Try Renting a Photobooth!

I ran into this company at the bridal show a couple weekends ago called, "Party Booths Digital Photobooth Rentals."

This isn't the same as having your picture taken while you sign the guestbook.  Guest can actually step inside the booth make funny or serious poses.  The images are saved onto the computer and printed out as an index card with 4 photos or 1 photo on a sheet of paper. Photos are also posted to the website within 2-5 business days for your guest to view. 

Check out their website for more information on renting a Photobooth!

http://www.partybooths.com/index.htm 

Chantal had the absolute pleasure of working with Sue and Tom to plan their big day at the gorgeous home of Tom's mom in Madison, VA.  We were worried about strong winds and thunderstorms, but as you can see, it was all smiles, clear skies and lots of fun as the evening went on.  A big thanks to the happy couple for letting me be a part of their special day!

The great vendors that helped put together this amazing night:

Planning: Cherry Blossom Weddings and Events, Chantal

Photography: Hark Photography

Caterer: Beggars Banquet

Florist: Lacy's Florals and Gifts 

Tents: Gibson Rental

Videography: Linda Henry, 20 South Productions

DJ: Ran Henry, 20 South Productions

Transportation: Goff Transportation 

Brides and any soon to be engaged brides….get the word out to your men — and ASAP! Charleston Alexander has a trunk show on Friday - Sunday on some really nice stuff. Brands such as Tacori, Scott K and more are featured at this sale. Check it out!

Who would have guessed so much green was in DC?   I visited the National Arboretum this past weekend.  The weather was gorgeous everything was in bloom and of course the pollen was in full force. 

Not only is the Arboretum the U.S. Department of Agriculture's living museum, but it's also a great place for a picnic and even better… a wedding!

The scenery will take your breath away and there are unlimited photo opts for the bride and groom.  Even though your photographer has to obtain a permit to take photos and you have to pay a fee to rent the columns for a certain amount of time, I think the end result would be worth it.

These are just a few shots I took while I was there.  When you rent the Arboretum you are also required to rent a security guard, the security guard is mostly there to make sure you or your party are not damaging the grounds but they will also clear the area where the Columns are so you can get all your photos in with just the two of you!

For more information on the National Arboretum check out their website at www.usna.usda.gov 

Anyone interested?  RSVP to promotions@weddingwire.com. What's not to love about a blushing bride cocktail and cupcakes? 

Plus, if you've never been to Cafe Asia before, it is a fun restaurant, and could be great for a DC bachelorette dinner location or a girls lunch anytime!

It was such a pleasure working with Susan and Sang on their April 26 wedding. We were all concerned about the expected rain by it held off just long enough for Jan Michele to capture some amazing bridal portraits. The wedding was at the Old Chapel on Fort Myers base with the reception and tea ceremony at the Gateway Marriott in Crystal City. Congrats!!!

Thanks to all the vendors who made this day so special!

Wedding Coordinators: Alex and Natasha from Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events 

Photographer: Jan Michele

Reception: Nate at the Gateway Marriott

DJ: Jeff from MyDeeJay.com

Hair: Wedding Hair by Nicole

Make Up: Picture Perfect Make Up

Transportation: Reston Limo  

Flowers: Maryam's Flowers

Cake: Alexandria Pastry Shoppe  

YUM. 

So many of my brides want candy buffets this year but the question is how much?! I was looking into this today and determined that about 65 pounds of candy would fill my 9-12 containers and look nice. That is a lot of candy though (150 guests,just over 5 OZ each) so if you want your table to look fuller, think about putting a few flower arrangements on it (reuse your cocktail hour arrangements), add candles or framed signs of the candy name. Also, make it look more interesting and drama by raising some of the containers (book under the linen) to add interest. 

Make sure to have plenty of bags for your guests with ties! Enjoy!! 

 My Candy Jars below…..and I yes, they'd look better filled with with one color per jar!

More about Candy:

Shop for Candy by Color

Candy Favorites

Sunday, April 27
11am until 5pm

Washington Bridal Showcase - Spring Show!
Patriot Center @ George Mason University
4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA

Sunday, September 7
11am until 5pm

Washington Bridal Showcase
Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, VA

A little advice if you are headed out to either of these shows:

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Bring a camera to snap a quick shot of that center piece idea or favor that you happen to like! Just be sure to ask permission of a vendor's work before you do so!

Bring someone with you to help gather information and help point out ideas and give you advice.

Bring address labels so instead of having to write your information over and over again you can just slap a sticker and be on your way!

I suggest setting up an email address that is strictly for your wedding information once you've booked all your vendors you can then cancel the account!

Leave your coat in the car, there's usually not a coat check and you will have plenty of items that you will be carrying around.

Have fun and take your time! There's lots to see and lots to taste! 

While looking for vineyards for a client's wedding I came across Bluemont Vineyard.  It is Loudon County's newest vineyard and is nestled on an eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The vineyard just opened in September of 2007.  What really sets this vineyard apart from others in the area is the gorgeous view.  This is an all-in-one venue that is perfect for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions!  Bluemont provides their own catered menu from Fruit of the Vine Catering which offers a variety of menus to chose from and can be customized to suit your specific needs.  

I definitely recommend this venue for your next event.  Be sure to stop by "The Cellar" first for a tasting of their amazing wine selection.  My personal favorites were "The Donkey and "The Pig."  

To read more about Bluemont Vineyard please check out their website 

www.bluemontvineyard.com  

My August couple has selected the very talented florist, Helen Olivia to do their wedding flowers. The couple is getting married and having their reception at the Washington Club — the bride wanted to use green for a natural look but also wanted to compliment the natural beauty of the Club. Marianne came up with the perfect solution….arrangements of three cylinder vases of varying heights with different greenery or flowers in each, filled with water with a floating candle. We'll also be using some of these for the ceremony as well. Using a linen that picks up the light really helps to create a dramatic look. I loke it!