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!

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

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

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;

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

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

Sparkler Send Off

Happy 4th of July!

Red Ribbon Studio, La Vita Bella Events, WeddingBee, Savoir Weddings, I Do Details events, Ann and Spencer Photography

Let's Go Camping!

In honor of national camping moth we wanted to do a round-up on camping ideas for your wedding.

Mmm! I am loving this recipe I stumbled upon on Pizzazzerie. These S'more truffles would make the perfect inexpensive favor tied-up in a piece of burlap.

Ingredients:

9 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (about 1.25 cups)

2/3 cup cream

4 graham cracker sheets or 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup miniature marshmellows

2 tbsp butter

Directions:

Melt butter in medium size saucepan. Whisk in cream and bring to rapid boil. Remove pan from heat and stir in chocolate chips. Place saucepan in fridge for about 1 hour or until firm. Using your hands roll chocolate into ball around mini marshmellows. Roll chocolate in crushed graham crackers. Place in fridge to harden.

Image via Pizzazzerie

School's Out

For many of you school let out awhile ago, but for us in the northern VA area, last week and this week mark the last days of school. Congrats 2011 grads!

Here is some school inspiration for your inner nerd -

As I was pulling images for this post I realized it was two of my good friends in the Sweetest Occasion photo shoot - small world & congrats Lyssa on Kris - are we going on 13 years now?!

Images via PrettyLittleFings, The Light Fantastic, TheSweetestOccasion, ElizabethAnnDesigns, Our Wedding In The Making..., One Wed, Bragging Bags, Oh So Beautiful Paper

Sun & Sand

Today is flip-flop day so slap some new paint on those pretty little toes and let them breathe!

Flip-flops and beach go hand-in-hand. Loving this little something blue vintage beach spread we put together over at Style Me pretty -

Images via Southern Weddings, Credit Crunch Bride

Pitch a Tent

Pitch a tent in honor of National Camping Month!

Images via blogthelane, JessCreates, WeddingBee, RitzyBee via The BonBon Blog, Studio Juno, JacquelineChapelle

National Flag Day

Today is National Flag Day!

Images via SMP, Martha Stewart Weddings, Cake Central, victorianstation