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 

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