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/

Style Me Pretty Contest

Abby over at Style Me Pretty, my favorite blog, is hosting a contest for inspiration boards. The purpose of the contest is to provide ideas to a reader who is having an upcoming wedding at a vineyard in Virginia.

From the Bride: I am getting married May 1, 2010 in Charlottesville, Virginia. I am a woman who has been dreaming about her wedding her entire life. Now that the time has come for me to plan I have begun to feel very overwhelmed. Specifically, I am having a hard time editing myself. I see all of these ideas and details that I like and I am not quite sure how to incorporate these ideas into my special day. The weddings that stand out to me (and I think most others) is the ones that work in small, unexpected details. The details are what I am getting lost in. So, I come to you for help.

I know that I my wedding colors are going to be a bright pink (more raspberry) and white. I will be married in a vineyard and the ceremony will be outside. I am a girl who is attracted to shabby chic styles. I see myself using more vintage chic/rustic type of details and designs. My friends and family would describe me as very preppy and not as trendy as other 25 year olds. While I am not desperate for penny pinching ideas, I also do not have an extravagant budget to work with. Can you help me figure out where to begin?

My Answer and Board:

When I think of shabby chic, I think of soft muted colors, gold, aged furniture, and crystals. With the vineyard as a beautiful backdrop I incorporated colors of nature with wood tones and touches of green allowing the vibrant raspberry and crisp white to shine. The bride's preppy side can be reveled with striped accent pillows or fabric. My inspiration board began with a beautiful photo of raspberry colored flowers by Ariella Chezar, simply chic dresses from J Crew, and wonderful gold jewelry.

So head over to StyleMePretty.com and vote for your favorite board.




First Row: Allyson Magda Photograph, pocket watch photo by Katie Moos, Photo via The Photo Factory, Domino Flowers via Style Me Pretty / Second Row: Canopied table from Brides, J.Crew via {frolic}, Country Wedding Ideas, votives from Kate Parker, Myrtle and Marjoram Photo of Boutonnieres / Third Row: Jewelry by Saylor Sage, Pink florals by Ariella Chezar, Jessica Rust Serving Pieces / Fourth Row: Erin Cole veil photo by Leigh Miller, ring by Sarah Perlis, Photo by Kitty Maer via Style me Pretty, dress from J.Crew / Fifth Row: Zoom Photography, Zoom Photography, Photo from Cappy Hotchkiss via Snippet and Ink, Photo via Brides, Ceci New York Program

My Simple Details is Giving Back

Hi Everyone! Today I’m ready to announce my exciting news.

I have always loved animals and the environment and would love to give back and help protect them. With this in mind, My Simple Details has decided to give 1% of all sales to a local Virginia animal rescue, A Forever Home, or The Nature Conservation Fund. So for each new couple that we book, 1% of their package price will be donated to their choice of the two organizations. Our brides and grooms can feel that they not only booked a great wedding planner for their special day, but that their funds are also going to a great cause.

Every little bit counts and if we all just give a little we can make a big difference.


To tell you a little more about why I selected, A Forever Home Rescue. I live in Virginia with my loving husband and our 3 rescued dogs. I originally rescued Kai, an Australian Sheppard mix from AFH in 2004 when he was 12 weeks old. He was the love of my life, but don’t tell my husband :) He was such a social dog and loved everyone and every dog he ever met. No one was a stranger. His energy and love for dogs lead us on many walks and we eventually found a field in the next neighborhood where every day the homeowners would bring their dogs to run free and play. We named it "Yappy Hour" and I took him there almost every day after 5pm. Kai had many friends and one of the neighbors, the parent of an old dog named Honey, turned out to be my perfect match.

Two years later Kai helped my husband pop the question and I said yes. Sadly this Thanksgiving we had to put Kai to sleep because of kidney failure. He was almost 5 years old and it is still difficult to talk or write about. On the positive side, Kai’s passing has given us even more drive to assist our local rescues and help other animals find their forever homes. Dogs and the environment are very special to many people and are often included in many couples' special day. I took some time to create inspiration boards for both the dogs in couple’s lives and the love of nature. I hope you enjoy.



First row: Shannon Porter photography, Photo via Offbeatbride, Dog photo by Wendell Phillips via Weddingbee / Second row: Next Exit Photography, Next Exit Photography, Laura Novak Photography, Rob and Lauren Photographers /Thrid row: Karen Wise Photography via Style Me Pretty, Real Wedding by Alison Events via Style Me Pretty, Becca Spears photography /Fourth row: Table number photo by J. Cogliandro Photography via Style Me Pretty, Floral Dog by Soiree Floral via Style Me Pretty, dog with patterned backdrop from Martha Stewart Weddings /Fifth row: Dog photo by Jose Villa via Snippet and Ink, Elizabeth Messina Photography via Style Me Pretty, Pillow by ReggieAna on Etsy /Sixth row: Dog photo via Martha Stewart, Dog and Girl Photo via Bridalbar, Dog and Pearls Photo by Stephanie Cristalli /Seventh row: Next Exit Photography, Tamara lackey photography, Jennifer Rau Photography, A Real Wedding via Style me Pretty


First row: Catherine & Andrew via snippet and ink, Image by Nicole Hill via frolic! , A Bryan Photography / Second & Third rows: A Bryan Photography /Fifth row: Holland Photo Arts, Mel Barlow Photo via Lucky Me

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and I'm looking forward to working with all our 2009 brides. Can you believe you’re getting married this year? I have an update that I'm working on and I hope to post it shortly so keep checking back. In the meantime we are proud to announce that our Bali wedding was just featured in Destination Wedding Magazine's 2009 World Guide and is on shelves right now. It was an honor to be featured and we look forward to getting many more of our brides weddings featured in magazines. We believe that every bride can have a magazine quality wedding and we look forward to helping you make it happen.






You can also see us in the current issues of Brides Washington, D.C. and Brides Maryland magazines.

Christmas Wedding

Yesterday I had the honor of helping with a beautiful Christmas inspired wedding in Front Royal Virginia. The Ukrainian Catholic ceremony was held at St. John’s and the reception followed at Shenandoah County Club.

Inspiration IV - Shannon

Today is a wonderful inspiration board created for Shannon and Matt who are saying their vows at the lovely Ceirsville Mansion in Frederick Maryland on October 23, 2009.

With the changing of the leaves in October and Shannon's wish to include pink in her color scheme, we designed a soft French themed event that includes muted orange, yellow, and pink floral arrangements. The centerpieces will be overflowing antique urns and the head table will have place cards tied with ribbon to antique keys. Blankets will be provided for guest to keep them warm in the chilly fall air. Here is the inspiration board we created for Shannon.


First row: Ceirsville mansion, Laura Dowling floral arrangement /Second row: Ceirsville mansion, gold ribbon, bouquet via Martha Stewart Weddings/Third row: Cake photo via Style Me Pretty, Bouquet via Martha Stewart, Melissa Sweet dress, bouquet via Martha Stewart, Melissa Sweet Dress /Fourth row: Ceirsville mansion, antique gold pintuck linen via DCrental.com, candle via Jamali Garden/Fifth row: Escort Card board via Style Me Pretty, Candle photo via Save on Crafts /Sixth row: Bout via Martha Stewart, cider via Martha Stewart/Seventh row: Candles via Jamali Garden, LHCalligraphy via etsy, laterns via Jamali Garden/Eigth row: Wall art via Wonderful Graffiti, candy apples via Style Me Pretty /Ninth row: Bouquet via Martha Stewart, boot photo via Style Me Pretty, Laura Dowling arrangement, Antique keys from 2BCreative via etsy

Inspiration III - Jill

Today I'd like to post one of the inspiration boards created for Jill who is getting married September 26, 2009 at St. Raymonds of Penafort with her reception at the lovely Westin in Alexandria. Jill is still a little undecided about what look she wants for her special day, but wants a fun young event and likes bright pink, orange and green. Here is one of the inspiration board we created for Jill.



First row: Jenny Yoo dress, J Crew dress, Unique Weddings Week II photo’s by Red Ribbon Studio via Style Me Pretty /Second row: Photo by Valls Photographic, Jennifer & Mark via Snippet and Ink, bouquet from MS, Photo’s by Red Ribbon Studio via Style Me Pretty/Third row: Photo’s by Red Ribbon Studio via Style Me Pretty, Roses photo via The Knot, menu and mum place setting from Artfool/Fourth row: Aisle photo via The Knot, Cake via The Knot, Chairs photo via The Knot/Fifth row: Photo via Style Me Pretty, Floral arrangement via Water Lily Pond/Sixth row: Unique Weddings Week II photo’s by Red Ribbon Studio via Style Me Pretty/Seventh row: Orange floral arrangement via The Knot, Floral Photo via Erin Beach Photography, Floral arrangement via Water Lily Pond/Eight row: Carnation bouquet photo by Samm Blake, Photo’s by Red Ribbon Studio via Style Me Pretty

Inspiration II - Mary Anne

Today's board is for Mary Ann who is getting married May 30, 2009 at the City of Fairfax Old Town Hall. She is planning a traditional yet relaxed event and has chosen a beautiful blue for her color pallet. Here is the inspiration board we created for Mary Ann.

First row Photo by Paloma Images, A White Inspired Wedding by Jose Villa Photography via Style Me Pretty, Cake photo from Courtney & Hugh: An Outdoor Wedding via The Knot, table photo via The Knot/Second row: boutonniere photo by Lisa Lefkowitz from The Knot, photo by Jenny Ebert, eyelet cake from Martha Stewart Weddings, Shoe photo via The Knot/Third row: Lisa & Nick featured on Snippet & Ink, truffles photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy via Style Me Pretty /Fourth row: photo from Carolyne Roehm, chocolate truffles from Matthew Mead Style, nest of Jordan almonds from Martha Stewart Weddings /Fifth row: Brooke and Mark’s wedding via Style Me Pretty, A White Inspired Wedding by Jose Villa Photography via Style Me Pretty /Sixth row: Elizabeth Messina’s Wedding via Style Me Pretty, Jenn & Paul: A Traditional Wedding in Richmond via The Knot, suit photo by Stacey Kane /Seventh row: place card vase Cox & Cox, white peonies via The Knot, Wedding Invitations by Abby Jean with Laura Hooper Calligraphy via Style Me Pretty /Eight row: cakes from Gathering Events, hydrangeas photo by Heather Forsythe, vest photo by Terra Tabbytosavit via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Ring bowl photo from Jennifer & Mark featured on Snippet & Ink /Ninth row: bottle vases styled by Molly FitzSimons via Snippet & Ink, table via Carpe+Item, photo by Mi Belle Inc.

Wedding Inspiration I - Angela

We've been supper busy lately with the holidays and meeting with so many wonderful brides. Over the next week or so I have decided to post a few Inspiration Boards that we created for some our 2009 Brides. Hopefully some of these will give you ideas for your own special day.

The first board is for Andrea who is getting married at the Historic Tremont in Baltimore. She's having an intimate wedding in November and loves the color red. She's even planning to wear her favorite red chucks for the reception. How cute! So here is one of the inspiration boards we created for Andrea.


First row:Table from Martha Stewart Weddings, Photos from Wedding by James Abel via Style Me Pretty/Second row: Table photo from Martha Stewart Weddings, Red peony arrangement by Ariella Chezar, seating cards by Laura Hooper, bouquet and votives from The Knot/Third row: Cake from Martha Stewart Weddings, save-the-date by Alee & Press, Ashley and Dusty’s wedding featured on Snippet & Ink /Fourth and Fifth row: Photos from Wedding by James Abel via Style Me Pretty/Sixth row: Champagne from Beth Helmstetter, programs by Jo Gartin, Kid photo from Junebug, cake photo by M. Polss/Seventh row: Photo via Black Eiffel, Luisa Beccaria dress via Perfect Bound, calligraphy by Maybelle, Table by Art Fool

Taste of the Stars Gala

Today I have some great pictures from the 9th Annual Taste of the Stars Gala that was held Saturday November 22nd at the lavish Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. We had the pleasure of volunteering our services for the day and can not think of a better cause. The Starlight Children’s Foundation rose over $460,000 during this Gala and all the proceeds will help brighten the lives of local children who are seriously ill.

The gala's theme was "Wines around the World" and guests were able to taste some of the worlds finest wines from France, Italy, Australia, and Napa Valley. Tucker Carlson, a MSNBC senior correspondent, was even the master of ceremonies.

The silent auction included jewelry from Tiny Jewel Box and Tiffany & Co., Redskin game packages, wine tours of Napa Valley, and many lots of fine wines. During th live auction paddles were flying for travel packages to Turks and Caicos, a one week trip to a medieval French Village, and even a Labrador Retriever puppy. After the live auction and wonderful dinner, the guests were invited to the after party in an adjacent room. During dinner we transformed the space from the wine room during the silent auction to a modern dance club with white dance floor, glowing bars, and stands for dancers.



It was a great event and we look forward to volunteering for many more in the future.