Artfully Done {Heidi + Michael}

There is always tons of excitement when Wedding Day approaches for each client we work with. However, for this wedding there was an extra measure of thrill in the air on April 10th as we were the very 1st wedding to take place at the Long View Gallery! And paired with the most fantastic couple, Heidi + Michael, it was such a fun day for everyone!

We did have a few obstacles to overcome that day... mainly that the Secret Service had put up steel walls along 9th St NW to protect the Convention Center for the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit. Luckily, Suzi from the Gallery made a quick phone call and we were able to get Secret Service to remove the wall from the front door of the Gallery! Never a dull moment in Washington, DC. The entire crowd was incredibly upbeat all day and lasted through the 7 hour reception - complete with dancing and cigars out back in the alley. My absolute favorite point during the evening was the impromptu smashing of the glass and hora that took place out back sometime around 11pm! What a riot!

HUGE thanks to Robert Holley Photography for capturing the day and getting us fabulous photos to share with you!

I just adore the way the light was streaming in through the garage door! Just enough for an effect worthy of the art-filled space.






We even had our own National Championship Winning Oyster Shuckers on hand for the cocktail hour - HUGE hit with the crowd! Thanks to Martooni's for coming to the wedding and sharing their awesome shucking expertise with us!

Heidi had the perfect perspective on her wedding day - have fun and enjoy the day!

I love how the space transformed from lofty ceremony to a cozy dinner atmosphere. The lighting couldn't have been better for both aspects of the wedding.

Cigars and the hora in the alley, the night just couldn't have been better! Long View offers a TON of options with their alley space - you can even put up a tent to extend the usable indoor space and set up a lounge style space in the back.



Thank you to all the vendors that made Heidi + Michael's day a truly wonderful experience. I can't wait to work with you all next time!

Venue: Long View Gallery
Caterer: Grand Cuisine
Photographer: Robert Holley
Entertainment: DJ Hawk
Bridal Gown: Hitched
Oysters: ProFish
Oyster Shuckers: Martooni's
Trusty Assistant (who saved the day more than once!): Clark
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts
Valet: Marc Parc Valet

Happy Planning!
xo,
Amy Lorraine

Wedding Treats as American as Apple Pie

I know this is not a pressing issue or even one that merits lengthy debate in the wedding world, but I miss apple pie and chocolate chip cookies. Not apple tartin or apple crepes. Regular old apple pie.

The last few restaurants I've been to have had dessert menus that feature culinary delights that are infused with lavender foam or are deconstructed or are topped with sugar cages. All lovely and adventurous options, I'll admit. But none are what I'd call comforting. I love Blue Duck Tavern in D.C. as much for its apple pie and tin of sugar cookies as anything else. The rest of the menu is amazing but, let's face it, I'm really there for the desserts.

I miss apple pie and peach cobbler. Chocolate chip cookies and warm brownies. Real wholesome desserts that make you want to lick the plate, not take a picture of the impressive presentation. Now, don't get me wrong. I can appreciate a cherry blossom branch made out of chocolate and spun sugar that looks like a bride and groom but I don't get cravings for them.



I did a wedding not too long ago where the bride served peach cobbler on her dessert buffet and the guests couldn't get enough of it. Forget the truffles and petit fours. These black-tie guests were happily chowing down on huge bowls of cobbler. And when we serve warm cookies and shots of milk at weddings, it is always a huge hit!

So when you're thinking about dessert at your wedding, think about what you really crave and love. I even had a bride do funnel cakes and cotton candy for her wedding dessert last year and people went nuts for it. Remember that formal and elegant can also be fun and seriously yummy!

What fabulous sweets are you planning to have at your wedding?

Dad's Speech, Listen Closely

We've all heard them. Well, we've heard them begin. Very often, we also hear the last few lines asking us to raise a glass in toast to his daughter and new son. I for sure, have heard my fair share. Some have brought me to tears, others have made me laugh out loud and still others have caused me to walk out of the room and grab a drink :) The art of crafting the perfect welcome/toast to the couple that will appeal to both family and friends is one that does not come easily to all. So what's the secret? A creative writing class? Revisions by the bride or mother of the bride? Who can help our dads?

This past weekend, I had the great joy of working with the Williams family for the second time. Andi and Aldred gave away their youngest daughter Lauren to Malik in great style and I would have expected nothing less. When I first worked with the family almost 4 years ago, I noted the very sentimental speech Aldred gave in honor of middle daughter Devon when she married Adam. I was impressed. I've heard many tributes from dad since then and after this past weekends' words, I found it so necessary to post a few heartfelt excerpts for a chuckle and a sigh.

The road to this union was not without drama
Sometimes there's disagreements and mental trauma
I tried to warn him...show him what's it all about
Let him see after 40 years of marriage, my Creole
Woman still dogs me out.
Malik is not Brazilian, Native Indian or Welsh..
He used to be somebody but now he's somebody else

When he purchases that 72 inch, flat screen HD
Television....fully enhanced
It won't be to watch Kobe and Labron but
....So You Think You Can Dance.

A few days before the wedding
I brought a new grill
But could not put it together
Because I was ill
I asked Malik if he was up to the task
He said sure Doc why do you even ask
After 5 hours of struggle
And with my deck in disarray
Lauren peaked in to save the day
She didn't turn to her father to take a knowledgeable
Stance
She got her Mom who really wears the pants

This was an exercise in training
For life after the weddin
You see Lauren will become Ophra and Malik will become Steadman!

I remember when she was a little girl not that long ago
Lauren and I entered in the annual German kite show.
Her bight shiny eyes were huge with glee
As our kite soared the highest as everyone could see

It was at that moment I realized a monumental thrill
And just knew Lauren would always be my baby girl

We won the contest that day and I was on cloud nine
Little did I know that in the future she would find

A man who could make her feel comparable joy
You know what....I should have had a damn boy.


Aldred, thank you for letting me share your words. I know how much time you put into creating the perfect toast to Lauren and Malik. (Some say the process may have begun before the engagement). Stay tuned for pictures from Lauren and Malik's wedding at the Hotel Monaco in DC
Sara

Aveda & Adele Wechsler Green Wedding Event

Calling all DC brides! Aveda in Georgetown is hosting a fabulous "green" bridal event with Adele Wechsler on Sunday, May 23 from 2-6pm. You will get tips on bridal beauty from Aveda plus get to see the latest from the Adele Wechsler line of eco-friendly wedding gowns. Guests can win Aveda prizes and brides can register to win a honeymoon to Belize or an Adele Wechsler gown! How amazing is that? Hope to see you there!

Stylish Mother of the Occasion (MOTO) Dresses

My mother has five children. None of them are married yet, but Mom already knows what she's wearing to the first wedding:

Yes, that's Helen Mirren at the 2008 Oscars. Mom cut the picture out of a magazine for inspiration, because she knows good outfits for mothers of the bride (and groom!) can be hard to find. So in honor of Mother's Day yesterday, we thought it'd be fun to post some MOTO dresses that are as beautiful and stylish as the women who wear them. Enjoy! -Alison

Eco Chic Bridal Gowns Part 2

I first encountered Adele Wechsler's designs while working at a bridal gown shop in Georgetown. Her eco-couture line is geared toward "the bride who cares about the world in which she lives." Adele uses hemp and (vegetable dyed) silk, remnant lace and fabrics, and other organic design elements, and she employs fair trade labor. Basically, the Adele Wechsler bride is equal parts eco-savy and fashion forward. Here's a sampling of her latest line of "green" gowns.

Enjoy!
Alison

Pooches in the Wedding Party

What is the famous quote about working with children and animals? Well, we've worked with plenty of both and often the dogs are easier than the small children! Just a couple of weeks ago, my wedding had the couple's fabulous dog, George, in the processional and he was a dream to work with. If only all my bridal parties were as well-behaved as George! (George is not the puppy pictured above. That adorable pooch was in one of Amy's weddings last year!)

Here are a few tips if you plan to include a favorite canine in your wedding:

-Have a designated person to take care of the dog on-site. This person should be familiar with the dog and be equipped with treats and any "equipment" needed for bathroom runs. If the dog will be there while everyone is getting ready, make sure the person isn't one of the people getting ready.

-Bring any water/food bowls, food, treats or familiar toys.

-Consider just having the dog "drop by" if having him around the whole day is too much.

-If your dog is jumpy, don't let him around the bridal party once you are dressed or you may end up with torn stockings or paw prints on your dress. Not pretty!

-Consider a floral collar or leash if your dog is part of the processional. But don't sweat it if he tries to eat it or shake it off. He will be cute enough without it!

-Have your dog groomed before the wedding so he is looking his best. After all, everyone else is getting their hair done!

-Make sure your photographer knows you want some photos with your dog.

-Make sure you have plans for your dog after his "performance" is over. Arrange for him to be taken home or have a room for him. Don't let him run free at the reception. Not all your guests may love dogs as much as you do.

Have fun!

Punk Rock Bride 2010 Collection!

We blogged about Punk Rock Bride almost two years ago when we first discovered them. We loved their unique, unbride style. Well, their new 2010 collection is out and it's pretty fabulous.

A few common themes tie this collection together, including the use of layering, corseting, and unexpected details. The mixing of fabrics and textures has been a part of Punk Rock Bride's approach since the beginning, and this year is no exception. The new collection utilizes eight different fabrics - many of them unlikely choices for bridal, including silk brocade, silk wool, silk cotton, and a hand-knitted piece.


The corseting elements, while subtle, give the new collection two welcome characteristics: structure and shape. While one of the dresses, Ella, employs a completely separate corset that rests on top of a draping A-line dress, two of the other dresses - Jenny and Alex - use a simple corseted backing to achieve a sculptural effect by targeting specific isolated areas of each dress.



Some additional fun details include the addition of pleats, tucks, and insets, as well as unexpected components such as pockets, belts, and keyholes. The dresses maintain simple silhouettes, comfort, and a light airy quality, without sacrificing drama or style.





We love these fun dresses and hope you do, too!

Long Distance Love

It's amazing the intimate details you discover when planning the biggest day in a couples' life. Details like how the groom got up the nerve to score the first date, and the unfortunate way he decided to end it, or how a bride who stated she wouldn't travel for a relationship has been back and forth to Japan several times during her courtship and engagement. That's how you know it's right. When unexpected circumstances connect two people in a way they didn't think possible.


I started off my season just last week with Julia and Steve. Steve is a medic finishing up service in Japan and Julia works and lives here in DC. The two met while Steve was finishing up medical training just before he was sent to Japan. The planning process for the two was a lot of fun, for me, but I can't imagine how difficult it is to live so far from someone you are about to share the rest of your life with.


I had the occasion to meet Steven just once before the wedding, he flew in for the tasting, of course, and what a wonderful man he is.


Julia and Steven had more forces working against them the week of their wedding. Luckily, the groom got into town with just a three day window available, but the bride's sister and brother in law, who are currently living in England, were delayed and almost didn't make it, due to the lovely Icelandic Volcano. Luckily, the ash subsided, and they made it in. A little late is better than never for your only sisters wedding.



Over all, it was a great event where everyone showed extra appreciation for being able to be together from all over the world to celebrate Julia and Steven.



A special thanks to all the amazing vendors who made the event possible:
Haydee from the St. Regis
Mary from Love Life Images
David from Love Life Images video
The ladies at Petal's Edge
New Monopoly

Sara

Sequoia {Weddings on the Water}

Photo courtesy of Fotobriceno

Yesterday, Amy, Sara and I had a lovely lunch with Scott and Michelle from Sequoia in Washington Harbor. We love this popular restaurant as a bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner and wedding venue. You can't beat the Georgetown location, the floor to ceiling windows and the view of the water. Plus the light wood details and clean lines work well with just about any decor. And we love the new modern chandeliers hanging in the main dining room. They are so gorgeous lit up at night!

Here is a photo from a wedding Sara did at Sequoia a couple of years ago (before the new chandeliers). Enjoy!