A True Love Affair {J+G}! (Continued . . .)

 On to the party. What a party it was!! When you mix the Cubans and Italians, you'd better get ready to boogie on down!! The bride and groom chose the St. Regis for their reception and it was absolutely perfect for this timeless couple! Alicia Bell seriously outdid herself on this one! Alicia and I had such a blast working with both of the families and creating some really unique touches for them!

The patio, tented by Sugarplum, and the Salon, draped by Drape Kings, was the area for cocktail hour and the after dinner dancing. AFR provided white furniture for the salon, tent, and garden.  The coveted Rick Davis did an absolutely FABULOUS job with these spaces! Rick provided the awesome custom tufted bars, the escort card turned photo booth backdrop frame, and the breathtaking florals!

 I love this shot of the couple seeing the room for the first time!

We had an Italian trio complete with Italian opera singers serenade the group during cocktail hour and dinner as a nod to Giuseppe’s heritage. The Astor Ballroom was lit up by John Farr lighting, outfitted with rentals by Liz Waylan at DC Rental, outstanding centerpieces by Amaryllis completed the look, and a perfect cake courtesy of St. Regis.

After dinner, the group filled the tent for dancing by the Cuban band ”Orquesta D'Candela” with DJ breaks with DJ Michael Cruz. Honestly, check out these stunners!!

John Kacur, The Cigar Box, was a hit with the outside cigar station. Rick once again created an amazing backdrop to create an intimate atmosphere. 

I love these takes of the group family shot- so stylish and edgy!! Who would expect any less with Juan Carlos from Fotobriceno behind the lens!!

As owners and operators of many McDonalds franchise in the DC area, there was no way the addicting fries could be forgotten! Alicia had the St. Regis prepare a version of the delicious treat as surprise for the bride’s father!

 Special thank you to the Alica and the whole St. Regis staff who also took care of the families at brunch the next morning! 

Sometimes I still pretend that Jenille and Giuseppe haven’t gotten married yet so I can still have them as my client. Guess we will just have to start planning that renewal of the vows, right Jenille?? Thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing me to be part of this special weekend and part of yours and your families lives. I wish you nothing but happiness, love, and French fries!

Thank you to my amazing assistants, Olivia and Sarah for all of your hard work that day! Applause all around for my long list of vendors. Spectacular job Dream Team!

Venue and Catering: Alicia Bell, St. Regis
Florals and Décor: Rick Davis, Amaryllis
Photography: Juan Carlos Briceno, Fotobriceno
Videography: Blue Sky Video
Makeup: Nikki Frasier, Beauty and the Bride and Pattie Martin
Hair: Hair by Federico, Nancy Engler and Susie McNair
Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Falcon Entertainment Group
Band: Orquesta D'Candela
DJ: Michael Cruz,
Bialek’s Music
Cigars: John Kacur, The Cigar Box
Tent: Sugarplum Tent
Furniture: AFR
Rentals: Liz Waylan, DC Rental
Drape: Drape Kings
Lighting: John Farr lighting
Transportation: Linder &Associates and Premier Luxury Rentals

Xoxo, Amanda

A True Love Affair {J+G}

I love that feeling when you walk out of an initial meeting and think to yourself, I don’t want that couple, I NEED that couple. This is what happened when I met this beauty of a bride, Jenille.

I blogged earlier about the stunning Havana Nights bridal shower that took place in June and how much I adore her family throughout the planning. The overall feeling of excitement, love, and happiness that filled her parents home in Fairfax, VA during the getting ready stages set the tone for an absolutely amazing day! Nikki Frasier did an outstanding job making up all the bridal party!

I got to know this family very well over the planning process and was even invited into the coveted father’s cigar lounge. I love this photo of the bride perched on her father’s lap!

We rented a vintage Rolls Royce for the bride and her father to ride in to the ceremony at St. Aloysius. Juan Carlos from Fotobriceno was on hand all day to catch the magic!

Guiseppe and the boys meanwhile got ready at the St. Regis! The groom’s family got made up by Pattie Martin and Susie McNair. The groom rode to the ceremony in a modern Bentley with his best man and brother.

The ceremony was held at St. Aloysius, a stunning church in the city. Transportation was provided by the always reliable and courteous Linder & Associates. Guests filled the church in anticipation of the big moment! Absolutely an amazing and classic Catholic ceremony! Some that know me know my weakness for adorable kids and puppies. Particularly together. While the bride and groom’s puggle Pepe was at the kennel for his own big day- the adorable kids moment was captured!

 While many couples are nervous during the actual ceremony, this couple just looked totally at ease and in love.

 

After the I do’s, the bridal party was off to Merdian Hill Park for some pictures!

To be continued… Xoxo, Amanda

Amy + Mike {A Match Made in Pittsburgh}

I've felt at home at the Ronald Reagan Building for years.  I work with some of my favorite couples there and Amy and Mike did not disappoint in their enthusiasm for each other and their determination to create a unique celebration for their friends and family.

William Gaff from Human Story created a fantastic film summarizing their courtship and their big day that I will post later this week.  It highlights one of my favorite features of the reception, the custom food truck cocktail hour!  Thank you Syzygy Events.  In the mean time, please enjoy these stunning images from Todd Laffler.

Sara

Mark Your Calendars For Engaged in Washington 2013!

Engaged! in Washington 2012 - A Luxury Bridal Event by Engaged! Magazine from Don Summers on Vimeo.

Newly engaged couples! Mark your calendars for March 3rd, 2013 for the 4th Annual 'Engaged! in Washington' bridal event!! Truly, this is a show like no other and, if you go to only one bridal event, this is THE show to attend.  'Engaged! in Washington is an experience - not just a show!  Held at multiple venues at one time, with limo bus shuttles between each venue, Washington brides & grooms will experience a luxury event which will inspire and give them confidence to hire the best of the best wedding vendors and services!  And in the meantime, check out the video from last year's show!

High School Sweethearts {Video Sneak Peek!}

There is nothing more exciting than the simplicity of young love. It becomes truly special if the couple is able to grow as individuals together without losing that connection. Rebecca and Alex did just that. Together from high school through post graduate programs, they weathered distances and personal growth and never lost each other along the way. It was an honor to work on their wedding with them. Thank you Blue Sky Films for this amazing look!

Tara LaTour at Hitched {Trunk Shows}

We're excited to share that the Tara LaTour bridal collection will be at Hitched for their first trunk show of the year! Tara LaTour's newest collection perfectly captures the essence of modern romanticism!

What: Tara LaTour Bridal Trunk Show

When: Friday, January 18th and Saturday, January 19th (by appointment only)

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com

All the Details: At the trunk show, you'll have the chance to meet Tara and chat with her about custom changes to your gown. As an added bonus, there will be exclusive trunk show discounts on all Tara LaTour gowns!
 

Engaging Affairs in The Knot! {Featured Wedding}

It is SO exciting when one of my couples is featured in a wedding magazine or newspaper.  None more deserving than the supper fun, always bubbly Sam and her very tall drink of a fantastic man Dan.  Sam and Dan got married on July 21st at the Corcoran surrounded by guests with a wide range of heights.

Their four page spread is the first featured wedding in the knot DC, Maryland & Virginia Spring/Summer issue 2013.  Pick up a copy on stands today!

Sara

Engaging Affairs' Wedding featured in The Post!

We were thrilled to have another wedding featured in the Washington Post's "On Love" section a few weeks ago. Check out some lovely images from this gorgeous wedding planned by Christine Godsey of Engaging Affairs and the entire article here!

Engaging Affairs Wins Bride's Choice Award!

We got a fun email announcing that Engaging Affairs received the Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Award based on all the positive reviews we've gotten from past clients. Thanks to all our fabulous brides and grooms for writing nice things about us. We love you!!

Kicking off 2013, Wedding Style

Happy first Monday of 2013!  I had a great start to my year in weddings.  Jessica and Sean celebrated their marriage at the Willard Hotel surrounded by friends and family.  Since I don't yet have pictures to post, I figured I would throw one up of another January wedding I did a few years back for another Jessica at the Willard!

The below picture taken by the talented Matt Mendelsohn elicited the following reaction- I believe by Matt's sister.  "Holy gorgeous chuppah Batman!"  Jess and Doug stood under an acrylic chuppah in the round with votive candles "floating" on top.  As guests entered the room, it's glowing presence was a real showstopper.


Here's to a fantastic 2013!

Sara