Archive for March, 2010
The title is deceiving – because the Delaplaine is not only perfect for a lower budget wedding – but it’s versatility and elegance lends itself to be the perfect location for any wedding. It’s a blank slate that can be dressed up or down – and it will be an exceptional wedding venue that will impress you and your guests a like.
Take a look.
Take a look at the Delaplaine online
Happy planning!
L’Enfant Plaza held an amazing bridal show a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share the pictures (and video) with you. One thing I loved about this show, is that they showed you different things you could do with the space – from simple to extravagant.
The staff is really super, and Kristi, the Catering Sales Manager is a doll.
Check out the awesome eye candy!
Standard Table
Summer Table with Black Chiavari Chair
Spring Table
Close up of the Amazing China
Solarium – look at the draping!
Uplighting makes for a more Dramatic Look
Just a bit of Sweetness to end the post
Check out this video from one of my most favorite videographers ever! She is ONE of the 2 that I recommend.
It’s really easy to get to L’Enfant Plaza as it’s practically off 395. There is clear signage – imagine that!
Kristi St. Peter
202-646-4414
kristi.st.peter@lenfantplazahotel.com
Happy planning!
Blessing of the Kola-nut is an important ritualistic tradition in all West African weddings.
The Kola-nut is a bi
tter nut that is derived from the evergreen Kola tree – which is a member of the Cocoa family. It’s used for many ceremonial purposes, including weddings, in West and Central Africa. It’s a caffeine stimulate is is prized among different groups as the “bread” of gatherings in that it’s blessed, broken and shared by everyone.
Often times the most significant male figure in each family will bless the Kola-nut in his own native language. In our beautiful wedding, the Father of the Bride and Cousin of the Groom (each representing different tribes) blessed the Kola-nut. We then broke it, and passed it down the two long tables for everyone to partake. It is a beautiful and meaningful tradition.
Happy planning!
Thanks to Rachel Smith for the awesome pictures!
While perfect for a more casual picnic or brunch style wedding rather than a formal sit down dinner, Beaujolais is the fun wine on most wine drinkers list. Its lack of tannins, candy-like fruity flavors of cherry and raspberry, and low price (even the best Cru beaujolais can be snagged for under $20.00) makes it approachable for everyone (even the non drinker). Unlike most red wines, it’s fruity flavors benefit from being served chilled (it accentuates it’s fruitiness and allows it to be consumed in large quantity). All of these qualities help make Beaujolais the life of a party!
Beaujolais is produced in the southern portion of the Burgundy region and is made with the Gamay grape (Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc). Interestingly enough, French law dictates that the grapes be picked by hand – a characteristic only shared with champagne. The wine itself is made by a process called Carbonic Maceration (Whole Berry Fermentation) – a process which allows winemakers to extract the juice with minimal tannins.
There are different types of Beaujolais…
- Beaujolais Nouveau – A tradition not only in France but around the world. The Beaujolais Nouveau is the celebration of the first vintage of Beaujolais. All the manufactures rush to get it to Paris and in the stores by the stroke of midnight. It’s only aged a few weeks – and lacks body and taste – it’s overly light and simple, but like anything – it’s a great excuse to throw a wonderful party!
- Beaujolais – It comes from somewhere in Beaujolais
- Beaujolais Villages – This wine comes from grapes of about 30 designated villages. The wines from the villages are known to be better than from the other areas of Beaujolais.
- Cru Beaujolais – Of the villages that make up Beaujolais Villages – there are about 10 that are recognized as being the best. These villages are Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, Regnie, Morgon, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Moulin-a-Vent, Chenas, Julienas, and Saint-Amour.
Here are some consistent producers of a good Beaujolais
Any of the Cru Beaujolais would also be a good bet as they are the best of the Beaujolais.
Happy celebrating!
Who knew that Nordstrom had a wedding shop? It’s cool because there are some very good options for the Bride under $500.00. They also have something for your Bridesmaids, mothers, and fathers – oh my! Of course, they also have accessories for your feet, neck, head – and everything in between.
Check out the Nordstrom Bridal Shop
Thanks Mom!
Happy shopping and saving!
PERC, also known as percloroethylene , TCE, tetrachloroethylene or tetrachloroethene have been used by the dry cleaning industry since the 1930’s. Both chemicals have since been determined to be an environmental toxins and a potential carcinogens (causes cancer) in humans.
Perc has been found in our air and water – and it’s not known where it came from. These days, dry cleaners are the most significant source of Perc emissions. How do we lessen our dependence on dry cleaning? Dry cleaning has been estimated to be a 10 BILLION dollar industry in the US alone. WOW!
Fortunately, There are more environmentally friendly dry cleaning options out there. Dryeco is just one!
Dryeco can dry clean and preserve your wedding gown with not only care for you and your wedding gown – but also for care to the environment!
Take a look at their environmental pledge. Not only have they eliminated the use of perc in their operation – but they take great care in making their business eco-friendly in other ways, such as:
- Water and energy use
- Biodegradable or post-consumer product packaging
- Recycled hangers
They accept gowns from all around the country – so give them a call!
Happy cleaning!
In the last 8 years, we have had the pleasure of creating dreams in Virginia, Washington DC, Baltimore, Montgomery County, Frederick, Hagerstown, Southern Maryland, the Eastern Shore, Annapolis, New England, Kansas City, Minneapolis and beyond! Take a look at how we separate ourselves from the rest!
Give us a call and see how we can help you create/realize your dream!
The goal is to find a very nice venue that has it’s own character. The golden rule of thumb:
- Just because it’s cheap – doesn’t mean it is IT
- Just because it’s seemingly “all in one” – does not mean It’s a good fit for you. Look deeper!
Imagine finding a place that’s inexpensive – that you hate, and will result in spending hundreds – or worse, thousands of dollars in enhancements – just to make the site and service palatable.
This is not what we want.
Price tag is very important, but we also want places that are lovely, unique, and enlightened – and also have the following qualities
- Less than 1 hour outside of Washington DC
- A low hourly rental rate ($100.00-$200.00/ hour on average) – with no, or a very low, hourly minimum
- Easy parking availability
- Near stuff – so guests have things to do relatively close. This is very important if your guests are coming from out of town
- No preferred caterers list. VERY BAD. We want you to have choice. CHOICE is very important when you are working with a low budget!
- Preferably allow all caterers – even non-licensed – to work on premises
- Have a kitchen – or at the very least – preparation facilities.
You must have vision. Places that are unknown as “wedding sites” might be great possibilities.
Next week, I am going to combine our series’ (Planning a $5,000.00 Wedding and Video Blog) and give you a tour of two sites that are excellent possibilities – and also have the qualities that we listed above.
Exciting!
Happy planning!
What’s more fabulous than loosing 1 hour of sleep this weekend?
Nothing that I can think of.
Don’t forget to set your clocks forward at 2:00 AM Sunday morning. What a joy!
PS
We have some fabulous content in store for this weekend. We are continuing our series, Planning a $5,000.00 Wedding, by talking about choosing the perfect venue!
Sweet!
Our newest video blog will explain what we have to offer – you and your families – as you start, or continue to plan your beautiful weddings.
Tune in!
Happy sleeping!
I am doing a little reflecting (soul searching) today and thinking deeply about the very positive happenings this week (sometimes I get in these moods). I guess I cannot take all the credit for this reflection – it was actually spurred by a conversation I had with one of my assistants over the telephone.
As the owner of the firm, one thing I must do is listen intently to everyone without judgment – even if I disagree with what they are saying. Then, I reflect, come to terms, and make decisions – because I operate my company with integrity, responsibility, fairness and professionalism – and I expect that those four characteristics are within everyone who works with me. I want the best of the best from the people I work with – and I am satisfied with nothing less. I am kind of hard that way.
Gay marriage is a hot button issue for me. It’s one of the very few issues that will make or break a candidate in an election year. It goes beyond professionalism and being a Smithie (which I am very proud of). Actually, I’m not sure why it’s even an issue that I have to vote on. For me, it’s about the very foundation of what this country is – Family, Love, Life, the Pursuit of happiness – for everyone. Everyone has the right.
I could probably say this about a lot of things.
Anyhoo, I think it’s Murphy’s law that you have to fight to obtain the rights that are already afforded to you. It’s happened time, and time again. After you get them, you will have to fight many years to keep, enforce, and live a solemn life.
Because children should grow up in loving and happy families – I must say that I am extremely proud of DC for stepping up – and taking positive steps. We are the model for what others should – and hopefully, will be. Who knew it could and would happen in DC? Call me a pessimist (lots of people do).
Happy reflecting!
Thanks to Kelly Prizel for this remarkable photograph.
