Weddings

Marisa and Dan: A Colorful Longview Gallery wedding

I had the privilege of working with Marisa and Dan on their wedding last year. They are an amazing couple, individually and together. I loved the sense of humor and style that they brought to the planning process. It resulted in a really beautiful, fun event.

The bride’s vision for the reception was a festive Mexican-influenced style. We focused on bright colors and the bride brought in personal touches to make the reception even more unique. Longview Gallery was a great backdrop for this intimate event and Chris Baltazar captured the day beautifully.

Congratulations, Marisa & Dan!

 

Venue: Long View Gallery
Caterer: Occasions
Photographer: Chris Baltazar
Florist: Sidra Forman

Paper Hand Fans

It was over 80 degrees in DC today. In April. Can you imagine what summer will be like?! It makes me think forward to all of the upcoming summer weddings with outdoor ceremonies. Hand fans are such a nice gesture for guests on those hot, sticky days. I love this simple but sweet DIY hand fan idea from Better Homes and Gardens.

paper fans via Better Homes and Gardens

Camilla and Richard: A Beautiful Halcyon House Wedding

I had the honor of working with a beautiful couple last year, Camilla and Richard, on their August wedding. The ceremony took place at St Catherine of Siena church in Great Falls and the reception followed at the Halcyon House in DC (which is sadly no longer booking weddings). The bride thought of every detail and brought beauty and creativity to each part of the day. One of the highlights was the a cappella group that performed at cocktail hour. They were amazing. The bride, a nearly professional baker herself, carefully selected desserts from local bakeries which made for a special treat for all of the guests. The bride and groom, who looked stunning that day, were such a wonderful pleasure to work with.

Congratulations, Camilla & Richard!

 

Venue: Halycon House
Caterer: Design Cuisine
Photographer: Peter Bang
Videographer: Blue Sky Films
Reception Music: Euphonism
DJ: Chris Laich
Hair/Make-up: Melissa Jones
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts
Desserts: Baked & Wired, Bakeshop
Lighting: John Farr

Ombre details and accents

Ombre — gradation of the same color — has been a rising wedding trend recently. Here are some of the many ways that the concept can be incorporated into a wedding or other celebration.

Maggie Austin Wedding Cake

Martha Stewart ombre centerpiece

ombre runner - photo by Johnny Miller via Martha Stewart weddings

ombre tablecloth via Pinterest

Ombre umbrella from Green Wedding Shoes via OneWed

Reception Banner - Shannon Lee Images via Style Me Pretty and OneWed

Elegant Chair Back Covers

I am not a fan of traditional chair covers and ties, but these chair back covers, or “jackets,” can be really beautiful. You can use them on all of the chairs at your party or just guests of honor chairs.

BBJ Linen Acorn Contour Chair Back

Select Rentals Vienna Chair Cover

Cloth Connection Champagne Lamour Gathered Chair Back Cover

Cloth Connection Fuchsia Tangerine Brocade Chair Back CoverSelect Rentals Vienna Chair Cover

chair covers via Tara Guerard Soiree

Mosaic Ivory Cascading Chair Back

Ashley & Ben: A Beautiful Belle Haven Wedding

I had the pleasure of working with a very special couple and their families on a beautiful summer wedding at St Mary’s Church and Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria. Ashley & Ben met at college where they were both athletes and are now both teachers. Their families are amazing and I had the best time working with the mother-of-the-bride in pulling together all of the details for the wedding day.

Rodney Bailey captured the day beautifully, including special touches like a painting done by a family friend especially for the occasion and a special signature drink named after the couple.

Congratulations, Ashley & Ben!

Venue: Belle Haven Country Club
Photography: Rodney Bailey
Florist: Growing Wild
DJ: Chris Laich
Hair & Make-up: The Elegant Artisan
Baker: Connie’s Cake Creations

Bridal Shoot inspired by a sweet nursery rhyme

Recently, I had a wonderful opportunity to work with Eli Weddings on a bridal photo shoot. Eli was a pleasure to work with and, as you will see, a talented photographer.

This Maryland-based shoot took place on a soybean farm as the Fall season was in full swing. We were inspired by a nursery rhyme from our youth, “Sing a Song of Sixpence” (remember, ”Four and twenty blackbirds, baked in a pie; when the pie was opened, the birds began to sing”?!) Hence, details of birds and pies were interwoven throughout the shoot.

A simple tablescape features “sunny” colors like teal, seamist, pale peach, and soft yellow. Iron bird napkin rings grace each place setting and flowers (by Sidra Forman) include dahlias and succulents that radiate the color scheme. A belfast linen tablecloth and natural wood chiavari chairs (courtesy of DC Rental) create a neutral foundation

The escort cards are anchored on an heirloom silver serving tray by vintage baubles-turned-magnets. A variety of bird silhouettes in the color scheme bear the names of the guests and their table assignments.

Another vignette features a pale pink MacBeth Evans hobnail pitcher circa 1930 and accompanying tumblers. An iron tray with bird handles hosts the setting, and an inviting piece of pumpkin pie waits for the bride and groom, who will partake with “Mr” and “Mrs” forks.

A dessert buffet features an assortment of mini pies and homemade coconut madeleines. A vintage pie server rests alongside the pie chest — each cubby containing a variety of homemade mini pies — a popular new trend.

The bride, in celebration, tossed bird-shaped confetti and looks stunning against the picturesque farmland, donning a dress from Punk Rock Bride.

 

 

Location: Sunny Ridge Farm
Art Direction and Design: Rex & Regina
Pastries: Rex & Regina
Photography: Eli Weddings
Model: T.H.E. Agency
Dress: Punk Rock Bride
Flowers: Sidra Forman
Hair and Makeup: Miranda Edmonds
Escort cards: Efrat Levush
Shoes: Anthropologie
Chairs: DC Rental

Moss accents

I’ve always loved the look of decorative accents made with moss and these accents here are perfect inspiration for wedding decor. The organic, natural look of moss works for classic occasions and rustic ones, as well.

Moss monogram via Weddingbee

Moss ring bearer's pillow via Sasha Souza Events

Moss "paint" is used to decorate a brick wall with words - via Oh Montreal