FIRST LADY'S DESIGN CHOICES

WOW, the forever trendy Michelle Obama has huge decisions to make!! She has many designers preparing sketches for the Inauguration Celebrations. Oh how I would love to have this very stressful choice to make :)lol!! Take a peek at designs from Reem Acra to Monique Lhuillier!

Reem Acra



Carolina Herrera


Bagley Mischka


Monique Lhuillier


I choose Monique Lhuillier's red ensemble, if my vote counted :)
Which is your pick??

Thanks to North Carolina Planners for posting these fun fashions on their blog today :)

T~

Introducing Center Stage

Ok so now that "Wedding Season" has officially ended for WB (Working Brides) I realize that I will still need to blog about something. So I have decided to introduce you all to some of WB's fav vendors and venues with a new feature called "Center Stage". You see one of my passions is Acting, so Center Stage sounds appropriate, lol!!!

So for our very first Center Stage entry, I would like to introduce StoryMotion Studios!!! StoryMotions is one of WB's most Fav photography duo's. They are a husband and wife team who really know how to make the best of any situation and capture AMAZING photo's. Based out of Clarksburg MD, this duo travels up and down the east coast and beyond, photographing weddings. I love their passion and commitment to perfection :) Take a peek at some of their work and you be the judge...




Now head over to their site at www.storymotion.com for even more :)

T~

FAB WEDDING AT RONALD REAGAN BUILDING

I really must say that wrapping up this years weddings has been bittersweet!! We finished up this weekend with the Fantastic couple Kristin and Marcus. They wed at the St Aloysius Chapel at Gonzaga, and the reception toke place at the Ronald Reagan ITC Building!! It was truly a gorgeous affair. The bride was stunning and the groom was quite dapper in his tux.

This couple truly has touched my heart in so many ways that I must share their strength with you. Kristin came to me about 6-8 months ago by way of her older sister Kim. Kim really saw Kristin drowning in her planning and I am pretty sure that Kim was going nuts as well :) Kristin, Kim and their sweet kid sister Kelli are an amazing trio, and they remind me of my sisters in many ways.

About a month ago these amazing young women lost their father. With a month to go before Kristin's wedding, her father lost his battle that I am sure he tried so hard to fight. There was talk of postponing the wedding, but the oh so strong trio decided to move forward. Now let me say that these ladies already lost their mother, and I am still reeling from the strength, and drive that allowed them keep moving. I am sure a few of you are also tearing up as you read this, but it continues... On the evening that they buried their beloved "Daddy", Marcus the groom lost his father...

I know its unreal, unfair, and simply unbelievable!!! With that said we still moved forward!!!! They decided in memory of their lost parents they would progress :) They are truly blessed and inspiring. I must thank them all for showing me that whatever storms may and will come, I can make it!! I thank you for showing me as WOMEN that we have amazing courage, tenacity and resilience!! You ladies are now my family for life (whether you want to or not), and I am blessed to have you!

To the deceased Mr Washington, Mr & Mrs Baldwin, I know that you were all present on that blessed day, (there was a sky light at the reception for you to peek in). I also hope that you know you raised incredible children, that have become unbelievable adults. For Mr & Mrs Baldwin, your little girl (actually all of them, not just Krisitin) in very good hands with Marcus.

May you all rest in peace!

Ok now have a peek ...










So as you see these are my horrible shots, so I will share the real deal when they are set.

As always thanks to my supporting cast, without you all my job would be so hard, lol!!

Beyond Imaginations- Florals
Deez Notes- DJ
Eikon Photography (thanks Karen, you know why)
Amanda Mack- Hair ( you are a trip )
LCA Videomakers
Chariots for Hire- Limo
The Catering and Support Staff of the Ronald Reagan Building (You were all amazing. Danielle you rocked and my Event Manager was so on point)

Thanks Again to you all :)
T~

Special on "Brilliant Bride" Package

Hello Winter & early Spring Brides for 2009 :)
Working Brides is offering a $200 discount on the "Day Of" package!!! So all you ladies who have worked SOOOOO hard planning and are now just wanting to kick back and relax give us a call. Having a Coordinator on hand on your "Big Day" is just a huge saving grace. Take a peek at a tattle tale form a recent "day of" bride:

Hi Trisha-
I want to thank you and all of the girls for everything on Saturday. Glenn and I both really appreciate all of the hard work that was put into making our big day so perfect. We couldn't have asked for anything better. It was exactly how we pictured the day to be.
Thanks again for everything!!!!!
Megan G

So this offer is for you ladies that have been toying the option of a planner, release so that you can enjoy!! You don't need the added stress of wondering if your cake has arrived safely, neither does Mom!!!

***This offer is for January to April 11th weddings.

A BOLLYWOOD BRIDE

Well despite being under the weather last week, we had a 2 day wedding we had to pull off and boy did we :) Rupa and Matt have been planning with us for about 8 mths or so and Rupa put her heart and soul into this wedding ( 2 weddings to be exact). You see Rupa is one of Working Brides many Indian Brides and Matt her groom is American. So they choose to hold true to both sides and we actually had both a Catholic and a Hindu ceremony!! On Saturday we had the Catholic ceremony at Georgetown Preps Chapel. This was followed by a Sangeet and Mendhi at the brides parents house. Wow what a blast the family and friends had. It was truly an awesome blending and the Americans loved learning and experiencing new traditions!!

Thanks to Beyond Imaginations for providing the wedding party with fantastic bouquets, boutineers and the killer alter arrangements were used later in the weekend as well.


I often use the creative talents of MakeOvers On Call, but rarely have a hair shot. So I send many thanks to Tara and her staff and her is a gorgeous look at their work!!



On Sunday we started with the Barrat and a tradition Hindu ceremony, taking place at Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD. It was gorgeous!! The bride chose to have a very traditional mundap, created by Navajoli Decor. After the hour and a half ceremony the guests were invited to a delicious cocktail hour. Our authentic Indian cuisine was provided by Raaga Catering (I just love these guys). Guests were welcomed into our amazing ballroom around 6:30 and it was a true feast for their eyes. Once again the decor was done by Prabha Bhambri of Navajoli Decor. The gorgeous centerpieces of curly willow, orchids and candles stood at least 5 ft tall!!

Our stunning bride and groom had the pleasure of being photographed by the ever talented Eli Turner of Freed Photograhpy. Video of this event was shot by Blue Sky Films. We had the amazing crew from EQ Events on hand for the exciting Barrat, Lighting and DJ for the evening!

Thanks to all of the incredible vendors that supported myself and my staff to make this weekend the dream that Rupa & Matt had been having for months :) Now enjoy some pics taken by myself and a bridesmaid !!

DHVANI & MAC'S WEDDING

Dhavni & Macs wedding reception was truly a blast :) The event was held at the Galleria in DC. As always I was surrounded by a fantastic team of vendors. We had the oh so fabulous photography of StoryMotions. Once they send over their pics I will post them. This event had awesome food provided by 3 Citron and Raaga Catering. So I must send huge thank you's over to Suzy, Sam and the rest of their incredible staff. You two catering teams came together for the first time and you knocked it out the park !!! The food was delicious, hot and the presentation welcomed both cultures. This opened the door and our guests were able to enjoy American and Indian cuisine :)

We had glamorous decor and florals created by Beyond Imaginations. You have seen their work many times because I truly love to work with them. You see if you find a great vendor you stick to it :)

Our fusion of American and Indian tunes came to us directly from the EQ Events!! We had Jag as our DJ and he kept the music coming all night long. Hit after hit our dance floor was packed!!

Huge thanks to the Clara's Designer Cakes!!! She has the most moist cake, with flavors that explode in your month with each bite. Her raspberry, and nutella buttercreams are so delicious, you can't help but have another taste :)

We also had Quiana's Travel, they shuttled our guests around all weekend and as always they are professional and accommodating.

I must say with the team above, how can I go wrong :) Dhvani, Mac & their families had a fantastic time, compliments were coming from everywhere!! This was truly a perfect union!!

ps Working Brides ran on time again!! This is wedding number 14 in a row, in which we started on time or even early. Now that is impressive. Thanks to my staff and lets keep up the FAB work, lol!!

JESSICA & BORINS MUSKET RIDGE WEDDING

Jessica & Borin's wedding happened on a gorgeous October Saturday. They were beautiful and had a FAB evening.

Thanks so much to Jay Jay & Bonnie at Musket Ridge, for helping us to have such a smooth event. Your staff is always so attentive and pleasant.

We had the pleasure of having Jessica Del Vecchio as our photographer. She along w/ an assistant captured some fantastic shots. I can't wait to see more!

Then to the truly talented florists at Beyond Imaginations, your work speaks for itself. You always hit your mark and go beyond my brides imaginations :)

DJ Carlos Bueso rocked the crowd all night. As always he is prompt and on key with reading the crowd. He is AWESOME :)

Thanks to you all for playing key roles in making this Fall themed wedding a blast.

www.beyondimaginations.com
www.jessicadelvecchio.com
www.musketridge.com

DC MARRIAGE LICENSE

Just an FYI, that I keep forgetting to post. Thanks Pink Bride Becca over at The Pink
Book Blog, for reminding me about this huge revalation and change in DC.

More than 200 D.C. residents tested for syphilis for no reason
By Michael Neibauer
Examiner Staff Writer 10/6/08

The D.C. Superior Court continued to require that brides and grooms-to-be turn in blood tests before obtaining a marriage license even after the D.C. Council had eliminated the test from the city’s code.
More than 200 people applied for a marriage license with the court’s Marriage Bureau Section in the last month, most obtaining a costly blood test even though the procedure was no longer required by law.

OMG I HEART NKOTB

Ok so I went to the New Kids on the Block Concert and I had an absolute ball :)Aarathi, one of my brides and now a dear friend of mine dragged me along kicking and screaming. NOT!! It was such a blast to see these guys up close and personal. They are in such great shape. They put on a GREAT show, full of dancing, energy and fun!! I was really shocked to see the Verizon Center full to the brim. I mean there were about a million screaming woman and 20 guys in attendance, lol.

Danny can still break dance. Jordan is still charming and HOT. Joey is still super cute and sweet. Donnie, well what can you say about Donnie... he is still extremely flirtatious and engaging. He has the most captivating personality, he was never my favorite, but tonight, WOW. He brought the house down. Then there is the still sweet, shy Jon, he is still adorable and he is an OBAMA fan!!






Ok so at first we weren't as close as we thought we were going to be, but in the end we were closer. The guys came to almost the middle of the floor and that's were the above pics came from. We were so freaking close to the guys that we actually touched them :) ALL OF THEM, lol. It was really cool. They sang one or two songs right in our face, on a revolving stage w/ the piano. We nearly lost our minds. Aarathi actually may have. Donnie was drinking a bottle of water and he handed it down to the crowd... ok no, he handed it to a specific chic and Aarathi grabbed the bottle before the chic could, and drank it, LOL!! wooo that was funny



Aarathi screamed at some point in the night that "this is the best night of my life"!!! Well it may not have been the best for me, but Damn was it close :)

NKOTB, you made a ton of 30 something ladies feel 15 again and we thank you!!!

Stay tuned for video footage!!

Windows Catering & more

Well you all know I am so bad at this, but I do need to take a moment to thank last weekends vendors.

Jaime & Steve's wedding toke place at The Woman's Congressional Club in DC. The fabulous staff of Windows Catering toke such great care of us all. The staff was prompt, efficient, and oh so attentive. Thank you Debbie, Jose, and an all star staff for superb service!!!

We also had Gathered Stems out of VA, who where truly new to me. We had very simple centerpieces with great vibrant color. Thanks to you ladies, I will return.

Tracy Timmester, you all know her :) She toke care of the pictures for the day. As always Tracy it is a true pleasure to work with you.

We also had DJ Lamboy rocking the house and a great husband and wife team from Hey Cameraman for video. Let me not forget the talented team at MakeOvers on Call, for gorgeous makeup & hair! Thanks to you all, it is always a Working Brides pleasure to work with such professional and entertaining crews!!

T~

Windows: www.catering.com
Gathered Stems: www.gatheredstems.com
Tracy Timmester: www.timmesterphoto.com
DJ Lamboy: www.ljmobiledj.com
Hey Cameraman DV:www.heycameramandv.net
MakeOvers on Call: www.makeoversoncall.com

Facebook & Weddings ???

Ok so recently at a conference one of the speakers spoke on the fact that Facebook is a great source of networking. This was basically the second time in a week I was told to do this. Now I always knew that socially people networked there, and I can't stand it :( lol, but on a business standpoint, this may be of interest. How many of you are on Facebook? Are you doing this socially or coming from a business aspect? I know there are quite a few of you vendors that use it (Charlotte of Delovely Designs), is it helpful?? Come on tell me, I gotta know. I have so little time in the day, and that's the reason I am terrible at blogging. So will this be, or rather is this an avenue that I should make time for? I am just curious. I don't want to be stubborn & snotty because I think that Facebook & My Space are for high school / college student, lol!! Although I do long to be 22 again, but I digress :) Do I need to jump on board is me question?

BLING, TOO MUCH OR NOT ENOUGH?

So Platinum Weddings by Kerry featured a bride who had her toes blinged out!!! At first glance you may not be able to tell, so look closer. Now my question is have we gone to far? Is the whole "BLING" element going over & beyond?? You tell me, I am curious.



As for me I say bring it on :) The more bling the better. The bigger and more elaborate the party,the more exciting :) I love tasteful sparkling bling, lol. Now the toes... I am still debating this one. What do you think??

Fab Fall Colors

Ok so lets just be honest, I SUCK AT BLOGGING!!! I know it, you know it so I just have to face it. IDK why I can't simply write, I read blogs EVERYDAY. I love reading blogs yet I can't find the time and commit to my own, that really is terrible. A perfectionist at some much, but blogging... A loser, lol

At any rate, I have to give a quick shout to Dr. Cory & Cathryn Alfers. Their wedding was last weekend and not only did we have a GREAT time, it was ON time ALL day. We were actually early on many accounts. This was truly a flawless wedding, and Cathryn was the most organized bride, Working Brides has ever had. Thanks Cat you rocked :)*not that you others girls aren't organized :) lol

Ok so Bella's Blog posted the new fall colors today and they are great. Those of you in need of inspiration take a peek.

OMG TIMMESTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Tracy, Tracy, Tracy... one of my dear fav photogs was just honored with an award from the Wedding Photojournalist Association, for one of her cool pictures she toke at Cara & Javi's Wedding in May. Not only is she awesome, but Tracy (who I spoke w/ today) is also humble she didn't even mention it!!! We had such a great time at Cara & Javi wedding I am not surprised that one of Tracy's pics could win such a prestigous honor!!! Congrats Tracy!!!

Timmester Photgraphy can be found at http://timmesterphoto.com/
The winning pic can also be seen at: http://www.wpja.com/wedding_photography_galleries/contest/08/q2/03-09.htm

Also Cara & Javi pics can be seen at:
http://www.workingbrides.com/gallery2/main.php
(the third album)

Nigerian Wedding

OMG what a weekend I had... I had the pleasure to be the day of coordinator for Ijeoma & Afam, and boy was it eventful. The bride warned me prior to that as a culture Nigerians aren't so good at RSVP'ing, so we would have plenty of guests simply show up. Let me say that she was not wrong. Many a guests showed up, even a few that actually RSVP'd that they weren't coming at all. We actually had to turn quite a few people away because there wasn't any room for them! It was a true experinece let me just say.

The bride and groom however had a great time. The rain almost ruined the day, but just as the ceremony ended, the sky opened and the rain stopped :) God works magic each and everyday and I saw a bit of it yesterday with the rain stopping at just that moment.

I toke no pictures yesterday, there really wasn't time, but the beautiful outfits that woman and men adorned in that hall filled the space with color and pizzazz :)The many cultural traditions of a nigerian wedding were up held as well and it was quite amazing to see rituals stand with time!!

Thanks again to the beautiful bride & groom, both families, the amazing host and hostess (you know how you are) and a fantastic wedding party! You were all a trip, lol!!

JESSICA & BRIAN

Just want to share a beautiful pic of this great couple, Jessica & Brian.
They spent some time with photographer Jessica Del Vecchio in Ellicott City and it appears they had a great time. Jessica & Brians wedding is fast approaching on Oct 11th. They are such a no fuss, easy & elegant couple, they make planning so simple :) I look forward to bringing this year of planning to a close with a gorgeous ceremony and reception at the beautiful Musket Ridge.

Check out Jessica's site at www.jessicadelvecchio.com
Thanks Jessica for great work!!

I DO MAGAZINE

Ok being the computer dork (meaning I know how to do nothing) that I am I haven't been able to tell you about Working Brides little spread in I Do Magazine this summer. Well "I Do" has put the magazine online and I thought "YEA now I can copy and paste". NOT!!! So I will just have to tell you. "I Do" did a small Editorial in the "In the Know" Section (pg 16) about Working Brides :) It was a really nice touch and we thank them for that. Working Brides also has a wedding featured in the Magazine on page 70 :) Thanks to Robyn and Brian Dubois for allowing us to submit their wedding. Also special love out to Beyond Imagination, for the always gorgeous florals & Jennifer Lust Photography for the amazing pictures. So if you get a chance take a peek at the Mag or online at www.IDOFORBRIDES.COM

A BLUE MARTINI NIGHT

Last night I had the pleasure of enjoying the company of some of the finest industry professionals at the Blue Sky, Chris Laich cocktail gathering!! What a fantastic evening we had. It was simply a room full of other wedding/event professionals, no sales pitches, just enjoying one anothers company. Let me tell you there were so many characters out last night :) LOL, there are some really funny people in this business, and if you know me personally you know that laughing is one of my favorite past times.

I must give some special love to a few AMAZING people that I had the pleasure to chat with last evening. Drum roll please :)

Stacy & Sara of Labor of Love Photography (www.laboroflovephoto.com), you girls know that I love ya! These ladies and I have 2 wedding on the books for '09 already. Once you meet them it will be easy to see why!

Brian & Loree Childs of the amazing Stone Manor in Frederick (www.stonemanorcountryclub). If you haven't visited this property than you are truly missing out on PERFECTION!! It was so nice to chat with you two one on one. We are usually with clients when we see each other so this really was a treat.

Michael Bonfigli, now you Mr Bonfigli, you are quite a gem!! Michael is a talented photographer with a ton of class and personality to boot. This was my first time meeting him and I truly enjoyed the laughter and conversation. Michael's site is www.michaelbonfigli.com, please take a peek you will enjoy!

Martin Andrews, what can be said about this gentleman. He is genius and has taken the DC video world by storm, with fresh, and innovative film making. Martin is the owner of Blue Sky Video. You know the company, you have seen them or there ads all around town. Martin and his team of experts make wedding videos that simply make you cry, and you don't even have to know the couple getting married, lol!! Martins site can be found at www.blueskyfilms.com

Chris Laich, this was my first time meeting with the DJ extraordinaire, we have chatted on the phone before, but never in person. This is another person full of energy and charisma. I truly look forward to working with Chris, amazing DJ's are sooooooo hard to find and these guys do it right each and every time! www.chrislaich.com

So I say a thanks again to all of you listed, it was a pleasure. Plus an extra thanks to our hosts. Those of you I have forgotten please take no offense, it was the blue cocktails :)

Oh and sidebar I know there is a way to just put the name of a company and then you can click it and voila you are on their site, but I have NO clue how you do that. So sorry, I will get better at this computer/blog stuff some day.

GURUBATHAM WEDDING

Sunday Julie and I had a fantastic wedding with Kevin & Tanya. I have been working with this cute couple for a year now and their day finally arrived :) It was another beautiful August day and they really enjoyed themselves. This was my first dry wedding and we also had no dancing due to their religion. So I was honestly a lil worried, but it was AWESOME. Everyone had a great time. I would like to thank the Kulokov and Gurubatham family for their graciousness. You are a great family and I am happy and honored to know you. I must also thank the amazing designers at Fiore Flowers ( www.fiorefloral.com), the florals were amazing. Everyone complimented the design and the bright and welcoming colors. It is also important to thank Kens Creative Kitchen out of Annapolis (www.kenscreativekitchen.com). This was our first, certainly not last time working with Kens and they were fantastic. Ken has said to me a number of times how amazing and beautiful his waitstaff is and I am pleased to say that he wasn't lying :) Thanks Helen and staff you rocked!! Also not to forget Debbie at Spring of Hope 7th Day Adventist, you were so helpful and accomadating.

Here are a few pics that I toke, once the other pics are ready I will be sure to post them.

Thanks Again to all who helped make this day amazing!!