Bridal Party

Where & When: Bridal Edition (February 9 to February 21)

Try on dresses, taste cakes, visit venues, and meet vendors this month.

Tonight through February 16
Soliloquy Bridal Couture in Herndon is hosting a fashion show and reception tonight at 7 PM. Wedding dresses from the likes of Sassi Holford (a British designer whose collection will be featured at the salon until the 16th), Heidi Elnora, Cocoe Voci, and Sarah Seven will be shown, and canapés from Purple Onion Catering will be provided. RSVP by e-mailing febshow@soliloquybridal.com, or make an appointment to try on a Sassi Holford gown by calling 571-449-2580.

Today through Saturday, February 11
Fashionistas, take note: The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel is hosting a trunk show of Oscar de la Renta wedding dresses (yes, the Oscar de la Renta who created wedding gowns for Jenna Bush, Katherine Heigl, and even Carrie Bradshaw). Call 301-652-2250 to schedule an appointment.

Today through Saturday, February 11
Monique Lhuillier’s wedding dresses (Reese Witherspoon wore one on her wedding day) will be featured at a trunk show at Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Georgetown. Call 202-965-4696 to schedule your appointment, and click here to view the new collection.

Friday, February 10, and Saturday, February 11
Amsale wedding dresses combine classic silhouettes and modern details to all-around gorgeous effect. Hitched in Georgetown is hosting a trunk show of the designer’s new collection at its salon. Call 202-333-6162 to schedule your appointment.

Friday, February 10, and Saturday, February 11
Looking for a special bauble for your wedding day—or for Valentine’s Day? Tiny Jewel Box in DC is hosting a Valentine’s Day shopping event featuring exclusive designs from Penny Preville and new pieces from Fragments Design Lab, as well as Tag Heuer watches. To get into the V-Day spirit, sweet treats will be on offer, too! Visit Tiny Jewel Box’s website for more information.

Washington Real Weddings: Maura and Patrick

A pair of Alexandria natives host a sweet, lively celebration in their hometown, featuring cute puppies, Patrón, and a gnome cake (we’ll get to that later).

Maura and Patrick made sure to pose with their two golden retrievers, Rumpelstiltskin (held by Patrick) and Riley, after the ceremony. All photographs by Deb Lindsey Photography.

Maura and Patrick both grew up in Alexandria, and attended grade school together. But they didn’t actually meet until a friend brought Maura to Patrick’s 30th birthday party.

“I bought the birthday boy a shot of Patrón—even though I hate tequila—and we’ve been together ever since,” recalls Maura.

After a Christmas Eve 2010 proposal, the couple planned their wedding for August 20, 2011, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where both the bride and the groom attended grade school, with a reception following at the Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria.

“We really wanted to have a hometown wedding where everything was close by,” says Maura. “The ballroom at Belle Haven is gorgeous and five minutes from our house. And when we found out they would let the guys play golf on Friday, our search for the perfect venue was over.”

The couple wanted a wedding that was “pretty and elegant, but above all, fun.” They chose a bright color scheme of royal blue, kelly green, and white.

Real Proposal: Kristine and Kelvin

A Fredericksburg photo shoot turns into a sweet engagement story.

Kristine and Kelvin, pre-proposal. All photographs by Ashley Grace of Little Bird Media

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: There’s nothing sweeter than a proposal caught on camera. And here’s another super-cute one to brighten your day.

Kristine, who lives in Fredericksburg, had mentioned to her photographer friend Ashley Grace of Little Bird Media that she’d like some photos taken.

“My mom had been asking for some updated photos to put up around the house, since the last time I had my picture taken was my senior year of high school,” says Kristine. “In September, Ashley brought up the idea again.”

After a bit of back and forth, they were able to settle on a Saturday shoot in downtown Fredericksburg. As Ashley snapped away, Kristine’s boyfriend of nearly three years, Kelvin, stopped by to watch.

“Every time Ashley would fiddle with her camera and change settings, Kelvin would come over to talk, kiss, hug, or just tease me like he always does, and then Ashley would start taking pictures of it,” says Kristine.

Real Weddings From the Magazine: Robynn Scott-Clayton & Jerome Nichols

Married July 2, 2011, at Sidwell Friends School’s Quaker Meeting House

Slideshow: Robynn and Jerome's wedding

THE DETAILS

Photography: Eli Turner Studios

Reception Venue: The Liaison Capitol Hill

Hair and Makeup: Monae Artistry/Brides Made Up

Event Planner: Invited Special Events

Cake: Just Cakes

Florist: Growing Wild Floral Company

Entertainment: SoundNation

Occupations She’s a second-grade teacher; he’s a real estate development project manager Hometowns She’s from Silver Spring; he’s from Takoma Park How They Met In high school at Sidwell Friends First Date Chevy’s Restaurant in Greenbelt Favorite Restaurant Acqua al 2 in Southeast DC Where They Got Engaged In Philadelphia Wedding Cocktail Champagne, cherry juice, St. Germain, and vodka Wedding Flowers Peonies, roses, lisianthus, dusty miller, baptista Favorite Wedding Detail The band was amazing! Wedding Cake Vanilla with peach mousse, and chocolate with chocolate mousse Biggest Surprise of the Wedding Jerome’s father singing “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye First Dance “U Smile” by Justin Bieber Wedding Theme Classic elegance Four Words That Describe the Wedding Fun, exciting, intimate, memorable Honeymoon Spot St. Lucia Where They Currently Live Washington, DC

This wedding first appeared in the Winter/Spring 2012 issue of Washingtonian Bride & Groom. Click here to reserve your free copy.

Anne Bowen’s John F. Kennedy Rosa Wedding Gown

The backstory on a new wedding dress.

The sketch (left) and finished product of Anne Bowen's JFK Rosa gown. All photographs courtesy of Anne Bowen

A few weeks ago, we showed off the new modern and glamorous collection from designer Anne Bowen. The collection, which will be featured this weekend at a trunk show at Chevy Chase Bridal, includes one design with a very special backstory.

The inspiration for the “John F. Kennedy Rosa” gown (sketch and finished product shown above) came from a hybrid tea rose that was named after JFK in 1964. The dress’s layers of raw-edged ombré organza fabric echo the rose’s layers of petals. It feels architectural and contemporary, but would certainly work for a classic DC wedding—especially with the history involved.

Nontraditional Bridal Shower Ideas

Not into oohing and aahing over toasters and oven mitts? Here are some more creative ideas.

We’ve received a lot of questions from maids of honor, bridesmaids, and moms lately about bridal showers: “We don’t want to do just the standard luncheon at someone’s house. How can we make a shower a little more creative and fun?” Well, your friends at Washingtonian Bride & Groom are here to help.

We asked wedding planner Teresa Lee of Rex & Regina to come up with a few ideas for bridal showers that don’t involve making toilet paper wedding dresses in your great-aunt’s living room.

I Knew You When . . . “For this wedding shower, each guest should bring an object, like a newspaper headline, a song, or a clothing item, from the year they met the bride. As the bride opens the ‘artifact,’ the guest can share with the group how [he or she] met the bride,” says Lee.

This is a particularly great idea to liven up showers at a friend or relative’s house or at a restaurant.

Wine Tasting A fun and informative way to spend an afternoon, no flight to Napa required. Lee likes Zola Wine & Kitchen in DC for this type of shower because of its “open kitchen and casual atmosphere,” but many area restaurants would also be able to do a wine tasting party.

“To make the party even more personal, taste a flight of the bride’s favorite varietal,” says Lee.

Washington Real Engagement: Jenn and Ryan

One couple chose their favorite hiking spots for their relaxed portrait session.

Arlington couple Jenn and Ryan, who have been together for two years, love going to Gravelly Point in Arlington to watch planes take off and land, and hiking on Theodore Roosevelt Island (on the Potomac, between Arlington and DC), which is where Ryan proposed. So when it came time for their engagement photos, shot by Sarah Culver Photography, the couple decided those two locations would provide the perfect backdrops.

“I’ve seen quite a number of engagement shoots that seem to have no backstory to them,” says Jenn. “I’m a writer, and I care about stories, so while I initially decided we’d take pictures ‘somewhere pretty,’ it kept bothering me that there was nothing personal about the places. But then I remembered Theodore Roosevelt Island, where we got engaged and still hike, and that turned into a memory of us watching the planes take off and land at Gravelly Point. These places had some sort of story behind then, a connection, and I thought it would make the pictures more meaningful—which it did.”

Jenn and Ryan will marry in October 2012 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the bride’s hometown. Check out more photos from their engagement session after the jump.

Designer of the Week: Monique Lhuillier

She’s dressed Reese Witherspoon and Carrie Underwood for their weddings—and you could be next.

Two of the newest gowns from Monique Lhuillier. All photographs courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier is known for creating gowns that feature both classic and trendsetting elements. Her feminine lace sheaths are perennial favorites; this season, she showed new versions of this silhouette (above, right). And her princess-worthy ballgowns are always grand and romantic. The designer also presented wedding dresses that featured some of the top trends of the season—sleeves, asymmetrical hemlines, new textural elements, and leg-baring slits—as well as some fun and flirty short dresses.

Check out all of the new Monique Lhuillier wedding dresses after the jump. If you fall in love with one of them, head to Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Georgetown this weekend for a Monique Lhuillier trunk show.

Destination Bride: The Final Countdown

With three weeks to go, our bride-to-be shares some last-minute words of wisdom.

Well, it’s February. That means my wedding is about three weeks away. And in case I somehow forget when it is, I have Nate to remind me. He’s started three separate countdowns: one for the number of days until our last day of work, another for the number of days until we leave, and a third for the number of days until the wedding. He was, until recently, updating me daily on all three. I finally explained to him that while I, too, am very excited, those dates represent critical deadlines to me, and thus it’s a little stressful to have someone constantly reminding me just how close they all are. I admit it’s my fault that he doesn’t fully appreciate how many details there are to think about before the big day. I’ve handled the planning almost entirely on my own for a number of reasons: I’m hopelessly Type A, so planning is usually fun for me; I’m the only one who cares about things like finding really cute table numbers; and finally, making unilateral decisions is just easier. So really, I can’t blame him for not feeling as much pressure as I do—but I don’t miss those countdowns.

I actually didn’t expect to feel stressed leading up to the wedding. Our wedding is relatively small, and given that it’s in Mexico, there’s only so much micromanaging that can be done. And it’s not that this wedding isn’t planned—trust me, it is. It’s just that there are so many last-minute logistical issues to consider: Who will meet the photographer in the lobby? Does the deejay really understand that under no circumstances is he allowed to play “YMCA” or the “Electric Slide”? What if our other guests sit down in the front row during the ceremony and our parents are relegated to the back? Who’s going to police that? And speaking of parents, mine don’t like each other, so that’s definitely going to be awkward. I should add that we’ll also be closing on a condo the day after we get back from Mexico, which means our apartment is currently in chaos.

I’m not sharing this to complain. I’m excited and very, very grateful for both the wedding and the new place. I just have a feeling that I’m not the only bride who feels—or will feel—a bit overwhelmed. Here are some things that I’ve realized can help.

California Chic in Charlottesville + Relaxed in Virginia

We do the research so you don’t have to: inspiring real Washington weddings from our favorite blogs.

Think this looks like a California wedding? Think again! Photograph by Korie Lynn Photography

When we first looked at this real wedding, photographed by Korie Lynn Photography, we thought the venue had to be in California—it had that sunkissed feel we all swoon over. And then we noticed that it actually took place in Charlottesville, at Keswick Vineyards. Such a lively pink-and-aqua color scheme (we’re hoping this palette really takes off around here), and that sweets station is just so, well, sweet.
—Elizabeth Anne Designs

Local Talent: Sareh Nouri

A Northern Virginia native creates a collection of classic, lightweight wedding dresses.

The designer with two of her creations (left), and the White Swan gown. All photographs by Moshe Zusman Photography

Even though she now lives in New Jersey, wedding gown designer Sareh Nouri is a Washington girl at heart. She grew up in Springfield and Ashburn, and attended George Mason University, studying graphic design. When she was planning her own wedding in 2009, she had trouble finding a gown she liked, so she worked with a seamstress to create one that was more her style. Even after her wedding had long passed, she still missed the planning process.

“I know a lot of people get the ‘post-wedding blues,’” she says. “But mine never went away.”

She started working at a bridal salon, and became deeply immersed in the world of wedding dresses. She started sketching gowns, and created her first bridal collection last year.

“I love timeless gowns. I try not to do anything too out-of-the-box,” she says. “Most of my gowns are very soft and really lightweight—my main goal is to create gowns that are not heavy at all.”

The designer also likes to mix traditional bridal fabrics, such as silk tulle and silk organza, with modern silhouettes. But keeping things classic is important to her, in part due to her DC upbringing.

“DC is a very conservative city, so I try to keep my gowns elegant and the fabrics traditional,” says Nouri. “But I like to mix a little New York City trendiness in there, as well.”

One of her favorite gowns from the Fall 2012 collection (her second) is the White Swan (shown above).

“I love the pairing of the traditional lace top with the craziness of the skirt,” she explains. “I could imagine a bride wearing it at a ballroom venue, like the Willard or the Mayflower, but the gown is so lightweight that it could also be worn at an outdoor wedding.”

Nouri’s gowns are currently sold at Love Couture Bridal in Potomac (where she’s hosting a trunk show this weekend) and Soliloquy Bridal in Herndon. Click the jump to view more of her Fall 2012 collection.

Valentine’s Day Proposal Ideas

Pop the question in style with three DC venue ideas.

Proposing on Valentine’s Day isn’t the most original idea, but hey, it is the day to celebrate love, so why not? In case you’re thinking about popping the question on or around February 14 (we recommend waiting until the 15th or 16th, just to fake her out), we asked Falls Church wedding planner Lesley Cohen of LelyCo Events and Venue Safari for some creative last-minute proposal ideas.

Presidential Proposal: “If your significant other loves presidents of the past, take her for a meal at Martin’s Tavern and request the booth where John F. Kennedy popped the question to Jackie,” says Cohen. [Ed. note: While the story of JFK proposing at Martin’s is sometimes disputed, the tavern is still a popular spot for engagements.]

Art Lovers: “Tour the National Portrait Gallery and propose in the Kogod Courtyard, which has been named one of the seven architectural wonders of the world by Condé Nast Traveler magazine,” suggests Cohen.

Love on Ice: “Grab an early bite to eat, and then head to the ice-skating rink at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden,” Cohen says. “Nothing is more romantic than skating hand in hand; then you drop to one knee at the center of the rink for a fun and dramatic proposal.”

Are you planning a Valentine’s Day proposal? Don’t forget to get pictures of the big moment, and then send them our way at realweddings@washingtonian.com. We’ll post them on the blog!

Where & When: Bridal Edition (February 2 to February 12)

The shortest month of the year is packing in lots of trunk shows around the area.

Friday, February 3, through Saturday, February 4
The wedding gown collection by Modern Trousseau is a favorite among DC brides looking for a classic dress with a modern twist. The newest gowns will be featured at Hitched in Georgetown at a trunk show. Call 202-333-6162 to schedule your appointment.

Friday, February 3, through Saturday, February 4
Looking to glam up your wedding gown with a sparkly brooch, headpiece, or necklace? The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel is hosting a trunk show featuring the gorgeous jewelry of Siman Tu. Call 301-652-2250 to schedule an appointment.

Friday, February 3, through Sunday, February 5
Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection in Baltimore is hosting a trunk show of James Clifford’s classic, elegant gowns. Call 410-484-4600 to schedule your appointment

Friday, February 3, through Sunday, February 5
Tara Keely wedding gowns are feminine and stylish; check them out at a trunk show at Chevy Chase Bridal. Call 202-363-9301 to schedule your appointment.

Saturday, February 4
R&R Catering is hosting an open house at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. You’ll be able to taste the caterer’s appetizers, entrées, and sides, and other wedding vendors will be present to answer your wedding planning questions. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Visit R&R Catering’s website to register.

Washington Real Weddings: Rachel and Roman

This lively wedding includes a late-night summer street fair—with popcorn, pinwheels, and corn dogs—at an Alexandria hotel.

The newlyweds with a "Just Married" banner. All photographs by Stephen Bobb of Love Life Images

Rachel and Roman, who first met at work, wanted their August 20, 2011, wedding to resemble a “summer fair, colorful, with vintage accents,” says the bride. A computer specialist and freelance designer, she created many of the wedding decor details herself.

“Rachel was all about having a cohesive visual style, which turned into a lot of late-night crafting projects!” says Roman.

The wedding was held at the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, a city where the couple often hang out. “Ripple” by the Grateful Dead played as Rachel walked down the aisle, and “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles accompanied the recessional; both were performed by a flute and guitar duo.

The pair wed under a birch-pole chuppah adorned with paper pinwheels the bride created. Guests sipped lemonade to keep cool.

New Bridesmaid Dresses: Love Lane Collection at Bella Bridesmaid

Your gals will love you for this, we promise.

Maintaining your friendships with your bridesmaids should be an important goal of wedding planning. Ergo, it’s probably not the best idea to make them spend half their paycheck on a dress they’ll only wear once. We promise you, they’ll be bitter. So of course we’re super-psyched about a new diffusion line from one of our favorite bridesmaid dress designers, Ivy & Aster—all of these super-cute dresses are under $220.

The Love Lane Collection, available exclusively at Bella Bridesmaid stores (including the shop in Bethesda), features dresses available in either crinkle chiffon or charmeuse, and in about 20 color options. We’re particularly loving the chiffon Kate style (shown at right)—it’s just so flirty, swingy, and fun. For more-formal weddings, full-length gowns are available, as well.

To view the full collection, visit Love Lane’s website, and if you’d like to see these dresses in person, give the Bethesda Bella Bridesmaid a call at 301-664-6436 to set up an appointment.

Real Weddings From the Magazine: Marguerite Dorment & Kyle McNickle

Married January 22, 2011, at Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart

Slideshow: Margo and Kyle's wedding

THE DETAILS

Photography: Lynne Brubaker Photography

Bride's Gown: Oscar de la Renta

Groom's Tux: Jos. A. Bank

Event Planner: Allison Jackson of Pineapple Productions

Makeup: Leah McKay

Florist: Philippa Tarrant Floral Design

Entertainment: The Dexter Lake Club Band

Occupations She’s a graduate student; he’s an investment banker Hometowns She’s from Washington, DC; he’s from Rockville How They Met At Holy Cross College First Date The movie Runaway Jury Favorite Restaurant Kefi in Manhattan Where They Got Engaged On the beach in East Hampton, NY Wedding Cocktail Elderberry Royale Wedding Flowers Baby’s breath, amaryllis, cymbidium orchids, and brunia berries Favorite Wedding Detail Mini milkshakes passed around at the end of the night Wedding Cake Chocolate with raspberry filling Biggest Surprise of the Wedding It didn’t snow! First Dance “Just What I Needed” by the Cars Wedding Theme Classic elegance and retro glamour Four Words That Describe the Wedding Timeless, personal, magical, festive Honeymoon Spot St. Lucia Where They Currently Live New York City

This wedding first appeared in the Winter/Spring 2012 issue of Washingtonian Bride & Groom. Click here to reserve your free copy.

Unveiled 2012: Vendor Booths

The top Washington-area wedding vendors show off their talents with creative and inspiring booths and decor at our wedding showcase.

The team from Amaryllis created a booth that resembled a rustic flower market. Photograph by Holland Photo Arts

Slideshow: Unveiled 2012 Vendor Booths

The vendors at our Unveiled 2012 wedding showcase let their imaginations run wild—the jaw-dropping creativity on display was truly inspiring. From lush flower arrangements (and live bouquet arranging!) to ribbon lanterns to a dress made of Pantone squares to an actual flower girl, each booth had its own incredible details and features.

Washington Real Weddings: Sara and Dustin

A traditional-meets-modern wedding at a DC hotel.

The happy newlyweds. All photographs by The Observatory

Sara and Dustin first met while playing on the same kickball team. The couple eventually moved to Woodley Park, and Dustin proposed while they were taking their black Lab for a walk on a seemingly typical Saturday morning.

“It was perfect because it was meaningful, intimate, and surprising,” says Sara. “I was not expecting it when I was in pajamas and without makeup!”

The couple married at St. John’s Church in Lafayette Square, with a reception at the W hotel.

“We chose St. John’s and the W because we were going for a wedding that was traditional with a modern twist,” explains Sara. “St. John’s is a historical DC spot, and we love the traditional elements of the ceremony. The W was perfect because it is in the old Hotel Washington, but we love its modern design.”

The couple chose a bold color scheme of their favorite hues: blue (Dustin’s) and yellow (Sara’s).

Designer of the Week: Romona Keveza Couture

Looking for a wedding gown that’s classic with a twist? Check out this collection.

Two of Romona Keveza's newest wedding gowns—including a major "something blue." Photographs courtesy of Romona Keveza

Designer Romona Keveza has become a staple on the Hollywood red carpet, dressing the likes of Angelina Jolie, Lea Michele, and, just last night at the SAG Awards, actress Kaley Cuoco—but she’s perhaps even more well known in the world of wedding gowns, creating feminine dresses with a whimsical twist.

One of our absolute favorite gowns from October bridal market was the Romona Keveza Couture gown shown above left, a corseted bodice with a Swiss-dot skirt that shows off a little leg—just the right mix of sweet and sexy. She’s also known for her use of color, especially a Tiffany blue shade (shown above, right).

While Keveza is certainly adept at creating more-classic silhouettes, she turns out stunning examples of the little white dress or destination wedding gown variety, too. Keveza also designs a diffusion line, called Legends by Romona Keveza, which has a lower price point.

If you’re in love with these gowns, they’re sold at Rizik’s in DC, Hannelore’s in Old Town Alexandria, and Jeanette’s Bride ‘N Tux in Manassas. Check out the full Romona Keveza Couture Fall 2012 collection after the jump, and let us know what you think of the gowns in the comments.

Unveiled 2012: Attendees and Brides-to-Be

Photos from last week’s inspiring wedding showcase.

Our Unveiled wedding showcase was a one-stop-shop for wedding planning. Here, a couple chats with a vendor. Photograph by Holland Photo Arts

Slideshow: Unveiled 2012 Attendees and Brides-to-Be

Hundreds of brides, grooms, vendors, and guests attended Washingtonian Bride & Groom’s fourth annual Unveiled wedding showcase on Sunday, January 22, at the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC. The event, coordinated by Washingtonian’s marketing team of Rebecca Schwartz, Eleni Savopoulos, and Katharine Ragsdale, went off without a hitch.

From the moment brides entered the Mandarin, escorted by strolling musicians from Bialek’s Music, the event was inspiring, informative, and, like every wedding should be, fun. The Reem Acra fashion show, emceed by WJLA’s Pamela Brown, elicited oohs and aahs over the amazing wedding gowns, the “Everything You Need to Know About Your Wedding, But Didn’t Think to Ask” panel discussions with expert vendors answered many brides’ (and moms’) toughest questions, and several guests won amazing door prizes.

Other highlights included the Champagne-flute chandelier manned by servers on stilts, the delicious food from the Mandarin Oriental (the lobster orzo station was a big hit), the photobooth from Booth-o-Rama, and an onstage Q&A with Leslie Milk, Washingtonian lifestyle editor and author of It’s Her Wedding but I’ll Cry if I Want To.

Sad you missed out? Sign up for our Bridal Party newsletter for updates on next year’s event.

A Bride Looks Back + a Zoo Wedding

We do the research so you don’t have to: inspiring real Washington weddings from our favorite blogs.

Despite the DIY fails and the last-minute menu adjustments, Jenn and Brandon are too happy to care. Photograph by Jenn Link Photography

Not only do we love the photos by Jenn Link Photography from this Carnegie Institution for Science wedding, but we also appreciate the bride’s honesty when discussing planning her nuptials. Things don’t always run smoothly, but in the end, it’s worth it.
—A Practical Wedding

Valentine’s Day Flower Arrangements (Without Roses)

Sure, roses are a symbol of love, but we’re kind of over them. Here are some arrangements that avoid the tired old V-Day cliché.

Arrangements by the Enchanted Florist (left), and H.Bloom (right).

Slideshow: Non-Rose Valentine’s Day Floral Arrangements

Your love may be like a red, red rose, but to be honest, we’re kind of over the dozen of them that’ve become the Valentine’s Day standard. We asked local florists to share their favorite non-rose arrangement for a more creative—and no less beautiful—addition to your beloved’s desk or kitchen counter this February 14.

Unveiled 2012: Reem Acra Fashion Show

Behind-the-scenes photos and lots of gorgeous gowns from Sunday’s fashion show.

One of the stunning Reem Acra wedding dresses hits the runway. Photograph by Holland Photo Arts

Slideshow: Reem Acra Fashion Show

One of the highlights of last Sunday’s Unveiled wedding showcase was the breathtaking Reem Acra fashion show, coordinated by the Aba Agency and the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel. Models, with hair by Christophe Jouenne and makeup by Carl Ray, floated down the runway in Acra’s regal, elegant wedding dresses, and Acra herself walked the runway for the grand finale.

Where & When: Bridal Edition (January 26 to February 6)

Trunk shows, a catering tasting, a band showcase, bridal expos, and lots more.

Thursday, January 26
The Dandelion Patch in Georgetown is hosting a Paper Party featuring talented Bethesda stationery designer Claudia Smith of Fig. 2 Design. You’ll be able to check out tons of wedding invitation designs, and enjoy treats and Champagne. And—bonus!—one winning ticket will receive 50 free save-the-dates from Fig. 2, and every attendee will receive a $25 gift card to the Dandelion Patch. RSVP by e-mailing georgetown@thedandelionpatch.com.

Thursday, January 26, through Saturday, January 28
If you liked what you saw at our Unveiled fashion show, see the very same luxurious and regal gowns at a Reem Acra trunk show at The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel in Chevy Chase. Call 301-652-2250 to schedule your appointment.

Thursday, January 26, through Saturday, January 28
Fans of Liancarlo will want to head to the designer’s trunk show at Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Georgetown—this wedding dress collection features romantic, whimsical gowns with a twist (check them out in our Designer of the Week post here). Call 202-965-4696 to schedule your appointment.

Thursday, January 26, through Sunday, January 29
Jenny Packham’s stylish, vintage-inspired designs are favorites of Kate Middleton, and Kate Winslet recently wore one of her creations to the Golden Globes. Now, Rizik’s in DC is hosting a trunk show of Packham’s newest collection, where you’ll receive 10 percent off her wedding gowns. Call 202-223-4050 to set up an appointment.

Friday, January 27, through Saturday, January 28
Hitched in Georgetown is hosting a trunk show featuring Christos wedding dresses. The collection is fresh, airy, and girly—think tulle, lace, and floral adornments. Call 202-333-6162 to schedule your appointment.

Washington Real Weddings: Ashley and Andrew

A pair of high school sweethearts marry in a wedding inspired by the letter “A.”

A romantic moment. All photographs by Petruzzo Photography

Ashley and Andrew started dating as high school in Millersville, Maryland; their first date was a trip to Wendy’s. Andrew proposed soon after the couple bought their first home together in Silver Spring.

They married on October 16, 2011, at Stone Manor Country Club in Middletown, Maryland.

“We wanted a simple yet beautiful outdoor ceremony fall, focused on family, good food, and dancing,” says Ashley.

The wedding theme revolved around the letter “A” (the first letter of both of their first names). Flower petals in the shape of the letter adorned the ceremony aisle, and A-shaped props made their photobooth more personal. Family and friends, including the bride’s sister, sister-in-law, and aunt, all assisted with the decor and planning.

Rehearsal Dinner Venue Finder

We help find a spot for your pre-wedding festivities.

Hill Country's laid-back Boot Bar. Photograph courtesy of Hill Country

Choosing a venue for your rehearsal dinner can be even more difficult than finding a site for your wedding. But fear not: We’re here to help. Check out some of our ideas below, and if none suit your fancy, visit our vendor guide for more suggestions.

You wanted a laid-back, down-home wedding, but your parents insisted on a formal affair at the country club.
Try . . . Hill Country

We love the idea of making your rehearsal dinner the polar opposite of your wedding—if you’re having a formal wedding, a casual barbecue rehearsal dinner (and vice versa) keeps guests guessing. And a more relaxed rehearsal dinner will encourage out-of-towners to mix and mingle before the wedding. This barbecue spot’s private Boot Bar holds 125 guests for a seated dinner or 200 for a cocktail reception; the room can also be divided for smaller events. And if you’re interested in some live music, the spot’s full-time music booker can hook you up. Plus there’s nothing like brisket, beef ribs, Longhorn cheddar mac and cheese, and corn pudding to bring people from two different families together.

The Ultimate Rehearsal Dinner Checklist

Planning your pre-wedding bash? Follow our checklist to ensure your wedding eve is memorable for all the right reasons.

The expert: Jamie Sears of Simply Chic Events in Leesburg, VA

Her best rehearsal dinner advice: “Make your rehearsal dinner the complete opposite of your wedding. For example, if you’re having a formal wedding, keep the rehearsal dinner laid-back, casual, and fun. Why not plan a Mexican fiesta or a clams-and-crabs party? Don’t use the same color scheme or theme as your wedding, either. Do the opposite, so you’re not giving away all the surprises of the next day! Don’t wait too long to start planning your rehearsal dinner. Secure your location as far in advance as possible; nine months to a year beforehand is ideal.”

Washington Real Weddings: Jean and Todd

A couple reunites after 40 years—and weds in a family-oriented garden wedding.

Jean and Todd at a high school dance (left), and at their wedding over 40 years later (right). Photographs courtesy of Mike Willson (high school), and Sabine Scherer Photography (wedding)

Jean, an artist, and Todd, an air traffic controller, first dated as sophomores at Yorktown High School in Arlington. They attended a dance together (see photo above, left), but then went their separate ways.

More than 40 years later, the pair reunited at their 40th high school reunion, and began dating once again. Their first date was dinner at Eventide in Arlington, and for their second date, Todd took Jean, an artist and art lover, to the Phillips Collection to see Renoir’s painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party.”

“After we had been dating for four months, we just knew we had something we hadn’t felt before and that we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives,” says Jean.

Todd proposed while he and Jean were visiting New York City. They married on August 22, 2010, at the American Horticultural Society at River Farm in Alexandria.

The vibe was “a romantic garden party Sunday luncheon,” says Jean. “We wanted family-style seating, to better bring our families and friends together. We tried to maximize the impact of having our wedding at the American Horticultural Society by placing a lot of focus on the florals and serving drinks and food that ‘came fresh from the garden.’”

Unveiled 2012: The Rehearsal Dinner

Before the big event, we hosted a few lucky couples and vendors for an intimate dinner at Lincoln Restaurant.

Guests mingle at Lincoln Restaurant. Photograph by Erik Uecke

Slideshow: Unveiled Rehearsal Dinner

On Wednesday, January 18, Washingtonian Bride & Groom hosted ten winning engaged couples (chosen from the first 75 Unveiled ticket buyers) for an intimate rehearsal dinner at Lincoln Restaurant in downtown DC (a great wedding rehearsal dinner spot in its own right!). The lucky few were able to dine while chatting one-on-one with some of the most talented vendors in the area—event planner Jamie Sears from Simply Chic Events, event planner Terri Eaves from Bash, florist Steve Ornstein of Edge Floral Event Designers, DJ Chris Laich of Chris Laich Music Services, Annie Kettler of the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel, Bill Bowen of Suburban Video, music pro Ray Bialek of Bialek’s Music, and Bret Freedman of the Mandarin Oriental.

Unveiled 2012: Twitter Recap

Revisit Sunday’s amazing bridal showcase with the best tweets of the day.

Thank you to everyone who came to our Unveiled wedding showcase Sunday at the Mandarin Oriental. It truly was a celebration of the best DC wedding vendors have to offer, plus the Reem Acra fashion show and appearance was a huge hit (oh, and don’t forget the amazing door prizes, informative panel discussions, the delicious food, the Champagne chandelier with servers on stilts...). And fortunately, so many of you tweeted up a storm throughout the event!

We’ll have more photo and video recaps later in the week, but for now, we wanted to share some of our favorite tweets to help you relive the gorgeousness of Unveiled (after the jump). Enjoy!

Wedding Dress Designer of the Week: Liancarlo

Looking for a feminine gown with just the right hint of glam? Check out the wedding dresses from this Miami-based designer.

Two new wedding dresses by Liancarlo. All photographs courtesy of Liancarlo

Miami-based designer Carlos Ramirez of Liancarlo creates some of the most feminine, luxurious, and flattering gowns around. We’re always impressed by the design house’s use of beading (check out the V-neck gown above, center), as well as its choice of fabrics and textures. Liancarlo was always known for its more glamorous styles, but over the past few seasons, it’s increased its use of romantic lace fabrics (see the gown above, left, for a prime example).

And here’s a fun fact about Liancarlo: When you purchase a Liancarlo gown and send designer Ramirez a photo of yourself on your wedding day, he’ll digitally paint a picture of you in your Liancarlo dress and post it on his blog, Art Reflects Life. That’s some wedding gift.

Liancarlo wedding dresses are sold at Carine’s Bridal Atelier in DC. Click the jump to view more gowns.

A DC Indian Wedding + Military in Maryland

We do the research so you don’t have to: inspiring real Washington weddings from our favorite blogs.

Talk about a grand entrance. All photographs by Studio Nine Photography

Indian weddings never fail to blow us away: the rich colors, the lively dancing, the gorgeous ensembles, and, of course, the strong possibility that there will be a horse or an elephant present. This DC wedding, photographed by Studio Nine Photography and planned by Sonal J. Shah, looked absoultely amazing—and yes, the groom rode in on a majestic elephant.
—Maharani Weddings

Tara LaTour Wedding Dresses at Hitched

Snag an edgy, anything-but-cookie-cutter gown at an exclusive trunk show.

Whimsical, bold wedding dresses by Tara LaTour. All photographs courtesy of Tara LaTour

So you’re a fashion-forward bride whose biggest fear is wearing the exact same wedding dress as your cousin, your best friend, that girl you went to elementary school with, or pretty much . . . anyone. Turns out Hitched in Georgetown is having a trunk show that might be right up your alley. Tara LaTour wedding dresses are totally edgy and nontraditional—not your Grandma’s wedding dress, in other words (even though that look is pretty in right now, too!). We wanted to share some of the styles (after the jump) so you can see how cool they are—very nature-girl-glam, if you ask us. These dresses are exclusive to Hitched, and they’ll only be in DC until next Wednesday, January 25, so call 202-333-6162 to schedule your appointment. And let us know what you think of these gowns in the comments!

Washington Real Weddings: Sherri and Mike

An Alexandria winter wedding is warm, cozy, and intimate.

Sherri and Mike first met online, and had their first date at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Reston on a snowy winter evening.

“We ended up being the last ones to leave the restaurant despite the few inches of snow on the ground by the time we left,” says Sherri.

Mike proposed the night before Thanksgiving 2010 in front of the Old Town Alexandria Christmas tree.

The couple married on January 29, 2011, at the American Horticultural Society at River Farm in Alexandria, before 22 guests.

“I pictured a winter atmosphere that was elegant, personal, and romantic,” says Sherri. “We wanted to keep our wedding small, with only our closest family members, the people who mean the most to us. I was really hoping there would be snow on the ground, and we got lucky—it snowed just a few days before our wedding!”

Last Call: Unveiled Is This Sunday

A last-minute reminder to buy your tickets to our luxe wedding showcase.

Procrastinators, take note: Washingtonian Bride & Groom’s gorgeous Unveiled wedding showcase is this Sunday from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Mandarin Oriental, and it will sell out. So here’s one last reminder to buy your tickets, and a few reasons why this year’s Unveiled is going to be amazing:

An exclusive runway show with a personal appearance by celebrity designer Reem Acra (yes, the Reem Acra who dressed Madonna, Diane Lane, and Julie Bowen for the Golden Globes!).

The area’s best wedding vendors—florists, photographers, planners, caterers, hair stylists, makeup artists, and more—all in one place. This event will be a one-stop shop for wedding planning—organize your whole event in one day if you’d like.

Vendor panels available to answer all of your toughest wedding queries.

Cocktails, Champagne, cake tastings, and other goodies from the Mandarin Oriental.

Fantastic door prizes, including a honeymoon in Anguilla, a wedding makeover, a gym membership, and lots more.

So whether you’re a bride, a groom, a parent of the soon-to-be-married, a maid of honor, or a wedding-obsessed friend, buy your tickets today. We can’t wait to meet you at Unveiled!

Where & When: Bridal Edition (January 19 to 30)

Unveiled is this Sunday—and there are lots of other wedding events and trunk shows coming up, too.

Through Wednesday, January 25
Hitched in Georgetown is hosting an exclusive trunk show of Tara Latour’s couture bridal gowns. Hitched is the only shop in the DC metro area that will have this edgy line, so it’s definitely worth checking it out. Call 202-333-6162 to schedule an appointment.

Thursday, January 19
If you’re ready to register, head to Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase for the Pre-Wedding Wedding Party from 6 to 8 PM. You’ll be able to scan your registry while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Windows Catering Company and desserts from Cakes in Style. You can also snag a gift bag and will have the chance to win a three-night stay at Hotel Le Bristol in Paris. RSVP by calling 240-744-3861.

Thursday, January 19, through Saturday, January 21
Vera Wang is the wedding dress designer of choice for celebrities Ivanka Trump, Chelsea Clinton, and most recently, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum. View the designer’s new collection at a trunk show at the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel in Chevy Chase. Call 301-652-2250 to schedule your appointment.

Friday, January 20, through Saturday, January 21
We love Lela Rose's feminine and modern wedding dresses—many are perfect for less formal weddings. Hitched in Georgetown is hosting a trunk show of her newest collection. Call 202-333-6162 to schedule your appointment.

Friday, January 20, through Sunday, January 22
Augusta Jones’s gowns are always so flattering and classic. The collection will be featured at a trunk show at Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection in Baltimore. Call 410-484-4600 to schedule your appointment.

Friday, January 20, through Sunday, January 22
The newest bridal collection from Badgley Mischka (one of our favorites from bridal market) will be featured at Chevy Chase Bridal. Call 202-363-9301 to schedule your appointment.

Real Weddings From the Magazine: Linde Zier & Franklin Ward

Married September 11, 2011, at American Horticultural Society at River Farm, Alexandria, VA

Slideshow: Linde and Frank's wedding

THE DETAILS

Photography: Timmester Photography

Bride's Gown: Anjolique at White Swan Bridal

Groom's Suit: Canali at Nordstrom

Event Planner: Events in the City

Cake & Caterers: Design Cuisine

Florist: Holly Heidier Chapple Flowers

Entertainment: The Grandsons

Invitations: Intrigue Design Studio

Occupations She’s a retired real estate broker; he’s a retired physician Hometowns She’s from Arlington; he’s from Longmeadow, MA How They Met At one of the bride’s real estate open houses First Date Sailing on the groom’s boat Favorite Restaurant The Roadside Bar & Grill in Duck, NC Wedding Flowers Pink and peach Juliet roses and lavender stock, antique green hydrangeas, nigella, spray roses, with seeded eucalyptus, freesia, and herbs Favorite Wedding Detail Great-nieces and great-nephews serving as the bridal party Wedding Cake Chocolate orange with orange-zest buttercream Biggest Surprise of the Wedding A full moon First Dance “Will You Be Mine” by Anita Baker Wedding Theme The Youngest Generation/Oldest Generation Four Words That Describe the Wedding Elegant, beautiful, fun, joyous Honeymoon Spot Duck, NC Where They Currently Live Falls Church and Virginia Beach

This wedding first appeared in the Winter/Spring 2012 issue of Washingtonian Bride & Groom. Click here to reserve your free copy.

Should You Buy Wedding Insurance?

Even with the best-laid plans, things can go awry. Find out if insuring your wedding is right for you.

The last thing a stressed-out bride with a to-do list the size of Texas wants to think about is all the ways her big day could be ruined. But it’s an unfortunate reality check that disaster, whether natural (a hurricane) or man-made (your venue unexpectedly closing), could strike. Thankfully, some companies now offer wedding insurance, which can help you protect your investment from unforeseen circumstances.

Through Wedsure, a wedding insurance provider, everything from cancellation to gown damage to change of heart can be insured. (Sorry, ladies, there’s still no protection from the embarrassing drunken-best-man toast.) With nine categories of insurance available, and the option to purchase à-la-carte policies, your coverage is customizable. The most common coverage areas are cancellation, personal liability, and loss of deposits.

“Wedding insurance is something every bride and groom should be aware of as an option, and it can be a great benefit to some couples,” says Allison Jackson, a wedding planner and the owner of Pineapple Productions.

While wedding insurance may not be for everyone, there are certain couples who should give it serious consideration.

Celebrity Wedding Dress Winners

You voted, we share the results. Your favorite wedding dresses for recently engaged stars.

Your dress picks for Britney Spears, Halle Berry, and Jessica Biel. Photographs courtesy of (from left) Heidi Elnora, Anne Bowen, and Cymbeline Paris

Over the past few weeks, several of our favorite celebs have gotten engaged. So of course, we immediately started wondering what these stars would wear to their wedding. We asked local experts to come up with a few dress selections and then had you vote for your favorites. And now . . . the winners!

For Britney Spears, you seemed to love the trumpet-silhouetted Heidi Elnora gown with the ruffled skirt (above, left) from Soliloquy Bridal in Herndon, perfect to show off Spears’s curves.

For the future Mrs. Timberlake, Jessica Biel, you think a simple lacy V-neck sheath by Cymbeline Paris (above, right), available at Terri Lynn Bridal in Bethesda, would suit her athletic frame.

And Halle Berry would probably look amazing in anything, but your favorite wedding dress was the slinky lace halter by Anne Bowen from Chevy Chase Bridal.

Do you agree with these picks? Let us know in the comments!

Washington Real Weddings: Sara and Bill

One couple centers their wedding on Old Town Alexandria—and includes nods to the groom’s love of beer.

The couple took portraits around Old Town Alexandria. All photographs by Stephen Gosling Photography

Sara and Bill married on October 1, 2011, at the Lee-Fendall House in Old Town Alexandria.

“We had our first date in Old Town, and then years later Bill proposed in Old Town, so it’s a special place for us,” says Sara. The couple also loved the venue’s history and vintage style.

Another theme the pair wanted to incorporate into the wedding: Bill’s love of home brewing.

“Our table names were beer styles, we paired each course of the meal with a different beer, and guests received a personalized beer tasting glass as a favor,” says Sara, who used a color scheme of deep purple and green.

Christian Siriano Wedding Dresses

The Maryland native—and “Project Runway” winner—is now designing wedding dresses for Nordstrom.

The first of the new Christian Siriano wedding gowns is available at Nordstrom. All photographs courtesy of Nordstrom

We’ve followed Annapolis native Christian Siriano ever since he blew away the competition on season four of Project Runway. And we’ve been waiting for Siriano to jump into the wedding world for a while now—he’s designed a few wedding dresses, but we’re thrilled that he’s just created a brand-new exclusive collection of wedding gowns for Nordstrom, available now! He tweeted a link to a picture of the first gown, a strapless, tiered satin creation with a pleated bodice and organza rosette detail (it costs $2,375), and we’re excited to see more. What do you think of this new Christian Siriano wedding gown?

Wedding Dress Designer of the Week: Reem Acra

Every week, we’ll show you dresses from the newest collection of one of your favorite designers—and tell you where you can buy ’em.

Check out Reem Acra's latest collection at our Unveiled event this Sunday. All photographs courtesy of Reem Acra

This week, we bring you a very special Designer of the Week. We’re featuring the gorgeous, regal styles of Reem Acra, who will make a special appearance and host a fashion show at our Unveiled event, this Sunday, at the Mandarin Oriental. So if you fall in love with any of these gowns (which shouldn’t be too hard to do) and want to see them in person, get thee to Unveiled this weekend!

Acra, who dressed Madonna and actresses Julie Bowen and Diane Lane for last weekend’s Golden Globes, is known for her grand, princess-worthy ballgowns—but this season, she featured a variety of silhouettes, from slim-fitting mermaids to flowy, beach-ready sheaths. One of our favorite styles was the Layers of Love gown (above, center), which featured a new laser-cut fabric that resembles a magnified lace pattern. For those into more classic creations, another favorite was the Destiny (above, right) a cap-sleeve ballgown with a luxurious peplum skirt. We also adored the Heaven Sent, a beaded sheath with a sexy slit in the front—it’s the bridal version of the gold gown Taylor Swift wore to the American Music Awards.

Reem Acra gowns are available at Saks Jandel in Chevy Chase. Click the jump to view more new Reem Acra wedding dresses.

Creative and Cute in Virginia, Peacock Decor, and More

We do the research so you don’t have to: inspiring real Washington weddings (and engagement photos!) from our favorite blogs.

Possibly the cutest chair signs ever. Photograph by Jodi Miller Photography

So many genius ideas in this Virginia wedding, captured by Jodi Miller Photography. Love how the couple incorporated origami cranes into the decor (what an incredible ceremony backdrop), and those stick figure wedding invites are too cute.
—Love & Lavender

Ask a Question, Win Unveiled Tickets

Our Unveiled event will feature two panels of wedding experts—ask them a question, and you could win free tickets to the big showcase.

One of the highlights of our Unveiled showcase on January 22 will be two panel discussions featuring some local wedding experts—wedding planners, music experts, florists, invitation pros, caterers, videographers, and more. And we want your help to come up with questions to ask our panelists. Send us a wedding query you think one of these experts can help you with, whether it’s an etiquette issue that has you up at night, a request for some unique décor ideas, an inquiry on first-dance songs . . . you get the idea. Whatever your question, you’ll be entered into a drawing for one pair of tickets to the Unveiled event—and, of course, we’ll be sure to ask your question at Unveiled. The contest ends on Tuesday, January 17, at noon, so start brainstorming questions today!

Halle Berry’s Wedding Dress: A Local Expert’s Picks

The manager of a Chevy Chase bridal salon selects four gowns that would suit the sexy star.

Whether Halle Berry is actually engaged to Olivier Martinez is still up for debate, but being the starry-eyed, wedding-obsessed dreamers that we are, we’re just going to assume that ring on her finger means she and the French actor are heading down the aisle.

We asked Leeza Isaac, the manager of Chevy Chase Bridal, to select four wedding gowns that would suit the X-Men actress. Vote for your favorite in our poll at the bottom of the post.

1) Anne Bowen

“This gown is red-carpet- and aisle-worthy at the same time. It’s sexy and just made for someone with Halle Berry’s amazing figure.”

2) Two by Rosa Clara

“Reminiscent of Berry’s 2002 Oscars dress."

3) Douglas Hannant

“This gown would highlight Berry’s toned arms and neckline. Also, since this is her third marriage, she might feel uncomfortable wearing a gown with a huge train. This gown has a shorter train—still traditional, but not over the top.”

4) Legends by Romona Keveza

“This slinky number is perfect for a small destination wedding, which might appeal to a bride who said she would never marry again.”

Where & When: Bridal Edition (January 12 through 22)

Trunk shows, bridal expos, registry events—and of course, our Unveiled wedding showcase (just ten days away!).

Today through Friday, January 13

Carine’s Bridal Atelier is hosting a sample sale at its Georgetown salon, featuring gowns by Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, and Kenneth Pool. The sale is by appointment only; call 202-965-4696 to schedule yours.

Through Wednesday, January 25

Hitched in Georgetown is hosting an exclusive trunk show of Tara Latour’s couture bridal gowns. Hitched is the only shop in the DC metro area who will have this edgy line, so it’s definitely worth checking it out. Call 202-333-6162 to schedule an appointment.

Thursday, January 12

Hitched’s Sample Sale Soiree will take place from 5 to 8 PM. Gowns by Amsale, Judd Waddell, Ulla-Maija, and more will be marked down up to 60 percent. And—bonus—once you buy a gown, you’ll be able to take it home with you that night. Appointments aren’t required, but you can RSVP by e-mailing info@hitchedsalon.com. Check out Hitched’s Web site to preview some of the gowns.

Thursday, January 12, through Sunday, January 15

Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection in Baltimore is hosting a trunk show of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses by Watters and Wtoo, and accessories by Thomas Knoell Jewelry. Call 410-484-4600 to schedule your appointment.

Friday, January 13, through Sunday, January 15

Looking for a glam wedding gown? There will be a Simone Carvalli trunk show at Chevy Chase Bridal, and at Jeanette’s Bride ‘N Tux in Manassas. Call 202-363-9301 to schedule your appointment at Chevy Chase Bridal, or call 703-369-1998 for Jeanette’s.

Washington Real Weddings: Hillary and Matt

This whimsical fall event proves that weddings can be all fun and games.

Hillary, an account manager at a marketing firm (and a former Washingtonian intern!), and Matt, an account director at a public relations firm, met when they worked for the same company. Their first date was at Chef Geoff’s downtown.

In October 2010, the couple took a trip to New York City, and walked through Central Park. They stopped at the park’s Chess & Checkers House, where sets of both games abound.

“It was a quiet, secluded spot, which was exactly what Matt had been looking for,” recalls Hillary. “We sat down together at one of the tables, and that’s where he popped the question.”

The pair married on October 15, 2011, at Merriweather Manor in Leesburg.

“We just wanted it to be the most fun party everyone had been to all year, with delicious food, great drinks, and fun music to dance to,” says Hillary. “We had kind of a ‘game’ theme, inspired by our proposal site—checkerboards and Scrabble tiles were mixed into the decor.”

It was also important to Hillary and Matt that the wedding was held in the fall, their favorite time of year. They chose a yellow and gray color scheme, which sidestepped the typical red and orange autumn palette but still fit the season.

The bride wore a gown by Oleg Cassini for David’s Bridal, accessorized with a bright yellow statement necklace from South Moon Under.

“The best part is, I now wear the necklace on a day-to-day basis, and it always makes me think of the wedding day,” says Hillary.

The groom, a self-described “sneaker freak,” wore custom gray and yellow Nike Dunks with his tux.

Unveiled 2012 Door Prizes

Just in case you need even more incentive to attend our Unveiled wedding showcase, here are a few of the great prizes you could win—including an incredible honeymoon package!

Our Unveiled wedding showcase, featuring dozens of the area’s top vendors, a fashion show and appearance by Reem Acra, and more, is just 11 days away, and we hope you’ve purchased your tickets already. If you need yet another reason to do so, today we have a sneak peek of just a few of the fabulous door prizes you could win—including a honeymoon in gorgeous Anguilla.

The Perfect Honeymoon Package

Courtesy of Perfect Honeymoons & Holidays Travel

The package includes four romantic nights and five days at the stunning luxury Caribbean resort Viceroy Anguilla.

Ultimate Wedding Makeover

Courtesy of Carl Ray, makeup artist at the George Salon Four Season Hotel Washington, DC

Enjoy a special bridal trial in addition to wedding-day makeup at the George Salon. (Makeup will be done in-salon only). Includes lip color and blotting papers for your wedding day.

Pilates Class Pass

Courtesy of Fuse Pilates

Enjoy a month of unlimited mat and apparatus classes (including reformer, circuit, jump interval, and chair) at Fuse Pilates in Dupont Circle. Fuse also offers a free consultation with its resident health coach to get you, your groom, or even your bridal party on the right track for overall health and fitness.

Look Regal in Reem

Courtesy of the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel

One lucky bride-to-be will enjoy a $1,000 gift certificate toward the purchase of any full-price Reem Acra bridal gown at the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel. The prize cannot be combined with any other offer, and expires six months from date of issue.

Get your Unveiled tickets today to have a chance to win one of these prizes!

Nine Favorite Ceremony Readings

Celebrant A.C. Warden selects her favorite readings to personalize a wedding ceremony.

The expert: A.C. Warden, wedding officiant at Capital Ceremonies

Her best advice: “Readings are not mandatory at weddings, but couples often include them to incorporate a favorite writer, religious verse, poem, or even a quote from a children’s book, or to give a close relative or friend a special honor. There are hundreds of sites online and books where you can find ideas, or you can ask for suggestions from your officiant.”

Here are nine of Warden’s favorite selections for all types of ceremonies.

Real Rehearsal Dinner: Sara and Zack

A preppy-chic event on the Eastern Shore.

If you’ve read the newest issue of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, you probably checked out (and fell in love with) the oh-so-sweet real wedding of Sara (a former Washingtonian staffer) and Zack, who married at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland. Well, today you’re in luck: We have photos of the couple’s amazing “yacht club casual” rehearsal dinner. We talked to Ritzy Bee’s Maria Cooke, who planned the event, to get the full scoop on the details.

“We were happy to help Sara and Zack kick off their wedding weekend with a more casual Friday night rehearsal dinner prior to their big day,” says Cooke. “Sara and Zack coined the phrase ‘yacht club casual’ to describe the vibe, since we held the event in a pretty outdoor space next to a marina.”

The menu was important to the couple (Sara is a writer for FoodNetwork.com), and they decided to blend the cuisines of New Orleans (Zack’s hometown) and Maryland (Sara’s home state). During cocktail hour, a Maryland blue crab picker was on hand, and fried oysters from Louisiana were served. For dessert, guests enjoyed a cobbler bar and a surprise groom’s cake depicting the logos of Zack’s favorite sports teams.

The decor included nautical escort card flags placed in sand and fabric sailboats that served as table numbers. The custom “placemats” were a highlight: They told the story of how Sara and Zack’s met, and explained the evening’s agenda.

“After dinner and the speeches, guests were given s’mores kits as favors and enjoyed the sweet treats at the venue’s outdoor fire pits,” says Cooke.