District Weddings

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Archive for the ‘Wedding Design’ Category

Dance Band Showcase – Monday, February 6th

When I work with couples, they often feel like they need to see a band perform before they hire them for the big day.  Of course, this is totally understandable, but sometimes it can be hard to do as are often playing at other private events and book up quickly.  So, when a showcase comes to town, it is a huge opportunity to check out D.C.’s top entertainment talent.

On Monday, February 6th, Elan Artists brings top bands in our area, including two of my favorites, the Source and Raggs and The All Stars, to a showcase at the Willard.

In the meantime, I caught up with my friends at Elan to ask a little bit about the bands and working with them…

How do you describe the Source and Raggs & The All Star’s individual sounds? To what type of couple would you recommend each?

The Source is a refined, high energy variety dance band with DC’s creme de la creme musicians.  Playing music from Gershwin to Gaga.  With diverse vocalists they cover every genre with incredibly unique level of capturing the original sound and feel.

Raggs has a classic 1940′s Sinatra orchestra feel and look playing your favorite Jazz, Swing dance music from Ella, Louie, Big Band and more. What separates them from other “Jazz” bands is there ability to also cross over and play variety music as well from Soul and Motown to Funk, Disco, Contemporary hits and more. They recently played a magical dance party for the Clinton Party.

How far out to you recommend that a couple book a band for their wedding?

Minimum of 6 to 12 months.  Our groups are boutique and specialized – so people often book further in advance.

Leading up to a wedding, how do your bands and Elan work with a couple to plan the logistics behind the big day? What types of things does a couple need to consider when planning the music for their wedding reception?

Personal customization is key.  We work with clients to learn music that is totally specific to their tastes so the overall feel directly connect with their personalities.

Edge Floral Event Designers

Floral arrangements are the perfect way to set the tone or add a pop of color to your wedding, but knowing what will make the kind of statement you are looking for can be tricky. As a third generation florist, Bill Enright, of Edge Floral Event Designers, is filled with tips on accomplishing your vision.

How did you get your start in floral design?

I grew up surrounded by flowers, as I am a third generation floral designer. I was raised working in my grandmothers, and eventually my mother’s flower shop. Having worked with flowers my whole life, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Photo Credit: Eric Oberg

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Fluffy Thoughts Cakes

Choosing a wedding cake and other fun treats is definitely one of the sweetest tasks a couple gets to check off their list while planning their wedding. Lara Stuckey of the fantastic McLean bakery, Fluffy Thoughts, is here today to share a little more about the sweet treats that any D.C. bride would die to have at her celebration! 

How did you get your start?

I was a psychologist and artist before getting into this field. I worked at CakeLove while doing my Masters at Marymount and fell in love with baking. I went to L’Academie de Cuisine and did their pastry program. As I worked during the day, I made cakes at night for friends and family.

A friend asked one day if I could make her wedding cake and I agreed, it was not the best cake, structure wise, but everyone loved the flavors and design. I worked out of my home for 6 years and then opened my shop in McLean about 2 years ago!

Photo Credits: Anna Muhhina PhotographyAstrid Photography

 

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Bride Blogger Update: Cake!

Until you start planning a wedding, you may not know how many cake designs and flavors there are out there — so many fabulous options that it can be hard to decide!  It sounds like Marybeth and James have made a fabulous decision on their wedding cake…

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Things are really moving along with our wedding planning and I cannot wait to head back to D.C. in March for more big meetings and decisions.  Over the holidays I headed to Fluffy Thoughts with my mom and wedding planner to tackle the cake.

There are so many decisions to be made for the cake including flavors, filling, buttercream, fondant and the design.  Luckily with the help of the team at Fluffy Thoughts I was able to determine the flavor and the look in under an hour – hooray!

James and I both wanted to keep the cake on the simple side and while searching on Pinterest and Lover.ly I found great inspiration.  Below are two of the photos I found, where the cake has actual ribbon wrapped around it to create a simple, elegant design.   The team at Fluffy Thoughts suggested a monogramed cake topper similar to the one below and I was sold.  The letter with the ribbon created just the look I wanted.

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Beautiful Local Invitations

As you all know, here at District Weddings we love beautiful paper goods. These invitations from SIMPLESONG Design, a fantastic vendor located in Alexandria, are just too pretty to pass up. L-O-V-E.