Flashback Friday {Museum Inspiration}

busts (Style Me Pretty), flowers (Martha Stewart Weddings), cake (Snippet &



Ink), couple kissing (Brides.com), framed escort cards (In Style Weddings), live event painter (Wedding Bee), tablescape (Brides.com), bride (Favors in the City)

We love planning weddings in museums and here is a little art-inspired eye candy. Happy Friday!

Bring on the Baraats!

Engaging Affairs has been fortunate to plan many South Asian weddings over the years. We love so many things about these events but one of our favorite parts is the Baraat. This is the arrival of the groom and his friends and family at the ceremony and it is done with great fanfare and celebration. Traditionally, the groom rides on a horse or even an elephant while friends and family dance around led by energetic dholi drumming. The enthusiasm of this procession is contagious and usually stops traffic in D.C.!

                                     Image by Christian Oth

Image by Greg Gibson

 The wedding party really gets into the dancing!

 Image by Regeti's

 Image by Regeti's

 Image by Regeti's

                                     Image by Regeti's

Images by Kelsey Thompson

 Not all grooms choose to arrive riding an animal, though. We have had guests in open convertible sports cars and even on foot.

Once the groom reaches the entry to the ceremony, the bride's family greets him. The mother marks his forehead and he steps on pottery and breaks it into shards then proceeds into the ceremony.

 Images by Robert Isacson

Thanks to all our fabulous couples who have had such wonderful baraats and let us be a part of the fun (watching and coordinating, of course). We have loved every joyful moment!!

A Modern Romance {Beth + Susan}

This fabulous wedding was so filled with love and joy (not to mention incredibly cool decor and details)! Beth and Susan celebrated their 20-year love affair with an unforgettable ceremony and swanky reception. From the Save-the-Dates to the invitations to the wedding cake, this wedding was unique and so personal.

 Beth and Susan started the day getting ready at The Omni Shoreham. The garden and gazebo were such a lovely backdrop for photos!

Then it was off to the hip and modern Longview Gallery for the beautiful Jewish ceremony.

Their nephews carried in the chuppah, which was custom-made for the couple to reflect their love of bike riding.  

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a fabulous reception and celebrated with the happy couple! Jeff from Blue Vanda created the bold decor with purple blooms, plenty of glass and pops of silver. John Farr Lighting created the perfect ambiance for the space. Absolutely gorgeous!

Lovely (and colorful!) calligraphy by Michele at Meant To Be Calligraphy. Different colors on the escort cards reflected the guests' meal selection. 

Occasions created a mouth-watering dessert display for guests to enjoy after dinner.

 Maggie Austin designed the stunning impressionistic wedding cake! The cake colors and design reflected the couple's love of the fall.

Congratulations to Beth and Susan! It was such a pleasure working with you and being a part of your incredible day!

Special thanks to the always fantastic team that helped me make this day look amazing and run so smoothly! A big shout out to Greg Gibson for sharing his beautiful images with us!

Venue: Longview Gallery

Photographer: Greg Gibson

Caterer: Occasions

Lighting: John Farr Lighting

Calligraphy: Meant to be Calligraphy

Valet: Marc Parc

Cake: Maggie Austin

Florist: Blue Vanda

Hair & Makeup: Alison Harper & Company

xoxo

Christine

Sneak Peek {Beth + Susan}

Image by Greg Gibson

What a beautiful, happy couple! Stay tuned for the full wedding tomorrow!

Sample Sale at Hitched!

What: Hitched Sample Sale (by appointment mostly**)

When: Tuesday, January 28th & Wednesday, January 29th
(appointments go fast so schedule now!)

Why: To find the dress of your dreams at a steal! Couture weddings gowns [Anna Maier, Amsale, Christos, Lela Rose, and more] will be up to 75% off, and once purchased, are yours to take home that evening.

RSVP: Please RSVP to info@hitchedsalon.com or 202.333.6162 and let them know if you'd like a private appointment or if you will be attending the open house.

**The Little Details: If you aren't one of the lucky ones to get a private sample sale appointment then join them for the Last Call Open House Sample Sale from 7-8pm on Wednesday, January 29th (no appointment necessary – just RSVP)

Please note that all sample sale gowns are final sale, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The prices range from $500-$2,000. Because 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 Hitched.

The sample sale gowns are pictured on their website, so check it out to take a sneak peek...then join Hitched to have some fun and find "the one!".

An Indian-American Love Story {Lianne + Vishal}

We love planning "fusion" weddings! The blending of two cultures into one day (or several) of celebrations always creates twice the beautiful moments and truly gives couples the best of both worlds. We loved the vivid colors and joyful music of Lianne and Vishal's Hindu ceremony and then the romantic sweetness of their Western ceremony PLUS they were held at two stunning D.C. venues (both of them Engaging Affairs favorites).

First, the bride got ready at The Willard for the Hindu ceremony.

And then the groom arrived on horseback. The Barat is one of our favorite parts of Indian weddings!

The ceremony took place in The Willard's Crystal Room. What a gorgeous setting!

Then Michael Connor from Connor Studios did some beautiful portraits of the couple. Amazingly, these outdoor photos are in downtown D.C.!

Then it was off to get ready for the second part of the day at The Meridian House with hair by the lovely Remona and make-up by the fabulous Nikki Fraser!

The gardens at The Meridian House are such a breathtaking backdrop for a ceremony!

Then portraits in the historic house . . .

And gardens . . .

And on to the reception where guests found their names written by Michele from Meant to Be Calligraphy on a window panes hanging between the trees!

Lush flowers by the supremely talented Holly Chapple topped the guest tables along with vintage-style china.

What a gorgeous ruffled cake by Maggie Austin!

After a romantic first dance, DJ Jag from Event EQ (an Engaging Affairs favorite!) kept the dance floor packed!

Thank you to my fabulous team of vendors who made this day amazing! Michael Connor, as always, captured such spectacular images and was a dream to work with. 

Hindu Ceremony Venue - Willard

Western Ceremony and Reception: Meridian House

Florist: Holly Chapple
Window Pane Calligraphy: Meant To Be Calligraphy

Caterer: Occasions

Cake: Maggie Austin

DJ: Jag, Event EQ

Ceremony Musicians (for western ceremony): Sage Strings

Photographer: Connor Studios

Videographer: Belvedere Films

Hair: Bridal Hair by Remona

Makeup: Nikki Fraser

Henna Artist: Mala Amin

And a huge congratulations to the beautiful couple. It was such an honor to be a part of their day!

xoxo
Christine