Happy First Anniversary Megan and Coult! October in the Gardens at Historic Meridian House

Last October, I had the pleasure of designing for a special couple who were married at the historic Meridian House designed by architect John Russell Pope. This weekend is Megan and Coult’s first anniversary and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate them. Looking back through the photos by Djenno Bacvic, it’s hard to find a frame where they aren’t smiling or laughing — and not just little smiles, we’re talking big smiles that go ear to ear.

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Megan and Coult’s outdoor ceremony was full of white and peach flowers, including an all white chuppah accented with greenery.

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What an entrance! The gardens at Meridian House are in bloom from April to October and provide the perfect setting for a wedding. Maria Canellis, Director of Events, is an expert at making private events and weddings magical.

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There’s that big smile again.

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Wedding Planner Molly Radigan was hard at work on all the details behind the scenes.

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I like this bird’s eye view of the party in the linden grove. Catering by Natalie Walker, Event Coordinator for Well Dunn Catering.

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Sparklers and one more big smile for the road.

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Happy memories of a happy couple. Congratulations on your first anniversary!

Happy First Anniversary Claire and Brendan! All White Spring Wedding at the Sagamore Pendry in Baltimore

March is here and that means it’s time to wish Claire and Brendan a happy first anniversary. Their wedding was truly a dream - they are a gorgeous couple that complements each other in every way.

The Sagamore Pendry Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for this beautiful all white wedding planned by Tiffany Rivera of Simply Breathe Events. I also had the chance to work with the fabulous Maren White; Maren is now back in town as the Director of Catering and Special Events at The Conrad Washington, D.C.

I love designing a show-stopping arrangement for the escort table. Claire and Brendan’s tall arrangement included white garden roses, hydrangea, orchids and white pear blossoms.

Claire and Brendan’s soundtrack for the night was created by DJ Kelton Higgins. Check him out - he’s wonderful to work with and is getting married himself in just a few months.

Claire carried a classic, all white rounded bouquet of David Austin Patience garden roses and peonies with just a hint of greenery. About half of my brides choose a classic style like this for their bouquet; the other half opt for something organic, wild and free flowing.

Claire and Brendan were married under an all white floral chuppah.

The couple chose tall, dramatic centerpieces to highlight the architecture of the ballroom at the Sagamore Pendry. As you can see, the centerpieces were on double duty for the wedding day - we used them for both the ceremony and the reception which is a great way to get more out of your wedding flowers.

Pear blossoms and these little blue bird ornaments gave this late March wedding a unique spring feel. Happy March, Happy Spring! And Congratulations Claire and Brendan.

Fall Wedding Fashion and Wedding Gowns at The Bridal Room

Last week, I had the opportunity to design for a fall photo session at The Bridal Room - a premier bridal boutique located in McLean, Virginia. The Bridal Room’s owner, Heba Adat, pulled an A-Team together to showcase her best gowns and accessories for fall. With the help of Meg Lucks of Luck & Love Photography and Krystal from Bridal Beauty Associates, we transformed two beautiful models into fall brides.

The Bridal Room’s owner, Heba Adat. Heba began dreaming of owning her own bridal boutique as a little girl watching her aunt design gowns at home.

The Bridal Room’s owner, Heba Adat. Heba began dreaming of owning her own bridal boutique as a little girl watching her aunt design gowns at home.

The lovely Kayla Poawui and Julianna Carfaro modeling fall gowns and flowers.

The lovely Kayla Poawui and Julianna Carfaro modeling fall gowns and flowers.

Garden Roses for days accented with Phalaenopsis.

Garden Roses for days accented with Phalaenopsis.

Lavender and violet flowers in every hue paired with greenery making the perfect transition to fall.

Lavender and violet flowers in every hue paired with greenery making the perfect transition to fall.

Heba and her talented Senior Consultant Monique

Heba and her talented Senior Consultant Monique

Like what you see? Call, text, or write me today!

SESMA Dog Dayz of Summer at The Anderson House catered by Susan Gage and Photographed by Luck and Love Photography

We might be in the Dog Days of Fall, but that doesn’t mean I can’t reminisce about this summer’s doggy happy hour SESMA party organized by Glenn Hennessey and Joanie Rylander at The Anderson House!

Thank goodness someone hired Megan from Luck & Love Photography or all this fun might have been forgotten. (All the photos are taken by Luck & Love Photography.

Glenn and Husband Steve with their two treasured pooches!

Glenn and Husband Steve with their two treasured pooches!

The best part about the party was that everyone brought their dogs, and a local rescue, Lucky Dog, even brought some of their adorable adoptables.

LOL, I have to say it is kind of true - the pets matched their owners.

When there was a quick worry that the dogs would not be allowed on the grass, Sugar Plum Tents stepped in to not only provide a tent entrance, but a fence as well!

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You might have already seen this tipsy puppy I created for the event, but here he is again in all his mossy glory.

Susan Gage Caterers knocked it out of the park with all of their on theme drinks and nibbles, not to mention my favorite - the avocado bar. Ann Ashley really knows what she is doing!

In case you didn’t know where you were going, UniqueDC came up with this Napolianic Hound portrait.

In case you didn’t know where you were going, UniqueDC came up with this Napolianic Hound portrait.

Last but not least our people party guests with their pets, Alison Golt, Katie Ryan, and RJ Whyte

Thank you again to Glenn and Joanie, it really was a blast!

Happy First Anniversary Sarah and Keith!

Slainte! Cheers to Sarah and Keith who are celebrating their first wedding anniversary this weekend.  The photos of their classic Old Town, Alexandria wedding are so beautiful and full of happiness that I thought they deserved another look.

Sarah+Keith on the grounds of historic Christ Church in Old Town, Alexandria.  The church opened its doors to parishioners in 1773 - including the future president George Washington - just before the start of the American Revolution.

Sarah+Keith on the grounds of historic Christ Church in Old Town, Alexandria.  The church opened its doors to parishioners in 1773 - including the future president George Washington - just before the start of the American Revolution.

Sarah's airy bouquet in greens and whites was a perfect match to Keith's tartan kilt.  The bouquet included white roses and orchids, blooming clematis vine and greenery.

Sarah's airy bouquet in greens and whites was a perfect match to Keith's tartan kilt.  The bouquet included white roses and orchids, blooming clematis vine and greenery.

All smiles behind the scenes with the talented Sara Pete of Sincerely Pete Events. Sara and her team have more than 16 years of experience planning weddings and more.

All smiles behind the scenes with the talented Sara Pete of Sincerely Pete Events. Sara and her team have more than 16 years of experience planning weddings and more.

The charming wee lad and lassie.

The charming wee lad and lassie.

Elegant bride and groom cakes accented with fresh flowers by Morgan Phillips Cakes.

Elegant bride and groom cakes accented with fresh flowers by Morgan Phillips Cakes.

Another shot of the groom's cake adorned with fresh Scottish Thistle and tartan ribbon.

Another shot of the groom's cake adorned with fresh Scottish Thistle and tartan ribbon.

More classic greens and whites for the table arrangements.  

More classic greens and whites for the table arrangements.  

Not just any wedding invitation - custom artwork and a pop of color on these unique invitations by Artisan Matchmaker.

Not just any wedding invitation - custom artwork and a pop of color on these unique invitations by Artisan Matchmaker.

Love this shot of Sarah+Keith celebrating at Eammon's in Old Town.

Love this shot of Sarah+Keith celebrating at Eammon's in Old Town.

Happy First Anniversary and Cheers! 

A Look Back at Summer - June Wedding at 101 Constitution

Ever heard the quote, “August is the Sunday of summer” ?

Well, it’s Labor Day weekend and here we are.  Welcome to September.

On that note, let’s take a look back at a summer wedding I designed for in June. With the help of Janice Carnevale from Bellwether Events, Bride and Groom Kearney and Brent planned a very D.C. wedding with their rooftop ceremony at 101 Constitution (oh the views!) followed by dinner downstairs at Charlie Palmer’s.   Here’s a closer look at Kearney and Brent’s special day.  I’m missing summer already! 

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Engagement Bouquet for Luck & Love Photography in Annapolis

The wedding engagement. Such a sweet and romantic time that can be fleeting once planning and preparations for the big day get underway. I love how photographer Meg Lucks of Luck & Love Photography captured this special season for a bride and groom-to-be in Annapolis, Maryland.  And I am honored that the bouquet I designed is featured in their engagement photos.

The bouquet. Phalaenopsis in pale pink and white, Delphinium, Thistle, Pennycress, Eucalyptus and local greenery.  

The bouquet. Phalaenopsis in pale pink and white, Delphinium, Thistle, Pennycress, Eucalyptus and local greenery.  

The bride-to-be.  

The bride-to-be.  

The happy couple along the waterfront in Annapolis. A sneak peak before their walk down the aisle. 

The happy couple along the waterfront in Annapolis. A sneak peak before their walk down the aisle. 

Beautiful lighting captured at the United States Naval Academy.

Beautiful lighting captured at the United States Naval Academy.

A close-up of the bouquet's colors and textures.

A close-up of the bouquet's colors and textures.

A sweet photo on its own but the bouquet adds a little something extra.

A sweet photo on its own but the bouquet adds a little something extra.

The lovely Wisteria mural on the corner of East and Fleet Streets in downtown Annapolis.    

The lovely Wisteria mural on the corner of East and Fleet Streets in downtown Annapolis.    

Interested in adding flowers to your engagement photos?  Contact me! I'd love to work with you.

Flower Consultations and Frequently asked Wedding Flower Questions

Do you remember in class when the teacher said "there is no such thing as a stupid question" and "if you are wondering that then chances are so are your classmates?"  Well, the same applies when it comes to wedding flowers.  I have so many brides emailing and calling wondering what the next steps are, apologizing for their lack of knowledge and feeling completely overwhelmed.

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Washington, D.C. Wedding Style: What Do Boutonnieres and Corsages Look Like?

I have so many photos of bouquets, but when it comes to boutonnieres and corsages I actually have very few images.  So here are a few I have pulled together. Some taken by professionals and some just taken by me! Enjoy and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

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The Flowers of the First Lady's Luncheon 2018, Presented by the Congressional Club and Certified American Grown

Impressed would be an understatement! For the last several days, I have had the honor of being a volunteer freelance designer for the First Lady's Luncheon - an event that hosts the First Lady, Congressional spouses and family members and a few other privileged guests.

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My Time Freelancing at the White House with Laura Dowling

In Washington, there is no greater honor than having an opportunity to design for the White House (regardless of who is president or what political party you belong to).  Pretty much since its formation under the Kennedy Administration, the White House flower shop has had a closed door policy with only a few people ever getting a glimpse of its inner workings.  

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What You Should Know about Planning a Cherry Blossom Wedding!

As a florist living in the D.C. area, I am no stranger to the request for a Cherry Blossom wedding.  I get it; they are beautiful, romantic and iconic, but I would also be lying if I said I didn't cringe every time those two little words are uttered.  

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When Should I Book My Florist?

I know the temptation to rush out and choose every vendor for your day is real.  Instead, consider relaxing just a beat and make a few key decisions first.

1. Do you need full wedding coordination or just month-of or day-of?

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Mindful Foraging

Last week I found myself outside walking around looking for goodies to cut. Living in a city, not the countryside, has taught me to be very mindful of what I cut and how I cut it.  

As I was snipping away, I was inspired to share my thoughts about the subject of foraging on my Insta Stories.  Here is a quick recap in case you missed it.

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Top Five Reasons Wedding Flowers Are So Expensive.

"Why are wedding flowers so expensive?" This is a question I get a lot, and I wanted to take a quick moment to break down the different factors that contribute to a $$$$$ flower proposal.

5) The venue is over an hour away. When you choose an amazing location like a vineyard, chateau, or private estate, the extra costs of transportation, work space and on-site labor just add up.  

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