CHARLOTTE JARRETT EVENTS: 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!