Photo: Holland Photo Arts

Stay tuned next week for more pictures from this fabulous soiree by Simply Chic Events, Atrendy Wedding and Engaging Affairs! I hope you all have happy weekends and keep dry! ox.

Danielle and Nick’s wedding was a swanky, sultry throwback to the 1940′s. This gorgeous couple had an incredible eye for detail and a wonderfully theatrical sense of style that translated into an absolutely stunning affair.

“I loved the couple’s distinct style. There was nothing “bridaly” about this wedding, which made it even more fun to plan.” said wedding planner Laura Weatherly of Engaging Affairs.

Following a beautiful candelit ceremony at St. Aloysius Church, the happy couple were whisked away in a vintage Rolls Royce while guests were transported to an era-gone-by when they entered the intimate reception at the Carnegie Institute.

The deep, rich colors and sumptuous fabrics were bathed in warm hues of amber and burgundy light to create a mood of regal elegance. A custom built wood bar created a speak-easy vibe as bartenders from the popular Todd Thresher bar PX crafted signature cocktails like a sweet basil martini. During cocktails, guests oohed and aahed over the vintage typewriter with a note welcoming them to the wedding and the gorgeous cake decorated with peacock feathers that sat on a linen created entirely out of feathers!

While guests enjoyed cocktails and fun hors d’oeurves like mini pigs-in-blankets atop shots of beer, Nick changed out of his ceremony tux into a custom brown suit that fit the reception’s mood. Danielle changed her hair and jewelry but stayed in the same gorgeous Monique Lhullier  gown and to-die-for Christian Louboutin shoes.

The sumptuous dining room continued the elegantly retro look of the night. Long rectangular tables and velvet-tufted chairs ran the length of the room. Deep brown velvet lines  were topped with crystal table runners, jeweled candles and shaded candleabra dripping with crystals. Peacock feathers were tucked into napkins along with menu cards bedecked with peacocks and the guests’ place cards were printed in a vintage typewriter font.

After a dinner of three exquisite courses, guests began dancing the night away while the dining room was turned into a gentleman’s lounge featuring a cappuccino station and donut machine. This stylish retro event was timeless from start to finish.

The fabulous vendor team:

Event Planner: Laura Weatherly, Engaging Affairs

Venue: Carnegie Institute

Photographer: Juan Carlos Briceno, Fotobriceno

Videography: Stereo Waltz Films

Caterer: Ric Marino, Well Dunn Catering

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Floral Design & Decor: Jeffrey Fox, Capital Decor

DJ: Chris Kopec

Transportation: Linder & Associates and Regal Limousine

Strings: Cherry Blossom String Quartet

Place cards: Sprites Ink

Rentals: DC Rental

Lighting: John Farr Lighting

Valet Parking: Unipark

Alex and Aisha’s wedding can be explained in three words: classic, romantic, and sophisticated. Alex, a “true prince charming,” proposed to Aisha in front of her favorite place on earth – Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World… what a wonderful true, fairytale wedding story. The couple continued this theme of glamour, elegance, and romance at the wedding, though from a more grownup angle – classic Hollywood.

Sara Muchnick at Engaging Affairs, the planner for this lovely event, explains that Aisha was the perfect Hollywood glamour girl. The décor fit the motif as well, with deep, rich colors and a setting mimicking an old Hollywood bar with ferns, lounge furniture, and crystal lampshades and chandeliers. Everything was incredibly sophisticated, lush, and luxurious. Looking at these photographs, you might mistakenly believe you’re watching an old Hollywood film!

Aisha tells us, “I never imagined that my actual wedding would exceed every expectation I ever had as a little girl growing up.  But it did!  I loved everything about my wedding and wouldn’t change a thing.  Every time I think of how happy I was that day and how perfect everything was my eyes still well up with tears…of joy! I could go on and on and write you a whole story about how much I loved my wedding!  Simply perfect is how I’ll always remember it!”

The fabulous vendor team:

Planner: Sara Muchnick at Engaging Affairs

Venue: Omni Shoreham

Makeup: Nono Girma

Hair: Erwin Gomez

Classic Car: Regal Limousine

Photographer: Michael Bonfigli

Flowers and Décor: Capital Décor

DJ: Aaron Couch

Lighting: Digital Lighting

Solosit: Toni Wilson

Rentals: Party Rentals

Cake: Fancy Cakes by Leslie

Videographer: Blue Sky Films

Nicole and Dan look so joyous!  Picture perfect.

The wedding party dines…

This beautiful cake was done by Creative Cakes. I love the elegant textured design.

This fabulous wedding was coordinated by Sara Muchnick of Engaging Affairs. Simply said – I LOVE it!

Tiwi and Bryce were married on June 27, 2009 at the Newseum. Mary Gardella, of the oh-so-fabulous Love Life Images, Inc (a District Favorite!), sent us these ridiculous pictures. One glance and you’ll see why she’s one of our faves!

Here’s Mary…

Kudos to Event Planner Amy Guthridge, of Engaging Affairs, for her incredible vision.   Every detail was amazing.   It was like visual overload.  And the Newseum is my new favorite venue to photograph in. I have this secret obsession with reflective surfaces, and well, I was in my own little heaven at the Newseum. It’s nothing but glass.

The ceremony took place on the 8th floor deck of the Newseum Building with a breathtaking view of the city skyline with a gorgeous day to boot.  The reception was in a room surrounded by glass on three sides.  So, I was in photography bliss with such beautiful light.  And when the sun set, the special lighting brought in by John Farr Lighting gave the room warm glow of blues and purples.  Just gorgeous.   The music was fab, especially when they brought in guest DJ Dan Sampson to finish off the night. Outside, guests enjoyed a beautiful evening on the 6th floor deck and if you were in the mood for a handmade cigar, The New England Cigar Factory was on hand to fulfill that need.

The flowers by Volanni were absolutely stunning. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many orchids in all my life. Even the cake, by Sylvia Weinstock, had these amazing sugared Orchids. They looked so incredibly real.

Ooh, don’t you love it??

Thanks, Mary!  These photos are amazing.

Tomorrow is my birthday, so I’m heading out early today.  We’ll be back on Thursday with a fabulous vendor interview.  Don’t miss it.