Free Saturday = Bike Ride in the City!

Here are some images I snapped during a bike ride around the monuments in DC. First is my Husband and right hand man, Phong, relaxing by the monuments with his favorite puma's. I love people watching, who doesn't? We saw this great kid with a mohawk that matched his dad's. If we ever have kids, they will definitely get a supper cool mohawk like this one. I loved my recent trip to india and adore all the fabrics and colors of Saris. This one lady near the monuments had a beautifully colored sari on and looked so wise and peaceful as she sat near the water feature as the sun set. I loved the lighting. Last but not least is my Husband again riding around and acting his goofy self so I can practice my action shots. Not too bad considering he was headed towards me at full speed. {Vicki}

Dog days of Summer

In the past I've introduced to my puppy Bear, an Australian shepherd mix, that we rescued from A Forever Home, one of my favorite local animal charities. You can read more about our involvement with AFH here.  But today I thought I would introduce the rest of our furry pack. With the heat in DC this summer we've been staying in if at all possible, but after walking our 4 dogs in the heat, our living room normally has dogs napping all over the place. Here are a few images I snapped today (without a model release form). 


If your interested in who these fur balls are, from left to right, top to bottom, we have Bear, the lady's man, who always sits as soon as he see's a lovely lady coming towards him. Next we have Coco, a German pincher mix, who we found wandering the neighborhood and took her in. As a result of living on the streets so long, she loves to eat anything, and I mean anything, but is terrified of storms and firecrackers. If she hears a loud noise while out of the house she makes an immediate b-line to her house no mater how far we are away. There's no chance she'll ever loose her home again. Then we have Autumn a German Shepherd/Chow, who has a problem with depth perception but is always happy to give a high fives. Last but not least is Honey, our 16 year-old golden mix that's not large but still in charge. My husband rescued her back when he was in HS school from her abusive owners.  She's had a great life ever since and always yells at the young ones if they get too wound up.  


Now, if you love your dog or dogs as much as we do,  you're probably thinking of having them in your wedding?  While this is an option for some (see how these couples did it) for many destination brides it's not.  Check out how this couple kept their dog Sampson involved without having him physically present.  {Vicki}

Crystal and Jed - Korean Pebeck Ceremony

So today I'm posting some details about Crystal & Jed's Korean Pebeck. After Crystal & Jed changed into their traditional attire for the Pebeck, they made their way down to the living room of the Thomas Birkby House which we set up in the Korean style for the ceremony. The set up included a low table with food spread out on top, such as chestnuts and dates, a traditionally painted folding screen, and mats for sitting and bowing. Many of the bride and groom's relatives were involved in the ceremony and inquisitive guests stood towards the back to observe the Pebeck. Between the table and the folding screen, the couples family sat as the bride and groom stood in front and proceeded to bow on their knees and offer tea to the parents.  It was a colorful and cheerful ceremony with many smiles and all those that witnessed and participated in it seemed honored to be involved. {Vicki}

Crystal and Jed Married! Thomas Birkby House Leesburg VA

Back in May, I had the pleasure of coordinating Crystal & Jed's wedding at the lovely Thomas Birkby House in Leesburg, Virginia.  The day started off with everyone getting ready at Lansdowne Resort, where John & Kimberly of Sanderson Images started capturing the absolutely gorgeous bride.  From there Crystal, Jed, and the entire bridal party had formal photos taken and then made their way to the Thomas Birkby House, where they relaxed with champagne as guests arrived. Following the touching ceremony in the courtyard, Crystal & Jed made a quick dress change into traditional attire for their Korean Pebeck ceremony.  Following the colorful Pebeck ceremony, we set a side some time for Crystal & Jed to stroll around historic Leesburg which resulted in some super cute images of the newly weds, a must in my book.  The party then started from there with dinner, dancing, and cake cutting in the gazebo highlighted with hanging crystals.  The night ended with a magical feel as the trees were lit by hanging crystal chandeliers and sparklers were in the hands of all.  

I also have to say that Crystal had some smoking hot bridesmaids that were all strutting killer heels. 

I'll post some of my favorite images from the western ceremony and reception today, but stay tuned for some great colorful images from the Pebeck ceremony soon.  {Vicki}

Worldwide Wednesdays - Senegal and Abby Ross

I was recently referred to Abby Ross for one of my clients. After viewing her site it was easy to see why, her images are magical. She recently blogged some images from Dakar, Senegal, and I was immediately taken by them. Senegal is known for its long sandy white beaches, hip music, wildlife and it's friendly people. Maybe one day I'll make it to Senegal myself, but for now I'll just let Abby's images take me there. {Vicki}


   

Mimi & Harry Married and Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings!

I'm on cloud 9!  One of my favorite couples, Mimi & Harry, shown here and here, at their engagement shoots, are featured on Martha Stewart Weddings : The Bride's Guide Blog. Theresa Choi and Julie Lim did an amazing job, capturing all the little details of their Wedding on May 1, 2010.   The ceremony took place at Brookside Gardens followed by an 11-course dinner reception for 400 guests at China Garden Restaurant in Rosslyn, Virginia.  To read more about Mimi & Harry's unique ceremony and reception please visit Martha Stewart Weddings: The Bride's Guide.   {Vicki}

            

Here are some of the simple details that made it unique & personal event: 

Little dandy boutonniere by EmersonMade 

Custom fascinator by Doreen at Unveiled Bridal Design

J.Crew's "Lucinda" ball gown with pockets to hold Mimi's vows

Pink Paper Poms to highlight the ceremony space 

Bamboo chairs for the parents from Party Rental Ltd.

"Luckiest" pink lemonade stand with origami crane garnishes by Mejulie for each glass

Porcelain tea set with pink roses

Mini calla lilies for each ceremony guest 

Custom embroidered pillow "Mimi + Harry Est. 5.1.2010" by Sweet Tea and Linen 

DIY centerpieces of branches and origami blooms 

Custom Nintendo Wii cake toper by Paul Pape Designs  

Banana cake from Momofuku Milk Bar

    

One of my favorite little details from the reception was their slide show of  "When Harry met Sally Mimi".   Tell us what you love about Mimi and Harry's wedding?  

Courtney & Drew Married - House of Sweden DC

The House of Sweden was the perfect venue for Courtney and Drew's drop dead gorgeous event. Guests began the evening with rooftop cocktails provided by Design Cuisine. As guests and the couple mingled overlooking the georgetown waterfront, the sunset was the queue to start the festivities inside, including a touching toast by the bride's dad, amazing food, including an extravagant sushi bar, and then music and dancing, in the club atmosphere of the lower level of the House of Sweden.  Details that we loved included the bride's amazing Jimmy Choo heels, the deep purple speckled orchids in Courtney's bouquet (very Sex in the City), the modern centerpieces by  Spot Floral Design, and of course the venue itself. Jamie Windon, otherwise know as The Blonde Photographer was wonderful to work with and captured every little detail beautifully. Congratulations Courtney and Drew, it was an amazing event and we were so glad to be a part of it!  {Vicki}

Worldwide Wednesdays - African Safari

The other day I stumbled upon the South Africa based photographer Christopher Munton and absolutely love his work and his unique clients.  I decided to design a board based on recent wedding that Christopher captured and I hope you enjoy.  I'm in love the natural, stylish feel of many of the weddings and the how cool would shuttling your guests in safari jeeps be? {Vicki}

First Row:  Christopher Munton/ Second Row: Christopher Munton/ Third Row: Jasmine Star, Christopher Munton/ Fourth Row: Christine Meintjes via Southern Weddings, Christopher Munton, Fifth & Sixth Rows: Christopher Munton

Worldwide Wednesdays -Dreams of Morocco

The other day I saw a tweet by Holly at Decor8, a fabulous blog, that I follow, about a workshop that she is leading in Marrkesh. Can you say amazing!!!  I am so tempted to attend and inspired by some of the image Holly posted of the ultra exclusive Peacock Pavilions where Holly and all attendees will be staying.  So here is an inspiration board that I created full of colors and textures and even a fabulous bouquet byHolly Chapple Flowers. I hope you enjoy! 

   

First Row: Maryam Montague via Decor8, Nooosugar / Second Row: Jamie Hammond via Ruffled/ Third Row: Jamie Hammond via Ruffled, Holly Chapple Flowers/ Fourth Row: Earrings from Amrita Singh/ Carla Ten Eyck

Water Inspiration

Last weekend I went out on the water around Annapolis. It was a beautiful day with light breeze and the trip completely inspired me. I looked around the wedding blogosphere today and here are some great images I found that invoke the same feelings. I love the bride's fish shoes, from a wedding at the Baltimore Aquarium that the wonderful  Genevieve Leiper tweeted about on Sunday.  





First Row: The Blonde Photographer,  Laura Ivanova/ Second Row: The Blonde Photographer , Laura Ivanova/ Third Row: Genevieve Leiper, Laura Ivanova

Heather & Jon Married Raspberry Plain

I've been waiting to blog this wedding for a while and I am so excited to share it today! Heather, one of the sweetest brides ever, was married at Raspberry Plain on a beautiful day in May. The weather was absolutely perfect for Jon and Heather's outside ceremony.  Our brides really like to do things a little differently, so for the ceremony we setup a traditional chuppah,  down to the furthest area of the venue's back lawn looking out towards Sugarloaf mountain.  The best part was it was handmade out of birch by Heather's super sweet dad!  Raspberry Plain had never had a ceremony set up like this before, but Heather wanted an entrance through the trees on the property and to make the processional more unique we strung long ribbons and mason jars with birdseed and candles throughout the trees.  

Holly Heider Chapple Flowers made to most stunning bouquets and arrangements for the wedding. Heather, who admittedly isn't a big flower person, was in awe of Holly's work, and we were too. The bridesmaids bouquets were supposed to include some natural brown scabiosa pods, but instead Holly made some out of burlap that were not only unique but added amazing texture. 

All the details and events throughout the day were beautifully captured by Laura at Three Lights Photography. RSVP Catering provided the food including the late night authentic Chicago deep dish pizza, and last but not least, the band Ameretto kept everyone dancing all night long.

Hitched Maids - Grand Opening!

Hitched Bridal Salon has just hatched Hitched Maids, a fresh bridesmaid dress shop located on the 2nd floor of 1523 Wisconsin Avenue, right above their bridal boutique in Georgetown.  Hitched Maids provides an inviting space to look at fabulous dresses from Amsale, Anna Elyse, Lela Rose, Simple Silhouettes,Thread, and my favorite, Jenny Yoo. I wore a Jenny Yoo dress for my wedding and adore her.   

To celebrate, Hitched Maids is offering 10% off any bridesmaid dress purchased during the month of June!   

     Image: Kate Headley Photography

Inspired Creations Contest - 80's School Love

I've been keeping these images under wraps for a week now and I'm so excited to share them today. The Inspired Creation Contest held by Ami at Elizabeth Anne Designs and Cyd at The Sweetest Occasion challenged wedding vendors to team up and create a unique wedding concept to inspire couples as they plan their event.  I couldn't resist and rushed to create a star-studded team of local DC vendors which included, Kate Triano Photography, Holly Chapple Flowers, and Paperzest. Other amazing vendors that contributed to the design included Unveiled Bridal Designs for the veil, Vintage Mama, a new dress designer on etsy, and  Julia Juliette who created the letterpresses coasters. 

My absolute favorite part of the shoot was the "Boombox Love" guests book, where guests can leave message for the couple on their big day.  

Here are some of the fabulous immages, but head over to The Sweetest Occasions Blog to see more, and post your love for the 80's.  We would love to win! 

  

Kerry & Josh's Wedding Details - Aqua and Red

I promised that I would post the images, by Mary Kate McKenna, of all the details that went into Kerry and Josh's wedding at Hotel Monaco in Alexandria and here they are.  

With Kerry's Mom and Step Dad living in France, Josh growing up in England,  his parents and many of the couples friends living abroad, traveling was a big part of this wedding. Kerry purchased cute mini suite cases from Paper Source to use as the card box.  They ended up being the perfect props for her red shoes as she was getting ready.  The maids bouquets from Barbara at Growing Wild were delicate and I loved the slight hint of red in the white blooms. All the paper products were handmade by Kerry, including an amazing city map of Alexandria. 

Edible favors were boxed and carefully tied with red and white ribbon.  Each favor had custom name tags attached.  For the escort card table, the favors were lined up in front of custom tent cards that included a picture and the name of a DC neighborhood in which the guests table was named. Kerry also made custom runners for the guest and cake tables, and individual red paper poms that were tied around each napkin with red and white stripped twine.  Lara at Fluffy Thoughts Cakes made their 3 tier cake which was decorated to match Kerry's custom invitations. In addition the cake was displayed on a cake stand with red ribbon woven through the edge detail. The various little love birds were purchased on etsy along with Kerry's custom birdcage veil shown  here.