Rex & Regina’s Blog

I’ve always been a big fan of the “wedding wish” idea at weddings. Instead of a guest book, set out little note cards for guests to write advice, wishes, or a special memory for the bride & groom. The wishes can be dropped in a beautiful vase or other container that complements the wedding decor. While simple slips of paper would suffice, I do love Martha Stewart’s idea of creating pre-made “conversation starters” for guests to write their wishes on. Martha has made this one super easy with templates in several different colors. After the wedding, having the sweet wishes to read over and over again is far more interesting than just a book full of names!

This fun idea need not be used exclusively at weddings. Why not collect wishes at an engagement party, anniversary, or other major milestone? The “wish station” can add an interactive element to any party.

conversation-starting note cards (via Martha Stewart)

One of the best things about working with clients on a wedding is not only getting to know them better but also getting to know their family and friends. I had such a wonderful time working on a recent wedding in Chevy Chase, Maryland, in large part due to the fabulous wedding party, family, and guests. Both from the South, the Bride and Groom and their families were such a delight and from start to finish their energy, kindness, and joviality were contagious.

The evening wedding was held at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Chevy Chase with a reception for 280 guests following at the Chevy Chase Club.

The Bride and Groom arranged to see each other prior to the ceremony. Their “first look” was captured by Pablo Sartor of Freed Photography. Photos of the Bride and Groom were taken on the grounds of the Club.

The Bride & Groom's first look

A kiss on the lawn of the Chevy Chase Club

A very smart looking couple

A single gardenia graces the Bride's hair

The groom had ten groomsmen and several ushers; prior to the ceremony they relaxed and watched some golf in the Club’s Tap Room.

Groomsmen enjoy watching golf on TV at the Club before the ceremony

The bride’s two sisters were her maids of honor and her brother and sister-in-law were also in the wedding party.

The Bride with her two sisters, her brother, and her sister-in-law

The large wedding party included two flower girls and a ring bearer.

The Wedding Party

The Bridal Party

Laura was absolutely stunning in a dress from Hitched, makeup by Kari from Erwin Gomez Salon, and hair by Chris from Ipsa.

A stunning bride

As guests arrived, they passed the gorgeous bridal portrait and wedding cake, and were invited to sign “His and Hers” adirondack chairs in lieu of a guest book. The Chevy Chase Club is known for its white adirondack chairs dotting the back lawn of the Club so these special chairs will serve as a reminder to the Bride and Groom not only of all of the guests that celebrated with them that day but also of the unique location of the reception.

The Bride's portrait and the wedding cake

His and Hers adirondacks

His and Hers adirondacks

The Club did an amazing job on this four-tiered wedding cake, with each tier separated by clusters of hydrangea. But the cake was special for more than just its appearance. The mother-of-the-bride, an exceptional baker, provided her own special recipe for the Club to make and they did so perfectly. The cake was delicious!

A special wedding cake

The Bride and Groom do the honors

A delicious dessert

The Southern tradition of a groom’s cake was met with a new twist at Laura and John’s wedding. Instead of a cake, the groom chose an assortment of pies which guests sampled throughout the evening.

Peach pie

Key Lime pie

Chocolate mousse pie

A mixture of tall and low arrangements of white roses and hydrangea filled the room, thanks to the talented Sue Morriss.

Sue Morriss' beautiful floral designs graced the ballroom

Later in the evening, the Bride and Groom treated guests to flip flops, white workout headbands that read “Dancing Machine” in gold, and single floral blooms for the women to wear in their hair. They also partook of the bouquet tossing and garter traditions.

The garter tradition

The dance floor was full all evening, thanks to the fabulous sounds of the 12-piece band, Highway Star.

Guests enjoy the festivities late into the night

After all the guests cleared the ballroom to get ready for the Bride and Groom’s send-off, the Bride and Groom danced one last song alone.

The very last dance of the night

Sending off the Bride & Groom

Congratulations, Laura and John! Wishing you countless blessings!

Photography: Pablo Sartor, Freed Photography
Flowers: Sue Morriss
Caterer: Chevy Chase Club
Band: Highway Star

One of the best things about weddings and other special events is being surrounded by people you love and enjoy. Finding ways to capture their presence that day that are unique and fun will help you, as the Bride & Groom or guest of honor, remember long after the event who was there with you to celebrate on that day. It’s also a rare chance to solicit advice or other best wishes from those you most care about. Here are some clever ways from both Rex & Regina events and other sources to offer some inspiring ideas to help guests “make a wish.”

A popular trend at weddings these days is to have guests sign a picture frame mat which can later be added to a framed photo of the Bride & Groom.

Signature mat - photo courtesy of Aigner Weddings

At a recent wedding in Chevy Chase, MD (recap blog post to come soon!), the Bride and Groom invited guests sign His and Hers adirondack chairs which will later grace their front porch or yard.

For a Bon Voyage party, we set out a collection of assorted postcards and asked guests to fill in their best wishes for the guest of honor. Get creative with respect to which postcards you use according to the theme of your party. Vintage, letterpress or stamped options, like the one below, can be fun.

postcard by seasonaldelights, available on Etsy

For a 50th Birthday Bash, we selected vinyl albums of the guest of honor’s favorite tunes and artists and invited guests to sign them. We later placed them in a fabric covered album frame to be displayed.

A retro twist on capturing memories

If you like the idea of a more traditional guest book but want to capture more than just a guest’s John Hancock, these wish books with envelopes for wish cards are perfect. The first is from the wedding of a wonderful couple, Jae & Raj, at River Farm in Alexandria, VA.

Wish guest book; photo courtesy of CB Photography

best wishes card & envelope guest book from Wedding Things

If you (or a relative or friend) is a quilter, I love the idea of having guests’ wishes and advice grace a beautiful, handmade quilt.

Wedding Guest Wish Quilt; photo by Agnes Lopez Photography, Jacksonville, FL, courtesy of The Knot

I ADORE this clever idea captured by Paul Johnson Photography and posted on The Knot of asking guests to type a message to the Bride & Groom on an old-fashioned typewriter (man, I miss those!).

Photo by Paul Johnson Photography, courtesy of the The Knot

How fun would it be to customize a corkboard with the guest of honor’s initials (or even spell out a word) and invite guests to pin up wishes?! Perfect for an office anniversary or retirement party.

Monogram Corkboard inspired by Martha Stewart

Guest books are an important way to commemorate an event and to remember, years later, the guests that were there to help you celebrate.

In recent years, brides & grooms have opted for more contemporary approaches to the traditional guestbook. Signature mats are popular, as are “wish” books or jars for guests to leave advice or congratulations. But the ultimate item for your guests’ John Hancock has to be the Steuben signature bowl.

Steuben is the creme de la creme in handmade glass creations, with a rich history of producing flawless pieces. The Signature Bowl, also available in a larger size, would make a beautiful remembrance and would be a wonderful conversation piece at your event.

A diamond-tipped sterling silver scribe accompanies the bowl, with which guests can sign their name. Writing your name with a diamond. Seriously, what could be more luxurious!