An Irish Mexican Romance {Linda + James}

What a gorgeous and personalized wedding!  It's always fun blending cultures and heritages into the wedding day and especially when the backgrounds (Irish and Mexican) are so fun. Working with Linda was a wonderful experience.  She was a bride who knew what she wanted.  The only thing in question for her wedding day was if the rain was going to hold out. 

Linda chose to hold her wedding reception on the grounds of her father’s residence.   Thanks to Select Event Rentals, we had a beautifully draped tent for the dinner reception just in case the rain decided to rear it’s ugly head.

Fortunately for Linda and James, they awoke to a very warm and sunny Saturday in September.  The bride and her friends had a relaxing morning getting their makeup done by Jordin Winn and their hair styled by Jim Berdine.   Photographer Mark Betlinger of Rodney Bailey Photography was able to capture some amazing getting ready shots of the bride. 

While the bride and her girls were getting ready upstairs, the groom and his guys were taking pictures around the house downstairs.

After the photos were taken, shuttles provided by Atlantic Transportation arrived to bring the bridal party and families to Our Lady of Mercy for the ceremony.  Fabulous videographer Julie Gross of Blue Sky Films captured the arrival of the bridal party and guests at the church.  

Father Monsignor Filardi led the ceremony that incorporated some Mexican traditions in honor of the bride and her family such as the bride and groom wrapped in the rosary lasso. 

After the ceremony, guests arrived at the residence greeted by valet provided by Unipark.  They enjoyed delicious cocktails and appetizers provided by Spilled Milk Catering while listening to the sounds of a mariachi band.   The bride and groom served "The Irish Mexican" as their signature cocktail (includes Kahlua, Tequila and Whiskey)!

Guests then entered the reception tent where the all white wedding reception was reflected in the tent draping, linens (provided by Party Rental), stunning floral decor (provided by Edge Flowers) and candlelight.  The fountain that normally sits in the center of the driveway, became the focal point of the tent, surrounded by tall candles and twinkle lights.  The whole effect was magical!

To help get the party started, the bride and groom had a shooter called the Irish Margarita placed at each placed setting  (includes Tequila, Crème de Menthe and Triple Sec).  The green of the drink looked amazing on the tables! 

Spilled Milk Catering was able to succeed in the challenge of incorporating the bride’s Mexican heritage and the groom’s Irish background in each and every food item that was served throughout the evening.  Some of the items included Corn Beef Quesadillas, Spiced Lamb Shephard's Pie with Cilantro and Guinness Battered Shrimp with Mango Lime Salsa.  Delicious!  After dinner, guests snacked on a candy/dessert buffet. The bride’s mother not only designed the look of the display but also baked some of the items!

The amazing "Broad Sound" kept the guests on the dance floor all night long.  

Thank you to Blue Ribbon Restrooms for the chic portable restroom trailer and to all the vendors that made the wedding spectacular.  Beautiful job! Thanks to Mark and Rodney for letting us share the gorgeous images of the day. Thank you also to my amazing assistants, Sarah and Emily. 

Congratulations Linda and James!

Christine

Introducing the Four Seasons Baltimore!

Last weekend, I had the good fortune to attend an overnight preview experience of the new Four Seasons Baltimore. Sponsored by Doreen Tisone of Engaged Magazine and The Four Seasons, this trip was a real treat!

After checking-in, I was escorted to my suite which had wrap-around floor-to-ceiling views of the water and city. Stunning! The rooms are gorgeous with sleek furnishings and decadent bathrooms but it's the view you can't take your eyes off of.

After enjoying the tea and munchies in our rooms, everyone gathered downstairs at the spa for a welcome reception followed by spa treatments.

Some of you may know that I'm a bit of a spa junkie. I love spas and have been to lots of them all over the world. Could stay in them until my fingers get pruny and I turn into a limp noodle. So I can say with confidence that this spa is amazing!  They have a heat experience that features a vitality plunge pool, an aromatic steam room, a Finnish sauna, experience showers (my favorite setting was the neck-pounding cascade) and heated stone lounge chairs. Heaven!

Not to mention, the therapists were all amazing. Everyone came out looking punch-drunk and totally relaxed. My facial was fabulous and included a neck and shoulder massage that drained away all my tension.  After our spa time, we gathered at the hotel restaurant, Wit and Wisdom, for dinner.

Dinner was such a culinary treat, with visits by the executive and pastry chefs to talk about the food. The restaurant is very into sourcing locally and also pays tribute to it's Baltimore home with upscale takes on local favorites. The "Baltimore Bar" (a chocolate sensation covered with nuts and candies) was to-die-for!

The next morning we gathered for breakfast on the ballroom level. One huge attribute of the Four Seasons Baltimore is that its ballrooms aren't in the basement. The junior ballroom is completely lined with glass walls as are many of the smaller rooms.

Breakfast was another treat for our taste buds with the most heavenly warm donuts, fresh fruit with mint and delicious egg white frittatas.

After breakfast, we toured the ballrooms and admired the gorgeous art throughout the hotel. The hotel has space for 350+ in their grand ballroom but my favorite space was the junior ballroom with it's beautiful views for 150-175 guests.  All the spaces are so sleek and elegant.

Finally, we toured the infinity pool area and deck with the hot tub and chic wading pool. Although it isn't open yet (too cold!), this will be such a hot spot come summer! I also love the outdoor fireplace. What a lovely backdrop for an intimate wedding!

Thanks to Martha Morningstar and Katie Shannon from the Four Seasons for being such charming hostesses and to Doreen Tisone for co-sponsoring the event. It was such a lovely experience and has made me so eager to bring a wedding to the property. There is really nothing like it in Baltimore (or DC)! Cheers to the newest jewel in Charm City!  All photos courtesy of Jennifer Lust--thanks Jennifer!

Laura

Love Couture Trunk Show {Lazaro}

Twelve Sustainable Wedding Trends for 2012

“Sustainable weddings aren’t just about ‘going green’ anymore, though that’s certainly a big part of it. In 2012, sustainable brides and grooms will also support local industries, avoid frivolous spending, and choose wedding elements that can be incorporated into their married lives long after the big day,” says Tracy DiNunzio, founder and CEO of Recycled Bride. “It’s exciting to see that so many of this year’s hot wedding trends are also good for people and the planet.”

12 Sustainable Wedding Trends for 2012 from Recycled Bride 1. Something Old, Something New: Wedding resale has doubled in the last year, with more than 20% of all brides selling or shopping for a gently used wedding dress, decor, or bridal accessory online. Couples will find even more ways to reduce, reuse, and resell in 2012, using sites like Recycled Bride to score great deals on new and once-used wedding items.

2. Brides Get Fascinated: This year’s must-have bridal trend is the fascinator; a luxe headpiece or hair accessory made from lace, fabric flowers, feathers or jewels. Brides will embrace all styles, from extravagant Carrie Bradshaw-esque peacock toppers to more understated ivory and white flower hair clips, often made from vintage or recycled materials.

3. Cakes Make a Comeback: Cupcake towers and dessert tables have dominated the dessert scene for years, but the traditional wedding cake is back for 2012. Multi-layered, extravagantly decorated, and almost always white, this year’s cakes take center stage. Fresh, local ingredients like fruit preserves and cage-free eggs make the very best cakes both delicious and guilt-free.

4. Flor-ternatives: Traditional cut flowers are expensive, and their bouquets often wilt before the honeymoon has begun. But paper flowers are forever, and come in an exciting variety of styles and colors that can be enjoyed as home accessories long after the big day. Other popular and long-lasting floral alternatives are vintage brooch bouquets and succulent plants.

5. Something Blue: Royal blue sapphires are outshining diamonds this year as engagement jewel of choice. Sapphires let couples avoid conflict diamonds — and bling-bling prices.

6. Modesty & Lots o’ Lace: Inspired by Kate Middleton’s royal wedding gown, 2012’s brides are loving lace-covered arms and shoulders. Many will opt for vintage lace capelets and shrugs, which can be shed at the reception for a sexier look. This lets brides enjoy a variety of styles, and marks the end of the “two dress” trend.

7. Midnight Munchies: As wedding celebrations become all-nighters for some, couples are filling the bellies of party-hardy guests with a midnight snack. But forget the fancy food and formal presentation when it comes to late-night eats, which are all about comforting, locally-sourced finger foods.

8. Virtual Guests: Technology is making it possible for faraway friends and relatives to attend 2012 weddings without traveling. This year, guests will arrive via tablets and smartphones, on Facetime and Skype, enjoying special moments they might have otherwise missed (and conserving on travel!)

9. A Signature Sipper: Signature cocktails are all the rage, with couples inventing creative concoctions that let guests get their drink on. Skipping the traditional overstocked wedding bar, 2012’s savviest brides and grooms are going with one signature cocktail, complemented by a selection of organic wines and local beer.

10. DIY Wedding Videos: Using Flipcams, smartphones, and an army of friends, many couples will forgo traditional wedding videos in favor of DIY mashups that recorded from their guests’ perspectives. Free online editing tools like WeVideo make it easy for creative couples to edit their own dream wedding videos.

11. Smashing Sashes: Wedding dresses with belts and sashes are hot this year, turning up both on the runway and down the aisle. And the best part of going belted? It’s not just figure-flattering, but embellished sashed can be re-used in real life, either as accessories or home decor.

12. Home is Where the Party Is: Taking cues from homey newlyweds like Reese Witherspoon, Kate Moss, Lily Allen, Lauren Bush, and Milla Jovovich, wedding receptions at home are hot. Backyard bashes have gone elegant and upscale, with couples using the natural beauty of their own outdoor spaces to create warm and beautiful wedding receptions.

Snow Days Preston Bailey Style!

I was completely surprised by yesterday's snow in DC. It wasn't a ton, but it was enough to look magical. Speaking of magical, I love Preston Bailey's use of natural inspiration and snow for his weddings. Amazing!