Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!


Halloween is finally here! I will be out making the rounds with Iron Man and Bat Girl tonight. I'm glad I have not one, but two, superheroes to keep me safe. Of course, my miniature superheroes may be wearing winter coats over their costumes if it stays this cold outside. Here's hoping that wool coats don't negate super powers.  Have a fabulous Halloween everyone!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wedding Candy Displays {Halloween Is Here!}


I've done plenty of candy bars in my years of planning weddings. All-white candy bars, Easter candy bars, all-pink candy bars, all-gummi candy bars. You get the picture. But perhaps the most natural fit for a candy display is a Halloween candy bar. I mean, Halloween in its modern incarnation is pretty much all about getting candy. I love the very refined orange display with fabulous black pedestals but also totally dig the cauldrons of wrapped candy with pumpkin pails to fill.  Whether you go classy or kitschy, this is one place to have fun and let your imagination run wild!


Love this rustic Halloween dessert display featuring candy apples and mini burlap bags of treats!


A little more ghoulish but utterly fun. This will take adults back to their childhood (especially if you include some classic candies from their era)!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Sitting Pretty {Sarah's Stands}


Admittedly, the cake above is totally cool. But check out the stand it's sitting on! The sleek lines and crisp color really finish the look.  The cake would not look nearly as polished sitting on an aluminum disc or a fussy silver stand.  Sarah's Stands creates cake stands that you can customize in several sizes and colors.

I love the vivid colors you can choose. Not to mention the sizes.



I love the drama these stands add to the presentation of the cake.


Even a classic white stand makes a statement.


So check out Sarah's pretty stands to set your cake apart!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Styling Night at Hitched!

Hi Hitched Ladies!



Our Styling Nights have been such a hit ˆ we've added more!



Join us Wednesday, October 26th or Wednesday, December 7th for more fabulous fun working with the Hitched Gals to find the veils and jewelry that suit your big-day style. While our usual collection of baubles will be available for viewing, Hitched is so excited to also feature the amazing accessories from Enchanted Atelier There will be a plethora of belts, headbands, headpieces, fascinators, and birdcages at your disposal and Enchanted Atelier's designer, Liv, will be here to answer any questions and help you pull together your total "look."



What: Hitched Styling Night featuring accessories by Enchanted Atelier (Feel free to check out her fabulous array of bling and request certain pieces be brought in for the evening!)



When: Wednesday, October 26th, from 5pm to 8pm or

Wednesday, December 7th from 5pm to 8pm



Special Treat: As an added bonus, Hitched is offering 10% off all accessories purchased during the event!



RSVP: 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com

(Please specify which date you'd like to RSVP for!)



Looking forward to seeing our Stylish Brides soon!



Best,

Carin & Julia

Hitched Owners






Take a sneak peek at Enchanted Atelier's offerings at their website! http://www.enchantedatelier.com/



Halloween Weddings {The Great Pumpkin}


I've seen some pretty interesting wedding interpretations of Halloween and, to be honest, most of them creep me out. I'm just not into the bride and groom dressed as zombies or covered in fake blood. Call me old-fashioned. But I do think these pretty pumpkins would be lovely for a Halloween wedding.




Happy carving!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Death on the Aisle {Chapter Sixteen}



Chapter Sixteen


            “So what exactly did Fern say in his text?” Kate asked as I closed the door to my apartment behind us. 
            We had crept upstairs as quietly as possible so Leatrice wouldn’t know we were back. The last thing I needed after dealing with a dead body on the boat and a meeting with Debbie and Darla was my nosy neighbor who watched way too much CSI.
            “Just that he’s with the bride at her hide-out.”
            Kate scratched her head. “I didn’t know she had a hide-out.”
            “Wouldn’t you want a hide-out if you had a stepmother like Babs Barbery?”
            Kate dropped her purse on the floor and sank onto my couch, throwing her feet up onto the coffee table and knocking a pile of papers off the side. “Her first name is Babs?”
            I picked up the papers and gave Kate a pointed look. “Well, Barbara, I guess.”
            Kate laughed. “Barbara Barbery. It’s perfect!”
            “You know Barbery is her married name.”
            “I’ll bet she changed her name as fast as she changed the names on her rich husband’s checking accounts.” Kate had a grudging admiration for women who married well.
            “Well, whatever her name, the bride doesn’t want to be anywhere near her or the boat until the negative energy has been cleared out,” I said.
            “So now we’re supposed to clear negative energy, too?” Kate sighed. “Just add that to the weird list of things people ask us to do.” She snapped her fingers. “Remember that awful bride, what was her name . . . Angel, Angie?”
            “The one who ordered us to clean her kitchen and take out her trash?” I asked, sitting down next to Kate.
            “Could you believe that? She didn’t even ask nicely.” Kate folded her arms over her chest. “I’d like to tell her where she could put those rubber gloves.”
            “It’s not as bad as having to give a grandmother of a bride a pedicure,” I said.
            Kate made a face. “Please, don’t remind me. That woman ruined feet for me forever.”
            “Not all of them are like that,” I reminded her. “Some of them we love.”
            “You’re right,” Kate said. “But it’s the evil ones that seem to be seared into my brain forever.”
            I pulled my hair out of its ponytail and ran my fingers through it. “At least this bride is sweet.”
            “Sure, but with a stepmother from hell.”
            “You can’t win them all,” I said, elbowing Kate in the side.
            “But could we win most?” Kate looked at me with puppy dog eyes. “I’d really like to win most.”
            “Annabelle? When did you get home?” A deep voice with a Scottish accent said from behind us. Kate screamed while I spun my head around.
            “Ian?” I stood up while Kate managed to fall to the floor in an effort to run to the door or hide. “What are you doing here?”
            “I wanted to surprise you and Leatrice let me in.” Ian wore black leather pants and a white T-shirt that was worn soft so that I could see the outline of his muscles underneath and the tattoos on his upper arms. His blond hair had gotten longer and curled around the nape of his neck. Everything about him screamed 'bad boy' so it still surprised me that, at heart, he was a nice guy.  It was the nice guy that I'd fallen for but the bad boy that made my heart race.
            "Of course she did," Kate said. Leatrice adored Ian, partly because he was a man with a heartbeat who liked me and partly because he helped when she needed things done around the house.  I was grateful she no longer felt the need to set me up with every delivery man that came to our building.
            “Well, you surprised me,” I said, trying to slow my heartbeat. I looked away from his tight shirt, hoping that would help.
            Kate pulled herself up onto the couch. “Are you crazy? I thought you were an intruder.” She sniffed and pushed her hair out of her face. “You’re lucky I didn’t have a weapon.”
            I knew that Kate would never carry a gun until they came out with a designer version that could fit in a Kate Spade clutch and breathed a sigh of relief that that day was a long way off. If the world was lucky, that day would never arrive.
            Ian held up his hands. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He smiled at me and raised his eyebrows. “I thought I might catch you alone, love.”
            I felt my pulse quicken a bit. I was a sucker for accents and his soft Scottish brogue could make me melt. It was almost enough to wipe away the thoughts of Reese that had been playing in my mind since I’d seen him.
            Ian walked over to me and took my hand, then raised it to his lips. "I've missed you."
           I felt myself blush and couldn't help breaking out in a huge smile.
            Kate looked between the two of us. “Maybe I should run out for coffee?” She scooped her purse off the floor and batted her eyelashes at me. “Can I get you anything? Frappucino? Muffin?”
            I shot her a look but she just smiled and blew me a kiss. My Blackberry beeped inside my purse and we all stopped.
            “Ignore it.” Kate and Ian both said.
            I cringed. “I can’t ignore it.” I gave Ian an apologetic look. “It’s probably nothing.”
            “Then I’ll check it,” Kate said, lunging for my bag.  She pulled it out and punched a few buttons. I saw her eyes grow wide and then she rolled them.
            I held my hand out for the phone. “What? Who is it?”
            “Richard,” Kate sighed. “Apparently the bride didn’t stay in her hide out. She and Fern just showed up on the boat with a space healer.” She read more. “They’re trying to remove anything with negative vibrations.”
            I imagined Jeremy Johns and Mrs. Barbery being carried out and put on the dock by a spiritual healer dressed in flowing purple robes. This I had to see.  I could only hope that Fern was not dressed as a spiritual healer wearing purple robes.
            Ian’s eyebrows disappeared under his choppy bangs. “A space healer? What kind of wedding is this?”
            “The insane kind,” I ran a hand through my hair. “Is there any other?”
           
           
           
           
           

Hitched Styling Night!

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 26th or Wednesday, December 7th for more fabulous fun working with the Hitched Gals to find the veils and jewelry that suit your big-day style.

While their usual collection of baubles will be available for viewing, Hitched is so excited to also feature the amazing accessories from Enchanted Atelier There will be a plethora of belts, headbands, headpieces, fascinators, and birdcages at your disposal and Enchanted Atelier's designer, Liv, will be here to answer any questions and help you pull together your total "look."

What: Hitched Styling Night featuring accessories by Enchanted Atelier (Feel free to check out her fabulous array of bling and request certain pieces be brought in for the evening!)

When: Wednesday, October 26th, from 5pm to 8pm or
Wednesday, December 7th from 5pm to 8pm


Special Treat: As an added bonus, Hitched is offering 10% off all accessories purchased during the event!

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com
(Please specify which date you'd like to RSVP for!)


Take a sneak peek at Enchanted Atelier's offerings at their website! http://www.enchantedatelier.com/

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Croquembouche {French Wedding Cake}


Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending time with the delightful Alison DeWit of Distinctive Floral Designs. Although Alison creates floral designs and not pastry, she shared with me a hilarious story of a collapsing croquembouche at a wedding, which got me thinking about the classic French dessert.


I've had many croquembouches at weddings. Some were the primary cake and some were a part of a larger dessert display.  Technically speaking, it is a high cone of profiteroles that can be dipped in chocolate or caramel and bound with caramel then decorated with threads of caramel, spun sugar or chocolate.



They aren't simple to construct but when they are done properly, they're stunning. If they're not done properly, well, you'll have to ask Alison!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Amsale Trunk Show {Hitched Salon}


This is no trick—have we got a treat for you! Before you dress up like a wizard or witch, why not stop by and preview yourself as a beautiful bride? 

We hope you'll join the ladies of Hitched for the ever-popular Amsale Bridal Gown Trunk Show, coming up on Friday, October 28th & Saturday, October 29th! Designer Amsale Aberra's gowns are some of the prettiest we've ever seen, and her latest collection is no exception. You've seen her modern-yet-timeless designs go down the aisle on some of your favorite TV shows (Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters) and on the big screen ( When In Rome, 27 Dresses)—but now's your chance to see the stunning collection in person!

This trunk show is sure to fill up fast, so book your appointment today!

What: Amsale Bridal Trunk Show

When: Friday, October 28th & Saturday,October 29th

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com
(Please remember, gown trials are by appointment only!)

Special Treat:  You'll have the chance to try on the latest gowns from Amsale, straight from the runway! Hitched will also be offering a 10% discount on all Amsale gowns purchased during the event!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Pimento Cheese {Fun Food Trend}


One of this year's hot food trends (according to everyone from Bon Apetit to Nation's Restaurant News) is pimento cheese. If you don't hail from the South, you may not be familiar with this traditional spread but if, like me, you grew up below the Mason-Dixon pimento cheese is practically a staple.  Made primarily from cheddar cheese, chopped pimentos and mayonnaise, this tangy concoction is served everywhere from lunchboxes to garden parties.  In the South, you can find it in grocery stores but purists make their own (I know I do).


Now pimento cheese is making an appearance all over the country, on caterers menus and at weddings. Like all great comfort food, pimento cheese can be dressed up or down so creative chefs are putting it in everything from crostinis to gourmet macaroni and cheese to savory cheesecakes. I've even seen goat gouda versions of pimento cheese. 



I love the photo at the top of the blog of tiny pimento cheese favors. How fun to send guests home with samples of delicious pimento cheese!  

For those who want to try their hand at homemade pimento cheese, here is my favorite recipe courtesy of the fabulous North Carolina cook, Molly Weston. It is quick and easy and so yummy!

Pimento Cheese

3/4 lb. sharp Cheddar, grated
3/4 lb. sharp white Cheddar, grated
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 jar roasted red peppers, drained
1 tsp sugar
salt & pepper to taste
Tabasco to taste
1 cup Duke's mayonnaise (approx.)

Mix cheeses until blended. (I use food processor.) Add peppers (chopped if not using food processor),
sugar, salt & pepper, and Tabasco. Add enough mayonnaise to make mixture spreading consistency.
Refrigerate till about 1 hour before serving.


Monday, October 17, 2011

Inspired by Peacock Blue!

credits, clockwise, from top left: LoveLifeImages, Style Me Pretty, In Style
Weddings, In Style Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Style Me Pretty, Flights of Fancy,
Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings, Flights of Fancy


One of our weddings this weekend used the most beautiful peacock blue linens, and I was reminded of this inspiration board. I love these saturated colors and the way fall colors play off it. Gorgeous!  Happy flashback Monday!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Gotham Hall in all of its Glamour {Samira + Jesse}


 
It was such a pleasure to work alongside Samira, the bride, for the past year planning this stunning affair.  With Samira living in NYC and me living in DC, we were able to plan and finalize every detail with the use of email and cell phones with the exception of 2 in-person meetings. 

The weather on the morning of the wedding was a solid 68 degrees and sunny as the 3 of us (myself and my 2 assistants) arrived at the Trump Soho to check on the bride, her mom and sisters.  Setup in the bride’s room in front of a gorgeous view of the city, Maria Licari stayed busy doing both hair and makeup for the ladies.  Once hair and makeup was done, the bride slipped into her beautiful Vera Wang gown accompanied by fun, sparkly Christian Louboutin heels, which surprisingly the bride said were comfortable all night long.   










Then they were off…the bride, her sisters and her mom headed to State Street for some unique photos and video.   The groom and his groomsmen were also taking fun shots around the city at the same time.   We had very talented photographers and videographers with us.  Thank you to Shira Weinberger who captures the day in photos without losing any of the beauty and grandeur.  Thank you to I Do Films for a video that will last a lifetime.






As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted by string musicians playing on the sidewalk.  The all-white ceremony with lilac lighting was breathtaking (thanks to Bentley Meeker Lighting).  White draping (thanks to Dazian Fabrics) enclosed the center section with all white flower balls hanging from the center.  The ceremony stage had 2 14ft tall trees with white Cymbidium, Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids attached as leaves and hanging garlands as well as hanging crystal and candles.  All of the floral designs and custom linen were provided by the amazing and talented Golf Srithamrong of Tantawan Bloom in NYC.










The Afghan ceremony took place under these trees and was performed by an Imam (priest) brought in from Virginia.  Ceremony musicians provided by Craig Scott Entertainment played contemporary pieces such as "Clocks" by Coldplay, "Beautiful Day" by U2 and "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve for the processional and recessional music.











As guests made their way upstairs to the cocktail reception, they stopped at the 7ft tall Escort Card Tree decorated with Cymbidium Orchids blossoming from its branches and hanging crystals.  They nibbled on delicious appetizers and beverages provided by caterer, Thomas Preti.



Once cocktails were over, guests made their way back downstairs where the room had been transformed.  6 ft tall centerpieces decorated each table along with silver glass sunburst chargers (thanks to Something Different Party Rental) that served as a resting place for custom designed menu cards and favor boxes filled with delicious chocolates.  Silver chairs with off-white cushions (thanks  to Liz Waylan at DC Rental) surrounded each table.  The lighting for dinner was a deep violet.  Golf custom designed an all white vinyl dance floor that seemed to glow in the room.










Vali Entertainment provided the American entertainment for the evening and served as MC.  I couldn’t believe how amazing every song they played sounded!  Truly talented!  For our Afghani guests, we brought in David Sayed from Virginia to play while the bride and groom performed their traditional portion of the reception (having henna applied to their hands, looking in the mirror, etc.).    ESP New York handled all of our audio visual needs and the sound was absolutely perfect.






In addition to the food, Thomas Preti also designed the couple’s 4 tier red velvet cake with white fondant and silver ribbons on each tier.  





The bride and groom waved goodbye from a vintage Rolls Royce as they drove into the lights of Times Square.







Thank you to Cindy Altunis from Gotham Hall for all of your help with coordination!

Thank you to my amazing assistants Emily Metzger and Amanda Smith!  You guys are rock stars!


Caterer - www.thomaspreti.com/
Videographer - http://www.idofilms.net/


Congratulations Samira and Jesse!

Christine