Kristie & Willy's Magical Bali Wedding on The Bridal Bar Blog Today!

We are so ecstatic over here today that Kristie and Willy's exotic wedding was featured on The Bridal Bar Blog. They are such an amazing, fun loving, relaxed couple. They went with the flow and enjoyed their day to the absolute fullest even with a few drops of rain. I personally think the rain added to the magical quality of their day on such a spiritually alive island.  Read more about Krisite & Willy's Balinese wedding on the The Bridal Bar Blog and check out more pictures here.  

Unique Table Numbers

Many of my brides are looking for unique ways to display their table numbers versus the standard paper tent card or metal caterer stands. Table numbers can really add to the decor on your table scape. So instead of opting for simple printed numbers on card stock that can distract from your stunning centerpieces, take a little time to make, buy, or event find a unique and personal way to count the tables.  What are you planing to use for your table numbers?  Here is some inspiration to get you started.

First Row: André Teixeira Brancoprata, Hazelnut Photography/ Second Row: Carla Ten Eyck, Braedon Flynn, Adi Nevo, Forever By Kylene Photography / Third Row: Meg Perotti/ Fourth Row: Jessica Claire/ Fifth Row: Elizabeth Messina, Kristen Weaver, Kristen Weaver

Don't forget the Socks

When most brides start to think about the groom's and groomsmen attire, many leave it up to the groom and expect them to pick a standard suit and maybe a tie to match the color of the day. Some brides give their groom a little loving persuasion, by telling them to stick with black, gray or navy. I on the other hand, think it's important to spend a little more time on what your man will wear for the big day. While you, the bride, will be the center of attention, your new husband will be right next to you the majority of your wedding day and you want him to look great and make a statement too.  The photos that most couples cherish the most, and even get canvas prints to hang on their walls, are the ones of just the two of them, and if he's just wearing a standard black rental suit with black shoes, and black socks, his personality isn't being highlighted to it's fullest.  I recommend you show your groom some photos of guys being cool and showing their personalities on their wedding days and see if you can inspire him to be creative with his attire, all the way down to his socks.

First Row: Tec Petaja, Michèle Waite/ Second Row: Docuvitae, Altmix Photography/ Third Row: Amanda Bevington/ Fourth Row: Love Ala Photography, Kimberly Jarman/Fifth Row: Jose Villa, Sweet Monday

Outstanding in the Field & On the Beach in Deleware

Last week while I was at the beach, I had the great pleasure of attending an Outstanding in the Field event on the beach in Delaware. You can read more about this organization here, but in general the organizations mission is to  re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it.  For their Delaware stop, they  invited none other than Matt Haley of Fish On! to create an outstanding feast right on the shore as the Atlantic Ocean crashed nearby. 

Chef and artist Jim Denevan, founder of Outstanding in the Field, welcomed us with his cowboy hat on and told us a little about how they started and have grown over the last few years.  Jim also introduced local farmers and fishermen who contributed to the dinner, including Parson's Farm, Good Earth Market, Fifer Farms, Lewes Fish House, Twin Lakes Brewery, and Nassau Valley Vineyard. 

The event took place at the Indian River Life Saving Station which is an amazing beach side venue for a wedding or special event. The hors d'oeuvres included blue crab claws with corn mayo, lobster deviled eggs, fresh pea soup shooters with truffle oil, and smoked bluefish crustinies.  Dinner at the long table started with freshly pickled zucchini & squash that was to die for, artisan breads, and whole green leaf salad with herb vinaigrette and was served with a sauvignon blanc. The next course was my favorite with heirloom sun gold tomato & cucumber salad and potato salad with lemon cream and gorgeous tri-colored potatoes served with a chardonnay. The main was grilled marinated rockfish, roasted vegetables with oyster salad, and a nectarine/peach chili corn salad served with a merlot. The corn salad was unexpected and amazing, and I can't wait till Phong tries to make it at home!  Dessert was de-lish with apple pie with streusel topping and a peach & blueberry crisp serviced with a blueberry dessert wine. While the food was unbelievable and so.. fresh, the location and the view made it over the top. I'll let you see for yourself in the pictures.     

Hot Vietnamese Wedding @ Woodend Sanctuary

As you may know my husband Phong is Vietnamese and I love him and his culture to pieces. Our team, Phong included, had the honor of coordinating a wonderful tea ceremony and western ceremony at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Theresa Choi captured the couple and all the details beautifully and here are some of my favorites.  The tea ceremony was held in an intimate room in the mansion and we arranged the gold chivari's in a slight curve around the families table so guests could relax and enjoy the ceremony as the bride and groom served tea to their parents. The mantles in the mansion were full of rose petals, pearls and photos of the couple and their family. Ribbons adorned the parents chairs for the tea ceremony and the bride used the cutest tea set with pink and gold details.  The western ceremony took place in the grove area of the property and the weather was p.e.r.f.e.c.t!  The bride's hot pink ao dai was stunning on her and I loved the bouquet of hot pink calla lilies with gold wrap.  I also have to say the groomsmen ties and the bridesmaid dresses were HOT!  {Vicki}

Chesapeake Inspiration

While I grew up in Silver Spring Maryland, I enjoyed many summers on the water around Annapolis and on the Chesapeake Bay with my family. My twin brother and Dad are avid fishermen and spend plenty of time crabbing, resulting in many weekend crab feasts. To this day I'll never turn down an invitation to a crab feast. There just something comforting and relaxing about siting down with friends and family to eat crabs for hours on end. It's great to relax, listen to stories, and enjoy the taste of Maryland's Ketchup "Old Bay". Love that stuff. This weekend I'm headed to the beach for a few days to spend with my family and I'm sure there will be at least one dinner at a crab shack. I can't wait!  

A few people know that my brother met his now girlfriend (my friend) at my wedding in Bali. Who would have thought? If they ever decide to tie the knot, I know his deep love for fishing and the Chesapeake will inevitable lead to a relaxed dockside wedding with oysters on the half shell and crabs. Here's some Chesapeake inspiration for all of you and your guys that love the water.  




First Row: The  Blonde Photographer, Jenny Yoo gown, Michelle Turner/ Second Row: The  Blonde Photographer/ Third Row: Holly Chapple Flowers photograph by  Anne Robert Photography, Jenny Yoo gown, Holly Chapple Flowers photograph by Anne Robert Photography/ Fourth Row: The  Blonde Photographer,   Jonathan Canlas' photography, Kellan Studios