Happy Valentine's Day with Forbidden Love!

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day with a fun signature cocktail!  Cheers!

Amore Vietato (Forbidden Love)

- 2 oz. gin
- 1 oz. blood orange juice
- Dash simple syrup, 2 strawberries
- 4 slices of cucumber

Muddle fruit with simple syrup, add gin and blood orange juice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with strawberry, cucumber spiral and orange peel hearts.

SOURCE: Wendy Verdel, Zeffirino, The Venetian, Las Vegas

Sneak Peek at Miami Glam Wedding!

A sneak peek at our gorgeous Miami wedding at the St. Regis Bal Harbour!  More to come!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Happy Mardi Gras! We don't get much call for Mardi Gras themed weddings up here in DC (which is a shame), but for any brides thinking of having vivid hues of purple and green as your wedding colors-- your wedding will look like Mardi Gras.  Not that that is necessarily a bad thing. We're just saying . . .

Rain, Rain Go Away!

photo by Egomedia

Well, it's a rainy, gray Monday. {sigh} Here's hoping it doesn't rain on any of our upcoming couples' wedding days but, if it does, I hope they look as adorable as Stephanie and Ron do strolling out of Glen Echo Park. Happy Monday!

DC Wedding Venues {Untraditional Finds}

image by Fotobriceno

We love that DC has some fun spots for wedding receptions that are a little less traditional. Venues that are not ballrooms or historic homes or gardens. Maybe an unexpected rooftop or a fabulous restaurant space. Here are some of our faves . . .

Sequoia

Most folks in D.C. know this popular waterfront restaurant, but did you know you can buy it out for weddings? You can't beat the floor to ceiling glass and gleaming hardwood floors. Plus, you can use the outside terrace for a ceremony overlooking the water. Stunning!

images by Allison Britton

101 Constitution

We adore this rooftop space with killer views of the Capitol and Washington Monument. If you love the idea of a blank canvas for a tented party, look no further!

 Clarendon Ballroom

Although it calls itself a ballroom, this fun space has a lot more character than what you expect when you think "ballroom." From the neon sign out front to the fabulous rooftop terrace to the nightclub cool vibe, this is a ballroom with serious style!

Carnegie Institution for Science

This space isn't exactly a historic home but it's the most beautiful science center you'll ever see. Small and intimate, we love the detailing and the dramatic marble floor!

 image by Michelle Frankfurter

image by Fotobriceno

Happy wedding venue hunting and Happy Friday!

Wedding Trends: Laser Cut Wedding Gowns

Dress by Elizabeth Fillmore

I love, love, love the laser-cut trend in weddings. From invitations to favor boxes, the look is lovely and fresh. But I'm especially ga-ga over laser cut details in wedding gowns. Check out these two fabulous frocks! I especially love that Elizabeth Fillmore laser cut satin in the gown above so that it looks like lace. Amazing!

Gown by jessicahinel

A Glamorous Mandarin DC Wedding {Robin + Brian}

I loved working with Robin and Brian on their wedding, and I wasn't the only person who felt that way about this fun couple! 

The bride and her girls began their day getting ready in the amazing Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Oriental surrounded by hairstylists and makeup artists from Progressions Salon.   Once they were done getting dolled up, they began photos.  The bride and groom chose to see each other before the ceremony so they could enjoy every moment of their cocktail hour after the wedding. 

 After the Ketubah signing and as we were about to begin seating guests outside in the garden, storm clouds rolled in and brought rain and winds.  Thanks to the help of Bret and the Mandarin team, we were able to secure the chuppah to keep it from blowing away until the storm passed just a few moments later.  Armed with towels in hand, we were able to get all of the chairs dry so that we could continue with the outside ceremony, as planned. This "can do" spirit is one of the many reasons we love working at The Mandarin!!

 

Cocktails took place in the Ballroom foyer and once the doors to the Ballroom opened, thanks to Free Spirit, each and every guest jumped on the dancefloor and with the exception of dinner, they stayed on the dancefloor the entire night.

 Thanks to the fabulous team of vendors who helped make the amazing day happen:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Bret Freedman, MandarinOriental

Flowers and Décor:  Capitol Decor

Photographer: Bryan Blanken & Pablo Sartor:  FreedPhotography

Videographer: Two-Layer CinemaCake

Band: Free Spirit, Entertainment Exchange

Makeup: Progressions Salon

Congratulations Robin + Brian!

xoxo

Christine

Oscar Comes to Saks Jandel!

Sareh Nouri at Love Couture {Trunk Shows}

Honeymoon Attire {Sheriden French}

Check out this fun new collection of honeymoon perfect clothes from Sheriden French! With bright and bold exotic motifs inspired from world travels, this collection of stunning tunics, shifts, maxi skirts, shorts and more make a fun statement for any newly-wed bride! Below are a few favorites from the collection. 

Happy shopping!!