Archive for November, 2009
Washington DC in March is one of the most beautiful places. New life abound – the cherry blossoms blooming – a first hand view of Washington DC’s most stunning monuments. With the floor to ceiling atrium windows, I cannot imagine a more beautiful wedding reception than treating your guests to a front row view of Washington DC -while cruising around the Potomac. This is exactly what this couple treated their 150 guests to – a night of enchantment.
This wonderfu
l couple, brought together by fate, came from two entirely different backgrounds – hers Korean – and his American, but both totally in love. They combined their love to treat their guests to a multicultural affair that both they and their guests will forever remember. Adorned in a beautiful designer gown and him in a tux, they renewed their vows in high fashion-while docked in Washington DC’s SE side, known for its great harbor and even better seafood. After the ceremony, the ship “set sail” to a cruise of magnificent proportions.
After an abundant cocktail hour of heavy Hors D’oeuvres and drink, guests were able to order of menus and feasted on a 3 course meal fit for kings/queens! While eating, the Bride and Groom partook in many traditional wedding rituals; such as, the First dance and parent dances. After dinner, the 5 piece band opened the floor to all guests!
The Bride and Groom cut their simple 3 tiered cake, and quickly went to change for the traditional Korean bowing ceremony. Guests were 
treated to an elegant Chocolate Foutain, with a variety of fresh fruit and sweets as an accompaniment to the delicous yellow wedding cake.
The night seemed to end as soon as it started. The simple set up 
lead to a magnificent evening full of light, love, Washington DC sites, but more importantly a memorable occasion for all!
This is going to be a beautiful entry. Check out all of our clients’ gorgeous bouquets. I hope you are able to get some fabulous ideas! It looks like roses have been very popular over the years.
Happy planning!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, and the entrance into the season which is not known for “saving” – here is a list of suggestions on how to cut your wedding costs.
1. Cut the guest list – if possible. Sometimes it’s not possible due to family situations etc. This is the number 1 way of cutting costs.
2. Freelance photographer – A great “freelance” photographer might fit the bill. Often, the wedding is looked through a fresh and creative lens. Expensive back-end costs are often reduced. Warning – if a professional album is your goal, this might not be a viable option for you. Tip – one might even reduce their cost, for a chance at getting a great wedding in their portfolio!
3. Trunk shows and sample sales are great!
4. Opting for a smaller “show” cake and offering sheet cakes in the back.
5. Cutting the alcohol out of your bar (they will survive one night, I promise). Nobody is saying that you have to offer, but if you offer it – you should pay for it.
6. Choosing a venue that has table, chairs, glassware, silver, etc. Covering the chairs is not as expensive as renting ones (if you find an economic rental solution. Don’t rent the covers through the venue).
7. Choosing a venue you are happy with, decor wise – choosing a venue that you do not like because it’s inexpensive, and then paying twice the rental fee in decor – is not a good plan.
8. Cutting out favors, or combining favors and place cards into one offering.
10. Make every aspect of your wedding matter. Follow this rule of thumb, “don’t just do it because you think you “need’ to do it. Do it because it has a significance to you, your fiancé, your families (collectively) and your guests”. Make the significance known to everyone.
9. Downsize your wedding party (or no wedding party at all).
10. Ceremony and reception in one place – no need to transport yourselves and/or your guests.
11. Renting instead of buying. Check prices. You will only use this stuff once, and renting will eliminate the need to sell afterwards.
12. Getting married during the “off” season. Many vendors would love to work early December, January and February – when things are typically quiet. They might even offer you a terrific deal if you give them your wedding!
m made dress as opposed to buying a gown at a bridal salon. I had a bride who loved a $3,500.00 dress. We got a dress made out of “real” silk satin, a cathedral veil which was lined in the same fabric, and a bolero jacket – all for $2,000.00. If that’s not cost savings, I don’t know what is.
15. Create a realistic budget and prioritize. Be honest to yourself and your vendors about how much you can and/or want to spend on your big day.
16. Hire a planner who has a strong network of vendors that they always use. This will save you time and money.
I hope this list will offer you realistic ideas on not only helping you cut costs, but also on maintaining the spirit of your day!
Happy planning!
Christopher Dunn is an accomplished classically trained guitarist, residing in the Baltimore area. He is the owner of Classical Guitar Ceremonies, Inc – providing music for weddings and other upscale events in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
A native of Maryland, Chris received his Bachelors of Music, Masters of Music and Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory. Chris was a recipient of the Peabody Merit Award and Howard County Arts Scholarship during his studies with Julian Gray, Ray Chester and Manuel Barrueco at the conservatory. As a founding member of the Aurora Guitar Quartet, recent concert seasons have included concerts in United States, Costa Rica and Japan. Chris also performs as a soloist in The Dunn- Stornant Duo with flautist Rachel Stornant. In addition to classical performances, Chris performs as a studio musician for popular music groups/song writers and is part of a new mix media electronic group in Baltimore with poet Stephen Reichert.
Chris is absolutely amazing and has an extensive repertoire ranging from Baroque and classical to Latin American/Spanish and popular modern arrangements. If you combine styles for your ceremony and cocktail hour, your guests will be “talking” for years to come! Take a listen to this beautiful piece. Although I have chosen Ava Maria because it is a personal “fav” of mine, you can find other music samples on his website.
He has a few professional guitarists in his company, so they are able to handle multiple events on the same day.
Visit him online. When you contact him, make sure you tell him that you read about him here!
Happy planning!
If you haven’t yet found your gown and are interested in purchasing a sample gown at a great price, than the following information is for you!
Bridals by Elena, a full 
service bridal salon featuring couture bridal, special occasion gowns and custom designs is offering select sample gowns at 30%-70% off MSRP the weekend after Thanksgiving. These bridal sample gown designers include Romona Kevenza, St. Pucchi, Demetrios, Maggie Sottero, Anjiloque, Watters, Winnie Couture, La Sposa, San Patrick, Impression, Jasmine and many more!
Give them a call to schedule an appointment to find the gown of your dreams 410-975-0076. Also, visit them online.
Good luck and have fun!
It was truly a gorgeous day – picture perfect really! I would love to share more pictures with you.
The cocktail hour took place in an enormous field. Guest tables were placed on the field as well as by a private pond- giving them a quiet place to reflect and enjoy. A trio of chamber players provided a number of classical selections
We used a mix of square and round tables and tall and short centerpieces. The colors were chocolate and celadon. After going to a whole sale florist, we learned that she love peonies, hydrangea, roses and viburnum. For the cocktail hour, light celadon linens were used. Chocolate satin with natural Chivaris draped the room.
The large tent was placed in one of the fields. Poles draped in fabric and covered with lights provided the most elegant setting for a most terrific evening.
Congratulations Adrienne and Brian
Photography by Thomas Graves
Happy Planning!
Take a look at this short video of 3 recent weddings. These weddings represent our style.
2 weddings were in Baltimore and 1 in Kansas City.
A compelation of 3 recent Weddings
I look forward to speaking with you about your upcoming wedding!
Credits
Music – Half Acre by Hem
Photography
A Walters Wedding – Rachel Smith
Kansas City – Paulvphoto
A Home Wedding – Thomas Graves
