Vintage Opulance {Lia and Hudson} Part One

Lia and Hudson's wedding was truly incredible. And considering the number of amazing weddings I've had the privilege to plan, that's really saying something.  I started working with Lia over two years before her wedding date and got to really know and love her, her mother and the groom.  One of the things I love about Lia is her enthusiasm. She has such incredible joy and energy that she brings to everything she does. Her wedding was no exception!

Lia also has a very distinct style and a laser-like attention to detail. She and her mother designed the wedding to incorporate their love of vintage pieces (especially Victorian), intricate detailing and a gracious opulence that has been lost in modern life. 

The wedding day started with Lia getting ready at The Willard Hotel with the talented Giselle doing hair and Kim Giammarria doing makeup (and Engaging Affairs' favorite Greg Gibson shooting images and goofing with the bride above).  I loved that Lia and her mom wore matching silk pajamas as they got ready. I'm not kidding when I say that every detail was thought out.

Lia's gown took my breath away. I loved the Empire waist, illusion sleeves and embellished bodice. This gown had such old world elegance and was so different from so many of the wedding gowns I see.  Thank you Lia and Kate Middleton for reminding us that sleeves are beautiful! To accent her gown, Lia carried a small clutch of lily-of-the-valley in an antique silver tussy-mussy holder.

Meanwhile, the handsome groom got dressed in another part of the hotel.

I love the "first look" that the couple have of each other on the wedding day. It's so special when they have a few moments to really enjoy it like Lia and Hudson did.

Our phenomenal photographer Greg Gibson took the couple outside for some classic DC shots before the ceremony.

Then it was off to The Andrew Mellon Auditorium for the ceremony. While Lia and Hudson and their party had been getting ready at the hotel, a massive crew of catering staff, designers, drape specialists, lighting techs and musicians had been setting up The Mellon for the wedding.

Rick Davis from Amaryllis and his fabulous staff used boxwood, greenery and garden roses to create a dramatic and romantic setting for the ceremony. Garlands were draped over doorways and across the balcony and candles lined the aisle.

Sheer white panels from AVista Designs hung between the towering columns and across the room to create the backdrop for the ceremony.

A sheer white canopy tied back with swags of greenery sat over a long white table lined with silver candleabra and candle sticks as the focal point for the ceremony. The effect was ethereal and magical.

Digital Lightning uplit the drapes and columns to add to the romantic setting. Stunning!

I loved the pretty pewter bridesmaids' gowns and the antique pink rose bouquets they carried!

The bride made her dramatic entrance solo then joined her parents at the canopy.

The ceremony was designed by the couple and included readings from family and personalized vows.

The bride is bursting with joy!  This is what it's all about.

A quick kiss on the steps of The Mellon before the reception begins. Stay tuned tomorrow for the unbelievable reception! 

Thanks to Greg Gibson for his images that, as always, capture the day perfectly.

Naughty Bits Brownies!

We've put together many a welcome bag over the years and we're always looking for fun goodies to include. What could be better for your wedding guest swag than a treat that was included in the Oscar nominee swag bag? DC-based Naughty Bits Brownies were featured in the luxurious swag bags at the 84th Oscars and now can be included in your wedding swag bags or as favors for your guests!

We were lucky enough to sample the couture brownies and can say that they are delicious and decadent. Although you can select a classic fudgy brownie(the delightfully named Man Catcher), the real intrigue comes in the designer flavors like Cabana Banana Boy (toasted coconut, dried bananas and macadamia nuts), The Shiska (maple smoked bacon and toffee bits) and Barista Bar (chocolate-covered espresso beans and Kahlua).

I loved the unique combination of flavors in The Geisha Girl (crystalized ginger, wasabi and sesame snack bits) and Barista Bar but the ones that I really loved were the Cabana Banana Boy and the Living in Sin (miniature peanut butter cups and salted blistered peanuts). Divine!

What I also loved was that the brownies were thick (about an inch thick each) and big. These are serious confections. Order some samples for yourself and pick your favorites for your wedding welcome bags or for your take-away gift. Trust us--your guests will feel like stars!

Riverview Terrace at The Gaylord {New Venues!}

Last night, three of us (Christine, Laura and Amanda above) had the pleasure of attending the opening premiere of The Gaylord National's new waterfront event space, RiverView Terrace. This space is situated right on the water and offers what brides (and wedding planners) love--a blank canvas to customize. We're always looking for large open space because, let's face it, D.C. is the home of charming historical spaces that hold 150 people max. So a flat, expansive lawn on the water is a dream come true!

Ideally situated facing west along the Potomac, RiverView Terrace offers a dramatic setting with impressive nightly sunsets amidst the National Harbor Marina and sweeping views of Old Town Alexandria and the Washington monuments in the distance. The gorgeous space features a smooth grass surface with built-in tent anchor point and lots of power and can hold up to 700 guests for a seated dinner or 1,200 guests for a reception.

You can choose to customize an event by adding full or partial tenting to create ambiance or cover from rain, portable outdoor heaters, air conditioning, twinkle lights that adorn the surrounding landscape and illuminate the terrace after dusk, and Gaylord National's signature "Kiss Goodnight" – a private fireworks show over the Potomac River.

Last night, the space was crowned with a gorgeous clear span tent provided by the amazing Davis Richardson of Sugarplum Tents. If anyone knows tents, Davis does! The weather was perfect and the sun set over the water while we feasted on delicious sushi, lamb burgers, carpaccio and a variety of flavored margaritas.  The fun entertainment ranged from talking trees to rock violinists to break-dancers, culminating in spectacular fireworks after sunset.

If you're looking for the new hot spot in the city for an event, be sure to call Rachel Chadderdon, Director of Local Catering, at (301) 965-3761 or rchadderdon@gaylordhotels.com.  We love working with Rachel and can't wait to bring a fabulous wedding to the Riverview Terrace!

Upon a Star Celebration at Hitched!

Junk Yoshioka at Carine's {Trunk Shows}

Jorge Manuel at Hitched {Trunk Shows}

If you're searching for that just-right blend of edgy and couture, then we've got the perfect trunk show for you! Join Hitched for the Jorge Manuel Bridal Gown Trunk Show on Friday, May 18th & Saturday, May 19th!
 

What: Jorge Manuel Bridal Gown Trunk Show

When: Friday, May 18th & Saturday, May 19th 

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com [Please remember, gown trials are by appointment only!]

Details & Perks: Miami-based designer Jorge Manuel's gowns are both architecturally modern and classically chic, creating a fashion-forward feel that is truly his own. But don't take our word for it—these are gowns that you absolutely have to see in person to fully appreciate! At the trunk show, you will have the opportunity to view Jorge Manuel's latest collection, as well as to meet Jorge in person [a true treat!]. As an added bonus, they'll be offering a 10% discount and custom measurements on any gown purchased over the course of the weekend.

Don't miss out on the incredible opportunity to view this spectacular collection—make an appointment today!

The Truth In Innocence

In my opinion the best thing you can you do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you, the right person will still think the sun shines out of your ass. That’s the kind of person that’s worth sticking with.

-Juno

Your Wedding Story {Twenty Pages}

We're always looking for fun ways to personalize weddings, add fun elements to welcome bags or jazz up information for out-of-town guests. Enter Twenty Pages! This company will create a customized magazine featuring your story and everything you want to tell your wedding guests.

You can include whimsical lists of your wedding "stats" or your own Top 10 lists and also cover the essential information guests will want to know like what time the ceremony starts and the addresses of all your pertinent wedding weekend spots.

This is such a great way to share with the people who have traveled to be with you on your special day and it sure beats trying to print it all up yourself or send it out in emails. So check it out and see how much fun you can have designing your own Twenty Pages!

The Ties that Bind

In late March I was a part of one of the most beautiful unions of a bride and groom I can remember.  Michelle and Raj joined their families whose background and traditions include those of the Christian, Persian, Hindu and Filipino faiths and cultures.  As one of our officiants commented after the ceremony, parts of it were "holy chaos" which was perfectly appropriate.

I met Michelle and Raj last February and was actually a part of their engagement, which had yet to come. It was after our first day of venue visits that Raj asked me to help orchestrate his surprise proposal followed by another surprise of family and friends waiting to celebrate at POV at the W hotel.  The whole thing was captured by Juan Carlos of Fotobriceo.

Once the ring was on, the planning really got underway.  These busy doctors were living in Philly during our year of planning together so we definitely maximized activities during their travel time down to DC.

In the end, we had a spectacular day with many personal touches including their new puppy in the form of favors, yummy cookies from Bundles Of Cookies.

The couple got ready at the Hotel Monaco in DC.

Pictures were done under the beautiful arches and inside Union Station.

Their Sofreh was one of the most beautiful I have seen.  Thank you to Poopak and her team at Exclusively Events.

The honey used in a Persian wedding ceremony represents sweetness in life.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts was the setting for their celebration.

The veil and chord is part of the Philipino wedding traditions.

Dominic of Exclusively Entertainment kept the 80's music login crowd 

on the dance floor all night long.

Her's Ringo!

Thank you to the wonderful team of vendors that worked so hard on this event!

Sara