We are extremely proud to be the newest members of the Bliss Collection – A select group of wedding vendors specializing in Northern Virginia weddings! I am thrilled. We went through a rigorous application process.
Take a look at the website .
I am so looking forward to my bliss blogging- blogging about N. Virginia weddings and all of my wonderful Bliss colleagues!
Happy planning!
This was a beautiful home wedding we planned and designed for a same sex couple. Out of respect for our clients, we are not showing their faces, but they kindly allowed us to show you the details of the day.
They had a bountiful fall harvest theme of browns, golds, deep reds and oranges. They wanted a ceremony and reception that didn’t scream “wedding” and incorporated one of the Bride’s Indian Heritage.
We worked with LaPrima Catering to create a station menu that was out of this world good! It consisted of an Indian station, Mexican dip station with this wonderful guacamole and corn salsa (YUM) and a fabulous dessert display.
Florals by Park Florist
Lovely photographs by the wonderful Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images.
Happy planning!
Over the past 9 years, I have very much enjoyed offering Wedding Day Coordination services. I have met some very wonderful couples who I would not have otherwise met, if I hadn’t offered the service. I grew from knowing them.
However, as things change, and Elegant Event Planning and Design is making transitions so that we able to best help our clients – and to provide exceptional service – we will be phasing out our Day of Coordination services over the next several months, and not offering it after January 1st, 2012. We are refocusing all of our attention – hearts and energy to our partial and full planning clients – becoming Elegant Event Planning and Design an Event Management Firm.
This is something that we have been considering for many months, and I feel it’s the right time to implement these changes.
Of course we will still provide Day of Services to our planning clients.
Even though we will go through this one major change, there will be no changes in our ability to customize individual packages to meet the individual needs of our clients. Meeting the needs of our client’s is of number one priority and the major reason we are instituting this change!
So, if you are considering us for your day of needs, I appreciate it! It’s an honor to hear from couples who are interested in our services! However, now is the time to call us and set up an appointment.
I will still support others in providing clients with exceptional Wedding Day Coordination, and will refer you to a planner who has the highest standards, integrity and will provide you with the same level of service our clients are accustomed to. Wedding Day Services are so important – they really are. It’s a much needed service for EVERY SINGLE couple. Everybody should have a professional on their day to ensure things run smoothly and according to plan.
Happy planning!
This dress was all the rage on Friday. The most anticipated wedding gown of the century – fashion insiders and press said alike. Of course I had to let it sink in before I chimed in.
By the time I woke on Friday morning, the ceremony was long over. I just wanted to see the dress and bits and pieces of the wedding – being a wedding planner and extremely curious. When I read that Vera Wang said the dress was not fashion forward and something she expected Kate to wear, and having not seen the dress, I immediately knew it was stunning. I needed to see it.
WOW! Bravo to Kate! That dress was absolutely gorgeous. In my opinion it was everything “bridal” – modesty, beauty, simplicity. It wasn’t weighed down in a bunch of fabric. It was nice and light, clean lines – and spectacularly gorgeous. 30 years later, when I look at Diana’s gown, I wince. No offense, but yuck. When I look at Kate’s dress 30 years later, it’s going to be the sight of exquisite beauty. It is so classic, which is what we are about at Elegant Event Planning and Design – classic beauty. Despite all the hype – and a world watching – Kate created a wedding about her and William’s love for each other.
Bravo.
Plus, I think the last thing this world needed, was millions upon millions of Brides draping themselves in loads of nasty polyester and tulle – trying to copy a princess.
Happy planning!
A Hmong wedding party prepares to meet with the groom’s representatives to negotiate the arrangement in a formal ceremony that has been passed down through oral tradition.
The Hmong people have very beautiful and meaningful wedding traditions. Some of them are also quite controversial, so I wanted to share the beautiful symbolism here.
What is the purpose of the Bride’s Price?
The Groom covers the cost of loving caring and raising the Bride from childhood to adult hood – as appreciation to the her parents. It’s not as if he is buying his Bride – gross misconception.
Why does the Bride wear traditional Hmong Clothing?
When returning home for the wedding ceremony, the Bride wears clothes that represent the Groom’s family. After the wedding ceremony, she changes into clothes that represent the Bride’s family.
What is the purpose of the black umbrella?
The black umbrella protects the couple from evil spirits and bad luck as they travel to the Bride’s home for the wedding cermeony.
Why does the Groom bow down on hands and knees to every realitive in the family?
The Groom bows down on hands and knees to all of the Bride’s family, including all of her relatives. It’s a sign of respect, that he will perform on the contract being set forth. It’s a promise of commitment that the Groom will love, cherish, protect and care for the Bride.
Why is the Bride shadowed by the Groom’s youngest sister?
During the wedding it is improper for the Groom to spend much time with his Bride – espcially since he has so many commitments to his elders. However, the Bride needs attention. This attention is given by the Groom’s youngest sister. She has charge to take care of the Bride for the day, while the Groom carries on with his responsiblities to his family and guests.
Who gets to sit at the head table?
The for Meej Koob (master of cermeony), best men, the eldest brother of the Bride, the first cousin and uncle of the Bride, the uncle of the Bride’s mother, the aunt of the Bride, and two men from each side of the family.
I like to talk about cultural weddings becaue I think it’s important to understand traditions, and incorporate those traditions which you think are important or special to create your own day that’s unique to you.
Happy Planning
Hmong cultural traditions from Bridging the Shores
Wonderful photograph from Folklife Traditions
I think it’s so important to create the wedding that reflects you and your partner. Often times our clients will say, do we have to do this or that?
Your wedding is unique, and should contain elements that are unique to you. It’s so important. I am sure that you know there are many areas which can be personalized, probably so many that I cannot list them here. Music is one area. There really are no rules. Use pieces that speak to you and your partner.
Here are just a few that speak to me
Only a few, Hahahahaaha!
Happy planning!
I received a very insightful comment to one of my posts – Why You Should Hire a Videographer.
It comes from a Mother of the Bride, and I think she states in beautifully. I wanted all of you to read it too.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for posting this entry. It’s a timeless post. I couldn’t imagine not having a videographer at my own wedding let alone a photographer. I had two photographers and two videographers. Yes, maybe it’s a bit much, but over twelve years later, the photos and videos are truly some of the most amazing remembrances of the day. And now that we have two daughters, they love to watch the videos. It’s an occasional viewing (once a year maybe) but when we do view it, it’s very special and nothing like it.
Some of the people who attended our wedding are now passed away and that is what makes the videos that much more special to us. It’s not just about us, it is about all of the love and the people, family and friends, who are with us, holding us up in spirit. We get to relive their energy by viewing the videos.
I can’t suggest enough to my audience how important videography is as well.
So nice to meet you via blogger.
Best wishes,
Susan Newton
“The Shower Diva”
Happy planning!
There are so many beautiful things about a Bride. How could there not be? She is at the happiest point in her life – starting a new life with her life partner. It’s a magical time – it really is.
Sometimes I think the most subtle statements are also the most beautiful statements.
Just a single flower in the hair makes a elegant and stately statement.
Happy Planning!
Wonderful photograph by Rachel Smith
The Pleasure of Your Company
I believe wording invitations properly, even in this day and age where there are many levels of people supporting the Bride and Groom, and the Bride and Groom rightfully wanting to honor everyone. I wanted to share a simple guide with you. This guide addresses some of the more common situations that couples face.
This chart looks at the invitation line by line and suggests options. Of course, each couple is individual and has individual situations. If you need suggestions for alternative wording, or you have a complicated situation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Notes:
*I recommend that a separate invitation card be included if the reception is at a different location – especially if it’s at an unfamiliar location. This way, an address can easily be added.
If you are having a cocktail or cake and champagne reception, it should be stated in the invitation; such as, and afterward on the patio for cake and champagne. This way, the guests know that they will not be getting a full meal. I also recommend making the invitation style reflect such. Timing for a cake/champagne or cocktail reception should be such that it is not falling at a meal time.
Registry information never goes on, or with, and invitation. I suggest to our clients that save the dates include a wedding website address, which could contain registry info. Otherwise, registry information should be passed by word of mouth.
Much of this information was obtained from Martha Stewart weddings Wording and Rules Guide.
Happy Planning!
Here are a few of my all time favorite designers
The Great and Classic Ms. Anne Barge
The Sweet Ms. Melissa
The Classic Lines of Amsale Aberra
I just love these designers.
Happy planning!
