Vera Wang Fall 2012 Trunk Show!

Trunk Shows at Chevy Chase Bridal!

Stereo Waltz Films {Danielle & Nick}

Danielle and Nick from Stereo Waltz Films on Vimeo.

Check out this beautiful highlight video from Stereo Waltz Films for one of our weddings! They are based in LA but they travel so we brought them to DC for this wedding. Totally worth it!

Wedding Programs into Wedding Ornaments!

 

Have leftover ceremony programs or invitations? How about making them into a Christmas ornament? Check out these fun ideas for preserving your wedding memories!

Now I'm not the most crafty person, despite being a wedding planner. Perhaps because I've had to do so many wedding projects for so many brides, I just don't relish doing them in my off hours. But these projects look pretty simple. Shred some programs, decoupage them to an ornament, cover in glittery substance, let dry. OR cut programs into strips, jam said strips into clear ornament, replace top. Voila! Happy {crafting} Holidays!

{above pictures courtesy of SuperNovaBride}

Smells of the Season

Happy Holidays!  So, Hanukkah began last night and I may be just one day late for some of you who had decided not to make the traditional potato latkes for fear of the everlasting smell they leave in your home.  I'm here to tell you it's not too late!  (To make them or get rid of that fried oder)

I feel like I have shared this secret with so many friends, clients and vendors over the past week, you should all know it.  While making up those latkes or after, fill a small pot with water and place it on the stove under medium low heat.  Add 2 cinnamon sticks and a quarter cup of cloves and let it simmer.  As the water evaporates, fee free to keep adding water to keep the sweet smell in the air.  Sometimes I throw this on even when I'm not cooking just to make the house smell nice- without artificial sprays :)

Since winter is time for citrus fruits, you can also throw in an orange, lemon or grapefruit to add a light aroma.  Thanks to my mom for this secret remedy that hopefully will benefit many this holiday season.
Cheers!

Sara

A Signature Drink for Winter Weddings {Hot Chocolate Stations}

Norococo

When the weather gets cold, I love hot chocolate!  And I love doing hot chocolate stations at weddings. A couple of weeks ago, we had hot chocolate to-go at a wedding and guests loved fixing a cup before getting in their cars and heading out into the cold.

SimplyandForever

There are so many ways to dress it up: with flavored syrups, sugars, spices, handcrafted marshmallows, peppermint sticks. And offering mini cookies or even donuts to go with it makes the drink even more fun.  So if you're hosting a winter wedding, consider making hot chocolate your signature drink. So delicious!

Bringing the Holidays to Weddings!

Joe Elario

Just a little holiday inspiration as we head into the last few days before the celebrations begin!

What is a December wedding without a Christmas tree?  Unless you're Jewish, in which case check out this cool bride and groom driedel! Happy holidays everyone!

Jewishbazaar

Holiday Cookies!

The holidays are all about love and giving and eating cookies, right? I do love cookies and holiday cookies are the best. December brings out cookies that we don't see for the rest of the year (don't ask me why). So in the spirit of giving and cookie eating, here is one of my favorite holiday cookies recipes (courtesy of Karin Christian from allrecipes.com).


Molassas Ginger Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups shortening
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Melt the shortening in a large pan on the stove, and cool.
2. Add sugar, eggs, and molasses, beat well.
3. In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and add to the pan. Mix well and chill 3 hours or overnight.
4. Form into walnut-size balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8-10 minutes.
6. Store in an airtight container to keep from getting overly crisp. If they do lose their softness, an easy way to restore it is to place one slice of fresh bread in the container with the cookies for a couple of hours or overnight and they will be soft again!

240 Sweet {Magnificent Marshmallows}

Every year, we find some really unique items for our brides and one of our favorites this year is hand-crafted organic marshmallows from 240sweet. This fun company creates gourmet marshmallows in tons of amazing flavors from salted caramel to vanilla lavender to chocolate chip to roasted pineapple!

Partners Alexa Lemley and Samantha Aulick hand-craft the artisan treats in Columbus, Indiana. Originally, they made marshmallows to give to their catering customers. Soon, people begin clamoring for more puffs and 240sweet was born.

They are perfect for hotel welcome bags along with a bag of hot cocoa mix and no one will have seen anything like them before! Trust me when I say they are seriously yummy!  Check out all the amazing flavors at 240sweet.

Here is a fun marshmallow recipe from their website:

• Fleur de Sel S'mores

  Are you ready for the best s'more you will ever enjoy? We use Maldon sea salt and Chef Alexa's own caramel in the Salty Caramel Twist puff. The addition of dark chocolate and crunchy graham crackers makes an irresistable delight.
  
  6 puffs Salty Caramel Twist 240sweet Artisan Marshmallows
  6 miniature dark chocolate candy bars
  12 graham cracker cookies
  
  On a platter, place cookies upside down. Individually, place miniature candy bars on six
  of the cookies. Reserve remaining cookies to top s'mores.
  
  Using a skewer, roast puffs to toasting preferences. Place one roasted puff atop each candy bar and cookie stack. Place remaining cookies
  atop stacks and squish. Indulge immediately.
  
  Note: To make these s'mores in broiler, place half of cookes topped with candy bar and marshmallow under a hot broiler until puff is the desired shade of brown. Upon removal, immediately top stacks with remaining cookies.

Sneak Peek of an Indian Extravaganza {Rachna and Samir}

The fun same-day edit video from my wedding this past weekend by the amazing team at Suburban Video. Congratulations Rachna and Samir! More on this amazing wedding to come!