Gewurztraminer is one of the most aromatic wines on the market today – it’s delicious and exudes the complex aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, rose and ginger.  While the name is German, the French make the best Gewurztraminer in the world.  The cooler climate in Alsace makes for the perfect ratio of ripeness and acidity  – although the Gewurztraminer grapes must be cared for carefully and picked at just the right time.

Like many wines, Gewurztraminer is produced Dry-very sweet.

Gewurztraminer is spicy, and is best paired with spicy dishes such as curry, Mexican, Thai.  Remarkably, Gewurztraminer takes on the flavor of other Alsatian whites – in that it can be paired with Steak.  Try the ice wine as a accompaniment to dessert.

Gewurztraminer is affordable – costing only between $8-$25.00 per bottle.  Luckily you can find a great Gewurztraminer all along the scale.  Be forewarned, Gewurztraminer is difficult to grow, so the quality of the winery is paramount.  Here are some recommendations from good growers…

Other whites made in Alsace

Riesling

Pinot Gris - not to be compared to the Italian non-counterpart, Pinot Grigio

Pinot Blanc

Sylvaner

Cremant d’Alsace (sparkling wine)

Happy planning!

Today is the first day that same sex couples can pick-up their license and legally marry in the District of Columbia!

Hooray!

Congratulations to everybody getting married today – and everyday after!

Lisa

Enjoy!

Photographs from some of the most wonderful DC photographers

Thomas Graves Photography, Jennifer Hughes Photography, Clint Fong and Giselle Hernandez Fong, Charles Funk

Happy planning!

Take a look at the entire Pure collection

Happy planning!

Happy planning!

Sad, but true.

Thing is, I think I have some really wonderful ideas on how to make this budget work  and create an air of elegance and taste – which is one reason I decided to pursue this blog series.  Why should I keep it to myself?  With that said, when I do work with couples, I make sure to adequately prepare them before we sign the contract.  There are a few fundamentals that must be understood before we venture on this exciting journey – because planning a wedding on $66.67/guest in the DC area is not easy.  All of the preconceived notions of what a wedding is – needs to be thrown out – revisited – revised – stylized – and realized.  Once the realization takes place – the possibilities are limitless.

What are the basic fundamentals?

1. Forget about getting married in or around Washington DC.  Just forgetaboutit!  Not happening.
2. Allow the dreams of a meal flow from your mind.  Definitely not enough dough to do that.
3. Long gone are the days of olde!  Large wedding parties are out.  It’s 2010 – and 1 attendant is in!  Better yet, no attendants.  Ask your guests to honor you by sitting in their seats and enjoying the day.
4. The four hour reception is a no-go.  Sorry!  Short and sweet,  a lot of spunk and sass – but always with an air of elegance, class and taste.
5. Hotel?  No.
6. The big white dress – well that’s ify.  I tend to venture on the side of quality rather than quantity, but others might not necessarily share my ideals.  There are ways to get the large white dress on significant discount.  Whats more important than that, is that the dress reflects the feeling and theme of the day!  The Bride is, after all, the center of attention.  All eyes are on her, and it’s her attire that will make a break a theme.
7. Prioritize…prioritize…prioritize.  Determine what you can live without.

Everything else – possible on $66.67/guest!  Want to find out how?  Come back next week (or everyday)!  We will talk about choosing a venue.

Just a note:

I convinced my client to drop their guest list.  We got a 15 person drop!  Great going!  So, now we are working with

$81.97/guest

Happy planning!

Take a look at the pure elegance and beauty.

Jennifer is so amazing.

Beautiful custom calligraphy courtesy of Calligraphy by Jennifer.

Happy planning!

Same Sex Couples Register for Marriage Licenses

Go DC!

Here, Tom and Michelle are wearing custom Korean Hanbok during part of their wedding celebration.

Traditionally, in Korea, the Bride lives with the Grooms family after they get married.  The Paebeck ceremony takes place so the Bride and Groom can show respect the Grooms family.  It takes place in front of a table containing edibles and tea.  Members of the Groom’s family sits in front of the table.  The Bride and Groom bow to the honorees and then share tea with them.  At this time the  honorees impart advice and wisdom onto the couple and will throw chestnuts (symbolizing boys) and dates (symbolizing girls) which the Bride catches in her skirt.  The number of chestnuts and dates caught represents the number of children the couple will have.

Since the Bride and Groom no longer live with the Groom’s family, many couples will honor both families in this very beautiful and sacred ritual.

Here is a picture of the Bride in her western wedding attire.

Thanks to Marais Studios for these beautiful photographs

Happy planning!

The lovely and ever popular Riesling is pleasing to the palettes of many, pairs with almost everything, and can be extremely affordable – all the qualities that make it a great choice for a wedding!

Riesling wines originated in Germany’s Rhein region but is now grown all over the world.  The top wine regions are…

Germany

• Mosel
• Pfalz
• Rheinhessan
• Rheingau
• Nahe

France – you cannot talk about wine without talking about France

• The spicy regions of Alsace

Austria

Washington

Oregon

New York

Riesling can be highly aromatic with apple, pear and peach at the forefront mixed with nice floral undertones.  It can be bought in dry, semi dry and sweet varieties.  Just as a note, German Rieslings are by both their style (level of dryness) and the grapes ripeness at the time of harvesting (Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, etc).

Here are a few recommendations.  I have gathered great varieties all across the board (region, levels of dryness, price) hoping to give ideas to all!

Happy planning!