Bookish Weddings!

Emily Johnston Anderson Photography

As I'm away this week at a writer's conference, I thought I'd share some book-inspired wedding ideas. Books (especially classic, old volumes) speak to me like little else does and I love the thought of book-loving couples incorporating them into their day.

Jessica Claire

These bookshelves as ceremony arch are so fab!

Wedding Wire

What a wonderful escort card display (plus, everyone gets their own personalized bookmark). Adorable!

Gourmet Invitations via SMP

So clever to use old-fashioned library slips and cards as wedding invitation inspiration!

Heather Kincaid via Green Wedding Shoes

I'm crazy about old card catalogs. What fun to use them for a guest book or candy display!

Bring on Summer Picnics (and Picnic Weddings)!

bouquet (Martha Stewart Weddings), dress (Pretty Chicky), ceremony (Style Me
Pretty), watermelon (Brides Buzzing), tablescape (Style Me Pretty), lunch bags
(Style Me Pretty), escort cards (Style Me Pretty), picnic blankets (White Lace
Wedding), hammock (), table setting (Style Me Pretty), cake (Martha Stewart
Wedding), bottles (Style Me Pretty), edible 'paper bags' (Martha Stewart
Weddings, jar (Prima Donna Bride) The red gingham bottle photo is courtesy of Halo Photography.

It's summer time and that means picnics! We hope you enjoy a flashback inspiration 

board all about outdoors, homey weddings. I adore the blankets and cushions on the 

lawn!

First Dances {Tips from The Pros}

Today we have a guest post on first dance's by our friends at Sam Hill Entertainment. Enjoy!

From our vantage point, as the link between the couple and their wedding band, we put our eyes on a lot of special song requests. From the traditional to modern, tried-and-true to out of left field, we've seen them all -- and our bands have learned and performed them.

A newly married couple's first dance is a beautiful moment, one that everyone in attendance will remember. It can reflect a special meaning to the couple, or just be a classic love song. Here are some suggestions for first dance songs that are cool, aren't cheesy…and are easy to dance to.

Something old: Van Morrison's "Moondance" never disappoints. It's simple, beautiful & timeless.

Something new: Jack Johnson's "Better Together" is a laid back favorite.

Something borrowed: The President's impromptu rendition of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" has given this classic new life.

Something blue: Brad Paisley's cover of Ryan Adams' "When the Stars Go Blue" has always been a big hit as a first dance number for the Jangling Reinharts.

An Ode To The Parents!

I was recently inspired by a client of mine to write this blog.  She was such a gracious reminder of how important parents can be to a wedding.  The parents of both the bride and groom are such an integral part of not only the wedding, but also the couple’s life together after the big day.  When you come across a mother or father who selflessly devote time, emotional and financial support to both the event and the children’s future-- it is truly inspiring.  This mother made sure that her daughter and future son-in-law were represented in every aspect of the wedding while also integrating such amazing personal touches-- there is no way this day will be soon forgotten!  The bride and groom were so thankful!  I forged a friendship with her that gave new breath to my job.  We are often so concerned with the dress, flowers, which vendors will be the best, etc., that we don’t have time to sit back and truly learn about the family and what is involved on their end.  I got that opportunity and am truly thankful for it.  

I also had the pleasure of planning a fabulous surprise bridal shower for an upcoming bride.  The family and their interactions were so amazing; it just became further confirmation of why I needed to write this blog.  Weddings can be very stressful on the family dynamics for many reasons and all too often we focus on the negative side of that.  It can also be a wonderful bonding experience where the bride and groom should thank their parents for their tireless support even before the big day!  

 Vendors like planners, caterers and designers may be the wedding’s support system for the big day, but the family is the backbone for the life after the wedding.  As a recent bride myself, I often had to remind myself to think past the excitement of the big day and to focus on the true meaning of what the wedding is-- a joining of two families and the creation of a new one!  Thank you to all of the past parents, sisters, brothers, and friends who have supported our wonderful brides and grooms!  

xoxo
Amanda 

Brideshead Revisited at Hitched {Styling Night}

ave fun

So you've picked out your gorgeous gown and scored the perfect pair of shoes but you seem to be at a loss when it comes to finding your bridal bling. Sound familiar? Well no need to worry, Hitched to the rescue!

While their usual collection of baubles will be available for viewing, Hitched is so excited to also be featuring the amazing accessories from Brideshead Revisited on Thursday, June 21st. There will be a plethora of belts, headbands, headpieces, fascinators, and birdcages brides will adore!

What: Styling Night featuring Emily Martin, the designer of Bride's Head Revisited!

Details & Perks: In addition to the current selection of accessories, they will be showcasing an expansive collection of veils, jewelry, and accessories from Bride's Head Revisited during the Styling Night. And the designer herself, Emily Martin, will be on hand to help you complete your wedding day look! As an added perk, all accessories purchased during the event will be 10% off!

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com

Have fun!

Romance With A View {Caitlin & Tim}

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I met this lovely bride and her mother at the Engaged! Show in 2011.  When I met with Gayle and Caitlin the first time, I instantly wanted this wedding!  They both knew exactly what was important to them and what wasn’t.  Caitlin is extremely busy in her residency and her fiancé Tim is working on a campaign, which leaves little time for wedding planning!  I worked closely with Caitlin’s mom-- blog to come!-- on a wedding that would suit Caitlin and Tim’s personality!

My favorite parts of this wedding-- besides the view from the Top of the Hay, of course-- were all of the special touches.  Many of the guests may have not known about these as they were subtle nods to past family weddings and traditions.  We worked with the talented Bill Enright from Edge to incorporate some of them into the flowers.  Part of Caitlin’s mother veil was used to wrap her bouquet and it was secured with a broach of her grandfather.    

Bill also created a trellis in the hallway that held photos from past family weddings on both sides!  

Lastly, he made a moss mock up of Caitlin and Tim’s dog Riley for the escort card table!! I love when we are able to personalize a wedding to this degree! 

 Caitlin’s mom also had a friend make the ring bearer pillow and a money/card sac out of her mother’s dress!  They were so beautiful in the vintage lace!  The bride also carried a small bible and handkerchief down the aisle and put a lucky coin in her shoe- another family tradition.

  Even the cake topper has been passed down from each family wedding!  We used this on top of the gorgeous cake by Kendall’s Cakes! 

 The animal-loving couple made a donation to the Animal Welfare League and treated their guests to monument chocolates!

Caitlin looked absolutely amazing in her dress from Hitched- as I’m sure you can see on all of her bridesmaids faces!!  Tim was one of my most hilarious grooms- and so were all of his groomsmen!  The toasts kept guests laughing through the night!

 

I absolutely adore working at the Hay Adams!  Alison Okobi and her staff are always polished, on top of things, and so incredibly nice to both the guests and the vendors!  And who can beat that view!

It was such a pleasure to work with the talented Michael Connor of Connor Studios!  He got amazing pictures and made the couple feel so at ease!  Amaretto from Chris Grasso Entertainment was A-MAZING and kept the crowd on its feet all night long! 

There was a part of me that was sad the wedding day had come as I had become very close to Caitlin and her mother over our year partnership!  Caitlin and Tim’s amazing faces that day remind me of the reason I got into this industry!  

Thank you to my awesome assistant,Olivia, for all of her hard work and to the following list of vendors!

Xo,

Amanda

Venue & Catering: Alison Okobi, Hay Adams Hotel

Photography:  Michael Connor, Connor Studios

Florals & Décor:  Bill Enright, Edge Flowers

String Trio and Band:  Amaretto -Chris GrassoEntertainment

Cake: Kendall Barrett, Kendall’sCakes

Favors: HistoricalChocolates and Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Paper Products:  Dandelion Patch

Sneak Peek of Hay-Adams Rooftop Wedding!

Just a little taste of the gorgeous images by Michael Connor from Amanda's lovely rooftop wedding at The Hay-Adams!  More to come!

Climb On! {Rock Climbing Brides and Grooms}

Emily Lesher

I've recently gotten back into rock climbing (after a 10+ years hiatus) and have gotten my husband hooked, as well.  It's quite an addictive sport and afficiandos are quite passionate about it. Personally, I like the meditative, Zen aspects of it. It's not as much about muscle and brawn as it is about strategy and thinking. A bit like chess fifty or so feet in the air.

So I went looking for fun ways couples have incorporated their climbing addictions into their wedding day and found some great shots. Climb on!

Philbrick Photography

Off to the rock climbing gym! Have a great weekend everyone!
Laura

Wedding Popsicles!

Photo by Kristyn Hogan

I was just out with my daughter's first grade class and the morning of games ended with Popsicles. Talk about a treat that takes you back to childhood. Love the idea for weddings (and love these custom Popsicle wedding bibs, too)!

Familyfreshcooking

These flower filled pops are deluxe!

Preston Bailey

And a custom Popsicle bar is such a fun twist on the candy bar or cupcake display. Perfect for hot weather weddings!

Lauryn Galloway

And a champagne/Popsicle cocktail?  Well, count me in!

Happy summer and happy Popsicle eating!
Laura

Cupcake Flashback!

row 1: Brides.com and The Knot row 2: Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot row 3: Style Me Pretty, Brides.com, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings row 4: Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides.com

Cupcakes may not be the hot new trend anymore but they are still delicious. Here is a blast from the past with some of our fave designs!