Chic Comfort Food

Before we all head off to indulge in way too much Thanksgiving dinner, I thought it would be fun to visit the idea of comfort foods as elegant wedding fare. Some of my favorite wedding hors d'oeuvres are luxe versions of childhood favorites: mini grilled cheese sandwiches with shots of tomato soup, mac and cheese (I love DC caterer Occasions' version with lobster), pigs in blankets, french fries in paper cones, petite Philly cheesesteaks and sliders.

Mashed potato bars with do-it-yourself toppings have been big for years and we've done the same with risotto and grits. For one holiday wedding, we did a very popular sweet potato bar with yummy add-ins like candied pecans and caramelized onions.

And I love our own Sara's idea to serve breakfast for dinner at her wedding on Saturday (more about her amazing wedding later). The French toast station during cocktails was a huge hit and so yummy. Talk about comfort food!

So before you get caught up in the idea that you have to serve oh-so-elegant filet with a few artfully arranged stalks of asparagus think of the foods you truly love and crave. I'll bet your guests would love them, too!

Laura


Photo courtesy of Brides.com

Chalkboard Details from Etsy!

A couple of months ago when I was searching for the perfect chalkboard for my outdoor October wedding, I came across artist Garth Fouts on Etsy. I loved the fact that he would create a chalkboard for me to my specifications because I needed something huge! I ended up getting a 6 foot tall black chalkboard that Garth hinged for me (which made it so much easier to transport and you couldn't even tell once it was unfolded). It looked so cool at the wedding; everyone commented on it!

Since I have several brides who are schoolteachers, the idea of using chalkboards has come up again and again. When I mentioned this to Garth, he sent me some other chalkboard ideas he came up with for weddings. I love the idea of chalkboard place cards and chalkboard tags.



I adore the idea of hanging chalkboard tags off the backs of each chair for table numbers instead of the traditional number stand on the table. The place cards could be used for signs on buffets, dessert displays or favor tables. I've even gotten a bee in my bonnet about having a children's table with a chalkboard topper so the kids could draw while they eat.

What fun ideas can you come up with for these chalkboard details?
Laura

Oo la la! Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show at Hitched!

‘Tis the season for giving, and the Hitched gals have teamed up with one of the most spectacular designers to give you the greatest bridal gift of all ~ an Oscar de la Renta trunk show on Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th!

As one of the most respected and established designers in the world, Oscar de la Renta is known for his use of exquisite detail and luxe fabrics. His stunning bridal collection is no exception and has received praise over and over again for its couture (yet classic) look and feel. These dresses are unlike anything you’ve seen and will be the perfect match for brides looking for a truly exquisite gown!

Since Hitched is one of only two dozen stores internationally to showcase the Oscar de la Renta bridal collection, this is one of their most anticipated trunk shows of the year. Be sure to book an appointment today by calling 202-333-6162 or emailing appointments@hitchedsalon.com.

Have fun!
Laura

We Have a Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered our drawing for a copy of Laura's wedding planning book, "Stop! Don't Plan a Wedding Without this Book."

Congratulations to stigg100 for being the lucky winner. We hope this book helps her with her wedding planning. Attention stigg100: send us an email (weddings@engagingaffairs.com) with your mailing address and we will pop the book out to you!

Made in the Shade: Vintage Wedding Umbrellas by Bella Umbrella

I've developed a slight obsession with the fabulous vintage umbrellas by Bella Umbrella (and the fact that you can rent these little numbers and have them shipped right to your door). As a wedding planner, I already have a trunk full of umbrellas (you have to be prepared!) but none are as swanky as Bella's. Each umbrella is an original from the 1930's to the 1950's and each is unique.


I love mixing and matching the colors and patterns for a whimsical feel.


Going tone-on-tone gives a more sophisticated look.


You don't need rain to use umbrellas at a wedding. They provide instant shade for outdoor summer ceremonies and are the perfect accessory for a fun portrait session. So bop on over to Bella and check out all the cool styles. Enjoy!
Laura

A Sneak Peek {Kendall and Nick}

My wedding this past weekend was absolutely gorgeous and, although, I don't have all the photos yet, here are a few shots from the bride and groom's monument shoot between the ceremony and reception. I had been worried that it would get too dark for good shots but I love the deep indigo sky and the dramatic lighting of the monuments behind them. Thank you to Juan Carlos of Fotobriceno for sharing these beautiful images!





Stay tuned for more fabulous detail shots of this Fall-themed wedding at The Willard!
Laura

New Year's Eve Weddings!

It may be a ways off from New Year's Eve but for those planning a wedding on this iconic evening, it is right around the corner. I am working on a fun eco-friendly wedding at The Hotel Monaco for the big night and can't wait! Here are some inspiring images to get you in a party mood.


Gotta love this uber-glam dress. Perfect for a dancing dress after the ceremony!



It's all about time on New Year's Eve!




Photos from top to bottom: Bella M Events, Grazier Photography, Grazier Photography, Jessica Claire Photography

Amsale Trunk Show at Hitched!

Your best gals have been there for you through it all ~ so what better way to repay them than by outfitting them in fabulously chic, far from frumpy dresses to wear on your big day! Gather up your girls and come out for the Amsale Bridesmaid Trunk Show on Saturday, November 28th at Hitched.

With so many colors, fabrics, and styles to choose from, the Amsale bridesmaid collection features options that are appropriate for every type of wedding ~ from a garden party to a fancy hotel soiree.

At the trunk show, they'll be showcasing the brand new colors and styles from Amsale’s fun and sophisticated line of crinkle chiffon gowns, along with gorgeous new taffeta and jersey silhouettes. As an added bonus, any Amsale bridesmaid dresses purchased that day will be 15% off (yup, bonus!).

To make an appointment, please call 202-333-6162, or email appointments@hitchedsalon.com.

Wedding Gown Sale!

13% Off Your Dream Gown At Carine’s Bridal Atelier, November 20^th & 21^st

Carine’s Bridal Atelier is celebrating the third anniversary of their bridal boutique by offering 13% off the retail price of every gown on Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21. The 13% savings is equivalent to the cost of alterations – it’s like receiving alterations for free. All viewings are by appointment only.

Carine’s Bridal Atelier opened its doors on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown in November 2006. Since, owner Carine Kraweic has sold high-end designer gowns by Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, and Angel Sanchez, among others, to brides in DC, Maryland, Virginia and beyond.

Carine and her staff are dedicated to tailoring bridal fashion to a bride’s body type, personality and destination. Carine's Bridal Atelier's mission is to provide brides with unparalleled customer service and a personalized experience.

Carine’s Bridal Atelier is located at 1726 Wisconsin Avenue, 2^nd Flr, Washington, DC 20007. Phone: (202) 965-4696. Email: info@carinesbridal.com.

A California Couple in DC

Stretching back to September, I have some catching on to do on my blogging. On September 13th, Allison Jackson and Tyler Woodman gathered friends and family for a raging party to celebrate their wedding. The couple, in from California, chose DC because Allison's parents live in the area and they wanted an all inclusive experience for their guests.




I wanted to create and event that was as refreshing as being out on the California Coast, but clearly knew my restraints in the DC grid. The ceremony was held at Western Presbyterian Church and was performed by an old friend of the bride's family. The ceremony had a personal feel as the string musicians played modern music and the bride's aunt performed for the group accompanied by a guitar.



Colors were key to create the right feel and Allison went with a sky blue and orange combination. The venue was a given- clean, modern and large to accommodate the party goers, the Ronald Reagan Building Atrium space was the clear choice. John Duffy of Yellow Door created multiple arrangements for the reception that complimented both the long rectangular and round tables guests were seated at in front of the dance floor.



New Monopoly started the evening off with the Queen classic, "You're My Best Friend" as the couple had their first dance as husband and wife. And the tunes didn't stop there. By the close of the evening, the guests were chanting for "One more song!" and the band obliged.

Adding to the fun of the evening was the photo booth provided by Poshbooth, complete with dress up gear and a candy bar so everyone could get their sugar hugh after dinner. This must be what fueled the dancing with the orange napkins on the guests heads.



The cake was one of my favorite parts. A funky, modern design created by Leslie at Fancy Cakes by Leslie was a focal point of the event. Special thanks to my other partners in crime that evening: Digital Lightning and Syzygy Events for the drape and lighting, Linder and Associates for the transportation for the weekend, Open Eye Media for the Videography and of course, the lovely Jenni Green of Studio Diana for the amazing photo coverage.



Sara