You’ve emailed us again and again asking about our favorite local vendors. We loved answering your questions so much that we decided to create a list.
Here you’ll find who we recommend and why. These are our true favorites — they are friendly, easy-to-work-with, creative, and their work is phenomenal. In our opinion, they are the best.
BANDS
Phone: 301-983-8600 * Web: www.fabulousfantoms.com * Email: fantomband@aol.com
If you are hoping to throw a party that your guests will remember, one that goes into the wee hours of the night because no one wants to stop dancing, then this is your band. Not only are they energetic (but not cheesy), full of spirit (but not over-the-top), and incredibly talented (but not show-offs), The Fabulous Fantoms are very professional, put-together, and just plain amazing. They’ve mastered music from Beyonce to The Temptations — and everything in between. I guarantee you’ll love them.
BRIDAL ATTIRE
Phone: 202-333-6162 * Web: www.hitchedsalon.com * Email: info@hitchedsalon.com
Oh, how I love Hitched. I love the wide array of dresses they carry. I love the charming, lovely atmosphere of the store. And I love the smiling faces that greet me each time I walk in. Not only are the ladies very knowledgeable, they are also extremely supportive and encouraging. They will sit with you, giving kind, honest advice, until you find the dress of your dreams. When I was looking for my own wedding dress, I only went to Hitched. My experience was truly fabulous. I didn’t need to look anywhere else. They’re the best.
CAKES
Phone: 202-255-8709 * Web: www.krosecakes.com * Email: info@krosecakes.com
Oohh, K. Rose Cakes is the best thing to hit the D.C. pastry scene in years. Kristine, Owner and Lead Pastry Chef, is so darling, and so amazing. Her cakes are lovely, charming works of art. They are the cakes you see in magazines. Kristine can magically turn sugar into flowers — the kind of flowers that look like they were just plucked from the garden. Visit her website and check out her cakes. You’ll see why she’s the most popular girl in town.
Phone: 703-536-2200 * Web: www.kendallscakes.com * Email: kendall@kendallscakes.com
If I was going to go to one of Kendall’s cake tastings, I’d skip breakfast and lunch — and maybe dinner the night before. Because, you guessed it. Her cakes are absolutely DELICIOUS. Like best-homemade-cake-you’ve-ever-had good. Not just best-wedding-cake good (because we all know the expectations for how wedding cakes taste are quite low). And I really mean homemade. She bakes every cake in her home, with her bakery-sized mixer and oven. And a pinch of love, because Kendall’s the nicest woman I know. She’s the best.
CATERING
Phone: 202-454-7846 * Web: www.occasionscaterers.com * Email: jwolke@occasionscaterers.com
It is difficult to find the words to tell you how much I love, and truly respect, Occasions Caterers. They are second to none. Their service is amazing, their attention to detail blows me away, and their cuisine is five-star. They can create any menu, and produce it in a way that makes you so happy you chose them for your big day. Ask any D.C. wedding planner and they will agree with me, without a doubt. We’re very lucky to have Occasions in the D.C. area. They definitely set the standard for catering.
CEREMONY MUSICIANS
Phone: 703-865-8389 * Web: www.string4.com * Email: csq@string4.com
Have a specific song in mind for your wedding ceremony? Celebrated String Quartet will take care of it. They will learn a new song just for you. They’ll even arrange music for a song not originally written for a string quartet. Not into classical? No problem. They’ll make it work, and it will be beautiful. More of a fan of Pachelbel and Bach (like me)? Celebrated String Quartet will knock your socks off. They truly are one of the best in the city.
Phone: 703-582-0428 * Web: www.cherryblossomstrings.com * Email: info@cherryblossomstrings.com
With over 500 events under their belt, Cherry Blossom Strings is a go-to for wedding ceremony music. Their music is truly a pleasure to hear. They are flexible, accommodating, and professional. You work directly with them, not a booking agency. On their website they have a place where you can hear them play different songs. Definitely check it out. You will feel so comfortable with their style, and you’ll be excited to hear them play on your wedding day.
DISC JOCKEYS
Phone: 202-997-2514 * Web: www.chrislaich.com * Email: cl@chrislaich.com
When it comes to DJs, Chris Laich’s team is one of the best in the business. I’m not one for the loud-talking, center-of-attention types. Chris Laich’s team is anything but. They are well-trained, and incredibly well put-together. They are prompt, courteous, and classy. They play exactly what you want to hear, at a time that is perfect for the flow of the evening. They know how to pack a dance floor, and keep a party going throughout the night.
Phone: 202-271-8396 * Web: www.marcaugenbraum.com * Email: dj@marcaugenbraum.com
I learned about Marc Augenbraum from one of the industry’s top insiders. Marc has mastered the ability to play the best music, without ever calling attention to himself. He is well-spoken and professional. He’ll play any genre, and he’ll pick one perfect song after another. You know that “I-LOVE-this-song!” feeling you get after hearing the first few notes? Marc will continue to surprise and delight you throughout your wedding night. I love that.
FAVORS
Phone: 202-783-0022 * Web: www.aprespeau.com * Email: info@aprespeau.com
From D.C.-themed delicious signature chocolate bars (like Smithsonian Salty Pretzel, my fave) to the cutest Monument notecards around, Apres Peau is by far my favorite place for D.C. wedding favors. The products are quality, the store is so fresh and modern, and the staff is friendly and easy-to-work-with. Need 200 chocolate bars by next Saturday? No problem, they have you covered. You just need to pick your flavors. If it was up to me, I’d take one of each. Key Bridge Key Lime, anyone?
FLOWERS
Phone: 703-645-0090 * Web: www.nicksflowers.com * Email: nick@nicksflowers.com
It’s not too often I meet a florist whose work I truly adore. I mean, I really like flowers, but after a while, a lot of arrangements start looking the same. Nick, Owner and Lead Designer of Multiflor, has a gift. He is truly, unbelievably talented. His arrangements (and bouquets) are contemporary without being too minimalist. They are classically modern. They are gorgeous and interesting at the same time. And he uses the freshest flowers, so you can rest assured your centerpieces will last through the night (and even through brunch the next morning!).
HAIR STYLISTS
Phone: 703-597-9884 * Web: www.bridalhairbyremona.com * Email: remonasoleimani@yahoo.com
About a year ago, I met Remona through Doreen Tisone, Editor of Engaged! Magazine. Remona is the talented stylist behind the magazine’s photo shoots. Yeah, that was good enough for me. I’ve been using Remona ever since. She’s just awesome. She gets it. She knows how to do a “natural” up-do. When she’s finished, you feel like you could walk the red carpet. Really. I trust her inherently. She’s doing my hair for my wedding. I can’t wait.
PLANNERS
Phone: 202-216-9557 * Web: www.adominick.com * Email: info@adominick.com
Wow, where do I start? Aimee taught me everything I know about weddings. Her events are so tasteful, so lovely. She thinks of everything. And, from the minute you meet her, you want to be her friend. In fact, most of her brides regularly call her even after their weddings are over. She’s an incredible source of knowledge, an amazing planning force, and a consummate professional. Plus she’s one of the coolest people I know.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Phone: 410-491-5433 * Web: www.lovelifeimages.com * Email: info@lovelifeimages.com
Love Life Images, Inc. is one part artistic, one part photojournalistic. A lot of photographers do one or the other — Love Life Images does both…really well. Next time you’re perusing a local bridal magazine, look closely at the fine print. You’ll see Love Life Images everywhere. Stephen, Jennifer, and Mary are wonderful. If you regularly check this blog, you’ll see their work often. They are truly one of our favorite teams, and their images are breathtaking. With a wide variety of packages at all price points, Love Life Images can accommodate most every budget, with a style that will make it difficult to decide which picture to frame!
SPAS
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC
Phone: 202-787-6100 * Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/washington/spa * Email: mowas-spa@mohg.com
Where is the best spa in the city? Hands down, it’s the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental. From massages to pre-wedding facials, if you’re looking to spoil yourself (and ensure you look the absolute best on your big day), you must, must, must go to the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental. Seriously, look for any excuse to get in there. The weekend before your wedding, surprise your fiance with a couple’s massage. Show your girls how much you love them by inviting them to a girls getaway at the Spa. Say thanks to your Mom with a gift certificate to the Spa. And treat yourself while you’re there!
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, Chevy Chase
Phone: 202-362-9890 * Web: www.reddoorspas.com * Email: kbigel@reddoorspas.com
For wedding day services for your entire bridal party, you can’t beat the stylists at the Red Door Spa in Chevy Chase. The make-up artists are truly the most talented in D.C. They offer air-brushing so your foundation stays put and you look flawless throughout your entire wedding celebration. Trust me, I tried it! For up-dos, blow-outs, and everything in between, the hair stylists will accommodate you and all of the women close to you — all in a setting that is so relaxing, and so accessible.
VENUES: 150-300 GUESTS
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC
Phone: 202-787-6178 * Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/washington * Email: mowas-catering@mohg.com
If you’re having a mid-sized wedding and you’re wanting the best service, amazing cuisine, and the elegance of a luxury hotel, I must recommend the Mandarin Oriental. With a smaller ballroom available for small to mid-sized weddings, your wedding will feel perfectly intimate, without “drowning” in a huge room. Several smaller rooms are available for a cocktail reception, or you could always opt for an outdoor cocktail hour in the beautiful garden, just a stone’s throw from the Tidal Basin. Thinking of getting married in the spring? Book the garden for breathtaking views of the cherry blossoms!
VENUES: 300+ GUESTS
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Phone: 202-312-1331 * Web: www.rrbitc.com * Email: coberlyk@itcdc.com
I can’t imagine a list of District Favorites without the Ronald Reagan Building. With a breathtaking Pavilion, arguably the best food in the city, and a catering team that is second to none, the Ronald Reagan Building is the best venue for a quintessential sophisticated D.C. wedding. From multicultural celebrations to intimate affairs, the Ronald Reagan Building offers several beautiful event spaces, in a prime location overlooking historic Pennsylvania Avenue.
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC
Phone: 202-787-6178 * Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/washington * Email: mowas-catering@mohg.com
The Mandarin Oriental has it all — beautiful outdoor space for a lovely ceremony or cocktail reception (in the form of a stunning Zen Garden), a grand, elegant ballroom that accommodates well over 300 guests, and service that is top-notch. Michael Deltette, Director of Catering, is a creative genius when it comes to putting together a menu that is as fun as it is delicious. With all of his spunk and charisma, he’ll help you put together a wedding that will surpass your wildest expectations.
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC
Phone: 202-835-0500 * Web: www.ritzcarlton.com/washingtondc * Email: debrajean.overholt@ritzcarlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC is the epitome of spectacular service and refined luxury. Seriously. They think of everything — two seconds before you do, so you never have to ask. Debrajean Overholt, Director of Social Catering, is the Queen of DC weddings. She’s been with The Ritz-Carlton for years, and she knows everyone worth knowing in the bridal world. Not to mention, The Ritz-Carlton’s ballroom is gorgeous, the location is supreme (close to Georgetown for a late night after-party!), and the food is delicious.
VIDEOGRAPHY
Phone: 240-494-1022 * Web: www.blueskyfilms.com * Email: team@blueskyfilms.com
Blue Sky Films is one of the most professional wedding vendors in the D.C. area. They truly are one of the best. If not The Best. Their work is incredible, their staff is so nice, and their approach to videography is fresh, modern, and much-needed. They produce all of their videos in High Definition (so, so cool). They really understand how to film a wedding in a way that is unobtrusive, yet still captures every second of the day. Blue Sky Films has been a District Favorite since Day 1. I love them.
Phone: 888-317-7784 * Web: www.humanstoryfilms.com * Email: info@humanstoryfilms.com
On the day after your wedding, the flowers, linens, and favors will be gone. Twenty years after your wedding, you will still have your video. If you’re anything like me, you want your wedding video to be anything but cheesy. You want it to tell your story. The story of how you met, how you came together, how you spent the day celebrating your love. You want to watch your wedding video over and over, and you want to (one day) show your kids and grandkids. And you want them to understand how you felt on that day. William, owner of humanstory films, gets it. He tells your story, and he truly cares about producing a video that you will keep. A video you will want to show everyone who walks through your front door. A video you love.
