Thomas Bowen Video {Vendor Love}

 I'm a big fan of video for weddings because I think it captures so much that the couple misses because their wedding day flies by.  So many of my clients tell me that they're so glad they had video at their wedding, especially when they lose a grandparent or loved one shortly after.  Good video can really bring back the emotions of the day. Bad video should be outlawed.

One of the best videographers in DC (and an Engaging Affairs fave) is Thomas Bowen Films. We've known Tom Bowen for well over a decade and he's filmed tons of our weddings over the years. What we love about Tom is his quiet, easy-going manner and his ability to be so unobtrusive that clients have been known to ask if their videographer showed up.  Now that's unobtrusive!

Not only is Tom charming, his videos are beautifully edited and tug at your heartstrings.  I got teary watching one of the highlight videos he did for a recent couple (and after all these years, I never cry at weddings) and it wasn't even my client! He's that good.

Thanks, Tom, for all the years of amazing videos and for being such a delight to work with!

Beautiful Mandarin Oriental Wedding {Video}

We've been busy uploading videos to our new Engaging Affairs' YouTube channel and having a great time reliving the moments of some of our favorite weddings. 

Here is a gorgeous one from The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in DC. Check out our new channel for more short video clips of past Engaging Affairs' weddings!

Summer Green Garden Inspiration! {Flashback Friday}

Photo credits, clockwise from top left: aisle (The Knot), bride with bridesmaids (The Knot), manzanita trees (Elizabeth Ann Designs), lanterns, (Getmarried.com), boutonniere (Getoffwhite.com), cupcakes (Georgetown Cupcakes via Celebrations.com), escort stones (pacificbrideguide.blogspot.com), tablescape (Martha Stewart Weddings), floral centerpiece (Martha Stewart Weddings)

We love this fresh summer inspiration board. Nothing says summer like a crisp green palette and lots of natural details. Happy Friday!

Liancarlo at Carine’s Bridal Atelier {Trunk Show}

Carine’s Bridal, a high-end atelier, is featuring one of their best-selling designers Liancarlo’s Spring 2013 Trunk Show August 2nd-4th.

Carlos Ramirez, the designer behind Liancarlo, is known for his intricate beadwork and feminine silhouettes.  Ramirez’s collection is built from a foundation of luxurious fabrics and a strong attention to detail .  In 2003, Ramirez was awarded the Best New Bridal Designer from the New York Couture Bridal Associate and Wedding Dresses Magazine

“Liancarlo gowns are perfect for the Washington DC bride- a classic silhouette with a fresh take on the traditional beading and intricate details,” said owner, Carine Krawiec. Liancarlo joins the ranks of other couture designers such as Carolina Herrera, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, Angel Sanchez and etc.  

 

 

Carine’s Bridal will hold their second trunk show featuring Liancarlo on August 2nd-4th.  A wider variety of Liancarlo’s Spring 2013 collection, along with his most popular gowns from previous collections will be available.  Appointments are needed, and book up very fast.  Please call the store to inquire about the special incentive or any other questions.  

Carine’s Bridal Atelier, Georgetown’s premier bridal boutique, offers brides the best selection of high-end designer wedding gowns. Carine’s offers personalized customer service to every bride and tailors bridal fashion to a body type, personality and destination. Carine’s also offers veils, accessories, and alterations. 

Regular store hours are Monday 3pm to 6pm, Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 7pm and Saturdays from 11am to 6pm. All viewings are by appointment only.

South Asian Wedding Montage!

Yesterday Amanda and I hung out at Wedding Wire World and learned tons about technology and the wedding biz and all the cool new features over at Wedding Wire. I had to run home and immediately play with the video creation tool, and I thought I'd share the results. This is a montage of images from several Indian weddings over the past couple of years. It's my first attempt but I don't think it's half bad (if I do say so myself). Enjoy!

Barbie and Ken Get Hitched!

Beatrice de Guigne via Rock n Roll Bride

This is the absolute BEST wedding shoot I've seen in ages. You must check out how Béatrice de Guigné set up the dolls to mimic so many of the wedding shots we see today. The "detail" shots and "getting ready" images crack me up (which may indicate that I've seen way too many wedding shoots). 

Bop on over to Rock N Roll Bride for the whole wedding! Hope this brightens up your Monday!!

Gorgeous Grace Kelly Inspiration {Flashback Friday!}

From top left: bride (Angela Anderson Photography), Grace Kelly in bridal gown,

flowers/cake (Style Me Pretty), Monaco castle (Photosigougo.com), Grace Kelly's hats (Vanity Fair), car (Salvatore Ferragamo), ice blue bridesmaid 


dresengagement ring (Adorn-London.com), tiaras (Martha Stewart Weddings), Grace Kelly blue dress, hankerchief and pearls (Style Me Pretty) 

 

 

One of my favorite bridal icons EVER! Timeless and classic. Happy Friday!

Glam Garden Bridal Shower!

Talk about a gorgeous bridal shower! Held at the family home, this stunning tented affair was planned by Amanda and was a well-kept surprise for the bride. The gorgeous decor is by Amaryllis, food was from Ridgewells and the beautiful photos are from Juan Carlos Briceno of Fotobriceno. We can't wait for the upcoming wedding!!

Sample Sale at Saks Jandel!!

Fabulous Indian First Dance!

We love this fun first dance from Christine's latest amazing Indian wedding! Be sure to watch until the bridal party joins in and then don't miss the groom's surprise at the end! SO fun!!

Sassy Succulents!

 

 The Knot.com

Succulents are a fun, fresh and eco-friendly way to add a little personality to your wedding.  Great for boiling summer months, these plants don't suck up water or wilt in blazing heat. If you're planning an outdoor wedding this summer, why not use succulents or mix them in with your arrangements?

 Green Wedding Shoes via The Wedding Post

The colors are gorgeous and they also make the perfect favors. Guests can take your centerpieces home and you won't have bucketfuls of wilting flowers to figure out what to do with.  Check out The Succulent Source for a direct way to buy your beauties (their succulents pictured directly above and below).  They also have an Etsy store!

Love their tiny metal buckets!  Be sure to check out The Succulent Source and stay cool!

Paloma Blanca at Love Couture {Trunk Shows}

The Weddings Planners We See on TV

Have I ever mentioned I have the best clients?  They are the ones that just make you smile before and after the big day.  One particular bride who is getting married this week sent me the following e mail on Friday:


When you get around to it, watch this (at least until the 2:40 mark). This episode was on the other day, and I basically cannot wait to see you in Monica mode (not even sure this clip captures it, but SO GLORIOUS). "THIS IS NOT A DRILL!"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmUAyzab03g&feature=related


I did have to break the news to her that I won't be wearing a headset.  Although small secret, I did wear a bluetooth once, but only because the bride asked me to :)  Who am I not to oblige a bride on her big day?


Happy weddings!
Sara

Flashback Friday! {Summer Garden Inspiration)

tomato centerpieces (Snippet & Ink), plant table numbers (Snippet & Ink), flower girl with watering can (Axel and Moa), escort cards (Elizabeth Anne Designs), flower seed favors (Martha Stewart Weddings), fruit favors (Style Me Pretty, bride in rain boots (Style Guide), bouquet with gardening gloves and shears (Better Home and Gardens), wreath (Minna Mercke Schmidt)

What could be more fitting for the middle of the summer than a post on gardeny party ideas. I'm off to the farmer's market this afternoon for more fresh produce for my 7-day juice fast (halfway through--woo hoo) and can't wait to select lots of yummy organic treats. Happy Friday everyone!

Hitched Sample Sale Soiree!

What: Hitched Sample Sale Soiree

When: Thursday, July 19th from 5pm-8pm [first-come, first-served—no appointment necessary!]

Why: To find the dress of your dreams at a steal of a price! Couture weddings gowns [Anna Maier, Amsale, Judd Waddell, Lela Rose, and more] will be from 40-80% 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.

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 they 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.

PLUS Hitched will raffle off a weekend stay in the Presidential Suite at the Westin Georgetown to one lucky bride!!

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

My Brides Making a Difference

I posted a while back about a family I have worked with a couple of times now and the great volunteer project they participated in.  The Rosengarten Family partnered with KaBOOM!, an organization that builds playgrounds for kids with no place to be active outside.  On June 2nd, I joined them and their team of over 50 family members and friends to help build this playground in Bridgeport, CT.


The Family has been nominated for the Classy Award. This is an amazing honor as it is the largest philanthropic award n the country. They have made it to the top five finalist in the region and need your help. PLEASE VOTE!!

The Rosengarten family story/tab can be found under the Eastern Region in the Volunteer of the Year category.  Your vote would mean a lot to all of us. Thanks so much and please pass along the link. 

 http://www.stayclassy.org/classy-awards/vote.

Sara

Carine's Sample Sale!

Cooling Off!

Melissa Schollaert Photography via Southern Weddings

If you've been anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic or South this past week, you'll understand this post on surviving hot weather weddings. It has been brutal. So if you're planning a wedding in the summer and get stuck with record high temperatures, be sure to think of your guests and provide some relief in the form of water, shade (canopies or parasols), cool towels, and fans.

Personalized water bottles on ice are a cute way to keep guests from swooning!

Brian Tropiano Photography via Southern Weddings

Have waiters pass cool towels on silver trays. A lovely touch!

Natlie Moser via TrendsettingWedding 

The Secret Life of Invites

The all-important shade!

SA-Wedding

Fans will keep you cool and offering guests sunglasses to protect them from the blaring sun will make them look even cuter!

And, lastly, what better way to really cool down than with popsicles?

 Eventpros

I know we've plugged popsicles recently but with temps reaching over 100 degrees for a week, we can't help but think of them again.  Hope everyone enjoys the cooler weather today and stays chill this week! Happy Monday!

Stop! Don't Plan A Wedding Without This Book!

Since this book came out a few years ago, lots of our new readers may have missed it. "Stop! Don't Plan a Wedding Without This Book" is the no-nonsense wedding planning book I wrote when a publisher approached me to put together a "girlfriend's guide" to wedding planning (if your girlfriend had planned a few hundred weddings and lived to tell the tale).

It gives the real scoop on how the wedding business operates, so readers can avoid headaches like last-minute crises with dress, flowers, and music, among other things. In addition, readers get practical budgeting tips, up-to-the-minute info on current trends—what works and what doesn’t—and common-sense tips on dealing with sales and service people, family, friends, and yes, even the spouse-to-be.

Bop on over to the right side of the blog and click on the link with the cover to go right to the Amazon page and see what brides think about it. Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!
Laura

Happy Independence Day!

 Photo by Greg Gibson

Happy 4th of July everyone!!

Irish Eyes Were Smiling {Erin + Mike}

We often talk about how lucky we are and how much we love our clients and this couple and their families are at the top of my list!! They were wonderful and we had so much fun working together!

The bride and her family checked into the Willard a few day early in order to begin relaxing and spending quality time with their loved ones.  We brought Nail Taxi in to come to the bride’s suite to give the bride’s mother and all of the bridesmaids manicures and pedicures the day before the wedding.  They were able to enjoy a nice brunch and champagne all while relaxing and getting their nails done.

On the day of the wedding, hairstylist and makeup artist, Andrea Bissanti spent the morning with the girls in the bride’s suite at the Willard hotel.  When it was time to get the bride dressed and ready for the ceremony, the amazing team (videographer Tom Bowen of Tom Bowen Films and photographer Greg Gibson) were there to capture every special moment.

The couple chose Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown for their ceremony.  The bride not only loved the look of the church but also teaches at the school.  She thought it would be fun for her young students to participate in the ceremony.  She arranged to have her students each carry a rose down the aisle to create the bouquet the couple then offered the Mary statue during the ceremony. 

In honor of Bride and Groom’s strong Irish ties, the guests were surprised with bagpiper, Tim Carey, immediately following the ceremony.  Guests were then loaded onto shuttles provided by International Limo and headed over to The Ronald Reagan Building for the reception.

 Once there, guests were able to sign custom sports jerseys decorated with the date of the wedding on the back--a nod to the couple who are big sports lovers.   Ice sculptures with the popular trinity knot flanked the bars at the reception. 

This mimicked the trinity knot that was also included in the couple’s wedding invitations.  “Kelly” green was also an important accent piece throughout the wedding (invites, bridesmaid dresses, menu cards, etc.) to highlight their strong Irish roots. 

Guests were then invited to enter the Atrium of the building for the remainder of the evening where gorgeous cherry blossoms along with accents of pink and green blooms, designed by the talented Kelly of Capitol Décor, accented each of the 40 tables.  

Guests, including the Bride and Groom, enjoyed taking photos in the photobooth provided by the fabulous guys at Booth-O-Rama and everyone loved the Irish dance performance!

The talented Kendall of Kendall’s Cakes created the beautiful and tasty wedding cake!

The band Retrospect got this crowd on their feet and kept them there until the very end of the night when noisemakers were handed out and everyone made their way, on foot, to the after party at the JW Marriott.

Congratulations Erin and Mike! And special thanks to Greg Gibson for sharing the beautiful images with us!

Christine

Florida Wedding Video!

Thank you Cabana Pictures for this fantastic look at Jessica and Todd's March wedding in Sarasota!



Sara