District Weddings

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Archive for the ‘Luxury Hotels’ Category

Ritz-Carlton Hindu and Christian Wedding

Categories: Cultural Elegance, Luxury Hotels August 2, 2010 / Danielle Freedman

Hello brides and wedding enthusiasts! It has been a while and I have really missed you! It feels GREAT to be back and I am super excited to hit the ground running with today’s standout wedding by Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events. After a bit of worldly travel, I am in such awe of  Heidi and RJ’s Hindu-Christian interfaith wedding – the exotic colorful decor and the seamless combination of traditions has me absolutely swooning.

First, there was a Hindu ceremony complete with a barat, the elaborate procession with the groom on a horse accompanied by his entire family, set to music.  The festivities were outside of the Ritz on 22nd street, and drew quite a crowd. Aimee tells us that they “were nervous when a DC police car showed up — but luckily, the officer was Indian and loved it!!”

How amazing is the Indian Mandap by Sachi Sood? And, the decor by Volanni was so vibrant and absolutely AHH-MAZ-ING! The oh-so-talented Ralph Alswang of Alswang Photography captured the emotion, beauty and excitement of the day – fabulous pics!

The first ceremony was followed by a lunch at the West End Cafe in the Ritz with a Christian ceremony in the afternoon. The team changed the entire set up from oranges and magenta to cool ivory and blue for the Christian ceremony.  It was then that the bride changed into a white “western” style gown. For the Christian ceremony, the bridesmaids wore dresses of a lovely muted teal, with shimmering slate gray sashes and all carried individual bouquets with different types of flowers. Heidi’s bouquet featured flowers from all five bridesmaids’ as a special touch.

The reception had the most amazing entertainment – Two Indian dance troops, an “American” style big band called Fabulous Fantoms, and Indian DJ and a singer flown in from India. Talk about a party!

The guests were treated to a buffet dinner with American and Indian fare and danced until the wee hours.

Even the cake by Kendall’s Cakes had intricate designs, making it appear to be adorned with sapphire beads and jewels! It stood proudly in the room while guests dined at magenta and green tables with urns full of gorgeous flowers.

At each place setting, there was a box of cookies from One Girl Cookies in Brooklyn with baby photos of the bride and groom. Adorable!!

The lighting was done by Frost Lighting and absolutely completed the look and design!

The fabulous vendor team:

Planner: Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events

Photographer: Ralph Alswang

Floral and Decor: Volanni

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Venue and Catering: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC

Lighting: Frost Lighting

Horse: Harmon Carriages

Band: Fabulous Fantoms

Favors: One Girl Cookies

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Keswick Hall

Categories: Luxury Hotels, Planning & Ideas June 16, 2010 / Danielle Freedman

If you are a D.C. couple looking for the unique charm and “get-away” feeling of a destination wedding – but do not want the hassle or expenses unavoidably linked with extensive travel – you definitely want to consider Keswick Hall for your wedding venue. It is only two hours from the District, but, according to Julianne Giuliano, Director of Sales and Catering at Keswick, once on the beautiful grounds, you will feel like you have been “transported to a private estate in Italy.”

I must say, after personally spending time there, I have to agree – the property feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but is just a short drive. When I was there, I don’t think I had been that relaxed in months…maybe years…

Situated on 600 acres of “pure privacy and relaxation,” Keswick is near historical attractions, vineyards, and the adorable downtown Charlottesville – which makes it a perfect location for guests who wish to make this “destination wedding” a true vacation. That being said, guests can make a vacation just by staying on the grounds: Keswick Hall provides plenty of diverse activities sure to fit any guests’ tastes, including golf, spa days, fly fishing, swimming at any of their three swimming pools, bird watching, croquet, nature walks, and so much more. I even got to walk with the hounds – a personal favorite! Best yet – it’s a resort without the crowds!

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The Park Hyatt Washington D.C.

Categories: Luxury Hotels April 21, 2010 / Danielle Freedman

Its trendy yet elegant West End Georgetown location, renowned culinary team, and experienced staff are just a few of the reasons why a Park Hyatt Washington wedding is sure to be fantastic. Providing an unmatched experience of elegant, contemporary luxury, The Park Hyatt provides devoted personal service in an intimate and refined environment.

The Park Hyatt boasts fully furnished and equipped event spaces for both ceremonies and receptions, allowing each couple to find the space that suits their style. The hotel prides itself on maintaining an intimate and residential feel while offering 12,000 square feet of flexible ballroom space for events. The elegant and sophisticated Park Ballroom is perfect for a ceremony or dinner-dance of up to 250 guests while the Park Foyer, Hyde Park, and Tivoli Rooms are more suited for cocktail receptions. With a design similar to an open art gallery, The Mezzanine Foyer is a unique space to hold your rehearsal dinner for up to 70 guests. However, having your special day at The Park Hyatt in any of the event spaces offered, ensures exclusivity of the entire ballroom level making your wedding a private one.

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Destination Wedding Places: Amelia Island, Florida

Categories: Destination, Luxury Hotels November 25, 2009 / Danielle Freedman

Two weeks ago, I experienced three of the most heavenly days of my life at the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island, Florida.  There are no words that can do this trip justice but I have come away so certain that if you are planning a destination wedding, this is the place to go!  

Amelia Island felt worlds away from reality but was just a hop over from the Jacksonville airport.  Easily accesible from Boston, New York, Washington, and the entire South, you and your guests may experience a destination wedding without any hassle.

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Anastasia Stone, the oh-so-fabulous Catering Sales Manager on property, welcomed planners and wedding industry professionals from up and down the East Coast to experience  how incredible a wedding weekend would be at this property – and let me tell you, the Ritz at Amelia Island makes a next-to-none destination wedding spot.

Here are some visuals that I hope will warm you up on this rainy, cold day -

A ceremony set to be held by the sea…

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Cocktails or lunch by the spa pool…

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District Places: St. Regis

Categories: Luxury Hotels, Planning & Ideas November 11, 2009 / Danielle Freedman

The St. Regis Washington DC has claim to one of the best addresses in the District.  At the doorstep of the White House and just a few blocks from the Washington Monument, the setting is absolutely the epitome of the nation’s capital.  Weddings at the St. Regis offer the utmost sophistication and grandeur.

Photo courtesy of Rodney Bailey

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The enchanting Astor Terrace provides a magical outdoor space, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and is large enough for both receptions or wedding ceremonies.  Both the soothing sounds of the fountain and the countless lights flickering in the trees make this spot as romantic as it gets.

 

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On 16th Street, the St. Regis is in the heart of DC.  It is so easy to take a few minutes to pop over to the White House to snap some photos – and maybe you will even see Barack, Michelle, Sasha or Malia.

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Inside, the Astor Ballroom is awe-inpiring with the lofty ornate ceilings with crystal chandeliers, definitely one of the most romantic ballrooms in the city.

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If you are looking for an elegant, timeless yet chic venue, head to the St. Regis. 

All photos by Rodney Bailey.

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