Emergency Kit Find {Cufflinks To-Go}

As you can imagine, we're always on the lookout for great new items for our wedding emergency kits. This one is genius (and would have come in handy a lot in the past). Tuck this slim stainless-steel card in your 911 bridal bag, then pop off a pair of cuff links when a groomsman forgets his pair.  Cool!

Facebook Giveaway {Brighter Futures Bracelets}

Today we have a little something to make Monday more bearable!  We're doing a Facebook Friends giveaway (hooray--free bling! free bling!). "Like" our Engaging Affairs page on Facebook and you'll be entered to win one of two pretty Brighter Futures bracelets (if you're already our FB friend, you're already entered!)  We'll select two names randomly on Wednesday and each winner will receive a charming handmade bracelet knotted with semi-precious stones (each is unique and will not appear exactly as above).

The bracelets are made by teenaged girls in orphanages and it supports programs that empower, teach and enable girls and young women so they can leave orphanages and be self-sustaining. So join us and win something pretty!  Happy Monday!

Happy Friday!!

Photo by Lindy Photography via PolkaDotBride.com

Time for another weekend filled with weddings!  Congratulations to all our couples and all couples getting hitched everywhere!

Hitched Sample Sale!

Don't miss the Hitched Fall Sample Sale Soiree, coming up on Thursday, October 4th!

 

What: Hitched Sample Sale Soiree

When: Thursday, October 4th from 5pm-8pm [first-come, first-served—no appointment necessary!]

Why: To find the dress of your dreams at a steal of a price! They've got to make room on their racks for new stock, so couture weddings gowns [Anna Maier, Amsale, Judd Waddell, Lela Rose, and more] will be on sale for 40-80% off! Once purchased, gowns are yours to take home with you that evening

RSVP: Although no appointment is necessary, please RSVP to info@hitchedsalon.com.

Details: Please note that all sample sale gowns are final sale, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because the 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 us at 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com.

Most of the sample sale gowns are now pictured on their website, so feel free to take a sneak peek then grab the best decision makers in your life and join the ladies at Hitched to have some fun and find "the one!"

Best Island Honeymoon Escapes!

The Best Island Escapes

With Fall upon us and the rainy weather cooling the East coast, we can’t help but dream of sipping champagne on a far off exotic island. Honeymoon Islands is offering some honeymoon perks you won’t want to pass up. All you have to do is secure your honeymoon reservation no later than December 31, 2012 and you will receive the following deals.

St. Lucia 

Their Jade Mountain exclusive resort is offering a sunset sail along their 2 Caribbean Sea sand beaches and endless views of the Piton Mountains. This is sure to spark romance with you and your new husband as a way to escape and unwind.

Antigua

Hermitage Bay rests on a secluded corner of Antigua and 10 acres of tropical gardens that captures the natural environment. Enjoy the gardens and their white sand beach with a private picnic lunch and take in the out-of-this world views of the Caribbean Sea.

Bora Bora

The Tahitian islands and St. Regis Bora Bora offer you an opportunity to wake up with views of the turquoise lagoon in their Superior Overwater 1 BR Villa (a complimentary upgrade from their Overwater Villa at your time of booking) and a Deluxe Overwater Villa (a complimentary upgrade when you book a Superior Overwater Villa).

Italy

Casa Angelina off the Amalfi Coast wants your honeymoon experience to be anything but traditional. Enjoy a 10% Discount off their best available rates and relax in bed with a bottle of Casa Angelina Champagne and in-season fruit platter in the room upon arrival & complimentary Romantic Bath with rose petals, essential oils and candles. Wake up to complimentary daily full buffet breakfast and take in views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Bali

Bulgari Resort Bali is located just 500 feet above the Indian Ocean and prides itself on a dramatic blend of Balinese and contemporary Italian design. Book one of their 59 ocean view villas and if you choose one of their Ocean View Villas, you will have complimentary upgrade to the Premier Ocean View Villa- this includes daily complimentary continental breakfast.

Hawaii

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa offers you perks that will help you unwind from stressful wedding planning. Rejuvinate your body and mind at the Anara Spa with 15% off Pilialoha (romance) Journey or the Kauai Kuuipo (Lover’s) Escape packages and enjoy a bottle of champagne compliments of the resort. Spend a day by the pool with free one-day use of the honeymoon poolside cabana and finish with complimentary dessert with dinner at Tidepools or Dondero’s.

Receive these promotions when you book your honeymoon by December 31, 2012 and “like” their Facebook page for $100 off your next travel reservation! Happy planning!

ExPats in Paris Party!

Each year, Engaging Affairs (our team--minus Sara-- is pictured above) co-hosts (with fellow event planners Atrendy Wedding and Simply Chic Events) an end-of summer networking party for our friends in the wedding industry. This year we held the party at the newly remodeled nightclub, Josephine, and were inspired by Paris in the 1920s.

The sultry club was the perfect setting for our French-inspired party. 

The French ensemble "Bon Musique" from Elan Artists set the mood with sultry Parisian music with a retro flavor .

Bartenders poured a selection of signature cocktails: Kir Royales, French Martinis and "Paris, Je T'aimes."  Delicious!

Edge Floral Design created gorgeous floral arrangements in soft, vintage colors.

A vintage "cigarette girl" passed out whoopie pies to guests from Whoopsies!

We had quite a crowd!

Laura (Engaging Affairs) is pictured in the center below with  with Jamie (Simply Chic Events) and Pam (Atrendy Wedding).

And guests were treated to curbside service from Mike Jasser and his team from MJ Valet.

Thanks to all our partnering vendors for an amazing party!

Josephine
Booth-a-Rama
Eli Turner Studios
The Dandelion Patch
Edge Flowers
Elan Artists
Federal City Caterers
MJ Valet
Whoopsies
Party Rental
Meant to Be Calligraphy
Thomas Bowen Video

Engaging Affairs on District Weddings!

We're thrilled that one of our favorite couples' guest book idea is featured today on District Weddings!  If you love football (or any sports), this fun and creative guest book idea is for you.  Enjoy!

Michelle's Memos {Vendor Love}

sample stock invitation by Smock courtesy of their website

Today we're letting you in on one of our little secrets. We've been working with Michelle Alberg at Michelle's Memos for over 15 years and she is absolutely one of our "ace-in-the-hole" vendors.

Michelle has been in the invitation business for over 25 years and she really knows her stuff. Because she's been working with paper products for so long, she truly knows them inside and out. She knows which companies to use for certain requests, which companies have the fastest turn-around, and which are easiest to customize.  She also knows how to cut costs where no one would ever notice so she can maintain the "look" but keep the price low. On top of all this, she discounts her prices off retail (on lines she legally can)!

sample stock invitation by William Arthur courtesy of their website

But the reason we truly love Michelle is that she is so detail-oriented and thorough. Nothing falls through the cracks and she is an amazing proofer. She has caught so many tiny glitches for our clients over the years!

Michelle carries over 50 stationery lines including William Arthur, Smock, Bella Figura, Designers Fine Press and C'est Papier.  You can reach her at mmemos@aol.com or 301-983-4987. She is by appointment only and books up fast but don't even think of trying to steal our time slots!

Lazaro Trunk Show at Love Couture!

Engaging Affairs Featured on Washingtonian Blog!

Amanda's charming Tabard Inn wedding was featured on The Washingtonian blog with beautiful photos by Lisa Marie of Sweet Tea Photography.   Click here to see the whole story!