Showing posts with label Hotel Wedding planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hotel Wedding planning. Show all posts

Monday, October 26, 2009

Vendor Spotlight - Wicked Willow, LLC

Wicked Willow is my favorite floral designer. The team of Randy Woods and Tina Owens is amazing - truly, and I will tell you why. Every design that comes out of that studio is perfect in every way. When I am working with them, I can give them a vague idea of a color scheme and feeling of the day and they can come up with multiple amazing ideas that will work. If I go to them with specifics on what the couple wants, they still come up with multiple amazing ideas – that then, I can go back to the Bride and Groom with.

Located in Catonsville, I know I can work with them with all of my clients, no matter whether the wedding is located on the Eastern Shore, or in Baltimore, Washington DC, Virginia, Frederick, Hagerstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania – anywhere. Most importantly, their creativity is “out of this world” amazing. I just love doing different things for weddings, because I like to think outside the box. New designs, linens and table arrangements make a wedding so much more unique. I wanted to show you some of their work and also give you an idea of their creativity, so I asked Randy and Tina to send me some of the most unusual arrangements that they have designed for a wedding (arrangements, centerpieces, and bouquets).

Enjoy


Arrangements








































































Centerpieces










































































Bouquets








































































Floral Design by Wicked Willow

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Pleasure of Your Company

I believe wording invitations properly, even in this day and age where there are many levels of people supporting the Bride and Groom, and the Bride and Groom rightfully wanting to honor everyone. I wanted to share a simple guide with you. This guide addresses some of the more common situations that couples face.

This chart looks at the invitation line by line and suggests options. Of course, each couple is individual and has individual situations. If you need suggestions for alternative wording, or you have a complicated situation, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Notes:
*I recommend that a separate invitation card be included if the reception is at a different location – especially if it’s at an unfamiliar location. This way, an address can easily be added.

If you are having a cocktail or cake and champagne reception, it should be stated in the invitation; such as, and afterward on the patio for cake and champagne. This way, the guests know that they will not be getting a full meal. I also recommend making the invitation style reflect such. Timing for a cake/champagne or cocktail reception should be such that it is not falling at a meal time.


Registry information never goes on, or with, and invitation. I suggest to our clients that save the dates include a wedding website address, which could contain registry info. Otherwise, registry information should be passed by word of mouth.

Much of this information was obtained from Martha Stewart weddings Wording and Rules Guide. Go to http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/index.php?v=msc_weddings_etiquetteguide_weddinginvitationwording to get more information on invitation and wedding etiquette.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Destination LA

I was not only honored, but privileged, when this fabulous couple asked me to assist in planning their vision of a platinum wedding. The couple had been together for a little over six years and knew this was the perfect time to "tie the knot." The Bride was from, and lived in, Los Angeles, California. The Groom moved back to the East Coast to further his education. Needless to say, most of the time, it was the Bride, I and her family doing all the planning.


The Bride was very clear on what this magical evening would entail. The wedding took place in a glamorous ballroom in West Hollywood. The evening started off with endless stationary offerings, such as; a sushi bar, Steak Dian station, a carving station, salad stations and a kabob station. Classy hors d'oeuvres were butlered throughout the room while the guests were entertained with live music from a very talented and well known harpist.


As the evening proceeded, immediate family and close friends of the Bride and Groom were invited to attend the signing of the Ketubah, which was followed by a "never to be forgotten" ceremony. The room was filled with extravagant flowers, linens and imported custom designed drapery. Half of the tables consisted of cherry tree branches with green antique Hydrangeas, Black Magic Roses, Melva orange Roses, Leonita Roses, red hanging Amaranths and Orchids. The other half consisted of the same flowers, however, we changed the concept and opted to showcase the flowers in tall circular glass vases partially filled with marbles -giving the room more variety and elegance. The room was truly magical and filled with love, happiness, and memories that the Bride and Groom will hold dear to their hearts forever.





They had a very entertaining and talented five piece band; including, a versatile singer that was able to fulfill both the Bride and Groom's request of having Persian, Israeli, and Spanish music. There was never a dull moment on the dance floor!


The menu for dinner was unbelievable - they had different types of rice, a wide selection of Persian stews, salads, three kinds of kabobs, salmon and smoked fish. They were short of nothing and the bar was filled with only top of the line selection of beverages. As dinner proceeded, we thought it was the perfect and most appropriate time for selected family members and friends to say a few words. By the end of the Groom's speech there was not a dry face in the room. The Bride's sister expressed her underlying love and friendship. It was safe to say that both the Bride and Groom came from very close and tight knit families.

Dancing continued through the night, drinks were passed around, tears, joy , and laughter spread throughout the entire room. At times it felt like paparazzi was present because they had six photographers and two videographers following them and the guests throughout the entire celebration.

The cake was something you would find in a picture perfect magazine. The Bride chose a very simple, classic, and timeless cake. It was tree tiered and had draping with sugar coated rose petals and Tiramisu filling. The room was filled with silence and all eyes were on the Bride and Groom as they took a big slice of cake and fed each other in a very romantic and unforgettable way.

This evening ended up being a reality of what only seemed to be a vision planned for 9 months. All their expectations were met and all vendors delivered exactly what was agreed. It was truly an honor to see two people so dedicated, committed to one another. I wish them a lifetime of happiness.
Photography by Albert Tabibian

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Pooks Hill Marriott - Bethesda



Many couples want to stay away from hotels because they feel that they are not
customizable, they are ordinary locations, and they would just be 1 of 3 weddings happening in the same location.


Not true. Hotels are a wise choice for a number of reasons, and I want to share with you an amazing location that is right at our back door. The Pooks Hill Marriott, located in Bethesda is just minutes from the Beltway. It offers charm, tradition and elegance in one complete package.

With a dance floor, this property can accommodate up to 300 guests in two separated and stylized ballrooms. Each ballroom is located on separate and private wings, offering you and your guests’ private hallways and bathrooms so there is no need to worry about intermingling with others! No traveling required - with the cocktail hour just right across the hall from the ballrooms, or perhaps dress up the hallway; it makes it easy to have an onsite ceremony, offering your guests an all in one option.



Customize your menu to accompany the style and theme of your reception. The staff at the Pooks Hill Marriott is flexible and will allow you to bring in your own catering if you want to celebrate your ethnicity through food. They have worked closely with caterers specializing in Persian, Indian and African cuisine, just to name a few.



The hotel also offers wonderful upgraded amenities for the Bride and Groom. Book the Presidential suite and get pampered - in the comfort and style that you deserve. Located on the 16th floor, and overlooking beautiful Bethesda, the presidential suite includes a flat screen TV, couches, wet bar with microwave, and a private patio. Reserving the 2 connecting rooms offers Bridesmaids or Mothers an opportunity to stay close to the pre-wedding festivities.

Are you dreaming of outdoor and indoor possibilities, and still want the convenience of a hotel? This property has it all. A beautiful gazebo provides a dramatic backdrop for pictures. With a small upgrade, treat your guests to cocktails poolside, or cover the pool for added space and have an elegant candlelight ceremony. The possibilities are limitless.


To close a beautiful wedding night, each couple is treated to a luxurious wedding night suite, containing comfy chairs and couches, a flat screen TV, a large opulent bathroom and private sleeping quarters, separated with 2 large French doors.



Elegance abound with ballrooms adorned with giant chandeliers, an elegantly designed lobby, professional and knowledgeable staff, and the convenience of planning your entire event, from the meet and greet to the after wedding brunch, the Pooks Hill Marriott is the choice for a truly choosy Bride!



Take a look at a beautiful Pooks Hill wedding http://freedphoto.com/slideshows/suss_wedding/
 
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