Labor Day Weekend Weddings and Anniversaries

As I put the finishing touches on a beautiful wedding scheduled for later today (stay tuned - it’s a stunner!), I wanted to take a moment to wish Karina and Ibrahim a happy first anniversary! Karina and Ibrahim blended culture and color expertly and created a masterpiece. Their vision gave me a chance to flex my artistic muscle with one-of-a-kind boutonnieres and corsages accented by hand-made Japanese Mizuhiki knots; a floral arch complete with origami paper cranes and flowers; and hand-painted berries in peacock blue to accent the bridal bouquet. Take another look at Photographer Violet Short’s images; it was so hard to choose a sample to share with all of you. Wedding Coordinator Lynn Nelson of Bridal Silhouette strung together all the details of the day and I look forward to working with her again soon.

The lovely Karina.

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

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The dapper Ibrahim.

Mizuhiki is an ancient Japanese art form and traditional decoration for weddings symbolizing affection, warmth and togetherness.

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Late summer light made for perfect Georgetown portraits.

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Karina’s dress, designed by Made With Love, fit like a glove. Her bouquet featured Garden Roses, Cally Lillies, Orchids, hand-painted berries and greenery.

It was all about the details for this Ritz-Carlton wedding ceremony and reception - a romantic floral arch, intricate origami paper cranes and flowers, submerged flowers inside vases with floating candles and a peacock blue cake.

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Happy Anniversary Karina and Ibrahim!

What Flowers Work Best at District Winery?

Featured in 2018-2019 Washingtonian Weddings Magazine!

Ceremony space photographed by Liz Fogarty

Ceremony space photographed by Liz Fogarty

I think we can all agree that District Winery is one of the top five hottest wedding venues for 2019!  With gorgeous views (and an even better event staff) I feel so lucky to have been invited by my bride Sam and her groom Damion to design for them at their June 8th, 2018 wedding. If you are into fitness, especially with the New Year approaching, you can follow them on instagram at @sammossfit and @dmossfitness

First look captured by Liz Fogarty

First look captured by Liz Fogarty

Originally, Sam was considering an asymmetrical hanging greenery installation for her ceremony, but ultimately decided to use the District Winery wine barrels.  The wine barrels are great because they are sturdy platforms that support large arrangements with no surprises or worries about wind interference.  For those of us working on rooftops, wind can be a really big deal and often spoils best laid designs.  In addition, we lined the chair rows with boxes of greenery and delicate white flowers to help soften the modern ascetic and add a little romance.  Looking at the photos by Liz Fogarty Photography you almost can't tell you are in the middle of downtown D.C.!

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District Winery has your guests enter from the ground level, so it is helpful to have signs directing the way upstairs.

Invitations and paper goods by The Dandelion Patch

Invitations and paper goods by The Dandelion Patch

Part of the charm and appeal of District Winery is the modern industrial vibe complete with exposed steel beams and boards.  From a floral perspective, the exposed beams and boards are fabulous because they make it easy to hang lightweight installations.  Working with Natalie from Designed Perfectly Events, we hung two abstract greenery and flower focal pieces over each of the bars.

Ivy, plums and white roses was all it took to make something special and dramatic. Photo by Liz Fogarty

Ivy, plums and white roses was all it took to make something special and dramatic. Photo by Liz Fogarty

When District Winery opened, they had custom tables built to accommodate as many guests as possible and maintain the chic urban vibe.  All the food is served family style and the tables are extremely narrow.  As a result, fat centerpieces are out of the question unless they are tall with a very small footprint.  

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Broken garland is a popular choice among clients, but we opted for something a little more romantic.  On each of the tables, we placed four groupings of tall stemmed glass floating candles with petite arrangements nestled to the sides.

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Personally, I was treated so well at District Winery that I am excited to design for them anytime I can!  Now enjoy a few more of Liz Fogarty's photos from Sam and Damion's wedding because they are too gorgeous not to share!

Let's just say it, HOT! HOT! HOT! thanks to Susan Lim Hair and Makeup

Let's just say it, HOT! HOT! HOT! thanks to Susan Lim Hair and Makeup

The best part about designing the aisle greenery in a box was that they were easy to move and reuse for the reception. I didn't even have to stay to do this, Natalie and the venue took care of it!

The best part about designing the aisle greenery in a box was that they were easy to move and reuse for the reception. I didn't even have to stay to do this, Natalie and the venue took care of it!

A collaboration with Buttercream Bakery, Designed Perfectly Events and Moi, and, of course, photographed by Liz Fogarty Photos With music/entertainment by John Howard, A2Z Music Factory

A collaboration with Buttercream Bakery, Designed Perfectly Events and Moi, and, of course, photographed by Liz Fogarty Photos With music/entertainment by John Howard, A2Z Music Factory