What Makes You Feel Like a Bride?

I got the most interesting phone call yesterday and thought I would share. First, it was from a groom. That isn't completely unheard of but it isn't typical. Most of our calls come from brides or their mothers. Then, he mentioned that his wedding was in two days. That got my attention. Lastly, he told me that he wasn't looking for wedding planning but wanted to know how to make his bride "feel like a bride." Even though I was juggling about a hundred things to do (this is the Fall wedding season, after all), I thought his request was so sweet that I had to help.

Apparently, the groom-to-be and his bride were eloping (second wedding for both) but the bride had told him (with tears in her eyes) that on the wedding day she wanted to feel like a bride. The groom wanted to make her happy but didn't know exactly what it takes to make a woman feel like a bride. After bantering some ideas back and forth (and him rejecting my fantasy of sending her to the Mandarin Spa for the day), we decided that a limo ride around the monuments culminating in a picnic with champagne, flowers and gourmet fare would be perfect for them.

This phone call made me think that we all have different ideas of what it takes to feel like a bride. I'd love to hear what yours is!

Laura

Wedding Shoes Giveaway!

It's the giveaway you have been waiting for! About a month ago I blogged about a great pair of footwear one of my spring brides sported. Now, it's your turn to win a pair for yourself! Sandals4events are custom personalized sandals great for weddings, bridal and bachelorette events, the honeymoon and then every day use! No more spending tons of money on shoes you will only wear once and will want to take off after the pre ceremony pictures. Flip flops are great for every day, but the pair you wear at your wedding should be a little more special!

So, just send us a comment with you name and be sure to check back on Monday when we announce the winner!

A Romantic Proposal at The Inn at Little Washington

So how romantic is this? We wanted to share a picture of our very own Amy as Clark is proposing to her at The Inn at Little Washington. Not only did he set her up with some beauty treatments and plan a day at Virginia wineries together, he invited their families and friends to join them (and surprise her) at The Inn after the proposal. We think Amy is a lucky duck (and we can't wait for her to start blogging about her wedding plans)! Congratulations and lots of love from all the Engaging Affairs ladies!

Laura

Veil Giveaway!

Hello lovely ladies! The Unbride is back. The funky blog site started by the chic photographer Justine Ungaro is back with great new stuff and a birdcage veil giveaway! You can win one just like the lovely Katherine Heigl wore when she wed singer Josh Kelly. Check out the link and let me know if you win!

Sara

Engaging Affairs is getting Hitched Again!

Congratulations to yet another member of the Engaging Affairs Team. Amy Lorraine, we love you and can't wait to start planning your big day!

xoxo

Sara

Meridian House Romance {Suzanne +Colin}

August 29th held a special meaning for Suzanne and Colin. Not only was it the day they would say “I Do” but it was also the exact day, 40 years ago, that the bride’s parents said their “I Do’s”. The newlyweds honored the bride’s parents with a beautiful introduction to their 40th anniversary dance that took place later in the evening.

The couple, who met in high school but didn’t start dating until much later, chose to hold their ceremony and reception at the historic Meridian House, located in Washington, DC. The wedding weekend began with an intimate, family style rehearsal dinner at the trendy Darlington House, located in Dupont Circle.

All week the family and I had watched the pending storms tease us with the threat of showers on their special day. But, luckily, their day arrived and so did the blue skies. The bride and bridal party began the day getting made up by the talented make-up artist, Carl Ray.

The ceremony took place in the side garden with the ceremony being led by the sister of the groom. After the ceremony, the guests were moved to the rear garden for cocktails. Lighted, white lanterns hung among the trees while the drinks flowed and Celebrated Strings played. After cocktails, guests moved inside to enjoy their meal and the night’s entertainment.

Kiley of the Catering Company of Washington worked with the family to design a tasty menu for the guests to enjoy that included fun hors d’oeuvres such as pig in a blanket, curry crepes, and jalapeno shrimp. The couple had not only a beautiful, but tasty, cake designed by Lara of Fluffy Thoughts. Everyone danced and partied all night to the tunes of Night Song from Entertainment Exchange. While the party was in full swing, guests were treated to a “crazy” photo booth where they could take pictures of themselves using crazy props. These and all of the wonderful memories of this special day were captured by Kurstin Roe of Kurstin Roe Photography.

Congratulations to Suzanne and Colin!

Christine

True Love {Francessca + Jimmy}

I am so excited to share a glimmer of Francessca and Jimmy's wedding day with you all! They were the most wonderful couple to work with and all their family + friends couldn't have been happier for them. Garrett Hubbard Photography was awesome to work with and obviously captured some incredible moments during the day.

The entire day took place at the Westfields Marriott Hotel in Chantilly, VA. The staff there was great to work with and the Chef really out did himself. Dan Goldman from Bialek's Music took care of all our music needs including ceremony, dinner and dancing. As you will see in the photos below, he definitely had his work cut out for him as the guests showed up to have a good time on the dance floor!

And it may have taken me all morning but I have finally figured out how to do my own Inspiration Board on the Style Me Pretty site! I am loving it!! Check out my first board below... a fabulous montage of wedding day photos!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Amy Lorraine

Two Designers. Two Dates. Too Fabulous To Miss.

Hitched Bridal Salon in Georgetown is throwing their Fall Trunk Show and anyone who's anyone knows a trunk show equals fabulous perks not seen otherwise. Carin + Julia, Hitched Owners, are good friends of ours and definitely make the gown buying process an enjoyable one.

Where: Hitched Bridal Salon 1523 Wisconsin Ave NW
When: Modern Trousseau (for bridal gowns and mother of the occasion- bonus!) on September 11th & 12th!
Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija on September 25th & 26th!
How: Book early by calling 202-333-6162 or email the Hitched crew at appointments@hitchedsalon.com

Soiree at Josephine!

Last Thursday was one of those rare occasions when the party planners got to play! Along with Pam Barefoot and Jamie Sears (all of us above), Engaging Affairs hosted an end-of summer networking bash for the D.C. area's event professionals. The sexy Save-the-Dates and invitations were created by Saima Says Design and let guests know they were in for a special evening. We held the evening party at the hip nightclub Josephine, and because of the namesake, we played up the rich decor and the French connection.

Guests were greeted curbside by the sharp-looking guys from MarcParc Valet who provided flawless valet service. The amazing staff at Josephine managed the door beautifully and kept the drinks flowing. We served specialty cocktails like The French Martini, the Napolean and the Josephine. The Josephine (a peachy drink garnished with a tiny peach-colored flower) was my personal favorite!

Kelly Jenkins from Capital Decor created a stunning shelvinf unti to hold desserts with Jospehine Bonaparte's portrait as a backdrop. He also fashioned two ornate French chairs into cupcake displays using glass shelves. So much fun!





Nick Perez from Multiflor provided sultry floral decor that included chic, low arrangements with lots of feathers and rich colors to go with the rich fabrics on the walls and furniture. Of course, we used lots of candles.

The amazing food (which included crab salad spoons, mushroom chopsticks, watermelon and feta skewers and my newest addiction, mini candied apples) was provided by Joel Wolke from Occasions. All of their food is amazing but the dessert display was downright sinful!

The fabulous mini cupcakes were provided by Kendall Barrett from Kendall's Cakes. My personal favorite is the lemon curd but Sara is in love with the carrot cake. She also brought chocolate, coconut and red velvet. And since they were the mini versions, you could eat a bunch without feeling guilty. Heaven!


For another European touch, we brought in Patricia Rice to paint a classic oil portrait of the party as it unfolded. It was such fun to watch her paint and see the image evolve from a blank canvas to a beautiful painting. If you look closely, you might notice some familiar faces in the painting!

Guests had a wonderful time mingling and networking. It was great to see so many of our colleagues in a purely fun environment!

The ladies from Engaging Affairs were out in full force. Check out the Engaging Affairs team below: Amy, Sara, Laura, Christine and Grace.


Lara Stuckey of Fluffy Thoughts made the black and white French macaroons that guests took away at the end of the night. Since I ate mine in the car on the way home, I can attest to the fact that they were delicious!


A huge thanks to my fellow planners, Pam and Jamie, and to all the vendors who made the party so gorgeous and such a big hit! A special thanks to Juan Carlos Briceno of Fotobriceno for the gorgeous photos of the event and all of the special details.
Merci,
Laura