Keswick Hall {Venue Love}

A little while ago, we had the pleasure to visit Keswick Hall outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. We've done several weddings at Keswick but wanted to really immerse ourselves in the resort and in Charlottesville. Keswick is such a short jaunt from DC and we have more and more clients who want to "get away" for their weddings (but not too far). Keswick fits the bill perfectly!

Keswick's sales and catering manager, Adam Donovan-Groves, was such a marvelous host and planned such an amazing experience for us! We checked into our gorgeous rooms (each individually designed and decorated with antiques and original art) before enjoying dinner at the hotel's acclaimed restaurant, Fossett's. 

Dinner was a lovely experience and the cuisine superb! We returned to Fossett's in the morning for a lovely breakfast as the sun rose over the spectacular grounds and the fog melted away.  I must say that the lemon meringue pancakes were an indulgent treat!

Adam treated us to a wonderful tour around Charlottesville, which included Monticello, Montalto (another gorgeous site for smaller events) and a wine tasting at Jefferson Vineyards. Then it was back to Keswick for a tour of the event space (so many lovely options) and lunch at Villa Crawford on the terrace. The afternoon was filled with relaxing spa treatments at the Keswick spa (which features an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub). Heaven!

For dinner that evening, Adam took us into town to The Local. What a fun restaurant and what fabulous food. My black truffle mac n' cheese was to-die-for! Charlottesville is such a charming town with tons of great options for rehearsal dinners or pre-wedding parties.

We enjoyed using the fitness center each morning that overlooked the grounds with floor-to-ceiling glass. Our company mermaid, Amanda, enjoyed the heated infinity pool one morning as the steam rose over the water. What a way to watch the sunrise!

We finished our amazing stay at Keswick with a tour around the grounds and all the activity options (there are so many things to do at Keswick--we even got to see the dogs they use for fox hunting).

Although we've planned some pretty stunning weddings at Keswick, we never knew the resort and area like we did after staying as guests. And what a place to be a guest! We were thoroughly spoiled by the attentive staff and the gracious charm of the resort.

We've always known what a breathtaking venue Keswick is for a wedding or celebration but now we know so much more. Next up: some fabulous Keswick celebrations!

Discounted Tickets to The Engaged Show!

Today Bridal Bubbly readers are lucky ducks! By clicking on this link, you can get $10 off the
ticket price to attend DC's most fabulous bridal experience!

Get your tickets then plan to visit four of the top luxury hotels in Washington on March 4th for an evening of fabulous food, delicious drinks and stunning decor. Meet DC's finest wedding professionals and get amazing ideas (and stop by and see us--the Engaging Affairs ladies--at the rooftop of The Hay-Adams while you're at it)!  So get your tickets and we'll see you there!

Stephen Yearick Trunk Show {Chevy Chase Bridal}

Sticky Fingers' Sweets {Sticky Fingers Bakery}

I had a delicious vegan cinnamon cheesecake this weekend and was reminded just how good vegan desserts can be. Perhaps my favorite brownies of all time come from Sticky Fingers Bakery right here in DC.  Sticky Fingers is also the two time champion of "Cupcake Wars!" Now everyone can learn how to make AMAZING brownies that are better for you and better for the planet (cholesterol-free, sweetened with cane juice, non-hydrogenated oils, low saturated fats) from Sticky Fingers' owner Doran Petersan's new cookbook Sticky Fingers' Sweets.

The book is newly released and filled with amazing recipes for everything from cakes to pies to sticky buns. I am definitely getting a copy!  Sticky Fingers also makes gorgeous wedding cakes and can do them gluten-free. Check them out!

Jorge Manuel Gown Giveaway {Wish Upon a Star}

I was lucky enough to attend the official launch of Jorge Manuel's 2012 "Upon a Star" contest, sponsored by Hitched! What a fun event and what a fabulous designer. Jorge Manuel is not only charming (and, um, a dreamboat), he is a super-talented designer with a passion for bridal fashion.  His gowns are so breathtaking and unique; there is nothing cookie-cutter about these designs.

 

 "Upon A Star" began as Jorge Manuel's desire to give one lucky bride the chance to win a completely custom creation to wear on her big day. The winning bride-to-be will receive a one-of-a-kind wedding gown made just for her (not the dress above) and will go through a completely couture experience-- attending muslin and gown fittings, and experiencing the joy of a stunning finished product.

The gown being given away this year, affectionately named "Eternal Flame" was designed by Jorge Manuel with the input of the Hitched team, and they could not be more thrilled with the result! This stunning gown is the perfect blend of chic and glamorous—just daring enough to make a statement on your big day without being over the top. Jorge Manuel has an incredible eye for detail and uses only the finest fabrics, so we are confident that the winner is in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Entering the contest is easy, but contestants are limited, so be sure to hurry!  The official "Upon A Star" application can be found by visiting www.jorgemanuelweddings.com. The contest winner will be determined by a combination of votes by the public and the judges, made up of members of the Jorge Manuel team and the Hitched ladies. So gals, what are you waiting for?

Amsale Bridesmaids' Buying Party {Hitched Salon}

Show your best gals how much you appreciate the love and support they've given you over the years (especially during your often-stressful wedding planning process) by outfitting them in bridesmaid dresses that they'll actually be excited to wear! Join the fabulous team at Hitched for a week of dress trials and discounts during our Amsale Bridesmaid Trunk Show, March 22nd -30th!

Amsale's bridesmaid dresses are chic, sophisticated and modern, so it's no surprise that they're a favorite among Hitched bridesmaids-to-be. At the Bridesmaid Trunk Show they'll have tons of Amsale dress options to try, so grab your girls and be prepared to be wowed by bridesmaid dresses that they'll love. For this week only, we'll be offering 15% off of any Amsale bridesmaid dress!

If your girls are local, just have them make an appointment that week to come in to choose their dresses and complete their purchase. Have some out of town bridesmaids who can't make it to the store, but would also love to take advantage of the discount? No problem! Simply have them email or fax their completed forms and payment during that time frame, and Hitched will take care of the rest.

In order to be eligible for this promotion, each bridesmaid in your bridal party must complete her order forms, submit them to Hitched, and pay for her dress in full March 22nd – March 30th, 2012. The entire order must be completed and ready for submission to Amsale no later than March 30th, 2012 in order for the 15% discount to be applicable. Orders completed after March 30th will not receive the 15% Trunk Show discount.

What: Amsale Bridesmaid Trunk Show

When: Thursday, March 22nd - Friday, March 30th  

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com (Remember, bridesmaids need an appointment to try on the dresses)

John Farr Lighting {Vendor Love}

photo by Greg Gibson

I first started using John Farr back when he was just starting out in the event lighting business in DC. This was before I had kids, was married or had even met my husband. So a long time ago!  We met working on a wedding I was doing at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town and the rest, as they say, is history.

 photo by Fotobriceno

We have worked together hundreds of times since because, not only do John and his team do an awesome job, but John is a really honest, ethical, great guy. He always works hard to do the absolute best work for his clients and at a fair price. And in this business, that is gold.

photo by Egomedia

No matter what loops we throw him, John has always handled them perfectly without a word of complaint. His guys even pulled a survivor out of a burning car after a horrible car crash during the load-out of one of our weddings! Talk about a handy bunch to have around. Enjoy just a taste of the gorgeous lighting work John Farr Lighting has done for Engaging Affairs over the years!

photo by Fotobriceno

photo above & below by Greg Gibson

Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija at Hitched {Trunk Show}

Exquisite. Couture. Dramatic. Glamorous. Luxe. If any of these words come to mind when you're asked to describe your ideal wedding gown, you're in luck. For a made-to-measure gown that's handcrafted from the finest fabrics in the world, you've got to clear your schedule for Hitched's Anna Maier/Ulla~Maija Bridal Gown Trunk Show on Friday, February 24th & Saturday, February 25th!

What: Anna Maier/Ulla~Maija Bridal Gown Trunk Show

When: Friday, February 24th & Saturday, February 25th

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com [Please remember, gown trials are by appointment only!]

Details & Perks: Anna Maier gowns are completely couture, which means that they are custom made-to-measure for each bride— a rare treat when it comes to wedding dresses these days! By purchasing an Anna Maier gown at the trunk show, you'll receive a complimentary muslin fitting, which guarantees a fit that will be unlike any other garment you've ever worn. You'll also have the opportunity to meet designer Charles Bunstine, who will assist you in selecting a gown that will perfectly compliment the vision you have for yourself as a bride!

This is an opportunity that's not to be missed, so be sure to make your appointment today by phone [202.333.6162] or email [info@hitchedsalon.com].

Engagement Session Giveaway!

Robert Holley Photography is eager to get to know more engaged couples in the Washington DC region and we believe that you will love the experience!  They are going to give away 4 free engagement sessions in February!  Go here to enter!  Good luck!

Happy Valentine's Day!

storyboardwedding

Hope you're celebrating (or not celebrating) in style today! I have to say that my preschooler and 1st grader are more excited for Valentine's Day than just about any adult I know. The care with which they selected their valentine cards and attached the Spider-Man pencils, fairy stickers and Blow-Pops rivals the thought that most grown men (and women) put into the holiday. I mean, these kids are so excited to pass out their goodies (and get their own bags stuffed with little superhero and princess cards and candy) that they could burst. So I say we take a cue from kids and just enjoy today for all it's goofiness. I, for one, hope I get a Spider-Man valentine!

And congratulations to all those about-to-be-newly-engaged ladies out there!