New Engaging Affairs Company Pics!

It's tough to get our entire team together AND dressed up if we're not working at an event. And if we're working an event, the last thing on our mind is taking pictures of us. So it was fun to steal a few moments before the Engaged 2012 show kicked off last Sunday to get a few images of our team. Thanks to Laura Luis of Three Lights Photography for taking the photos!

For those who might wonder "why all white?" . . . Well, we wear black all the time (it's D.C. after all) so we like to go in the other direction every so often. And we got our color in with the shoes. Happy Friday!

Planning with KaBOOM! Continues

Several months ago I brought you a blog detailing an extraordinary couple of mine getting married in Connecticut.  They, along with friends and family, will be spending the day of their wedding building a playground in an area in need of play space with the non-profit group KaBOOM!  This past Friday was their design day where team leaders, organization members, my bride and groom along with the local children that will benefit from the new play space gathered to map out what the new area will look like.
 

Please check out the full story to the incredible beginning of this awesome project that will truly allow Haley and Dave to "build their future together".

http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Wedding-present-for-homeless-kids-A-playground-3378186.php

Sara

Francesca Miranda at Hitched {Trunk Shows}

If you're searching for a wedding day look that is both fresh and memorable, we've got great news for you! In an effort to continue to provide the most up-to-date and gorgeous gown selection to brides, Hitched will be hosting another exciting extended trunk show event—the Francesca Miranda couture bridal gown collection will be paying an exclusive visit from Friday, March 16th until Saturday, March 24th!

The Francesca Miranda collection features a stunning array of ethereal, architecturally detailed gowns. They're unlike anything we've seen before, and we look forward to their debut!

What: Francesca Miranda Extended Trunk Show Event

When: : March 16th-March 24th, by appointment only

Details & Perks: During this exclusive event, Hitched will be presenting Francesca Miranda's couture bridal gown collection to the DC area. This is the ONLY time to see these gowns in person—and believe us, you'll be glad you did!

RSVP: Since this is a limited time event, it's sure to book up fast-- so be sure to make an appointment today by calling 202.333.6162 or emailing info@hitchedsalon.com.

––

Greg Gibson Photography {Vendor Love}

We feel very lucky to be in Washington, D.C. and have such an amazing pool of photographers at our disposal. The talent in our area is amazing; couples can choose from Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalists, White House photographers and award-winning documentary photographers to capture their wedding day.

One of our favorite photographers is a former White House photographer and a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Not only is Greg Gibson supremely talented, he's a pleasure to work with and has a fabulous sense of humor (a must on a wedding day). On top of all that, he's a North Carolinian like me and we put aside our Duke-State college rivalry to unite against my UNC associate. And that, as any ACC basketball fan knows, is pure gold.

 
I love that he captures amazing moments in a distinctly documentary style but also knows how to shoot gorgeous portraits and kick-ass room and detail shots. For me, it's the wedding planner's photography trifecta.

I hope you enjoy a few favorite shots from weddings he's shot for us over the years! Thanks for all the amazing images and fun weddings, Greg!

Keswick Hall Wedding

We recently posted about a fun FAM (usually stands for familiarization but I like to refer to it as Family) trip our team took to Keswick Hall in Charlottesville.  The property is truly first class as is the wonderful events staff.  Last June I had the pleasure of planning Sarah and Nick's wedding at Keswick Hall and the weekend could not have been more perfect for them  As a hard working, busy couple in the DC area, they were looking for something just a bit slower and more comfortable for their family and friends to celebrate their wedding weekend.

Being in Virginia wine country, the ladies weekend started on Friday afternoon with a wine tour and lunch.  Friday evening brought an intimate rehearsal dinner in the Garden Room at Keswick Hall, the perfect space for a greek inspired sharing table to pay tribute to the groom's roots.  It was such a beautiful table!

Saturday morning the men kicked off the day with golf as the ladies relaxed and prepped.  Following the ceremony which overlooked the golf course, the bride and groom took a cart out for pictures using the Hall as the backdrop.

Guests enjoyed cocktails by the pool, one of my favorite places on the property, then moved back downstairs for an open air dinner on the terrace and dancing until the wee hours in the ballroom.  Truly a favorite for me was their choice in first dance song by Queen, "You're my Best Friend".  Completely appropriate for this pair.

It's safe to stay guests were treated to a celebration they won't soon forget in Charlottesville.  Thank you to the fantastic team at Keswick Hall including Adam and Wendy, along with Capital Decor and Events,  Gonzo's Nose and Jenni Green from Studio Diana Photography.

Stay tuned for pictures from my next wedding at Keswick in May.  A very different style, but elegant, sophisticated and modern all the same.

Sara

A Night at The Fillmore {Sound Connection}

A great event to check out amazing wedding entertainment! Register here!

It's a Video Giveaway!

To all our newly engaged brides out there or those with weddings approaching, you won't want to miss this opportunity.  Thomas Bowen Films is giving away a free Trilliant Bliss Wedding video package valued at $4,000!  Don't pass up this chance to have your friends and family recorded in history.  Time is running out!  Today is the last day to enter.  Please click the link below for details on how to register on their Facebook page.  Good luck and be sure to let us know if you are the lucky winner!

http://www.thomasbowenfilms.com/wedding-film-giveaway/

Downton Abbey Inspiration!

I'll admit it. I'm hooked on PBS's series "Downton Abbey." I only started watching it a few weeks ago and immediately raced through streaming the first season on Netflix and then had to get Season 2 on iTunes to continue the obsession. Now I'm distraught that I'll have to wait months and months to watch Season 3!

Along with the amazing characters and captivating plot lines, I adore the costumes.  Susannah Buxton has done an impressive job creating the gorgeous creations and also of gradually moving the clothing from turn-of-the-century (complete with corsets) to the looser lines of the 1920's.

I love bringing the delicate fabrics, intricate beading and interesting necklines back into the fray and hope to see Downton Abbey inspire some of our wedding dress designers! Anyone else love Downton?

Wish Upon A Star Party {Jorge Manuel Giveaway}

Just a few scenes from the fabulous event to kick off the Wish Upon a Star Jorge Manuel contest. It was such a delight to meet Jorge and see the stunning gown he'll be giving to one lucky bride!  Above, Hitched owners Carin and Julia with Jorge and his gorgeous gown.

The lovely brunch was catered by Design Cuisine with floral decor by Sidra Forman. Calligraphy by Meant to Be Calligraphy added the perfect touch. The lovely images are by the talented Ralph Alswang.

Don't wait to enter the contest as the contestants are limited!  The official "Upon A Star" application can be found by visiting www.jorgemanuelweddings.com. The contest winner will be determined by a combination of votes by the public and the judges, made up of members of the Jorge Manuel team and the Hitched ladies. Here's hoping a Bridal Bubbly reader wins the amazing gown!

Thanks you to the fabulous ladies of Hitched for introducing us to Jorge and his beautiful designs and to Jorge for being such a charming designer who delights in giving back.  We were honored to be included in the contest announcement party and so pleased to be able to spread the word. Enter today!!

Jenny Yoo Trunk Show {Love Couture Bridal}