Tuesday, March 9, 2010

A Night to Remember


Saturday was the first beautiful day we've had in DC in many months. So, it would be fitting that our girl Amy would be married amongst the sunshine and excitement. I was reminded once again, I still haven't given so many of you the look at my own wedding you have been asking for. So, before Amy returns from fabulous Fiji, I've decided to get my butt in gear and recognize all the amazing people who made my own wedding a night I will never forget. So, here we go!


The weekend kicked off Friday evening when my husband and I hosted friends and family at Le Bar, the chic bar in the Sofitel. The highlight of the evening, my surprise groom's cake made by the amazing Kendall of Kendall's Cakes. Her carrot cake is so full of stuff it could be considered a meal, and it's my favorite! So, back to the cake, I tasked Kendall to create a bust of Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens. (Someone is a big RayRay fan) For her first bust, she hit a home run (or perhaps scored a touchdown is more fitting)! Thanks Kendall for creating this kick butt surprise!


Festivities the next day began at noon when two ladies I work with often came to beautify me and my wedding party. What a treat to be the one in the hair and make up seat! Susie Rucksthul did my hair, a very "me" messy bun in the back, finished with a fragrant gardenia, no veil, ala my mom who did the same thing on her wedding day. Pattie Martin, perfectionist that she is, worked her magic on my face. I felt so special!

By about 4pm, the wonderful Justine Ungaro and Jenni Green arrived to start photographing the excitement and Jenny Lehman arrived to start video coverage. I have worked with all of these ladies so many times in the past, but I have never been on the other side of the lens.

Putting on my dress was so exciting. If I had the choice, I would NEVER take it off! It was SO me. I'm actually thinking about dying it black. It would be perfectly appropriate to wear to a ball or gala in the future...if I went to any of those. The lovely ladies at Hitched Bridal Salon in Georgetown helped me find my stunning Oscar de la Renta gown.


Yes! I wore red shoes. My mother and I always say, red feet are happy feet :) Seeing my future husband for the first time, I can't even remember what I was thinking. My face sure shows some good emotion though!


After a traditional Jewish ceremony at the US Chamber of Commerce, guests danced the night away to the sounds of Billy Joel, Journey and Frankie Valli performed by New Monopoly, one of my favorite bands. As if I had any clue that someone could surprise me, my parents came through with flying colors. My husband and I met at the University of Maryland and remain huge Terps fans. (our football team of late has been unimpressive but our basketball team just beat Duke to tie them for #1 in the ACC!) So my parents arranged for the Maryland mascot, Testudo, to make a special appearance on our big day. Go Mom and Dad!


Two of my favorite things from the wedding were the gourmet popcorn bar complete with red and white striped popcorn boxes and the live painting of the event Irena Koren did. It's hanging in our dining room, and it's quite a conversation piece.




A huge thank you goes out to Jeffrey Fox and his crew at Capital Decor and Events for helping to carry out my vision for the ceremony and reception space. The classic green and white with a modern black punch was just what I was looking for. Digital Lightning polished off the event with uplighting in green chosen by Laura Weatherly. Thank you also to Ray Bialek of Bialek's Music and John Knudson for the ceremony and cocktail entertainment.


I hope you enjoyed!
Sara