Courtney & Collin

It was a true pleasure to be Courtney & Collin's day-of wedding planner. I have known Courtney for a little over 5 years and Collin couldn't be more a more perfect fit. They make a gorgeous couple and had a beautiful May day to celebrate their marriage at  Whitehall Manor

So excited for this sneak peek from the amazingly talented Amanda McMahon. My favorite image so far - sorry Collin :) is the reaction on Courtney and the FOB's face when they first realize Courtney is no longer Ms. Joswick, but now Mrs. Lopes. We can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve!

A big thanks to Kirkabee Deejays, the staff at Whitehall Manor, Amanda McMahon Photography, Edibles Incredible and Affordable Arrangements. The flowers were gorgeous, the staff was truly amazing and executed flawlessly, the guests raved about the  neapolitan cake and dance the night away and at 6 months pregnant Amanda and her assistant didn't miss a moment. Truly fantastic vendors to work with!

Congratulations Courtney & Collin!

Vintage Travel Baby Shower

We've been busy setting up for the baby shower this weekend and I am just in love with how the paper lanterns and toy airplanes look together and wanted to give you a sneak peak!

We still have two more strands to finish hanging on the other side of the room. We hope Hurricane Irene stays away so we can welcome guests aboard on Sunday!

Specialty Cocktails

I was so excited to see how these custom ice luges turned out for the specialty cocktail station. They were fabulous and definitely became a conversation starter and a mingling place! These images do not do them justice, but were all I could snap with my camera phone during the hustle and bustle of coordinating the wedding. As soon as I have images from our fabulous Photog, Peter Stepanek, I will be sure to post those.

We had two guest bartenders, Micah and Ari Wilder, who were former co-workers of my Bride - & they whipped up their secret sauce to create specialty drinks for the Bride and Groom.

The Blair - Pisco, Chartreuse Yellow, Wilder Bros Pineapple Gomme Syrup, Pressed Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lemon Juice & Peychauds Bitters.

The Curt - Silver Tequila, Violet Liqueur, Wilder Bros Prickle & Fresh Lime

To chill the beverage, they poured the drink through the ice luge into a glass at the bottom. Infused in the ice blocks were: Pineapple, Lemon and Rosemary. And the other had Habanero Peppers, Prickly Pear and Lime.

The guests loved the drinks!

Specialty Cocktails

Just got back from Wegman's and picked up the goodies to fill two fruit luges for signature cocktails that will be served during the cocktail hour at the Curran/Nottingham wedding.

Fruit luge one will be filled with lemon, pineapple and rosemary. The second fruit luge will be prickly pear, lime, cherries and habanero peppers. So, basically it's a block of ice with all the ingredients frozen inside. The bartenders will make the drink and chill it by pouring it in the tube that runs down the center of the ice and funnels into a cut out at the bottom where the bartenders will set the glass. I found a picture online that will be similar to what we are having created.

We are mixing up a lot of love with a dose of spice and a little passion to create these signature concoctions! Can't wait to see the end result next weekend!

Image via Brilliant Ice Sculpture

Vintage Travel Baby Shower

Just finished printing the invites from Nounces design & the envelopes were delivered earlier today! Love how they turned out & had to share!

Featured! Bump Smitten

We are about to pop with excitement over our feature on Bump Smitten today! We thought our party was fun & fab and so glad that they were smitten with it as well :) Cheers to our friend Jess Creates as well!

http://www.bumpsmitten.com/2011/08/real-baby-shower-ready-to-pop.html

Images via Jess Creates!

Favor Love!

I am in love with this wedding favor posted over on Capitol Romance I don't know if it's because we are little biased in our love for Maryland crabs, but this is just too darn cute not to share!

Image via Capitol Romance

6 Pounds of Hamburger, Sofas, Printer Ink and Wedding Dresses?!

Just when I thought Costco really has it all - they one up us again. A few months ago, Costco announced that they will carry designer wedding gowns by Kirstie Kelly at 40% off retail. The trunk show will be in the DC area Aug. 4-7 at the Chantilly store - 14390 Chantilly Crossing Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151; 703.885.5541. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. I am going to have to check this out in person!

See the dresses!

Interested to find when they are coming to a store near you?

One of my favorite dresses from Kirstie's collection retails for just $999!

Images via Linzi Events & Kirstie Kelly

Beat the Heat

Nothing beats the summer heat like ice cream. Our favorite ice cream spot in our home town is Kline's Freeze. They have the best soft serve I have ever tasted and their Boston Shake is to die for. I want to drive there right now and get one!!

I remember when I was little I would order a chocolate cone dipped in chocolate and it would quickly drip and melt all down my hands into a sticky mess. Kline's sits up on a hill over looking route 28 in Manassas, VA. If you are ever in the area between March - Oct., it's a must stop! The line will be out both doors in the summer, but it's worth the wait.

Image via OtherThink

Fall Wish List

Summer is flying by and my J.Crew mailer has me excited with some fall sneak peaks! While I will savor my September beach vacation, I can't help but get excited for fall sweaters, jackets & boots! Here are a few of my wish list items:

henley sweater">

images via J.Crew

Baby On Board!

Pulling together inspiration for a vintage travel themed baby shower. All Aboard!

Images Via Bronze Budget Bride; A Lovely Being; Kaboodle; Hobby Linc; World Map Images; The Airplane info;

Garden Escape

Happy Friday! We are building our table for the 2011-2012 bridal shows and wanted to go with a rustic garden theme. Here is some garden escape inspiration -

Images via Artsy Muse; Ruffled; Jose Villa photography; Elizabeth Messina photography;

In Love!

Being a proud Mama of this little stud muffin, I just couldn't help but share his latest impromptu photo shoot from Jess Creates!

Slip Away Together

I have always been a big advocate to go BIG or go home with the honeymoon and now that I am a Mom, I can't stress enough that you should make this trip a big splash! If you are in the DC area and are looking for a great travel agent - I recommend Perfect Honeymoons and Holidays and Power Trips.

Enjoy some pics from our honeymoon in Bora Bora planned by Perfect Honeymoons!

Pretty Pretty Paper

Today is National Town Crier Day, no I didn't make this up...it really exists (second Monday in July)! We are so thankful for the printing press so that we can make beautiful invites to spread the news!

By Invitation Only

JessCreates

Hitched Stationery

Dining Room Inspiration

Yes - my wedding china is still in boxes in our basement & we celebrate our third anniversary in November!

We moved out of our condo and into a house a year and half ago and I was so excited to get my china from my Mom's to have at our house! But - we have done so many projects to make this house a home and the dining room is the last untouched room, but now I want to focus my attention on it and make it as unique as my office.

First Up - I want to find a Harvest Table like this one on Country Living. Any suggestions on where to find one?

Image Via Country Living

Retro Wedding Photo Display!

Loving this post from Brides magazine providing an alternative way to display your wedding photos!

I am thinking about using it for my son's first birthday to track him through his first year! Could also be used as a thank you gift to your parents or displaying your engagement photos to keep your guests entertained!

Simply go to Image 3D upload your digital images, add 3D captions and a few days later your view master will arrive in a sleek white box on your doorstep. The first set (includes viewer, one reel and gift box) is $25 with additional sets costing just $15 each.

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Image via Brides

I SCREAM You SCREAM We all SCREAM

FOR ICE CREAM!

Image via The Good Food Buzz

July is national ice cream month so why not keep your guests cool and entertained with an ice cream bar! Bringing you some Etsy Ice Cream love!

Love these Sugar cone sleeves we found from RefreshMyHeart

These Wooden Ice Cream Spoons from SucreandSpice can be made in any color combination!

Custom stickers to adorn your paper ice cream cups from ohsogoodiedesigns

Cupcake toppers like these from PartyOnDigital double as ice cream cup toppers & make a sweet monogrammed addition