Engaged in Baltimore!

Judd Waddell at Hitched!

Still in search of a gown that perfectly marries classic romance with chic, modern style? Well, look no further than our upcoming Judd Waddell Trunk Show happening at Hitched on Friday, March 8th and Saturday, March 9th!
What: Judd Waddell Bridal Trunk Show

When: Friday, March 8th & Saturday, March 9th (by appointment only)

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com
 
All the Details: At the trunk show,they’ll be showcasing Judd Waddell’s latest bridal gown collection.  You’ll also have the chance to meet Judd himself, who is famous among Hitched brides for giving unparalleled advice on how to tie together your whole wedding day ensemble.  As an added bonus, there will be special trunk show discounts on all Judd Waddell gowns purchased during the event!

A Toast to the Couple! {Kate + Sean}

Kate and Sean got married on a perfect day in September and she was one of the most gracious brides. 

The story, as told by one of my past brides and a bridesmaid of Kate's was that she, Elise, set Kate and Sean up.

I absolutely loved the elegance of her bouquet.  The combination of dusty miller with the more traditional roses and mini calla lilies and popular orchids gave the combination a delicate feel.  Edge Floral hit a home run with this one.

The ceremony and reception was at the Stephen Decatur House on the corner of Lafayette Park and the White House.






Kate and Sean had a friend ordained to marry them in a most personal ceremony.

Food and wine were very important aspects of their celebration.  Sarah Gallo of Design Cuisine did a fantastic job and wine was suppled by Screwtop wine and cheese bar in Arlington where Kate and Sean frequent and are club members. 

During cocktails the tent was transformed from the ceremony space into a youthful but classic dining room while still keeping with the feel of the garden courtyard.

Thank you to K Thompson Photography for capturing this special day!

Sara

Engaged in Washington!

Get your tickets to the most unique bridal show in town and come on out and see the Engaging Affairs team at The St. Regis!  See you next Sunday!!

Amanda and James {A Worldly Wedding}

Last August I had the honor of watching as Amanda and James' wedding vision came to fruition.  The couple who have extensively traveled the world together wanted to give their guests an experience as exciting and unique as their courtship was.

Amanda, no stranger to stunning style, has two dresses custom made from a designer at Love Couture Bridal.  Shop owner Sandy Ferreira Leone worked tirelessly to make sure the gowns were perfect.

The couple were united in marriage at National City Christian Church in DC, a stately looking building on Thomas Circle.

The aisle of the church was lined with simple trees creating a canopy for the bride to walk towards her groom under on the arm of her father.

Following the ceremony, the party began full swing and bright color.  There were two very specific ideas Amanda had about her reception space.  The first was that she wanted the tables to represent the X and O of hugs and kisses one would sign a letter with.  With the right venue, mission accomplished.  

The Mellon Auditorium offered the space necessary to create the unique tables.  The second and very different feeling space was that of the "club" around the dance floor complete with lounge furniture and throw pillows with the wedding date adorning them.

Separating the two areas was a stone wall and gate with a bar in the middle that had a living facade facing the dinner area and an upscale chic design facing the "club lounge".  

The dinner space was inspired by the tropical stylings of Amanda and James' warmer travels to the British Virgin Islands.  The bright colors- especially byrds of paradise, the bride's favorite flower- brought energy and excitement to the space.  Each table was names after one of the many places they have visited together.

A special thank you to Kelly Jenkins of Capital Decor and Events for capturing the stunning and outside the box vision.  

Finally, the experience wouldn't be complete without igniting all senses.  Joel Wolke of Occasions Caterers helped create a menu that led guests around the world.  Map of the world menu cards at each place pointed to the location of origin for each course of the five course dinner with beverage pairings from Dim Sum to fried chicken and waffles and even crisp burgers from their climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The always fabulous Justin Ungaro caught the couple and their spectacular day in amazing form.  I am always so lucky when she is partnering with me for a couple's big day.  Also contributing the wedding's huge success was Suburban Media Group, Millennium Band, DJ AP Andres, Sprites INK!, Digital Lightning, Fancy Cakes by Leslie and Wiregrass Weddings.

Thank you Amanda and James!

Sara

Michael Andrews Bespoke {Men's Formalwear Tips}

Are you a groom (or are you engaged to a groom) who loves looking sharp and wants to do more than just rent a tux for your wedding?  Then look no further than Michael Andrews Bespoke!

A self-proclaimed “recovering corporate attorney,” Michael Andrews donned a suit and tie to a law firm every day for nearly eight years. When he could not find off-the-rack suits cut to his liking, he began having his clothes custom made. After trying over a dozen tailors without finding exactly what he wanted, he decided to open his own tailor shop.

In 2006, Michael Andrews Bespoke was launched with the vision of crafting high-end yet approachable menswear with a modern flare. Since then, Michael Andrews has become New York’s premier custom clothier and has been named to “Best of” lists by New York Magazine, Time Out New York, Bloomberg Markets, AM New York and JW Marriott Magazine. 

Now Washington is home to Michael's second location. The Michael Andrews Bespoke showroom is located at 1604 17^th Street, NW.   Appointments can be scheduled by calling 202-350-9001 or emailing mab@michaelandrewsbespoke.com. 

Some helpful tips for grooms from Michael Andrews:

·         A classic tuxedo jacket should have either a peak lapel or a shawl collar, and either a one-button front closure or a double-breasted closure. While tuxedos designed like business suits with notch lapels and two button closures are quite common today, they lack refinement traditionally demanded of formal occasions.

·         The Duke of Windsor popularized the midnight blue tuxedo in the 1930s. As the tuxedo trim is always black, a midnight blue fabric has the added benefit of enhancing the contrast between the body of the garment and the trimming, creating a more dramatic look. For grooms who want to stand out from their groomsmen, the choice of a midnight blue fabric is even more compelling, assuming the groomsmen are wearing black tuxedos.

·         Most tuxedo shirts feature either a pleated front or a bib made in a pique fabric. Either choice is appropriate provided the shirt does not look like it came from a ‘70s tuxedo rental shop. A tuxedo shirt should always be French cuff.

·         Tuxedo shirts are traditionally fasted in the front using four studs, but a hidden placket front is also an appropriate choice and offers a more modern look.

·         One’s choice of cufflinks to accompany the shirt is a great opportunity to interject personality into the ensemble without being garish. Classic silver and onyx links are always a safe choice, however, more ornate options are always also acceptable.

·         In cooler months, velvet slippers are an elegant footwear choice.

Etiquette Express {Engagement Parties}

This is a question we get a lot:

Can I invite people to the engagement party who won't be invited to the wedding?

The short answer is usually not. The only exception I'd see making is if you're planning a very small destination or family-only wedding or are eloping but want to celebrate your engagement with a larger group of friends. Otherwise, if you invite someone to your engagement party, make sure they are slated to receive an invitation!

Wordless Wednesday!

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar!

Looking for a fun spot for a rehearsal dinner or a small, intimate wedding?  Check out Sonoma! Their menu features wood-grilled meats and seafood, as well as smaller plates -including a recognized collection of local artisanal cheeses - all of which marry perfectly with the 40-plus wines Sonoma
serves by the glass.

The restaurant has multiple spaces that can be used for events:

The Pennsylvania Avenue Lounge features an intimate bar and open floor plan, furnished with contemporary sofas and cozy club chairs, and is perfect for larger private receptions, cocktail parties,  and private lunches. It is an airy, elegant space, and has capacity for 25 guests at a seated event and 110 standing, with a ceiling height of 9-16 feet.

The Avenue Lounge Fireplace is a unique, raised, intimate semi-private space located in the Pennsylvania Avenue Lounge featuring three panoramic windows overlooking the Library of Congress and some of Capitol Hill’s oldest homes. The Fireplace Lounge offer comfortable lounge
seating, with club chairs and sofas, and can accommodate up to 25 guests for a cocktail reception.

images by The Observatory via United with Love

The Private Dining Room is the most intimate and secluded private event space, away from both the main dining room and the Avenue Lounge. The room has capacity for 40 guests at a seated event, and up to 60 standing, with a ceiling height of 12 feet, highlighted by skylights that bring in plentiful natural light during the day.

For more information, contact their private dining director at events@sonomadc.com.

Anna Maier at Hitched!

if you like the sound of a made-to-measure gown that’s handcrafted from the finest fabrics in the world, you’ve got to clear your schedule for Hitched's  Anna Maier Trunk Show on Friday, February 22nd & Saturday, February 23rd!

What: Anna Maier Bridal Trunk Show

When: Friday, February 22nd & Saturday, February 23rd
(though no appointment is necessary, please RSVP!)

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com

All the Details: At the trunk show, you’ll get a sneak peek at the latest collection from Anna Maier, as well as have the chance to meet with designer Charles Bunstine to discuss custom changes. As an added bonus, all gowns purchased during the trunk show will come complete with a complimentary muslin fitting to ensure a flawless fit!

A Few Words About Love!

In honor of Valentine's Day just passed, here are a few lovely words about love!

If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever." - Winnie the Pooh

 

 

"To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others." - Francois Mauriac

"It was not into my ear you whispered, but my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." - Judy Garland

Happy Valentine's Day with Forbidden Love!

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day with a fun signature cocktail!  Cheers!

Amore Vietato (Forbidden Love)

- 2 oz. gin
- 1 oz. blood orange juice
- Dash simple syrup, 2 strawberries
- 4 slices of cucumber

Muddle fruit with simple syrup, add gin and blood orange juice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with strawberry, cucumber spiral and orange peel hearts.

SOURCE: Wendy Verdel, Zeffirino, The Venetian, Las Vegas

Sneak Peek at Miami Glam Wedding!

A sneak peek at our gorgeous Miami wedding at the St. Regis Bal Harbour!  More to come!