District Weddings » Kendall’s Cakes

Omni Shoreham Hotel Wedding

Danielle Freedman — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:00:00 +0000

When photographer Garrett Hubbard sent me this wedding, I knew that I had to get it up ASAP! The Omni Shoreham Hotel has fabulous outdoor and indoor space – one of the few in the District – and the photographs from this celebration are simply wonderful.

Grace Park and Daniel Suh were married just this past May. They are one of those couples whose excitement you can absolutely feel right through the photos – I am gushing!

The fabulous vendor team:

Photographer: Garrett Hubbard

Event Planner: Simply Chic Events

Make Up: Beauty Mark

Hair: Hair by Giselle

DJ: Premier DJ Services

Florist: Yellow Door

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Venue: The Omni Shoreham Hotel

Dumbarton House Wedding

Danielle Freedman — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:00:29 +0000

Hello and happy Monday! This morning, savor a fresh cup of coffee and welcome the week with the beautiful wedding of Kate and Aaron…Thank you to Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images for sharing the lovely pics!

Kate, today’s beautiful bride, shares…

I always wanted a wedding with a DC theme. I love my hometown and I thought our wedding would be a great opportunity for our out of town guests to get to know DC since they were probably last here on their 8th grade trip :) I knew I wanted to get married in September at Holy Trinity church since that is our parish, so the date of September 18 kind of fell into place. We met with Katie Martin and Tara Davis at Elegance and Simplicity and they led us to the Dumbarton. It was so close to Holy Trinity and it was perfect for the kind of wedding I wanted – elegant, classic, DC-themed, and an amazing party. Of course I wanted it to be really pretty, but the thing that was the most important to me was the fun factor – I wanted an amazing band, great drinks, games, all the elements to a great party – I was so lucky that turned it to be even better than I imagined.

As far as the details, Michelle from Main Event and Tara from E & S were so great. I really wanted long tables in the Dumbarton’s tent but apparently it had never been done there before. Everyone was doubtful that it was possible given the space available, but since they knew I wanted it, they made it work and it was beautiful. I wanted everything to be really clean and simple so we did white everything with tons of greens/white flowers running down the center of the long table in vintage vases with hundreds of votives. We also had white lanterns and candles everywhere – on the steps, along the ledges – everything was glowy and warm.

Since Aaron and I are a doctor/teacher pair, Tara had the great idea to incorporate apples into all the decor since it’s associated with both jobs :) We had apple escort cards under a gorgeous tree of manzanita branches, and two signature drinks – “Just What the Doctor Ordered” and “Meet me After Class” – that Michelle’s maitre’d invented for us at our tasting. They were beautiful and both incorporated apple/teacher/doctor themes. Meet me After Class was an apple-tini with a graham cracker rim that was like a school snack, and Just What the Doctor Ordered had tonic. We also had vases with apples and floating candles everywhere, and votives going up and down the stairs into the the tent.

We had lawn games at the cocktail hour and lots of pictures hanging from the trees. One of the other great elements was the Snapshot studio from LoveLife Images. It was so much better than a photobooth – our guests were literally in there all night – we have over 275 images from in there! I wanted the atmosphere of the cocktail hour and reception to feel elegant, but not stuffy, and the little touches really made it seem relaxed which I loved.

Like any bride, there wasn’t one moment I wasn’t loving or having fun – it was just so incredible to have everyone I ever loved all in one room having fun! However, if I had to pick a few, one of my favorite moments was probably during the ceremony when Aaron and I exchanged rings. We were so happy, and I felt like my nervousness of messing up during the ceremony was over and I was just really looking forward to the party. I had this gorgeous long veil and when I was walking down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, my sister went to straighten it and it accidentally pulled out of my hair! She was so upset but the guests loved it. Everyone was laughing and clapping and I think we played it off well – I mean, the pictures are hilarious!

My other favorite moment is at the reception when our amazing band, ‘Round Midnight, noticed that our crowd was ridiculously into dancing – it was literally a packed floor for four hours – no one sat down. In the middle of “Shout,” the lead singer came out and went up to me and Aaron and got us to sing! He started teasing Aaron about that part in the song that goes ”now that I got my woman…” etc. and got him to sing it! The guests and I were literally dying - it was so random and hysterical. Good thing that Aaron is such a fearless person – he sang like he was Marvin Gaye or something – like literally he sounded like a lounge singer. It was so crazy. Then the lead girl singer of course came out and the crowd was going crazy to pressure me to sing… it was so funny. Everyone kept coming up to us being like, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell us you were doing that!” But seriously we had no idea! it was too funny. Jennifer took such amazing pictures of the whole thing – they’re our favorite shots of the day.

The fabulous vendor team:

Photography: Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images

Ceremony: Holy Trinity Church

Reception: Dumbarton House

Coordinator: Elegance & Simplicity

Bridal Shop: Kleinfelds

Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier

Hair: Carola Myers

Makeup: Carola Myers

Suit/Tux: Ralph Lauren

Florist: Elegance & Simplicity

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Transportation: Chariots for HIre

Officiant: Father Donald MacMillan, S.J.

Reception music: ’Round Midnight (band)

Invitations: Vera Wang

Top of the Hay Wedding

Danielle Freedman — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:00:46 +0000

The Top of the Hay, at The Hay-Adams Hotel, has always been one of the most breathtaking venues in the District. Now, after months of renovations, it is beyond words! The incredible team on the property is just beginning to host weddings and I am delighted to share one of their first, Kelley and Dave’s, with you today. This will sweep you off your feet!

For more pics, be sure to check out the fabulous Love Brunch images here.

The fabulous vendor team:

Venue: The Hay-Adams

Dress: Badgley Mischka

Veil: Sara Gabriel

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Makeup & Hair: Up Do’s for I Do’s

Florist: Helen Olivia

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

DJ: Chris Laich

Lighting: John Farr Lighting

Photography: Cicely & Jason of Procopio Photography

Wedding Cake

Danielle Freedman — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:00:31 +0000

I am super excited for this weekend! December is keeping me busy – a welcome time of year to catch up with friends, family and colleagues!

Love this cake by Kendall’s Cakes for a wedding by A. Dominick Events! It is just so elegant!

I hope this carries you to a happy weekend! ox.

Photography Credit: Ralph Alswang Photography

Carnegie Institute 1940′s Style Wedding

Danielle Freedman — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:00:26 +0000

Today’s wedding is one of the most beautiful that I can remember seeing in ages – and that says a lot considering how many lovely weddings I get to check out!!

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

Ritz-Carlton Hindu and Christian Wedding

Danielle Freedman — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:05:24 +0000

Hello brides and wedding enthusiasts! It has been a while and I have really missed you! It feels GREAT to be back and I am super excited to hit the ground running with today’s standout wedding by Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events. After a bit of worldly travel, I am in such awe of Heidi and RJ’s Hindu-Christian interfaith wedding – the exotic colorful decor and the seamless combination of traditions has me absolutely swooning.

First, there was a Hindu ceremony complete with a barat, the elaborate procession with the groom on a horse accompanied by his entire family, set to music. The festivities were outside of the Ritz-Carlton on 22nd street, and drew quite a crowd. Aimee tells us that they “were nervous when a DC police car showed up — but luckily, the officer was Indian and loved it!!”

How amazing is the Indian Mandap by Sachi Sood? And, the decor by Volanni was so vibrant and absolutely AHH-MAZ-ING! The oh-so-talented Ralph Alswang of Alswang Photography captured the emotion, beauty and excitement of the day – fabulous pics!

The first ceremony was followed by a lunch at the West End Cafe in the Ritz with a Christian ceremony in the afternoon. The team changed the entire set up from oranges and magenta to cool ivory and blue for the Christian ceremony. It was then that the bride changed into a white “western” style gown. For the Christian ceremony, the bridesmaids wore dresses of a lovely muted teal, with shimmering slate gray sashes and all carried individual bouquets with different types of flowers. Heidi’s bouquet featured flowers from all five bridesmaids’ as a special touch.

The reception had the most amazing entertainment – Two Indian dance troops, an “American” style big band called Fabulous Fantoms, and Indian DJ and a singer flown in from India. Talk about a party!

The guests were treated to a buffet dinner with American and Indian fare and danced until the wee hours.

Even the cake by Kendall’s Cakes had intricate designs, making it appear to be adorned with sapphire beads and jewels! It stood proudly in the room while guests dined at magenta and green tables with urns full of gorgeous flowers.

At each place setting, there was a box of cookies from One Girl Cookies in Brooklyn with baby photos of the bride and groom. Adorable!!

The lighting was done by Frost Lighting and absolutely completed the look and design!

The fabulous vendor team:

Planner: Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events

Photographer: Ralph Alswang

Floral and Decor: Volanni

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Venue and Catering: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC

Lighting: Frost Lighting

Horse: Harmon Carriages

Band: Fabulous Fantoms

Favors: One Girl Cookies

The Hay Adams New Year’s Eve Wedding

Danielle Freedman — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:55:09 +0000

On December 31, 2009, The Hay-Adams hosted a fabulous New Year’s Eve Wedding. Sara, Jeff and their guests arrived from St. Matthew’s Cathedral to celebrate their special day while ringing in the New Year! It was exactly the way Sara & Jeff wanted to begin their lives together. And, it was quite the party!

The cake display looks delicious – a midnight treat to welcome the new year! Love the party hats! What a fun way to say hello to 2010!

The fabulous vendor team:

Venue: The Hay-Adams

Wedding Planner: Elizabeth Duncan with Pineapple Productions

Florist: Jack Lucky Floral Design

Photographer: Deb Lindsey Photography

Band: Backstage

Cocktail Music: Bel Canto Strings

Make-up: Leah McKay

Hair: Christophe Jouenne

Dessert Display: Just Cakes

Wedding Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Lighting: Frost Lighting

Linen/Chairs: DC Rental

Princess for a Night Dress Drive & St. Regis Wedding

Danielle Freedman — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:30:01 +0000

Before we get to today’s Real Wedding, I wanted to tell you about the 5th Annual Hitched Dress Drive to benefit Princess for a Night.

Beginning April 1st, and continuing throughout the month, Hitched invites you to stop by the salon to donate your gently worn (and dry cleaned) bridesmaid dresses (in all sizes!) that will go to students in our community. Due to the great expense of prom dresses, these girls might otherwise not be able to afford a dress for this special night.

* * *

Today’s Real Wedding is a fabulous example of a traditional wedding with flair. Mindy and Eric were married at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, followed by a reception at the St. Regis. The bride and groom described their wedding planning experience with Simply Chic Events as “fun and stress-free”, which is apparent in the photographs by Holland Photo Arts of this beautifully executed event.

Time to get hitched…

The purple hued flowers by Philippa Tarrant really pop. Cheers to that!

Some of our favorite details include the pink flower arrangements in the shape of the bride and groom’s first initial that adorned the gates of the St. Regis to the splash of color used in the décor of the cocktail hour and late night.

Haute Papier designed the beautiful, ornate print materials.

Mindy recalls her special day, “Some of our favorite parts of the day were being introduced at the reception as a married couple…We had our DJ put together a mix of a few songs that corresponded accordingly to our wedding party couples being introduced.”

The bride noted that their guests loved the photo booth by Booth-O-Rama they had set up, which gave everyone a memento to take home from Mindy and Eric’s wedding. I have to say, I love including the photo booth in weddings that I plan, too, and have stepped up to the camera once or twice myself – it’s so fun!

At the conclusion of the reception, sliders, grilled cheese, and mini milkshakes were served as a fun treat for the end of a magnificent event.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

The fabulous vendor team:

Photography: Holland Photo Arts

Ceremony: St. Matthew’s Cathedral

Reception: St. Regis

Planner: Simply Chic Events

Flowers: Philippa Tarrant

Cake Baker: Kendall’s Cakes

Reception Music: DJ D-Mac

Furniture: Capital Decor & Events

Stationary: Haute Papier

Videography: Dolce Studio Films

Photo Booth: Booth-O-Rama

Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Mark Ingram

Kendall’s Cakes and DC Central Kitchen

Danielle Freedman — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:00:05 +0000

You all know how much I adore Kendall Barrett of Kendall’s Cakes. She is one of those people that the more you get to know her, the more wonderful you realize she is…and, not to mention, Kendall is always filling me up with delicious treats when I see her! I just am delighted by this story…I hope it leads you into a happy weekend…

A few weeks ago, during the first snow storm, Kendall had a wedding cancelled at the Mandarin Oriental. As some of you may know, in most venue contracts, there is an “Act of God clause” that protects both the property and couple against events outside of human control, like that crazy weather. So, luckily, the couple was able to reschedule their wedding without any penalty but, regardless, it was a sad situation for everyone involved.

So, what about the cake for 220 guests that was finished and ready to deliver? Kendall and her son Zack donated and delivered the beautiful wedding cake to DC Central Kitchen where the staff and volunteers there were able to slice it and feed the cold homeless of our city delicious wedding cake (chocolate raspberry and white chocolate raspberry) in the storm. It was the perfect ending to an otherwise sad weekend wedding.

Kendall teaches pastry classes at DCCK and often brings leftovers to the nonprofit. It is such a pleasure to work with so many fabulous vendors in the DC wedding industry, especially those like Kendall who not only make weddings such happy occasions but our community a better place!

Farewell and Best of Luck to Devon

Danielle Freedman — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:08:45 +0000

It is with mixed emotion that we bid our Founder of District Weddings, Devon Pearce Fahner, farewell. Over a year ago, Devon combined her incredible vision, creativity and tenacity to start the blog, and lay the foundation for this ultimate wedding resource for brides and industry professionals in Washington, DC.

As some of you may remember, Devon was married this past September. And, her wedding most certainly showcased her incredible taste, organization and attention to detail – not to mention that Devon was one of the most poised and gorgeous brides I have ever seen! Here is a peak at the incredible photos by Patricia Lyons of Devon’s Friday night Rehearsal Dinner…

So you ask, what now? Well, leave it to Devon to find the next perfect step in life. Moving to Chicago, Devon has merged her passion for weddings and her love affair with beautiful paper design to embark on her new chapter in life, representing Cheree Berry Paper in the Windy City.

So, get excited, because Devon will be back in the District for the rescheduled Engaged! in Washington event on Sunday, March 28th from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Ritz-Carlton, representing Cheree Berry Paper.

We wish her the best of luck and look forward to her updates as she continues to take our fabulous wedding industry by storm! In the meantime, here is more eye candy for your enjoyment! oxox.

Breathtaking, right?!

The fabulous vendor team behind Devon’s Friday night celebration:

Venue: King Family Vineyard

Catering: A Pimento Catering

Floral and Decor: Beehive Events

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Paper: Cheree Berry Paper

Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones

Photography: Patricia Lyons Photography

Lighting and A/V: Blue Ridge Lightforms

Videography: Blue Sky Films

Make Up: Lindsay Steffens Montgomery

Hair: Bridal Hair by Remona