Where In The World?

The first thing a bride needs to do is book her venue. Or is it? Before you jump in to reserve the country club, you might want to think about some alternatives. Is there something you’ve always dreamed of having at your wedding? Do you and your prospective spouse share some important hobby that you’re very passionate about? What is your unique story, did you meet somewhere interesting? Read More

Relax and Have Fun!

Those words are often part of the usual advice to a bride about her wedding day, but how can you relax? There is so much to keep track of! Read More

Priorities

When she’s first contacted by a Bride, or Mother of the Bride, Susan Smith of Simply Elegant Weddings is all about understanding the priorities.

Every Bride has a vision of how she wants her wedding day to look and feel. A garden, not a church, this precise shade of lilac, this exact cake she saw in a magazine a few years ago… For some, it absolutely has to be a band, not a DJ. For others, it’s all about the wedding video for the memories. Whatever your priorities are, Susan is going to help you build your day to reflect them. Read More

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Chatting With Aimee Hardenbergh of True Wedding Events

I recently chatted with Bliss Collection member Aimee Hardenbergh of  True Wedding Events.

Aimee is a Professional Bridal Consultant based in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area.

So far, Aimee’s summer has been quite busy and filled with memorable wedding moments. She shared a funny story which happened recently when she assisted with a local wedding.

“We had decorated a wagon for the adorable tiny ring bearer to ride in and be pulled down the aisle by the flower girl. He was just barely able to sit up on his own so we had placed a seat for him in the wagon to prop him up and keep him upright. He fell fast asleep right before it was time to go down the aisle and his head fell forward. We had to remove the seat and lay him flat down with the ring pillow on top of his little stomach. He looked dead. All of the guests just laughed as he was pulled down the aisle and he slept through the entire ceremony!”

Member Spotlight: Myrna Hyman

Myrna Hyman of For All Occasions Wedding Planning and More talked to me about her thoughts on the wedding industry and upcoming trends.

What makes you different from other wedding planners?

I think what makes me different from other planners is that I truly believe that every couple should have the best wedding that they can afford.  I do not turn any couple away based on a budget being “too low”. I try to educate my couples first as to what is realistic in this DC Metro wedding arena, and I work very hard to keep to their budget.
What new wedding trend are you most excited about?

I think a new trend for 2012 is the use of design boards on Pinterest.  I am loving that my brides are sharing these with me and have gotten me signed up as a Pinterest user because sometimes it is too difficult with busy schedules to meet face to face.  These shared ideas via the internet make our communications so much easier and allow for us to get more done.
What is the most important piece of advice you could offer to an engaged couple?

I think the most important pieces of advice I can give a newly engaged couple is to enjoy the wedding planning process, to stay focused on what is important to them, and to stay realistic in their expectations.  Of equal importance is for them to understand that a professional planner on their team can save them much time,  energy and money!
Thanks, Myrna!
Check out For All Occasions at http://www.fao-events.com/!

Wedding Planning Tips

Most brides have dreamed of the perfect wedding with all the lavish touches being a part of the scenario. What is going to happen to those dreams during these difficult financial times?

Even on a smaller budget, your wedding can still be the beautiful day that you have been dreaming about for years. There are many steps to consider in achieving your goals in planning a wedding, and the first one is to hire a wedding planner.  In today’s economy, it is more important than ever to have someone on your side during contract negotiations and to secure the correct vendors. A planner can help you save money in the end.

With the budget that you give to your planner, he or she will be able to show you the best way to stretch every dollar enabling you to have the most important aspects of your special day incorporated within it. He or she can give you tips on where to cut and save, and which vendors can match your price point and deliver quality service. Remember, vendors respect planners and coordinators as we bring them repeat business. Planners have working relationships with venues and vendors, thus allowing them to get you the best “deals!”

Whether you just hire a planner for an hourly consultation to give you budgeting advice, or to help plan the entire wedding, they have a wealth of information about how to save and where to splurge to share with you.  Most importantly, they can help take away the stress that these times may bring and allow you to enjoy your special day!

Myrna Grossman is an experienced wedding coordinator with For All Occasions. For more information, call 703-222-5912 or go to www.fao-events.com.

Reception Planning Tips

Choosing a reception venue is a big part of creating your wedding vision and one of the most important choices. Whether it be a hotel ballroom or a tented party in your backyard, it reflects the tone that you are seeking for your special day.  It will also have an impact on the size of your guest list.


As you work toward finding the venue, keep in mind what may also be required to create the feel you would like. Typically, a hotel venue will include linens and china in their rental fee, whereas, a banquet hall or tented facility will have expenses to rent tables, chairs and any other piece of equipment necessary to make your day complete.
What about reception style?


You may choose a cocktail reception or a plated dinner.  At a cocktail reception, many couples feel the need to still do a four hour party which is not necessary. The typical cocktail reception lasts two to two and one half hours.  Here you can control the amount of alcohol which is consumed as well as limiting the amount of food required.


If you choose to do a buffet, remember to make it double sided, and realize costs may go up as more food is needed.
Some couples are opting for a combo of both types of events which offer waiter passed drinks and canapes with the addition of several stations.  No matter which type of reception style you choose, please do have a chair for every guest. Nobody likes to stand for even a short time.


A more formal wedding requires a plated, sit-down meal service. Wine is usually served with dinner, with an open bar for most of the 4 to 5 hour party.


Tips to consider when planning a wedding reception within budget:


  • People tend to take less food when it is being passed by wait staff.

  • Although difficult to do, cut the guest list from the beginning to keep within your budget.

  • You may want to consider a morning ceremony followed by a brunch. This will allow you to offer a specialty drink instead of incurring alcohol costs. Of course, if you prefer bar service, think about serving only wine and beer, or creating a fun signature drink to be served.

  • Consider hiring a professional planner who has a wealth of ideas on how you can minimize costs without sacrificing your style.


Myrna Grossman is an experienced wedding coordinator with For All Occasions. For more information, call 703-222-5912 or go to www.fao-events.com.

Wedding Reception Food Trends for 2012

Wedding receptions are changing with the times, and brides and grooms are having a great time experimenting with new trends in food and drink choices!

Gone are the days of every reception offering a simple plated meal followed by wedding cake. Couples today want personalized menu choices that are fun, delicious, and reflect their personalities.

Small bites and appetizers are becoming more varied and substantial. Some couples even allow the small bites and cocktails to steal the spotlight and choose to forgo a formal meal altogether. Of course, the appetizers should be both hearty and plentiful if this choice is made.

Some popular appetizers / hors d’oeuvres include mini crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, brie in puff pastry, empanadas, mini skewers and kabobs, and crostini.

Another fun trend right now (that can easily be incorporated into your appetizer menu) is the concept of small bites in edible “carriers”. In other words, serve foods that do not leave the guest left holding a toothpick, utensil, or other item once the small bite is consumed. A few examples include crab dip served in edible spoons, Caesar salad bites in parmesan crusted phyllo cups, or shrimp and avocado salsa served in pastry cups.

Signature cocktails are also a fabulous way to make a reception or cocktail hour special. Many caterers will work with couples to create a drink that appeals to their taste buds and matches their desired color scheme. Don’t be afraid to give your signature drink a clever name. Some examples: how about a “Smith-tini” at the Smith wedding or a “Miller-politan” at the Miller wedding?

Another way to keep guests socializing and enjoying themselves is to offer food stations where they can customize their own delicious choices. Some fun ideas for stations include mashed potato bars (offer different types of potatoes in martini glasses and toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, butter, ham, scallions, etc.), pasta bars (offer different shapes, sauces, vegetables, cheeses), or stir fry bars (offer different meats, seafoods, sauces, vegetables, rices).

Food stations are also a natural choice for desserts! Try an ice-cream sundae bar, cookie bar, or candy buffet! Guests will have a great time creating their desserts and chatting about their choices with the other guests!

A final food trend worth talking about is the inclusion of nostalgic comfort foods in the wedding reception menu. Couples are no longer afraid to offer their favorite foods like chicken tenders, mini-hamburgers, French fries, and macaroni and cheese at their formal wedding receptions. In most instances, this can add a fun element to the cocktail hour as long as the foods are presented in an appropriately elegant manner.

For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.

Host an Amazing Bridal Shower

Bridal showers are a traditional and fun part of any bride’s wedding preparations. The typical shower involves a ladies’ luncheon and lots of shower gifts, but some hostesses are going the extra mile and coming up with more creative and interesting ideas for their parties! Here are a few ideas to make things both fresh and fun.

Go retro!

Ok, maybe you like the typical formula for an old-school bridal shower. Go with it! Plan lots of fun games, serve retro cocktails (whiskey sours, anyone?), and serve classic appetizers like meatballs and mini-quiches. Looking for a place to purchase the perfect bridal shower games or favors? Check out http://www.americanbridal.com/brshac.html

Go somewhere fun!

Bridal showers do not have to be held in Mom’s living room! A restaurant or country club can offer a “mini-getaway” for the guests. Another idea is to do a spa trip, visit a winery, see a show, tour a museum, or even visit a fun outdoor attraction like a zoo! All of these offbeat locations will usually offer space to accommodate your gathering once the activities are over.

Learn something new!

Everyone loves to learn something new, but few people actually make the time to do it! Why not incorporate a learning activity into your shower plan? Your friends could learn to scrapbook from a pro, learn to mix your wedding’s signature drink from a bartender, learn new recipes from a chef and cook a meal together, or even learn something like flower arranging or calligraphy. Be creative and give shower guests a new skill!

Bring your best dish!

Potluck parties may sound like a dull idea, but if every guest brings her best dish and provides the bride with the recipe (and maybe the wine that best goes with the dish, or some kitchen tools to help her make it), everyone will have an amazing time!

Regardless of what style of shower you are planning, just be sure everyone knows what is planned so they can dress appropriately!

For all your wedding planning questions and wedding or event services, The Bliss Collection is your source for Northern Virginia’s finest wedding professionals.