Monday, September 12, 2011

End of Summer Garden Party {Gatsby meets DC}


Not even two weeks ago, when the weather was still warm and dry and the mornings hadn't yet become crisp, the Engaging Affairs team was privileged to co-host our annual end-of-summer cocktail party for the wedding professionals in DC.  Guests received beautiful invitations courtesy of The Dandelion Patch, which set the mood for the stylish soiree. 





Dumbarton House in Georgetown, which is known for its stunning lawn and terrace, hosted the party and it was the absolute perfect evening to be outside enjoying the gardens.  Party Rentals and Rose Rabin provided us with lovely linens and equipment.


The party's decor and ambiance was inspired by The Great Gatsby era with guests dressed in white, feathers in floral arrangements and even our own version of Prohibition bathtub gin iced down in an old fashioned claw foot tub.





Guests sipped on cucumber lemon chillers and ginger switchel with berries--yum!








In typical lawn party fashion, we had lawn games!



A rustic antique hutch draped with lace and doilies held miniature boxes of pies for guests to take home at the end of the evening.  The Pie Sisters' charming old-fashioned treats were a huge hit!






Elan Artists provided the 1920's inspired ensemble, Carte Blanche, for the evening's entertainment. What a perfect choice for the party!




On the side terrace, we set up a more masculine vignette reminiscent of a prohibition speak-easy with a wooden bar and a cigar lounge.





Nick Perez of Multiflor provided all the floral decor for the party and used lots of chunky glass and pale blossoms.  Gorgeous, as always!





Steve Dunn and Ric Marino of Well Dunn Catering provided a creative and delicious menu featuring grilled peaches with prosciutto, zucchini gazpacho, farm market verrines in glass, crab cakes and spiced chickpeas.  The evening was topped off with passed truffles and balsamic blackberry creme brulee. Heavenly!






The co-hostesses decked out in white and dolled up by Elegant Hair by Giselle and MadeUpArt by Noor Kazoun: Pam, Laura and Jamie!


Guests enjoyed chatting and basking in the late summer evening.














We took a moment to present Kelly and Patrick with a cake (provided by the talented Kendall of Kendall's Cakes) to celebrate their 20th anniversary.  Kelly and Patrick (and Justine and all the Capital Decor crew provided the fabulous furniture for the event).














Everyone enjoyed the photo booth (and fun props) provided by Holland Photo Arts!


























Thanks to all the partnering vendors who made the party a huge success. These are some of our very favorite people in the business and ones we love to work with and can't recommend highly enough:

Capital Decor and Events
Capital Party Rentals
Dumbarton House
Elan Artists
Hair by Giselle
Holland Photo Arts
MadeUpArt by Noor Kazoun
Multiflor
Pie Sisters (OB Sweet)
Party Rental
Pretty Mail Calligraphy
The Dandelion Patch
Unipark Valet
Well Dunn Catering

My deepest thanks to Bill and Anne from Holland Photo Arts for sharing their amazing images and to my lovely and talented cohostesses, Pam Barefoot and Jamie Sears. It is always a delight working with these creative and fun women!
Laura

Friday, September 9, 2011

Sneak Peek of Our End-of Summer Garden Party





Just a sneak peek of the lovely garden party Engaging Affairs co-hosted last week for the DC wedding industry. More photos of this smashing event on Monday!  Happy Friday everyone!

Rain on Your Wedding Day!


After last night's torrential downpours in the DC area, I thought this photo was fitting. Here's hoping it doesn't rain on all of our weddings this weekend but if it does, I hope my couple has as much fun with it as this one did!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Matthew Christopher at Love Couture! {Trunk Shows}

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija at Hitched {Trunk Show}



Designer Charles Bunstine is known for designing intricately draped gowns that are constructed from the finest fabrics, creating an unbelievable amount of drama and glamour. Anna Maier gowns are famous for their incomparable fit, as each gown is made-to-measure for each bride. This is one Hitched's most popular trunk shows, so book your appointment today!
What: Anna Maier/Ulla~Maija Bridal Gown Trunk Show
When: Friday, September 16th & Saturday, September 17th
RSVP: 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com
(Please remember, gown trials are by appointment only!)


Special Treat: Designer Charles Bunstine will be on hand at the trunk show on Saturday to discuss customizations to his gowns, and will be offering complimentary muslin fittings to brides who purchase during the event! 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Fascinated with Fascinators!



Of course you all saw the fabulous fascinators at the Royal Wedding and then the subsequent commentary on the best and worst (hello, Beatrice?). Fascinators don't need to be crazy or huge. Here are some of our faves from couture milliner Preston & Olivia!



But fascinators don't need to be for hair alone. Why not top a cake with a spectacular one instead of the expected flowers or bride and groom topper?


Have a fascinating day!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Feather Shoes {Skye Collections}



Okay, I am in love with these feathered shoes from Skye Collections. Talk about making a statement on your wedding day (or any day)!


You provide the shoes and Skye feathers and blings them out!  The yellow are fabulous and I am dying over the black slightly iridescent green pair. Gorgeous!!


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Modern Trousseau at Hitched {Trunk Show}

Join the lovely ladies at Hitched for one of their most anticipated trunk shows of the season- the Modern Trousseau Bridal Gown Trunk Show on Friday, September 9th & Saturday, September 10th!
 
Modern Trousseau designer Callie Tein's collection is full of fresh modern designs that are still undeniably bridal and classic. Whether you're looking for a funky ballgown with a jet-black sash or a form-fitting delicate lace sheath, she's sure to have something that will suit you perfectly! 

What: Modern Trousseau Bridal Gown Trunk Show

When: Friday, September 9th & Saturday, September 10th

RSVP:
202-333-6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com
(Please remember, gown trials are by appointment only) 

Special Treat: Designer Callie Tein will be on hand to chat about gown customizations and we'll be offering 10% off any gown purchased during the event! 

This trunk show is sure to book up fast, so make an appointment today to find your perfect gown!