Dazzling Details Bazaar!

Dazzling Details is the event where you can find all your wedding details in one location on one day! From your cake topper to your fascinator, favors and shoe accessories--all under one roof. 

This event will take place on Sunday April 22, 2012 from 12pm to 6pm at The Historic Savage Manor located in Savage, Maryland.

Want to get first dibs on all the products? Be a VIP and get an early entry into the Dazzling Details Wedding Bazaar. Receive a Luxury Swag Bag full of amazing products and enjoy a Continental Breakfast. VIP Entry starts at 11am. Go to Dazzling Details Bazaar for tickets!

 

Wordless Wednesday!

Okay, I'm cheating--just a few words: I loved this bride and I really love this shot! Thanks Greg Gibson Photography!

Favorite Nearby Getaways {DC Mini-Moons}

Glamour

Do you ever really feel the need to get away from it all but don't have the time to fly somewhere fabulous?  Do you really need a break from wedding planning even if just for a weekend? The DC-area has some amazing resorts just a couple of hours drive away and they make you feel like you're in another world.  We love pampering and these resorts offer lots of that. Gorgeous rooms, stunning scenery, great food and (of course) wonderful spas!

 hcareers.com

The Omni at Bedford Springs

Just a short drive up into Pennsylvania, this old-world resort is tucked away in a quiet town.  This is the perfect place to unwind and do nothing. I love the long porches that extend the length of the resort and are lined with rocking chairs. They also have a gorgeous indoor pool, an outdoor pool and a beautiful spa. You can dine at one of several restaurants or just order room service and enjoy your luxurious room.

graceormonde.com

Keswick Hall

For those familiar with Charlottesville, Keswick Hall needs no explanation. This stunning resort rises like a Tuscan jewel out of the Virginia hills.  Each room of this resort is unique and decorated with antiques and one-of-a-kind items, giving each visit a new charm. Keswick Hall has plenty of activities, from golf to swimming to fox hunting. Or you can just sit back, take a dip in the infinity pool and enjoy the Southern charm and amazing cuisine.

 perrycabin.com

The Inn at Perry Cabin

If water soothes you, look no farther than this lovely resort on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Sitting on the water in the quaint town of St. Michaels, this charming property boasts an array of water activities as well as the chance to explore nearby antique shops and Victorian homes.

The Four Seasons Baltimore

Perhaps the closest option for a getaway, this Four Seasons is no less of an escape. Perched on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this brand new hotel offers breathtaking views, gorgeous rooms, a fabulous spa and the top-notch service that Four Seasons is known for. Come for a weekend to enjoy the action of the Inner Harbor or just come to relax and watch it all go by from your window.

Happy travels and happy Monday!!

Enzoani Trunk Show {Love Couture}

Scent of a Woman {Wedding Day Fragrance}

1WeddingSource

Back in the day when Monte Durham of "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta" fame was a DC-based wedding stylist and we worked together on just about every wedding, I picked up some of his wedding day tips. Some aren't suitable to publish because if you've watched the show you know that Monte loves to say exactly what he thinks! 

 TLC

 But one I can pass on is his love of selecting a signature fragrance for each bride. He considered your wedding day fragrance to be an important accessory like finding the right jewelry or perfect veil.  He would often take our brides scent shopping to select a perfume that she would wear on her wedding day.

 Camile Styles

As he was getting the bride ready on the wedding day, Monte would layer the fragrance starting with the scented body lotion and then the actual perfume applied to pressure points. He would always finish off by misting her veil with the perfume.  The effect was never over-powering but the fragrance lingered all night.

I recently found a new favorite fragrance by Jo Malone. I love her blends and I love that they are simply named--Vanilla and Anise, Lime Basil and Mandarin, White Jasmine and Mint. I have a hard time taking myself seriously wearing something called "Fancy Love," "My Insolence," "Solar Donkey Power" or, heaven forbid, "Earthworm" (these are all real perfume names, by the way).

I'm amazed by how much a small dab of my new favorite scent-- Vanilla and Anise-- can lift my mood (and have me inhaling my own wrists all day). I know some women have a perfume they've won for years and plan to wear on their wedding day, which is great. If you have a signature scent, you should wear it!  But if you don't have a scent you're known for, why not use your wedding as an opportunity to find a luxurious new fragrance? Wander the perfume aisle at Saks or Neimans and see what grabs you and then, when you've found the perfect one, don't forget that final spritz on your veil. Thanks Monte!

Tis the Season . . . for Sample Sales {Hitched Sample Sale!}

It's that bittersweet time of year again, when bridal salons must say goodbye to many of their favorite bridal gown samples to make room for new ones by treasured designers. Lucky for you, this means the opportunity to get a stunning couture bridal gown for a fraction of the price! We hope you can join the team at Hitched for the Sample Sale Soiree on Thursday, March 29th from 5-8pm!

What: Hitched Sample Sale Soiree

When: Thursday, March 29th from 5pm-8pm [first-come, first-served—no appointment necessary!]

Why: To find the dress of your dreams at a steal! Couture weddings gowns [Anna Maier, Amsale, Judd Waddell, Lela Rose, and more] will be up to 60% off, and once purchased, are yours to take home with you that evening.

RSVP: Although no appointment is necessary, please RSVP to info@hitchedsalon.com.

The Little Details: Please note that all sample sale gowns are final sale, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because the sample sale gowns are stored off-site, the sample sale event is the only time we allow sample gown trials. To inquire about purchasing a sample sale gown over the phone, please contact us at 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com.

Most of the sample sale gowns are now pictured on our website, so feel free to take a sneak peek then grab the best decision makers in your life  to have some fun and find "the one!"

Carine's Designer Sample Sale!

Calling all DC Foodies! {Sapore Artisanal Oils & Vinegars}

I had the pleasure of sneaking into Sapore a few days ago before the official grand opening and all I can say is Wow!  Sapore is Washington DC’s first gourmet Oil & Vinegar shop to offer over 30 premium extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, single sourced and flavor infused, plus sea & mineral salts, hand crafted spice blends and pastas. The shop is chic and airy, the yellow walls lined with large metal fustis (or tanks) to keep the oils and vinegars fresh.

They are located in historic Capitol Hill, around the corner from Eastern Market. Sapore means “taste, or flavor” in Italian, and they encourage you to taste any of their products before you buy. I sampled their 25-year-old balsamic vinegar and had to stop myself from drinking it. So delicious!

And, of course I asked if they planned to offer mini bottles for use as favors (weddings are always on my mind). They not only have small Sapore bottles (ideal for a foodie welcome bag in guests' hotel rooms) but they are getting even smaller half-moon glass bottles. The perfect size for a take-away gift for wedding guests.

 

So be sure to drop by and check out the amazing treats at Sapore. Located at 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE in D.C. (right around the corner from Eastern Market), this is the new hot shop in the city! Salute!

Oh Happy Day!

Photo by Steph Goralnick via Intimate Weddings

In tribute to the amazing weather D.C. has been having (hello, summer!), I thought I'd post a wedding photo to sum up how I feel. Weeee Heeeeeee!  Happy Friday, everyone!!

Grassroots Gourmet

Last week we blogged about the wonder that is Luke's Lobster, YUM!  Such a small world.  One of my clients e mailed me to tell me they went to school with him.  I love that.  Real people success stories.  Ok, that sounds kind of sappy.  Moving on, last night I met with two women, whose grandmothers are sisters, making them cousins.  These women, Sara and Jamilyah, decided to take grandmas' recipes and start a desserts business.  Grassroots Gourmet was born.

This duo has a passion for baking to your specifications.  While a large amount of their business currently comes from government orders, non profits and law firms, they are growing their wedding cake business as well as supplying yummy desserts to area restaurants.  Enter Luke's Lobster.  Woopie Pies sold there, from the talented ladies of Grassroots Gourmet.  Did I mention they are also getting ready to open a storefront?  Who doesn't want another desserts shop around.

Their approach to cakes is very unique, which is important as I think everyone has their own cake preferences based on their upbringing.  The interview clients- brides, grooms, birthday/anniversary clients, etc. about flavors and tastes that they loved in childhood and seek out now.  They customize new flavors for each client.  Now of course, you can still get your traditional red velvet or chocolate, chocolate, chocolate :)  But for a really unique taste, give them some details and find out what they can come up with.

These ladies love pies as well and I am currently exploring an array of desserts with them for a summer wedding along with blueberry muffins with them for another event.

Sara

More Amazing Room Shots {Dana and Chris}

We have so many amazing images from Greg Gibson of this amazing Newseum wedding that we wanted to share even more!  Enjoy!

A Glamorous Newseum Bash {Dana & Chris Part 2}

As planners, we are always excited to work in a new venue, so I was delighted to get the chance to plan the first wedding on the main floor of The Newseum!  Typically an area that is used for non-profit and corporate events, the main floor was perfect for this couple!  The groom was wonderfully involved and insistent on having the party of the century, so a party we had! 

Sugarplum Tent provided us with a wonderful clear tent for the second floor balcony for cocktail hour, and the Greek band Achilles began the night for us and played throughout the dinner hour.  So fun!

Stephanie Retelle with Wolfgang Puck provided the 350 guests with a wonderful spread to keep everyone full for the long night ahead!  Georgetown Cupcakes provided red velvet cupcakes adorned with the couple’s initials for dessert!

The fabulous Liz Waylan at DC Rental provided us with the elegant linens, base plates, glassware and flatware to complete the look!

After dinner, the talented 80’s band Spazmatics came all the way from LA to get the party started!  How great is their “Revenge of the Nerds” attire! 

Amaryllis helped us transform the tent into an after party, which went into the wee hours of the morning, with some funky black lounge furniture and red lighting!  We had The Cigar Box out to roll cigars and showed the Pacquiao/Marquez fight on the big screen.  DJ Seyhan Duru kept the music going for all of the late night partiers!

 This wedding was truly amazing and so fun to work on!  Congratulations to the loving couple, Dana & Chris!!

 Special thanks to the following vendors who worked so hard with me!

Greg Gibson Photography

Hitched Salon

The Newseum/Wolfgang Puck Catering

Linder & Associates

Marc Parc Valet

Columbia Floral Gallery

Achilles

The Spazmatics

DC Rental

Falcon Entertainment Group

Amaryllis Event Designs

The Cigar Box

Seyhan Duru

Georgetown Cupcake

Lilypad Weddings

Park Hyatt

Erwin Gomez Make Up

Peggy Ioakim Hair

Fandango
Sugarplum Tents

Huge thank you to my assistants Olivia, Carley and Kelly for all of their hard work!

Xoxo,

Amanda

Amsale Bridesmaids' Trunk Show {Hitched Salon}

Show your best gals how much you appreciate the love and support they've given you over the years (especially during your often-stressful wedding planning process) by outfitting them in bridesmaid dresses that they'll actually be excited to wear! Join Hitched for a week of dress trials and discounts during our Amsale Bridesmaid Trunk Show, March 22nd -30th!

Amsale's bridesmaid dresses are chic, sophisticated and modern, so it's no surprise that they're a favorite among Hitched bridesmaids-to-be. At the Bridesmaid Trunk Show they'll have tons of Amsale dress options to try, so grab your girls and be prepared to be wowed by bridesmaid dresses that they'll love. For this week only, they'll be offering 15% off of any Amsale bridesmaid dress!

If your girls are local, just have them make an appointment that week to come in to choose their dresses and complete their purchase. Have some out of town bridesmaids who can't make it to the store, but would also love to take advantage of the discount? No problem! Simply have them email or fax their completed forms and payment during that time frame, and Hitched will take care of the rest.

In order to be eligible for this promotion, each bridesmaid in your bridal party must complete her order forms, submit them to Hitched, and pay for her dress in full March 22nd – March 30th, 2012. The entire order must be completed and ready for submission to Amsale no later than March 30th, 2012 in order for the 15% discount to be applicable. Orders completed after March 30th will not receive the 15% Trunk Show discount.

What: Amsale Bridesmaid Trunk Show

When: Thursday, March 22nd - Friday, March 30th

  

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com (Remember, bridesmaids need an appointment to try on the dresses)

A Spectacular St.Sophia Wedding! {Dana & Chris}

This wedding was so beautiful that I felt it had to be broken up in to two different blogs!  The mid-November wedding ceremony took place at the beautiful St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Northwest, DC.  The bride prepared for her big day at one of our favorite hotels – the Park Hyatt DC.  After some family photos with the talented Greg Gibson, we were off to the Church! 

The flowers for the personals and centerpieces were provided by Columbia Floral Gallery/Flowers by Sandra!

 

The gorgeous dress was from one of our favorite places- Hitched in DC!  How beautiful is this bride!

 I absolutely love working at St. Sophia.  It is such a gorgeous church with so much history!  

A DC landmark and a special place in the grooms heart!

 When I first met this beautiful bride, we instantly clicked!  I loved how calm and laid back she was- even mentioning that, if the ring bearers don’t make it down the aisle, she didn’t care! Well, as you can see from this adorable picture, that actually happened and she just laughed it off! 

The show still went on and the girls made it down the aisle no sweat- a la Pippa Middleton! 

I love that my job includes getting to watch so many personal and religious details.  The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is beautiful and full of tradition!

 Check out that kiss!! Love it! 

Stay tuned for more fabulous images of Dana & Chris, the first wedding on the main floor of The Newseum, and a rocking after party!

Cheers,

Amanda