DC Wedding on the Water {Tiana + Ferman}

Back from a long blogging hiatus, I am happy to be showing off some of my favorite weddings from 2010!  Tiana and Ferman were both familiar with Washington DC but chose this fine city as a destination location as they had family coming in from all over.   Tiana and Ferman actually live in Philly and we had a good time planning each time they came into town.  When considering venues, they were really looking for a space with an amazing view while still offering their guests a central location to downtown.

Scott Moon at Sequoia Restaurant was the perfect person for us to visit with and they fell in love with the restaurant for their ceremony and reception location.   Sequoia is located on the Potomac River right in the heart of the Georgetown Waterfront {which is always buzzing during the summer months with tons of people and energy!}  Have fun checking out this great wedding!  

-Amy

PS.  One of my favorite sets of bridesmaids ever!  They were such a riot!!

Vendor Credits:

Venue and Catering - Sequoia Restaurant

Photographer - Allison Britton Photography
Florist and; Rentals - DaVinci's Florist
Hotel - Georgetown Inn
Ceremony Music - Sage Strings
Steel Drummer - Andy Huggins
Reception Entertainment - DJ Max Powers

To Kill A Mockingbird Inspiration Board

I was all set to make an inspiration board based on the Harper Lee classic, when I discovered that one of the designers at Chewing the Cud had already beaten me to it! Check out the invitation suite and real wedding inspired by the book at Style Me Pretty and Oh So Beautiful Paper. Here's a small sample of the loveliness:

Happy Friday, everybody!

War & Peace Inspiration Board

One of Laura's favorite books was the basis for today's inspiration board. Tolstoy fans, enjoy!

Photo credits: couple (Brides.com), shawl (Style Me Pretty), uniform (Greg Gibson), tablescape (Style Me Pretty), bride (Martha Stewart Weddings), Russian palace, cake (Style Me Pretty)

Memoirs of a Geisha Inspiration Board

Today's board is inspired by Arthur Golden's novel Memoirs of a Geisha. After the soft colors of the boards earlier in the week, it was fun to work with a bolder palette! 

Photo credits: First row: tea set (Sota Dzine), dress (Wedding Noveau), woman in red (Miles Aldridge) 

Second row: shoe (Brides.com), chopsticks ( Brides.com), bouquet (Squidoo.com), invitation (Brides.com)

Third row: garden (Thundafunda), hanging lanterns (LoanForWedding), cake (Martha Stewart Weddings)

Fourth row: tablescape (Brides.com), tea ceremony and bride (Sota Dzine)

Jane Austen Inspiration Board

Great books continue to inspire us this week; today, it's the entire Jane Austen oeuvre. Enjoy!

Photo credits: cake (Martha Stewart Weddings), country estate (Marry You Me), dance hall, chapel (Martha Stewart Weddings), model and tablescape (Lisa Lefkowitz via Style Me Pretty), calligraphy (100 Layer Cake), roses (100 Layer Cake), table setting (Lisa Lefkowitz via Style Me Pretty), cookies (Martha Stewart Weddings), dress (Threadhead)

The Great Gatsby Inspiration Board

Did you know that Baz Lurhmann is adapting The Great Gatsby for the screen? Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire have been cast as protagonist Jay and narrator Nick, respectively. With rumors flying about who will play Daisy, it seemed a topical time for a Fitzgerald-fueled inspiration board. Enjoy!

Photo credits: Croquet field (Brides.com), kissing couple (Stylish Soiree via Style Me Pretty), ballroom (Brides.com), bridesmaids (Style Experts), musicians (100 Layer Cake), daisies (The Knot), cake (Martha Stewart Weddings, Save-the-Dates (Lucky Luxe), table setting (Brides.com), bridal gown (Jenny Packham), reception (Stylish Soiree via Style Me Pretty)

Cream of the Crop: More Standouts from Bridal Market

After a week looking at beautiful dresses, can I just say that I love my job? And now our parade of bridal market favorites continues apace!

Not Your Mother's Toga: Priscilla of Boston and Romona Keveza Couture show you how to put your best shoulder forward.

Best Built-In Bling: Jenny Packham and Monique Lhuillier make a statement with these bejeweled gowns.

Belle of the Ball: These ball gowns by Lela Rose, Marchesa, Monique Lluillier, and Romona Keveza Couture are fit for a queen. 

Cream of the Crop: Standouts From Bridal Market

Today we're raising a glass to our favorite gowns from New York City's fall bridal market.

The Short List: Melissa Sweet and Oscar de la Renta prove you can be short on length but still long on style.

Color Me Beautiful: We're gaga for Vera Wang's grey and the icy pastels in Oscar's latest collection.

Sparkle In Your Eye: Love the shimmer in these gowns by Monique Lhullier and Jenny Packham.

Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve: It was great see so many non-strapless options on the runway this year. Six particular favorites, starting clockwise from the top left, were gowns by Monique Lhullier, Temperley London, Lela Rose, Monique, Jenny Packham, and Angel Sanchez. 

More favorites to come later today!

The Full Monte {Gown Trends from Monte Durham}

I was able to catch up with my old friend, Monte Durham, (don't tell him I said 'old') between his tapings of "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta" and his trip to New York for bridal market a few weeks ago. You may have seen Monte on "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta."  He's the stylist who says what's on his mind and loves to give Bridezillas a run for their money! Although he's super-busy right now getting ready for another season of the popular reality show (which will air again in Summer 2011 on TLC), he did give me some trends for bridal fashion this coming year.

TRENDS: Very soft fabrics, flowing and airy. Details in the fabric with flowers, ruffles and bows. Yes I did say Bows (very Jackie K) flat and tux like in shape and texture. A return of the Ball gown, while not quite Lady Di--more toned down and a much smaller train.

 Kenneth Pool

Melissa Sweet

OUT or SOON TO BE. Straight across necklines. We're seeing more sweetheart, scoop, pinch-centers or pleated as well as V-neck and one shoulder gowns.

 Modern Trousseau

Carolina Herrera

SOON TO BE OUT.
Extended trains, heavy beaded veils, flowers in the hair, tiered skirts and all around pick ups..

WHAT'S NEW AND BIG.
Simple gowns whether in fabric, cut or style can only mean one thing. . . BRING on the BLING. From cuffs, chandeliers and encrusted belts to my favorite: Crowns. Plus, the new and improved headband.

And let's not forget the Shoes. While straps are in vogue the peep toe is a must-have along with a pointed-toe satin pump.  Girls, these shoes are Higher than a SF hippy in the 60's!

Thanks, Monte!  We love you, and we love your show!
 Laura

Bridal Market: Spotlight on Veils

Behold, my favorite photo from fashion week:

I'm sure Laura is just kicking herself that this Reema Acra veil wasn't available for our Disney couple's wedding last spring! But really, we love the playfulness of the Reema Acra presentation. Another highlight:

What makes it is how the model's face is still completely serious while wearing bunny ears.

My absolute favorite veil though was the one that ended the Melissa Sweet collection.

Gorgeous, right? Love the lace detailing and how high the voluminous veil sits on the model's head.

Not a veil, obviously, but this Reema Acra headpiece is paired perfectly with the dress.