A Naval Academy Love Story {Emily + Nick}

As a daughter of two Naval Academy graduates, I could not have been more happy to have this September wedding at the chapel and in Annapolis.  Military service members obviously hold a special place in my heart and Nick and Emily just added more joy to it!  

The weather for this September wedding could not have been more spectacular!  We started off in the suite with make up by Pattie Martin and Hair by Jewels! 

The Naval Academy grounds and chapel are just amazing and Andrea from the Observatory got some stunning shots in this historic venue!  We then moved on to to a brand new venue located about 20 minutes outside Annapolis right on the water.  We had a wine tasting during cocktail hour and then re-purposed the area for a cigar lounge!

Loved my sweet and sassy bride!

Relysh delighted guests with their interesting cuisine and Doctor's Orders kept the dance floor packed all night long!

 

Love to Emily and Nick, the Lenharts and Rausas, and BEAT ARMY!! :)

xoxo,

Amanda

My wonderful team that made the day so successful:

Ceremony Venue: United States Naval Academy
Reception Venue: Shorehouse Gardens
Hair and Make up: Hair by Jewels and makeup by Pattie Martin
Flowers: Intrigue Design
Caterer: Relysh Catering
Music: Bialek's/Doctors Orders
Cigar:  The Cigar Box
Rentals: DC Rental
Signage: Just Write Studios and Michelle's Memos
Photographer: Andrea Jacobson/The Observatory
Favors: Artisan Confections

A Sneak Peek at a Naval Academy Wedding!

Be sure to see the entire wedding tomorrow!

Flashback Friday {Museum Inspiration}

busts (Style Me Pretty), flowers (Martha Stewart Weddings), cake (Snippet &



Ink), couple kissing (Brides.com), framed escort cards (In Style Weddings), live event painter (Wedding Bee), tablescape (Brides.com), bride (Favors in the City)

We love planning weddings in museums and here is a little art-inspired eye candy. Happy Friday!

Bring on the Baraats!

Engaging Affairs has been fortunate to plan many South Asian weddings over the years. We love so many things about these events but one of our favorite parts is the Baraat. This is the arrival of the groom and his friends and family at the ceremony and it is done with great fanfare and celebration. Traditionally, the groom rides on a horse or even an elephant while friends and family dance around led by energetic dholi drumming. The enthusiasm of this procession is contagious and usually stops traffic in D.C.!

                                     Image by Christian Oth

Image by Greg Gibson

 The wedding party really gets into the dancing!

 Image by Regeti's

 Image by Regeti's

 Image by Regeti's

                                     Image by Regeti's

Images by Kelsey Thompson

 Not all grooms choose to arrive riding an animal, though. We have had guests in open convertible sports cars and even on foot.

Once the groom reaches the entry to the ceremony, the bride's family greets him. The mother marks his forehead and he steps on pottery and breaks it into shards then proceeds into the ceremony.

 Images by Robert Isacson

Thanks to all our fabulous couples who have had such wonderful baraats and let us be a part of the fun (watching and coordinating, of course). We have loved every joyful moment!!

A Modern Romance {Beth + Susan}

This fabulous wedding was so filled with love and joy (not to mention incredibly cool decor and details)! Beth and Susan celebrated their 20-year love affair with an unforgettable ceremony and swanky reception. From the Save-the-Dates to the invitations to the wedding cake, this wedding was unique and so personal.

 Beth and Susan started the day getting ready at The Omni Shoreham. The garden and gazebo were such a lovely backdrop for photos!

Then it was off to the hip and modern Longview Gallery for the beautiful Jewish ceremony.

Their nephews carried in the chuppah, which was custom-made for the couple to reflect their love of bike riding.  

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a fabulous reception and celebrated with the happy couple! Jeff from Blue Vanda created the bold decor with purple blooms, plenty of glass and pops of silver. John Farr Lighting created the perfect ambiance for the space. Absolutely gorgeous!

Lovely (and colorful!) calligraphy by Michele at Meant To Be Calligraphy. Different colors on the escort cards reflected the guests' meal selection. 

Occasions created a mouth-watering dessert display for guests to enjoy after dinner.

 Maggie Austin designed the stunning impressionistic wedding cake! The cake colors and design reflected the couple's love of the fall.

Congratulations to Beth and Susan! It was such a pleasure working with you and being a part of your incredible day!

Special thanks to the always fantastic team that helped me make this day look amazing and run so smoothly! A big shout out to Greg Gibson for sharing his beautiful images with us!

Venue: Longview Gallery

Photographer: Greg Gibson

Caterer: Occasions

Lighting: John Farr Lighting

Calligraphy: Meant to be Calligraphy

Valet: Marc Parc

Cake: Maggie Austin

Florist: Blue Vanda

Hair & Makeup: Alison Harper & Company

xoxo

Christine

Sneak Peek {Beth + Susan}

Image by Greg Gibson

What a beautiful, happy couple! Stay tuned for the full wedding tomorrow!