Opening the 2008 Wedding Season!

Congratulations to Katie & Rhys who tied the know this past Saturday, thus officially kicking off my 2008 wedding season!

• Ceremony Venue: Petworth United Methodist Church, DC
• Reception Venue: Top of the Town, Arlington, VA -- very accommodating and helpful staff.
• Floral Design: Art with Flowers, McLean, VA
• Ceremony Music: Celebrated String Quartet -- it's always a pleasure working with this group.
• Reception Music: DJ Matt Fulgham -- only works at ToTT. Super easy going and easy to work with.
• Catering: Design Cuisine - Excellent service, food, and presentation.
• Rentals: DC Rentals
• Transportation: Reston Limo & Atlantic Valet -- Katie & her Mom expressed at our very first meeting that transportation was the most important element in providing a pleasant experience for their guests because there is only street parking at the church (not to mention the difficult routing). Reston Limo did a superb job providing two 55-passenger buses for all the guests and transportation for the bridal party and the bride and groom. Nobody got lost and everybody got to where they were suppose to go more or less on time.) A shuttle bus was also provided at the end of the evening so everyone could get back safely.
  
• Photography: Ever After Images --Can't wait to see the pictures.
  

Front door wreaths welcoming the guests to the church. The church was built by the bride's great, great grandfather.

My awesome assistant Christina meticulously straightening out the rows of escort cards. The table was simply decorated by two potted orchids.

Why people love to rent this room! A treat for visiting friends and family.

The beautiful room during set up. The calm before the storm!!

A classy table setting not overdone. And it passes my purse test! The cream colored pintuck mixed with the red silky napkins give the table some texture.

The cake table was highlighted with a bronze colored pintuck tablecloth.

Katie and Rhys lived in Philadelphia just until recently so their wedding paid tribute to the City of Brotherly love. Tastee Cakes served as favors and a sweet ending to the evening. Mini cheesesteaks started the night.

eaTip: When choosing ceremony and reception venues and guest hotels, consider how your guests will travel between the various locations. If you have a lot of guests coming in from afar, make it easy on them so that they don't have to rent a car or risk the chance of getting lose between locations. I would suggest that if at all possible to consider venues that are Metro accessible or have your ceremony and reception in one location. Or like Katie & Rhys, provide transportation. Your guests will appreciate the hospitable gesture and will enjoy themselves much more!

Heather & Moses Wedding Pics!

I just can't stop looking at the pictures from Heather & Moses' wedding from last September.

Melissa & Brian's wedding are now on TheKnot.com

Melissa and Brian's September 2006 wedding is now featured in TheKnot's Real Wedding section. (Photos by SOTA DZINE)

Melissa's chocolate covered apples favors/escort cards were purchased from Oh My Chocolate in Baltimore. What a great idea for a wedding incorporating fall, brown, green, New York, Americana.

Pictures are in! Sarah & Jordan's Wedding

How lovely are these pictures! Just puts a big smile on my face. All photos courtesy of Lori Love Photography. Read about Sarah & Jordan's big day.

Lighting & Layering

eaTip: Lighting. Need I say more?? A plain ballroom is transformed with the use of uplighting around the perimeter of the room, pinspotting on the tables, and a color wash over the dance floor. We talked about layering in terms of linens before (Katie & Chris's wedding). I consider lighting a layering design trick too. It adds depth to a room, just like you would use different types of lighting in your home (general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting). It certainly gives the event a wow factor.

Photos taken by Vicky Choy at an event by breathe. event planning. Lighting by Atmosphere Lighting. Floral Design by Growing Wild Floral Company. Venue Lansdowne Resort.

Congratulations Katie & Chris

My last wedding of 2007!

It turned out to be a beautiful day for Katie and Chris's wedding. It had been raining the week before.

Katie and Chris now live in Brooklyn, NY, close to where my brother lives. Katie is a chef and so when they told me that the Clarendon Ballroom was doing their catering, it made total sense as their food is just top notch. Yes. Clarendon Ballroom does off -site catering. Bet you didn't know that!

Katie's Mom Janice was the design force behind this whole wedding. Being an interior designer herself, Janice had a beautiful vision for her daughter's wedding.

Funniest moment ... there is nothing like a little 80s rock to get the crowd crazy. So some Bon Jovi song came on and the next thing I see is a bunch of people dancing on the stage, including the bride and groom. And wouldn't you know it, Katie dove off the stage and luckily was caught by her guests. Unluckily for her, all the excitement busted wide open the zipper of her dress! Nothing some safety pins couldn't handle!

Venue: Middleburg Community Center & Middleburg UMC -- Very familiar with the MCC as I was here earlier this year for Cathy & Mike's wedding. Joanne is super easy to work with and they are very flexible. This is not your average community center. As you can see in the photos below, it's not a bad looking venue.

Florist: Laura Francis of Floral Presentations -- Laura really outdid herself. I've never worked with her before but I really like her style. Her design brought the whole rustic, homey, casual but chic style together. I wish I had a picture of the bouquets because I've seen lots of fall bouquets but these were really unique.

Catering: Clarendon Ballroom -- you all know I love this place. Sandra and her team were excellent as usual. Creative food choices, elegant presentation, professional staff, excellent service. What more do you want?

Buses: Reston Limo -- You know, I'm always skeptical of transportation companies but we had 2 great drivers who called when they reached the pick up point and promptly delivered the guests to the wedding. No complaints for once.

Pew decorations at the Middleburg United Methodist Church. I like it. Not your regular posies of flowers.

The church door decoration. Simple but punches it up just enough to say something special is happening here.

Escort Card Table: As a chef, Katie made these jar of apple butter herself and we did double duty by using them as escort cards.

The MCC has a stage and Laura did an amazing job decorating it with an abundance of fall related items. My photo doesn't really do it justice.

Janice found these cute alphabet cards from Pottery Barn so we used them as Table Markers. Menu cards were done at Dandelion Patch. The floral centerpieces were placed in white tureens that you might have seen people use to serve soup.

The back patio of the MCC where cocktail hour took place. Here we used white chivari chairs that tied together nicely with the blue and white striped overlays with a denim tablecloth. It all made sense for the look we were going for.








Linens and place settings. This wedding style was all about the linens and place settings. Each round table had a burlap tablecloth with a white hemstitch overlay. The two long center tables had burlap and white hemstitch placemats. As chargers, we used Janice's stash of blue and white plates.

Chairs: we also rented two types of chairs -- windsor for the round tables and ladder backs for the rectangular tables.

eaTip #1: Double Duty. Katie used her favors as escort cards. Visually, having all the apple butter jars in their cute wraps grouped together on one table made a bigger impact than if set on each table. I don't like a cluttered table so this also cut down on the number of items on the table top. Also, I reused her pew decorations from the church and put them on several chair backs during the reception. Some of the centerpieces were used for the brunch the next day.

eaTip #2: Layering. In this case, we are talking about layering linens. The clever use of white hemstitch overlays and burlap (yes, burlap) really set the tone for the style of this wedding. If we just had burlap by itself, it would have been too casual, too country, too farm-ish. If we just had the white hemstitch, it would have been too formal, too plain. Mixing the two gave the room a rustic casual but chic feel, appropriate for a wedding. Again, 15 tables of these interesting linens make a big statement. So don't be afraid to experiment and layer.

Contact us and we can help you with all this!

Congratulations Sarah & Jordan

Sarah, Jordan and their families are the kindest people, which makes my job so much more enjoyable. They were so thankful and appreciative of all the hard work I put into making their wedding something to be proud of.

Sarah & Jordan met in high school playing basketball. They are both really tall as were the members of their bridal party, which is great because I can always spot them from across a ballroom! During the past 7 months, there were lots of changes. Sarah changed careers and became a teacher in Fairfax High School teaching marketing. I have such admiration for her courage to switch careers and for becoming a teacher. Jordan is a USCG reservist.

Sarah wanted a "modern classic" style for her wedding. Her flowers were all white, very classic bridal. The calla lilies had very clean and modern lines. Her colors were navy, gold and white - a very subtle hint at the water view location and Jordan's coast guard ties. Sarah ended up working with a graphic designer friend for her invitations, save-the-dates and programs, but assembled using Paper Source products. We carried the color theme through to the escort cards, the gold beaded garland on the tables, and the bridesmaids dresses (a beautiful navy dress from J. Crew that could definitely be worn again.)

eaTip: Remember the old saying "Keep it Simple Stupid?" I think it can apply to weddings also. Nobody says that in order to have a beautiful wedding, it needs to look like one of those celebrity weddings you see on TV or in the magazines - overflowing with "stuff." I really liked that Sarah chose to keep things simple and uncluttered. Spend your money on 1-2 items that can make the biggest impact visually. For Sarah, it was on floral centerpieces and on renting gold chivari chairs. Something as simple as replacing average looking conference chairs with chivari chairs made a big statement, especially when you have 200 of them. Contact us and we can help you decide what will make the biggest impact at your event!

Venue & catering: Catering & Conference Center at the Washington Navy Yard - The CCC is situated just on the water.
Photographer: Lori Love Photography - first time working with her and her assistant Andrea. Both really laid back and easy to work with.
Ceremony music: Nore Harp & Violin trio - I first met Emily & Ben Jung when they played at one of my first client's weddings in November 2004. They then hired me to be their coordinator in July 2005. Here we are again! They are just the nicest people and very talented musicians. Emily plays the harp and Ben plays the violin. They brought a 2nd violin since we were outside.
DJ: Bob Artman of Artman DJs - Bob played at Kristin & Tuong's wedding last August. He did a great job with the music as usual. He also has a great MC voice :) Sarah & Jordan did a new twist on introductions. Since they are all so tall and played basketball, the fashioned the intros after the starting line intros just like in a basketball game. It was hilarious.
Cake: Creative Cakes (part of the package)
Floral designer: Philippa Tarrant Floral Designs - I just love Philippa's style. So modern and interesting. I knew she would be a great fit for Sarah. Sarah met Philippa and that was the end of the story! Philippa and Dawn came for a site visit and steered us into a better visual direction. (See more photos below).
Limo: Always a Pleasure Limo - We only needed a transfer from Sarah's hotel to the Navy Yard. It was tough to find a company that would do it. Lisa Douglas came through! I met Lisa back at the November 2004 wedding where I met the harpist/violinist. She was so great that I kept her card for 3 years! On time, courteous. Never a problem.
Hair & Makeup: Perry Warren of Frizzles Salon, Springfield. Perry did Sarah's hair and makeup and hair for 3 bridesmaids. He came to the hotel and was a whole lot of fun (and funny)! All the girls looked great.

We used orchids as the cake topper. It had a simple but elegant gold dots along the bottom of each layer.

Escort Card table. We used different color cards to indicate entree choices. In lieu of favors, Sarah & Jordan donated to breast cancer research and pink ribbon pins were given to each guest.

Sorry for the blurry picture. Shaky hands. Mix of short and tall arrangements with white calla lilies and dendrobium orchids.

Ceremony on the patio with Nore Harp & Violin trio on the left. We had a sword arch at the end. Very cool!

Another great candy bar for goody bags to-go.

Congratulations Peter & Barbara!

Peter & Barbara are friends of Greg & Anita who got married last year in DC. Thanks for the recommendation guys!

These two are crazy because they are also in the middle of a full-blown house renovation. When I went to pick up their decorations, there were contractors everywhere! Crazy! Barbara designed her own gown. It was gorgeous and she could take off the whole bottom piece to reduce the dress to a shorter length (about the knee) for all the crazy partying! I wish I have a photo.

The ceremony took place on the lawn of the GW Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, while the reception was inside the Assembly Hall. This was my first time here and the facility guys were awesome! So incredibly helpful. More notes below.

eaTip: Lighting is an effective design element that people often don't think about. The GW Masonic Memorial Assembly Hall had marble column surrounding the perimeter. To highlight this architectural element, the groom installed uplights himself with amber-colored gels to cast a soft glow on the columns. You could certainly go without the lighting but it really does add dimension to the whole look. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, you could get an affordable lighting setup with a lighting company.Contact us and we can refer you to excellent lighting companies!

Caterer: Helga's Catering. Not bad. First time working with them. They served paella which was great. And one of the bartenders, Maria, helped me set up, offered to get me a drink and get me food. She was so nice!! Their Tres Leche Cake was delicious (I could have had a 2nd piece)
Photographer: Russell Hirshon. Awesome guy. So nice, low-maintenance, got right into the middle of the action (he was inside the circle during the hora!)
Guitarist: Jarrett Laskey

The escort card table (afterwards). In the center of the table closest are boxes of favors (glass coaster set) which served double duty as the escort cards.

Assembly Hall of the GW Masonic Memorial where the reception took place. It's a neat spot with marble floors and columns. The groom setup his own uplighting with amber-colored gels. The far end is the band. It was a snug fit for 150 people. I would recommend about 130. The room also echoes a lot so beware of the sound.

GW Masonic Memorial at night!

Congratulations Alexis & Brian!

Alexis lives the typical life of a consultant. On travel Monday-Friday in some other part of the country. Although they only hired me for the reception, they were one of the easiest people to work with during the planning process.

Reception Site: International Country Club, Fairfax, VA
Floral Design: Petals Edge
Photographers: Bill & Marie Piacesi. My first time working with this husband & wife team and I can't wait to do it again!
DJ: Kirk Rubley
Cake: Cakes by Carolyn. I think Carolyn is the exclusive baker for several of the local country clubs. She really does do beautiful cakes. She also did this cake last year.

The escort cards looked very classy on the grand piano.

Beautiful and tasty cake by Cakes by Carolyn.

Alexis and Brian got all many of their family members to contribute wedding pictures. There were so precious black & whites. The floral centerpiece here is by Petals Edge.

I set up some luminaries along the driveway for Alexis and Brian's exit. Very cool. They come with a plastic insert, which you fill with water to weigh down the bag. Also in the plastic insert is a niche carved out for a tealight candle.

The ballroom at the International Country Club

The ladies at Petals Edge did two different types of centerpieces.

eaTip #1: As you saw above, we put the escort cards on the piano in the lounge area. If your venue has existing furniture (a credenza, dressers, tables) that you can use for your escort card, gift and/or cake table, why not make use of it! It will save you money from having to rent additional tables and linens.

eaTip #2: If you are doing luminaries like the ones Alexis used, be sure to weigh the bags down so as not to cause any fire hazards. You can use sand. The ones Alexis used come with a plastic container that can be filled wither water.

Contact us and we can help you find ways to cut cost and to have a safe event!

Congratulations Rachel & Ariel!

Where to begin with this story? So many interesting tidbits about this wedding. Rachel & Ariel are both lawyers. Ariel's whole family is musically gifted (more on this later). The only word I can think of for how I would describe the planning of this wedding was: adventurous!

Site: Decatur House, DC
Caterer: Basikneads & chocolate fountain by The Chocolate Chick
Photographer: David Lee & Dana Romanoff (friend of the bride & groom)
DJ: Brad Hill
Floral Designer: Greenworks Cynthia Kim was our designer and was awesome! First, Rachel didn't decide that she wanted some flowers until just 2 weeks before the wedding. Cynthia squeezed us in with very little direction and came up with some gorgeous arrangements. See photo below.

This was one of the most memorial and special ceremonies I've ever witnessed. First, 2 of Ariel's friends from high school and his stepfather taught the guests how to sing the Kol Ha Neshamah in rounds. Once the guests got the hang of it, we started the processional as the song continued. Then, Ariel's father played an excerpt from Klezmers' Wedding Music on his violin. Followed by traditional Jewish ceremonial parts. As Rachel & Ariel did the Hakaphah (circling), 8 of Ariel's friends sang Dodi Li in a capella. All incredibly moving. [At the rehearsal, I had heard the acapella and it literally gave me goosebumps.]

Rabbi Biber had this chuppah structure created (it came along with tech support .. ha ha!) but it's a bit plain. So Rachel & Ariel literally handed me the pieces and a bolt of fabric and asked me to do my magic. OK! I experimented with covering the poles in shear fabric while using their personal tallits (prayer shawls) as the top covering. It wasn't bad except the tallits didn't exactly cover the whole top, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a canopy. Take #2. Wouldn't you know it! I just happen to have some sticks that I got from Laura at Soiree Special Events just a week or 2 ago. I was able to reuse them as covering for the poles, lending a more natural look which worked really well in the setting of the Decatur courtyard.

Attempt #1Attempt #2 - Better.

After dinner, waiters passed out chocolate truffles made with love from one of Rachel & Ariel's friend Justine Pringle of Nunu Chocolates.

Guests LOVED the candy bar! Everybody scooped some on their way out! One of Rachel's bridesmaids provided the candy.

The amber-lit tent over the courtyard at Decatur House. Rachel & Ariel are seated in the center of the photo while listening to the toasts.

The ever-popular polaroid guestbook. I usually have someone designated as the picture-taker. This was a DIY version where everybody took their own pictures and it worked out great also!

The buffet arrangement by Greenworks.

The Carriage House of the Decatur House, all set up for the cocktail hour. We used a mix of brown and orange crush type tablecloth on all the tables. Very iridescent and festive.

eaTips: If you are having food stations or a heavy hors d'oeuvre reception (i.e. stir fry station, grilling station), spread the stations around so that the guests don't create a traffic jam at one station. You may also want to consider two smaller bars. Guests love to congregate around the bar. Also for heavy hors d'oeuvres, think about seating. This style of reception typically does not have seating for everyone. Is that going to be an issue for your guests? Contact us and we can help you design your event to make sure all your guests are comfortable!