Bridal Bubbly

Monday, March 26, 2012

Favorite Nearby Getaways {DC Mini-Moons}

Do you ever really feel the need to get away from it all but don't have the time to fly somewhere fabulous? Do you really need a break from wedding planning even if just for a weekend? The DC-area has some amazing resorts just a couple of hours drive away and they make you feel like you're in another world. We love pampering and these resorts offer lots of that. Gorgeous rooms, stunning scenery, great food and (of course) wonderful spas!

hcareers.com

The Omni at Bedford Springs

Just a short drive up into Pennsylvania, this old-world resort is tucked away in a quiet town. This is the perfect place to unwind and do nothing. I love the long porches that extend the length of the resort and are lined with rocking chairs. They also have a gorgeous indoor pool, an outdoor pool and a beautiful spa. You can dine at one of several restaurants or just order room service and enjoy your luxurious room.

graceormonde.com

Keswick Hall

For those familiar with Charlottesville, Keswick Hall needs no explanation. This stunning resort rises like a Tuscan jewel out of the Virginia hills. Each room of this resort is unique and decorated with antiques and one-of-a-kind items, giving each visit a new charm. Keswick Hall has plenty of activities, from golf to swimming to fox hunting. Or you can just sit back, take a dip in the infinity pool and enjoy the Southern charm and amazing cuisine.

perrycabin.com

The Inn at Perry Cabin

If water soothes you, look no farther than this lovely resort on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Sitting on the water in the quaint town of St. Michaels, this charming property boasts an array of water activities as well as the chance to explore nearby antique shops and Victorian homes.

The Four Seasons Baltimore

Perhaps the closest option for a getaway, this Four Seasons is no less of an escape. Perched on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, this brand new hotel offers breathtaking views, gorgeous rooms, a fabulous spa and the top-notch service that Four Seasons is known for. Come for a weekend to enjoy the action of the Inner Harbor or just come to relax and watch it all go by from your window.

Happy travels and happy Monday!!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Enzoani Trunk Show {Love Couture}

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Scent of a Woman {Wedding Day Fragrance}

1WeddingSource

Back in the day when Monte Durham of "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta" fame was a DC-based wedding stylist and we worked together on just about every wedding, I picked up some of his wedding day tips. Some aren't suitable to publish because if you've watched the show you know that Monte loves to say exactly what he thinks!

TLC

But one I can pass on is his love of selecting a signature fragrance for each bride. He considered your wedding day fragrance to be an important accessory like finding the right jewelry or perfect veil. He would often take our brides scent shopping to select a perfume that she would wear on her wedding day.

Camile Styles

As he was getting the bride ready on the wedding day, Monte would layer the fragrance starting with the scented body lotion and then the actual perfume applied to pressure points. He would always finish off by misting her veil with the perfume. The effect was never over-powering but the fragrance lingered all night.

I recently found a new favorite fragrance by Jo Malone. I love her blends and I love that they are simply named--Vanilla and Anise, Lime Basil and Mandarin, White Jasmine and Mint. I have a hard time taking myself seriously wearing something called "Fancy Love," "My Insolence," "Solar Donkey Power" or, heaven forbid, "Earthworm" (these are all real perfume names, by the way).

I'm amazed by how much a small dab of my new favorite scent-- Vanilla and Anise-- can lift my mood (and have me inhaling my own wrists all day). I know some women have a perfume they've won for years and plan to wear on their wedding day, which is great. If you have a signature scent, you should wear it! But if you don't have a scent you're known for, why not use your wedding as an opportunity to find a luxurious new fragrance? Wander the perfume aisle at Saks or Neimans and see what grabs you and then, when you've found the perfect one, don't forget that final spritz on your veil. Thanks Monte!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Tis the Season . . . for Sample Sales {Hitched Sample Sale!}

It's that bittersweet time of year again, when bridal salons must say goodbye to many of their favorite bridal gown samples to make room for new ones by treasured designers. Lucky for you, this means the opportunity to get a stunning couture bridal gown for a fraction of the price! We hope you can join the team at Hitched for the Sample Sale Soiree on Thursday, March 29th from 5-8pm!

What: Hitched Sample Sale Soiree

When: Thursday, March 29th from 5pm-8pm [first-come, first-served—no appointment necessary!]

Why: To find the dress of your dreams at a steal! Couture weddings gowns [Anna Maier, Amsale, Judd Waddell, Lela Rose, and more] will be up to 60% off, and once purchased, are yours to take home with you that evening.

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

The Little 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 we 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 our website, so feel free to take a sneak peek then grab the best decision makers in your life to have some fun and find "the one!"

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Carine's Designer Sample Sale!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Calling all DC Foodies! {Sapore Artisanal Oils & Vinegars}

I had the pleasure of sneaking into Sapore a few days ago before the official grand opening and all I can say is Wow! Sapore is Washington DC’s first gourmet Oil & Vinegar shop to offer over 30 premium extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, single sourced and flavor infused, plus sea & mineral salts, hand crafted spice blends and pastas. The shop is chic and airy, the yellow walls lined with large metal fustis (or tanks) to keep the oils and vinegars fresh.

They are located in historic Capitol Hill, around the corner from Eastern Market. Sapore means “taste, or flavor” in Italian, and they encourage you to taste any of their products before you buy. I sampled their 25-year-old balsamic vinegar and had to stop myself from drinking it. So delicious!

And, of course I asked if they planned to offer mini bottles for use as favors (weddings are always on my mind). They not only have small Sapore bottles (ideal for a foodie welcome bag in guests' hotel rooms) but they are getting even smaller half-moon glass bottles. The perfect size for a take-away gift for wedding guests.

So be sure to drop by and check out the amazing treats at Sapore. Located at 660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE in D.C. (right around the corner from Eastern Market), this is the new hot shop in the city! Salute!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Oh Happy Day!

Photo by Steph Goralnick via Intimate Weddings

In tribute to the amazing weather D.C. has been having (hello, summer!), I thought I'd post a wedding photo to sum up how I feel. Weeee Heeeeeee! Happy Friday, everyone!!

Grassroots Gourmet

Last week we blogged about the wonder that is Luke's Lobster, YUM! Such a small world. One of my clients e mailed me to tell me they went to school with him. I love that. Real people success stories. Ok, that sounds kind of sappy. Moving on, last night I met with two women, whose grandmothers are sisters, making them cousins. These women, Sara and Jamilyah, decided to take grandmas' recipes and start a desserts business. Grassroots Gourmet was born.

This duo has a passion for baking to your specifications. While a large amount of their business currently comes from government orders, non profits and law firms, they are growing their wedding cake business as well as supplying yummy desserts to area restaurants. Enter Luke's Lobster. Woopie Pies sold there, from the talented ladies of Grassroots Gourmet. Did I mention they are also getting ready to open a storefront? Who doesn't want another desserts shop around.

Their approach to cakes is very unique, which is important as I think everyone has their own cake preferences based on their upbringing. The interview clients- brides, grooms, birthday/anniversary clients, etc. about flavors and tastes that they loved in childhood and seek out now. They customize new flavors for each client. Now of course, you can still get your traditional red velvet or chocolate, chocolate, chocolate :) But for a really unique taste, give them some details and find out what they can come up with.

These ladies love pies as well and I am currently exploring an array of desserts with them for a summer wedding along with blueberry muffins with them for another event.

Sara

Thursday, March 15, 2012

More Amazing Room Shots {Dana and Chris}

We have so many amazing images from Greg Gibson of this amazing Newseum wedding that we wanted to share even more! Enjoy!

A Glamorous Newseum Bash {Dana & Chris Part 2}

As planners, we are always excited to work in a new venue, so I was delighted to get the chance to plan the first wedding on the main floor of The Newseum! Typically an area that is used for non-profit and corporate events, the main floor was perfect for this couple! The groom was wonderfully involved and insistent on having the party of the century, so a party we had!

Sugarplum Tent provided us with a wonderful clear tent for the second floor balcony for cocktail hour, and the Greek band Achilles began the night for us and played throughout the dinner hour. So fun!

Stephanie Retelle with Wolfgang Puck provided the 350 guests with a wonderful spread to keep everyone full for the long night ahead! Georgetown Cupcakes provided red velvet cupcakes adorned with the couple’s initials for dessert!

The fabulous Liz Waylan at DC Rental provided us with the elegant linens, base plates, glassware and flatware to complete the look!

After dinner, the talented 80’s band Spazmatics came all the way from LA to get the party started! How great is their “Revenge of the Nerds” attire!

Amaryllis helped us transform the tent into an after party, which went into the wee hours of the morning, with some funky black lounge furniture and red lighting! We had The Cigar Box out to roll cigars and showed the Pacquiao/Marquez fight on the big screen. DJ Seyhan Duru kept the music going for all of the late night partiers!