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
Elan Artists
Phone: 888.800.3526 * Web: www.elanartists.com * Email: info@elanartists.com
Elan Artists is always one step ahead of the curve, with the best new bands, along with incredible classic talent, they are sure to have just the entertainment you want for your wedding. Far from cliché party music, standout bands include The Source, Nation, and Raggs & the All Stars. If you are looking to hit the dance floor on your big day, contact Elan Artists for a hip yet sophisticated group.
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: 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.
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
Phone: 202-454-7846 * Web: www.occasionscaterers.com * Email: dshevitz@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: kelsey@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 (like me)? Celebrated String Quartet will knock your socks off. They truly are one of the best in the city.
DISC JOCKEYS
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.
Phone: 888-438-6935* Web: www.MyDeejay.com * Email: info@MyDeejay.com
“Elegant” may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of a DJ performance but with MyDeejay, this is exactly their approach. Evan and his team can read the crowd and use the best professional-grade equipment to entertain you and your guests as you celebrate the big day. If you are looking to get down on the dance floor all night long, MyDeejay is certain to keep everyone dancing into the wee hours of the night.
FLOWERS
Beehive Events
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.
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. 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.
LIGHTING
Phone: 240-494-1022 * Web: www.frostdc.com * Email: frede@frostlighting.com
Again and again, you have heard us preach about the importance of lighting at your wedding. It truly is essential – the best way to achieve a polished look. Frost Lighting is certain to bring your wedding to the next level, whether you prefer classic simplicity or high tech excitement, they will match your personal style and taste. Their customer service is fabulous and their expertise top-notch – you could not be in better hands than with Frost!
PARTY RENTALS
Phone: 240-264-1150 * Web: www.capitaldecorandevents.com * Email: kellybdesign@aol.com
Capital Décor and Events is a one stop shop for your wedding décor needs. Believe me when I say, their selection is beyond your imagination. Their warehouse makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop! Always ahead of the trends, their design team’s creativity is spectacular and they can pull together florals, candles and lanterns, specialty tables, linens and fabrications like you wouldn’t believe. Capital Décor’s innovative design is sure to make your wedding stand out from the rest.
PLANNERS
Phone: 703-220-1287 * Web: www.asimplychicevent.com * Email: jamie@asimplychicevent.com
When you meet Jamie, you immediately want to be her friend. Her warm personality, the way she thoughtfully listens, and her true excitement for YOUR wedding, makes her one of the top planners in the District. The warmth that she exudes is genuine and her thoughtful attention to details and calm demeanor are sure to make your wedding the best day of your life!
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
Alswang Photography
Phone: 202-487-5025 * Web: www.ralphphoto.com * Email: ralph@ralphphoto.com
Aside from Ralph Alswang’s impressive resume and credentials (Newsweek photographer and First Lady Hillary Clinton’s official documentary photographer to name two), Ralph brings passion and energy to his work. He does whatever it takes to capture the true emotion of every couple that he works with and will document each moment of your celebration as it unfolds with perfection. Ralph’s photography is absolutely immaculate – his images of your wedding will positively bring you right back to the day you exchanged your vows for the rest of your life!
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.
VENUES: 150-300 GUESTS
The Four Seasons, Washington, DC
Phone: 202-944-2060 * Web: www.fourseasons.com/washington * Email: Julie.Barrow@fourseasons.com or David.Anderson@fourseasons.com
The Four Seasons has an enduring reputation as one of the District’s most famed wedding venues for a reason – their service is flawless, the location is incredible, the food is to die for, and décor is graceful and chic. Overlooking Rock Creek Park, the C & O Canal, and historic Georgetown, the Four Seasons is the place to be. Weddings at this venue are beyond your wildest dreams – so wonderful, you may just want to stay for your honeymoon!
Phone: 202.939.5592 * Web: www.meridian.org * Email: MCanellis@meridian.org
The Meridian House just might be the most beautiful property in Washington. The historic limestone house with its formal garden of linden trees and manicured landscaping is absolutely stunning. The work of John Russell Pope, the renowned architect who also designed the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art and the National Archives, the Meridian House is a one of a kind spot for your ceremony and reception.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Elan Artists and Open Eye Media
Phone: 888.800.3526 * Web: www.elanartists.com * Email: info@elanartists.com
Elan Artists and Open Eye Media are sure to capture the elements of your big day, both large and small. Without the big lights or cheesy editing effects, they produce a tasteful and organic film of your wedding story. Their team of videographers unobtrusively will film clean footage that will let you re-live your wedding day again and again. I promise, when you have a personal, elegant film by Open Eye Media of your wedding, you will be beyond thrilled for years to come.
—
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.
