Rivini at Carine's {Trunk Shows}

Anna Maier at Hitched {Trunk Shows}

This summer and fall you'll attend plenty of weddings, and of course you'll see plenty of wedding gowns walk down the aisle. As a bride yourself, we know you're wondering how to find the gown that's going to make you stand out from the bunch when your big day arrives! Never fear—the Hitched gals will help you find a gown that's sure to be talked about for years to come at our Anna Maier Trunk Show, coming up on Friday, June 8th & Saturday, June 9th!

It's evident when looking at the gowns in the Anna Maier collection that designer Charles Bunstine is extremely conscious of the little details. From selecting the finest European fabrics to intricately hand-draping every pleat and fold, each Anna Maier gown is created with an incredible amount of personal attention and care. From sleek, sophisticated lace (a Hitched fave) and dramatically draped satin, you're sure to find a gown that perfectly suits both your figure and your personality..

What: Anna Maier/Ulla~Maija Bridal Gown Trunk Show

When: Friday, June 8th & Saturday, June 9th

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

All the Details: By purchasing an Anna Maier gown at the trunk show, you'll receive a complimentary muslin fitting, which ensures a fit that will be unlike any other garment you've ever worn. You'll also have the opportunity to meet designer Charles Bunstine, who will assist you in selecting gowns and offer suggestions for how to tweak them for your specific shape.

This is an opportunity that's not to be missed, so be sure to make your appointment today by phone [202.333.6162] or email [appointments@hitchedsalon.com].

Wedding Uggs!

The famed Australian footwear designer, Ugg, has come out with a wedding line of their boots. Bride or bridesmaids can select from three different options: Sparkles I Do, Fluffy Flip-Flop I Do or Bailey Bling I Do.

What do you think of the new fancy footwear? A wedding "do" or a wedding "don't?"

Happy Memorial Day!

As you may imagine, Memorial Day is a huge weekend for weddings. Even in D.C. where the city becomes a madhouse with bikers and parades and demonstrations and Rolling Thunder.  Every Memorial Day, our team is out in full force and this year was no exception. We had weddings at The Mellon, The Building Museum, The Fairmont Hotel, Meridian House and even a destination wedding in Turks and Caicos!

Every year as I weave my way into the city, I love to see all the bikers assembling for Rolling Thunder even if I'm not crazy about the wild detours I have to take to get around them. I love their patriotism and spirit (and all that bad-ass leather)! Last year as I was setting up a wedding at The Mellon, I heard the low rumbling of the bikes and ran outside to watch the thousands of bikers roar past on Constitution Avenue then hurried back inside to finish setting out place cards.

A couple of years back, one of my fabulously fun brides decided to do photos down at the Lincoln around all the bikers. This is one of my all-time favorite shoots (thanks to the uber-talented Matt Mendelsohn).

The bikers were so nice and loved being a part of her pictures and she really got into the spirit of things.  I hope these guys are still out there on the Mall flying their American flags high and having a great time.  Happy Memorial Day everyone and special thanks to all the brave souls who have given their lives in service!

The Case for a REAL Bow Tie

I would have to say the number of times a year anyone in one of my wedding parties wears a real bow tie is probably between 1 and 5%.  Not so much.  This past weekend, I had advance notice that the gentlemen would, in fact, be wearing real bow ties and may need assistance in tying them.  No problem, I'm a pro!

Only the week before the wedding did I completely understand why this was the much desired choice of the mother of the bride.  I received the picture below in an e mail explaining that if you are not wearing the real thing, this look is simply not possible.

Needless to say, my mouth dropped.  How RIGHT she is!  The attractive look was spotted by more than one groomsman by the end of the night.  I am officially inspired!

Sara

Mason Jars? Say It Isn't So!

Most people who know me, also know that the improper use of Mason jars at weddings can send me over the edge. Like wanting to use Mason jars in a formal museum setting or if the couple has never actually used a Mason jar in real life (for something other than a drinking a cocktail at someone else's rustic-chic wedding).

So it's shocking that I actually endorse these adorable and practical Mason jars with lids pre-cut for straws.  It grieves me that I think they are "pinch me cute" and am thinking of ordering some for myself. Oh, the shame.  But, seriously, aren't they clever?

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Honeymoon Planner!

Top 10 Reasons to use a Honeymoon Planner

10. You are on your own to fix your own problems if you’ve booked your own trip.
With a travel agent experienced in honeymoon travel you get 24 hour 7 days a week customer service department so you are never alone. You don’t need to waste your time and money on your holiday fixing problems. When you book your travels with a travel agent you are never alone.

9. In today’s Internet-savvy world, many people choose to take control of their travel plans, and we’ve all heard the horror stories – undisclosed travel times, the luxury hotel suite that was anything but luxury or the lackluster tour guide. Some travelers like the risk and “adventure” of do-it-yourself traveling. But, the more discerning traveler knows to let a travel specialist do what they do best. If you are looking for a fun adventure, see more about Costa Rica & Belize Adventures.

8. Their buying power is greater than yours. Experienced travel agents come with a lot of clout because they move a lot of people and have contacts at many hotels and destinations that can work to your advantage that you would not have if you booked your trip on your own. They have gained first-hand knowledge of all global destinations offered, allowing them to plan the ultimate vacation. Because of the personal relationships they’ve established with global hoteliers, clients often are treated to complimentary breakfast, food & beverage credits or priority upgrades. Read more about Elite Services

7. You were certain that the resort you’d booked for your honeymoon was on the water because you could see it plain and clear in the photo on their web site. Turns out there was a highway between your room and the ocean. A honeymoon travel specialist will help you find the right room and view to meet your needs and your budget…they have the knowledge to help you determine the difference between oceanfront and ocean view. Check out Jade Mountain in St. Lucia (above) where all the rooms have infinity pools and views of the Caribbean Sea.

6. Your room was the most affordable in the resort which gave you the best “value” like the web site promised, but that meant it was nearest to the street and in front of the disco that was open all night, so you never got to sleep and still can’t get that ABBA tune out of your head. Let the professional’s help you plan your honeymoon…that’s what a honeymoon planner is for.

5. All of your friends who booked through a luxury travel advisor had special passes for a private tour of the Vatican, except for you, so you stood in line for three hours in the hot sun, just to see the main rooms. While you were waiting your friends met the Pope and then went off to sip Prosecco cocktails in the garden of the Hotel du Russie. Want a European honeymoon?

4. You didn’t realize until you got to the airport that your passport needed to have at least six months on your passport before it expired. Now you know! So, you’ll go next year. Let the travel professionals help you with the details of planning your vacation. See a Youtube video on the MALDIVES.

3. A honeymoon specialist is your advocate; someone who is accountable for the time and money you are investing. Travel specialists works for you, not for hotels, cruise lines or airlines. Learn about how to customize your Tailor-Made Journey.

2. Honeymoon specialists travel the planet in search of the most romantic destinations and the search still goes on.  Some even offer a Honeymoon Gift Registry.

1. With the million and one things you have to do before your wedding day, a honeymoon specialist will take a huge item off your "to-do" list (or keep you from nagging your fiance to do it). Enough said.


Thanks to Teresa from Honeymoon Islands for her tips. Honeymoon Islands has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Great Escapes as offering the most unique romantic honeymoon ideas and locations. They also currently serve on the travel advisory board for Islands Magazine, Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Magazine, Spa Magazine, Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine. See the travel specials and recommendations posted on their Facebook page.

Grids Waffles {Food Trucks for Weddings}

One of the fun DC wedding trends is having food trucks. Enter Grids Waffles!  This fun company makes gourmet, fabulously flavored waffles stuffed with deluxe sweet and savory fillings. Check out some of the offerings:

I Know What You Grid Last Summer                                                               

Chocolate Chips, Strawberries, Whip Cream

Nitty Griddy                                                                                                      

Nutella, Bananas, Whip Cream

Grids S’mores Waffle                                                                                       

Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Whip Cream

Gridlicious                                                                                                      

Bacon and Syrup

Griddy Up & Go                                                                                                

Bacon, Cream Cheese, Fresh Green Onions

Great Grids of Fire

Nacho Waffle w/Jalapenos, Melted Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa

Forgridden Love                                                                                             

Red Velvet Waffle, Cream Cheese Frosting, Whip Cream

P-Griddy

Pizza Waffle w/Mozerella Cheese, Pizza Sauce, Fresh Basil, Garlic Salt

They will even create custom flavors for your wedding. Talk about a fun treat at the end of the night (or as guests wait for their cars at the valet stand). Yum!

Wish Upon a Star Winner! {Jorge Manuel & Hitched}

You may remember a couple of months back we helped announce the Wish Upon A Star contest sponsored by Hitched and wedding designer Jorge Manuel. With 6 amazing finalists and over 3000 public votes, it was an exciting race to the finish. The lovely Farisa Dastvar won the gorgeous Eternal Flame gown by Jorge Manuel. She assembled an exuberant crew of friends and family to help her celebrate the exciting news! 

Hitched was especially thankful to their amazing partners for helping to create a great event. The guests were treated to delicious fare by Design Cuisine, beautiful Flowers By Sidra, and fun party favors (personalized note cards) by Meant to be Calligraphy. 

In addition to a custom gown by Jorge Manuel, Farisa got to spend the night at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel (oh what a treat!).

All photos are courtesy of Chris Anderson at Route 1 MutltiMeida.

Congratulations Farisa!!

Sugarplum Tents {Vendor Love}

We have been working with Davis Richardson and his team at Sugarplum Tents for over 15 years and they are one of our "dream team" vendors. Davis knows so much about tenting and always goes the extra mile to make sure events run perfectly. I've had Davis personally stay on-site for an entire wedding just to make sure that everything is flawless. Not many company owners do that!

Sugarplum has set up tents for us on horse farms, in back yards, on super yachts (on of our most memorable events, especially when it monsooned!) and everywhere in between.  He knows what type of tent works in what space and how to get the job done with the least damage to landscaping.

I love his clear span tents (check out the one at the Gaylord National Riverview Terrace in the two photos above) and also the new sailcloth tents he has.  Sugarplum can also add fabric liners, twinkle lights, dance floors and staging.

Thanks Davis and Sugarplum for always making out tented events look spectacular!

Vintage Opulence {Lia and Hudson} Part Two

Lia and Hudson's spectacular wedding continued after the gorgeous ceremony with cocktails outside on the upstairs terrace overlooking the Washington Monument and featured their signature cocktail "La Vie En Rose."

Guests enjoyed a raw bar and cocktails before returning inside for the dinner.

While guests were enjoying cocktails, the design and catering teams transformed the space into a stunning setting for dinner and dancing. I loved featuring the showpiece cake under the sheer ceremony canopy.  The boxwoods were moved to create a wall in front of the dining tables and the enormous urns flanked the guests' entrance into dinner. Talk about a wow factor!

Amaryllis designed the long rectangular tables with silver candleabra and running arrangements of garden roses and greenery. Thanks you Rick!!!  You are so talented and fun to work with!

The table were set with gold chargers, porcelain pheasant plates and gold-rimmed stemware. Gold-edged menu cards were tucked inside linen hemstiched napkins for the final touch.  We sourced rentals from DC Rental, Perfect Settings and Party Rental to come up with the perfect combination.

After guests were invited into the main room, the groom toasted his bride and introduced the a capella group from his alma mater, the University of Maryland.  "The Generics" were a fabulous way to kick off the evening's entertainment and were so much fun!

Loved these guys!!

Lia and Hudson took to the dance floor for their first romantic spin around the floor. Talk about a couple madly in love!

Then guests were treated to a six course dinner (featuring everything from a salad and pasta course to a sorbet palette cleanser and lobster tails to the almond brickle ice cream) from the amazing Jeff Judy and his team at Federal City. Jeff was an absolute dream to work with and the food was out of this world!

The bride and groom cut the Sylvia Weinstock cake after dinner and I felt like crying because it was almost too beautiful to cut!  Sylvia had created a towering old-world style confection using edible gold foil and fresh flowers that was drop-dead gorgeous.

In keeping with the wedding's vintage style, the bride displayed Victorian wedding memorabilia and had guests write notes to them and gathered these on an antique tray.

Even the ladies' room had decadent toiletries displayed on antique trays. 

After dinner, everyone rocked out to the Gerard Carelli Orchestra!

Departing guests were given crystal Tiffany bowls wrapped in the groom's tartan ribbon and tied with Jordan almonds.  Each favor included a personal note to the guest. Such a lovely touch!

Gentleman were offered cigars as they left!

In perfect style, Lia and Hudson left their reception in a vintage car from Regal Limousines for a moonlight tour of the monuments.

This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime wedding and I feel lucky to have been a part of it. Lia and Hudson and their families and friends were all so wonderful that it didn't even feel like work.  Congratulations Lia and Hudson!!

Special thanks to Greg Gibson, as always, for capturing the joy and beauty of the day.  Thanks to Linda Lindamood from Linder and Associates for the flawless transportation during a busy IMF weekend. Thanks to the wonderful team at The Mellon (Heather, Sarah, Jenna and Nicole) for making the day run so smoothly, thanks to Liz and Joe from DC Rental for all their hard work and to all three rental companies who contributed to the table settings (and to my associate Amanda for sorting it all out), thanks to Matt at Nomad for sound production, thanks to Perkins for the white dance floor, and thanks to Christina at the Willard for hosting the rooms, welcome reception and rehearsal dinner.  Most of all, thank you to my amazing assistants Amanda and Krista.  This team was such a dream team!