The firm has changed and grown so much over the 9 years in operation (as I suppose it should).  The face and ideals of the firm have not changed – our client based has changed – the most.  As our clients’ change,  the vendors that we work with have also changed.  The vendors that we worked with at the inception of the firm, do not work anymore.  I suppose it’s not a surprise.  Budgets have changed, the desires of our client base have changed – times have changed – thankfully!

We have grown in scope and experience.  I am grateful for that.  I feel that I am blessed to be able to do what I love.  It’s an honor and a privilege to work with each of our clients and we look forward to years of better service.

Just this year, we have created milestones.  This year has been a transition for Elegant Event Planning and Design.  Lot’s of positive changes that we look forward to developing and responding to these changes over the coming year.  First and foremost, we have had more same sex couples this year than in all the 8 previous years combined!  WOW!  Because of this,  the face of our vendor list has also changed.

It is our goal to work with vendors who will work with all of our couples.  Every single one, without regard for race, color, creed or sexual orientation.  Vendors who are uncomfortable working with same sex couples will no longer work with us, and also have no place on our vendor lists.

All of our clients can have the confidence  that all of our vendors are the best in the business and give our clients’ the best possible customer service and quality of product available in the Washington DC Metropolitan area.

Of course, we realize that the needs of each individual client is different – budget and style.  It’s our experience and abundant resources that allows us to be able to match the perfect vendor to you.

We are a very small firm and only do one wedding a weekend for a reason.

This past weekend, we could have been a reality show – as I was given a very big dose of reality.

After logging 836 miles, traveling from the beautiful green hills of Pennsylvania to the serenity of the Shenandoah Valley – and back – I learned one thing.

I will never ever do that again.

Ever.

More importantly than that, we were truly blessed to have been able to work with 3 different – and equally lovely families.  From that, it was worth it.  Each of them made us grow in so many wonderful ways – that I can’t imagine not knowing anyone one of them – which is the reason that I did it.

It’s really difficult to say NO to a wedding, because each one presents unique opportunities for growth and enlightenment.  Each one of our clients are uniquely special – and I am truly humbled and honored to be a participate in their special day.  Just this weekend, we were able to do a beautiful home wedding in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.  The Bride and Groom restored an old barn and turned their day into magic.  They got married surrounded by two mature willow trees – and what a dream it was.  We were also able to work with the upscale 2941 restaurant.  The gorgeous location, glorious food and wonderful staff made the moment magical for the Bride, Groom and family alike .  Then in the Shenandoah Valley, another one of our clients got married surrounded by 2 willow trees (I’m seeing a willow tree theme this weekend) on the family farm.  More casual in feeling, the father of the Bride made an arch out of bamboo.  It was an eco- and animal friendly day!

What’s better than that?

I didn’t say it wasn’t worth it.

Even though I will never do 3 weddings in one weekend again…

ever…

this weekend confirmed the reasons I love planning and coordinating weddings.  The magic of the moments are undeniable.  Families are in their happiest.  The smiles, the laughs, the joy.  The exhilaration of knowing that we helped to create a dream.

I wouldn’t change anything.

Happy planning.