husband and team of designers at Helen Olivia, Rachel works with brides and corporate clients to create unique and captivating designs. Her work has been featured in Traditional Home Magazine, HGTV, Borrowed and Blue, and Style Me Pretty.

Helen Olivia is a boutique floral design studio located in the Del Ray neighborhood. Known for a lush and timeless style, the shop is a favorite among locals. Outside of beautiful flowers, Helen Olivia is a destination for house plants, decorative pottery, and an endless selection of stylish front door wreaths. The shop is also well known for its weekly floral design workshops -- come visit us and try your hand at flower arranging! Helen Olivia is owned by Chuck and Rachel Gang who are veterans of the bustling Washington, D.C., events industry. Both are D.C. natives, and reside in the Ft Hunt neighborhood of Alexandria with their son Jack.

www.helenolivia.com

1519 Leslie Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22301

703.548.2848


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