Detail Photos and the Dress

So you've spent a year planning your big day, deciding on hundreds of little details and hand picking out the perfect accessories. It's the week before the wedding and your pulling everything together to take to the hotel, head to your parents house, or take to the venue the morning of the big day. You've planed for when your hair and makeup artists will start and when the photographer will arrive to snap candid pictures of you, your girls, and your mom getting ready. But have you thought about your photographer capturing all the personal details and what you need to have out and ready when the photographer arrives?   Photographers need time to style your favorite accessories and your dress for great photos, and if these items are not easily accessible or the photographer doesn't know about them, the chance that you may not get an image of them is high.  Here is a list of items that I remind my bride's and their maids of honor to have out and ready for when the photographer arrives.  The dress, and a nice hanger (see below), jewelry, shoes, an invitation, the rings, garter, purse, and any other personal details that you may have like a ring bowl, or broach for your mom.  Images of these items help tell a story of your day and every detail that went into it.

Check out these personalized hangers to display your dress on your wedding day.

First Row: Twisted Sisters Stitchery - Jonilyn Photography, Lila Frances on etsy/ Second Row: Lila Frances on etsy, Paloma's Nest

Night Engagement Session with Ron Soliman

One of our super cool 2011 destination couples, Quincy & Phuong, are planning a unique wedding at the stunning Rosewood Mayakobá in the Riviera Maya.  Recently they had a fun night engagement shoot around the DC monuments with their renowned photographer, Ron Soliman.  Ron has won numerous awards for his photojournalism over the years and I'm sure he's going to document Phuong & Quincy's relaxed luxury wedding perfectly.  

Here are some of my favorite recent details shots from Ron's blog and check out Phoung & Quincy's sexy night shoots!  

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

Love Songs at the Top

I had the pleasure of working with an amazingly talented couple this weekend for their wedding at Grace Church in Georgetown with their reception at Top of the Town in Arlington. Here are some of details I snapped, but I'm really looking forward to what Luke Eshleman, the real photographer, captured through his lens. 

Kaitlin and Adam are in a band which led to a very musically theme wedding weekend.  Instead of a rehearsal dinner, they played a concert for their friends and family. At the wedding reception, they started off with a first song instead of a first dance, and preformed "At Last". Everyone was blown away by Kaitlin's voice and Adam's talent with the guitar.  Escort cards were record shaped with band names. Table names were mini record covers of the band's. The guest book was a display of the actual records and their covers for guests to sign. Later Kaitlin and Adam plan to display all the records on their wall at home. Last but not least Kaitlin and Adam planned a dance off. The girls danced off to "It's Raining Men" and the winner, chosen by the bride and groom, got the bouquet. The boys on the other danced off to "Kiss" by Prince and won the garter.  

I must say however, that my absolute favorite music selection of the day was when the Cherry Blossom Quartet played "Final Countdown" right before the prelude song for the parents. Loved it! 

Just a Vest - Groom's Attire

Today I'm headed out with one of my favorite local photographers to go antiquing, have lunch, and take some cute pictures of our new rescued puppy. Since it's August and I'm choosing between cute shorts or an airy dresses, I thought it was important to take a minute to think about all the summer grooms out there and what they can wear to stay cool and look cool at the same time.  The traditional suit or tux on a 90 degree day may not sound like the best idea and so many grooms are opting to just sport a cool vest.  I personally think it's the perfect option for so many grooms. Vest can be either formal or funky and can really show off the grooms style. Vest perfectly fit the feel of an outdoor wedding and can easily match the vibe of a city or country affair.  What will your groom be wearing on the big day? Check out these stylish grooms and hopefully their vests will give you some ideas.  {Vicki}





First Row: Katie Day, Terra Tabbytosavi/ Second Row: Lindsay Docherty Photography, Mark Brooke/ Third Row: Ashley Maxwell, Mark Brooke/ Fourth Row:Jose Villa, Mark Brooke/ Fifth Row: Sarah Yates

Featured on Southern Weddings Daily Blog

The other week our glowing bride Mimi and her new Husband Harry were featured on Southern Weddings daily blog.  We love the answers that Mimi gave Katherine about the proposal and the non-traditional elements of the day. Check out all Mimi's answers here.  We also totally agree with Katherine, short hair summer brides rock!   Last but not least I have to give a shout out to Theresa Choi Photography and Julie Lim Photography for the amazing images.  {Vicki}

Worldwide Wednesdays - Africa & Shanna Jones Photography

Shanna Jones has an amazing career.  She shoots in South Africa during the southern hemisphere's summer and in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States during the northern hemisphere's summer.  Can you say jealous? With summer year round and spending her time shooting amazing outdoor weddings, it would be hard to find a better gig!  In addition,  when I went through Shanna's portfolio, I was smitten over her unique clientele in South Africa and their choices for flowers, especially the orchid bracelet that draped beautifully from one of her brides wrist. Love it!  {Vicki}

Worldwide Wednesdays - Sardinia

The other day I came across this great Sardinian inspired Blood Orange Mojito receipt from destination wedding photographer, Dia Rao, and her fiance Patrick Haynes on Design Sponge. The image of this beautifully colorful drink not only made me want to head to the store to pick up fresh mint and blood orange juice, but it inspired me to make a casual colorful inspiration board for a great engagement party or summer event.  Crisp white and blue embroidered linens, vibrant drinks and dresses, relaxing lounge spots and great views. Perfect!  {Vicki}

First Row: Dia Rao, Dia Rao, Laura Ivanova Photography/ Second Row: Dia Rao,  Chennergy Photography

Outstanding in the Field

I'm stoked! I just reserved seats for my mom, my husband, and I to attend an truly unique dinner with the worldwide moveable feast called Outstanding in the Field. Outstanding in the Field is a moving culinary adventure with the mission to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food.  Since 1999 they have set up amazingly long and fabulous tables at farms, gardens, on mountain tops, in sea caves, on islands, at ranches, in refurbished barns, in greenhouses, and even unique museum. The main theme of all the dinners however has been to honor the people whose hard work brings our food to the table. Ingredients for the dinners are almost all local sourced and prepared by a well-known guest chef from the region. When guests arrive they mingle and enjoy a glass of wine, tour the site, and then settle in for an amazing family style dinner with all sharing the long table. Personally, I adore how long tables create a cozy intimate family feel.  Will you be incorporating long tables into your wedding or next event?   {Vicki}

WeddingWire - Wedding Ace

I'm so proud to officially be a Wedding Ace for WeddingWire and have my first post go live today. The goal of Wedding Aces is for those involved in the wedding industry to provide tips and inspiration for brides as they go through the exciting experience of planning their wedding.  Other Aces that I'm trilled to share this title and blog with are none other than Holly Chapple of Holly Heider Chapple Flowers Ltd. and Katie Martin of Elegance & Simplicity Inc. and the fabulous Eco-Beautiful Weddings e-magazine. This week I decided to post some wedding furniture inspiration. Check it out here and let me know what you love. {Vicki}

DC Venue: Newseum

Yesterday, I had a site visit at the Newseum with one of our amazing 2011 brides. The Newseum is situated right between the U.S. Capitol and the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue and has dramatic views of Washington in all directions. The U.S. Capitol, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Mall can easily be seen from this venue and thus makes the Newseum a highly sought-after venue for all types of events. During our visit we toured the two level Knight Conference Center, located directly above the museum space. The space has a wonderful open floor plan with floor to ceiling windows designed to provide unobstructed views.  The rooms featured multiple drop-down monitors where your guests can easily view slideshows of how you met and your relationship, your gorgeous engagement session, or any other presentation you'd like your guests to see.  The inside spaces can also bee seen as a blank slate with amazing views that allow them to fit almost any decor, style or color. The possibilities are endless!  In addition, the outdoor terraces, a rarity in DC,  are immense and spread the length of the building providing a great spot for a ceremony or just cocktails and lounge space. Last, but not least, with Wolfgang Puck Catering as the Newseum's exclusive caterer, you can rest assured that the food will be amazing. Here are some images I found of weddings captured at the Newseum. {Vicki}

First Row:  Matt Mendelsohn Photography, Jennifer Domenick @ Love Life Images/ Second Row: Rachael Spiegel @ The Observatory/ Third Row: Jay Premack Photography