Have a cozy Christmas!!

Image: Sacramento Street.

Giving Back - AFH + The Conservation Fund

It's been a while since I blogged about our love for the environment and animals. Since we have a lot of newly engaged couples that are getting to know us, I thought it was a good time to talk a little about My Simple Details charitable giving. Starting in 2009 we made a decision to donate 1% of all our client's package costs to either A Forever Home, a local animal rescue, or to The Conservation Fund. This year we were so excited to make our largest donations in our history, on behalf of our clients.  We're looking forward to making many more donations to these two causes in the new year, and want to thank all of our clients who appreciate our love for nature and furry friends. Happy Holidays!

Shown above: Images from the Rover 2011 Calendar 

Love Couture Bridal - Sample Sale

In the past I've hearing some great things about Love Couture Bridal from our brides, so I'm excited to here that they are having a 3-day Sample Sale December 26-28th. If you're looking for a dress with style that won't bust the budget, call to make your appointment today. I'm sure the dresses will sell out fast.  

Destination Venue- Rosewood Mayakobá

We recently coordinated a wedding for one of our clients in sunny, warm Me-hee-co. The wedding was held at a boutique resort north of Cancun in the Riviera Maya. After the wedding I planned a short trip South to the Rosewood Mayakobá Resort as a site visit for one of our 2011 destination couples. After my visit I can say, they will not be disappointed in this resort. 

When Phong and I arrived we were greeted with non-alcoholic mojitos that were delish. Since mojitos are one of my favorite refreshments, Rosewood was already racking up bonus points in my book. We were promptly checked in and whisked off on a super cute wooden boat to our suite.  As we enjoyed welcome snacks on the boat of fresh fruit, and finished our drinks, we floated down the canals and eventually arrived at our suite's private dock.  The plunge pool looked inviting and the suite was picture perfect. 

The standard suites include a private plunge pool; luxurious tub; inside rain shower; outside rain shower; a second floor roof-top daybed, perfect for sunsets and soaking up rays; an extremely comfortable bed, that I didn't want to leave after working a wedding the previous night; and sheets that I just wanted to put in my suitcase before I checked out.  

During our oh too short stay,  the event planner at the Rosewood treated myself and one of the local florists (that I adore) to a walk through. This local florist has supplied my clients with some amazing flowers and always goes above and beyond. I can't wait to work with her again in 2011. 

During the tour we looked at the beach deck, the location for the ceremony which overlooks the blue ocean; multiple spots for the perfect cocktail hour; the restaurant area, that will be used for the reception;  and the garden, where the welcome dinner will be served. Every area at Rosewood was immaculate, giving us a great starting point. By just adding a few simple details my clients are sure to have the magical wedding of their dreams. Here are some images that I took along the way. I really didn't want to leave. 

Subdued Tones for Winter Brides

It's snowy in DC and with more in the forecast, the muted colors have inspired a simple subdued winter inspiration board for those planning winter weddings. I hope you enjoy!  



First Row: Jose Villa/ Second Row: Cameron Ingalls, James Carriere/Third Row: Gold block letter from Cabin 7, Meg Perotti Photographer, Leg-warmers from Free People / Fourth Row: Small calendar from Kitty Rogers on etsy, James Carriere

Moroccan Day After Session - Featured on Style Me Pretty

This post is a little delayed, but trust me it's worth the wait. I didn't want to post this amazing shoot until it was featured on Style Me Pretty, and then I  was so busy getting ready for a destination wedding in Mexico, that it was put off a little longer. I returned early this week from Mexico and now I'm ready to show you all the gorgeousness from our Moroccan Styled Day After Shoot with Kate Triano Photography. 

Tram and Tiko were married this past fall and were Kate's 2010 wedding giveaway winners. They are so... sweet and a total joy to work with.  After chatting with them about the style of shoot, they wanted something different, exotic, and colorful.  Immediately a Moroccan theme emerged and I had the perfect fabrics to use from my recent trip to India. In the end I personally think we hit the nail on the head. Holly Chapple Flowers provided Tram and Tiko's flowers for their real wedding, so I thought it was perfect for Holly to be involved in creating the flowers for their day after shoot, and man did Holly deliver!  To read more info on the flowers used and all the little details swing on over to Style Me Pretty. 

Kate Triano Photography and Holly Chapple Flowers each have amazing blog posts about this styled shoot with more drool worthy pics, so when you get a chance hop over to these amazing vendor's websites.  They won't disappoint! 

Taste of the Stars Gala

The other week Phong and I volunteered at the 11th Annual Taste of the Stars Gala for the Mid-Atlantic Starlight Children’s Foundation, which is dedicated to lifting the spirits of seriously ill children and their families in the region. The event, which was held at the Four Seasons Georgetown, was themed “Bedtime Bash”. The ballroom was completely draped in floor-to-ceiling blue dupioni silk, oversized candelabras were placed on various tables, and stunning calla lily floral arrangement were everywhere. Guests had an elegant dinner and specialty cocktails, and dinner concluded with a dessert of milk and cookies. The event raised over $500,000 from ticket sales, sponsorships, and the silent and live auctions, which featured items like a 1900 vintage bottle of Chateau Margaux, trips to the Kentucky Derby,  a Jamaican vacation, and some ski vacations.  After dinner one of the side ballrooms was transformed into a loungy club atmosphere with large bed like ottomans and pillows and a white dance floor.  It was a great event the all the guest enjoyed while supporting an amazing local cause. 

First 3 photos by Tony Powell

Cozy Bridal Style

If you're planning a wedding in the Northeast, the chances are good for a chill in the air if your date falls anywhere from September to April. The brides below made sure they could take great natural light photos on their wedding day without goose bumps, chattering teeth, or the shivers. When you’re not cuddled up for a photo with your new hubby, how do you plan to stay warm on your wedding day?


First Row: Cameron Ingalls, Kate Headley Photography/ Second Row: Shannon Nicole Smith, Rachel Thurston