DC Wedding Venues {Sleek & Modern}

It's that time of year when tons of couples get engaged and start searching for the perfect wedding venue so we thought we'd share some of our favorites.  Today we're highlighting some of DC's more modern venues. Those sites that aren't Georgian or Federal  and don't have sweeping staircases or soaring columns. If you're into grand and stately, hang on, those venues will be up later this week. But, for now, bring on the neon and glass!

The Ronald Reagan International Trade Center or "The Reagan Building"

We love this cool uber-modern venue because it can hold lots of guests and does have a dramatic staircase for an equally dramatic entrance (pictured at the top of this post by photographer Todd Laffler) and also has some of the best cuisine in town from their in-house catering. We have planned numerous fabulous weddings here and love the space and the staff!

Longview Gallery

This is DC's answer to a New York style loft space. It's cool, urban and large enough to do a ceremony and reception. You will love the exposed stone and the outside back terrace, not to mention the artwork that hangs in this working art gallery. Ceremony above photographed by Fotobriceno.

The Park Hyatt DC

One of our very favorite hotels underwent a complete transformation a couple of years ago and the new ballroom is so chic! Lots of modern details and crisp lines to match the rest of the hotel's sleek vibe (like this nook in the cocktail area outside the ballroom).

And our couples love being photographed in front of the cherry blossom glass art installation in the lobby. We adore working with catering director Michael Deltette and the cuisine (think Blue Duck Tavern) is always supurb!

The Newseum

You can't beat the views from this Pennsylvania Avenue venue with terraces overlooking the Capitol and floor to ceiling glass in the ballrooms.  For the truly adventurous, you can rent out the entire museum space, as one of Amanda's clients did (wedding pictured above by Greg Gibson), and dine surrounded by exhibits!

The W

 You can't find a more hip hotel in DC than the W. We love the rooftop ballroom with the option for cocktails on the terrace overlooking the White House. Breathtaking! We love the look below created at the W last year for the Engaged Show by Amaryllis. Masses of enormous white paper flowers paired with the hotels sleek chairs and funky chandeliers made for a stunning ceremony look!

Happy wedding venue hunting. Next up on the blog-- classic and imposing venues in the city!  Need more help finding the perfect wedding site. We'd love to help streamline the process and make your planning fun!  www.engagingaffairs or 1.888.481.5156

Amy and Mike's Wedding Video!

Ok, I promised.  Here is Amy and Mike's "Human Story".
just the right moment- the wedding of Amy & Michael from humanstory on Vimeo.

Matthew Christopher at Love Couture!

More Monique Lhuillier!

Monique Lhuillier at Carine's

Vera Wang Fall 2013 Collection!

A True Love Affair {J+G}! (Continued . . .)

 On to the party. What a party it was!! When you mix the Cubans and Italians, you'd better get ready to boogie on down!! The bride and groom chose the St. Regis for their reception and it was absolutely perfect for this timeless couple! Alicia Bell seriously outdid herself on this one! Alicia and I had such a blast working with both of the families and creating some really unique touches for them!

The patio, tented by Sugarplum, and the Salon, draped by Drape Kings, was the area for cocktail hour and the after dinner dancing. AFR provided white furniture for the salon, tent, and garden.  The coveted Rick Davis did an absolutely FABULOUS job with these spaces! Rick provided the awesome custom tufted bars, the escort card turned photo booth backdrop frame, and the breathtaking florals!

 I love this shot of the couple seeing the room for the first time!

We had an Italian trio complete with Italian opera singers serenade the group during cocktail hour and dinner as a nod to Giuseppe’s heritage. The Astor Ballroom was lit up by John Farr lighting, outfitted with rentals by Liz Waylan at DC Rental, outstanding centerpieces by Amaryllis completed the look, and a perfect cake courtesy of St. Regis.

After dinner, the group filled the tent for dancing by the Cuban band ”Orquesta D'Candela” with DJ breaks with DJ Michael Cruz. Honestly, check out these stunners!!

John Kacur, The Cigar Box, was a hit with the outside cigar station. Rick once again created an amazing backdrop to create an intimate atmosphere. 

I love these takes of the group family shot- so stylish and edgy!! Who would expect any less with Juan Carlos from Fotobriceno behind the lens!!

As owners and operators of many McDonalds franchise in the DC area, there was no way the addicting fries could be forgotten! Alicia had the St. Regis prepare a version of the delicious treat as surprise for the bride’s father!

 Special thank you to the Alica and the whole St. Regis staff who also took care of the families at brunch the next morning! 

Sometimes I still pretend that Jenille and Giuseppe haven’t gotten married yet so I can still have them as my client. Guess we will just have to start planning that renewal of the vows, right Jenille?? Thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing me to be part of this special weekend and part of yours and your families lives. I wish you nothing but happiness, love, and French fries!

Thank you to my amazing assistants, Olivia and Sarah for all of your hard work that day! Applause all around for my long list of vendors. Spectacular job Dream Team!

Venue and Catering: Alicia Bell, St. Regis
Florals and Décor: Rick Davis, Amaryllis
Photography: Juan Carlos Briceno, Fotobriceno
Videography: Blue Sky Video
Makeup: Nikki Frasier, Beauty and the Bride and Pattie Martin
Hair: Hair by Federico, Nancy Engler and Susie McNair
Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Falcon Entertainment Group
Band: Orquesta D'Candela
DJ: Michael Cruz,
Bialek’s Music
Cigars: John Kacur, The Cigar Box
Tent: Sugarplum Tent
Furniture: AFR
Rentals: Liz Waylan, DC Rental
Drape: Drape Kings
Lighting: John Farr lighting
Transportation: Linder &Associates and Premier Luxury Rentals

Xoxo, Amanda

A True Love Affair {J+G}

I love that feeling when you walk out of an initial meeting and think to yourself, I don’t want that couple, I NEED that couple. This is what happened when I met this beauty of a bride, Jenille.

I blogged earlier about the stunning Havana Nights bridal shower that took place in June and how much I adore her family throughout the planning. The overall feeling of excitement, love, and happiness that filled her parents home in Fairfax, VA during the getting ready stages set the tone for an absolutely amazing day! Nikki Frasier did an outstanding job making up all the bridal party!

I got to know this family very well over the planning process and was even invited into the coveted father’s cigar lounge. I love this photo of the bride perched on her father’s lap!

We rented a vintage Rolls Royce for the bride and her father to ride in to the ceremony at St. Aloysius. Juan Carlos from Fotobriceno was on hand all day to catch the magic!

Guiseppe and the boys meanwhile got ready at the St. Regis! The groom’s family got made up by Pattie Martin and Susie McNair. The groom rode to the ceremony in a modern Bentley with his best man and brother.

The ceremony was held at St. Aloysius, a stunning church in the city. Transportation was provided by the always reliable and courteous Linder & Associates. Guests filled the church in anticipation of the big moment! Absolutely an amazing and classic Catholic ceremony! Some that know me know my weakness for adorable kids and puppies. Particularly together. While the bride and groom’s puggle Pepe was at the kennel for his own big day- the adorable kids moment was captured!

 While many couples are nervous during the actual ceremony, this couple just looked totally at ease and in love.

 

After the I do’s, the bridal party was off to Merdian Hill Park for some pictures!

To be continued… Xoxo, Amanda