Impecable Style

If I had a quarter for every time I heard, "I want my wedding to be simple and elegant", I would have a lot of quarters!  The truth is, those two words are used some much as descriptors in the early stages of planning the end result rarely ends up that way by virtue of the options brides sift through over the months.  It's interesting only when those words are not uttered, the the result truly is, in my opinion anyway, simple and elegant.  And I'll throw classic in there for good measure.  It is one of my biggest goals to make sure my couple's won't regret what they did for their weddings 5, 10+ years down the road.

On a clear day in May, Elise and Mike had just the wedding I described above.  Elegance started with the venue, the National Museum of Women in the Arts.  Simple was the stunning dress that fit the bride so perfectly.  Classic was the white flowers and decor that made a modern look so timeless.  So no more words, I'll let the pictures from the talented K. Thompson do the talking.

I love a happy bride~

Their precious pups!

A favorite, first dance to Prince's "Kiss"

Special thanks to

K Thomspson Photography

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Frost Lighting

Susan Gage Caterers

Edge Floral

Blue Sky Films

Pattie Martin  make up

Sara

Feels like Florida {Jesica and Todd}

So, somewhere back in March I must have called off the "blog about your current weddings" wagon.  It's now the end of June and I am excited to say I have hopped back on.  What a crazy three months it has been with phenomenal weddings and wonderful couples.  So, let's start where I left off!

Late in March I flew down the Sarasota, FL so the wedding of Jessica and Todd.  The wedding took place her parent's club, a spectacular Spanish style  building on the water complete with a charming courtyard in the middle of the space.

Jessica and her girls got ready at her parents home- something I love to see.  It just has such a feeling of comfort and ease.  Pictures before are  little more personal taken there.

The ceremony was  held on the water with a view overlooking the downtown area of Sarasota.  The trees that framed the couple were perfect.

Two favorite details- the escort cards were held in wine corks saved by the bride and groom from every bottle they had shared together and instead of the traditional menu on each place setting, guests were welcomed by a special note of thanks for traveling to the wedding.

The weather gave us a slight run for our money, as Florida weather can do.  Two quick storms blew threw- one right after the outside ceremony and cocktail set up had finished- no guests effected in this one- and one about halfway though cocktails.  But the thing about Florida rain is that once it blows through, you are left with the most beautiful sky and we took full advantage of that!

It must be the sweet, fresh smell after the rain, but every once in a while I can walk outside in DC and it just smells like a Florida day, in early Spring of course!

Guests danced the night away to TUB- Texas Unlimited Band- and picked up politically charged treats- note the bride and groom are not personally running this year- on the way out.  Thank you Jessica and Todd for including me in your amazing day.

Special thanks as well to


The Field Club- George
Abby Liga Photography
Cabana Pictures
TUB

Sara

Sneak Peek of A Fairmont Wedding!

Love this sweet shot of my lovely bride with her dapper ring bearer and sweet flower girl from Hay McKenna Photography!  More images to come!

Bookish Weddings!

Emily Johnston Anderson Photography

As I'm away this week at a writer's conference, I thought I'd share some book-inspired wedding ideas. Books (especially classic, old volumes) speak to me like little else does and I love the thought of book-loving couples incorporating them into their day.

Jessica Claire

These bookshelves as ceremony arch are so fab!

Wedding Wire

What a wonderful escort card display (plus, everyone gets their own personalized bookmark). Adorable!

Gourmet Invitations via SMP

So clever to use old-fashioned library slips and cards as wedding invitation inspiration!

Heather Kincaid via Green Wedding Shoes

I'm crazy about old card catalogs. What fun to use them for a guest book or candy display!

Bring on Summer Picnics (and Picnic Weddings)!

bouquet (Martha Stewart Weddings), dress (Pretty Chicky), ceremony (Style Me
Pretty), watermelon (Brides Buzzing), tablescape (Style Me Pretty), lunch bags
(Style Me Pretty), escort cards (Style Me Pretty), picnic blankets (White Lace
Wedding), hammock (), table setting (Style Me Pretty), cake (Martha Stewart
Wedding), bottles (Style Me Pretty), edible 'paper bags' (Martha Stewart
Weddings, jar (Prima Donna Bride) The red gingham bottle photo is courtesy of Halo Photography.

It's summer time and that means picnics! We hope you enjoy a flashback inspiration 

board all about outdoors, homey weddings. I adore the blankets and cushions on the 

lawn!

First Dances {Tips from The Pros}

Today we have a guest post on first dance's by our friends at Sam Hill Entertainment. Enjoy!

From our vantage point, as the link between the couple and their wedding band, we put our eyes on a lot of special song requests. From the traditional to modern, tried-and-true to out of left field, we've seen them all -- and our bands have learned and performed them.

A newly married couple's first dance is a beautiful moment, one that everyone in attendance will remember. It can reflect a special meaning to the couple, or just be a classic love song. Here are some suggestions for first dance songs that are cool, aren't cheesy…and are easy to dance to.

Something old: Van Morrison's "Moondance" never disappoints. It's simple, beautiful & timeless.

Something new: Jack Johnson's "Better Together" is a laid back favorite.

Something borrowed: The President's impromptu rendition of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" has given this classic new life.

Something blue: Brad Paisley's cover of Ryan Adams' "When the Stars Go Blue" has always been a big hit as a first dance number for the Jangling Reinharts.

An Ode To The Parents!

I was recently inspired by a client of mine to write this blog.  She was such a gracious reminder of how important parents can be to a wedding.  The parents of both the bride and groom are such an integral part of not only the wedding, but also the couple’s life together after the big day.  When you come across a mother or father who selflessly devote time, emotional and financial support to both the event and the children’s future-- it is truly inspiring.  This mother made sure that her daughter and future son-in-law were represented in every aspect of the wedding while also integrating such amazing personal touches-- there is no way this day will be soon forgotten!  The bride and groom were so thankful!  I forged a friendship with her that gave new breath to my job.  We are often so concerned with the dress, flowers, which vendors will be the best, etc., that we don’t have time to sit back and truly learn about the family and what is involved on their end.  I got that opportunity and am truly thankful for it.  

I also had the pleasure of planning a fabulous surprise bridal shower for an upcoming bride.  The family and their interactions were so amazing; it just became further confirmation of why I needed to write this blog.  Weddings can be very stressful on the family dynamics for many reasons and all too often we focus on the negative side of that.  It can also be a wonderful bonding experience where the bride and groom should thank their parents for their tireless support even before the big day!  

 Vendors like planners, caterers and designers may be the wedding’s support system for the big day, but the family is the backbone for the life after the wedding.  As a recent bride myself, I often had to remind myself to think past the excitement of the big day and to focus on the true meaning of what the wedding is-- a joining of two families and the creation of a new one!  Thank you to all of the past parents, sisters, brothers, and friends who have supported our wonderful brides and grooms!  

xoxo
Amanda