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Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Takin it back to the old school....
Even though marriage signifies that you are growing up (well, most of the time at least), that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your wedding fare! These days, more and more couples are turning to yummy, fun & kiddie foods to bring their guests back to the good ol’ days! Whether it be donuts or grilled cheese, you can have just as much fun with the food as you do on the dance floor!
Throw a splash of color into your bash by adding a cute pink (or blue!) martini to your party’s bar and cover the rim with something fun like sprinkles!
S’mores Bar (image via Pinterest)
A grown-up take on a childhood favorite! Just grab some Sternos, graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows and you’re good to go!
Send your guests on their way with a little bag of donuts or treat them to some as a dessert!
The great thing about a cookie bar is that you can make it as sophisticated or as fun as you want! You can also personalize it by adding you and your hubby’s all time favorites!
Cotton Candy (image via Pinterest)
…and who doesn’t love cotton candy?
Especially great for summer weddings!
The perfect bite size hors d’oeuvre to satisfy (& entertain!) your guests!
Shots of tequila are great, but a shot of milk with a cookie sounds a lot more appetizing, no?
Friday, March 9, 2012
Here Comes The....flower girl!
Although you’re the star of the show there is a special little someone who may potentially steal your shine for a few small moments right before you make your appearance down the aisle. A flower girls job is to look absolutely darling and carry a basket full of petals however; there are also some alternatives to this traditional role.
Flower girls carrying cute signs are really becoming popular. You can personalize your message to say whatever you’d like your guests to see. Some show “Here comes the Bride,” “Here comes your girl,” ”Love,” use the initials of the newlyweds; really the possibilities are endless!
image via pinterest
A great alternative during the fall months is to have the flower girl toss beautiful multicolored leaves instead of flower petals
image via pinterest
I love pomander balls...a bright ball of flowers to match your color scheme is so chic, and the flower girl can simply walk down the aisle instead of throwing petals.
image via pinterest
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Who doesn't love free shopping? Time to register!
However, if you don't have a passion for shopping, or don't have a CLUE what you will need to register for, it might seem to be a daunting task. I have compiled a little guide to help you through the process of registering for gifts.
1. You need to sit down with your fiance and discuss what kinds of things you would like to register for. Have you been living together for awhile and have most of the necessities? Are you going to be moving in together for the first time after the wedding? Maybe you never graduated from plastic plates and cups. Maybe your glassware collection consists of glasses from bars and sporting events. Or maybe you just have shot glasses. Now is the time to evaluate what you have, and what you need. Even if you have a full set of every day china for 12, it might be time to upgrade to something a little nicer! Trade in those old appliances for a better model. Just hope your fiance doesn't have the same mentality about you in 10 years.
2. Choose the places you want to register. I suggest going with no more than 3. It is best to stick to that number so that you actually get the things you want and need. It makes it much easier on your guests if they know exactly where you are registered, and anything more than 3 will be hard to keep track of. I always tell Brides to pick a department store like Macy's or Bloomingdales that carries everything from small kitchen appliances to fine china and bedding and bath items. Then I suggest somewhere like Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn for your everyday china, flatware, glassware, and home accents. If Bride's want a third place, Target is great as they carry just about everything, and it's also easy on your guests wallets. Other great places are Bed Bath and Beyond and Williams and Sonoma-although a bit pricey, it's great for the true chef
3. Peruse the websites and catalogues of the places you have decided to register. It's a good idea to have an idea of what you want to register for before you are handed the scanner gun and start to go crazy. You also want to avoid registering for multiple items that are similar (i.e-everyday white plates from Crate and Barrel AND Pottery Barn), or pieces that don't complement each other.
4. As far as basics go, you will need everyday china, flatware, and glassware, and fine/special occasion china, silver, and stemware. Don't forget things like serving platters and dishes. Be careful not to select anything with a pattern that is too trendy for your finer pieces...you want something that will be classic and in style 30 years from now. I always tell Brides to register for a minumum of 12 pieces of everything. That way, when you have a dinner party, you have enough for everyone, and if anything breaks, it won't be the end of the world. If you entertain for larger groups often, go with 16 pieces. Don't forget things like pots and pans, utensils, and a quality knife set.
LOVE this classic square set from Crate & Barrel!
5. I recommend going with plain pieces, such as white plates. You can always get accent plates, napkins, table linens, and napkin rings to change up your decor, but having a basic white as a starting piece is ideal for any occasion.
6. For towels and bed linens, I ALWAYS go with white. I know some people like to add a pop of color, and I do too, but personally my sheets and bath towels are not where that color comes from. My reason is simple...you can bleach white items, so they stay clean and last longer. You can't bleach ivory, or any other color! If you MUST have color in these items, stick to dark colors. That way, when you sleep on your sheets after a spray tan, you won't have to replace them. (Another reason I love bleach....can't live without spray tans!) Plus is there anything better than crisp, white sheets, or a fluffy white bath towel when you get out of the shower? I think not! You can get your color in things like rugs, duvet covers, or throw pillows.
Love these classic white sheets from Pottery Barn...and I especially love anything monogrammed!
7. Another thing-if you're going to be registering for sheets, register for 2 sets for each bed. Why? You'll thank me on laundry day when you can just switch out the sheets and wash them at your leisure. Ever been exhausted after a long day and realized you forgot to put your sheets in the dryer? Yeah....avoid that.
8. Appliances. Now is your chance to get quality kitchen items that you can enjoy for years. You may think your $10 blender from k-mart does the trick just fine....once you replace it with a quality model, you will wonder what took you so long. Also, think smart when it comes to choosing appliance colors. Sure, that bright yellow Kitchenaid stand mixer looks cool now, but in a few years you might wish that it didn't stand out against your newly decorated kitchen. Stick with basic colors...black, white, gray, chrome, even dark blue. Just make sure you pick something you will love forever...my mom has had her Kitchenaid for over 20 years! And it's a classic white :)
9. Don't forget to add things like napkins, placemats, napkin rings and tablecloths to your registry. And have fun with this stuff! This is where you can go wild with colors, patterns, and textures. Now that you have a blank canvas with your place settings, jazz it up with accessories! It's kind of like your closet...you need to shop for classic pieces that will stand the test of time, and change the look season after season with fun accessories and jewelry.
I LOOOOVE these orange ikat napkins from Sur La Table! I just gave a set of these to a friend for her engagement party, with the most amazing napkin rings:
Love them so much I think I'll have to buy myself a set!
10. There are conflicting etiquette rules on WHEN to register. Some say not before your engagement party, some say before the engagement party is fine. I personally think that doing it before your engagement party is more helpful. Guests want to give you something- it makes it much easier on them if they can just pick something off a list that they know you will like!
11. Don't forget to update your registry often. There is nothing worse than being a guest who is a last minute shopper and all they have to choose from are 2 wash cloths and a spatula. Remember-you will be getting gifts off your registry for your engagement party, bridal shower, AND wedding. That's a lot!
Fashion Takes Flight
Living in DC, there is a different charity event every night. It's just what people do here. I wish other cities were more like DC, because if everyone was as involved in charity work as the amazing people that call this city home, the world would be a much better place. Think about it...if you're going to go out and have a drink, it might as well be for a good cause, right?
People who grew up in Annapolis will tell you that they feel an immense amount of pride for the Naval Academy and everything that it represents. We are proud of our military men and women, and there isn't a single person in that town who hasn't been to a Navy football game or gone ice skating at the Navy Ice Rink.
When I moved to DC, becoming involved with Luke's Wings was a no-brainer. They are an amazing non-profit organization that buys airline tickets and accommodations for wounded warriors and their family members. When a soldier is recovering in a military hospital, having their family by their side can really help during their recovery process. I know that if someone close to me was in the hospital for an extended period, I would want to be there as often as possible.
Luke's Wings does a couple of major events a year. The first event I helped with was their first annual homecoming gala, which was held at Reagan National Airport on 11/11/11. Lindsay Kin, the Executive Director, and Fletcher Gill, the Co-Founder asked me to help them with their fourth annual Fashion Takes Flight event. I was so honored, and SO excited to get started!
I was lucky to work with such an amazing team. Lindsay, along with Kristen Murdock, Mackenzie Miles and Nichole Devolites had all been involved with the event since its conception. The event has grown every year, and we knew that this year had to be the biggest and the best.
The event was held at Nationals Park on February 4th, 2012. Gourmet hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails by Van Gogh Imports, and Peroni Beer were served in the Stars and Stripes Club overlooking the baseball diamond. Several designers were showcased, including Nam Nguyen, Walish Gooshe, Donovan England, Streets of Georgetown, and Ella Rue.
Let's Talk Live's Natasha Barrett was our MC for the evening, and Deejay Neekola provided the music. Guests went nuts over the photobooth provided by Pixelated.
The overall event design was made possible by eventEQ, who did the lighting and A/V equipment, Party Plus Baltimore who did the runway and all the chairs and linens, and Intrigue Design and Decor who made the most fabulous centerpieces. The event was captured by the incredibly talented Vithaya Photography
The program
Tickets for VIP guests
The runway
Miss DC 2011, Ashley Boalch walking the runway
VIP guests enjoying their private area
Co-Founder Fletcher Gill being presented with a $20,000 donation by Kazi Investment Group
Wendy Gordon and Donna Donella on the red carpet
View from above
general reception area
Love this...probably my favorite picture of the night! image via Guest of a Guest
Friday, March 2, 2012
Nan & Matt
On a sunny Saturday in November, I was reminded of why I love planning weddings and events so much. I love it so much, that if I won the lottery tomorrow, I would still plan weddings. For free. Nancy and Matt were such an amazing couple to work with, and I instantly fell in love with them. As happy as I am for them, I wish their wedding wasn't over!
In October, I got a desperate call from the sweetest groom ever...he noticed that his bride to be was very stressed out, and he wanted to hire someone to take care of the last minute details and make sure everything went smoothly the day of the wedding. Matt and I instantly hit it off, and when I talked to Nan the next day, I could tell that she and I were going to be fast friends.
They had all the major vendors in place, but they just needed some last minute tweaking to pull everything together. I had an emergency meeting with the florist to make sure that Nancy's vision was going to come together, and when I learned that there was not a tablescape planned for the long head table, I sprung into action. I had Nancy pick up a million candles, and I had the florist send along some extra white flowers-since it was last minute, I had to work with what she had...which I didn't know what it would be until the day of the wedding. No big deal.
The day of the wedding, I brought a huge box filled with vases from my collection in order to make everything work on the fly (something any decent event planner should be able to do!)
For the cocktail hour, I did simple arrangements of white flowers on the cocktail tables and escort card table.The centerpieces on the round tables were simple calla lilies in tall round vases, and for the long table that the bridal party sat at, I created several low centerpieces of white roses with candles in varying heights. The look when the lights in the ballroom were dimmed was breathtaking! I cannot stress enough how important candle light is at an event...it sets the mood and makes everything (and everyone) look so beautiful.
I had the pleasure of working with some really amazing vendors. Photography was done by Esther Gray, who is INSANELY talented. Her work is just phenomenal, and I would recommend her to anyone in a heartbeat! Lauren Gehrig, who did the makeup, made everyone look amazing. And once again, Lauri Dixon from Party Plus Baltimore saved the day with a last minute Chiavari chair rental to pull the look together.
I loved Nan's retro waterfall style bouquet!
Nan and Matt were married at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church in Washington, DC. Matt attended high school at Gonzaga and the priest that married them was a close family friend...I love stories like that! It always makes a wedding ceremony so much more personal and special.
The reception was at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town, in a beautiful classic hotel ballroom. Nan wanted a very simple, elegant, look for her wedding. Nan works as a nurse and Matt is a Jet Pilot, so which was represented in their cookie favors...loved it!
This is my absolute favorite picture of Nan...she looks stunning!
Esther Gray Photography provided an amazing photobooth complete with props that was a hit...the photo's turned out great!
The band, Nightsong through Entertainment Exchange, was one of the best I've ever heard. They had everyone on the dance floor all night long. My absolute favorite part of the wedding was when Nan and her bridesmaids were on the stage with the band singing and dancing to "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner. It was so fun, and the guests loved it.
Working with Nan and Matt was such a great experience. Not only are they an amazing couple, but they are blessed to have amazing family and friends. Nancy, like myself, has 3 sisters...who were all so nice, and so funny. I felt like I had known them for years! Every single person I met that day was just so kind and genuine, which was so refreshing. It's obvious that Matt & Nancy are a special couple, and that everyone in their lives really cares about them. Thank you Nan & Matt for letting me be a part of your big day!
Venue: Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Photography: Esther Gray Photography
Flowers: Conklyn's Florist
Chairs: Party Plus Baltimore
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Courtney & Robb- Annapolitan Chic
So it's no secret that I'm not an award winning blogger-hence the reason I am just now posting about a September 2011 wedding. Whatever. We all have our flaws!
This wedding was very special to me, as I have known the bride since I was 5 years old. We grew up in the same neighborhood in Annapolis, and my childhood best friend lived across the street from Courtney. My family moved away, and Courtney and I lost touch until we started running into each other at the bar during college breaks. We stayed in touch via Facebook, and when she got engaged, she hired the best wedding planner on the planet (me). I was SO excited to reconnect with Courtney and her family, and had so much fun during the planning process. Her mother is one of the funniest people I know, and I just adore their whole family!
Courtney met her now husband, Robb, during an annual summer tradition in Annapolis...the south river raft up. For those of you not in the know...it's just an excuse for everybody to go out on their boats and day drink. Courtney and Robb both grew up in the area, and had lots of mutual friends. They quickly fell in love, he popped the question, and they started planning their big day. The final 3 months before the wedding, they moved to Texas where Robb is a Naval Student Aviator training to be a jet pilot. This meant all final details were planned via phone, e-mail, and her mother and I going to meetings with vendors. Thank God for technology!
The groom and his guys. So dapper!
Courtney wanted a very sophisticated, modern wedding, and she wanted to add a nautical element as a nod to their Annapolitan upbringing. We achieved this by going modern with the wedding decor, and modern/nautical in the paper (invites, menus, etc). We went with a scheme of fuchsia and navy blue, with accents of silver and white. During the cocktail hour, an electric violinist played, which was truly amazing (La Femme/Elan Artists). The band was also contracted through Elan Artists...The Source is an AMAZING wedding band that had everyone on the dance floor all night. They played everything from classic songs to Beyonce! Lovely Day Photo Works provided a fabulous photo booth complete with props that was a hit with the guests.
Makeup and Hair was done by Ashley Riddle and her amazing team at Up-Do's for I Do's. I think every bride should feel like a celebrity on her wedding day, and having a team of professionals pamper the bride and bridal party in their hotel suite is the best way to achieve that.
The bridesmaids wore the Lula Kate "Zoe" dress in fuchsia silk dupioni. The dress was chic and fun, definitely a great party dress!
I had the privilege of working with some of the BEST vendors in the industry. The ceremony was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in historic Annapolis, which is absolutely breathtaking. The reception was held at the Westin Annapolis, one of the newest and most fabulous venues in the area. Laura Fosler, the coordinator at the Westin, was an absolute dream to work with, and she made sure everything on her end was executed flawlessly. The staff at the Westin was so amazing to work with, every single one of them was polite, courteous, and able to fix any issue that arose within minutes.
Such a STUNNING bride!
The flowers were done by Janet Flowers, an award winning event design firm based in Rockville. I cannot say enough good things about the flowers...they were chic, modern, and so glamorous. There were several different designs for the centerpieces, which I absolutely LOVE because it is so visually pleasing and not predictable.
The escort card table was so lush and sophisticated
The lighting was done by Party Plus Baltimore, another absolutely amazing team of talented people. The whole room was washed in pink, with accent walls done in a hot pink. The tables had pinspot lighting to highlight the gorgeous centerpieces.
Linens and chiavari chairs were provided by Rentals To Remember in Annapolis. I absolutely love working with Roberto, his team is so fabulous. There was a particular linen that I just knew we HAD to have for the tables...it was a textured navy blue fortuny linen, that mirrored the texture in the wave walls that the Westin has in their ballroom. This wasn't a linen that Roberto normally had in stock, so he went above and beyond to secure it for us.
The cake from Sweet Bakery in Baltimore was to die for...see the flowers? I placed those! Skills I tell ya.
The candy bar we created was a HIT!
Courtney making her entrance in her reception dress to Ru-Paul's "Supermodel" WORK!
Courtney's brother John, whom I absolutely LOVE, and yes, that is J.Lo's manager, Benny Medina, sitting next to him. I am an A-list event planner, obvi.
I love that Courtney paired her fabulously feathered reception dress with Christian Louboutin Swarovski crystal encrusted shoes. DIVINE!
My favorite photo, taken at the end of the night. So Hollywood glam!
Ceremony- St. Mary's Church, Annapolis
Reception- The Westin, Annapolis
Hair/Makeup- Up-Do's For I Do's, LLC
Lighting- Party Plus Baltimore
Linens/Chairs- Rentals to Remember
Band- The Source/Elan Artists
Photography/Videography- Bella Pictures
Photobooth- Lovely Day Photo Works
Flowers- Janet Flowers Wedding & Event Design
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