MS Details Loves J. Crew

I know you've seen many post on wedding blogs about J. Crew and their Bridal/ Wedding line, but I must say it's for good reason. The bridesmaid’s dresses are simple, sleek, and gorgeous, and your maids will love the fact that they can actual wear their dress again. As for their wedding dresses, they are simply perfect and many of them very affordable for a bride trying to watch her budget.

Here are some of my favorites:

Windows Catering

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend Windows Catering Wedding Open House, and they pulled out all the stops. For those of you that don't know Windows, who was founded by Henry Dinardo, named one of the Top 25 Chefs in America by Food & Wine Magazine, Windows is one of the premier caterers in the Washington D.C. area. Their food is not only delicious but always presented in artful and unique ways.
They even have on staff the 2005 National Pastry Champion Chef, Laurent Lhuillier, who can work wonders with sugar.

Here are some pictures that I took while at the open house.

Jazz Club Wedding

When I first met with Veronica, I was immediately excited about helping her plan and amazing and totally unique wedding for her and her fiancé Daniel. We clicked immediately and when we suggested an old-time jazz club theme in a wonderful Historic Candy Factory turned home for the Center for Arts (Center for the Arts) shown in the previous post, the designs just started to flow. Here is the inspiration board that is guiding our planning process. I can't wait for the big event in August.



First Row: Navy, Pink and White Wedding Color Palette via Style Me Pretty, miniature limoncello popsicles by Callahan Catering, lemon sparkler from Brides via Snippet and Ink/ Second Row: Photo by Kate Webber, via Style Me Pretty, ribbon-tied pearls via Hey Susy, centerpiece by Ariella Chezar/ Third Row: cake by Lovin Sullivan, turquoise shoes via Snippet and Ink, Photo by Adi Nevo via Snippet and Ink/ Fourth Row: photo by Ann Hamilton via The Bride's Cafe/ Fifth Row: daisy cake from Amorology, Photo by Jonathan Canlas via Snippet and Ink (veil by Twigs & Honey (available on Etsy), photo from Junebug/ Sixth Row: Photo by Adi Nevo via Snippet and Ink, bouquets by Artfool, daisy pom from Brides/ Seventh Row: Photo by Myrtle and Marjoram via snippet and ink, photo by Yvette Inufio, photo by Barnaby Draper/ Eight Row: Blue Fin cocktail via Snippet and Ink

A Sweet Affair

Hi Everyone,

We are currently working with an edgy new couple that has decided to hold their special day at an old candy factory turned art gallery in Northern Virginia. This space is amazing, and I can't wait to start designing an event that embodies their personalities. We are currently working with an old time jazz lounge vibe with shades of blue and maybe a few pops of yellow. I will post one of my inspiration boards shortly, but here are some shots of the venue. The wedding will be in August 2009, right around the corner. If you have some ideas to bring an old time jazz club to life, please leave a comment or submit your own inspiration board. I look forward to showing off your ideas.

Amanda and Corey - March 28, 2009

Last weekend we had the pleasure of coordinating the wedding of Amanda and Corey who were absolutely smitten with one another. The ceremony took place at a small white church in Manassas with the reception following at Fort Belvoir. Amanda and Corey are such a beautiful couple and their wonderful friends and family let everyone know how perfect they were for one another. Amanda and Corey, it was a pleasure to be a part of and witness your big day and we wish you all the best.

Photo: Kimberli Photography formally J & K Photography

Here are some of the pictures that we snapped, but for the professional shots taken by the talented Kimberli Photography check out the wedding tab on our main website or Kimberli Photography's blog.

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

MS Details Hearts Punk Rock Bride Dresses

We really love Punk Rock Bride's simple and unique dresses! Some are edgy, some are sweet, but they are all unique and allow brides to show their style on their big day.

Brides should really be themselves on their wedding day, so when selecting the perfect dress, make sure it fits your own style. If you’re not a traditional ball gown kind of gal don't be pressured to select a traditional gown, there are some many options out their today and your day and dress can be anything you can imagine.

Here are some of my favorite dresses from Punk Rock Bride along with an inspiration board we designed around another one of their great gowns.

I hope you enjoy and please stop over at Punk Rock Bride and see what's new. Stephanie Ward, the designer behind these wonderful dresses also informed us that they will be having some trunk shows shortly. We can't wait!


Photo's via Punk Rock Bride





First Row: Dress by Punk Rock Bride, Shoe photos by Kathy Blanchard via Charlottesville Wedding Blog/ Second Row:
photo via Brooklyn Bride, Favors via Pear and Peony/ Third Row: bridesmaid dresses from J.Crew via Snippet and Ink, mini panettone from Martha Stewart via Snippet and Ink/ Fourth Row: Arrangement from Oh How Charming!, Widnsor Smith Design

Kate Triano on Style Me Pretty

Hi Everyone!

When I dropped over to one of my favorite wedding blogs today, I was presently surprised to see Abby featuring one of my favorite photographers from our area. She's featuring the wedding of Ashley and Matt who were married this past November at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia. For more stunning photo's stop over at Style Me Pretty.

I just love the shoes!

The Sugar Cube - Designer Confection & Candy Bars

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Kim and Alyssa Theodore, the owners of The Sugar Cube, a fine chocolate and sweets boutique in Old Town, Alexandria. Kim and Alyssa were nice enough to talk about all their services and the endless possibilities for brides looking for that "wow" kind of candy bar. The Sugar Cube even offers a variety of tasty favor option that won't break the bank. I was lucky enough to leave with some wonderful samples and I'm sure I'll be visiting them regularly to pick up some treats.

I have attached some eye candy to show you how delicious their store is. They have everything to satisfy a sweet tooth.

MS. Details Adores Kate Triano Photography

I recently saw some absolutely gorgeous images that Kate Triano had taken of her and her husband while they were in California. The pictures are absolutely stunning and have furthermore encouraged me to do a similar shoot with my hubby, of course with Kate on the other side of the lens. Kate selected the ever talented Trista Lerit to photograph Joe and her, and what an amazing job she did. Also I have to mention that the hairpeice by Dorene's Veils that Kate had made is to die for.

I always love see who great photographers choose to take photos of them.

In addition to posting some of my favorite pic of Kate and Joe, I also wanted to highlight some of my favorite images from Kate herself. Any bride would be lucky to have her capture their special day.

Happy Valentine’s Day

I've spent some time today browsing all the wonderful blogs that are listing beautiful Valentines Day items and those inspired by love and I wanted to post some of my favorites.

The pottery hearts made by Rea Dun and found thru Poppytalk Handmade are perfect to let you count the ways. And how great would it be to get a cute accordion book from Good Stock your sweetie with their favorite photo's of you together. The ring isn't specifically for Valentine’s Day, but it's just so perfect.




First Row: Card by vol25 via Poppytalk Handmade, Pottery hearts by Rea Dun via Poppytalk Handmade/ Second Row: Card by Porridge Papers via etsy, card by Orangebeautiful via etsy.com/ Third Row: Card by Porridge Papers via etsy, cards by Naomi Murrell via etsy/ Fourth Row: Card by invitedink via etsy, image from Yoon Jung Yun/ Fifth Row: Accordian book by Good Stock

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. 

MS. Details Loves Holland Photo Arts

I'm ecstatic to announce that one of our favorite photographer couples, Anne and Bill, at Holland Photo Arts has placed among the top 10 in the world in The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP) recent contest.

My two favorite photo's are Anne's photo that undoubtably captured a furry family member partaking in the wedding festivities and an absolutely gorgeous ring photo shot by Bill. What a fabulous duo.

Love Life Images - Free Wedding Photo's for June 6th Brides

MS. Details hearts Love Life Images!

Although it's been around many of the area's wedding blogs, I thought I would post it again, just because it's such a great give away.

As part of a Momenta Workshops and Love Life Images partnership, they are searching for three couples to participate in a wedding photography workshop (Wedded Bliss 2009) The wedding must be held on June 6th, 2009 and be within the MD/DC/VA area and have at least 150 guests. If your wedding meets the requirements contact workshops@lovelifeimages.com.



On another note, since valentines day is quickly approaching, we heart that Love Life Images is offering Boudoir Sessions on February 7th. Just imagine your fiance seeing some beautiful images of his soon to be wife. I'm sure that new shinny ring would look great with some sexy clothing!

MS. Details loves Hitched Bridal Salon

Today, I thought I would blog a little about my favorite bridal salon, Hitched, and let you know about some upcoming trunk shoes for all of you brides still looking for that perfect dress. They are also currently having thaie annual sample sale, and some are up to 70% off!

Hitched was created by DC locals, Julia Lichtman Kepniss and Carin Rosenberg Levine, to be a warm inviting salon that is sophisticated and in tune with today's bride. The salon carries exquisite gowns by designers such as Amsale and Oscar de la Renta, beautiful Erin Cole Veils and even beautiful invitations by some of my favorite designers Dauphine Press and Wiley Valentine.

Here's a little inspiration board based on the designers carried by Hitched. How chic!

First row: Coaster Wiley Valentine , dress by Oscar de la Renta via The Knot/ Second row: Erin Cole Spring 2008 Bridal Collection (Once Wed) via Flickr/ Third row: Wiley Valentine Save the date

Upcoming Trunk shows at the fabulous Hitched bridal salon:
February 6th & 7th - Modern Trousseau Bridal Gown and Mother of the Occasion
February 12th, 13th & 14th - Amsale Bridesmaid
February 20th & 21st - Reva Mivasagar
February 27th & 28th - Ulla-Maija

Please note that visits for the trunk shows are by appointment. You can contract Hitched at 202-333-6162 or email them at appointments@hitchedsalon.com

Wedding Innovator's Design Challenge

If you haven't already heard, DC Nearlyweds is hosting a Wedding Innovator's Design Challenge and Bridal Show on February 21st at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., from 10:00 - 5:00 pm .



This will be a 3 part event with a Design Challenge for local Event Planners, a Bridal Show for Brides and last but not least a Silent Auction to benefit Brides Against Breast Cancer. This wonderful event is sponsored by My Day Weddings Magazine and The Wedding Podcast Network.

For the challenge, teams of local wedding planners will be teamed up and paired with area rental companies to collaborate and create an evocative thematic concept and bring it to life. Each design will then be judged by a group of DC's most stylish and creative icons lead by Los Angeles celebrity wedding and event planner Diann Valentine.

My Simple Details will be participating and we look forward to seeing you there!

Information and registration can be found on the show website http://www.weddinginnovators.com/