Etiquette Express {Engagement Parties}

This is a question we get a lot:

Can I invite people to the engagement party who won't be invited to the wedding?

The short answer is usually not. The only exception I'd see making is if you're planning a very small destination or family-only wedding or are eloping but want to celebrate your engagement with a larger group of friends. Otherwise, if you invite someone to your engagement party, make sure they are slated to receive an invitation!

Wordless Wednesday!

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar!

Looking for a fun spot for a rehearsal dinner or a small, intimate wedding?  Check out Sonoma! Their menu features wood-grilled meats and seafood, as well as smaller plates -including a recognized collection of local artisanal cheeses - all of which marry perfectly with the 40-plus wines Sonoma
serves by the glass.

The restaurant has multiple spaces that can be used for events:

The Pennsylvania Avenue Lounge features an intimate bar and open floor plan, furnished with contemporary sofas and cozy club chairs, and is perfect for larger private receptions, cocktail parties,  and private lunches. It is an airy, elegant space, and has capacity for 25 guests at a seated event and 110 standing, with a ceiling height of 9-16 feet.

The Avenue Lounge Fireplace is a unique, raised, intimate semi-private space located in the Pennsylvania Avenue Lounge featuring three panoramic windows overlooking the Library of Congress and some of Capitol Hill’s oldest homes. The Fireplace Lounge offer comfortable lounge
seating, with club chairs and sofas, and can accommodate up to 25 guests for a cocktail reception.

images by The Observatory via United with Love

The Private Dining Room is the most intimate and secluded private event space, away from both the main dining room and the Avenue Lounge. The room has capacity for 40 guests at a seated event, and up to 60 standing, with a ceiling height of 12 feet, highlighted by skylights that bring in plentiful natural light during the day.

For more information, contact their private dining director at events@sonomadc.com.

Anna Maier at Hitched!

if you like the sound of 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 Trunk Show on Friday, February 22nd & Saturday, February 23rd!

What: Anna Maier Bridal Trunk Show

When: Friday, February 22nd & Saturday, February 23rd
(though no appointment is necessary, please RSVP!)

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com

All the Details: At the trunk show, you’ll get a sneak peek at the latest collection from Anna Maier, as well as have the chance to meet with designer Charles Bunstine to discuss custom changes. As an added bonus, all gowns purchased during the trunk show will come complete with a complimentary muslin fitting to ensure a flawless fit!

A Few Words About Love!

In honor of Valentine's Day just passed, here are a few lovely words about love!

If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever." - Winnie the Pooh

 

 

"To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others." - Francois Mauriac

"It was not into my ear you whispered, but my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." - Judy Garland

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!