A Sweet Soiree

Inspiration Board #3: Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

We can't help but be inspired by the quintessential Valentine's Day treat: Conversation Hearts! We hope this board warms your heart.

Photo Credits Clockwise from top right:
Candy Dish - Eighteen25
Bouquet - Kio Kreations
Love Sign - Say Cheese Paper Props
Cake - Sprinkle Bakes
Shoes - Ban.do
Coffee - Martha Stewart Weddings
Love Banner - Say Cheese Paper Props

Won't you be our Valentine?

Cheers,
Courtney

February 2012 Monthly Happy Hour Deets!

2012-01-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

We had a BLAST at the first inaugural A Sweet Soiree Monthly Happy Hour!

From Left to Right: Ashley of Happy Heart Photography, Marisa, Karen, and Courtney of A Sweet Soiree, Lisa of Lisa Boggs Photography.

Thanks to all that joined and we look forward to February's installment. Karen picked a great location and we hope to see you there.

When: Thursday February 16th, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Redwood Bethesda 7121 Bethesda Ln. Bethesda, MD. Closest Metro is Bethesda on the Red line. Meet us in the Lounge!

Cheers,
Courtney

Palatte Play #2: The Door to Greens

2012-01-10T10:00:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth Arden Red Door....eat your heart out. Are you Green with Envy (hehe)?

We love the distressing of this door that brought these wonderfully warm green hues our way. We are suckers for colored doorways....they are so inviting!

Washingtonian UNVEILED Promotion

2012-01-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

We are pleased to be able to offer our readers a discount to attend the area's PREMIER bridal showcase event, UNVEILED, hosted by Washingtonian Bride & Groom. Highlights of the event include a runway show and appearance by Reem Acra (we "heart" her), champagne, cocktails, cakes, and tastings from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and amazing door prizes!

Click HERE to buy tickets in advance with the promo code, or print the voucher to purchase tickets at the door!

Inspiration Board #2: All that Glitters 2012

2011-12-30T14:41:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and yours a safe and sweet New Year! We look forward to seeing everyone on the flip side!

Photo credits

Boutonniere: Scott Lawrence Photographs

Place setting: Jennifer O'Donnell Photography

Cocktail: Martha Stewart

Stationery: N Barrett Photography

Champagne: Scott Lawrence Photographs

Cake: Yummy Cupcakes

Gown: Mike Larson Photographers, LLC.

Shoes: Anna Sawin Photography

Announcing NEW Monthly Happy Hours!

2011-12-27T13:51:00.000-05:00

Hello and (almost) Happy New Year to you and yours! We are excited for what 2012 will bring, but especially excited because we already know it will be bringing us all together for A Sweet Soiree monthly happy hours!

So, here is the deal. We want to get to know our clients/readers/wedding professionals all just a bit better. What is a better way then fueled by some drinks and apps (not the kind on a smart device)??

On the third Thursday (we are calling it Third Thirsty Thursday, so you can remember), we will be inviting everyone to join us for some informal conversation and overall merriment.

How can you join you may ask? Email us to be added to the invitation list where we will send out the meeting location OR just check back to the blog frequently where we will also be updating the pertinent information.

Here are January's deets:
Thursday January 19th, 2012
Starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m.
Jackson's at Reston Town Center, 11927 Democracy Dr. Reston, VA
http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/jacksons/general_info.php

We look forward to seeing/meeting you there!

Cheers,
Courtney

2011 Venues in Review

2011-12-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

We had the honor of serving 18 newlywed couples this past calendar year and we were so delighted to add the following fabulous venues to our portfolio as well. Here is a brief recap of where we were and when!

Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast: Congratulations Jennifer and Ryan!

Photo compliments of Saskia Paulussen Photograhy

The Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith Park: Congratulations Brooke and Aaron, and to Nicole and Mike (we were there twice this year)!

Photo compliments of Lisa Boggs Photography

The Mount Vernon Country Club: Congratulations Suzanne and Peter!

Photo compliments of Joseph Allen Photography

The Sunset Room at National Harbor: Congratulations Katrina and Dennis!

Photo compliments of Nickerson Studios

Bluemont Vineyard: Record high temperature set of 103 degrees for Amy and Steve! And also congrats to Robyn and Patrick (we were there twice this year)!

Poplar Springs Inn: Congratulations to Kelley and Chris!

Photo compliments of 5 Rings Photo

Gaithersburg Washingtonian Marriott: Congratulations to Laura and Brandon!

The Cherry Hill Farm House: Congratulations to Mary Anne and Andrew!

Rockledge Mansion: Congratulations to Jenn and Louis!

Photo compliments of SH Studios

The Historic Gettysburg Hotel: Congratulations to Erin and John!

Photo compliments of Aesthetic Life Studio

The Sewall-Belmont House: Congratulations to Rida and Andy!

Photo compliments of Marta Locklear Photography

The W Hotel's Altitude Ballroom: Congratulations to Lexi and Jonathan!

Photo compliments of Aaron Spicer Photography

A Private residence in Reston: Congratulations to Danielle and Ted!

Photo compliments of Karen Murphy of A Sweet Soiree

Dutch's Daughter: Congratulations to Sarah and Ryan!

Photo compliments of B Scott Photography

Thank you to all of our amazing couples from 2011! We had a fun and fabulous year and look forward to our future weddings!

Inspiration Board #1: Peppermint

2011-12-21T14:54:00.000-05:00

With the holidays right around the corner, it's difficult NOT to be inspired by all the wonderful decor and photos abound. As everyone well knows, I am a sucker for all things sweet, so it's no surprise that when thinking of inspiring holiday topics I turned to candy. The below board is brought to us compliments of Peppermint in all forms: canes, wheels, spheres...

Enjoy the eye candy (hehe) and have a super wonderful holiday season!

Cheers,
Courtney

Palette Play #1

2011-12-06T15:50:00.001-05:00

We have a new feature to the blog, which is a bit of a miniature (who doesn't love miniatures?) version of the Inspiration board. Welcome to Palette Play where we use one singular photograph to inspire a palette of color for your event.

Today's version is brought to us by this gorgeous dress from Monique Lhuillier (again, who doesn't love Monique Lhuillier?). So many colors in the dress, so little space to put them all!

Lastly, we've made it SUPER easy for you to replicate the colors by providing the corresponding Pantone color code to take to your florist/dress maker/linen provider etc etc.

Cheers,
Courtney

Real Wedding Preview: Robyn and Patrick

2011-08-30T16:11:00.000-04:00

I just cannot wait to see the professional images of this wedding; I truly believe this is another fabulously executed inspiration to reality concept! Below is a sneak peek at the happy couple as well as their inspiration board that I created for them that was inspired by the colors of a Tuscan summer mixed with the fruits of a US summer (read Oranges).

It was a pleasure working with Robyn and Patrick through their whirlwind planning (just 5 months from scratch)! We hired some great vendors including:

Venue: The Stables at Bluemont Vineyard
Catering: Celebrations
Photographer: Next G Photography
Florist: Twinbrook Floral
Cake: Edibles Incredible
DJ: Fela Reynolds of Disc Jockeys On Call
Transportation: Chariots for Hire
Stylist: Carla Pressley
Alterations: Anna at Moni's Bridal Boutique
Stationery: WeddingPaperDivas.com
Dance Lessons: Arthur Murray Tyson's Corner
Suits: Savvi by Sarno and Sons
Rehearsal Dinner: McCormick and Schmicks Reston

Meet Associate Planner, Karen!

2011-08-16T09:36:00.001-04:00

Last week, we got a chance to meet Marisa and now we will get to know one of our other Associates, Karen!

Same questionnaire; much different answers!

Alma mater and program of study:
West Virginia University. Let’s Gooooo Mountaineers! I was a biology major and also competed on the WVU swim team.

What do you love about weddings?
I love everything from waking up knowing it’s the bride’s big day, to the last dance or toast at the reception, and all the lush flowers in between. My favorite part of the day is when the groom and guests first see the bride. When she makes her entrance, the wedding has begun and it’s the greatest moment of the day.

What is your ideal day to yourself (money no object)?
I would wake up with the sun and go for a nice run on a perfectly cool fall day, followed by breakfast and a big cup of tea with my husband. The two of us would work on house projects and I would do some work for my favorite charities. Afterwards, my husband, his family, my brothers and I would head to my parent’s house for a delicious home cooked meal. Dessert would include my dad’s famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and my red velvet butter cream cupcakes.

Favorite Band/Singer and why?
Kenny Chesney. His music and concerts are so heartfelt, fun and lively.

Fun quirky thing about you:
I like organized pillows and carpets with no footprints. My brothers like to turn my parent’s couch pillows upside down, backwards, on angles, etc. and watch me twitch until I can’t stand it anymore and fix them!

If you could meet anyone who would it be and why?
Kate Middleton. What a life she has – she’s actually not allowed to work, but required to spend her life working on charities and international relations. Oh and if I can add another… Condoleezza Rice – she’s such an amazing person and woman. What I would give to learn from her!

If you got married this year, what theme/concept would you have?
Well, I actually was married this year… so this one’s easy! Our winter wedding was in January, complete with opulent ivories and whites, and black details here and there. I had a beautiful arrangement of black and white family wedding photos on display in silver frames. The photos were amazing conversation pieces for my guests and added a very special element to our wedding day. I wanted everything to be classic, elegant and magical – with the holiday spirit still lingering in the air, it was the most magical day I could have asked for.

What’s your favorite store and why?
A good antique store and consignment shop. Even without buying anything, it’s fun to look at the beautiful old and vintage items! I can usually find multiple items that remind me of my grandparents – from furniture to mixing bowls.

Any pets?
Not yet, but we’re searching for the right puppy!

Heels or flip flops?
I’m all about flip flips and flats, but will slip on those heels for special occasions.

What’s your favorite OPI nail color?
For spring and summer, I love the shiny orange of Bright Lights – Big Color and for fall and winter, you can’t get classier than I’m Not Really a Waitress.

Take another crack; what do YOU want to know about Karen?

Cheers,
Courtney

Meet Associate Planner Marisa!

2011-08-09T15:19:00.000-04:00

We are so thrilled to welcome a few new faces to the A Sweet Soiree team (well not so new; they've been working with me since January, but here is their big debut)!

So, let's learn a little about Marisa via a fun and thorough questionnnaire!

Alma mater and program of study:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); Finance - and no, gambling doesn't count!

What do you love about weddings?
The flowers, the cake, the first dance...everything. Letting go and starting anew - makes me cry everytime!

What is your ideal day to yourself (money no object)?
Waking up to see the sun rise, yoga outdoors, cup of Kona coffee or tea, taking my dog for a walk, creating art of some kind, leisurely reading, taking a walk with my favorite guy, having a meal and watching the sun set on another beautiful day.

Favorite Band/Singer and why?
Favorite of the moment: Amos Lee and Rachael Yamagata. Separately, and at the same time, soulful.

Fun quirky thing about you:
Although I am by no means perfect, I can't help but notice typos and other grammatical errors in public settings. Must have been my time spent in Japan. I usually carry a Sharpie everywhere I go for the perfect, correctable moment.

If you could meet anyone who would it be and why?
Thomas Jefferson. Brilliant man - I would spend all day asking questions about his inventions and random thoughts about life.

If you got married this year, what theme/concept would you have?
Tough call. Fall/autumn timeline. Laid back vineyard or farm wedding....or laid back beach/shore wedding. Or both! To the same person....

What’s your favorite store and why?
Rock Paper Scissors in Charlottesville. So much personality and charm packed into a tiny paper store. Would love to be their buyer! Tortoise in Venice Beach, California. Quirky, yet practical, items for the office and home.

Any pets?
One adorable dog/human - Mister C. He may be my spirit guide.

Heels or flip flops?
Will always love a pair of fantastic heels...but I'm really a flip-flop (or as we say in Hawaii, slipper) girl at heart.

What’s your favorite OPI nail color?
Samoan Sand and Tutti Frutti Tonga. I suppose I have a thing for Polynesia.

Okay Readers; your turn! What do YOU want to know about Marisa?

Cheers,
Courtney

Weddingwire's Bride Choice Awards for 2011

2011-01-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

Washington, DC – January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce A Sweet Soiree has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Planning.

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

A Sweet Soiree stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud A Sweet Soiree for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that A Sweet Soiree is among the very best Wedding Planners within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today www.weddingwire.com/ASweetSoiree.
For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire.com, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).

New Year and New Tunes

2011-01-10T12:18:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy 2011!

If y'all follow along on Facebook (and you definitely should!) I recently resolved to blog more. Specifically once a week, at least. I am completely open to comments and suggestions on topics that interest YOU, the reader. So please, as we go down this blog-o-journey, let me know what you want to know, what you want to read about. I'm here to serve!

Next week, look for a blog about some of my favorite venues (thanks Candice for the suggestion).

For now though, let's discuss DIY-DJing and what I added to my Ipod this week.

The Ipod setup can be a great option for the laid back Bride who doesn't hold music or dancing as a major priority, or who is looking to save a bit by not hiring a DJ. I won't go into too much detail as this topic has been covered, and covered well, at resources such as:
MyDeeJay
The Examiner Part 1
The Examiner Part 2

Regardless, I have an upcoming wedding where we'll be using an Ipod just for the cocktail reception of the evening. It works great for this couple because A. their venue has a fabulous in-house speaker system, and B. since cocktails are taking place in a different area than the reception, using the Ipod doesn't require the DJ to bring a seperate DJ setup or move his setup three different times to accommodate the need (equaling a cost savings for Bride and Groom too).

Althought the couple is supplying their own Ipod and playlist, I got to thinking that this is a resource that I should also have available to my couples in the event it's ever needed. So, this weekend, I created my very own Cocktail Reception music playlist and downloaded a ton of songs. Here is what's on there (in no specific order):

"If I Ain't Got You" Alicia Keys
"Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" Barry White
"At Last" Etta James
"Fly Me to the Moon" Frank Sinatra
"It Had to be You" Harry Connick, Jr.
"I'm Yours" Jason Mraz
"Maybe I'm Amazed" Jem
"Some Kind of Wonderful" Joss Stone
"Come Away with Me" Norah Jones
"By Your Side" Sade
"You and I" Stevie Wonder
"Crazy for You" Adele
"Make you Feel my Love" Adele
"She's Got a Way" Billy Joel
"Harvest Moon" Cassandra Wilson
"The Look of Love" Diana Krall
"Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered" Ella Fitzgerald
"Can't Help Falling in Love with You" Harry Connick, Jr.
"Just the Way You Are" Harry Connick, Jr.
"Cheek to Cheek" Jane Monheit
"As Time Goes By" Jimmy Durante
"That's All" Mel Torme
"For Once in my Life" Michael Buble
"Crazy Love" Michael Buble
"Come Fly with Me" Michael Buble
"When I Fall in Love" Miles Davis Quintet
"Us" Regina Spektor
"When the Stars go Blue" Ryan Adams
"You Send Me" Sam Cooke
"Wonderful World" Sam Cooke
"Bring it on Home to Me" Sam Cooke
"Someone to Watch Over Me" Sarah Vaughan
"Embraceable You" Sarah Vaughan
"You & Me" Dave Matthews Band
"The Luckiest" Ben Folds
"Tenderly" Bette Midler
"My Romance" Carly Simon
"My Funny Valentine" Carly Simon
"What Are You Doing for the Rest of your Life" Chris Botti
"'S Wonderful" Diana Krall
"How Sweet it Is" James Taylor
"If the Stars Were Mine" Melody Gardot
"Our Love is Easy" Melody Gardot
"You are the Best Thing" Ray LaMontagne
"Love of my Life" Santana
"The Best is Yet to Come" Tony Bennett

What would you add?

Cheers,
Courtney

Go Right to the Source {Paper Source that is}!

2010-08-05T13:44:00.000-04:00

A little tidbit about me is that I get so excited to A. get the mail everyday, and B. get even more excited to find the Paper Source catalog among the stack. Ask my husband and he'll tell you that I could (and have) spent hours in those stores! So, while cooking dinner last night, naturally I immersed myself in the pages and here are some of their newest and greatest products that would be oh so adorable for a wedding!

These fabulous single serving cupcake stands would be so great to set-up at each guest's placesetting and could double duty as decor! They are made from recycled paper and you can dress them up with paint, rhinestones, or whatever your heart desires. $14.95 for 6 stands.

I first thought these would be great to use as placecards but at $15.95 a piece, that idea wasn't very economical. So instead, use them as your table numbers or any other description sign around your event, such as "Specialty Drinks" or "Gift Table".

The above placemats would dress up any reception table! The chalkboard could serve double duty as either Menu (would require lots of writing) or Escort cards, and the below mat would add a vintage whimsical touch. Chalkboard mats retails for $15.95 and the Place Setting Mat is $21.95 for 50 mats.

Happy Shopping!

Cheers,

Courtney

Real Wedding Inspiration Board: Berry Beautiful

2010-06-30T14:21:00.000-04:00

I have a 4th of July wedding this year and back when I first chatted with the couple, they definitely wanted to recognize the holiday but without a lot of the cliche details you often see associated with "Patriotic". We definitely wanted to incorporate red, whites, and blues and minor stripe details while keeping in line with the tone set by the gorgeous manor house in historic Leesburg. The below design is the jumping off point for the decor decisions that we made during the planning process and I can't wait to see it come together on Sunday. Actual photos from the event to come down the line, so stay tuned!

Real Wedding Sneak Peek: Jocelyn and Brian

2010-06-01T15:20:00.000-04:00

I was so stoked to visit the blog of Meghan Lynn Photography today to see the sneak peek pic for the wedding of Jocelyn and Brian from this past weekend. I had the pleasure of seeing this photo during dinner down time as Meghan expressed so enthusiastically, "look at this ring shot". No kidding girlfriend! Love the bright blue hues of the hydrangea bouncing off of the silver and don't even get me started on the inscription: SWOON! Can't wait to show more photos from the big day!

Inspiration Board: Cinco de Mayo at the Mexican Riviera

2010-05-05T13:02:00.000-04:00

Doesn't this just make you want to grab your swimsuit and a margarita, and hit the sand/surf?

Photo Credits (left to right, top to bottom)

Lemon/Lime Cake: Red Tree Photography

Pear Lemon Drink Fizzes with Flags: Martha Stewart Weddings

Bride and Groom: Studio 306 Photography

Resort: Mexican Riviera Vacation

Tablescape: David Michele

Gazpacho: Jennifer Skog

Real Wedding: Megan and Erik

2010-04-28T15:58:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of spending a BEAUTIFUL spring April Saturday with an extraordinarily fun and care-free couple, Megan and Erik.

Megan contacted me a few months ago in need of a Day-Of Coordinator, and since we connected instantly, I was happy to oblige.

Megan's planning was meticulous which made pulling together the details a cinch!

Here's how the day played out:

The couple broke tradition and had the most adorable "first look" in the lobby of the Residence Inn in Clarendon. From there, the couple had photographer Lisa Boggs in tow and headed down to the Tidal Basin to capture some quintessential DC pics.

Megan was a DIY-pro and did a lot of projects such as her cupcake stand (which housed deliciously awesome Hello Cupcakes), and the ceremony programs found below.

The couple’s ceremony was at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in upper NW DC. And WOW, was the church just stunning. Check out this door alcove just to the side of the main entrance, and the inside which was jammed packed with sun strewn stained glass windows. Swoon!

Here is my favorite shot of the collection. Lisa was seeking somewhere to photograph the rings and I had suggested placing them on top of the floral balls hanging at the end of the ceremony aisles. The photo couldn’t have been more perfect and the rings even almost resemble a heart shape.

Love this adorable (and totally unprompted) photo of the Newlyweds as they recess down the aisle.

Following the ceremony, the couple shared some moments around the historical residential areas of Georgetown. How cool is the photo with the purple door and purple tree?!

All of the vendors that came together for this event were an absolute dream to work with, especially Lisa Boggs. She is just so friendly and I've never seen family photos go so smoothly before! Her turn around time is amazing and I truly hope to work with her again soon!
Congratulations Megan and Erik!!
Vendors:

Photographer: Lisa Boggs Photography
Ceremony Venue: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Reception Venue: F. Scott’s Restaurant
Cake: Hello Cupcake

Eye Candy: Corcoran Ball Preview

2010-04-17T11:19:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the Corcoran Ball. An event held annually as a kickoff to DC Society's summer of Socializing!

Prior to the doors opening to welcome guests, Occasions Caterers invited interested parties to walk through the event setup to oogle and aw over the fantastic linens, tablescapes, florals, and decor.

This was actually my first preview, so at first, I left my heavy duty camera in the car. I feel kinda bad for the valet that went back to get my car so I could walk through (again) to capture these photos.

Enjoy!!

The Atrium space was a summer explosion! You couldn't help but feel warmed and energized by the streaming sunlight falling over the tulips sprays and gleaming off of the sparkling place settings. Here's a summary of the rental products used:

Linens: Summer Jupiter Sheer Overlay, Topaz Gemstone Underlay, Topaz Tangerine Underlay, Sherbet Plaid Silk (my fav!)

Napkin: Sferra Pumpkin Hemstitch on Topaz Gemstone Underlay Table, Sferra Raspberry Henstitch on Topaz Tangerine Underlay Table, Cerise Mystic Satin for Sherbet Plaid Table

Chair: Gold Chiavari

Chair Skirts: Canary Yellow Mystic Satin for Gemstone Underlay, Regal Gold Mystic Stain for Tangerine Underlay, Cerise Mystic Sation for Sherbet Plaid Table

Charger: Clear Gold Rim on all tables

China: Clear Gold Rim with Rose Medallion plate on Sherbet Plaid Silk Table, Clear Gold Rim with 8" Clear Gold Rim on Summer Jupiter Sheer Overlay

Glassware: Venice Gold

Flatware: Venice Gold

Votive: Gold beaded

Here are just a few more pictures of the other seating areas for your gawking pleasure!

(a bit blurry. My apologies: I don't claim to be a pro photog)

Kudos to Perfect Settings (the rental company), and Jack Lucky Floral Design as they REALLY outdid themselves.

Want to rent the Corcoran for your next event? Visit their site for more information.

Cheers,

Courtney

Carine's Bridal Spring Sample Sale Announced

2010-04-13T09:47:00.000-04:00

Spring Sample Sale

Sunday, April 18th at 12pm to 3pm

Photo courtesy of Priscilla of Boston

Sample wedding gowns on sale for up to 75% off retail prices!

Gowns will be priced as low as $999-$1899, marked down from original retail prices of $3000-$9000.

Gowns sold on a first come, first serve basis. All sales are final.
Preview a selection of sample sale gowns online at http://www.carinesbridal.com/.
These gowns, plus MORE, will be priced to sell between $999-$1899 at the Sample Sale event.
To schedule an appointment, call (202) 965-4696 or email info@carinesbridal.com

View upcoming trunk shows and special events

Carine's Bridal Atelier
1726 Wisconsin Ave, 2nd Floor
Washington, District of Columbia 20007

Causes: Brides Against Breast Cancer

2010-04-08T11:54:00.000-04:00

Brides Against Breast Cancer is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. They are a not for profit organization similar to Make-A-Wish where they suuport the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that makes dreams come true for breast cancer patients during the final stages of their illness. Their work is truly moving and compelling which is what has really led to my philanthropic relationship with them.

BABC supports the mission by collecting donated wedding gowns and accessories from Brides across the country. What they then do, is take these items on tour across the country and offer them at resale to Brides that are searching for their dress. So, if you've ever wanted to resell your gown, consider donating it to the organization for a tax write off, and to support the cause. Brides that are shopping, if you are open to buying a gently used gown at a FRACTION of designer prices, this is a fabulous way to do so. Lastly, if you don't have a gown to donate, or don't need to buy a gown, you can still make a difference. There are still PLENTY of ways to donate your time or dollars to the organization.

This is exactly how I support the cause, as I'll be donating my time for the tour stop coming to the Marriott Hunt Valley in Balitmore on May 6th through the 8th. They need many many more volunteers, so if you're available, consider signing up. Men are welcome too as it takes some muscles and gusto to unload the tons of taffeta and organza and tulle from the trucks and into the hotel.

For more information and to sign up, please visit HERE.

Can't make those dates? Visit the website as they make many many stops in the DC area over the course of the year.

I'll be there Thursday evening May 6th. Comment and let me know if I'll see you there too!

Real Engagements: Sara and Jay

2010-03-01T15:06:00.001-05:00

I was so excited to see a link in my inbox this morning for the pictures from Jay and Sara's Engagement session a few weeks ago. The photos taken by a friend of the couple, Phil Foss, are amazing. My favorite part is that from the time I have spent with Sara and Jay thus far, it's easy to tell they are a fun loving couple and truly adore one another. And it definitely shines through the still frames. Cozy up to view their wintry and adorable walk through Georgetown as an engaged couple!

My personal fave for their "formal" engagement shot

The Smooching shot (don't they look so cuddly together?)

Not too many couples get engagement shots in DC with snow in the background

One of my favorites of the artistic variety

Jay and Sara being Jay and Sara : )

I just had to include the progression of these shots. Cute!

Love including the storefront windows. Very Georgetown! However if you look closely, the windows say, "Say I Do" and "Love, Home, Love to Help".

Leaving you with my last few favorites which speak for themselves:

Congrats Sara and Jay!

Bride-Zilla Common Cure

2010-02-09T16:30:00.000-05:00

We've all heard the term "Bride-zilla". I am sure and some of us have even probably tuned into the similar television show to see the beast in action.

There are many ways to easily cure the common Bride-zilla, the easiest being to give her knowledge. It's power people!

Enter the new website coming down the aisle: Weddzilla! Weddzilla is a wonderous resource for today's hip, yet busy betrothed couple. How does the site differentiate itself from the zillions of 'Zilla (and Non-'Zillas alike) friendly sites out there? Glad you asked! It incorporates similar site's features such as vendor directories and inspirational ideas however makes them interactive just like a social networking type of site. This site is for the tech savvy couple looking to interact with vendors and other couples in an instantly gratifying environment.

I know you're excited but don't get ahead of the trend just yet. The site is still to be launched but head on over today to enter your e-mailing address to keep abreast of the happenings.

Want to get your Weddzilla fix now and also attend a fabulous party? They are hosting a "Rock the Launch" event in DC. Head over HERE for details and to RSVP.

One last tid-bit: they have chosen yours truly as one of their featured Vendor Bloggers! Check out the blog as well for tips, tricks, and treats direct from the wedding pros themselves!

Cheers,

My "Wedding in a Box" featured on A Foxy Wedding

2010-02-03T14:41:00.000-05:00

I am so honored to be able to participate in A Foxy Wedding's series titled "Wedding in a Box" this week. It's a pretty interesting concept and so far, Jessica has proven to be correct. She basically put a challenge out there to already married ladies: we all have our wedding "stuff" packed away in our home somewhere. Break it out. And show her what ya got. In her post today, you'll see my personal wedding in a box revealed. Hop on over to A Foxy Wedding to check it out!

Don't forget to get a good, sturdy box to sock away all of your wedding momentos!