Hotel Monaco's - Eclectic Story

Hotel Monaco is a fairly new Kimpton Hotel located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Its eclectic decor is to die for and there are so many opportunities for unique photos around this venue. They have a quant courtyard that can hold a beautiful outdoor ceremony which can be followed by a lavish reception in the Paris Ballroom for up to 250 guests.

Airlie Center

We have 2 wonderful brides that have decided to hold their wedding at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, Virginia.

The Airlie Center is located on hundreds of acres that consist of surrounding wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. It is a picturesque setting perfect for special occasions!

While winter still had its grasp on the gardens, it wasn’t very hard to imagine the first impressions guest will have as they pass thru the gardens on the way to the outdoor ceremonies. I also can't wait to see some fun bride and groom pictures in the garden maze.

Sunset Hills Vineyard

Sorry it's been so...long, but as wedding season gets into full swing we've been extra busy. Over the last few weeks we have however had some opportunity to visit unique venues for weddings and events and we'd love to show some pictures from our visits.

The first venue is Sunset Hills Vineyard, a fairly new vineyard located on historic farm property in western Loudoun County. The vineyard boasts a 130 year old beautifully restored Amish barn with two story decks that will let you and your guests enjoy spectacular sunset views. In addition to a great wine tasting bar, and some fun antiques, they also have a very unique space for a rehearsal dinner with stunning chandeliers. I could definitely design a spectacular jewel-toned event around these beauties.

Brewer's Ball for Cystic Fibrosis

My Simple Details had the opportunity to volunteer for a great cause last Saturday, the 5th annual The Brewer's Ball for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

This unique beer tasting event, was held at The Galleria Lafayette Center (one of the many wonderful event venues in D.C.) and featured a variety of handcrafted ales and lagers from more than 15 of the region's best microbreweries and brewpubs. All the proceeds from the event will be used to fund the life-saving work of the foundation.

We were happy to help a great cause.

My Simple Office Is Not So Simple!

Hi everyone,

If you're one of our brides you probably already know that we've been working hard on redesigning and remodeling our office space to make it a relaxing retreat and design studio for our Brides, clients, and all their friends and family that are involved in the planning of their big day.

I was particularly inspired by Monica Rae Gill and The White Box Studio where brides can bring their planning materials; get questions answered; and browse vendor portfolios, planning books, and bridal magazines.

Since I love all things design including fashion, interior décor and of course event design, I have collected some wonderful images that helped inspired our remodel.

After picking the important elements, some that needed refurnishing and re-painting, my patient husband has now taken on the role of plumber, electrician, painter, and his specialty, home electronics and theaters installation for our in-ceiling speakers and flat panel TV. Though he had little difficulty with the lighting and electronics, the refurnishing of some of the furniture pieces has proven significantly more trying. We hope to have the office completed shortly and even plan to have some of our favorite photographers’ photo's placed on stretched canvas around the space. He’s even has gone out of his way to find the perfect antique typewriter. I can’t wait until it’s refurbished and in working condition and we plan to use it as a unique guest book for visitors to the studio. I will keep you all up-to-date and will post some pictures of the results soon. Wish us luck.



Images from Domino Magazine, Decor8, Design Sponge, Pottery Barn, Sofia Coppola bag via Simply Lovely, Photo by Anna Kern via Decor8, photography of Trine Thorsen design via Decor8