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.
BRIDAL ATTIRE
Phone: 202-965-4696 * Web: www.carinesbridal.com * Email: info@carinesbridal.com
Carine’s Bridal Atelier is like no other shop in Washington. When you walk in, you feel as if you have been transported from the busy streets of the District to a beautiful, classic European boutique. Carine’s high-end fashion expertise cannot be matched and the selection of sophisticated gowns is breathtaking. The ladies of the salon operate as a true team to make sure you find the dress of your dreams through their customized service.
Phone: 301-610-5683 * Web: www.lovecouturebridal.com * Email: sandy@lovecouturebridal.com
Sandy Ferreira Leone’s beautiful boutique just outside the District hosts hand selected designers that are sure to wow you! Shopping at Love Couture is relaxing and fun – the way finding a dress should be! Their selection ranges from moderate price points all the way up to custom haute couture so go pamper yourself with their perusal stylists and find the right dress for your celebration!
BRIDESMAID ATTIRE
Phone: 301-664-6436 * Web: www.bellabridesmaid.com * Email: dc@bellabridesmaid.com
Stylish and modern, Bella Bridesmaid has an extensive number of bridesmaid dresses from top designers to fit anyone’s style. The cozy, personal boutique carries an array of dresses that can be worn again…after the wedding. And, if it couldn’t get any better, how about if I tell you that they also have fabulous accessories from pashminas to jewelry — bridesmaids gifts anyone?! Love it.
CAKES
Phone: 703-536-2200 * Web: www.kendallscakes.com * Email: kendall@kendallscakes.com
If I were 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.
CALLIGRAPHY
Phone: 703-548-5427 * Web: www.letteringbylynne.com * Email: invite@LetteringByLynne.com
Lynne Sandler, of Lettering by Lynne, offers beautiful computerized calligraphy, which is a faster and less expensive option than hand calligraphy. Additionally, Lettering by Lynne offers TONS of fonts to pick from to be sure to reflect your personal wedding style. Lynne is flexible to work with and can turn around your save the dates, invites, escort cards, place cards or menus before you can say “I do.”
Phone: 843-209-7545 * Web: Official Site Coming Soon! * Email: elizporcher@gmail.com
Elizabeth Porcher Jones’ hand calligraphy is beyond heavenly and absolutely timeless. She is professional, timely, and thorough. To be honest, I could stare at her work all day long – it is that stunning. As her calligraphy shows, each detailed flourish and letter is written with the utmost care. Elizabeth is by far one of the most talented (and sweet) calligraphers I have ever met!
CATERING
Phone: 202-454-7846 * Web: www.occasionscaterers.com * Email: dnguyen@occasionscaterers.com
It is difficult to find the words to tell you how much I love, and truly respect, Occasions Caterers. 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 set a standard of excellence for DC, one that is tough to match.
Phone: 703-519-3500 * Web: www.catering.com * Email: windows@catering.com
When you work with Windows Catering, the sky is the limit. Their team is one of the most experienced in the industry, and can create menus that serve classic fare or innovative variations. With keen attention to each and every detail, nothing will go untouched by Windows. Aside from their endless national awards and accolades, local industry professionals alike know that when you are looking for the best of the best in catering, Windows is the place to go. They can work with your vision and budget to make your wedding dreams become realities.
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? Celebrated String Quartet will knock your socks off. They truly are one of the best in the city.
DISC JOCKEYS
Phone: 202-997-2514 * Web: www.chrislaich.com * Email: cl@chrislaich.com
Chris and his associates are tasteful and fun. They bring their unique style, sophistication and creative mixing to the wedding industry. Your guests are sure to notice the music that they play, specifically tailored to the vision you have for your big day.
FLOWERS
Phone: 434-286-4509 * Web: www.beehiveevents.com * Email: shawn_cossette@beehiveevents.com
How do I begin to profess my love for Beehive Events? Shawn has one of those minds that can listen to a client, understand their vision and execute their décor with absolute perfection. Her taste is impeccable and design aesthetic just gorgeous. Beehive Events is not simply a florist, but a stylist who will take your wedding décor above and beyond. With an unbelievable selection of containers, fabric treatments, and props, Beehive will use unique details to put the finishing touches on your wedding to make the décor unforgettable.
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. 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 while still maintaining a touch of tradition. 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!).
Phone: 301-330-5256 * Web: www.edgeflowers.com * Email: info@edgeflowers.com
Edge Floral makes magic happen. Where there is nothing, they bring beauty. The team’s creative genius paired with their on-point interpretation of client visions brings brides perfect wedding decor. I have seen Edge build towering dramatic rose filled walls and tree canopy chuppahs; I have seen Edge design perfect low centerpieces with each and every petal in just the right place. Big or small, every design by Edge exudes beauty next to none.
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.
MAKE UP
Phone: 571-214-5558 * Web: www.carolamyers.com * Email: carola@carolamyers.com
Carola Myers is sure to give you the polished, traditional look that you need on your wedding day. You know the beautiful pictures that you see of the movie stars at the Oscars? Yah, well, Carola can achieve that on you– she is an absolute professional who knows how to work magic and make you look your absolute “movie-star” best!
Phone: 443-336-9224 * Web: www.modernbridalstudio.com * Email: modernbridalstudio@gmail.com
On your wedding day, you want to look your absolute best. So, if that means bringing in a little extra help from a pro, then I am all for it. If that pro can be Carolyn Berry, then you are certain to look even better than your best. Modern Bridal Studio will give you a flawless look, enhancing your wedding day glow. Carolyn is professional, lovely and talented – a woman who you want by your side as you get ready for the big day!
PLANNERS
Phone: 202-216-9557 * Web: www.adominick.com * Email: info@adominick.com
Wow, where do I start? Aimee has taught me everything I know about weddings. Her events are so tasteful, so lovely. She thinks of everything. Aside from being a creative genius, Aimee is unbelieveably thoughtful and truly cares about your big day! 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.
Phone: 888-481-5156 * Web: www.engagingaffairs.com * Email: weddings@engagingaffairs.com
From a 500 person ethnic celebration to a 50 person traditional wedding, Engaging Affairs has your planning covered. Their expert team knows wedding customs and etiquette inside and out. They will be by your side to brainstorm fabulous details and will lead you in managing all your wedding logistics. It is hard to imagine that you can be relaxed on your wedding day, but take my word for it, with Engaging Affairs, the day will feel like a piece of cake!
Phone: 202-525-3881 * Web: www.karsonbutlerevents.com * Email: amber@karsonbutlerevents.com
Sisters Amber and Emily have amazing style, bubbly personalities, and incredible attention to detail! They put thought and care into each event that they touch to create a unique wedding for every client. They are super crafty, super organized, and super sweet – what more could you ask for in a wedding planning duo? Without a doubt, Amber and Emily are certain to create a blissful celebration!
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!
Phone: 202-321-7670 * Web: www.jaypremack.com * Email: jay@jaypremack.com
Not only is Jay Premack one of the most talented photographers in town, he is the type of person that makes you feel completely at ease, totally yourself. Through the level of trust and connection that you will find with him, Jay is able to capture photographs that are accurate and meaningful. He is exactly the type of photographer that you want by your side on the big day – discreet, calm and thoughtful.
STATIONERY AND GIFTS
Phone: 571-512-7304 * Web: www.thedandelionpatch.com * Email: georgetown@thedandelionpatch.com
TENTS
Phone: 301-869-2054 * Web: www.sugarplumtents.com * Email: ann@sugarplumtents.com
Sugarplum Tent Company offers the utmost service for your tenting needs. Not only are they able to offer elegant tents for your celebration, they can do the lighting, staging, flooring, dance floor…the list goes on and on. Their team has incredible customer service and will be by your side to ensure you have the perfect ambiance and setting for your wedding day!
VALET
Phone: 202-587-2745 * Web: www.mjvalet.com * Email: mjasser@mjvalet.com
MJ Valet is there to be the first to greet your guests on the big day. Seamlessly, they will collect all of the approaching cars, and allow your guests to glide into the celebration without a hitch. They are professional, thoughtful and prompt. Then, they are sure to end the festivities on a high note, as MJ Valet swiftly returns your guests’ vehicles, without a wait. Based on the experience and leadership from company President Mike Jasser, I know that you, your family and loved ones are in good hands.
VENUES
The St. Regis Hotel, Washington DC
Phone: 202-835-0500 * Web: www.StRegis.com/Washington * Email: Alicia.Bell@Stregis.com
As the “Capital’s Finest Address”, The St. Regis Hotel, Washington D.C. is just steps from the White House and hustle and bustle of downtown D.C. Yet, away from it all, its graceful décor and classic luxury make the St. Regis one of the most desirable venues in town to host your wedding. Whether you are on the charming private Astor Terrace or sophisticated Astor Ballroom, the property’s professional staff will be sure to offer you and your guests an exceptional experience.
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Phone: 202-312-1331 * Web: www.itcdc.com * Email: cbarnes@itcdc.com
I can’t imagine a list of District Favorites without the Ronald Reagan Building. From multicultural celebrations to intimate affairs, the Ronald Reagan Building offers several beautiful event spaces, for weddings of 80 to over 300, in a prime location overlooking historic Pennsylvania Avenue.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.
Mandarin Oriental Washington DC
Phone: 202-787-6178 * Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/washington * Email: bfreedman@mohg.com
When you walk into the Mandarin, you immediately feel a sense of calm coming over you…and who wouldn’t want that on their wedding day?! An absolutely exquisite hotel, the Mandarin boasts outside space with water views, large ballrooms, a spa that is to die for, and top of the line guest rooms – really, it is the ideal wedding venue! Their team is committed to planning the perfect day for you – I promise you will only receive the best at the Mandarin!
VIDEOGRAPHY
Phone: 301-755-5478 * 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. 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: 703-300-9033 * Web: www.dolcestudiofilms.com * Email: info@dolcestudiofilms.com
Dolce Studio Films captures the absolute sweetness of life…right there with you on your big day and forever on film. They are geniuses at catching you and your family’s emotion with expert composition. Not only are they unobtrusive on the day of the filming, they extend that unobtrusiveness to the finished product as well. The films are not overproduced, even when they are fully edited…They tell a tangible story with intimacy and passion – from slipping into your dress to saying “I do” to eating a bite of cake, Dolce will be there to preserve those moments forever.
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District Favorites is a list compiled by invitation only. All of the vendors featured on the list are personally vetted by the District Weddings team. After a vendor is invited to participate, there is a small fee to be included on the list. This fee ensures the blog will remain active and regularly updated. Unlike most preferred vendor lists, a vendor is only invited to participate if District Weddings feels strongly about the quality of services provided.
