District Weddings » A.Dominick Events

Real Wedding: Carrie & Bobby’s Winter Wedding, Part II

Devon Pearce — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:27:24 +0000

Although I am not at all complaining about this gorgeous weather, today’s wedding makes me long for holidays (okay, maybe just a little bit). With the help of Aimee Dominick, of A.Dominick Events, Carrie and Bobby were married at Dahlgren Chapel, with an incredible reception following at the Halcyon House.

Garrett Hubbard is the photographer behind these stunning photos. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Garrett… Here’s what he had to say…

How would you describe your style?

I’m always perplexed by a request to describe my style because as a visual artist I want my work to speak for me. So if you couldn’t encounter my photographs with your eyes and your heart, I’d tell you that the base of my style is organic, creative, and fun. I believe that great photography starts with great relationships. I’ve learned this in my career as a professional photojournalist for USA TODAY and found that it also rings true with my wedding stories. The trust and rapport I have with my clients is the foundation from which I build to make beautiful photographs.

What do you find to be most important to capture when covering a wedding?

I am a storyteller at heart. I fill every wedding story I have the opportunity to tell with all the tender, expectant, and spontaneous moments of the day. I want my photographs to really capture the joy, love, and personalities of the couple. Whether that be through the intricate details of the day or the expression on the grooms face when he sees his bride for the first time, it’s all about capturing the uniqueness of each wedding celebration. I love that wedding storytelling gives me the opportunity to serve my clients based on who they are and how they want to remember their wedding day.

Amazing pictures, right? Here’s more from Garrett…

How would you describe the way you work on a wedding day?

I come to every wedding ready to serve my client, their family, and their friends because I am incredibly grateful to be invited into the inner circle of their lives to tell their story. Couples and wedding planners tell me that I am a calming presence, kind and easy going yet hard working. Because of this I think everyone feels at ease around me, which is another building block towards great photographs. I come to every wedding with a genuine enthusiasm, eagerness, and passion. By limiting my schedule to only eight weddings each year I can continue to grow in quality and creativity. I don’t want to be the biggest wedding photographer in DC, or receive the most recognition, I just want to be the best for each of my clients. I want them to relax and have fun on their wedding day knowing that I’m going to take care of them and tell their wedding story the way they want it remembered.

For hours of wedding eye candy (and other AMAZING photographs), check out Garrett’s blog!

I just love how Aimee Dominick created just a fairy tale setting for this wedding. As I said, she’s a rockstar.

A huge thanks to Garrett for sending us these fabulous photos!

The others who contributed to this knock-out wedding…

Transportation: Atlantic Services Group

Videography: Blue Sky Films

Draping: Fabrications

Lighting: Frost Lighting

Hair: Elegant Hair by Giselle

Flowers: Jack Lucky Floral Design

Catering: Occasions Caterers

Music: Time Machine Band

Real Wedding: Carrie & Bobby’s Winter Wedding

Devon Pearce — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:42:09 +0000

We are on Day 4 of our Real Weddings week, and we have an extra-special treat today.

Carrie and Bobby were married last December at the Halcyon House in Georgetown. The venue, well, it is incredible. Sadly, they are taking a break from events as the house is currently on the market. However, even more incredible than the venue? The team that put together this BREATHTAKING affair.

Let’s start with the planner — A. Dominick Events. Aimee Dominick is a superstar. She has this way about her — a way of relating to brides, of making them feel like they are the center of her world, while giving the best advice on all things wedding-related (which later turns into all things life-related, as her brides continue to call her long after their weddings have come and gone).

Aimee is friendly, easy-to-talk-to, and incredibly organized. You want to hang out with her. You want to think of a reason to call her about your wedding. She is ridiculously talented (just look at the photos below), and she does it all with a bright smile. So refreshing. Oh, and as of last night, she’s a new mama.

And then, there’s Garrett Hubbard. Three words for Garrett… USA TODAY Photographer. As in, the newspaper USA TODAY. Yes, he is a star photographer for this national paper, and yes, he will shoot your wedding.

Garrett’s work is worthy of, well, the pages of a national newspaper. He’s uber-talented, and very friendly. He is calming, always reserved, never in-the-way. I had the pleasure of asking him a few questions about his work — I’m excited to share his answers with you later today. For now…take in these gorgeous shots….

Pretty great, huh? Isn’t Carrie GORGEOUS? She is so cute. And I LOVE her dress. The flowing fabric, the beautiful detailing, the sweetheart neckline…it just looks so great on that teeny, tiny body of hers!

There is something magical about December weddings. There is extra excitement in the air, everyone is in a good mood…it is just a great time to be married. Carrie and Bobby were married at Dahlgren Chapel on the campus of Georgetown University. Such a beautiful church…

Can you tell where the bride and her maids waited before the ceremony? How cute is that picture of Carrie?!? Garrett Hubbard is so good.

More to come in a bit!

Wedding Venues: Woodend Sanctuary, Part II

Devon Pearce — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:00:30 +0000

If you’re just stopping by for the first time today, be sure to check out the gorgeous photos of this outdoor ceremony at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, Maryland. With the capacity to hold up to 170 guests for a seated affair, this venue is simply beautiful. The outdoor backdrop provides such a romantic environment for any ceremony, and the tented area is both warm and inviting. I love it!

Thank you to local photographer Rodney Bailey and planner Aimee Dominick, of A. Dominick Events, for sharing these beautiful pictures with us!

D.C. Destination: A Wedding in Charlottesville IV

Devon Pearce — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:26:44 +0000

As I said this morning, I LOVE Charlottesville weddings… Just a short drive from my favorite city (D.C.), Charlottesville provides an unbelievable backdrop for a wedding day. Being from a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I love Charlottesville for the same reasons I love my hometown — the charm and the people. In fact, I lived in Charlottesville for five years before moving to D.C.

While I’ll always adore chic city weddings that take place in the heart of the District, I have a special place in my heart for weddings in Charlottesville.

That’s why I decided to start planning my own there.

Photos: Jeff Greenough

Yes, that’s right! I’m engaged. I’ve been dying to tell you all, but with so many wonderful things happening in the D.C. wedding world, there was just too much else to talk about!

I’ll keep you updated on my own wedding finds, especially what I’m learning as a bride-to-be — seeing things from a perspective different than that as a wedding planner or a wedding blogger.

Our wedding is scheduled for September — less than 7 months away, I know! So if I am posting late at night, or sometimes into the following day, you’ll know why — things are pretty crazy!

Tomorrow we’ll kick off another exciting planning journey…a Green Wedding being planned by the D.C. Couture Wedding Consortium! Stay tuned!

D.C. Destination: A Wedding in Charlottesville III

Devon Pearce — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:00:14 +0000

If you’re checking in for the first time today, we are so grateful to have these gorgeous pictures from Jeff Greenough. Liz & Brian were married last October in Charlottesville, Virginia. Look at the adorable white mini pumpkins, those gorgeous centerpieces, and the glow of candlelight everywhere you look… Aimee Dominick really outdid herself on this one!

Photos: Jeff Greenough

D.C. Destination: A Wedding in Charlottesville

Devon Pearce — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:51:30 +0000

Oh, how I love Charlottesville, Virginia. This incredibly charming, unbelievably beautiful city is located just two hours south of D.C. Though it is certainly within driving distance, if you are planning a wedding in a more rural spot like Charlottesville, it tends to become more of a “D.C. Destination” wedding, as everyone — even your local D.C. guests — is coming in from out of town.

Liz and Brian were married last October at Barboursville Vineyard. I could go on and on about how beautiful Barboursville is, but just wait til you see the pictures . Wedding Planner extraordinaire Aimee Dominick, of A.Dominick Events, created a wedding day that embraced the coziness of fall, the subtle elegance of a vineyard, and the magic of Charlottesville. Photographer Jeff Greenough did an exceptional job capturing this unbelievably gorgeous wedding… Oh, how I LOVE Charlottesville weddings!

Photos: Jeff Greenough

Much more to come later today!

What to Wear: R.S.V.P. with Style II

Devon Pearce — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:40:55 +0000

This beautiful couple was married at the Andrew W. Mellon auditorium. Oh, I am in love with those flowers (dendrobium orchids) and the gorgeous decor, designed by Amaryllis, Inc. This wedding was planned by Aimee Dominick, of A.Dominick Events, and the invitation likely read “Black Tie Optional.” Technically, that means the couple would prefer for the gentlemen to wear tuxedos, but they will understand if a man shows up in a suit instead. But what should the ladies wear?

Photos: Paul Morse

Gone are the days of long beaded dresses and ball-gown numbers for a black tie wedding, especially black tie optional. I think a modern take on the “little black dress” would be perfect for this occasion. Here are a few I found at White House Black Market… Dress them up with a black peep-toe heal and silver clutch and you’re good to go!

These lovely dresses are available online, as well as at the following White House Black Market locations:

Georgetown Park, 3222 M. Street, NW Washington, DC

Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave, NE Washington, DC

Tysons Corner Center, 8023L Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA

Congressional Plaza, 1603 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD

We have two more weddings to show you…more to come later today!

Planning a Destination Wedding from D.C. IV

Devon Pearce — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:46:22 +0000

Today we have learned so, so much about planning a destination wedding from local planner Aimee Dominick. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions for Aimee. I’ll make sure you receive your answers by the end of the day today. The single most popular question that we received is also one of the top reasons that guests consider destination weddings…

What type of acceptance rate should we expect for RSVPs for destination weddings (50%, 80%, etc.)?

Regarding RSVP acceptance rate, for a domestic destination 80% is realistic and for international plan for closer to 60% to accept.

A HUGE thank you to Aimee for taking the time to share her advice on planning a destination wedding from D.C. I hope you all learned a thing or two that will help you on your wedding-planning journeys!

Photos by Andrew Reilly

Thanks to everyone for making this a wonderful first week on District Weddings! Have a fantastic weekend! I’ll be back bright and early on Monday morning with a special week-long feature. Oohhh I can hardly refrain myself from telling you about it right now — trust me, it will be great!

Don’t forget — if you are free on Sunday, be sure to stop by the Washingtonian Bride & Groom: Unveiled bridal showcase. Sip champagne with D.C.’s hottest wedding vendors while watching a gorgeous runway show of bridal gowns from Carine’s Bridal Atelier. If you are planning a wedding in D.C., you won’t want to miss this fabulous event!

Planning a Destination Wedding from D.C. III

Devon Pearce — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:28:22 +0000

Okay, even if you’re not considering a destination wedding, you have to scroll down to see the pictures from earlier today. They are bea-u-ti-ful. Granted, most any wedding in Mexico is going to be gorgeous, but these pictures really paint the story of an oceanside wedding filled with laughter, beauty, and lots of fun.

I am so thankful that local planner Aimee Dominick, of A.Dominick Events, is taking time today to share her inside tips on planning a destination wedding from D.C. Aimee has also agreed to answer your questions on destination wedding planning. I’ve already received a few from brides thinking about planning a wedding outside of the D.C. area…

What is a ‘hot’ destination spot for D.C. brides?

Aimee: D.C. brides love Mexico. It is an inexpensive and relatively easy to reach location.

Would you suggest hiring a planner from the destination location or one located in the couples’ home city?

Aimee: A planner from the destination may know the local vendors and locations, but a planner from your home town, if they are well versed in destination planning, can be a better advocate for you and your budget.

If you have a question for Aimee, leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I’ll be sure to pass it on to her!

Planning a Destination Wedding from D.C. II

Devon Pearce — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:00:59 +0000

It’s Friday in the dead of winter and I just can’t think of a more delightful topic than destination weddings! Local wedding planner Aimee Dominick is joining us today to discuss the advantages and challenges of planning a destination wedding. If you are thinking at all about a destination wedding, you just can’t miss these incredibly helpful tips!

From Aimee…

Keep in mind that you need to get all of the elements for your wedding to the destination. Shipping items to a foreign destination can become every expensive, especially if you have to pay tariffs or duties. One option is to ask a family member or bridesmaid if they will carry an extra suitcase for you packed with your programs, favors etc. Getting your dress to a destination can also be a challenge. Never ship your dress. It is just too risky. Check in with your airline about the rules for carrying on your dress. Make sure to check in early and ask the gate agent about finding room on the plane.

Photos by Andrew Reilly

This information is oh-so-good to know!

More from Aimee…

Multiple events are part are part of what makes a destination wedding such one of a kind experience. Some kind of a welcome cocktail is a great way for your guests to meet the first night they arrive. Typically, a rehearsal dinner for all the guests is given the day before the wedding and a brunch the day after. It can also be fun to organize an activity like a guided tour or a boat cruise, but make sure guests know that smaller events are optional. Your guests may want some time to explore on their own or just relax.

Aren’t these pictures spectacular? They make me want to hop on a plane and fly to Mexico for the weekend!

Much, much more to come from Aimee Dominick!