How Pinterest is Redefining Weddings
“Pinterest became the top social referrer for MarthaStewardWeddings.com,” according to the 2012 Gartner report for Business Intelligence Platforms.
“Oh, how I love the grab bag that is Pinterest!” according to one wedding blog.
“Pinterest is a bride’s bible,” agreed Bliss Collection wedding planner Myrna Grossman.
The Bliss Collection Welcomes MyDeejay
We’re very happy to welcome Jennifer Reitmeyer with MyDeejay, Inc. to The Bliss Collection! Here are her responses to a few questions we asked her:
What is special about your business?
Our business is special because of our unique focus on positivity and on building a great relationship with each couple we serve. We match our couples with a DJ based on their music and personality, and the couple always gets to interview the DJ in person before signing a contract. This ensures it’s a great fit all around! That DJ then works with the couple throughout their entire planning process. We aim to be the friendliest, most attentive and easygoing vendor the couple will encounter, and our love for what we do really shines through.
Why should a bride hire you for their wedding day?
Most of our couples hire us because they sense we really respect and care about them. We want to know who they are, what kind of wedding they’ve envisioned, and what music tells the story of their relationship. We’re always available to them, and many of our clients end up considering us much more than a wedding vendor – we’re also their friend.
All we offer is great music, expertly mixed, and polished, minimalist emcee work. There’s no dog and pony show – we refer the lighting and décor to specialists in those fields, and we aren’t out to be a jack of all trades. Our specialization in wedding music has helped us to build a great reputation, and we can’t imagine that changing!
For all your wedding planning questions or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.
Jessie and Dan’s Wedding
Dan and Jessie first saw each other casually a few times while in Oklahoma, but became a couple after Jessie moved back east to Maryland. The two kept in touch via email and in December, Dan proposed they meet in New Orleans for a long weekend. It was sure to be unforgettable, as Jessie had never been there. They stayed at the Royal Inn, a B&B (Bed and Beverage) just outside the Quarter, and for the next three days, Dan and Jessie took it all in — the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Big Easy.
Learning From Celebrity Brides: Camila Alves
Yes, another celebrity wedding gown is in the news! This time, our famous couple is Matthew McConaughey and his longtime girlfriend Camila Alves.
- Photo from peoplemagazine.com.
The bride’s gown was custom designed and crafted by Brazilian fashion designer Ducarmo Castelo Branco. The 78-year old from the bride’s native country has been hand making wedding gowns for most of her adult life.
This gown, a beaded lace sheath dress with long sleeves was handmade and hand-stitched to perfectly accent the bride’s shape.
Camila Alves also wore a traditional mantilla veil. An elegant diamond headpiece by Neil Lane accented the traditional veil.
Diamond 10-carat earrings, also from Neil Lane, finished off the glamorous look.
So, what can the average bride learn from this look?
1. Lace is still definitely a hot look in bridal fashion.
2. The trend of leaning toward traditional modesty is still going strong! So many brides are specifically looking for sleeves and classic shapes.
3. Don’t be afraid to do something out of the ordinary when accessorizing. The diamond headpiece that Alves selected is a bit exotic, but still perfectly beautiful.
4. Simple is best when deciding upon a bridal hairstyle. Alves’s perfectly styled low bun is pretty and allows her smile to take the spotlight.
Cheers to another well-dressed Hollywood bride and groom!
For all your wedding planning questions or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.
Helenka & Rami’s Wedding
Ever After Visuals is a mother-daughter wedding photography team, who specialize in wedding photojournalism in Virginia, DC and Maryland. Mindy and Joriana also do engagement photography, destination weddings, destination wedding, day after wedding photography, trash the dress, family portraits, lifestyle portrait.
It was a gorgeous day. She glided up slowly behind him and pecked him on the shoulder. He had been waiting for her … he could only imagine how beautiful she looked. When he turned around, he was even more blown away than he ever thought. She was stunning. This beautiful woman, both inside and out, Helenka, stood before Rami, just moments before they would become man and wife — a bond that would last for the rest of their days.
Rami and Helenka’s wedding day matched the same passion and love that was shared by their families. That was shared when they first met each other. It was described as “love at first skype”. At that time Rami was in Afghanistan and they had to wait three months to officially meet each other. But when they did, they knew that they were right for each other.
Mindy and Joriana feel that without great coordination, these images would not be possible, so they would also like to give a special thanks to Myrna Grossman at For All Occasions! She made sure Rami and Helenka’s day went PERFECTLY! Even down to the final touch of how many candles there were on each table at their reception — everything fell into place. It took a lot of planning and effort on her part, but the entire event looked seamless. At Ever After Visuals, we love working with wedding planners who make our job easy!
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Take a peek at some of the images Ever After Visuals was able to capture from Rami and Helenka’s wedding.
Wedding Planner: Myrna Grossman
Photographer: Ever After Visuals
Ceremony: Hyatt Dulles
Reception: Hyatt Dulles
DJ: Bobby G’s Disc Jockeys
Florist: Growing Wild Floral
Cake: Clarendon Ballroom
Bridal Gown: Blush Bridal Boutique
Hair Stylist: Bellini Beauty
Makeup Artist: Bellini Beauty
For all your wedding planning questions or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.
The Bliss Collection Welcomes Kristi St. Peter
We’re very happy to welcome Kristi St. Peter with the Westin Washington Dulles to The Bliss Collection! Here are her responses to a few questions we asked her:
What is special about your business?
We are Northern Virginia’s newest full service luxury hotel, opening in late 2009 as a brand new build, so our event space still sparkles! We have everything from outdoor and indoor ceremony space, sleeping rooms, on-site restaurant and lounge, and ballroom space, creating a convenient one-stop shop for all of your wedding events! Our experienced catering sales manager will make planning your wedding at the hotel stress free so you are able to enjoy your planning process and day.
Why should a bride choose you for their wedding day?
If you’re looking for ease of planning, flexibility, and knowledge, the Westin Washington Dulles has it! Our stylish atmosphere and attentive staff provide the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation. In addition, our expert culinary team will be happy to work with you to create a special menu for your special day.
What other services do you offer?
We’re happy to host wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, wedding brunches, bridal showers, and sleeping room blocks. Want to upgrade the “look” of your event with special linens, chairs and centerpieces? Let us design your event from start to finish with our enhancement options. Guests will enjoy complimentary shuttles to the Dulles Airport and Reston Town Center, our signature Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath®, on-site dining, complementary High Speed Internet Access in the lobby and business center, indoor pool, and our new Westin WORKOUT® room.
Anything else you think would be good to share.
Our catering sales manager has over seven years of experience in the wedding industry and will be on-site to assist during your event.
For all your wedding planning questions or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.
Fall Bridesmaid Dresses Are Here!
Everyone knows that it can be difficult to find fabulous bridesmaid dresses that all of your girls are willing to buy and wear.
- (Photo Credit: dessy.com)
Dessy comes to the rescue each season by offering fresh, unique designs in a huge variety of colors and fabrics to match any bride’s overall vision. They just released their new collection of dresses for Fall 2012! The collection includes designs from Dessy’s team of designers, including Lela Rose, After Six, Alfred Sung and Dessy Collection.
Fall fabrics include choices such as charmeuse, chiffon, nu-georgette, mikado, dupioni and Peau De Soie. For most designs, there is a full palette of color choices, making it easy for the bride to simply select a color and allow her bridesmaids to select the dresses of their choice.
- (Photo Credit: dessy.com)
For brides who are very particular about color choices, Dessy offers a fabulous tool: the Pantone wedding fan guide. Designed for portable use, the color guide is ideal for shopping for wedding fashions and coordinating colors with your wedding vendors, such as florists, caterers, stationers and more. Once bridesmaid dress colors are selected, this tool is an awesome way for brides to always know whether she is making appropriate color choices as she plans other aspects of her event.
In terms of styles, the Fall 2012 collection includes lace accents, ruffles, one-shoulder looks, high-low hems, peplum detailing and dramatic ruching. In other words, there is a look for everyone!
Dresses pictured: After Six 6650, 6644, Alfred Sung D544, D556, Dessy Collection 2866, 2868, Lela Rose LR174, LR175, Social Bridesmaids 8120, 8121.
Some of these fabulous styles are available at Blush Bridal Boutique in Gainesville!
For all your wedding planning questions or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.
Try A Short Wedding Dress!
In honor of the skyrocketing temperatures this summer (especially here in Northern Virginia), I thought I would showcase a destination or reception dress perfect for the bride who wants to keep her cool!
This week’s summer-friendly frock is Winnie Couture’s Sabria.
This fabulous dress is a flirty organza gown featuring a strapless neckline and pleated bodice. The flared skirt has layers of organza ruffles. This dress would fit perfectly at a casual beach wedding, or would make a stunning second dress to be worn to a reception with a fun party vibe!
Shown in Pearl and also available in White and Cream Pearl. Winnie Couture dresses are available in a full range of sizes from 2-26.
Winnie Couture is a modern mix of classic elegant and sophisticated couture. It blends femininity and luxury to create bridal attire silhouettes that are flattering and timeless. Having debuted in the United States in August 2001, Winnie Couture received an overwhelmingly positive response to the collection’s innovative styles, coupled with their modern translation of vintage fashion and royal embellishments.
Winnie Couture dresses are available at Blush Bridal Boutique.
For all your wedding planning questions or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.
Fab Wedding Theme Idea: Books
OK, I admit it. Ever since I was little, I have been obsessed with books and libraries… oh, and also weddings!
So when I saw the first Sex And The City movie, I was super-excited when Carrie brilliantly decided to host her wedding at the New York Public Library!
Though this movie came out years ago, the library wedding concept has quietly been gaining momentum.
Here are some fun ideas to help you to develop this trendy and intellectual theme.
1. Maybe booking an actual library as your venue is not an option. That’s OK- just do some (or all) of your engagement pictures surrounded by books! A classic library setting is ideal, but any type of bookshelf background can be just as effective.
2. Have you seen these library date-card inspired save the dates? For those who do not remember, these are modeled after the date cards that are in the little pocket in the backs of library books. This idea is simply brilliant! You could also style your actual invitations in this style if you wish.
3. Don’t be afraid to make books a part of your table centerpieces! Instead of just numbering your tables, you could also give each table a fun book title!
4. Create upscale bookmarks as your wedding favors.
5. Use a book motif for the groom’s cake to add another literary focal point.
6. Create a bookshelf “trellis” for your actual ceremony.
7. Prior to the wedding, have a book-themed shower. Register for books that you and your fiance would love to add to your library!
8. Use books as your thank you gifts to members of the wedding party.
9. Use classical literature as your inspiration for wedding vows, program text, toasts, etc. The possibilities here are as endless as the rows of bookshelves in a library!
For all your wedding planning questions or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.