Do you think being an industry insider made certain aspects of your wedding planning process more effortless or more difficult?

Working on 20 – 30 weddings a year has definitely made the planning process much more effortless.  Simo and I got engaged in December and we knew that we wanted to get married in August of 2010 (we both celebrate August birthdays and I’m turning 30 this year!).  I also knew that after my busy winter wedding season I had very little downtime before the spring/summer season picked up so I had to get my vendors on board quickly and, luckily, I knew who I wanted to work with.  For those vendors that I hadn’t found yet, I had many resources available to help find them.  I actually booked both of our entertainment vendors (Cherry Blossom String Quartet and Aaron Couch w/DJOC) after reading interviews they did with District Weddings.

I think one of the hardest aspects for brides is going through the vendor selection process and also learning to fully trust vendors that they haven’t worked with before to execute their vision for their big day.

The hard part of being an industry insider is feeling like I have seen everything and really wanting our wedding to be different – who doesn’t?  Also, our family and friends have high expectations for our wedding.  There is definitely added pressure to make sure everything is unique and memorable for all of our guests.

What sorts of information were you privy to while planning your wedding that many of our readers would not be?

Working as a caterer has made me very aware of all of the logistics and details that go into planning and executing a wedding.  This has helped me to make decisions about different aspects of our wedding from menu planning and timeline to the best way to execute a rain plan, if needed.  I have also done many events at Halcyon House so I know our venue well.

Also, because I have relationships with different wedding planners and vendors, I was able to ask for trusted opinions – on everything from makeup artists to DJs and everything in between.

Did you find inspiration for your wedding from the events you have planned, or do you think being involved in so many weddings made you more clear of what you did not want for your own special day?

Both!  I definitely have a list of things I will NOT do for our wedding.  But, we have so many creative and interesting clients that I have certainly picked up different ideas over the past few years – everything from the design of a wedding program to lighting for our reception and fun ideas for unique and memorable welcome bags for our guests.

After speaking with Erin Morey, a great licensed marriage and family therapist in the DC area, I learned so much about how a couple can talk and learn about each other to achieve the goal of having a marriage that will last a lifetime.  I think you might find, as I did, that putting in the pre-wedding effort to love, understand, and commit to a wonderful life with your spouse-to-be is nothing short of an overwhelmingly beautiful idea.
 

Why do you think it is important or valuable for a couple to go through premarital counseling before marriage?

I believe that it is important and valuable for any couple to go through some premarital education program or premarital counseling before marriage because today’s couples face more challenges, more demands than ever. Premarital sessions, either in an education/teaching format or in a counseling format can provide couples with a strong foundation through skill building, fostering necessary discussions, and exploring expectations.

In an age where 40% or more of all first marriages end in divorce, I believe that couples can benefit from slowing down the planning process and plan more for the rest of their lives.  I hope, as a counselor and as a bride to be, that I can help couples to view premarital preparation as enjoyable, and as something they look forward to attending because this time is and should be fun.  Taking some time off from the planning of the details of the wedding day, to spend some quality time learning about each other, your skills, and your future, can be a great way to connect and have fun.
 

We see that you offer premarital couples a program called PREPARE/ENRICH – can you tell us more about this?

Sure.  PREPARE/ENRICH was developed by Dr. David Olsen and Dr. Peter Larson and is a customized couple assessment completed online or in my office that identifies a couple’s strength and growth areas. PREPARE is the name of the program used with premarital or non-married couples to provide marital preparation, and ENRICH is the name of the program used with married or committed couples to assist in marital enrichment. 

Following the completion of the assessment, I receive a 16-page result packet on the couple’s various relationship scales such as communication, conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, roles, and more.  All of these scales are assessed to determine the couple’s strength areas and growth areas.  I will then provide 4-8 feedback sessions in which I will help the couple discuss and understand their results as they are taught proven relationship skills.

More specifically, the program helps couples:

• Explore strength and growth areas
• Strengthen communication skills
• Identify and manage major stressors
• Resolve conflict using the Ten Step Model
• Develop a more balanced relationship
• Explore family of origin issues
• Discuss financial planning and budgeting
• Establish personal, couple and family goals
• Understand and appreciate personality differences

What do think are the three most important traits that should exist in a relationship and why?

This is a tough question because there can be many important traits that should exist in a relationship.  However, my perspective of the three most important would include friendship, repair attempts, and time to laugh and play.

I believe that having a friendship, a strong, deep friendship is crucial to a relationship because this is why we often choose to marry each other in the first place, yet often one of the first traits to go by the wayside. There may be problems that arise that are unsolvable and through realizing the deep friendship, couples can refrain from quarrelling about the pointless arguments and focus more on their sense of a shared life together.

The trait of repair attempts comes from a well-known researcher and marital expert, Dr. John Gottman.  I often work with couples to implement and pay attention to each other’s small ways of preventing arguments from escalating during the fight or conflict.  Healthy couples do have arguments and fights, but what really matters is how they repair and whether the repairs are successful.

Lastly, making time to laugh and play is significant.  Research has shown that couples should have at least 5 positive interactions to every 1 negative interaction for a successful relationship.  Here too, I work with couples in my office in McLean Virginia to laugh, to play, and to have fun during sessions so that they can go home and do the same.
 

What should couples look for when seeking to hire a premarital therapist?

I think it is helpful to consider looking for a therapist that offers premarital education as well as premarital counseling.  I believe that these can be two separate programs and some couples may not require counseling as much as they could benefit from education and learning.

Couples should ask potential therapists/professionals if the premarital programs offer an assessment inventory such as PREPARE.  Other inventories offered are RELATE and FOCCUS.  Couples also want to look for a therapist or professional that is trained and qualified to offer such programs.

Finally, it is important to look for a program, class, or approach that is flexible to allow for each relationship and each learning style, rather than a one-size-fits-all type of program.
 

Thank you SO much Erin!

Because of my love for Daily Candy, I was bursting at the seams with excitement when I heard about Bride Buzz.  It’s the Daily Candy for the wedding world.  Daily doses of inspiration sent right to your inbox.  Every day.  Hand-picked items of wedding sweetness.  Love it!

Sign up today (it’s free!)…

Right now we are here…

(Four Seasons Sayan)

This is my first time to Asia and I’ve really loved every second of it.

Danielle has done an amazing job of holding down the fort while I’ve been away (she’s the best!).  I’ll be back next Monday to report on everything I learned from being on the “other side” — the “bride’s side” — including what I now highly recommend for any bride, things to do and things to skip at your reception, and tips for your honeymoon (especially if you are leaving the country).

For now, I’m off to explore another part of this amazing place — first up, an elephant ride through the jungle!  Not your typical honeymoon activity, but after 7 days on the beach, we’re ready for a little adventure.

Thanks for all of your emails while I’ve been away.  I plan to spend all weekend answering them and catching up on everything I’ve missed!  

xoxo

Here’s Julia…

While we (well, I mostly) were busy making plans for the wedding and researching and choosing vendors, we started to get asked about our wedding day. All the time. People were asking where and when and who was in the wedding party. Some even asked when the save-the-date was going to be sent. So, as the first step, I knew I wanted to set up a wedding website. Most of my friends had sites that had details for their weddings. I really appreciated knowing details in advance – the date, location and times, especially for destination weddings where there were most pre and post wedding activities, it was nice to have a reference so we didn’t miss anything.

I embarked upon a research trip across the internet trying to find resources that would help me find the best wedding website designer. I knew I didn’t want to have my fiancé build one from scratch – he was already busy with a ton of home improvement projects before I moved in with him. I knew I wanted the website to look as customized as possible as well as easy to build. I didn’t find many resources online that had lists of wedding website builders so I could compare all of the different sites at once.

Instead, I stumbled upon a short 1/3 page review of 3 sites in Modern Bride magazine. From there, I decided to use WedQuarters.com…

I am happy with our site, but I have found several more sites after-the-fact that I think may have been better. I’d like to share those here, so you can do your own research and have all of the options before you make your decision.

Sites to check out: weddingwindow.com, weddingtracker.com, wedquarters.com, ewedding.com, weddingocean.com, weddingorg.com, wedpagedesigns.com, wedshare.com, nearlyweds.com, weddings.myevent.com, mymemorypage.com, elegantweddingwebsites.com, ourweddingplus.com, wedsimple.com, momentville.com

Bridal sites that offer website builders [you just can’t customize the URL (like www.meandbob.com)]: brides.com, weddingchannel.com, theknot.com, projectwedding.com/ourwedding/browse, weddingwire.com

Sites that offer information/reviews about wedding websites: weddingzen.wordpress.com, weddingwebsites.com

After the site was set up, it was onto our save-the-date. I browsed tons of ideas online – mostly photos of the knot “picks” and then a bunch of DIY ideas from blogs. I loved so many of the pretty printed invitation-like Save-The-Dates. I also loved the creative and crafty DIY ideas. But, I wanted it to be as simple as possible and I decided I didn’t want to use a regular picture of us.  So, I asked my fiancé to design something since he’s a designer in his full-time job. He came up with something very artistic and modern (see photo below). I incorporated a very abstract black & white/washed out photo of us walking with our dog. It was very “us.”

I stumbled upon a website called www.printsmadeeasy.com. Not only would they print the postcards, but they would also print the names and addresses AND print indicia for postage. Talk about a one stop shop. We uploaded our design, uploaded our list in excel and pressed “order now.” A few days later, our guests started to receive the Save-The-Dates and visited our website. The wheels have started to roll…

So, let’s talk hair trials.

I had mine three weeks ago with Remona Soleimani, one of the best wedding hair stylists in the DC area (she’s a District Favorite).  And boy, she really is fantastic.

I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted.  I had ripped out pictures from magazines, so I brought them with me.  Okay, here is where Remona blew me away.

I brought these pictures…

And Remona nailed it on the first try.  At least I thought she did.  I loved it.  It was exactly what I was looking for.  However, she wasn’t so satisfied with her work.  So she took it down and started again.

Second time around — she nailed it again.  It looked so good.  It was slightly different than the first time, but I loved it nonetheless.  I figured I was good to go, and started to get up from her chair.

“Do you have more time?” she asked.  Wait.  She just asked me if I had more time?  Um, yes.  I have lots of time.  ”Great,” she said, “Let’s try it again.”

And so we did.  We tried it four more times.  She started from the top, then she started from the bottom, then she curled my hair with a curling iron, and THEN she plucked an orchid from the potted plant at the salon as a finishing touch.

It was beautiful.

Bottom line…she wanted it to be perfect.  She wanted to know exactly what she was doing.  She wanted to keep my pictures, so she could practice more at home.  How amazing is that?!?

And then, after all of that, she asked me to send her pictures of my bridesmaids (she’s doing their hair too), so she could have an idea of what their hair is like before she arrives on the wedding day.

Ladies, if you’re looking for someone who will do an incredible job with your hair, someone who will practice until its perfect, and someone who’s just as fun to be around — go with Remona.

Remona, you’re the best.  I couldn’t feel more comfortable, or more excited.  Maybe I won’t look like Jessica or Charlize, but at least I’ll love my hair.

Oh yeah.  Advice on Hair Trials.  Here’s what I’ve learned…

1 – Bring pictures and your camera.

2 – Bring your veil and any hair clips or accessories

3 – Be flexible and open to trying things you may not have considered.  I loved my first hair style, but that’s not always the case.

4 – When you have a finished product, take lots of pictures.

5 – Be sure to put your veil in while you’re at the salon (you’d be surprised how many people bring them and then never put them in)

6 – If you color/highlight your hair, ask your stylist about highlights for your wedding.  I’m having mine done three days before the big day, as any roots would be pretty obvious with the way I’m wearing my hair.

7 – Go with your gut (not the way your fiance likes your hair best).  This is, of course, ultimately up to you.  I’ll just say I’ve met quite a few girls who wished they had worn their hair differently on their wedding day, but at the time, they just went with what their fiance wanted.

8 – Enjoy it!  Bring your mom or maid of honor (you only need one other opinion, so don’t bring a whole slew of people).

Today, Julia is stopping by to tell us about how she selected a venue.  This is often one of the first decision a bride makes, as it often determines the date, and sometimes the size, of the wedding.

Here’s Julia…

Only after 5 seconds and the word “Congratulations” did the questions start flowing at my surprise engagement party. “Where” and “when” were now the immediate hot topics. I overheard Chris answering those two questions as we made our way among our guests. He kept saying that he wanted to get married within the next few months. “Why wait to get married?” he kept asking everyone. As much as I could agree with that reasoning, the obvious answer is the time it takes to plan a wedding!

Good thing I was fully prepared to swept up in the tornado of all things wedding. I’ve performed at weddings at almost every venue you can find in our area. I’ve even performed weddings at places that you would not expect like Clore Brothers Outfitters (picture on right, below) on the banks of a river where people kayak and drink beer while being pushed downstream.  Or at the most beautiful, fantasyland type of venues like Galleria at Lafayette Center (picture on left, below) in Washington, DC.

I always dreamed of walking down the big staircase adorned with thousands of candles, while beautiful light fixtures and flowy draperies hung from the glass-domed ceiling.

But, back to my reality. Chris and I had talked about our wedding probably starting in the first few months of dating. It always came down to a winter wedding. Of course, I knew where the ceremony would take place – the church I grew up in, Centreville United Methodist Church. But, that presented some challenges. At the weddings I’ve attended as a guest, I’ve always appreciated when the ceremony and reception where close in proximity. The less the guest has to do, the better the event, I think. So, that would definitely slash out my fantasy venue locations in downtown DC. I started scouring the Centreville/Fairfax area for venues – to which there are considerably fewer options than in the city.

And how did I find the venues? The best resources were:

1) Scoured every magazine I could find at Barnes & Noble.

2) Searched google for any random page that talked about “Northern Virginia Wedding Venues” to make sure I hadn’t left any rock unturned.

3) I viewed area caterer’s websites to see their venue lists.

4) I drove around the area to make sure I hadn’t missed any venue.

It came down to 4 venues: Crowne Plaza Dulles, Hyatt Fair Lakes, Marriott at Fair Oaks and the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax. I made appointments for Chris and I to meet with all of the venue event planners starting early one morning and made a spreadsheet comparing all of the contract items so we could be prepared with questions.

But, first and foremost, it came down to how we envisioned our wedding as we stepped into each venue. Of course they all had their strengths and the venue event planners were all so responsive and helpful. I think lovely weddings could certainly be held at each place. But, we wanted the grandest space for the budget my parents so generously bestowed upon us. (Or as my parents say, I have a “champagne taste” and I was determined to stretch the budget as much as possible to get a “gulp, not a sip.”)

The Marriott at Fair Oaks had the wow factor. The hotel is contemporary and fresh. They have a courtyard in the center of the hotel, where the cocktail hour is held that has marble floors, modern furniture, columns, trees and a large fountain.  We instantly felt like it was the place for us.

You’ve chosen a great venue, Julia!  We can’t wait to hear your plans for decorating the space!

Today, we have some very helpful advice from our DW Bride Blogger, Sarah Christine…

Here’s Sarah…

I can almost say that every bride I’ve ever known has found themselves in this situation: you send out the invitations and when you finally receive the reply cards, you realize your third cousin has decided to invite her on-again off-again boyfriend who wasn’t invited. It’s safe to say that if there isn’t a plus “guest” on the outside of the envelope, than that person should be flying solo.

I have found myself in this situation twice, and that’s just from the save-the-dates — the invitations haven’t even been mailed out yet! So how do you approach your loved ones after they’ve gone ahead and invited a plus one?  If they’re your friends, it’s best to handle the situation yourself.  Kindly tell the person that while you would love to be able to accommodate their guest, your budget and/or venue doesn’t allow for the number.  But if it’s someone from your fiancé’s side, talk to his parents together (and calmly) and decide the best way to handle it. If you’re lucky, they’ll take it off your plate and handle it themselves.

There are several ways to help avoid the uncomfortable situation and last minute surprises, or at least make the possibility for error less.  Instead of leaving an open ended RSVP card, have your stationer include a line for the specific names of the guests along with the number of people attending.  Secondly, if you decide on using an inner envelope, make sure to print or handwrite the name of the invited guest on the outside of it.

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

The Fabulous Fantoms

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

Hitched

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

K. Rose 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.

Kendall’s Cakes

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

Occasions Caterers

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

Celebrated String Quartet

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.

Cherry Blossom Strings

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

Chris Laich

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.

Marc Augenbraum DJ Services

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

Apres Peau

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

Multiflor, Inc.

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

Bridal Hair by Remona

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

A. Dominick Events

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

Love Life Images, Inc.

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

Blue Sky Films

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.

humanstory films

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.

In the spirit of the 4th, I wanted to share with you my absolute favorite source for sparklers.  Many have asked about where to find them, and I think Sparkle is the one of the best sources.

A family run business, Sparkle carries the LONG sparklers — the kind you need for departures.  If you picture yourself running through a tunnel of guests waving bright festive sparklers as you leave your reception and begin your new life, well, Sparkle has you covered.

Just remember…if you are planning to use sparklers for a departure, make sure to buy the 36″ ones.   These will give you enough time to get through your tunnel of guests with all of the sparklers staying lit.  Also, be sure to either tie of box of matches to each set of two, or designate a few “lighters” to go around with multipurpose lighters (the long kind).  I recommend one lighter per 50 guests to keep things moving.

Happy Fourth of July!

Photo: The Knot via Bubbly Bride