Going to the Dogs!

As some of you may know, we have some serious dog-lovers here at Engaging Affairs. And we've had plenty of weddings with dogs as part of the wedding party!  So here are some tips and tricks to including your favorite pooch in your wedding day.

-Know your dog's temperament and personality. Not all dogs are cut out for being in large groups of people.

-Make sure your venue is pet-friendly. Not all locations allow animals and some (restaurants, public buildings) have laws preventing it.

-Be sure to have a designated handler who knows your dog well.

-Determine what role you want your pooch to play. Will he be the ring-bearer (using fake rings, perhaps) and wear a special pillow tied around his neck? Will he be one of the wedding party and be escorted down the aisle (maybe is a collar that matches the wedding colors or is made of flowers)? The jury over here is out on doggie tuxes but I know Amanda, for one, is all for them.

-Decide how long your dog will stay. Just for the ceremony? For pictures? Will he be introduced into the reception? Make sure your designated handler has a place to take him when his role is over.

-Don't forget the doggie supplies. Water, treats, food, leash, etc. Whatever he needs to be comfortable.  It is always a good idea to keep dogs on a leash in case any guests are allergic or afraid of canines.

- Consider wedding insurance. Never a bad idea but an even better one if you're including your dog.

Cheers!

The Grandsons {Vendor Spotlight}

Last weekend I attended my (gulp) 20 year reunion down at Duke University. It was a great weekend with perfect, North Carolina spring weather and as I took my first steps back on campus on Saturday morning, who was the first person I bumped into? One of my roommates or sorority sisters?  Nope. It was Alan from the DC area band "The Grandsons."

Alan went to Duke a few years before I did (he was there for his 25th) so we actually know each other from living in DC. More specifically, he's part of one of my favorite bands and I've recommended him many times for weddings (including my own brother's wedding a decade ago). It was great to see Alan (albeit out of context for both of us) and it reminded me just how much I love "The Grandsons."

A fan aptly described The Grandsons exuberant sound as "American music in a blender with the lid off." The more prominent elements in this eclectic whirlpool are New Orleans rhythm and blues, rockabilly, swing and country two steps. They are unique, fun and certainly not your average "wedding band."

If you're looking for something really fun and a completely unique for your wedding reception or cocktail hour, be sure to check them out. They have a few CDs out, as well, and they perform around the DC area. Here is a snippet of one of their original tracks.

For booking, visit their website or contact Alan at

alan@grandsons.com

Happy Earth Day!

wildflowers in glass bottles (weddingchicks.com), invitations (Chewing the Cud),
bridesmaid dress (Nimli), Stephen Russell and Brilliant Earth Rings (Martha
Stewart Weddings), flower girl dress (Whitten), paper flower boutiniere (Martha
Stewart Weddings), wine (Martha Stewart Weddings), bridal gown by Sarah Seven
and eco friendly jewelry (Utterly Engaged), organic cake by Sarah Magid, bridal
shoes (shoes.com), recycled glass votives with 100% soy wax candles (Martha
Stewart Weddings)

Some favorite earth-friendly finds! Enjoy!

Carine's Mother of the Occasion Sample Sale!

Engaging Affairs Featured in Grace Ormonde!

We are thrilled to be featured on the Grace Ormonde Wedding Style website for a stunning wedding Amanda planned last year!  This gorgeous wedding took place at The St. Regis with floral decor by Amaryllis and images by Juan Carlos Briceno of Fotobriceno. Check out the link for more lovely photos!

Princess For a Night!

 A Message from our friends at Hitched:

We're sure that all those wedding planning tasks have trumped the menial task of spring cleaning, but we've got the perfect excuse for you to sort through your closet and get rid of those dresses that haven't seen the light of day in ages.
Beginning April 2nd and continuing throughout the month, please stop by Hitched to donate your gently worn (and dry cleaned) formal dresses, shoes, handbags, jewelry, hair accessories, unused make-up (like sample cosmetics), and "nice" shopping bags (think Bloomie's or Neiman Marcus) to benefit Princess for a Night! 
 
What: 7th Annual Princess for a Night Dress Drive at Hitched

When: April 2nd-May 10th (you may drop off anytime during our normal business hours)

Why: To help make prom dreams come true for girls in our community!

Note: While we truly appreciate any donation, please keep in mind that velvet or wintery dresses, soiled items, outdated items, casual dresses, or items for mature women likely can't be used.

We are especially in need of dresses for full-figured young ladies (sizes 18+). All of these items will go to deserving girls in our community who, due to the great expense of prom attire, might otherwise not be able to afford a dress for this special night.
This is the perfect time to get rid of all of those bridesmaid dresses you knew you'd never wear again while making a girl's taffeta, silk, or satin dreams come true.

Brides hard at Work

My brides do amazing things; start their own PR firms, non profit organizations and are featured dermatologists in Washingtonian.  Former bride Danielle (Rosengarten) Vogel is no different.  In just over two weeks she is opening her first food store, Glen's Garden Market, in Dupont.  Coming from a long line of supermarket owners, check out the vintage picture of her great grandfather Sigmund Rosengarten below, Danielle is doing this her way complete with a craft beer bar, local produce and amazing prepared foods.  I hear if you're a local band or artist, she will also play your music in the store!

Food, waste control and environmentally friendly decisions have been important to Danielle since the day I met her.  Her wedding was the perfect example of thoughtful usage of goods right down to the bags given to guests at the end of the reception for them to bring the fruit and vegetable centerpieces home in.   Today it is still one of my favorite events to look back at.

Please come out and support the newest place to purchase environmentally sustainable, locally grown foods starting Sunday, April 21st at 2001 S Street, NW, DC.  I'll see you there!

Sara

Love Couture Sample Sale!

Bridal Workshop by District Weddings!

Jessica and Sean's January Wedding

While we have started the transition into spring wedding season at Engaging Affairs, I just received the video from my January 5th wedding of Jessica and Sean at St. Peter's on Capital Hill and the Willard Hotel.  Check out the stunning couple, beautiful room and celebrity impersonator around 7 minutes, 42 seconds.  Thank you to Steele Stevenson, Edge Floral, Party Rental, LTD, Digital Lightning, Eli Turner Photography and Bowen Films for a spectacular start to 2013!

Jessica & Sean from Bowen Films on Vimeo.

Sara