Truly, I have so much to say about my wedding at Oxon Hill Manor, but mostly I just wanted to share the pictures with you. So here are a few of my favorites from our wedding almost 7 years ago. Yes, I did the flowers myself (with generous support from my friends Antje Wood, Tricia Siudet and The Enchanted Florist, VA). All photos are by Lisa Boggs Photography, day of coordination by Kelly Cannon Events. The motorcycle is a Paul Smart Ducati and the cake is by Maggie Austin Cake.
Cherry Blossom Photos Washington DC a DIY Guide - Parking and Photography
While notorious for meticulous planning when it involves my clients, when it comes to fun projects just for me, “Spontaneous” is probably the nicest word that could be used to describe me.
When I heard peak Cherry time had been moved up a couple of days, I wanted in on the action, and I wanted in now. My first thought was to ping a couple of my professional photographer friends to see if they had any “Cherry Blossom Sessions” left, but most were completely booked or couldn’t work within my last minuet time frame. Most professional photographers only guarantee a handful of time slots because of the unpredictability of the Cherry Trees blossoming.
Following so many #igdc photographers I realized that I could probably get some great photos with just my iPhone and good lighting. So next I tapped a few people I identify as “creative hustlers” who would probably be down for an early morning if it meant some good content. I also put a flyer up on my Instagram Stories asking if anyone wanted to join me in the joy of waking up at 5:30.
Within a few hours, By Brittany Branson, Calligraphette & Co, and even a real photographer, Marie Windsor Photography were all on board! Now technically there are rules to taking photos at the monuments, and if you are working with a professional photographer they need to apply for a permit. Since we were going as friends, and working mostly with our iphones we thought we were probably ok. Just no props and no tripods, I have haerd that fines can be issued in the thousands of dollars range.
Never having been part of a Cherry Blossom session myself, I really didn’t know what to expect. Would there be parking, how early do we really need to get there?
I have heard that the best time to be there is before sunrise, so since sunrise was at 6:59 am we decided to meet at 6:30am. This was a good idea, and meeting at 6:15am might have been an even better idea, but really that is just way too early!
Coming from Alexandria, VA I took the parkway over Memorial Bridge, bore to the right and then turned left to follow the road along the water towards the Jefferson Memorial. My idea was to park in the lot closest in front to the memorial but it was closed. I continued to follow the road closet to the Jefferson and eventually saw a sign for Public Parking. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was doing, but decided to trust the signage and turned left. Just a little down that road there was a parking lot with lots of spaces at 6:28am. It is pay parking and I used my Park Moblie App, zone 5811 and was on my way. The walk from the lot to the steps of the Jefferson is about 10 minuets.
Brittany had been the first to arrive and remarked that waiting alone at 6:25 in the morning had been kind of creepy, but that in the time she had gone in to use the ladies room (so yes there are some restrooms) and come back out, 2 couples were already in the midst of their engagement sessions.
Having been admiring Connor Studios portraits, for a year, I wanted to try and get the same angle so we walked clockwise around the water from the memorial. By 6:55 another photographer and family, were in the spot I had spied on our walk in. Trust me, jockeying for position gets real, which is why you may want to come even earlier than 6:30. I guess it’s just human nature, but sometimes I forget to be all zen and polite.
By 7:05 the sun was making its way up, and the sky was showing signs of brilliant yellow and red. We took turns posing in pairs of two and as a group. We captured the cherries with the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson and then took a few through the blooms themselves.
We photographed until about 7:30am which by then the place was drawing with couples, families, photographers, instagram models, joggers and bikers!
Brittany and Nika had appointments to head off too and Casey Marie and I wandered a little further down the path. Eventually we were tired and felt we had enough photos, by 8:00 I was back in my car and heading home.
The Cherry Trees were not quite a peak, and something about being up and in the presence of such powerful elegance is intoxicating, so I may just have to do this again!
Historic Meridian House Wedding
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.
Megan and Coult’s outdoor ceremony was full of white and peach flowers, including an all white chuppah accented with greenery.
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.
There’s that big smile again.
Wedding Planner Molly Radigan was hard at work on all the details behind the scenes.
I like this bird’s eye view of the party in the linden grove. Catering by Natalie Walker, Event Coordinator for Well Dunn Catering.
Sparklers and one more big smile for the road.
Happy memories of a happy couple. Congratulations on your first anniversary!
Cherry Blossom Photos Washington DC a DIY Guide - Parking and Photography
While notorious for meticulous planning when it involves my clients, when it comes to fun projects just for me, “Spontaneous” is probably the nicest word that could be used to describe me.
When I heard peak Cherry time had been moved up a couple of days, I wanted in on the action, and I wanted in now. My first thought was to ping a couple of my professional photographer friends to see if they had any “Cherry Blossom Sessions” left, but most were completely booked or couldn’t work within my last minuet time frame. Most professional photographers only guarantee a handful of time slots because of the unpredictability of the Cherry Trees blossoming.
Following so many #igdc photographers I realized that I could probably get some great photos with just my iPhone and good lighting. So next I tapped a few people I identify as “creative hustlers” who would probably be down for an early morning if it meant some good content. I also put a flyer up on my Instagram Stories asking if anyone wanted to join me in the joy of waking up at 5:30.
Within a few hours, By Brittany Branson, Calligraphette & Co, and even a real photographer, Marie Windsor Photography were all on board! Now technically there are rules to taking photos at the monuments, and if you are working with a professional photographer they need to apply for a permit. Since we were going as friends, and working mostly with our iphones we thought we were probably ok. Just no props and no tripods, I have haerd that fines can be issued in the thousands of dollars range.
Never having been part of a Cherry Blossom session myself, I really didn’t know what to expect. Would there be parking, how early do we really need to get there?
I have heard that the best time to be there is before sunrise, so since sunrise was at 6:59 am we decided to meet at 6:30am. This was a good idea, and meeting at 6:15am might have been an even better idea, but really that is just way too early!
Coming from Alexandria, VA I took the parkway over Memorial Bridge, bore to the right and then turned left to follow the road along the water towards the Jefferson Memorial. My idea was to park in the lot closest in front to the memorial but it was closed. I continued to follow the road closet to the Jefferson and eventually saw a sign for Public Parking. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was doing, but decided to trust the signage and turned left. Just a little down that road there was a parking lot with lots of spaces at 6:28am. It is pay parking and I used my Park Moblie App, zone 5811 and was on my way. The walk from the lot to the steps of the Jefferson is about 10 minuets.
Brittany had been the first to arrive and remarked that waiting alone at 6:25 in the morning had been kind of creepy, but that in the time she had gone in to use the ladies room (so yes there are some restrooms) and come back out, 2 couples were already in the midst of their engagement sessions.
Having been admiring Connor Studios portraits, for a year, I wanted to try and get the same angle so we walked clockwise around the water from the memorial. By 6:55 another photographer and family, were in the spot I had spied on our walk in. Trust me, jockeying for position gets real, which is why you may want to come even earlier than 6:30. I guess it’s just human nature, but sometimes I forget to be all zen and polite.
By 7:05 the sun was making its way up, and the sky was showing signs of brilliant yellow and red. We took turns posing in pairs of two and as a group. We captured the cherries with the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson and then took a few through the blooms themselves.
We photographed until about 7:30am which by then the place was drawing with couples, families, photographers, instagram models, joggers and bikers!
Brittany and Nika had appointments to head off too and Casey Marie and I wandered a little further down the path. Eventually we were tired and felt we had enough photos, by 8:00 I was back in my car and heading home.
The Cherry Trees were not quite a peak, and something about being up and in the presence of such powerful elegance is intoxicating, so I may just have to do this again!
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
Claire and Brendan were married under an all white floral chuppah.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Cherry Blossom Engagement Photos and Wedding Flowers at The Mandarin Oriental in Washington D.C.
With cherry blossom season almost here, I thought this would be the perfect time to share photos from Erin and Ryan’s wedding at The Mandarin Oriental DC. Planned by the hotel’s Director of Catering, Michael Deltette, no detail was left unnoticed. Even though we did not meet until her wedding day, Erin could not have been a kinder or more easy going bride!
The couple’s sweet little King Charles may or may not have stolen the show:)
This swing photo may be one of my favorites of all time! So much love!
If you had any doubt about the Mandarin being the perfect hotel, these windows will convince you.
Classic Washington at its finest.
It’s all in the details!
This rounded yet organic bouquet had all of our favorite flowers! Garden roses, dahlias, hellebore, astilbe and blushing bride protea.
The couple said their “I Do’s” in the Mandarin’s Garden Terrace Courtyard under an arch of wild greenery and roses in an asymmetrical design.
Seal it with the kiss of true love.
The escort is always one of my favorite pieces to design because it is meant to be a showstopper and can be a little different from all the other arrangements at the reception.
The Mandarin Oriental has partnered with Buttercream Bakeshop. They do a beautiful job with their cakes and a small touch of fresh flowers is all that is needed!
These flowers could be described as roses and hydrangea in rounded style with trailing greenery.
All photos by Connor Studios
Virginia Winery Wedding in November: Maggi and Mike at Bluemont Vineyard
Photos by Tell Chronicles; Wedding planning by Anne Kelley.
They say it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day - and for Maggi and Mike I would say this is definitely true! Despite the rain they had a beautiful wedding at Bluemont Vineyard in November - just look at these stunning photos! (Rainy day bonus: adorable umbrella photos that you wouldn’t get if it were sunny!)
Maggi and Mike were married at beautiful St. Francis Catholic Church just a few miles away from their reception at Bluemont Vineyards.
Instead of traditional bouquets for the bridesmaids, the couple opted for creative hoop designs - so fun!
Delicious treats were provided by Cow Bell Kitchen.
With the help of planner Anne Kelley, the couple chose an organic compote design of blush and burgundy flowers with a touch of lavender for their centerpieces.
Something Vintage provided the fun backdrop where they continued the hoop theme.
Maggi really is the coolest in her “Mrs. Kyle” pink jacket!
Anne Kelley and her lovely team!
Planner:
Anne Kelley Events & Design @annekelleydc#annekelleyevents
HMU: Claudine Fay @hairandmakeupbyclaudine
Florist: Ashley Greer @atelierashleyflowers
Calligraphy: Katherine Loria – Loria Letters @Loria.letters
Other Signage: The Dandelion Patch - @thedandelionpatch
Photographers: Emily and Julie - @tellchronicles
Cake + Desserts: Cheryl and her team at Cowbell Kitchen @cowbellkitchen
Reception Venue + Catering: The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard + Savoirfarelimited @Savoirfarelimited@bluemontvineyard_weddings and @bluemontvineyard
DJ: Kirk Rubley @dj_kirkabee
Specialty Rentals: Something Vintage @smthingvintage
Specialty Bar: Cozy Caravan @getcozyvintagemobilebars
Brides Dress: TLC Bridal @tlcbridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: @jasmine_bridal
Grooms Tux: Calvin Klein @calvinklein
Inbal and Bryan's October Wedding In and Around D.C., Old Town, and Mount Vernon
“She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes. ”
Some pictures are so simple and breathtaking that they capture a whole day in one frame. Inbal was a stunning October bride and I’m so happy to have a chance to share these beautiful images by Genevieve Leiper with you.
Dress by Grace Loves Lace and make-up by Alisa Venglinskaya @venglinskaya_makeup.
Bride and Groom dressed and ready to go at The Alexandrian in Old Town. The wedding was held just down the road at the beautiful and historic Mount Vernon.
A great shot of Inbal and Bryan at Mount Vernon framed perfectly by their chuppah made of greenery. I love the emotion on their faces.
Five pretty bridesmaids, each with their own style. Don’t they look like fun?
Inbal’s color palette of cream, peach and dark red made for a stunning bridal bouquet and flower crown. Wedding flowers were a mix of Garden and Spray Roses, Lisianthus, and Ranunculus accented with greenery of Italian Ruscus, Seeded Eucalyptus, and Salal.
You can’t beat this Tidal Basin backdrop. Congratulations Inbal and Bryan!
DIY Cranberry Topiary - Perfect for Your Last Minute Holiday Decor
Down from DC we are spending this week in sunny Sarasota, Florida. Without access to my normal flower suppliers it had me thinking about what was easy and festive to create. Having just had an opportunity to visit the White House, I was inspired by their long tradition of cranberry topiaries and thought this would be just perfect! If you didn’t have a chance to tune into Suncoast View, ABC 7 here is everything you need to DIY your own holiday topiary.
Step 1: Gather together all of your materials. You are going to need:
Styrofoam Shape
Spanish moss or Tinsel
Scissors
Spray Glue
Toothpicks
Cranberries
Step 2: Coat your shape with spray glue
Hint: It is easier to cover if you cut the moss/tinsel into smaller pieces.
Double Hint: You can make a spray booth out of an Amazon Box by just cutting one side. This helps to contain the mess and makes clean up easy!
Step 3: Re-apply one more coat and roll your shape over the moss/tinsel one more time.
Hint: If you are using Spanish Moss you might want to use Design Master Just for Flowers Spray paint to coat the moss red and create a richer texture.
Step 4: Cut your toothpicks in half
Step 5: Insert your toothpick into the bottom of your shape half way. Pop cranberry on!
Note: It is much easier to put the toothpick in first, rather then putting the toothpick on the cranberry and then trying to push it in. Trust me! Or try it for yourself:)
Step 6: Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!
Place your next toothpick half about 1/3 an inch to the left of your first cranberry.
Note: It looks best if you place the second row in-between the cranberries of the first row, this helps to keep it natural looking.
Step 7: Garnish with a few touches of peppery berry and pepper berry leaves tucked in.
If you still want more cranberry decor, check out my DIY Cranberry Candle!
What Flowers Work Best at District Winery?
Featured in 2018-2019 Washingtonian Weddings Magazine!
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
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.!
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
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
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.
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.
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!
Dress Vera Wang and Peter Langner veil from Carine’s Bridal Atelier
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!
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
White House Christmas Decorations 2018 to 2019
If you are like me, you love photos. So, if you are curious about the White House decorations this year and haven’t had the opportunity to go, please enjoy these photos from my family visit.
DIY Over The Top Wreaths! As seen on #GoodDayDC @Fox5dc
Just like yours, my holiday season has been busy! Lots of designing fresh flowers for parties and plenty of homes to decorate. So far, my December favorite has been making what I call the “Over The Top” wreath.
This is a close up of the wreath I made for @blonde_inthedistrict which started this season’s trend!
For this wreath, you glue on every holiday bauble you can find and call it a day. Keep reading if you want a little more instruction on how to do it.
Step 1: Gather materials. You will need a wreath form (can be fresh or faux), scissors, fabric scissors, wire, glue gun, extra glue sticks and lots of baubles! Note: A wreath is a great place to use any broken ornaments that you have been saving and just can’t stand to throw away!
Step 2: Glue your biggest ornaments first.
Step 3: Wind beaded garland or tinsel around your big ornaments.
Step 4: Add your fun and/or special ornaments. I always try to choose ones that match the personality of the recipient. Dani’s (@blonde_inthedistrict) wreath reflected her fun and royal personality!
Step 5: Add any “picked” decorations. Hint - Cut them into pieces so you can get a lot more out of them.
Step 6: Hang it on a door and enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed the tutorial! Here are a few more “Over The Top” wreath designs from this season.
This wreath hangs on my front door and is made from broken ornaments. I talked about it on my 12/11/19 appearance on Fox 5 - Good Day DC with @producer_stewart and @hollylivefox5
For more on that check out my Insta Stories!
Two More of my favorites! The light pink one was for Julie at @strawberrymilkevents - @Studiomilk_ holiday decor and the other for @lucysyarnpocket.
Happy First Anniversary Sophie and Luc! Classic Christmas Wedding at Georgetown’s City Tavern Club.
All photos by Emily Alyssa Photography
Sophie Pyle Ziegler is a woman about town; she runs her own successful media company, Rose Media, and is always at every party you want to go to. I even caught her on a Real Housewives of Potomac episode.
Initially, Sophie and I bonded over our love for reality television and pop culture. When I voted on her Instagram story that Karlie Clausen was more boring than Gigi Hadid, she lol’d and replied they were both boring. After she and Luc got engaged, she DM’d me to let me know she was looking for a florist and asked if I would have a chance to talk flowers with her. Of course I did.
We had our initial consultation via phone and I loved her bubbly, exuberant personality. When she told me she wanted a very classic DC wedding, I told her that I had spent time freelancing in The White House Floral Shop, and that was about as classic as you could get. She loved the Obama’s and was thrilled to have a florist who had also designed for them.
Sophie’s classic, round bouquet was made of snow white peonies, garden roses, ranunculus and phalaenopsis orchids. The edges were finished with touches of hand-guilded greenery.
The next time Sophie and I met, it was for a walk through of her quintessential Georgetown venue - the City Tavern Club. It was the first time I had worked at the club since starting my company and it was the first time Emily Alyssa and I met. Since then both have become two of my favorites!
The morning of Sophie’s wedding, I delivered her bouquet to the hot salon, Karma by Erwin Gomez where I found her bridesmaids in great cheer, lounging and drinking bubbly. The salon is very chic, with discreet individual hair stations for each client (which must be appreciated by DC’s glitterati who just want to have their hair done in peace!) I presented the bouquet to Sophie and she couldn’t have been more gracious.
Sophie walked down the aisle in a stunning Marchesa dress from The Bridal Room VA that was reminiscent of Pippa Middleton at the royal wedding.
Congratulations on celebrating your first Anniversary Sophie and Luc! See you on the gram:)
DIY Cranberries for your Holiday Table
As a floral designer, the holidays are busy, busy, busy! So it may or may not surprise you that sometimes I opt for a non floral centerpiece. If you find yourself short on time, or maybe not in the mood to spend $$$ on decor, try this easy DIY cranberry craft to decorate your mantle, table, or even power room.
All photos by SKC Photography
Step 1: Gather.
1 Candle
1 Vase or clear bowl
Cranberries
Holiday Greens
Step 2: Fill
Pour cranberries about 1/4 into your container.
Step 3: Layer
When you have a base of cranberries, place in your candle and some holiday greens. Continue to pour the cranberries all around the candle.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Light your candle and call it a day!
Place just a single vase or groupings of different sizes and quantities, The bright red berries give instant impact!
For more Hot Holiday Trends, check out #LetsTalkLive on ABC!
Children’s National Hospital and Light Up The Season on December 16, 2018 at The Four Seasons Hotel, Washington
The holidays are fast approaching and I wanted to take a minute to shine a light on a cause near and dear to my heart. It’s called Light Up the Season and it benefits Children’s National Hospital. The event (formerly known as The Georgetown Jingle) raises money to support the Hospital and is held every year at The Four Seasons Hotel. Each year, 12-15 of Washington’s top interior designers and florists are invited to decorate a tree or holiday item, like a wreath, menorah or mantle piece, that is then auctioned off at a fun family-friendly afternoon event (buy tickets here). Last summer, I was excited and honored to receive an email from the event’s organizers asking me to participate for the second year in a row.
The process works like this: Every designer is partnered with a Children’s National Hospital patient and together the patient “artist” and designer work to come up with a fantasy holiday theme. This summer, I had the pleasure of meeting a sweet young lady named Annabelle.
As I talked to Annabelle about what she would like to see on her tree, she drew the small picture below. Her favorite color is blue, her sister’s favorite color is lavender, and, of course, mine is purple. Naturally, we were already in harmony!
Annabelle very much liked the idea of woodland animals and an enchanted snowy forest. We also agreed there should be some bells on the tree as a nod to her name. After combining Annabelle’s ideas and my vision, I decided the theme of our tree would be “Over The River and Through The Woods.”
The next step was to begin the work of decorating a tree. In recent years, I have found myself missing the camaraderie and aesthetic kismet that comes from working with a large group of volunteer designers. Heavily influenced by my time in the White House Floral Shop under Former Chief Florist Laura Dowling, I wanted to recreate this experience and feeling. So I reached out to all my creative friends and asked them to help me #craftforacause. The response was incredible; I am so warmed by the generous people in my creative community!
I hosted the first #craftforacause party at my home in mid September. As the saying goes, “many hands make light work” and the attendees produced dozens of floral hoop wreaths made out of yarn and felt. Thanks to Anne Kelley, Carleigh Smith, Emily Alyssa, Jasmine Ellesse, Maria Kessel and Vicky Choy for kicking off #craftforacause!
Photo by Marie Windsor Photography
The second #craftforacause party was held on a beautiful late September day at Periwinkle, a lovely clothing boutique in Old Town, Alexandria. Marie Windsor Photography joined us and took lots of detailed photos. Pamela Vetrini of Cheats and Meeses brought us a delicious cheese board extravaganza to fuel our designs. The designers for our second party included Elizabeth from Periwinkle, Kelley Cannon, Janice Carnevale, Lindsay Kidwell, Jasmine Ellesse and Nicole Nespor. It was fun to see how unique everyone’s designs were and how different they were from the first party.
There was one more #craftforacause party this weekend and I can’t wait to show you those designs too!
The finishing touch on my tree comes from Accent Decor who generously donated dozens of beautiful glass and felt ornaments. These handcrafted ornaments are just what I needed to complete the tree’s wintery woodlands theme. While it is not guaranteed that Annabelle can attend the event, I sure hope she can because I think she will love what we have created.
Thank you to everyone who came out to #craftforacause. And thanks in advance to those will help set-up and decorate the tree in preparation for the big event on December 16. I’ll make sure to share pictures of the finished product once it is complete!
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.
Megan and Coult’s outdoor ceremony was full of white and peach flowers, including an all white chuppah accented with greenery.
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.
There’s that big smile again.
Wedding Planner Molly Radigan was hard at work on all the details behind the scenes.
I like this bird’s eye view of the party in the linden grove. Catering by Natalie Walker, Event Coordinator for Well Dunn Catering.
Sparklers and one more big smile for the road.
Happy memories of a happy couple. Congratulations on your first anniversary!
The D.C. Darlings Katie and Chris are Getting Married!
Katie and Chris - on top of the world! Photographed by Photos from the Harty
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Instagram! The main reason is that it gives me the ability to connect with so many awesome people I would otherwise have no way of knowing. This is how Katie and I met and it was definitely the beginning of a beautiful relationship. She is one of the most kind and appreciative people I have had the honor of designing for — and to an artist like me, that is everything! Please enjoy these beautiful photos of her 101 Constitution engagement party photographed by Photos from the Harty.
Geometry on fleek!
The flowers are so girly and I love them! Roses, ranunculus, scabiosa and carnations accented by lambs ear and ferns.
Caroline Dutton helped to plan this wonderful fete and I am pretty sure this sign by The Dandelion Patch is one of her ideas.
Carleigh Smith is head of private events for Charlie Palmer, and another one of my favorite people. Look at all those yummy yummies below!
The best friends! Katie and Molly who make up The DC Darlings
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
Claire and Brendan were married under an all white floral chuppah.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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.
Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton
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 lovely Kayla Poawui and Julianna Carfaro modeling fall gowns and flowers.
Garden Roses for days accented with Phalaenopsis.
Lavender and violet flowers in every hue paired with greenery making the perfect transition to fall.
Heba and her talented Senior Consultant Monique
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I would love to take the credit for coming up with the idea to do a Rodarte Spring 2019 inspired hair couture look, but it was all Anchyi. We are planning another flora couture shoot coming up in October, and she must have known I would be obsessed with the inspiration.
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