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 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 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

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.

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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

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!

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

Here is the first round of photos I promised.  Take them in, then I’ll give you a little insight (and more photos) in a bit.  I’m totally smitten over this wedding.  It just may be my favorite so far this year.

And this is only the first round of pics!  Aren’t you in love already?!?  I know it’s getting late, but I still have more to come!

You can take my word for it — they are also so delicious.  We were beside ourselves when Kendall sent over samples for us to enjoy.  If you go with Kendall’s Cakes, your guests will be talking about your cake for months after your wedding!

Have a very happy Valentine’s Day!  Enjoy the long weekend!  xoxo Devon

Using European-style butter, French chocolates, King Arthur flour, and the freshest berries available, Kendall whips up a little piece of wedding heaven.  Just listen to these flavors…White Chocolate with Mango Mousse, Chocolate Hazelnut, Vanilla with Dolce de Leche Mousse (also spelled Dulce de Leche), Mocha, Coconut….yummmmm!

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, grab a cookie, some chocolate, and a glass of champagne, and take a look at these sweet sensations…

More sweet treats to come!

As the 44^th President takes office today, the new First Lady will be by his side, likely looking as elegant and put-together as ever.  While this powerful couple radiates style at each and every public appearance, they also make it look so, well, easy.  

On October 18, 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama celebrated their sixteenth wedding anniversary.  In 1992 in Chicago, Illinois, the Obamas were married in a church ceremony and celebrated afterwards with an elegant, but not over-the-top, reception.  Barack wore a white tie tuxedo, while Michelle looked gracefully beautiful in a white off-the-shoulder ballgown and cathedral-length veil.  Michelle’s bridesmaids wore black.

If this effortlessly chic couple were to get married this year, their wedding would likely reflect their classic style and confident personalities.   What an amazing D.C. wedding that would be!  Here is a modern take on the Obama’s timeless wedding style…

Photos: Top Row – Barack and Michelle Obama (www.barackobamain08.com); Black & White Bouquet (Martha Stewart Weddings); Middle Row – White Cake (Kendall’s Cakes); Tux (Martha Stewart Weddings); Bottom Row – Invitation by Smock Paper (available at Just Paper and Tea); Dress by Oscar de la Renta (available at Hitched).

If you have a question, concern, idea, or if you would like to submit pictures of your wedding to be featured on District Weddings, please shoot me an e-mail (devon{at}districtweddings.com).  I would love to hear from you!  

Be sure to sign up for District Weddings In Your Inbox to receive our Weekly Recap, as well as exciting news on upcoming events, giveaways, and more.  Plus, the first 25 readers to sign up will receive a delicious raspberry-buttercream flavored District Weddings lip balm!  

Thanks for taking time today to visit District Weddings.  Please join us again tomorrow for a special tribute to the Inauguration of our 44th President.

Vendors for Real Wedding: The Hay-Adams

Wedding Planner: Aimee Dominick, A.Dominick Events

Catering: Alison Okobi, Director of Catering, The Hay-Adams Hotel

Flowers: Surroundings Floral

Rentals: Party Rental Ltd

Photography: Andrew Reilly

Music: Johnny Artis Band

Invitations: Cheree Berry Paper

Transportation: Atlantic Services Group

Hair: Elegant Hair by Giselle

Makeup: Kim Reyes Makeup

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes