Details - Greta & Thomas' Wedding

I promised these a while ago, so without further adieu here are some details shots from Jennifer Chase Photography of Greta & Thomas' shabby chic, garden inspired wedding at Fort Belvoir.  I adored the shape of the bridesmaids dresses and the flower girl's hair pieces were a super cute touch. The mother of the bride also made custom runners with pink and white lace details that were perfect for the tables. 

Pink Lace Bridal Shoot Featured on Wedding Chicks!

A recent styled bridal shoot that we worked on with Morgan at Petals and Hedges has been featured on Wedding Chicks blog. Details of this shoot that I loved include the vintage clothes pins that held escort cards, vintage pitcher to hold the bridal bouquet, little lace cardigan to keep the bride warm and stylish, the bride's gray leather boots, milk glass ice-cream goblets, and a vintage peach broach.

Check out the full gallery here.  Images by Vicki Grafton Photography.

Site Visit to The Stables at Bluemont Vineyard

This weekend I met one of our couples at their venue for a site visit and tasting. They are saying their vows at Bluemont Vineyard this fall and I'm working with none other than Holly Chapple for decor and flowers. Our design for their wedding is pulling plum, browns, and taupe together with gold touches for a rustic elegant event. We're also working to create a huge chandelier from 1000 cranes that the bride is busy working on as we speak. Below are some images I snapped of the stables. It is the largest indoor, climate controlled event space at any of DC's Wine Country Vineyards.  The  6500 square foot former stable has stunning views for both your ceremony and the outdoor cocktail hour on the verandah. The Stable seats up to 250 guests with tenting options to accommodate additional guests and has a recently renovated bridal suite with a private verandah that will be great for photos. My favorite aspect of this venue is it's tall vaulted celling with exposed beams that allow for endless decor possibilities.  

Featured - Completely Unveiled by Weddings Unveiled - Kristina & Alan's E-session

In the fall, before the beautiful leaves fell in Northern Virginia, I helped style a vintage lakefront engagement session for our of our October 2011 couples. This cute couple is one of our full service clients and we are planning a modern, fresh, DC wedding at the Newseum.  I won't divulge all the funky details, but I will say that we've scheduled some time for pedi-cab rides for the entire bridal party, and Kate Triano will be there to capture it all.  It's going to be a blast!  

Since Kristina & Alan will have a modern, city wedding, but both love the outdoors, they wanted to mix it up with a rustic outdoor shoot with their adorable puppy Gizmo (check him out below). Such a cutie pie!  

With their initials and wedding colors in mind, I started the inspiration with the idea of hot homemade " Apple Cider & Kisses".   With an adorable Anthropology dress, cozy sweaters for Alan and Gizmo, and a fuzzy throw to keep Kristina warm during the romantic canoe ride down the lake, every detail came together perfectly. Since it was our idea to get waterborne, I have to give Kate Triano props as she worked on her balance in our small boat all while snapping some great shots. Like always, I couldn't have pulled this shoot off with out my hubby, who manned our boat with our electric motor and helped get Kate in the right position. 

Other details in the shoot included cute muffins for a snack after the canoe ride,  homemade cinnabon popsicles, that Phong made,  cinnamon sticks to spice up the apple cider, and DIY tags and signs for the mason jar glasses and food.  

To see all the great eye candy by Kate Triano Photography, check out Kristina & Alan's E-session as featured on Completely Unveiled, right here. 

Cami & Mike's E-session @ Barrel Oak Winery with Anne Robert Photography

Remember when I visited Barrel Oak Winery with the dogs? If not you can check out the post here. I love this venue with it's amazing views, loveable mutts running around, and cute fire-pits.  Writing about it makes we want to head out there tomorrow to sip some vino with close friends around a fire!  Amazingly, one of our 2011 couples, Cami and Mike are planning their big day at Airlie Center, but happen to have a close family ties to Barrel Oak. Since they've spent some good times their in the past, it seemed like the ideal place for their engagement shoot with Anne Robert.  

I truly can't express how important engagement sessions are. It's a great time to get to comfortable with your photographer, and learn to let down your hair in front of the camera. Most brides and grooms don't have too much experience in front of the camera, so engagement shoots give you an idea of what to expect from your photographer on your wedding day. After your e-session you should feel more comfortable with them and on the day of the wedding it'll be like they're just one of your friends with a camera.  Last but not least, you're engaged and in love, and you should really capture that special time together in your life. You're only engaged for a short time, cherish it, relax and enjoy the ride.   

Barrel Oak Winery

Last weekend my husband and I, and 2 of our dogs (the lucky ones), got to go with us to Barrel Oak Winery. Barrel oaks' slogan "We're an Hour from Downtown and a World Away", is really a true statement!  I love this winery's setup. It's kid & dog friendly, has fire-pits, picnic tables, and umbrellas spread out all over their hillside so you can relax and enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine. You can bring our own picnic food, buy a chilled bottle of wine, and use their complementary glasses.  They also rent their facilities and offer various vineyard locations where you can hold an outdoor or tented event.  I will definitely be going back soon! 

Kathryn and Andy - Married! - Whitehall Manor

In late October Kathryn and Andy were married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville followed by a beautiful reception at Whitehall Manor in Bluemont,Virginia.  Because of the distance between the two locations, Kathryn knew hiring a coordinator would help make their day stress-free and take care of all the little details such as her DIY centerpieces consisting of tree trunk slivers, cylinder vases wrapped with raffia and leaf details with floating candles, and birch wrapped votives.   

It was a picture perfect fall day as they said I do, and I personally loved the dresses and suits that Kathryn and Andy picked out for their entire bridal party. The long chocolate dresses with ruffle back detail and the navy suits with striped ties looked perfect. All the girls got ready at Carlos Salon & Spa and the salon did an amazing job with Kathryn's hair. Connie's Cake Creations created a lovely lace detailed cake and Evan from MyDeejay kept everyone on the dance floor all night long.  Mark Kent Photography captured these images from the day. 

Clifton Day

We had a great afternoon at Clifton Day on Sunday.  I personally love this little town and they have  a cute little church and Trummers for top notch receptions or rehearsal dinners.  Trummers' executive chef Clayton Miller was recently named one of Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chefs of 2010 and the decor in their largest, glass-enclosed Atrium, with seating for up to 90, is drop dead gorgeous.  Here are some images I took as we walked around Clifton Day.  

A Ritz Affair

We recently received some professional image from Visual Sketch Photography of Kelly and Scott's October wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Tyson's Corner. The event was a mix of traditional and modern, with a 1964 white Rolls Royce and vibrant orchids and crystals creating a magical feel.  Here are some of our favorite images. I love the shot of Kelly, she looks like she having the time of her life!  
Vicki 

Jill and Brian Wedding - Captured by Holland Photo Arts

Jill and Brian's September wedding was captured by Bill and Anne of Holland Photos Arts. Although it started to rain right before the ceremony, the weather failed to put a damper on the mood of the ceremony of the party to follow. As you can see in the photo's Jill and Brian danced the night away with close friends and family and had a blast. I love the photo of Jill in her dress and the one of Jill and Brian dancing. The flowers were done by the amazing Barbara at Growing Wild.

Allison and Matt - Married at the Historic Cabell's Mill in Northern Virginia

Allison and Matt planned for a unique afternoon wedding at the Historic Cabell's Mill. The ceremony took place under a huge tree with a 4 piece bluegrass band playing nearby. The Furnace Mountain Band was amazing and I would recommend them to any couple looking to create a fun relaxed atmosphere for their guests. The band continued to play during cocktail hour on the patio of the Mill overlooking the nearby stream. The weather was again perfect, sunny and 75 and all the guest enjoyed the view of the turning leaves.

I also loved Allison's purple shoes! Zoya Photo captured the below images from the day.

St Raymond of Penafort & The Westin Alexandria VA

I've been away on a much needed vacation and I will post some great resort photos shortly, but before I do, here are some shots from Jill & Brian's September wedding at St Raymond of Penafort followed by a fuchsia and orange reception at the Westin in Alexandria VA.

Bill and Anne of Holland Photo Arts, one of my favorite photographer teams, was there to capture the entire day, and I can't wait to see the spectacular images they were able to take.

Sound Connection, one of the top bands in the area and one of Modern Bride Magazine's Top 25 Trendsetters of 2009, rocked the house and kept everyone dancing all night long. Jill even had them play "I Gotta Feelin” by the Black Eyed Peas as a surprise for her mom. It is one of her mom's favorite songs. What a cool mom!


Images by: My Simple Details & Ashley Finco

Veronica & Daniel's Wedding captured by the Fabulous Laura Kay

I just received some of the stunning photos that Laura Kay took of Veronica and Daniel’s wedding in August. The ceremony took place at the Historic old Manassas Court House with a jazz styled reception at the Old Candy Factory. As Laura Kay stated in her blog the performance that Daniel’s brothers put on during the reception, as a tribute to the newly married couple, was unbelievable, and the best performance I have ever seen at a wedding. I hope to post it soon so stay tuned.

Oh and if you were wondering, the stunning flowers were done by Barbara at Growing Wild. I just love Barbara!

Stunning Photo's of Danielle + Alex by Connor Studios

I don't even have the words to describe the beautiful images that the photographers at Connor Studios captured of Danielle and Alex's big day. It was a perfect day and everything was vibrant and fun, exactly what the couple was looking for. The flowers were to die for and were all created by J. Morris Flowers our of Leesburg.

Congrats Danielle and Alex! We truly enjoyed being a part of your wedding day.

Professional Images of Steph and Greg's wedding

Deb Lindsey captured some wonderful images of Stephanie and Greg's big day. It was an intimate event at Cabell's mill and you could really feel the love in the air. Stephanie was so relaxed and calm and it really came thru in the pictures.

Congratulations Stephanie and Greg! We wish you all the best and it was a true pleasure being a part of your special day.

A Beautiful Butterfly Wedding at Airlie Center

Hi everyone,

I thought I would post some images from a very special wedding that was held at the Airlie Center in Virginia. The Bride planned a butterfly theme and it was pulled off effortlessly with cute touches like butterfly gummies for the guest during cocktail hour. I can’t wait to post the professional images, but for now here is a little taste.

Cabell's Mill

My Simple Details staff is getting really excited about an upcoming wedding at the unique and historic Cabell's Mill in Fairfax, VA. Cabell's Mill was constructed in 1785, can you believe that! It operated as a mill until 1916 at which time it was converted into a reception location where even our 32nd President attended local events.

Cabell's mill has gorgeous hardwood floors, fireplaces, and a stone patio perfect for a ceremony or cocktail hour. Here are some pictures of the venue and we promise to post pictures from the wedding.

MS. Details Hearts Bridal Artisty

We really love Barbra and her team of hair and makeup artists at Bridal Artistry. Today we were treated to a wonderful thank you tea at Barbra's studio and had the pleasure or chatting with Ky, Shaune, Pia, and of course Barbra. I was even the lucky guinea pig (no animals were injured) for Shaune who placed some wonderful false lashes on me and truly made my eyes pop. Every bride would be lucky to have this wonderful team making them glow on their special day. They really know how to work with your natural beauty and just enhance it make you look your best on your special day.

Photo via Bridal Artistry. 

Angela and Josh

These are some wonderful details from Angela and Josh’s September wedding in Alexandria, Virginia.

Angela and Josh picked the Carlyle Club for their reception with it's art deco decor that transported their guests back to a dinner and dancing club in the 1930's.




For favors, Angela and Josh fell in love with bottle toppers and with our help added personalized tags that announced their feeling for one another "Head over Heels". The colors of the favors worked perfectly with the clubs décor and added a very personal touch. Instead of huge centerpieces, we used buckets of champagne, votives, gold ribbon, and small cubes of white hydrangea's scattered throughout the club. The relaxed nature of this beautiful couple and the atmosphere of the club, kept the guests on the dance floor all night long.