The bride and her ladies look like they are right out of a photo shoot, simply gorgeous.  The fabulous Carine’s Bridal Atelier designed custom bridesmaid dresses for each lady, gowns that you could actually wear again after the wedding – crazy, right?!

I love this moment with Bridget and her father on the way to the church – again, this is such a great shot that it looks like a pre-designged photo shoot.  The American flag in the background is so fantastically DC inspired.  Jennifer Lust Portrait Design makes me feel like I am actually with them on their big day.

After pronounced husband and wife, Bridget and Ryan are so happy that they look they are going to skip down the aisle.

Here are the elegant rooms shots with the gold chivari chairs, the mix of tall and low neutral arrangements by DaVinci Florist, Laura Hooper Calligraphy on the menus…yes, I am gushing.

How cool is the Notre Dame ice sculpture?!  A personal detail that is playful and unique.  Then, don’t you just want to get on the dance floor with the bride and groom?  Sound Connection by Andy Kushner Entertainment rocked it.

The fabulous vendor team:

Church: St. Aloysius Catholic Church

Reception: Andrew Mellon Auditorium

Photography: Jennifer Lust Portrait Design

Dress: Christian LaCroix – Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Bridesmaid Dresses: Custom made by Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Floral,  Lighting, Linens: DaVinci Florist

Band: Sound Connection – Andy Kushner Entertainment

Invitations, Menus, Place Cards: Laura Hooper Calligraphy

Video: Suburban Video

Caterer: Occasions Caterers

Hair: Jean Bay – Salon Jean

Make-up: Stacy Ferguson

Event Coordinator and Designer: SoCo Events

Depending on the experience and location of the calligrapher, calligraphy can typically range anywhere from $2.50 to $5.00 (and even more) per envelope.  Some calligraphers charge per line (Jonathan Lane charges $.085 to $1.12 per line), other calligraphers charge per envelope.  If you order both inner and outer envelopes, usually there will be a slight discount on the set.

When looking for a calligrapher, make sure to ask the price and the average turnaround time.  Because your invitations will need to be mailed 6-8 weeks before your wedding date, you’ll need to give your calligrapher plenty of time to address the envelopes and return them to you to be stuffed and mailed.  Two weeks is usually an average turnaround time for a set of 100-125 envelopes.

Is it worth it?  Depending on your budget, yes.  Calligraphy adds an extra touch to your invitation.  If you are especially cost conscious, I would think about eliminating the “reception card,” or opting for a postcard response card, and splurging on calligraphy.  Look how beautiful it can be!

Photo: Laura Hooper Calligraphy