Stereo Waltz Films {Danielle & Nick}

Danielle and Nick from Stereo Waltz Films on Vimeo.

Check out this beautiful highlight video from Stereo Waltz Films for one of our weddings! They are based in LA but they travel so we brought them to DC for this wedding. Totally worth it!

Wedding Programs into Wedding Ornaments!

 

Have leftover ceremony programs or invitations? How about making them into a Christmas ornament? Check out these fun ideas for preserving your wedding memories!

Now I'm not the most crafty person, despite being a wedding planner. Perhaps because I've had to do so many wedding projects for so many brides, I just don't relish doing them in my off hours. But these projects look pretty simple. Shred some programs, decoupage them to an ornament, cover in glittery substance, let dry. OR cut programs into strips, jam said strips into clear ornament, replace top. Voila! Happy {crafting} Holidays!

{above pictures courtesy of SuperNovaBride}

Smells of the Season

Happy Holidays!  So, Hanukkah began last night and I may be just one day late for some of you who had decided not to make the traditional potato latkes for fear of the everlasting smell they leave in your home.  I'm here to tell you it's not too late!  (To make them or get rid of that fried oder)

I feel like I have shared this secret with so many friends, clients and vendors over the past week, you should all know it.  While making up those latkes or after, fill a small pot with water and place it on the stove under medium low heat.  Add 2 cinnamon sticks and a quarter cup of cloves and let it simmer.  As the water evaporates, fee free to keep adding water to keep the sweet smell in the air.  Sometimes I throw this on even when I'm not cooking just to make the house smell nice- without artificial sprays :)

Since winter is time for citrus fruits, you can also throw in an orange, lemon or grapefruit to add a light aroma.  Thanks to my mom for this secret remedy that hopefully will benefit many this holiday season.
Cheers!

Sara

A Signature Drink for Winter Weddings {Hot Chocolate Stations}

Norococo

When the weather gets cold, I love hot chocolate!  And I love doing hot chocolate stations at weddings. A couple of weeks ago, we had hot chocolate to-go at a wedding and guests loved fixing a cup before getting in their cars and heading out into the cold.

SimplyandForever

There are so many ways to dress it up: with flavored syrups, sugars, spices, handcrafted marshmallows, peppermint sticks. And offering mini cookies or even donuts to go with it makes the drink even more fun.  So if you're hosting a winter wedding, consider making hot chocolate your signature drink. So delicious!

Bringing the Holidays to Weddings!

Joe Elario

Just a little holiday inspiration as we head into the last few days before the celebrations begin!

What is a December wedding without a Christmas tree?  Unless you're Jewish, in which case check out this cool bride and groom driedel! Happy holidays everyone!

Jewishbazaar

Holiday Cookies!

The holidays are all about love and giving and eating cookies, right? I do love cookies and holiday cookies are the best. December brings out cookies that we don't see for the rest of the year (don't ask me why). So in the spirit of giving and cookie eating, here is one of my favorite holiday cookies recipes (courtesy of Karin Christian from allrecipes.com).


Molassas Ginger Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups shortening
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Melt the shortening in a large pan on the stove, and cool.
2. Add sugar, eggs, and molasses, beat well.
3. In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and add to the pan. Mix well and chill 3 hours or overnight.
4. Form into walnut-size balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8-10 minutes.
6. Store in an airtight container to keep from getting overly crisp. If they do lose their softness, an easy way to restore it is to place one slice of fresh bread in the container with the cookies for a couple of hours or overnight and they will be soft again!

240 Sweet {Magnificent Marshmallows}

Every year, we find some really unique items for our brides and one of our favorites this year is hand-crafted organic marshmallows from 240sweet. This fun company creates gourmet marshmallows in tons of amazing flavors from salted caramel to vanilla lavender to chocolate chip to roasted pineapple!

Partners Alexa Lemley and Samantha Aulick hand-craft the artisan treats in Columbus, Indiana. Originally, they made marshmallows to give to their catering customers. Soon, people begin clamoring for more puffs and 240sweet was born.

They are perfect for hotel welcome bags along with a bag of hot cocoa mix and no one will have seen anything like them before! Trust me when I say they are seriously yummy!  Check out all the amazing flavors at 240sweet.

Here is a fun marshmallow recipe from their website:

• Fleur de Sel S'mores

  Are you ready for the best s'more you will ever enjoy? We use Maldon sea salt and Chef Alexa's own caramel in the Salty Caramel Twist puff. The addition of dark chocolate and crunchy graham crackers makes an irresistable delight.
  
  6 puffs Salty Caramel Twist 240sweet Artisan Marshmallows
  6 miniature dark chocolate candy bars
  12 graham cracker cookies
  
  On a platter, place cookies upside down. Individually, place miniature candy bars on six
  of the cookies. Reserve remaining cookies to top s'mores.
  
  Using a skewer, roast puffs to toasting preferences. Place one roasted puff atop each candy bar and cookie stack. Place remaining cookies
  atop stacks and squish. Indulge immediately.
  
  Note: To make these s'mores in broiler, place half of cookes topped with candy bar and marshmallow under a hot broiler until puff is the desired shade of brown. Upon removal, immediately top stacks with remaining cookies.

Sneak Peek of an Indian Extravaganza {Rachna and Samir}

The fun same-day edit video from my wedding this past weekend by the amazing team at Suburban Video. Congratulations Rachna and Samir! More on this amazing wedding to come!

Borrow It Bindaas! {Sarees for Rent}

This past weekend I learned about an amazing website: www.borrowitbindaas.com. One of the bridesmaids at my wedding had rented her saree from the site and it was beautiful!  The site works pretty much like renttherunway.com where you rent a fabulous outfit for a fraction of the purchase price and then return it. This is perfect if you don't go to Indian weddings often but want to wear a saree or if you just don't want to invest a lot in an outfit you may not wear again or if you don't want to wear an old saree.

Some of these sarees are so pretty that I'm dying to try them on even though when I attend an Indian wedding, I'm usually working at it (and a fancy saree doesn't seem appropriate wedding planner attire).  But the next time you get an invitation to an Indian wedding, be sure to check out BorrowItBindaas.  Happy shopping!

Fake Fur Fun! {Faux Real}

lovellabridal.com

I have become entranced by Amanda's yummy fake fur jacket. It's just so soft I can't stop petting it! I'm not a believer in wearing real furs but the fake kind can be so much fun. I've had several winter brides don furs to keep warm. Here are some fun wedding {faux} fur looks!

k. thompson photography

Beth + Scott – Photo by Ali Beamish via Green Wedding Shoes

 Mad Men inspired wedding by Christopher Currie

Elephants and Horses and Drummers, Oh My! {Baraats}

Greg Gibson

As we get ready to go into a big Indian wedding weekend, I thought we'd share some of our favorite images of the Baraat. The Baraat is the processional of the groom and his family and friends to greet the bride's family before the ceremony. It can be done on an elephant, a horse, a car or on foot. Music and dancing are always a big part and I love having dhol drummers lead everyone.

As far as logistics go, elephants are the trickiest (for obvious reasons) but even with a horse, you need to get permits from the city and have a police escort on hand.

CB PhotoArts

The Baraat is one of my favorite parts of an Indian wedding because it leads off the whole celebration with such energy!  This weekend we have a horse from Harmon's Carriages (our go-to source for Baraat horses) plus dhol drummers from Event EQ to lead the crowd and we can't wait for the fun!

Earlier this year, I had the honor of working with Tina and Jason on their fairy tail wedding at the Ritz Carlton, Washington, DC.  Tina knew exactly what she wanted and I am so excited we made her vision come true.  You could feel the love and excitement in every room the couple entered all day long.  Check out this amazing teaser put together by Bill Bowen of Suburban Video.



Sara

Holiday Cocktails!

I found these yummy holiday-inspired cocktails in Special Events Magazine and had to share.  Just reading them makes me want to tip one back and it's not even noon!  Are they drinks? Are they dessert Who cares!!

Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

1 tsp pumpkin pie filling
2 oz chardonnay
1 oz Hennessy cognac
2 oz apple cider
1 oz pumpkin pie spice syrup

Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and serve in a pretty glass.



Savory Apple Pie Cocktail

1 oz VeeV Acai Juice
1 oz Calvados
1 oz cinnamon bark simple syrup
Juice of 2 lime wedges
Splash of apple cider

Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and serve.

A Whimsical Woodend Wedding {Ginny & Chris}

Although September proved to be a challenge for us weather wise, Ginny and Chris got blessed with a beautiful day for a ceremony and reception at Woodend Sanctuary!  The beautiful, classic venue was perfect for the vision they wanted to create!

When I first met Ginny (and later on Chris), I fell in love with them as a couple!  They are quirky, real, and obviously so in love!  A wedding planner’s dream come true!  Ginny and I found our common ground- both James Madison University alums!  I loved all the wonderful touches that she wanted to add to make her event unique and perfectly reflective of the couple’s relationship! 

We got Ginny and Chris ready at the Bethesda Doubletree which is so convenient to the venue!

One of my favorite touches were the programs, which were created by Lilypad Weddings (as well as the invitations, programs, escort cards, and table numbers)!  They listed each of their wedding party along with their superhero power- a nod to Chris’s love for comics!  It was great to read all the descriptions and hear the giggles in the crowd as guests read through the program!

Woodend is a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos!  Chris and Ginny took a ton of pictures in the grove with the talented Emily Johnston Anderson Photography who came all the way from New York to capture these moments! 

Cocktail hour was held outside with cornhole games to keep the crowd moving!  I love this shot of one of the ring bearers taking a break from the party!  Windows Catering served delicious nibbles and yummy cocktails outside on the portico!

We moved under the tent for dinner and were treated to red wine braised boneless short ribs or harvest chicken! Yum!  Christopher from Amaryllis created beautiful arrangements for the different tables.  Ginny and Chris both work in the publishing industry in New York and had been collecting a variety of 1st editions from vintage bookstores which were arranged with small turquoise vases filled with seasonal flowers.  The other tables were birdcages overflowing with flowers coupled with some mason jars holding smaller arrangements.

Mike from MyDeejay kept the dance floor going after dinner and toasts (which were some of the best I have ever heard)! 

Not to mention, a spirited cake cutting!

All in all- a beautiful night for a stunning couple! 

 

Thanks to Emily Johnston Anderson for sharing the beautiful images!

Congratulations Ginny and Chris!!

Amanda

Jenny Yoo Trunk Show {Love Couture Bridal}

Flashback Inspiration {Mad Men Monday}

Dress (brides.com), gloves (weddingaces.com), birdcage veil and shoes (Snippe
and Ink), groom (Style Me Pretty), cigars (Style Me Pretty), oysters (Style Me Pretty), typewriter (Style Me Pretty), Christina Hendricks and bridesmaids (In Style Weddings)

This is one of my favorite inspiration boards from our inspiration vault. I'm feeling very Mad Men this morning. Happy Monday!

Death on the Aisle {Chapter Seventeen}

 

Chapter Seventeen

            We could hear the shrieks before we reached the end of the dock, and I swallowed hard and shifted from a walk into a run.  I tried not to feel irritated that I’d had to leave Ian to run back to the boat, and I told myself that I was lucky to have such a patient boyfriend, although I still wasn’t sure if I could call him that.

            Ian had been understanding when Kate and I had run off after getting the text from Fern telling us there was more trouble on the boat and he’d promised to come over later and pick up where we left off.  My heart beat a little faster when I thought of Ian coming over but I reminded myself that I was running pretty hard. Another voice joined the shrieking.

            “That doesn’t sound good,” Kate said, running behind me to keep up.

            Even though both voices was high-pitched and verging on hysterical, it didn’t narrow down the list of possible shriekers. I ran though options in my head: Richard, Fern, the bride, Jeremy Johns, Mrs. Barbery, the unnamed space healer I still imagined wearing dramatic robes. I just hoped it wasn’t Richard or Fern.

            We reached the enormous boat, technically a ship, and I ran up the nearest gangplank, not stopping to take off my shoes until I reached the top and remembered the hard-and-fast rule about not wearing shoes on board.

            I smacked my forehead. “Shoes,” I said, hopping on one foot to take them off as Kate nearly ran into me from behind. She muttered something but took hers off, as well, and we carried them with us as we followed the sounds of chaos.

            It sounded like the voices were coming from one of the top decks so we ran up a narrow flight of steps on the back of the boat.  As we rounded the corner to the rear outdoor lounge, I stopped short.

            Two women stood nose-to-nose screaming, and I didn’t recognize either of them. One wore a white T-shirt and black cargo pants and had her pale hair pulled back in a messy ponytail while the other had lots of dark, wavy hair that spilled loose down her back and across the straps of her white tank dress.           

            Kate looked around her.  “Who are these people? Are we on the right boat?”

            Before either of us could check the side of the boat for the name, Fern appeared around the corner. He looked impeccable in a slim, dark suit and powder blue button-down with a matching pocket square folded perfectly into the breast pocket. I took a moment to admire his folding skills since I’d had more than one battle with groomsmen pocket squares in the past.

            “Annabelle!  Kate!”  He beamed as he ignored the cat fight in front of him and rushed to us for air kisses.

            “What’s going on?” I asked after Fern stepped back from our pseudo embraces.

            Fern raised an eyebrow and then started twisting the gargantuan amethyst ring on his finger. “Oh, yes.” He darted a glance at the women, who had stopped screaming and were glaring at each other and breathing heavily. “This is Sonia Romanov-Feinstein, the space healer.” He gestured to the woman in the cargo pants and dropped his voice. “She may be descended from the last Russian tsar but we don’t know for sure.”

            “Oh, boy,” Kate said.

            “And I’m Janet Evans.” The other woman turned from the spiritualist-come-Russian-Tsarina and held out her hand. “The producer for Diamond Weddings.”

            “Nice to meet you,” I said, shaking her hand. This explained a lot.  “So you’re on board to film the wedding already?  I thought you already scoped it out the other day.”  I couldn’t help but remember the bride’s first reaction to the film crew coming aboard and had hoped they wouldn’t be making regular appearances before the wedding day.

            Janet took a breath and seemed to be picking her words carefully.  “We were requested to come on board.”

            “As was I,” Sonia said, her fists planted on her hips. “Kristie brought me on for the sole purpose of ridding her wedding venue of negative energy. And all these cameras are throwing the energy out of balance.” She pushed a loose strand of hair off her face. For a space-healer, she was giving off some pretty hostile vibes.

            I held up my hands. “Okay, okay.” I turned to Janet. “Who asked you to come back?”  I tried to sound sympathetic but firm. “You know the bride has an issue with all this media coverage.”

            Janet rolled her eyes. “Believe me, I didn’t drag my guys down to the docks for fun. Mrs. Barbery requested we film her first session with her stylist.”

            “Jeremy Johns?” Kate asked. “But he’s been here for days.”

            Janet shook her head. “No, her personal hair and makeup stylist. He just flew in from Paris.”

            “You’re kidding me,” I said. “She has a hairstylist from Paris?”  Why was I surprised? I glanced at Fern to see how he was taking the news that he had competition. “Have you met him?”

            Fern bobbed his head up and down. “Damian. He’s divine. He’s been giving me all the scoop Babs and her friends and their jewelry.”

            There wasn’t much Fern loved more than enormous jewelry and juicy gossip. Combining them was like throwing gasoline on a flame.

            “So if you’re with Damian, where is the bride?” I asked Fern

            He gave me a blank look. “I thought she was with Sonia. The last I knew, they were clearing the negative energy from the main foyer when Damain came in with the film crew headed up to Mrs. Barbery’s suite.  Damian admired my ring and we started talking about jewels and the time just flew by and the nest thing I knew, I heard screaming.” Fern giggled and blushed. I tried hard not to let out a sigh of exasperation.

            “I can’t wait to meet this Damian guy,” Kate whispered to me. “Since when have you seen Fern like this?”

            I had to agree.  It was unusual to see Fern impressed by anyone but it made me a bit nervous.

            “They ruined our ritual so Kristie went to talk to her step-mother,” Sonia said. Her voice had become much calmer now and she seemed to be returning to her spiritualist persona. “I insisted that this woman remove her invasive technology from the ship but she refused.”

            Janet shrugged. “I have to get the shots. This is a big wedding.”

            “Can you shoot up in Mrs. Barbery’s suite and avoid the rest of the boat while Ms. Feinstein performs her rituals?” I asked.

            “That’s Romanov-Feinsten,” the spiritualist corrected me.

            I ignored Kate’s snort of laughter as I turned to Sonia. “Does that work for you? You can clear the rest of the boat but just don’t touch Mrs. Barbery’s room.”

            Sonia sniffed and gave the smallest nod of her head. “Space healing wouldn’t work in there, anyway. Not with just one healer, anyway.”

            I tended to agree with her. It would take a team of space healers to tackle Babs Barbery and more time than we had until the wedding.

            “Well, I’d better get back to Damian,” Fern said, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He motioned to Janet. “I’ll take you to the suite.”

            As Fern led Janet away and Sonia disappeared inside the boat ringing her finger cymbals as she went, I let out a sigh or relief.  “Problems solved.”

            “Not exactly.” The woman’s voice from behind made me jump.

            Mandy, the ship’s Chief Stew who had been so helpful to us so far, was coming down the stairs from above and a tall, broad man I’d never seen before followed closely behind her. Neither was smiling.

            “We need to have a word,” the mystery man said, his expression stony.

            “This doesn’t look good,” Kate said.

            I gulped. When Kate was right, she was right.

Trunk Show at Love Couture {Kenneth Pool}

Carine's Sample Sale!

Carine’s Bridal, a high-end designer atelier, will host its 5^th annual holiday sample sale this December 4, at The Four Seasons hotel in Georgetown.  The sale will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 1 p.m.

Bridal gowns will be discounted up to 75% off, with prices starting as low as $999.  Dresses from high-end designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, Rivini, Carolina Herrera and more will be available for sale.

“Sample sales are a great way for brides who desire the couture look, without the price tag.,” said owner, Carine Krawiec. Sample dresses are in great condition and must be sold to make room for new gowns.  Carine’s Bridal Atelier offers custom alterations onsite in their Georgetown boutique.

Additional Information

•    Sale is first come, first serve

•    Line starts directly outside of the ballroom

•    No appointments necessary

•    No merchandise hold policy

•    All shopping is self service, consultants are available to answer questions

•    Entire ballroom will serve as an open dressing room; brides welcome to try-on gowns

      anywhere there is available space

•    Brides are recommended to wear undergarments they are comfortable to be seen in

•    All sales are final (no returns allowed); gowns are sold “As-Is”

•    Cash and Mastercard, Visa, American Express accepted. NO Discover card. Checks

      are accepted, gown stays with Carine’s Bridal until check clears

•    Metro accessible via Foggy Bottom metro.  Street parking and hotel valet available.

The Making of a Wedding at Gotham Hall {Tantawan Bloom}

Gorgeous video from one of Christine's recent weddings in New York City showing the transformation of Gotham Hall by Tantawan Bloom's Golf Srithamrong. Amazing decor (and fun to see how an event like this comes together)!

Introducing Mr. and Ms. Parifax! {Creative Name Changing}

One of my coolest couples ever has come up with one of the most creative solutions to the "name change" issue. We've had lots of brides keep their name, plenty hyphenate both names and one create a new last name for both out of their existing last names. But the former Lia Mandaglio and Hudson Taylor have taken it a step further and created a new last name for both of them that is unrelated to their previous names. They are now Lia and Hudson Parifax!

Lia and Hudson are both ardent feminists and advocates for LGBT rights. Hudson is the founder of the gay-rights advocacy group Athlete Ally for athletes, and he speaks at colleges and schools throughout the country asking athletes to sign a pledge to end homophobia. Lia is a lawyer in New York who is equally progressive and fabulously cool.

This couple is so perfect for each other and I loved seeing how crazy for each other they were. I was lucky enough to get to work with them on their wedding because, at the time, DC allowed same-sex marriage while New York did not and it was important to the couple to be married in an inclusive state.

It was just as crucial to them that their name support their feminist beliefs. Hudson explained their reasoning for creating a new last name in this article for "Out Sports" Magazine:

"A lot of contemporary couples keep their own last names, which is great and something we are considering. But, we want to have the same name. We could hyphenate them. But, our surnames are our fathers' surnames, and their fathers' surnames, and their fathers' surnames etc.

Even if we decided to take our mother's maiden names, we'd still be operating in a patrilineal naming system. We find it pretty disturbing that male names have been "labeling" people for hundreds of years. Matrilineal surnames and non-sex-based surnames don't really exist. So, we decided to just pick our own -- fresh, equal, ours. That way, we can share a name that does not perpetuate patrilineage. My parents were upset in the beginning. But, I asked them: "Why is it that no one cares if my sisters abandon their surnames to adopt the names of their husbands, but everyone panics when I want to abandon my surname to adopt a new name with my spouse?" My parents understood, and as always, are very supportive."

Lia explained the meaning behind the name they chose: Parifax:

"We combined the latin words pari and fax. Pari has a clear English translation - it means the same or equivalent (i.e. "with the same" or "of the same" depending on the context). Fax is a little harder to describe. It's literal translation is flame or torch, but it refers to the fire or passion of life. It also refers to celestial bodies like comets as well as to ritual torches used in marriages and funerals. In sum the name Parifax translates to "with the same flame."

After getting to know Lia and Hudson while planning their wedding with them for 2 and 1/2 years, I can absolutely say that this is one couple that does live life with the same flame. Their passion for life, for each other and for creating a better world is powerful and you can't help but catch their enthusiasm when you are around them. I can't wait to see all the amazing things the new Lia and Hudson Parifax will do! 

Congratulations to a truly amazing couple!

Photos by Greg Gibson (more from their stunning wedding to come).

An Elegant Union at Union Station {Premal + Chris}

The fun Hotel Monaco in Chinatown served as the getting ready location for both the bride and groom of this wedding.   Makeup artist, Pattie Martin and hairstylist Giselle of Hair by Giselle spent the morning with the bride and her close friends and family getting them all ready for the special day.

Sari wrapper, Yogita Devani, worked with the ladies to make sure their beautiful saris were put on correctly and looking perfect.

The bride and groom chose to see each other before the ceremony.  The talented Greg Gibson shot some amazing photos of their first meeting and pictures around the Hotel Monaco.  Their families then joined them to take pictures around the hotel and in and around Union Station, the site of their ceremony and reception.  

For the Groom’s baraat, the Groom rode in on a white horse (thanks to Harmon’s Carriages) and the crowd was led by both a drummer, Dholi Sorabh and pre-recorded music played by DJ Ross of Chris Laich Entertainment.  

Guests were then led through the ornate main hall of Union Station to the ceremony in Columbus Club.  Sachi Sood of Partyland created the colorful mandap and aisle décor for the ceremony.  Chaitanya Bhagavan Dasa did a great job leading the ceremony.  He took the time to explain, in English, what was happening throughout the entire ceremony for those guests who do not speak Hindi.  

The ceremony ended and guests entered the Palm Court for cocktails and hors d’eourves.  Guests found their escort cards under a stunning peacock statue the florist designed.

During cocktails and dinner, guests were encouraged to stop by the photobooth, provided by Booth-O-Rama, that also served as the couple’s guestbook. Guests could take pictures with fun props, keep a photo strip for themselves or glue a photo strip into the couple’s guestbook.  

After the bride and groom’s costume change, it was time for the dinner reception, that took place in the East Hall.   Amber lighting lit the room and bright pink, blue and purple linen covered the tables.  The couple was led into the reception by Dholi Sorabh.  What a great way to start a party!

Dinner was a team effort, Design Cuisine provided the American fare while IndAroma handled all Indian dishes.  One of the highlights was the delicious dessert buffet provided by Design Cuisine.  The based Alaska’s on a stick are to die for!!

DJ Michael Valenti did a great job of keeping the guests dancing the night away. The bride and groom made donations to the Susan G Komen Foundation in each guest’s name.

The bride and groom ended the night by having their guests hold sparklers outside of Union Station as they walked through it and headed off into the night.

Thank you to my assistant, Sarah Obenour, for all of your help!

Congratulations Premal and Chris!  The couple is now off to their 3 week honeymoon in Africa.  So jealous!