Brides & Weddings Magazine Volume 16 Issue 2

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bridesandweddings.com

Looking for a dramatic setting for your wedding or reception?

For an event as unique as you are.

For your personal tour contact Susan Landess, Sales Manager, at 703-993-9344 or slandess@gmu.edu HyltonCenter.org/Rentals Find us on Facebook

True Love Stories never have endings...

Our elegant clubhouse and breathtaking views of the Potomac River will leave a memorable impression on all of your guests. Classic elegance, fine service and exquisite cuisine set us apart. Let us effortlessly orchestrate all the details.

43800 Olympic Blvd., Leesburg 703.779.2022 www.rivercreekclub.com

Photography: Djijo Studios; Gown & Veil: Soliloquy Bridal Couture; Hair & Makeup: Enlightened Styles; Jewelry: Hunt Country Jewelers; Flowers: Buttercups Florals; Cake: Cake Panache.

create your beginnings with us.

Your wedding day should be one of your fondest memories Allow us to make you a guest at your own party.

We’ll be there through each step of the planning process, ensuring you can relax and enjoy your special day.

Every detail of your event is completely customized to reflect your individual style and taste.

14675 Piedmont Vista Dr., Haymarket • 703.753.5922 Ext. 2205 • piedmontclub.com We offer gorgeous ceremonies on our patio adjacent to our ballroom or by beautiful Lake Chantilly. Accommodating up to 225 guests, our flexible setup options with dark wood Chiavari chairs, new cherry wood dance floor, neutral décor and rustic chandeliers will set the tone for your classic country club wedding. And, best of all, we schedule only one wedding a day — allowing all the focus on you!

14901 Braddock Road, Chantilly • 703.631.9560 • www.chantilly-national.com www.BridesandWeddings.com. . . . . . bridesandweddings.com |

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Here at Brides & Weddings, we spend a lot of time talking about weddings, looking at weddings and writing about weddings. We include content from all over the globe to help inspire you as you plan your wedding.

Our website, www.bridesandweddings.com, is the go-to resource for Northern Virginia brides and grooms. There, and here you will find the people and places to make your perfect wedding day. You can use keywords that reflect your wedding vision in our search bar and discover the best in Northern Virginia wedding professionals. Or, you can sign up for our newsletter to receive special offers and calendar of events — from bridal shows to bridal shops. Read our blog, enter contests and follow us on social media for the latest information.

Our wedding guide is packed with helpful tips, stories, timelines and photos to help create the perfect wedding for you. We give you the knowledge you need to make your

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planning successful and less stressful, showcasing some of the top wedding professionals in Northern Virginia for your convenience.

But the best part about Brides & Weddings are the relationships! We are your friends and neighbors — large enough to have resources, but small enough to provide personal service. Our commitment to engaged couples is to make the journey to your wedding day as smooth as possible, by sharing ideas, resources and maybe a little bit of inspiration for your celebration. This is the first day of the rest of your lives. What matters is that you are creating not just a day, but a lifetime together.

Thank you for taking the time to be a part of the Brides & Weddings community. Best wishes for a beautiful wedding and a happy marriage.

Rebecca Barnes

Photo by Sven Studios

P u b lis h e r

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Taste Delicious

Cakes

See Beautiful

Take a

Flowers

Ring Selfie

and Decor

Enjoy a Runway

Fashion Show Meet Local

Wedding Pros Create Wedding Day

Flip Flops

Discounts

Enter to

you won’t find anywhere else

Win Prizes Sign

the New Name Wall

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Be inspired

for your big day September 8, 2019

Washington Convention Center

September 15, 2019

EagleBank Arena

JANUARY, 12, 2020

EagleBank Arena

JANUARY 19, 2020

Washington Convention Center

50% OFF TICKETS

PROMO CODE BWNV

APRIL 19, 2020

Dulles Expo Center

TICKETS AND INFO AT WEDDINGEXPERIENCE.COM bridesandweddings.com |

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CONTENTS WEDDING BLOGS

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7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A WEDDING VENUE

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HOTELS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP

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CHARITABLE GIFTS

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RECEPTION GUIDE

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WEDDING CAKES WITH STYLE

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How to use wedding blogs to plan your big day

A handy list of things that you should consider when choosing a venue for your wedding.

Flexible space, all-inclusive receptions and your guests under one roof.

Find the best venue for your event.

Get the one that suits you.

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Photo by Melody Cook Photography

Opting out of traditional gift registries for your wedding

WEDDINGS 

should be



FUN Awesome, Awesome,

AWESOME!

This venue is

The staff is beyond

STUNNING! WONDERFUL!

Phone 703.910.4273 info@harbourviewevents.com facebook.com/harbourviewevents www.HarbourViewEvents.com

Come visit the only waterfront wedding venue specializing in FUN!B| bridesandweddings.com

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CONTENTS

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HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Where to find the dress of your dreams.

THE SHAPE OF YOU

See real brides wearing the most popular wedding dress silhouettes.

WEDDING FLOWER REALNESS

From bouquets & boutonnieres to ceremonies & receptions in flowers.

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TO FIRST LOOK OR NOT

Best areas and ideas for outdoor shoots in Northern Virginia

PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE

Tips for planning your wedding timeline that will maximize your photography

PARADISE FOUND

Some of our favorite exotic places for your honeymoon.

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES Publisher....................................................................................................... Rebecca Barnes Director of Operations & Photo Editor..........................................................Amanda Baity Vice President of Content Marketing.................................................... Katherine Gotthardt Digital Media Coordinator.................................................................................Carole Keily Art Director........................................................................Alison Dixon, ImagePrep Studio The Staff........................................Laura Apanewicz, Robyn Dickey, Diane Puigdomenech, Lisa Beth Miller, Amy Serraro, Amy Taylor Cover Image by.................................................................................... Gideon Photography Brides & Weddings is published twice yearly and distributed free of charge through area jewelers, bridal salons, venues and bridal shows, as well as NoVA Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s bridal registries. Find us online at www.bridesandweddings.com.

For advertising opportunities, call 703.847.7412 ext. 1 or email sales@bridesandweddings.com. www.facebook.com/bridesandweddings Copyright 2019 Brides & Weddings

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Photo by Jessica Hunt Photography

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Photo by Tiffany L Johnson Photography

Visit www.bridesandweddings.com for more real weddings & inspiration.

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HOW TO USE WEDDING BLOGS TO PLAN YOUR BIG DAY

By Amanda Baity

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hen you’re newly engaged (or anticipating getting engaged), it can be easy to fall down the rabbit hole of wedding blogs. After all, there are so many great blogs out there, and they’re full of gorgeous images! Many brides find themselves spending countless hours scrolling through these blogs and becoming overwhelmed by all of the weddings they see published and by the imagined pressure to recreate those images or to compete with them.

Don’t worry – we’re not going to tell you to stop looking at wedding blogs! In fact, we are going to help you use them better! Here are some specific ways to use wedding blogs so that they inspire you rather than adding stress:

1. Learn to identify your wedding style.

When you begin planning your wedding, you may not know what your wedding style is, other than “beautiful.” Wedding blogs provide great descriptions and definitions that can help you understand and better refine what wedding style appeals to you. You might find that you love boho weddings with whimsical touches, or you may discover that regal elegance in a garden setting is precisely right for you. Whatever your 12 |

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style, wedding blogs can be an excellent way to find it before you make any non-refundable décor decisions.

2. Connect with vendors, designers & shops.

One remarkable thing about wedding blogs it that they tend to be great about crediting vendors. When you see an incredible gown on a wedding blog, the chances are good that the post will also tell you the designer and possibly the

boutique. By utilizing the vendor credits, you’ll likely also be able to track down the planner, florist, cake artist and more. This is particularly useful when you find posts that share weddings from your part of the country.

3. Encounter new ideas and trends.

Season to season and year to year, the wedding industry is changing and evolving … but trends don’t always hit every part of the country at the same time. There may be a fab new trend that hasn’t made it to your circle yet. Since wedding blogs are worldwide, they can expose you to ideas you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. When you come across an awesome new trend, pin it or add it to a “to research” list so that you can decide if it’s right for your big day.

4. Find sources of inspiration, not duplication!

This is a huge, important point that we hope stays with you as you go on to click and scroll through wedding blogs — wedding blogs are there to help you find inspiration for your celebration, not to get you to recreate someone else’s wedding!

Each image you see on a wedding blog is the record of a specific moment and is the product of a unique set of circumstances. With the millions of variables involved, it is nearly impossible to precisely recreate someone else’s image … and why would you want to? No matter how hard you and you vendors try to create exactly what you saw on that blog, it will at best be a mimicry of someone else’s work at someone else’s wedding. If you choose to go that route, you’re missing out on the opportunity to make your wedding the unique celebration of you that it could be.

So instead of attempting to exactly imitate someone else’s wedding, use what you see and learn from wedding blogs to discover what you love and to inspire your own vision! When you communicate that vision to your vendors and then trust them to be creative, you’ll adore your special and custom-to-you wedding day!

Visit bridesandweddings.com to view our blog, full of real wedding features and advice from experts.

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ENGAGEMENT RING A LT E R N A T I V E S

By Amanda Baity

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ot every bride is the same, so why should their engagement rings be? In fact, you may even find that your hopeful bride-to-be doesn’t even like diamonds. Diamonds aren’t mandatory in engagement rings or wedding bands as the featured gem. There are so many stunning gemstones out there that limiting yourself to just the diamond could be a disservice to your one-of-a-kind partner. If you want something a little bit more unique for your ring, here are some options that are quite gorgeous for you to consider.

Sapphires

There are a lot of reasons why you may want to consider a sapphire instead of a diamond. First of all, it’s almost as hard as a diamond, ranking just behind this more popular gem on the Mohs scale. And there are so many different color variations that you can buy — sapphires may be most famous for being blue, but they can also come in green, yellow, pink and white.

Amethyst

Garnet

Garnets are great for a few reasons. The color is unique and gorgeous, which makes it stand out against a ruby. Another is because they’re inexpensive and look richer than they are. If your bride loves the vintage look, this is the gem you should be looking at.

Ruby

Speaking of rubies, these are also a great option.

If you place a larger ruby with some accent diamonds, you are going to create a great ring.

Rubies have the same hardness and properties as sapphire, so this gem will last a lifetime.

Onyx

Onyx is a gorgeous gemstone that most commonly comes in black, though there are other varieties that you can enjoy. If you want something that’s modern and unique but very chic, the onyx could be an excellent choice.

Moissanite

Amethysts are beautiful, purple gemstones that add flair to your engagement ring. They’re another durable gem that can be worn on a daily basis without issues. They’re not quite as durable as a sapphire or diamond, but they’ll stand the test of time with some extra care.

Cubic zirconia and other diamonds get a bad rap, in part because they’re easily dulled and scratched and won’t stay perpetually shiny like a real diamond. Enter moissanite, a crystal that naturally occurs in meteorites, is nearly as hard, dense and scuff-resistant as a diamond and has greater brilliance and fire.

Emeralds

Man-Made Diamonds

With the gorgeous deep-green color found in an emerald stone, this is a timeless gem that offers a stylish and luxurious touch to your ring.

These may not be as popular as they once were, but you can get something that’ll really create a magical piece, especially when used with a modern setting.

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Man-made diamonds are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds. White diamonds that have been grown in a laboratory typically cost 15-20 percent less than comparable natural diamonds, and colored, lab-made diamonds can be a whopping 80 or 90 percent cheaper than their mined equivalents. The fact that mined diamonds are literally millions (and sometimes billions) of years old is certainly romantic, but it’s wrong to call a lab-grown diamond “fake.”

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The following merchants are happy to assist you and your fiance in finding the perfect engagement and wedding rings. Please let them know that you found them in Brides & Weddings of Northern Virginia.

Achikian Goldsmiths 140 Church St. NW, Vienna (703) 255-2255 www.achikian.com

Belle View Jewelers Belle View Shopping Center, Alexandria (703) 768-4900 www.belleviewjewelersva.com

Adeler Jewelers 772-E Walker Road, Great Falls (703) 759-4076 www.adelerjewelers.com

Boone & Sons Jewelers 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean (703) 734-3997 www.booneandsons.com

Ashby Jewelers 9407 Main St., Manassas (703) 368-4653 www.ashbyjewelers.com

Daniel Roberts Fine Jewelers 10254 Main St., Fairfax (703) 951-0070 www.danielrobertsfinejewelers.com

B & C Jewelers 3610-G King Street Bradlee Shopping Center, Alexandria (703) 379-6010 www.bcjewelers.net

Eternity Jewelers 267 South Van Dorn St., Alexandria (703) 823-0691

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Photo by Tiffany L Johnson Photography

Forever

a diamond is

Express Jewelers 1101 S Joyce St., Pentagon Row ej.jewelershowcase.com (703) 351-7481

Princess Jewelers 529 Maple Ave. West, Vienna (703) 255-5050 www.princessjeweler.com

Exquisite Jewelers 8404-A Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield (703) 912-5739

Quinn’s Goldsmith Custom Jewelry Designs 14901 Potomac Town Pl, Ste 170 Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center (703) 878-1622 www.quinnsgoldsmith.com

Hartman Jewelers 36 Main St., Warrenton (540) 349-4123 www.hartmanjewelers.com Hunt Country Jewelers Custom Bridal Jewelry Specialists 105 East Main St., Purcellville (540) 338-8050 www.huntcountry.com Jewelry by Designs 2932 Prince William Pky., Woodbridge (703) 457-1815 www.jewelrybydesigns.com Ketterman’s Jewelers 38-C Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg (703) 777-0033 www.kettermans.com May Jewelers 8032 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner (703) 448-0866 www.mayjewelers.com Mervis Diamond Importers 1900 Mervis Way, Tysons Corner (703) 448-9000 1700 K St. NW, Washington DC (202) 293-0600

Salona Jewelers 1333 Chain Bridge Road, McLean (703) 848-2660 www.salonajewelers.com Solovey Jewelers 1475 Chain Bridge Road, McLean (703) 356-0138 www.solovey.com Touch of Gold Fine Jewelry 202-A Washington St., Occoquan (703) 490-4544 Waldin Jewelers 21100 Dulles Town Center, Ste 195, Dulles (703) 421-0030 www.waldinjewlers.com Watch & Jewelry Exchange of Tysons 8150 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (703) 893-0566 www.watchandjewelryexchange.com VA Gold Buyers 21580 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling (703) 444-7804 www.vagoldbuyers.com

1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville (301) 231-0030 www.mervisdiamond.com

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TYING THE KNOT IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

The legal age for marriage is 18 years old. Couples under 18 must have parental consent. Blood tests are not required. There is no waiting period and licenses are valid for 60 days. Both bride and groom must be present to apply for and sign the marriage license. Identification (i.e. driver’s license or military ID) must include a photo and social security number. Divorce/death information regarding previous marriages must be provided under oath. Cost is $30 (cash), with the exception of Prince William County ($32.50 cash). Call your location for office hours.

ALEXANDRIA CITY Alexandria Circuit Court, Clerk’s Office Marriage License Division, 3rd Floor, Rm. 307 520 King St., Alexandria 703.746.4044

FAUQUIER COUNTY Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office 40 Culpeper St., Warrenton 540.422.8100

ARLINGTON COUNTY Arlington County Courthouse 6th Floor, Room 6700 1425 North Courthouse Road, Arlington 703.228.7010

LOUDOUN COUNTY Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 3rd Floor 18 North King St., Leesburg 703.777.0270

FAIRFAX COUNTY Clerk of the Circuit Court Public Services Counter, 3rd Floor 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax 703.691.7320

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY Clerk of Circuit Court Room 305 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas 703.792.6019

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estled in picturesque Loudoun County, Virginia, wOatlands Historic House and Gardens boasts more than 200 years of history and 30 years as a wedding venue. The mansion and beautifully terraced landscapes offer the perfect setting for exchanging your vows, enjoying cocktails, and exploring the 4.5 acre formal gardens.

For your reception, celebrate under an elegant tent either on the mansion’s front lawn or paved terrace near the historic greenhouse, or in the 1903 Carriage house. The gardens, grounds, history and stunning vistas provide a charming and timeless setting for your special day.

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20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln. Leesburg, VA 20175 703. 7 7 7 . 3174

oatlands.org

Say My Name, Say My Name

Photo by Logan Roquemore Photography

Changing Your Name After the Wedding

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hanging your name after the wedding is a personal choice. If you do decide to make the traditional change, it is important to be organized and thorough in this endeavor.

Where to start?

STEP FOUR: Update your bank accounts.

Request the change in person at your local branch (bring your new driver’s license and marriage certificate). Ask for new checks and debit and credit cards, as well.

STEP ONE: Get your marriage license.

An original, or certified copy, of your marriage license will be required before you speak to other agencies. Call the clerk’s office where your license was filed to get copies.

STEP FIVE: Apply for a new passport.

The fees and process change depending on whether your current passport was issued within the last year. Except to wait 4-6 weeks for processing.

STEP TWO: Change your social security card.

Fill out the Social Security Administration’s application for a new card. Take or mail your application and required documents to your local SSA office.

What else? Additional details vary by person, but you should update records for your payroll.

Email accounts, insurance policies, utilities, legal documents, doctors’ offices, school alumni offices, credit cards, checking account, loans, and social media accounts are some others to consider.

STEP THREE: Update your driver’s license.

In most states, this must be done in person, so prepare yourself for a trip to the DMV. Bring your original license, your marriage certificate and your new Social Security card.

If this seems overwhelming, use these suggestions to create a checklist. Tackle a few items each week until everything is updated. bridesandweddings.com |

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Photo by Bear Sparrow Photography

7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN

SELECTING A WEDDING VENUE If you close your eyes right now and picture your wedding, you probably see your fiance beaming at you, the ring slipping onto your finger and your loved ones happily gathering together. But where is all this merriment taking place?

After the decision to get married, a location is usually the next big choice that newly engaged couples make. But even though selecting the venue is an early and important decision, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy one! Here is a list of things that you should consider when choosing a venue for your wedding.

Capacity

Space is a crucial consideration when selecting a wedding venue. Before you begin your search for the perfect venue, it’s a good idea to have an estimate of how many guests you plan to invite.

This often means creating a rough draft of your guest list. If your guest list is expansive, many churches and banquet halls may not have the capacity to fit everyone. And if your guest list is small and intimate, you don’t want to be rattling around in a huge space! Knowing a rough number of guests you want to invite will help narrow down your search from the beginning.

Style

To some extent, you’ll be bringing your aesthetic into the venue when your vendors set up for the wedding, but the inherent nature and style of a venue is a foundation that cannot be changed. It’s best to choose a venue that fits with the style and feel that you’re envisioning for your wedding day. For example, a cathedral ceremony and ballroom reception might not be the best fit if you crave a whimsical wedding, and a barn venue will not be a great option if you have your heart set on an elegant, formal affair.

7 THINGS TO CONSIDER — CONTINUED PAGE 22 20 |

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7 THINGS TO CONSIDER — CONTINUED

Budget

Unless you are working with an unlimited wedding budget, money is another factor to consider. If you have a wedding planner, they will be able to steer you toward venues that are a good fit for your budget initially. Beyond that, make sure you ask a lot of questions as you tour each venue to get a good handle on what’s included and what features will incur additional costs so you can try to compare apples to apples when considering multiple venues.

Upkeep

One thing to pay attention to when touring venues is their cleanliness and general maintenance. Is the landscaping well tended? Are the bathrooms clean? What kind of staffing will there be on your wedding day to keep everything spic and span? The condition of the venue on a touring day will tell you a lot about the management and their standards. Make sure that those standards match with your own!

Packages

Depending on the venue, they may offer different packages for events. Look into each venue’s catering packages to see whether they suit your needs. Some locations will provide tables, tablecloths, cake stands and other things that will save on your bill with an outside rental company, while others provide only the space.

Neither is right or wrong, but you need to be sure you know what you’re getting before you book the venue.

Permits & Privacy

If you’re planning to have your wedding outside or in a public place, permits may be required. Do your research and get the necessary documents ahead of time. Another thing to consider is whether other people will have access to the area during your wedding. Holding a wedding in a public place can lead to a lot of onlookers, so consider how important your privacy is to you on your big day!

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Management

Trust your gut! The workers and management can tell you a lot about what your future experience might bring. Make sure you feel a connection with the staff and that you trust them — they are going to be the ones who ensure your day runs smoothly.

As you tour different venues, take note of whether they are listening to you and whether you will feel comfortable working closely with them throughout the months leading up to your wedding day.

For many couples, their wedding is the only time in their lives that they will ever book an event venue. So, it’s OK if you feel a bit out of your element and experience a steep learning curve!

We encourage you to check out online photos of other weddings at the venue. Seeing other people’s weddings can give you inspiration and a better idea of what the space looks like in all its glory.

It’s also a very good idea to check out reviews or talk to other brides about their experiences with the business! And as we mentioned before, a good wedding planner can be a huge help in guiding you toward the venues that will suit your wedding best!

Let your best self shine

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Visit www.bridesandweddings.com for more real weddings & inspiration.

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One Destination, Three Venues, Nine Settings,

Endless Possibilities!

Farm Brew LIVE at Innovation Park offers nine distinct, yet equally beautiful, private spaces with custom menus and personalized service ensuring your wedding day is as amazing as you envision.

For further information, please contact Events@FarmBrewLive.com or go to

Intimate weddings and rehearsal dinners in a rustic, downtown setting. catoctincreekdistilling.com/events

540-751-8404

Every Cinderella wants to dance with her Prince Charming …

Let The Wedding Dance Specialists show you how – in just hours!

THE WEDDING DANCE SPECIALISTS Convenient VA & MD locations

703.626.7016

www.TheWeddingDanceSpecialists.com “Creating memories one step at a time” bridesandweddings.com |

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Venue Coordinator or Event Coordinator

By Lisa Beth Miller

What is the Difference?

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s you plan for your big day and search for your dream venue, it is important to pay attention to what assistance is offered at each venue. If the venue itself provides a coordinator, you may not need to hire a separate event coordinator. Confused about the differences between the two types of coordinators? Here are some tips regarding the roles of venue coordinators and event coordinators:

Venue Coordinators:

When you’re picking out your wedding venue, one of the first things you should ask is whether or not there is an on-site wedding coordinator at your disposal. If your venue offers a coordinator as part of its package, that means there’s no added cost for this added benefit.

A venue coordinator works for the venue,

not directly for you. They’ll act as a liaison between you and the venue’s operations team, which means they’ll show you the venue, help coordinate any services offered on-site (from in-house catering to valet parking), and process the final invoice.

They’ll typically deal with the logistics of a wedding on the day of, like giving vendors access to the site for setup and breakdown, setting up tables and chairs, ensuring the power and plumbing works, cleaning the space before and after the event, and keeping things safe.

Make sure you have a firm understanding how much the venue coordinator is willing to do for you. If they will ONLY handle the big picture elements of your big day, then you need to COORDINATOR — CONTINUED PAGE 28

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d r o f f Y o y u r A C a n u x u L

Special Occasion Rentals at Laurel Hill Golf Club and

Twin Lakes Golf Course

• Perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers and parties • Spacious rooms and lovely views • Friendly, dedicated event planners • Experienced catering services • Lush greens and landscaping for timeless photo memories • Convenient to airports, lodging and our nation’s capital

6201 Union Mill Road Clifton, VA 20124 703-324-9701

8701 Laurel Crest Drive Lorton, VA 22079 703-493-8849 x 2221

703-324-8563. TTY: Va. Relay 711

Book a Tour Today!

fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/events bridesandweddings.com |

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COORDINATOR — CONTINUED consider who will help with the little details.

Perhaps your wedding party and reliable family members can help with minor decorations and details, but it might be wise to hire a wedding planner to tackle these tasks.

Event Coordinators:

If the venue you’re considering does NOT offer an on-site coordinator, you may want to hire an event coordinator. This person is separate from the venue and will be hired directly by YOU, which means you’ll need to factor this expense into your budget. It’s an added cost but could prove to be a very worthwhile one.

An event coordinator is a wedding planner, so they’ll help you plan the details of your big day. If you hire someone from the very start, they’ll be present for every major weddingrelated decision you make and will help turn your dream into a reality. If you’d rather plan the wedding yourself but want someone present to help with the day-of details, a day-of coordinator will help carry out your vision on the actual day. Whether you bring someone on from the start or at the last minute, a planner will be an advocate for YOU.

Photo by Sweet ice Cream Photography

There’s usually no limit to what an event coordinator will do for you. They’ll handle a moody bridesmaid, track down a missing vendor, tie some bowties when the groom

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suddenly realizes NO ONE knows how and generally ensures everything you planned comes to fruition. Your event coordinator will travel with you from wherever you’re getting ready for your ceremony and then on to your reception.

Your event coordinator will also act as the liaison between you and ALL of your vendors in order to make sure everyone is on the same page at all times.

Your event coordinator’s goal is to make sure you are able to enjoy every moment of your wedding without worrying if the right people are in the right place at the right time or about whether or not you’re sticking to the schedule. Consider them your big day BFF, there to guide you and your partner through the whole process as smoothly as possible. After all, they’ll be by your side from the moment you start planning until you make your grand exit.

Unlike a full-service wedding coordinator, a “Day-of ” coordinator is for brides and grooms who want to do most of the planning themselves, but when their wedding day arrives, they need a professional to execute all of their hard work. This type of coordinator is less expensive and is less involved in the planning stages of the event. Instead, she takes responsibility for everything running smoothly on the day of the wedding.

Where Wedding Dreams Come True Host your special day at the Holiday Inn Washington Dulles and let our wedding specialists bring your dream wedding to life. From romantic settings and creative catering options to our expertise in cultural traditions, we can help you design a personalized celebration that reflects your unique style. We’ll cover all of the details, from the rehearsal dinner to the farewell brunch, so you can enjoy the planning process and take in the moment.

45425 Holiday Drive, Sterling, VA 20166 | www.HIDullesAirport.com | 703.471.7411

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WONDERFUL WEDDING WEEKENDS

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n this modern day of transient lifestyles, wedding guest lists contain relatives and friends traveling from both coasts. To make the most of the time couples can spend with their friends and family members, brides and grooms are planning wedding weekends and hosting multiple events in unique venues.

Rehearsal Dinner This event is held the night before the wedding and now includes not only the bridal party, but family members and out-of-town wedding guests. It is not unusual to have a guest list of 50 attendees. More couples are utilizing interesting venues, such as wineries, for these events.

The wedding weekend consists of numerous parties and activities centering around guests getting to know each other while enabling the bride and groom time to relax and enjoy catching up with friends and family. A wedding weekend agenda typically goes like this:

The Wedding & Reception By now, your guests have had some time to get to know one another better, so let the good times begin. Relax and enjoy the day, whether it’s an elegant ballroom event, a trip back in time at a historic bed & breakfast or a casual catered affair in the countryside.

The Ice Breaker This party is usually held on the Thursday evening prior to the wedding. This dinner has replaced the traditional rehearsal dinner as it is often the first time the bride and groom’s families meet. It’s a good idea to keep this event on the casual and fun side, incorporating themes like a barbecue or Hawaiian luau.

Bridal Party Outings These events are designed to allow for some relaxation before the big day, and again, give guests a chance to make new acquaintances and renew old friendships. Outings can include trips to a spa for the feminine side of the bridal party, golfing for the groom and his buddies and sightseeing tours and excursions to local wineries for wedding guests.

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Post-Festivity Brunch This is the perfect opportunity for the bride and groom to thank out-of-town guests, friends and family members, and to open gifts. Put the emphasis on hospitality and relaxation.

The wedding weekend allows you time to relax and enjoy visiting with all of your guests.

Use venues that offer many opportunities for different events for your guests while keeping their traveling time to a minimum. With a wealth of historic sites, B&B’s, wineries, shopping outlets, spas and golf clubs, Northern Virginia is the perfect place to hold your wedding weekend.

Wedding Season at Briar Patch

Whatever the season, we offer a breathtaking, romantic setting in the heart of Virginia horse & wine country for your wedding weekend.

Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn 703.327.5911 • www.BriarPatchBandB.com 23130 Briar Patch Lane

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Middleburg VA 20117 bridesandweddings.com |

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YOUR ONE STOP WEDDING RESROURCE

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fter the engagement ring is on your finger, the questions looms, “Where should I have my wedding?”

Although many options are tempting, from historic homes and favorite restaurants, to exotic locations like mountain tops, many brides must find a balance between budget, planning time and out-of-town guests’ requirements. Hotels offer convenience, value, a wide array of capabilities and experienced staff to make wedding planning and the big day effortless, costeffective and polished.

“

Sometimes a bride and groom cannot get a church location for their ceremony. They may practice different religions and decide that a non-religious ceremony is more appropriate.

Hotels offer space for ceremonies and decorations such as lattice panels and archways to personalize the room.

In addition to the ceremony and reception, there are many other events that surround a wedding, including the rehearsal dinner, bridesmaids’ luncheon and departure brunch. Most hotels offer custom menus and even discounted rates for these additional events and with a variety of function rooms from which to choose, each event can take on a unique atmosphere.

With so much going on, the guests and the bride can find themselves running all over town. Hotels frequently offer a complimentary bridal party hospitality room removed from the cocktail hour to allow the bride, groom and their closest friends and family members a chance to catch their breath in privacy.

Where should I have my wedding?

Convenience Today’s brides are busy with families, careers, studies, travel, hobbies and, of course, a fiance.

Some brides are even planning weddings from another town or state. Many of the wedding guests are traveling from a distance to share in the special day. Some will be drinking during the reception. Hotels offer the ability to hold both the reception and guest rooms in one place so that no one will need to drive afterwards. Most hotels offer a complimentary bridal suite with wedding packages and many airport hotels allow the couple to leave their car in the parking lot and take the courtesy shuttle to and from the airport for the honeymoon.

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”

Value The cost of a wedding reception can vary widely due to a number of factors: type of reception, HOTELS — CONTINUED PAGE 36

FINALLY!

Photo: AE Landes Photography

The perfect marriage of a captivating ballroom and a passionate staff to bring serenity instead of stress to your wedding day!

2500 Neabsco Common Place Woodbridge, VA 22191 703.590.2500 www.woodbridge.hgi.com Clean lines, modern design and lots of natural light make the Hilton Garden Inn a perfect setting for your ceremony and reception. Our gorgeous ballroom – with floor to ceiling windows – can accommodate up to 180 guests.

Ideal upscale city center location, just off I-95 near Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center and Potomac Mills Mall and only 20 miles from Washington, DC. Customizable packages with all inclusive per person pricing to fit your desires and budget.

Delicious onsite catering, brand new guest accommodations and a complimentary honeymoon suite.

To schedule your tour and consultation, contact our Wedding Specialist at 703.590.2500.

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HOTELS — CONTINUED number of guests, time of day or year and menu selected. Hotels offer reception packages that typically include reception room set-up with tables and chairs, a selection of tablecloths and napkins, staging for the head table or a band, a dance floor, cake and gift tables and basic centerpieces — all at a per-person price. Hotel menu packages come complete with hors d’ oeuvres, two to four courses for plated meals or lavish buffets, hosted bars featuring cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks and champagne toast and cake cutting for every guest.

Capabilities As many brides quickly discover, much about the wedding experience has very little to do with the bride and groom themselves. There are friends, families, friends of families and other guests who must be thought of every step of the way. Most families contribute some or all of the funds for the festivities and expect to have some say in everything from the time of year and the guest list, to the location and relative distance many of the guests must travel.

Hotels can offer the best of all possible worlds when it comes to satisfying a multitude of requirements. By law, hotels are required to maintain accessibility for guests with all kinds of disabilities. From ramps and elevators leading to their public spaces, to Braille signage throughout the building and smoke detectors for the hearing impaired, your guests will be treated with the utmost in discretion and comfort.

Reception catering is another example of how hotels can accommodate a wide variety of needs. Most offer pre-planned children’s meals consisting of a fruit cup, chicken fingers, fries and soft drinks, but they can also prepare vegetarian or vegan meals, low cholesterol or sodium entrees and other specific requirements.

They can further customize their beverage offerings so that your bar features your favorite drinks, including expanded wine bars, microbrew beers or specialty martinis.

Some hotels will also permit outside caterers to provide the meals for your reception when the menu is something outside of their packages.

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Ethiopian or Korean cuisine or any other requirement you may have. Some will even contract the caterer for you.

Experience The execution of the events on the day of your wedding is not something that should be left in the hands of the inexperienced. Hotels employ and train teams of experienced and professional staff members to cater to your every need.

The banquet manager and captains will ensure that your ballroom is set correctly with gleaming glassware, crisp linens and a uniformed staff to wait on you. From the lighting of the candles to adhering to your carefully planned agenda, the banquet department will deliver everything you planned and more.

The chef and his culinary team prepare delicious meals to tempt your guests.

Guaranteeing that the food is fresh, hot and tasty, they can feed from 50 to 500.

The catering director and managers tie it all together: your initial site visit, menu planning, agenda detailing and table placement diagramming. They will place your favors and place cards and greet your limo. As your liaison to the other hotel departments, they can assist with guest rooms and special dietary requests.

They can also recommend florists, bakers, photographers and entertainment.

Most hotel chains maintain brand standards of operation that add yet another level of experience to the team of professionals working with you. From equipment and staffing guidelines, to continuous training and operational policies and procedures, hotels offer you their good name and reputation for hospitality. Many also award frequent traveler points for all of your catered functions — a great way to pay for your honeymoon!

From your guests checking in to the shuttle for the airport where you depart on your honeymoon, hotels offer convenience, excellent value, a wide range of capabilities and an experienced team. Hotels are your one stop shop for weddings.

Photo by Windy City Production

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Visit www.bridesandweddings.com for more real weddings & inspiration.

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Photo by Brian Hatton Photography

Planning Your

CATERING BUDGET

By Lisa Beth Miller

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hen budgeting for a wedding, most couples budget around 30% of their total spending on the edible aspects of the day.

Once the approximate guest count is calculated, the couple should sit down with the caterer to figure out how much they wish to spend on food and drink for each guest. The good news is that there is a lot of flexibility here.

Here are some important decisions that will greatly impact one’s budget: Will you have a full open bar, or simply offer beer, wine, and a few signature cocktails?

If you opt for an open bar, will you insist upon only top-shelf liqueurs? The decisions regarding alcohol can have a huge impact on your budget!

If your wedding reception is at a winery, there is nothing wrong with simply featuring wine and champagne as your selected beverages. In most instances, a cash bar seems a bit tacky.

Treat your guests to what you can afford to provide. It is YOUR party.

Will you have a cocktail hour with horsd’oeuvres stations, or will waiters circulate with passed hors-d’oeuvres instead? This is another choice that sounds minor, but guests will consume substantially less if food is passed–thus keeping the budget under control a bit. Another way to save is to ask the caterer to balance the hors-d’oeuvres selection with both upscale and budget-friendly items.

If you go to a tasting with your caterer and absolutely fall in love with the selection of horsd’oeuvres, consider simply having a cocktail reception! Spacing out the offerings throughout 36 |

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the reception will ensure that guests get enough to eat and can mingle and relax! If this is the plan for your reception, be sure to make that clear on the invitations by calling the reception a “cocktail reception”.

Ask if the caterer can include a wedding cake. Most caterers have a “cake connection” with a local bakery. The included cake might be a bit basic, but you can always use flowers and decor to create a perfect presentation. The included cake is often less expensive than the one you might order from a bakery on your own.

For the actual meal served, you will need to decide between a buffet or a plated meal. Many couples assume that a buffet will automatically be the cheaper option, but this is not always the case. In many instances, excessive food may be prepared (and billed to you) for a buffet because it is difficult for caterers to predict how much will be needed. Since guests sometimes return to the buffet for additional servings and some foods are more popular than others, caterers play it safe by providing plenty of everything!

For a plated meal, an exact number of plates is prepared, one for each guest.

A plated meal, however, could require that additional servers are on hand. Be sure to ask the caterer many questions regarding cost comparisons!

Another idea to keep food costs down is to consider serving a meal other than dinner.

A classy and elegant brunch buffet after a morning wedding can be less costly, but just as memorable!

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Our Favorite Things W

e love finding new gift ideas for our readers to showcase. Here are a few of our favorite things that are a little unique than what is the usual wedding party gift. Consider these items for your wedding party or just as an anytime gift for those you love.

Tie the Knot: Grant Patton has a great selection of unique ties made in the USA. Matching socks also available. Starting at $65 www.grantpatton.com Whiskey Wedge: Creates an ice slope that chills spirits but minimizes dilution with this rocks glass’ fitted silicone mold. $18 www.uncommongoods.com

Ruff Mornings: Custom blended for Semper K9, this is a combination of two light to medium roasted coffees. Roasted by Veteran Owned, Ricks Roasters in Northern Virginia, sales from this coffee benefit Semper K9’s Service Dogs for Veterans program. Starting at $4 www.semperk9.shop 38 |

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Local Gin: Distilled from organic rye grain, with a secret recipe of organic herbs and spices, Catoctin Creek Organic Watershed Gin® is unlike any gin you’ve tried. Amazingly complex, with a rye base that shines through subtle citrus and cinnamon notes, essences of fresh cut hay, and of course a crisp juniper character. Together, they make Watershed Gin a fine cocktail mixer. $30 www.catoctincreekdistilling.com

Mini Dopp Kit: R. Riveter’s leather mini dopp kit is the perfect, elevated organization tool for those traveling near and far. Designed for the savvy and sophisticated traveler, the mini dopp can store makeup, jewelry, or travel-sized versions of all essentials. $65 www.RRiveter.com

Tasseled Up: These handmade leather tassel necklaces have a stone accent that can be customized to your favorite looks. 14k Gold filled or plated chain options. $45 www.etsy.com/shop/RusticGem

Illustrate: Fashion illustrator Jamel Saliba, also known as Melsy, is notorious for her customizable prints that hide the subjects’ faces.

Personalize hair colors and skin tones for a creative gift your besties will love. $15 www.etsy.com/shop/MelsysIllustrations

Ode to Home State Tote Bag: Especially perfect if you grew up together, pay homage to any shared memories from your hometown.

Each state-centric bag features a relevant poem and colorful illustrations. $45 www.uncommongoods.com

Jeweled Bracelets: These handmade jeweled bracelets are a great option to pair with wedding day wear or everyday wear! Starting at $18 www.CharlieMadisonOriginals.com

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DIY BRIDE

FLORAL INITIALS

By Amanda Baity

F

loral initials are beautiful, personal wedding decorations, especially when filled with the couple’s favorite plants. They are great to make for your own wedding, or to give as a gift to a gardening friend who is tying the knot. Try the couple’s first initials, or just their last initial if you only have time to make one. Or go all out and spell their names if you have the time!

Wire Outline: To make your personalized floral initials you’ll need to begin with a wire frame.

You can make them yourself, but they can be found at many craft and garden stores. The time and trouble saved make the small cost worth it.

You’ll also need moss to line your letters, plants to fill them and dirt for your plants to grow. Try to choose plants that thrive in similar types of soil so that they can all grow and flourish together.

Moss Lining: Begin by lining your letters with sheet moss. This will keep the dirt from falling out of your wire frame, and it looks beautiful.

Add Soil: Fill your letter with soil, pressing the moss against the frame to hold it in place.

We used a sandy soil so the succulents we were planting could thrive.

Add the First Plants: It’s a good idea to begin by planting a few plants on the outside that will hang over the edge. They will help conceal any part of the frame that might stand out against the moss.

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Continue Planting: Then begin filling up the middle with your main plant. It’s a good idea to use plants that look beautiful together even when they aren’t blooming, especially if you want to keep your floral initials around for a while.

Secure your Plants: Your plants will need time to establish their roots before the letters can be set upright. Plant between 2 weeks and a month before your wedding so the plants have time to establish themselves and fill in a bit without getting too crowded. If you don’t have enough time, you will need to secure your plants with wire hoops so they don’t fall out when you tip the letters up. Simply bend a piece of floral wire into an upside down “u” shape and press into the soil on either side of your plant.

Final Letters: If you are making two initials, consider making them personal to each individual. Use a couple of plants that are the same in both letters, and then add a few different plants to each. Have fun mixing color, texture and plants to create the perfect personalized mementos.

Two Wedding Venues, Two Unique Experiences

Historic Rosemont Manor

• Elegant estate with a stunning portico, luxurious suites and 50 acres of park-like grounds • All-inclusive wedding packages • Full wedding planning, catering services, tuxedo rentals, gown preservation & more •Overnight accommodations for up to 85 guests

Rosemont Springs

• Amish-built barn featuring a breathtaking waterfall, garden terrace & stone fireplace •Private wooded setting •Open catering and bring your own alcohol •Seating for up to 400 guests

Rosemont Springs

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Photo by Brian Hatton Photography

14 Q U E S T I O NS TO ASK YOUR CATERER

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ood and catering typically comprise one of the largest portions of a wedding budget. Whether it’s a local vendor who provides cuisine specific to your wedding theme or a full-service caterer equipped to help make your day seamless, asking the following questions can help to ensure your wedding food and reception will be unforgettable for you and your guests: Do you specialize in a certain type of food or serving style? Whether you’re looking for a certain serving style or a specific cuisine to coordinate with your wedding theme, it’s important to find out how your caterer typically handles receptions. Ask if menus are set or if there’s the option for customization.

Can you make a family-favorite recipe for our reception? Some caterers are willing and able to recreate the dish on a large scale for all of your wedding guests if you provide them with the recipe.

Have you previously worked at our wedding venue? Many venues provide a list of preferred or exclusive caterers while other locations may not have any restrictions. Make sure the caterer has at least done a walk-through at the site to know how the kitchen is set up, where their staging area will be and how the reception will be laid out. And if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue, your caterer may be able to point you in the direction of a location that can accommodate your guest list and wedding theme.

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Are you licensed and insured in the state of ___? Some venues require proof of insurance for outside vendors and/or a liquor license if there is going to be a bar. You will want to make note of this early and discuss this requirement with your caterer prior to booking.

Will someone be there to oversee the event? On the day of the wedding, it will be important that someone experienced is there to coordinate the event from set up to break down to ensure that everything runs as planned.

Can you break down the anticipated costs of our reception? It is crucial to determine what is included in the cost per person, any staffing and/or set up expenses and whether or not equipment rentals are included. When discussing rentals, be sure to inquire about color options to customize your event and match your color scheme.

What are your payment policies for deposits, cancellations, overtime and gratuity? Figuring out the company’s payment methods and policies will help to make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to securing your wedding date, as well as financial expectations.

Do you provide any additional services to help coordinate on the day of the wedding? Catering companies vary greatly in terms of their additional services. Some are associated with restaurants and/or specific cuisines and provide food service only. Others may act as full-service caterers who provide optional services such as

event coordination and/or design, as well as assist with finding and booking other vendors, such as florists, DJ’s or bands, photo booths and chocolate fountains.

Can we provide our own alcohol? Is there a corking fee? If your venue and/or caterer allow you to provide your own alcohol, stocking your own bar can be a great cost-saving solution. Just make sure to ask about any fees that may drive up the cost.

Is the wedding cake included in our package?

Some catering companies provide beautiful and delicious wedding cakes that are perfect for couples who appreciate a good “one-stop shop.”

But if you have a specific baker in mind, be sure to address this early in the planning. If you are providing your own cake, ask about a cake cutting fee so there are no last minute surprises.

What is the usual ratio of staff to guests? The answer depends on the size of the event, serving style, menu demands and equipment needs.

However, by asking up front, you’ll have an idea of what to expect and understand how the caterer works to ensure a smooth dining experience for all of your guests.

Is it possible to set up a tasting? Most catering companies provide some sort of tasting experience for their clients either prior to booking or before the event to finalize your menu choices. When arranging your tasting session, inquire how many food options will be available, if there are any associated costs and how many guests can participate.

When do you need a final head count? This will help you to determine when you need your RSVPs so you have time to contact any stragglers and submit your final numbers to the caterer in time for preparation for your event.

What happens to the leftovers? Unfortunately many couples do not get the opportunity to enjoy as much of the delicious food because they’re so busy mingling with their guests.

Having the catering team package any leftovers for you and your new spouse is a great way to make sure you get to have your cake and eat it too!

Michael Evans is the owner of Helga’s Caterers in McLean. To schedule a consultation, call 703.556.0780.

Fabulous Wedding Celebrations at Affordable Prices Since 1981 Voted one of Washington’s Top 5 Caterers www.helgascatering.com

703.556.0780

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By Amanda Baity

S

ocial media is embedded in our day-to-day life; for most of us, social media facilitates the majority of our daily interactions with others. We use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay in touch, share updates and celebrate milestones; it’s only natural that social media has found its way into wedding celebrations. That said, before uploading a photo of the happy couple saying “I Do,” it is essential to remember your social media wedding etiquette.

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Photo by LoveampStory Collective

Social Media WEDIQUETTE

HERE COMES THE HASHTAG A particularly social couple may utilize social media to engage and communicate with their guests from the first RSVP to the last thankyou card. While the majority of couples still choose to mail out paper invitations, many opt for electronic RSVPs: a cheaper, more environmentally friendly option. It’s also a more efficient option for guests. Wedding websites and blogs are also commonly used to share updates and information about the wedding day, the registry and anything that wasn’t covered on the invitations.

Social-savvy couples may also request and encourage their guests to upload photos taken at their wedding to a photo-sharing site such as WedPics or Wedding Party. Alternatively, a unique hashtag may be provided for guests to categorize pictures posted on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Digitally cataloged photos enable the couple to revisit the unique (and sometimes hilarious) moments the days after their wedding. Similarly, guests can swap stories and re-hash inside jokes long after the last dance-off.

WEDDING COUPLE TIP If you would like your guests to share photos with an app or website, make sure this information is communicated clearly and in advance either through your wedding website or via signage at the reception. Otherwise, you may end up with several hashtags and many irretrievable photos. Something as simple as, “If you are sharing photos, make sure you use our hashtag: #PWLivingWeddings.” This will let guests know how to upload photos with the group.

GUEST TIP While it may be tempting to capture every moment through your device, remember to look up and experience the wedding. You wouldn’t want to miss a big moment because you were applying the Valencia filter to your latest photo on Instagram. After all, it was you and not your social media followers who were invited to share in this special day. Your followers can wait.

PRIVACY, PLEASE While many arguments are endorsing a webbased wedding infused with social media, it isn’t uncommon for a couple to go one step further and request their guests be present and refrain from using smartphones and other electronic devices. Before you gasp in horror, we could all learn something from the unplugged wedding. If a couple has discouraged the use of smartphones, odds are they are more concerned with ensuring guests enjoy the evening than with ensuring guests have updated their social media. Simply put, the emphasis is placed on the guests experiencing the wedding through their eyes, not their phone. While your wedding day is a special occasion, “checking in,” tweeting and photo sharing may be daily (if not hourly) routines for many of your guests.

WEDDING COUPLE TIP If you would prefer photos and details from your wedding not end up on social media sites, politely ask your guests to refrain from doing so. Just like weddings involving social media, signage can be particularly useful in delivering this message. For example, “We ask that you visit with your friends here today. Do us a favor and please put your phones away.”

GUEST TIP Pay attention to the wedding correspondence you receive. Has the couple specifically requested guests refrain from using their phones during the wedding and/or reception? If so, be respectful — the couple has asked you to share in one of the most important days of their life.

Be a guest first, photographer/blogger/tweeter second.

When we think of wedding etiquette, we may think of toasts, attire, glass clinking and perhaps even dance moves. Today, we must also think of social media. Photos, videos, tweets, and check-ins are fluid in our society. While we can control what we share about ourselves, we can’t always control what others share about us.

When planning your wedding, it is important to determine how you feel about social media: what role, if any, will it play? Regardless, we must all be reminded to be social first, media second. bridesandweddings.com |

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Charitable Gifts

• for Your Wedding •

by Lisa Beth Miller

C

ouples who want to incorporate giving into their wedding celebrations have several options on how to do so. Here are a few ideas on how to be philanthropic for one of your first acts as a married couple.

Incorporate specific charities into your registry: Allow guests to donate in your honor to a cause that is meaningful to you both. This is especially common for couples who have already established their home. Charities that have a local impact will resonate with guests.

Here are a few of our favorites: n Semper K9 Assistance Dogs www.semperk9.org n ACTS - www.actspwc.org

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n Community Foundation of Northern Virginia - www.cfanv.org n Give Back Prince William www.givebackpw.org n Habitat for Humanity Prince William County - www.habitatpwc.org Donate instead of giving favors: A charitable registry shows that a couple is philanthropically-minded, but a donation from the couple makes them philanthropically-active.

Celebrate your guests or loved ones by making a gift in their honor. Include news of your charitable donation in your program, menu or have a sign near where your guests will exit.

Another option would be to donate to several

charities and display one on each table at the reception.

If you receive a duplicate gift or something you know you won’t use, consider donating it to a local charity instead of returning it. Many charities have a list of high need items on their website, or you can reach out to see what needs your favorite charity may have. They could always use your gifts as raffle prizes at fundraising events.

Consider that your charitable acts don’t have to be financial. Work with your caterer or wedding planner to contact shelters or soup kitchens in your area about delivering leftover food from your event or donate flowers to hospitals or assisted living communities.

Some couples have used their honeymoon as an opportunity to help others by traveling with charities to an exotic location to build shelter, wells, or teach children.

Be sure whichever route you go that you do your research. Ensure the organization is a 501(c)3 to receive a tax exemption on your gifts and take it a step further to inspect their financial records. If financial documents are not on their websites that could be a red flag but you can also view them at www.guidestar.org or request them directly from the charity.

Happy giving!

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•

WEDDING WORD GLOSSARY

ARBOR: An arch of branches, vines and/or flowers that the bride and groom stand under to say their vows. Also sometimes called a “wedding arch.”

• BUSTLE: Fastening the wedding dress in back to lift the train off the ground. This is usually done for the reception to allow the bride to move and dance more easily. Bustling the dress is often accomplished with hidden buttons, hooks and/or strings.

•

DAY-OF PLANNER: A wedding coordinator who works with you primarily on the day of the wedding to make sure everything goes smoothly (as opposed to a full-service planner who works with you throughout all of the months leading up to the wedding).

•

DESTINATION WEDDING: A wedding that takes place away from the couple’s home.

Often, a destination wedding takes place in a dream vacation spot.

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ELOPE: Long ago, eloping meant getting married without telling your family, usually because they didn’t approve. Now, eloping has evolved to mean any wedding that takes place with only the bride, groom and officiant.

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ESCORT CARDS: Cards that display the guest’s name and indicate the table they have been assigned for the reception.

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FIRST LOOK: When the bride and groom see each other privately in their wedding attire before the ceremony.

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GRAND ENTRANCE: The moment when the bride and groom are announced and enter the reception. The grand entrance often leads directly into the first dance.

• PROCESSIONAL: The part of the ceremony in which the wedding party and bride walk down the aisle. This can also refer to the music that plays during this time.

• RECESSIONAL: The part of the wedding in which the newly married couple, followed by the wedding party, walk back down the aisle after the ceremony.

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SIGNATURE COCKTAIL: A specialty drink chosen just for the wedding. The recipe or name often has meaning for the couple.

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STATIONERY SUITE: All of the stationery for the wedding: save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, envelopes. This is sometimes also called an “invitation suite.”

• TABLESCAPE: The arrangement of the place settings, centerpieces, table numbers and other decorations on the reception tables.

• TROUSSEAU: The clothes, linens and other items that a bride saves for her wedding and new married life. Often includes pretty lingerie.

•

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TRUNK SHOW: A special sale where wedding dress designers travel to a store and offer their gowns directly to the customers. It often includes a discounted price or the ability to purchase gowns that are not otherwise available.

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Wedding Programs

By Lisa Beth Miller

P

rograms are an easy way to make guests feel more a part of the ceremony and are a nice keepsake after your I dos. That being said, they’re totally optional—so you can include as little or as much info as you want. Most programs include the basics: the names of the to-be-weds, members of the wedding party, a ceremony itinerary, and in some cases words to any readings or songs.

This is also a great place to share descriptions of ethnic or religious traditions. Feel free to add extras too, like pictures, a brief story of how you met, a thank-you to your parents or even a map to the reception.

Be careful not to include too much though— programs should be something guests can read in the moments before the ceremony and follow along as it progresses. You want all eyes on you after all!

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Photo by Brandy Angel Photography

Facility

Sep.Ceremony Area: Outside Space: Dance Floor: Changing Room: Caterers Permitted: Guest Rooms:

Menu Price Range: Seating Capacity:

Reception & Rehearsal Guide COUNTRY CLUBS Chantilly National GC $$$ 160 Y Y Y N N NB We schedule only one 14901 Braddock Road, Centreville wedding a day, allowing 703.631.8560 us to focus all of our www.chantilly-national.com attention on you!

Laurel Hill Golf Club $$$ 150 N Y Y Y BC NB 8701 Laurel Crest Drive Lorton 703.493-8849 ext. 2221 fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/events Piedmont Club $$$ 200 Y Y Y Y E NB Affordable, elegant 14675 Piedmont Vista Drive receptions. Ask about Haymarket special savings on 703.753.5922 ext. 225 select dates. www.piedmontclub.com River Creek Club $$ 300 Y Y Y Y E NB 43800 Olympic Blvd., Leesburg $$ 703.779.2022 www.rivercreekclub.com

Breathtaking views of the Potomac. Classic elegance, fine service and exquisite cuisine.

Stonewall Golf Club $$ 150 Y Y Y Y N NB Flagstone patio 15601 Turtle Point Drive overlooking Lake Gainesville Manassas, perfect 703.753.6156 for ceremony or www.stonewallgolfclub.com cocktail hour.

Twin Lakes Golf Course $ 200 N Y Y Y CR NB

6201 Union Mill Road Clifton 703.324.9701

fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/events

HOTELS Hilton Garden Inn $$$ 180 N N Y Y E OS Onsite catering, per Woodbridge person, all-inclusive 2500 Neabsco Common Place, pricing, complimentary Woodbridge honeymoon suite, 703.590.2500 complimentary use www.woodbridge.hgi.com of breakout room.

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Facility

Caterer Required . CR Required List . . . RL Preferred List . . . . PL Bride’s Choice . . . BC

Nearby . . . . . . . . NB Ethnic . . . . . . . . . . E On-Site . . . . . . . . OS Tented Patio . . . . TP

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . Y No . . . . . . . . . . . . N

Sep.Ceremony Area: Outside Space: Dance Floor: Changing Room: Caterers Permitted: Guest Rooms:

$101-$125 . . . $$$$ $126 & up . . $$$$$

Menu Price Range: Seating Capacity:

Under $50 . . . . . . $ $51-$75 . . . . . . . $$ $76-$100 . . . . . $$$

Holiday Inn $$ 150 Y Y Y Y E OS Washington Dulles TO 45425 Holiday Drive, Sterling 300 703.480.7443

From beautiful room décor, delicious menu options, and dressing room packages, we

www.hidullesairport.co have truly thought

of it all.

BED & BREAKFAST/INNS Briar Patch CR 200 Y Y Y Y BC OS Plan a countryside 23130 Briar Patch Ln. Middleburg wedding weekend at 703.327.5911 our historic B&B. www.briarpatchbandb.com $$ 100 Y Y Y Y N OS 170 natural acres. 21 Poplar Springs Inn & Spa 5025 Casanova Road, Warrenton $$$ room Inn. Full service 540.788.4600 Spa w/salt water pool. www.poplarspringsinn.com One stop - catering;

pastry chef; minimal/ no rentals required.

FARM/BARN WEDDINGS Farm Brew LIVE $$$ 162 Y Y Y N OS NB 9901 Discovery Blvd, Manassas m.arnest@VillagioGroup.com

http://farmbrewlive.com/

HISTORIC PROPERTIES Oatlands Plantations CR 250 Y Y Y N RL NB 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane Leesburg 703.777.3174 www.oatlands.com

Two beautiful tented spaces; elegant gardens for ceremonies & cocktails; stately mansion and rolling vistas for

photo ops.

Waverly Mansion $$$ 150 Y Y Y Y N NB Celebrate in beautiful 2300 Waverly Mansion Dr. wooded areas and Marriottsville, MD gardens and beneath 301.572.7744 the gorgeous silk-lined www.historicwaverlymansion.com tent.

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Facility

Sep.Ceremony Area: Outside Space: Dance Floor: Changing Room: Caterers Permitted: Guest Rooms:

Menu Price Range: Seating Capacity:

Reception & Rehearsal Guide Historic Rosemont Manor $$$ 200 Y Y Y Y RL OS Center 540.955.2834 www.rosemont1811.com Manassas Park Community CR 200 Y Y Y N Y NB Budget friendly Center wedding packages!

703.335.8872 www.manassasparkcommunity center.com

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, ART CENTERS Hylton Performing Arts Center CR 300 Y N Y Y BC NB Rich colors and interesting 10960 George Mason Cir. architecture throughout Manassas, VA the building provides 703.993.9344 stunning settings for www.hyltoncenter.org photos.

WATERFRONT WEDDINGS Anchor Inn $$$ 175 Y Y Y Y N NB The perfect intimate 7617 Water Oak Point Road Chesapeake Bay wedding Pasadena MD venue, surrounded by 301.572.7744 water on three sides. www.anchorinnmd.com Celebrations at the Bay $$ 300 Y Y Y Y N NB This all-inclusive 2042 Knollview Ave. $$ beautiful Chesapeake Bay Pasadena, MD waterfront venue is the 301.572.7744 perfect backdrop. www.celebrationsatthebay.com Harbour View CR 320 Y Y Y Y PL NB Unique events on the 13200 Marina Way river’s edge. Special Woodbridge incentives for select 703.910.4273 dates. www.harbourviewevents.com

ACROSS THE RIVER (The) Villa $$$ 300 Y Y Y N N NB Two beautiful ballrooms, 4060 Powder Mill Road award-winning catering Beltsville, MD and planning. All- 301.572.7744 inclusive packages.

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Caterer Required . CR Required List . . . RL Preferred List . . . . PL Bride’s Choice . . . BC

Facility

Nearby . . . . . . . . NB Ethnic . . . . . . . . . . E On-Site . . . . . . . . OS Tented Patio . . . . TP

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . Y No . . . . . . . . . . . . N

Sep.Ceremony Area: Outside Space: Dance Floor: Changing Room: Caterers Permitted: Guest Rooms:

$101-$125 . . . $$$$ $126 & up . . $$$$$

Menu Price Range: Seating Capacity:

Under $50 . . . . . . $ $51-$75 . . . . . . . $$ $76-$100 . . . . . $$$

DISTILLERIES Catoctin Creek Distillery $ 60 Y N Y Y BC NB We are a small craft 120 West Main Street distillery in Downtown Purcellville, VA 20132 Purcellville. A beautiful 540.751.8404 intimate space for your catoctincreekdistilling.com/events wedding or rehearsal

dinner.

[

]

Photo by WE Photography

Visit www.bridesandweddings.com for more real weddings & inspiration.

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Photo by Brian Hatton Photography

wedding

Stationary

W

edding stationery may seem like a minor wedding detail, but it is actually an important part of your overall event concept. Wedding stationery is a couple’s first opportunity to delve into the “personal branding” of their big day.

Sounds overly serious and corporate? It isn’t.

Personal branding just means that the engaged couple is closely planning the overall look and concept of their wedding day, and that they are making sure that every aspect of the day is appropriate and recognizable. Read more about branding your wedding on page xx.

Generally speaking, the “save the date” cards are a wedding guest’s first glimpse into the style and personal branding of the engaged couple.

These are traditionally sent out very early (well before the invitations), making it critical for the bride and groom to develop their personal branding well in advance. For example, if a

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Photo by Tiffany L Johnson Photography

By Lisa Beth Miller

bride and groom are planning a lush, tropicalthemed wedding featuring hot pink and orange flowers and exotic palm trees, the save the date cards should reflect this look. In this instance, sending out sleek black and white save the date

Photo by Tiffany L Johnson Photography

cards will not help to build the excitement surrounding the event like theme/color–based ones could.

Of course, not every wedding has a theme but the overall look and vibe must still be considered. For example, before ordering stationery consider the following: Color scheme: Be sure the wedding stationery reflects the exact color scheme of your event.

Everything should tie together flawlessly.

Font: Be choosy about your font. Fonts have the power to create a mood and a style. Some are fun and whimsical, others are elegant and simple.

Formality: Your stationery should give guests a clue about your event. A beach wedding should have beachy wedding stationery. An elegant black tie affair should have traditional and classic stationery.

Texture/fabrics: Many couples are now using wedding stationery with a bit of texture, whether it be upscale fabrics or eco-friendly recycled papers.

Personalized touches: A popular trend is to incorporate personal photographs into the wedding stationery. Use a fun engagement picture on the save the date cards.or thank you cards, pose on the day of the wedding holding signs that say “Thank” and “you!” for an adorably stylish and thoughtful touch.

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Style wedding cakes with

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edding cakes are a centerpiece for the reception — they balance a bridal couple’s style, palette, theme and creativity. And couples are now mixing tradition with contemporary elements to create unique designs. Here are some helpful tips when choosing your wedding cake.

Find your comfort zone: It’s important to be comfortable with your wedding cake vendor, whether it’s a full service bakery or dedicated wedding cake specialist. You should be offered a consultation where you are able to taste various flavor combinations, browse through a portfolio of their work and begin to create your cake.

Celebrate with style: Gone are the days in which wedding cakes had to be round and covered with a thick white icing with

tons of piping. Brides and grooms are now incorporating color, shapes, sugar flowers, height and even cupcakes. Consider having a square cake with each tier slightly off-set and decorate it with very delicate piping to highlight the squares like custom gift boxes. Think about using taller round cakes with vibrant-colored sugar flowers for extra height and attention.

Defy gravity with a “topsy turvy” cake that looks ready to topple over. Try adding brushed embroidery to a traditional round cake to awe your guests. Or change things up a little and make each tier a different shape, color or design. Have some fun with cupcakes and create a cupcake tower with a small cake on top for tradition. Create your own statement!

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CAKES WITH STYLE—CONTINUED Look good and taste good: The wedding cake is usually one of the first items guests see when they enter the reception.

They admire it all evening and, finally after much anticipation, get to have a slice.

Make those bites memorable — the cake should taste divine! Ask when your cake will be baked to ensure freshness. Use seasonal flavors such as mango with fresh berries (summer), pumpkin or apple spice (fall), peppermint or gingerbread (winter) or carrot or lemon (spring).

You can even mix up some classics to create your own combination. Try a vanilla sponge cake layered with chocolate ganache and raspberry mousse topped off with vanilla whipped cream, or a devil’s food cake with chocolate buttercream filling and iced with vanilla buttercream. Or surprise your guests with red velvet cake filled with Chantilly cream and fresh strawberries! Different tiers can be different flavors to make for variety. And for your guests with special dietary needs, there are bakers who can make sugar-free, gluten-free and even vegan (egg and dairy-free) cakes!

Images below, Cakes by Happy Eatery

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The “icing on the cake:” Fondant is dough-like icing made with sugar, glucose and glycerin. Because of the ingredients, fondant is usually a very sweet icing. It is beautiful for covering cakes because of its ultra smooth and glossy finish. Fondant is also great for designs involving draping, hand painting, brushed embroidery, stenciling or embossing. If you are not using those elements, most skilled cake decorators are able to achieve a smooth, almost fondant-like look using a soft icing such as whipped cream or buttercream.

Groom’s cakes: Most people think of the bleeding armadillo cake from the movie Steel Magnolias when they hear “groom’s cake.” While you may want to tease your new husband, you can also surprise him with a special cake made with just him in mind.

If he is a huge football fan, have the baker recreate his favorite team’s helmet. For the avid fisherman, how about creating a bass boat? You can also recreate his night out with the boys with a complete poker table. This cake can be served alongside the wedding cake, or at the more intimate rehearsal dinner.

The final touches: What will you do with the top tier of the cake? Think about using some fresh or sugar flowers to enhance the colors and design of your wedding cake.

Monograms are also very popular, as are the traditional bride and groom. And the details don’t stop there. Once the cake is delivered to your reception site, how will it be displayed?

Cover your table with a beautiful linen and complementary overlay. Elevate your cake and place some votive candles around for ambiance.

Or how about flooding the table with rose petals? Your wedding cake vendor will help you find the best way to highlight your cake.

Remember to choose a reputable cake professional who you are comfortable with, one who can accommodate your needs and will not be affected by weather, staffing or “Plan B” on your special day. Keep all this in mind as you prepare to eat (cake), drink, and be married!

Emily Wu and her sister Victoria are the owners of Cakes by Happy Eatery, a full service bakery.

To see their cake designs and learn more about the bakery, visit www.cakesbyhappyeatery.com.

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Photo by Brian Hatton Photography

Don’t step on anyone’s toes

E

xcited about rehearsing that new “first dance” choreography you learned but have no room to practice? For about $10 an hour you can practice in one of the many professional studios around the area. Here are some tips to help ensure a pleasant environment and allow you to feel comfortable practicing in the studio.

• If space allows, dancers should set up speakers and use mirrors at opposite corners of the studio; once all four corners are full, fill in the middle sections. Rent space during non-peak hours (anytime before 6 p.m.) if you are practicing tap or flamenco, drumming or other loud percussive dances.

• Use earphones — especially if you need to play music loudly or nonstop and when directly next to ongoing lessons. Be mindful of volume levels and speaker location/angle. Turn your music off when not dancing to minimize the overall noise in the room.

• If you are beside a privacy/noise-dampening curtain, assume that your neighbors expect you to use it or switch places so they can take advantage of this amenity. Check with the office about if/when the curtain can be used. Ask permission before adjusting the teaching environment.

• Due to the close and direct contact nature of the dancing, use sanitizer or wash hands frequently. Don’t leave your belongings around the studio to “save” a space indefinitely. Let your neighbors know when you plan to return.

By using common sense and good etiquette, you’ll create a fun practice environment.

Remember, successful practice will help you shine in the wedding day spotlight.

Deborah Joy Block is the owner of The Wedding Dance Specialists. To learn more about wedding dance bootcamps and lesson packages, visit theweddingdancespecialists.com.

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wedding wedding planning planning timeline timeline

Visit our website to download a printable copy!

A HELPFUL CHECKLIST A HELPFUL AND CHECKLIST AND STEP-BY-STEP STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PLAN GUIDE YOUR TO BIG PLAN DAYYOUR BIG DAY courtesy of BridesandWeddings.com courtesy of BridesandWeddings.com

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W E E K S W E E K S MON S RE BEFORE BT EH FO B E Get FO R E your marriage license Get your marriage license

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Hair and makeup Dress to impress Get hitched Greet everyone Enjoy!

advice from real brides

“Embrace all of it... it goes so quick.... step back and soak it all in with your husband for a few minutes. You will never get that time back... don’t sweat the small stuff... your wedding is going to come whether you are ready or not. Have fun, and love everyone your with they are all here for you!”

—Jessica H “Keep it simple and smallish. Do little things that are unique, but allow your family and friends to enjoy the day. Also allow yourself to enjoy the day. Its worth it to budget a day of coordinator that will help with set up and take down. We got to be present on our wedding and greet every guest during the reception without feeling rushed. We remember every moment and had so much fun with minimal stress. It was such a great day.”

—Shannon W “After all the decisions have been made try not to stress and enjoy the day because it goes so fast!”

—Sarah A “While planning and the details are important and sometimes fun to do, don’t let that be your main focus. If you find yourself going off budget or getting frustrated with your fiancé or others, take a step back from planning. Go enjoy a good meal or activity. Don’t forget why you are doing all of this in the first place.”

—Anna S “Plan your wedding with items and things that surround and make up your everyday life. That is, if you enjoy the things that make up your every day life. Do not always go with what is most popular or what is in season. Try not to stress about things, even though stress is pretty inevitable. Just remember that you cannot control every detail of the planning and what the outcome will be. “ —Courtney E

Let our 5-Star reviews

WORK FOR YOU!

We deliver spectacular stress-free events! Call us today!

703.314.2209 dblplatinumevents.com doubleplatinumevents@live.com bridesandweddings.com |

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TWO COUNTRIES UNITE IN LOVE

Photos by Philip CaseyPhotography

Real Brides & Weddings

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Megan and Tom met in DC in July 2013. Tom is Canadian and was in the US for the summer during an internship. They started talking that night and have talked every day since!

The proposal: Tom spent the summer of 2016 in Ghana for grad school, and Megan likes to joke that distance made the heart grow fonder. He flew back from Africa and had about four days until the couple was leaving for a family vacation, so he had to rush to get the engagement ring in time for the trip.

They first flew to Kansas City for a family wedding, where he asked Megan’s parents’ permission to propose while the Savary family was at a baseball game, which is perfect for Megan’s family because they LOVE baseball. The next night, Tom caught the garter at a cousin’s wedding, afterward, Tom and Megan flew to Napa, California, for a week. Tom woke Megan up from a nap to propose in their hotel room. It sounds silly, but it was totally “them.”

She loved that it was low-key, private, and a total surprise.

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REAL BRIDES AND WEDDINGS—CONTINUED

The wedding: Megan and Tom had been long distance for 95% of their relationship (Megan in DC; Tom in Toronto for grad school). Finally being in the same place on the wedding day was what Megan was most excited for, so it’s not surprising that the favorite part of the wedding day was having all of our friends and family in one place, celebrating together! After three years of long distance, finally having everyone in one place was just the greatest.

Megan and Tom’s top five favorite moments of their wedding day were: • Their first look (which had the Canadian flag over the embassy blowing in the background) • Their guests’ reaction to the elevator bar • The flash-mob during the reception • The poutine • The moment of the night when everything (dinner, speeches, cake, bouquet toss, etc.) was done and it was just time to dance and enjoy the night! bridesandweddings.com |

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REAL BRIDES & WEDDINGS—CONTINUED

The details: Megan incorporated a pair of her grandma’s earrings, and a bracelet she gave Megan when she was 12 around her bouquet. Her grandmother passed away a few years ago, so it was an excellent way to have her as a part of the day.

The script “S” on the dance floor and end of the aisle runner was the handwriting of the mother of the bride. All of their friends and family recognized that as a “Savary thing” and Megan even has it tattooed behind her ear.

Megan and Tom picked the Newseum because the view encompassed their relationship -- Megan was born in DC, they met in DC, and then obviously the Canadian flag at the embassy next door. They served poutine to have a little bit of Canada with them in the US. Megan gave her wedding parties customized blackand-white baseball jerseys; each jersey included the ladies’ last name and a number. Megan’s jersey was white with black writing, and the wedding party had black jerseys with white writing. When the girls 72 |

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REAL BRIDES & WEDDINGS—CONTINUED lined up in the processional order, the numbers were 10-8-17 - Megan and Tom’s wedding date!

Since their new last name is Stark, the couple entered their reception to the Game of Thrones theme song!

There were circles included in almost every aspect of the wedding day. They were inspired by the quote, “The universal symbol of a circle represents the notions of totality, wholeness, eternity, and unity.” which perfectly represents Megan and Tom’s relationship!

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Wedding Gowns:

How to Find “The One” I

By Lisa Beth Miller

f you are addicted to reality wedding TV shows like I am, you probably think that it is obvious when you put on the “right” wedding gown. Some think it is a special hunch, while others claim the bride will most definitely shed tears when she sees herself in the correct dress.

Some brides just do not experience this moment of clarity and never really feel one-hundred percent confident. Why?

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THE ONE

Well, for starters, many brides simply overshop. They feel they cannot allow themselves to relax and feel confident in a dress (no matter how perfect it truly looks) until EVERY dress option has been seen. This attitude often leads to marathon shopping sessions to multiple boutiques.

This accomplishes very little because each visit to a new boutique starts the entire process from the very beginning, and consultants are trained to have each bride try on a variety of styles. By visiting 20 boutiques, the bride is wasting time and failing to narrow her choices at all.

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Another reason that some brides cannot relax and commit to a dress is that they are relying upon the opinions of too many people. No dress is going to please everyone, but it is next to impossible to follow your instinct and wear what YOU love when your aunt is complaining that your dress has too much beading or your maid of honor wants you to show more skin.

Too many shopping buddies lead to a bride being totally distracted!

eyes and envision your wedding venue. Where will you be standing at the exact moment your dress is revealed? Now open your eyes. Is this who you want your guests to see? If the answer is “yes”, you have found your dress!

Another obvious clue: if you are in no hurry to change out of your dress and want to test it out by sitting in it, dancing in it, posing in it, or even just standing around in it, you may have found your dress!

So, what is the ultimate test to figure out if your dress is “the one”? Try it on, then join your bridal consultant at the mirror. Close your bridesandweddings.com |

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HERE COMES THE

Select your wedding fashions from the finest bridal salons in Northern Virginia. Gowns, bridesmaids dresses, formal wear, accessories and shoes — it’s all there at your full-service independent bridal shop. For a custom-designed gown, check out the area’s bridal fabric retailers and designers. And don’t forget to shop for your trousseau!

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Ann’s Boutique 5709 Burke Center Parkway, Burke (703) 250-3100 annsboutique.com

Le Reve Bridal & Tuxedo 213 Loudoun St., SE, Leesburg (703) 777-3757 lerevebridal.com

Anna’s Bridal 8804 Pear Tree Village Ct, Alexandria (703) 360-4272 annasbridalcouture.com

Leesburg Bridal & Tuxedo 705 East Market Street, Suite D Leesburg, Virginia 20176 (703) 777-8822 leesburg-bridal.com

Best Bridals & Tailoring 4300 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly (703) 378-3222 bestbridalsva.com Bobbie’s Bridal Boutique 11258 James Swart Circle, Fairfax (703) 273-2629 bobbiesbridal.com Bridals by Natalie 705 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria (703) 751-8620 bynatalie.com Ellie’s Bridal Boutique 225 North Washington St., Alexandria (703) 683-8697 elliesbridal.com

Macy’s Bridal Salon

by Demetrios Tysons Galleria Mall, McLean (703) 902-4330 demetriosbride.com Rosalin’s Bridal Boutique 706 S. Washington St., Falls Church (703) 532-0288 rosalinsbridal.com Soliloquy Bridal Couture 754 Elden St., Suite 103, Herndon (571) 449-2580 soliloquybridal.com

Eternity Bridal Boutique 6531-A Little River Turnpike, Alexandria (703) 354-9330 eternity-bridal.com

Tang’s Alterations 8675 Sudley Road, Manassas (703) 393-8458 www.tangsalterations.com

Global Bridal Gallery 689 South Washington St., Alexandria (703) 739-2743 globalbridalgallery.com

Trousseau 306 Maple Ave. W, Vienna (703) 255-3300 trousseaultd.com

Gossypia 325 Cameron St., Alexandria (703) 836-6969 gossypia.com

White Swan Bridal 425 Maple Ave. W, Vienna (703) 255-9032 whiteswanbridal.com

Katherine’s Bridal Boutique 3104 Duke St., Alexandria (703) 370-8922 katherinesbridalboutique.com Labella Bridal & Consignment Boutique 313 Mill St., Occoquan (703) 494-2929 labellabridalboutique.com bridesandweddings.com |

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Selecting the Perfect Wedding Shoes

Photo by Michelle Lippert Photography

By Lisa Beth Miller

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Photo by Rachelamp Garrenbull Photo and Film

A

lmost every fashionista loves a fabulous shoe. Selecting shoes for your wedding day should simply be one more opportunity to add an amazingly stylish touch to your look.

Shoes for your wedding day should not be a last-minute decision. The shoe should be coordinated with your gown color (it could even be a unique contrast), your jewelry, your bouquet and your basic style. They must be selected carefully! Talk to the style consultants at your bridal boutique for ideas.

Once you have found the correct pair of wedding-day shoes, here are some additional tips to keep in mind: In order to prevent blisters and discomfort, start wearing your shoes about a month before the wedding to break them in a bit. Even just walking around in your shoes for 15 minutes each evening will help your comfort level!

Be absolutely sure that you have your shoes (and all of your wedding day accessories and undergarments) before your first appointment with your seamstress. Your wedding gown alterations will not be appropriate unless the

seamstress has a full vision of your complete look!

So shop early!

Avoid the whole “dyed to match” concept.

Allow your bridesmaids to select a metallic shoe instead. These are neutral and can be worn again. If you absolutely insist upon dying the bridesmaid shoes, treat the girls to a second shoe makeover and dye their colorful shoes black.

Remember—if everyone in the wedding party loves their shoes, it won’t be necessary to distribute flip-flops or slippers at the reception.

Simply don’t do it! Your wedding is your one day to be stylish and fabulous, so keep the standards high! An exception may be made to this rule if your wedding and reception are literally on the beach.

If you love dancing, consider shopping for a brand that actually specializes in well-structured, comfortable shoes! One great company that I adore is Angela Nuran.

My final tip: you will almost be guaranteed to have blisters and pain if you grab a cheap pair of shoes at the last minute! Take your time and purchase fabulous shoes for your big day! bridesandweddings.com |

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Tuxedos 101

Photo by Jessica Hunt Photography

WEDDING

O

nce you have picked your wedding colors and the groomsmen for your wedding party, it is time to select tuxedos. Finding tuxedos for your wedding party is an easy item to check off your to-do list, and gives your groom a pivotal role in the wedding planning process.

Most tuxedo shops work with out-of-town wedding members; don’t let that be an excuse for tardy measurements. Here’s a crash course in Tuxedos 101 to ensure you pick the right look for your wedding party.

For starters, have all of your men measured as soon as you pick out the tuxedos. (The ring bearer should wait until one month out to ensure his growing body fits his tuxedo).

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LESSON 1: TUXEDO JACKETS

When selecting a tuxedo jacket, pay close attention to the number of buttons and the lapel. Basic styles will have between one to three buttons. Two-button styles are most common due to their ability to look great on a number of body shapes and sizes. The most common lapel choices are notched and peak.

Peak lapels are very popular on the red carpet right now but notched lapelsare still most common in weddings. Next, pay attention to the detail on the coat. Traditional black is most popular followed closely by a shadow stripe detail. Chocolate tuxedos have emerged in full force and gray tuxes have also recently become

LESSON 2: SHIRTS

When selecting a shirt, pay attention to the collar. A laydown collar is most common with a long tie but the wing collar is also an option e. You also usually have the choice of a white, ivory or black shirt.

LESSON 3: TIES

When selecting a tie, you must choose between a bow tie or long tie. The long tie, typically a Windsor (typical suit tie) instead of an ascot, is the most popular choice.

Traditionally most long ties worn for weddings are solids but now many offer striped and other patterns.

LESSON 4: VESTS

Most vests are 5 buttons and are either a fullback or bib style. Bib styles work well with some jacket styles. Some wedding parties are opting for patterned or metallic vests, designed to coordinate with bridesmaids’ dresses.

Cummerbunds are a less popular choice, but they are usually available in a limited color selection.

LESSON 5: OTHER ACCESSORIES

Shoes and cufflinks are also commonly included with tuxedo rentals. Be sure everyone in your party rents shoes to keep a consistent look. A mixture of patent leather and matte

Photo by Jessie Felix Photography

Photo by Beyond Vision Wedding Films

popular. Sand is another color option and is great for beach weddings!

finish shoes will be noticeable by your guests and visible in pictures. Pocket squares that coordinate with the vest and tie are also a popular accessory that finishes off a tuxedo.

LESSON 6: THE RULES

All tuxedos should be rented from the same vendor. Any man who will be in many of your wedding pictures should be in a tuxedo to ensure a consistent look across your wedding party and in the pictures you are taking to create memories. This means if grandfathers will be in many of the pictures, they should wear a tuxedo, too. It is a good overall look for any man with a role in the wedding to be in a tuxedo.

The groom’s vest, tie and shirt color usually match the bride’s dress color, usually white or ivory. The groomsmen’s vest and ties match the color of the bridesmaids dresses. The ring bearer matches the groom or flower girl. The ushers, fathers and grandfathers typically don vests and ties in black or silver. This is to avoid too many different colors in a small group. Again, think of how the wedding photos will look.

Traditionally, the bride and groom request that each groomsman pays for his own tuxedo.

Be sure to make this clear to groomsmen so they are prepared when they are asked for payment during their initial measurment.

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KNOWING YOUR WEDDING GOWN SILHOUETTES

By Lisa Beth Miller

S

o, you are engaged and ready to shop for the perfect wedding gown. You arrive at your very first appointment at a bridal boutique and the consultant suggests that you try on classic wedding gown silhouettes. I know…you are thinking, “Ugh. I already know what I want! Look, I have a huge pile of pictures of my favorite dresses!”

Your best bet in this situation is to trust your bridal consultant! She knows exactly what she is talking about and will show you options that may not have occurred to you. Since most women do NOT try on formal wedding gowns throughout their lives, most do not actually know what gowns will work with their body type. As you look through your huge pile of pictures of gowns that appeal to you, try to keep in mind that the model wearing the gown in your beloved pictures is most likely almost six feet tall and around a size 2. Be sure to give yourself the chance to find a dress silhouette that is perfect for your own size and shape!

Let’s look at the four silhouettes that your consultant may show to you: 86

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Photo by P Taufiq Photography

u o Y

THE SHAPE OF

Photo by Brandy Angel Photography

Photo by Melody Co

ok Photography

A-line

This style is slim on top, fitted through the waist, and softly flares away from the body.

This style tends to be universally flattering, as it creates an illusion of a small waist! bridesandweddings.com |

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Ball Gown

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Photo by epaga FOTO

Photo by Rachelam p Garrenbull Photo andFilm

The fullest, most formal style—a traditional ball gown features a boned and fitted bodice and a full skirt supported by layers of crinoline. The shape here is similar to A-line but is fuller and more structured.

Extremely petite brides could be overwhelmed in this style.

Sheath

Photo by Sven Studio

s

Photo by P Taufiq Photography

A sheath gown has a narrow and straight cut that flows straight down from top to bottom without a defined waist. This style skims the body.

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Mermaid

Photo by Beyond Vision Wedding Films

Photo by The Stu

dio at Daisy Hill

This style hugs the torso then flares out from the knee or just below. This style works well for short-waisted brides.

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BRIDAL ATTIRE CHECKLIST B

ridal attire is more than just a gown. This handy checklist, courtesy of Trousseau Ltd., will keep you – and the ladies who play a key role in your wedding day – looking great from head to toe.

Personal Attire: o Tiara, Hairpins, Headband or Comb o Bridal Veil o Bridal Jewelry o Garter o Bridal Foundation Bustiers and Shapewear to Look Your Best! o Hosiery o Shoes o Handbag or Make-up Pouch o Handkerchief o Gloves o Wedding Night & Honeymoon Lingerie o Get fitted with Trousseau’s Bra Expert

Bridal Attendants:

o Foundation o Dyeable Shoes and Handbag o Jewelry o Hair Ornaments

Mothers of the Bride and Groom:

o Foundation o Dyeable Shoes and Handbag o Jewelry and Hair Ornaments

Stationery:

o Save the Date Cards o Wedding Invitations o Thank-you Notes & Personal Stationery

Bridal Accessories: Guestbook and Pen Ringbearer Pillow Cake Knife and Toasting Flutes Lucky Sixpence

o o o o

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Photo by Gideon Photography

YOUR WEDDING PARTY IS

BIGGER BETTER

By Lisa Beth Miller

R

emember the movie 27 Dresses? As a wedding fanatic, I loved this movie (and still watch it every time I am channel surfing and come upon it unexpectedly). Anyhoo, the film tells the story of Jane, who has somehow ended up serving as a bridesmaid on twentyseven different occasions. The final scene of the movie depicts Jane’s wedding, where all twentyseven “friends” serve as her bridesmaids, each wearing the delightfully awful bridesmaid dress from her wedding.

Recent trends say that the latter may be true.

While the movie fulfills all of the standard requirements for a fun chick flick, it also made me think. What exactly are we doing when we are deciding to have a huge bridal party at a wedding?

Younger brides and grooms are often still in “people pleasing mode” and are terrified of hurting anyone’s feelings. This seems to be how over-sized wedding parties consisting of grade school friends, cousins, college friends, co-workers, pen pals, and gym buddies came into existence.

Is the fanfare of having a large gaggle of girls dressed in the same ensemble an asset to the wedding day events? Or is it a distraction that potentially creates a lot of unnecessary drama?

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In countless blogs and articles, experts have proclaimed the death of large and extravagant wedding parties. This is happening for several reasons. For starters, couples are waiting a bit longer to get married. With age comes the wisdom to recognize true friends. Older (well… in their 30’s) couples are more apt to scale back and only get people involved in the wedding ceremony if they are appropriate choices.

In many instances, collecting characters from different stages in one’s life results in total

disaster. Bridesmaids compete to see who knows the bride best (kind of like in the movie Bridesmaids) and none of the characters truly bond with one another.

While having lots of different friends is undoubtedly a beautiful thing; they do not all need to be directly involved with one’s wedding ceremony. Some couples are even opting to have no bridesmaids or groomsmen to keep the focus on what is essential: the love that the bride and groom feel for each other.

My advice? Select a few bridesmaids and groomsmen. But select them with care. Be sure they are excited about the wedding and know both the bride and groom reasonably well.

Don’t just select lots of friends to create colorful and dramatic wedding pictures, as those pictures may remind you of the drama involved in having an over-sized wedding party.

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! y b a B Oh,

How to Dress A Pregnant Bridesmaid

By Lisa Beth Miller

Y

ou are planning your fabulous wedding when you find out that one of your cherished friends that you selected as a bridesmaid is pregnant. What should you do?

First of all, congratulate her! Do not look at this as a fashion nightmare. This is not a difficult situation to handle!

If you have not yet selected dresses for your girls, you need to do a little pre-planning before your big shopping trip.

Next, select (with the help of your girls) the bridesmaid dress that you wish for them to wear.

Pay close attention to the cut of the dress. If the dress is an A-line or empire-waisted style of dress, your expecting friend will be just beautiful. She may need to go up a few sizes, but the dress style should be ok in terms of comfort and fit. There are a few bridesmaid dress designers that do cut maternity dresses, but most do not. Be sure to ask your bridal consultant about this, though!

If the dress is a straight, fitted cut (like a sheath or mermaid style of dress), talk to your bridesmaid who is expecting. Give her the option of selecting a looser style in the same fabric if that makes her more comfortable. Keep in mind that she may want to wear the fitted dress in a larger size, and work with a seamstress to create a look that flaunts her tummy!

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Photo by Audrey Mills Photography

For starters, figure out how far along in her pregnancy she will be at the time of your wedding.

If she has been pregnant before, maybe take a few notes on her weight and size fluctuations throughout that pregnancy. Keep in mind that this will not be an exact science; every pregnancy is different!

The important thing is that your bridesmaids all feel good about how they look for your wedding, so be supportive of her dress decision.

If you already ordered dresses for your bridesmaids, you may need to contact your bridal shop for some creative solutions. They may be able to change the order and obtain the dress for your pregnant bridesmaid in a larger size. If it is too late to do this, ask the bridal shop to order some extra fabric. A skilled seamstress will be able to alter the dress appropriately if the material is provided! This may cost a few dollars, but it will probably be less expensive than ordering a whole new dress!

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Hair Trial

O

tentimes, something that gets overlooked while prepping for your wedding day is your hairstyle.

While you may be combing Pinterest and finding cute ideas from our “Real Brides & Weddings” features on the blog, you may not be thinking about a wedding hair trial. Talk with your stylist ahead of time and plan out a trial appointment to try different looks. You may be surprised to find that the style you choose does not look like you expected!

On the day of your hair trial, bring anything you think will help your stylist understand the looks you love or the style of your wedding. Bring the veil or any hair accessories you plan to wear. Have a friend take a photo of you in your dress at a fitting. Bring a color swatch if you have it and even bring the style you are wanting your bridesmaids to have. All of these things can effect the overall look of your bridal beauty plan.

Your Hairstyle Should Complement Your Overall Look

Look for options that complement your neckline and bodice of your dress. Also, don’t forget to wear makeup unless your stylist will be doing that in the trial as well. Not only do you want to see your hair and makeup together, but you will be staring at yourself in the mirror for a couple of hours and will want to put your best face forward!

Bring Accessories

There are so many great hair accessories available now to add a gorgeous accent to your wedding hair. It will depend on the look you’re going for. For a more classical look, you might want to wear a Swarovski crystal brooch. Jeweled barettes can be great as well. Some trending items at the moment are floral crowns, headbands and pearl pins.

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Photo by Melody Cook Photography

Wedding

Your hair trial gives you the chance to live with a look and discover whether you feel comfortable with it. If your hair artist suggests looks that you hadn’t considered before, don’t feel pressured to follow their advice — but while you have their expertise at your fingertips, you may as well give it your consideration.

Make Sure Your Bridesmaids Match

Tell your stylist the options you are planning for your bridesmaids if you are doing matching hairstyles. This will help determine the best look for your style. If you want all your wedding party to have the same look, you may want yours to be the opposite.

Document the Day

Photo by Olga Mohr Photography

Be sure you have someone taking photos of the styles so you can reflect on them later. A lot of planning and decisions will happen in between your hair trial and the actual day of! You don’t want to forget your perfect hairstyle!

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LaBelle France Photographic

Try Multiple Styles or Something New

Rescue TO THE

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o matter how organized you are and how much planning you’ve done before the wedding, you should always expect the unexpected. And an emergency kit for your wedding day is the best way to prepare.

If building your own kit, start at least two or three months before the wedding so you can gather the items over time. This allows you to consider the possible needs of your close friends and family. Designate someone to be responsible for the emergency kit, bringing it from location to location and keeping it readily available.

Suggested emergency kit items:

• Band-Aids • Blotting papers • Bobby pins • Bottle of water • Clear nail polish • Deodorant • Nail file • Feminine products • Hairspray • Hand lotion

• Hand sanitizer • Lipstick or lip gloss • Mints • Pain reliever • Q-tips • Safety pins • Small lint brush • Super glue • Tissues

• Tums/Rolaids • Sewing Kit with scissors • Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks • Straws (you don’t want to mess up your lipstick) • Chalk, tied for easy packing, hides scuffs and marks on white leather and fabrics.

You will also want to make a list of items to carry in your purse.

• Cell phone • Mirror • Handkerchief or tissues • Nail file • Lip gloss or lipstick to match makeup • Perfume One of the great advantages to hiring a day-of coordinator is the extensive emergency kit this professional brings to every wedding. Your coordinator will carry glue and staple guns, floral wire, hundreds of safety pins, fasteners, packing tape, lighters, scissors and more – there is nothing the kit can’t handle!

So remember, either put your emergency kit in the hands of a professional or start putting yours together early and you’ll be prepared for anything!

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WEDDING FLOWER REALNESS

Photo by epagaFOTO

Photo by Gideon Photography

Enjoy this collection of beautiful wedding flowers. Recently featured on our blog, these bouquets and blooms all came from recent, real weddings. Visit our website to see more real weddings and get inspiration for your day.

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Photo by Tiffany L Johnson Photography

Photo by The Studio at Daisy Hill

PLANNING YOUR FLOWER BUDGET

By Lisa Beth Miller

Photo by Jessie Felix Photography

W

hen planning your wedding, it would be difficult to avoid spending a large sum on flowers, as they are woven into many aspects of the celebration. Flowers and decor traditionally take up around 15% of the wedding budget.

This, of course, is flexible, depending upon how much the couple chooses to utilize flowers!

Here are a few ideas to consider as your budget:

Bridal bouquets and toss bouquets are fairly traditional and necessary. Brides who love flowers can go all out with an extravagant bouquet, while minimalists can certainly keep it simple! Brides could even opt to use the “real bouquet” as the toss bouquet to save a few dollars. Just keep in mind that the bride’s bouquet is one of the most photographed floral arrangements of the day! Don’t skimp too much!

Bridesmaids’ bouquets are also a must, but certainly, do not need to be as extravagant as the bridal bouquet. The girls could carry a single flower or a petite nosegay. Be strategic with color so the bouquets stand out in pictures!

Corsages and boutonnieres should be purchased for every man at the wedding party.

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also receive these floral tokens. The groom’s boutonniere should coordinate with the bridal bouquet and should be distinct from the flowers worn by the groomsman.

The cost of the ceremony flowers will vary greatly depending upon where the wedding ceremony will take place. Some churches allow couples to decorate both the aisle and the front area of the church, others may discourage this.

Regardless of how much you decorate the ceremony location, talk to the florist about moving these flowers to the reception location to save money!

Reception flowers: If flowers are the main decor at the reception, you will need a centerpiece/ arrangement for each table, at a minimum.

Flowers could also be added to the cake table, cocktail tables, bar, buffet tables, entrances, and restrooms. Keep costs down by specifically asking the florist what flowers are in season at the time of the wedding!

Another money-saving tip is to add unique props to the reception flowers (jars, candles, antiques, photographs) so that smaller arrangements may be utilized.

Good luck, blushing brides!

Photo by The Studio at Daisy Hill

Floral CHECKLIST

To keep you on track with your floral needs, here is a brief checklist: r Bride’s Bouquet r Maid/Matron of Honor Bouquet r Bridesmaids’ Bouquets r Flower Girl’s Bouquet or Basket r Floral Headpieces r Hostesses’ Flowers r Mothers’ & Grandmothers’ Corsages r Fathers’ & Grandfathers’ Boutonnieres r Groom’s Boutonniere

r r r r r r r r r r r

Best Man’s Boutonniere Ushers’ Boutonnieres Ring Bearer’s Pillow Ring Bearer’s Boutonniere Altar or Chuppah Flowers Aisle or Pew Decorations Reception Room Flowers Head Table Centerpiece Guest Table Centerpieces Cake/Buffet Table Decorations Toss Bouquet

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Photo by Flashy Mama Photography

To first look or not...

By Amanda Baity

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Photo by Jessica Hunt Photography

T

o first look or not to first look, THAT is the question.

“First look” is a term that has developed in the modern age of wedding photography to describe the moment when a bride and groom see each other on their wedding day before their ceremony. Whether or not to have a first look is a decision that many couples struggle with.

In the past, the groom waited to see his bride on the wedding day until she walked down the aisle. This tradition originated with arranged marriages. When a couple was chosen for one another they were not allowed to see each other until the ceremony so that they wouldn’t have the chance to back out once they saw what each other looked like. Eek! Not the most romantic origin! Even though couples marry for love today, some still like to uphold this tradition. But more and more couples are deciding to spend more time together on their wedding day … which means seeing each other before the ceremony.

Here are a few reasons a first look may be a great choice for you and your partner: 1. You get a chance to connect with one another before the craziness of the day takes over.

2. Your stress and anxiety are dissolved before the ceremony.

3. Portraits will be as quick and painless as possible.

If you see each other before your ceremony, you can get all of your formal portraits out

of the way so that you are free to do what you and all your guests really want to do after the ceremony—celebrate and enjoy your cocktail hour/reception! Consider these two options.

Portrait schedule if you see each other before your ceremony: • 2.5 hours before ceremony: First look and Bride & Groom portraits alone together • 1.5 hours before ceremony: Portraits with bridal party • 1 hour before ceremony: Portraits with families • 1/2 hour before ceremony: Completely done with portraits as your guests begin to arrive—giving you time to go inside & freshen up.

Portrait schedule if you don’t see each other before your ceremony: • 1.5 hours before ceremony: Portraits of Bride with bridesmaids • 1 hour before ceremony: Portraits of Groom with groomsmen • 1/2 hour before ceremony: Temporarily done with portraits as your guests begin to arrive—giving you time to go inside & freshen up.

• Immediately after ceremony: Portraits of Bride & Groom alone • 30 min. after ceremony: Portraits with families • 1 hour after ceremony: Portraits of bridal party • 1.5 hours after ceremony: Completely done with portraits bridesandweddings.com |

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WEDDING STORIES by

Tania

weddingstoriesbytania.com 106 |

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WEDDING STORIES by

Tania

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WEDDING GALLERY

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Rob Jinks

WEDDING GALLERY

Rob Jinks

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YOUR WEDDING

Photography Timeline Photo by Rob Jinks Photography

By Rob Jinks

T

here is nothing better than looking back on photos full of stories, emotion, and memories from your wedding day. However, without a proper understanding of how photography interacts with your wedding timeline, you risk running behind in your schedule, leaving your guests unattended, and missing out on the photos you want most. Today I want to give you tips for planning your wedding timeline in a way that will maximize your photography and help get you the images you want most.

Plan more time than you think you need.

Many weddings have some aspect of their day take longer than expected. Plan extra time in your schedule and know that things might take a little longer than you thought. Plan extra time for travel, for hair and makeup, for extra portraits with the best light of the day. Give yourself buffers throughout the day to help you relax and not feel pressured.

I also suggest that my clients be done with any official photos 30-45 minutes before the ceremony. Downtime is important, your wedding isn’t all about photography and you need time to rest, enjoy the day, and be with your friends and family.

To first look or not?

An important question to ask is, should I have a first look or should we see each other for the first time at the ceremony? While I love the tradition of not seeing each other until the ceremony, there can be some big benefits to a first look. Seeing each other before allows you to capture images with each other, your bridal party, and family before the guests arrive, giving you more time to spend with your guests at cocktail hour. Just make sure you aren’t missing out on…

The best light of the day.

If your summer wedding is at 5:00 p. m., that bridesandweddings.com |

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Photo by Rob Jinks Photography

means a first look would have to take place roughly between 2:00 and 3:00 p. m. Afternoon summer sun is high in the sky, casting deep shadows under the eyes and overall giving you unflattering light. Good photographers can work in any lighting condition to give you amazing images, but it can be helpful to plan some of your photography to happen during the best light of the day. Check when sunset will be on your wedding and try to schedule time during the hour or two before sunset, when the light is at a lower angle, to capture portraits together.

If your photographer is up for it, leave a few minutes to capture a night portrait during the reception. Taking a few minutes to capture photos with starts or city lights can give you very unique images and will give you a few moments rest before going back to the party.

Coordinate with all vendors.

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everyone on the same page. I typically send out my schedule to all the vendors after talking with my clients two to three months before the big day. My biggest priorities are to talk with your hair and makeup artist to confirm when you need to be ready for photos, and with the DJ or band to understand the flow of the reception.

Let it all go.

Know that no matter how much you plan, not everything will go exactly how you thought, and that is ok! Find someone else who can push the day forward, don’t try to be the coordinator. Forget about the details and let it happen. Soak in every moment and focus on being present with your friends, family, and your spouse-to-be!

I hope this helps you get started on your wedding day timeline! Should you have any further questions feel free to reach out to me via at rob@robjinksphoto.com or on Instagram at @robjinksphoto, or visit robertjinksphotography.com. I am here to help!

SELECTING THE

Right Music

For Your Wedding Reception

T

By Lisa Beth Miller

he wedding reception is a time to celebrate!

The right music choices are essential if you want guests of all ages to relax and have a wonderful time. While it may be tempting to create a playlist using your own iPod’s lists, don’t. You must consider your audience and welcome them into your fabulous fete by playing the music they recognize and love.

One recent trend is to allow guests to request one favorite dance song on their reply cards. This is an easy way to figure out what might get your crowd moving (or at least keep them in a good mood).

Here are some of the key reception moments for which you will need to select special songs.

I have listed a few of my personal suggestions, but, of course, you should personalize these choices to suit your specific tastes!

Garter toss: The song needed here needs to be one that will inspire the single men to join in the garter catching festivities.

You can’t go wrong with: “Whatta Man” by Salt n Pepa.

Last dance: One option is a final, emotional slow song to send guests on their way. Another idea is to be playful and select a song that brings closure to the festivities by indicating that it is time to go.

You can’t go wrong with: “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day.

First dance: The couple’s first public dance.

You can’t go wrong with: “Always and Forever”

by Luther Vandross.

Cake cutting: Everyone loves dessert; set the tone with a fun song.

You can’t go wrong with: “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard or “Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani.

Anniversary dance: It is trendy now to invite married couples to enjoy a dance that celebrates their long-lasting union.

You can’t go wrong with: “Grow Old With You” by Adam Sandler.

Bouquet toss: A fun song is needed here to encourage the unmarried female guests to participate in this fun tradition.

You can’t go wrong with: “Single Ladies” by Beyonce.

Wedding Stories By Tania ~ your wedding is our focus ~

We offer wedding events photography & video services.

weddingstoriesbytania.com #weddingstoriesbytania “We really enjoyed her style and her passion for photography, you can see it come through in her pictures. I would recommend Tania to anyone who is looking for a great photographer who makes her photos come to life and really tell a story.” ~ Justin

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Thank You Notes

By Lisa Beth Miller

Your wedding adventure isn’t truly complete until the last thank you note has been dropped into the mail. We all know how important it is to be gracious and show wedding guests that we appreciate them! As couples tackle the task of writing notes of gratitude, it is important that they avoid a few possible etiquette mistakes.

Most Common Thank-You Note Mistakes:

pasta maker they got you. Make sure your spouse is sharing the load, and it won’t take too long.

Not Handwriting Them You may not have touched a pen in years, but you’re going to have to pick one up for your thank you notes. It’s OK if your handwriting hasn’t improved since 5th grade. It just needs to be legible.

Taking Too Long To Send Them I get it. You’re busy. After you get married, your life usually goes through a lot of changes. First you’ve got the honeymoon. That’s at least two weeks. Maybe you’re moving in together or to a different city altogether.

Why is hand writing your note so important?

Simply put, hand writing is more personal. I still keep every handwritten letter that I receive. You can glean so much more by looking at someone’s writing. You can see the patience and care that went into the note.

It matters not. You have to find the time to get those thank you notes in the mail. Your guests bought you gifts, and helped to make your special day special. Sending out your thank you notes needs to be at the top of your priority list.

How long is too long? Emily Post says three months, and I’m inclined to agree with her. If you can’t get it done in three months, you’re not busy, you’re putting it off. You don’t want Aunt Patty looking down her nose at you come Christmas time. Just get it done.

Thank you notes may be the last remaining form of communication where handwriting is important and necessary.

Not Personalizing Them I understand the temptation. At one point it seemed like a good idea to invite 400 people, but now that you have 400 thank you notes to write… not so much.

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Forgetting Someone No one likes to be forgotten.

If Jack and Jill Jones gave you the box set of The Office for your wedding, your thank you note to them needs to read “Dear Jack and Jill Jones”. If it just reads, “Dear Jack Jones,” don’t be surprised if Jill starts skipping out on your dinner parties.

Unlike the rest of the faux pas on this list, this one usually occurs by accident. But, accident or not, you want to avoid it at all costs. It would be better to not send a note at all, than to omit someone who cared enough to attend your wedding and buy you a gift. bridesandweddings.com |

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Paradise Found

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omance, romance, romance – whether it’s found in an exotic port of call like Costa Rica or Fiji, a history rich experience in Paris or Greece, or our own tropical delight of Hawaii, you’ll find paradise in one of these locales for your honeymoon or destination wedding. Let one of these travel professionals help you plan that trip of a lifetime! Images provided by Power Trips Travel and Divine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons.

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Maldives

A chain of 26 atolls and over 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is one of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the world. With world-renowned diving sites and resorts that are the definition of luxury, the country offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Add to that a true left-the-real-world-behind feeling, and you have yourself the vacation dreams are made of.

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Iceland

Jamaica Ever popular, Jamaica still takes the top Carribean destination as the number of visitors rise each year. Enjoy your pick of all inclusive resorts and a host of outdoor activities with breathtaking views.

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Be it smart marketing or its otherworldly appearances on Game of Thrones, Iceland is having a moment.

Nicknamed Europe’s prom queen, the country has only 334,000 residents but 1.76 million annual visitors. If you’re curious to see what all the hype is about, splurge on a pair of winter coats and turn up the heat.

Rome

Belize

Rome’s visitor numbers hit record highs in summer 2017, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing thanks to new flights and high-profile hotel renovations. Don’t miss the famous Colosseum, whose newly restored fourth and fifth levels were opened to the public for the first time in November 2017.

English-speaking Belize beckons a visit with jungles, coral reefs and low-key beaches. Don’t miss a few days in the rainforest, where adventures include tubing, hiking, caving, zip-lining and river canoeing.

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5 REASONS TO USE A

HONEYMOON TRAVEL SPECIAL IST D

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Travel is no longer simple. There are so many details that go into every trip. Your honeymoon specialist will guide you throughout the entire travel process: provide packing tips and transfer options, advise on the best excursions, tell you how to find that secluded spot at the resort, give restaurant recommendations — and even explain the rules to shuffleboard!

You Are

id you know that the services of a professional travel agent come at no cost to you? Why stress over planning the most special trip of your life? Read on and learn from Travel Consultant Dana Franklin of Divine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons five reasons to use a professional agent:

CUSTOMIZED SERVICES: Whether you are looking for breathtaking REST ASSURED: You are your Your Travel beaches, amazing mountains travel consultant’s top priority. If or a Greek adventure, travel Consultant’s Top anything should go wrong during consultants who specialize in Priority your trip, such as a flight being honeymoons and destination changed, your professional travel weddings understand that agent is there for you! each traveler is unique. An agent’s first step will be to talk with you and SEEK A SPECIALIST: Many consultants understand your specific travel needs, interests who specialize in destination weddings and and desires, then translate them into your own honeymoons are also certified specialists for personalized travel adventure. many locations, hotels and resorts. They travel to — and around — popular spots, stay in BEST VALUE: A professional travel the rooms, eat the food and meet the staff. consultant will use industry relationships to Experience, education and continued training offer you exclusive vacation packages, amenities allow consultants to use their expertise to make and travel specials that you won’t find sure your trip turns out above and beyond what anywhere else, as well as help you get the most you dreamed it would be. value for your travel budget.

Connect with Divine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons via their website (www.divinedw. com) or call 703.282.8178.

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HONEYMOON

Checklist

AIRFARE $ GROUND TRANSPORTATION

$

HOTEL OR LODGE

$

FOOD & BEVERAGE

$

TIPS & GRATUITIES

$

SIGHTSEEING $ SHOPPING $ TOTAL $

TRAVEL AGENCY PHONE DESTINATION

AIRLINE FLIGHT NO. DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL

CRUISE LINE/SHIP CABIN NO. DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL

RESORT/HOTEL PHONE RESERVATIONS

Pack these essentials: r Airline tickets r Passports/Visas r Batteries/Charging unit r Sewing kit r Medicines/Prescriptions r Extra contact lenses or glasses r Credit cards r Toiletries r Electrical plug adapters r Travel iron r Clock radio, travel size r Travelers checks r Hair dryer bridesandweddings.com |

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MULTI-CULTURAL

MARRIAGES ere in ethnically diverse Northern Virginia, H multi-cultural marriages embody the best of customs and traditions. Here are just a few:

CHINESE

The color red is considered a symbol of happiness and luck. It is often used on invitations.

GREEK

The bride carries a lump of sugar to ensure a sweet life. Ivy in her bouquet represents endless love.

HINDU

Prior to the wedding day, the bride is tattooed with henna on her hands and feet, known as Mehndi. She wears a red sari embroidered in gold to symbolize abundance and fertility.

PERSIAN

During the ceremony, married women place a white satin cloth above the couple’s heads. Two cones of sugar are placed in the cloth and rubbed together to represent snowflakes of sweetness and joy.

LATIN-AMERICAN

A cord called “el lazo” is placed around the couple during the ceremony, signifying they are bound for life.

ITALIAN

On her wedding day, the bride does not wear any gold as it is thought to bring bad luck.

JEWISH

At the end of the wedding ceremony, the groom breaks a napkin-wrapped wine glass under his foot as remembrance of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN

To pay homage to ancestors from days of slavery, couples “jump the broom” to sweep away the old and embrace the new.

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Directory ALTERATIONS Tang’s Alterations (703) 393-8458 www.tangsalterations.com

(See pg. 77)

BANQUET VENUES

COUNTRY CLUBS Chantilly National (703) 631-9560 www.chantilly-national.com

(See pg. 3)

Laurel Hill Golf Club (703) 493-8849 ext. 2221 (See pg. 27) fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/events Piedmont Club (703) 753-5922 ext. 225 www.piedmontclub.com

River Creek (703) 779-2022 www.rivercreekclub.com Stonewall Golf (703) 753-6156 www.stonewallgolfclub.com

(See pg. 2)

(See pg. 21)

Twin Lakes Golf Course (703) 324-9701 (See pg. 27) fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/events

RESTAURANTS Brass Cannon (703) 753-6140 www.stonewallgolfclub.com

(See pg. 21)

(See pg. 3)

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HOTELS

Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge (703) 590-2800

(See pg. 33) www.woodbridge.hgi.com Holiday Inn Washington Dulles (703) 480-7422

(See pg. 29) www.hidullesairport.com

UNIQUE VENUES

Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast (703) 327-5911

(See pg. 31) www.briarpatchbandb.com Catoctin Creek Distillery (540) 751-8404

(See pg. 25) www.catoctincreekdistilling.com/events

CLUBS & COMMUNITY CENTERS Manassas Park Community Center (703) 335-8872 (See pg. 25) manassasparkcommunitycenter.com

MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, ART CENTERS

Hylton Performing Arts Center (703) 993-9344

(See pg. 1) www.hyltoncenter.org/rentals

WATERFRONT

Farm Brew Live (540) 364-2627

www.farmbrewlive.com

(See pg. 25)

Anchor Inn (301) 572-7744

www.anchorinnmd.com

Poplar Springs Inn & Spa (540) 227-7028 www.poplarspringsinn.com

(See pg. 15)

Celebrations at the Bay (301) 572-7744

(See Back Cover) www.celebrationsatthebay.com

Rosemont Springs (540) 955-2834 www.rosemont1811.com

(See pg. 41)

Harbour View (703) 910-4273

www.harbourviewevents.com

Oatlands Plantation (703) 777-3174

www.oatlands.org

(See pg. 18)

Rosemont Manor (540) 955-2834 www.rosemont1811.com

(See pg. 41)

Waverly Mansion (301) 572-7744

(See Back Cover) www.historicwaverlymansion.com

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(See pg. 9)

“ACROSS THE POTOMAC”

HISTORIC PROPERTIES

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(See Back Cover)

(The) Villa (301) 572-7744 (See Back Cover) www.thevillaweddingvenue.com

BRIDAL ATTIRE & ACCESSORIES Tang’s Alterations (703) 393-8458 www.tangsalterations.com

(See pg. 77)

BRIDAL SHOWS TRose International Bridal Show

www.trosebridalshows.com

(See pg. 23)

Washington Wedding Experience (301) WEDDING

(See pgs. 6 & 7) www.weddingexperience.com Wedding Salon www.weddingsalon.com

(See pg. 65)

CAKES

Cakes by Happy Eatery (703) 530-8898

(See pg. 61) www.cakesbyhappyeatery.com Simply Desserts (703) 754-2257

(See pg. 37) www.simplydessertsonline.com

CATERING

Cakes by Happy Eatery (703) 530-8898

(See pg. 61) www.cakesbyhappyeatery.com Catering by Uptown (301) 572-7744

(See Back Cover) www.cateringbyuptown.com Helga’s Caterers (703) 556-0780

www.helgascatering.com

(See pg. 43)

CONSULTANTS/ COORDINATORS

Dance for Joy Events (703) 626-7016 (See pgs. 23) www.danceforjoyevents.com Double Platinum Events (703) 314-2209 (See pg. 67) www.doubleplatinumevents.com

DANCE LESSONS

The Wedding Dance Specialists (703) 626-7016 (See pg. 25) www.theweddingdancespecialists.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Dominion Wedding Entertainment (703) 989-1874 (See pg. 37) www.dominionweddingentertainment.com

FAVORS

Cakes by Happy Eatery (703) 530-8898 (See pg. 61) www.cakesbyhappyeatery.com Classy Tacks classytacks.com

(See pg. 37)

FITNESS

Competitive Edge Athletic Performance Center (571)398-2813 www.competitiveedgeva.com

(See pg. 23)

FLORIST

Johnson’s Florist & Garden Center (301) 946-6700 (See pg. 99) www.johnsonsflorists.com

GUEST

ACCOMMODATIONS Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast (703) 327-5911 (See pg. 31) www.briarpatchbandb.com Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge (703) 590-2800 (See pg. 33) www.woodbridge.hgi.com Holiday Inn Washington Dulles (703) 480-7422 (See pg. 29) www.hidullesairport.com

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LIGHTING & SPECIAL EFFECTS Dominion Wedding Entertainment (703) 989-1874 (See pg. 37) www.dominionweddingentertainment.com

PHOTO BOOTHS Dominion Wedding Entertainment (703) 989-1874 (See pg. 37) www.dominionweddingentertainment.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Rob Jinks Photography (703) 401-7695 (See pg. 110) www.robertjinksphotography.com

REALTORS Virginia Realty Partners (703) 819-8388 (See pg. 23) www.virginiarealtypartners.com

TRAVEL AGENTS Divine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons (703) 282-8178 (See pg. 121) www.divinedestinationweddings.com Power Trips (703) 754-7509 www.powertripstravel.com

Wedding Stories by Tania (703) 489-5999 (See pg. 113) www.weddingstoriesbytania.com

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Visit www.bridesandweddings.com for more real weddings & inspiration.

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(See pg. 121)

Notes

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Notes

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Photo by Blackall Photography

Visit www.bridesandweddings.com for more real weddings & inspiration.

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