Anniversary Gift

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited to show you the present we got for our anniversary. We've been looking for one of these old Chevy trucks for a while and just found one that was perfect a few days before our anniversary. We decided that it would be a present for the both of us. And we love the bumper stickers! Virginia is for Lovers.

Anniversary Gift from the Photo Factory in Bali

The other day I opened an e-mail from my friends at the Photo Factory and was immediately brought back to my own wedding day by a photo clip montage that they made and sent to us for our 1 year anniversary. It really brought me back and reminded me of what a great time I had with all my friends and family on my wedding day. I always try to remind my brides that your wedding day should focus on you and your fiancé, your styles, and what you love. Don't be afraid to express yourself and have a day that is all about the two of you being joined together. Today there are no rules about how your wedding day must go, be creative, think out of the box, and be yourself.

The Cutest Engagement Shoot by Laura Kay

One of my very unique couples, Veronica and Daniel, recently had their engagement shoot with Laura from Laura Kay Photography and I absolutely love the photo's. I was introduced to Laura by Kate Triano, one of my favorite local photographers, and I am so... glad she did.

Laura has such a great eye and loves unique couples, which is exactly what she got when I recommended Veronica and Daniel book her for their wedding. As part of their photography package they received an engagement session which took place around Haymarket, VA. I only wish I could have had an engagement session before my wedding, I’ll just have to plan some anniversary sessions to make up for it. I know my husband’s going to just love the idea. Sorry dear!

So at last here are some of my favs.

Pretty in Pink at Stone Manor in Frederick MD

We had the honor of coordinating Kim and Kwang's wedding at Stone Manor near Frederick Maryland, and it was a great event. The weather was a little hit or miss in the morning, but we willed great weather and that is exactly what we got. The clouds blew past and we had a beautiful blue sky and a spectacular sunset over the surrounding hills.

Kim planned an Asian fusion event with pink up-lights, lounge furniture, rice paper parasol and hand fans for guests. Fusion Cuisine was amazing to work with and guest raved about their food. Lastly, Fluffy Thoughts provided a stunning cake and green tea and lemongrass macaroons as favors for each guest.
I can’t wait to see the professional Photo's by Laura at Exclamation Imagery, but for now here are some of the details and images from the event.

The stuning reception flowers and vibrant aisle flowers were provided by Bloom Affair. The personal flowers, ceremony and pergola flowers and the bar were provided by Da Vinci's Florist, and the lounge furniture & lighting came from Gala Events.

Wedding Dresses + Sample Sale

Lately I've found myself at a few different Bridal Boutiques so I thought I would blog a little about each. On occasion, I am invited to go shopping with my brides for "The Dress" or to join them for their fittings, which I am always happy to do. The dress should really fit your personal style and the style of wedding, and of course make you feel gorgeous.

A few weeks ago I met with Stephanie Ward and Meredith Vey of Punk Rock Bride to see their boutique in Georgetown and talk about their beautiful gowns and possible future trunk shows they may have. Stephanie is so sweet and creative and her designs are wooing many DC and New York Brides looking for an edgy unique dress to fit their style.

I snapped a few photo's during my visit, but please stop by their website for better images of her collection.





Last Friday I flew up to NY to visit Klienfeld’s with one of my amazing clients, and we had a blast. She’s a big fan of "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC, and she did exactly that. We made an appointment with one of her favorite consultants from the show, Keasha, and she definitely meet the brides expectation and then some.

Keasha was so much fun and helped us find the perfect dress. If you’re looking for an enormous selection of dresses Klinefield can’t be beat. After we found the dress, we had a wonderful lunch with champagne and wine at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar. It was a great day.




Lastly, I went with a current client to her last fitting at Carine’s Bridal in DC. The boutique is beautiful with stunning gowns and the owner is even related to the owner of Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, a wonderful cake designer in the DC area. I do have to note that they are having a sample sale this Sunday, June 21st from 9am-3pm, so if you’re still looking for the dress and are on a budget, this may be an event you don’t want to miss.

Stunning Photo's of Danielle + Alex by Connor Studios

I don't even have the words to describe the beautiful images that the photographers at Connor Studios captured of Danielle and Alex's big day. It was a perfect day and everything was vibrant and fun, exactly what the couple was looking for. The flowers were to die for and were all created by J. Morris Flowers our of Leesburg.

Congrats Danielle and Alex! We truly enjoyed being a part of your wedding day.

Activities for Guests @ 2 Stunning Weddings

Today I thought I would post about two very different weddings that took place on Saturday. Both were beautiful weddings and both incorporated some fun activities for their guests during cocktail hour.

The first took place at Historic St. Mary's Church in Fairfax followed by a reception at Fairfax Old Town Hall. The bride collected tons of wonderful old pictures of her family members with the emphasis on old wedding photos. We set up an antique typewriter so guests could type messages to the newlyweds. The couple also had a platter which was used as a guestbook with paint markers for guests to write cute message and signatures.


The second wonderful wedding took place at the Airlie Center and used vibrant colors with a fun loving atmosphere complete with a coquet set for guest. The ceremony was set up in the round with flowers lining the aisle leading to a complete flower lined circle where the couple said their vows.



I have many more pictures to post, but here are some of the details from both events.

Julianne Smith Launch Party

All I can say is Yum!

Last night I had the chance to attend Julianne Smith's Launch party for her new collection of fabulous garters for the modern bride. The Party was held at Hello Cupcake in DC and as my husband knows, I can never turn down a cupcake. These garters are so perfect and she can even customize them to meet any bride’s dreams.



Here are some photo's form the event, sorry for the bad pictures, I only had my trusty iPhone :) There were some great vendors at the event like Carla David an amazing invitation designer and other planners like Maria from Ritzy Bee, I just love her blog.

Site Visit to Fairfax Old Town Hall

A few weeks ago I made a site visit to Old Town Hall where we will be coordinating a wedding this weekend for one of our lovely brides. Old Town Hall is in the heart of Fairfax, has wonderful wood floors, very cool large windows, and a cute garden in the back great for cocktail hour.

I can't wait to show you photo's from the wedding, we will even be using my old typewriter as part of their guest book table.

Professional Images of Steph and Greg's wedding

Deb Lindsey captured some wonderful images of Stephanie and Greg's big day. It was an intimate event at Cabell's mill and you could really feel the love in the air. Stephanie was so relaxed and calm and it really came thru in the pictures.

Congratulations Stephanie and Greg! We wish you all the best and it was a true pleasure being a part of your special day.

A Beautiful Butterfly Wedding at Airlie Center

Hi everyone,

I thought I would post some images from a very special wedding that was held at the Airlie Center in Virginia. The Bride planned a butterfly theme and it was pulled off effortlessly with cute touches like butterfly gummies for the guest during cocktail hour. I can’t wait to post the professional images, but for now here is a little taste.

Old Court House Manassas

Who said a court house wedding can't be magical. Last week I had the pleasure of taking some shots of the Old Historic Manassas Court house and it is just so... cute. Actually as I strolled around this historic little city, there are just so many adorable location for shots with your sweetie. I captured some photo's of an antique train and the old brick train station.

Details from Stephanie and Greg's Big Day

Hey everyone,

I thought I would post some detail shots from a wedding we helped plan and coordinate on Friday. The weather was beautiful for this outside wedding at Cabell's Mill.

The flowers were all from Barbara at Growing Wild, and they were amazing!

Etsy has it all!

As most of my brides know I love Etsy and all the unique designers that you can find to bring your event to life and truly personalize every detial of your special day. Etsy is also perfect for you recesonistas that are working with a tight budget. Here is a small board I created a bride who is working with traditional colors, but wants a modern twist.



First Row: Save the date by Tuccipaperco, Hershey Wrapper by Tuccipaperco/ Second Row: Invitation by Evapaul, Hairpiece by Kaang/ Third Row: Place cards by tuccipaperco, Hair Pins by Sewsephine

Visit to Growing Wild's Farm

Today I had the chance to visit Barbara of Growing Wild Floral Company at her Farm in Delaplane, Virginia. Barbara and Growing Wild have been named Best of the Knot for 2007-2009, she is just a joy to work with, and her flowers are always amazing.

Here are some photo's of a mock up she did for one of our brides.

Our Favorite Cupcakes!!!

Let's just say that we've tasted many cupcakes and wedding cakes in our day and with out a doubt, the most wonderful, melt in your mouth, stay moist for days, creamy, luxurious cupcakes we have ever had the pleasure of tasting are the famous Georgetown Cupcakes. My husband has ruined so many diets by bringing a box home and I just can't say no. If you are ever in Georgetown, I promise you will not be disappointed after standing in the long line that always winds around the block to get your hands on one of these beauties (or maybe two).

The calories are just plain worth it! Yum!

Colorful Inspiration

I thought I would take a moment to post an inspiration board for another one of our lovely 2009 brides. This one is a beautifully colorful board for a fun loving bride who's getting married in June. Creating this board just made me smile.



First Row: floating candlelight’s by Imedagozev via Real Simple, Izze Drink photo by Perez Photography, Photo by Leo Patrone of Twigg Botanicals arrangement via Snippet and Ink/ Second Row: Photo by Leo Patrone via Snippet and Ink, photo from Karen Wise, Bella Invite Classic Collection “Tiffany” via Style Me Pretty/ Third Row: miniature gumball machines from Bliss Weddings Market, bouquet photo by Anna Kuperberg, Hanging votives photo by Elizabeth Messina via Snippet and Ink, Stephanie Cristalli photo via What Junebug Loves/Fourth Row: Domino “flowers” gallery, Stephanie Cristalli photos via What Junebug Loves, Wreath at Jennifer & Mark wedding via Snippet and Ink, Photo by Leo Patrone of Twigg Botanical arrangement via snippet and ink/ Firfth Row: Stephanie Cristalli photo via What Junebug Loves, Lantern photo by Julie Mikos, flowers by Ariella Chezar

Cabell's Mill

My Simple Details staff is getting really excited about an upcoming wedding at the unique and historic Cabell's Mill in Fairfax, VA. Cabell's Mill was constructed in 1785, can you believe that! It operated as a mill until 1916 at which time it was converted into a reception location where even our 32nd President attended local events.

Cabell's mill has gorgeous hardwood floors, fireplaces, and a stone patio perfect for a ceremony or cocktail hour. Here are some pictures of the venue and we promise to post pictures from the wedding.

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.