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After choosing our venue, James and I started talking about our color scheme.  I guess for both of us it seemed like the natural next step, and in my mind I thought it would be something easy to check off the list.  But as with most wedding things, I was wrong.

One night James and I sat and started what I thought would be a brief discussion about colors.  “I am thinking something elegant and simple, like gold peach and gray,” I told him.  James looked at me and said, “I am thinking something young but classy, black and white, or pink and black.”  I quickly informed James that his suggested color scheme sounded like a nightclub downtown.  He told me my color scheme made him think of fairies frolicking through fields of flowers, “not a classy, elegant DC wedding” he said seriously.

I spent the next few weeks paging through magazines and looking online for a new color scheme.  Turns out there are tons of web sites for just that.  Of all the color palette sites, nearlyweds.com had my favorite.  You start by choosing a color “range” and can pick from red, yellow, green, blue, purple and pink.  Then comes your color base, which you chose from about 20 shades of your chosen color range.  And finally, you pick your color tint.  Confused yet?  I was, and that was only picking one color!

Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Frustrated, I turned to our friend Martha Stewart, and there under her inspiration tab I found what I needed, “Plan Your Wedding by Color.”  In that section you can browse a selection of Perfect Palettes, ranging from pink and gold to red and aqua.  For each palette you will find at least 10 photos of different wedding elements including flowers, favors and dresses.  Among the palette “Pink Plus….” I found our perfect compromise, navy blue and pink.  It was simple, classic, elegant and pretty, and anyone who knows me knows I can’t resist a navy blue stripe!  Below are some of the pictures that sold not only me, but James as well.

As usual, Martha did not disappoint!  I am looking forward to a fun spring wedding on Saturday and a lovely Easter celebration on Sunday! Does anyone have exciting plans?

Cake: Fluffy Thoughts; Invite: Ceci New York; Necklace: Meg Carter Designs; Rentals: Party Rentals, Ltd; Bridesmaid Dress: J. Crew Wedding; Invite: Peculiar Pair Press

The wedding day began with the bridal party getting ready at the Latham Hotel in Georgetown before heading to the reveal at the Old Stone House right on M Street.

The October 30th wedding ceremony took place at St. Ann’s Cathedral in Tenleytown and then Strathmore Music Hall for the reception. Stacey Vaeth Photography captures it all – fabulous!

We have the inside scoop from Catering Director at the Strathmore Music Hall, Augustine Bove…

Jen and Sanjeev initially came in with an open mind and saw a beautiful architectural interesting building to host their wedding. We immediately connected so we worked together to create the atmosphere of both of their backgrounds. I worked directly with them to achieve a customized reception that reflects their personality in the Menu Choices, Wine Selections, Design of the Space and Linen and Equipment Rentals. It was truly a flawless day which is what we strive for here at Strathmore !!

Now how is that for happily ever after?!

The fabulous vendor team:

Photography: Stacey Vaeth Photography

Cupcakes: Penny Karas from Hello Cupcake

Venue: Strathmore Music Hall

William Grace,  Senior Catering Sales Manager at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, is one such professional who always brightens my day.  A few days ago, he sent over a few pictures from a recent wedding he executed.  Here’s what he had to say…

From William…

“I recently did this wedding with a bride and groom [who were] afraid of color, since the murals on the walls of the Palladian Ballroom were so bold.  So I designed this event from all angles to make sure that it “breathed” air into the room.  Enjoy!”

Photos: Len DePas Photography

Florals: Allan Woods

Venue: Omni Shoreham Hotel

Design: William Grace

Thanks for sharing, William!  If you’ve never visited the Omni Shoreham Hotel, I would urge you to check it out.  Especially if you are able to work with William Grace — as you can see from these pictures, he really knows what he’s doing!  William only does weddings at the Omni Shoreham, so you can be sure he will be incredibly attentive throughout your planning process and on your big day.  Here’s another Omni Shoreham wedding we featured a few months ago.

More to come later today… including a very special announcement!

Photos: Top Row – Sasha Obama (www.bet.com), White Flower Headband (J.Crew Crewcuts), Bottom Row – Girls’ Silk-Ruffle Pierre Top in Antique Purple (J.Crew Crewcuts), Cupcakes by Fancy Cakes by Leslie.

I am so excited to watch these sweet girls blossom into fashionable little young ladies over the next four years!

Photos: Top – Barack and Michelle Obama (www.politicalarticles.net); Invitation by Embellished Ink; Boutonniere (Martha Stewart Weddings); Bouquet by Janie Medley Floral

As the 44^th President takes office today, the new First Lady will be by his side, likely looking as elegant and put-together as ever.  While this powerful couple radiates style at each and every public appearance, they also make it look so, well, easy.  

On October 18, 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama celebrated their sixteenth wedding anniversary.  In 1992 in Chicago, Illinois, the Obamas were married in a church ceremony and celebrated afterwards with an elegant, but not over-the-top, reception.  Barack wore a white tie tuxedo, while Michelle looked gracefully beautiful in a white off-the-shoulder ballgown and cathedral-length veil.  Michelle’s bridesmaids wore black.

If this effortlessly chic couple were to get married this year, their wedding would likely reflect their classic style and confident personalities.   What an amazing D.C. wedding that would be!  Here is a modern take on the Obama’s timeless wedding style…

Photos: Top Row – Barack and Michelle Obama (www.barackobamain08.com); Black & White Bouquet (Martha Stewart Weddings); Middle Row – White Cake (Kendall’s Cakes); Tux (Martha Stewart Weddings); Bottom Row – Invitation by Smock Paper (available at Just Paper and Tea); Dress by Oscar de la Renta (available at Hitched).