blush | WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING FIRM

blush | REAL WEDDING

2011-11-12T08:01:00.000-05:00

It was an amazing day! With significant overcast and a nice chance of rain for this outdoor wedding and a bride who had her heart set on her outdoor ceremony dreams...the sun came out and blessed the couple and our team with an amazing display of love.

*Filmed by A. Sanchez.

blush | MOMENTS

2011-08-04T23:28:00.002-04:00

cake | PARISIAN INSPIRED

2011-07-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Our favorite part of a wedding (besides the brides entrance) is the cutting of the cake - because then , we can eat it!

Here are some Parisian inspired cake designs for your pleasure. Unfortunately, you cant lick the screen ...ENJOY!

A traditional French wedding cake - Croquembouche

paper | FRENCH ROMANCE

2011-07-19T23:17:00.001-04:00

Since the invitation begins the experience of your wedding for your guests....we thought we would start off our Tour de France with chic, romantic, paper products that we love!! ENJOY!!

by apieceofparis.com

by Nicholson Invitations

by Magentaink.com

by Annie Clark @ Minted.com

celeb wedding | MONICA & SHANNON

2011-07-16T11:18:00.000-04:00

THE VIDEO

THE INVITE

THE DRESS

The Wedding Cake

2011-05-13T23:00:00.000-04:00

One of the most exciting
elements that accompanies planning a wedding is choosing the wedding cake. Every element of the wedding cake is quite enjoyable. However many details encompass the design, color, and flavor selection. Whether you're looking for an extravagant cake similar to Prince William and Catherine or you're looking for a small homemade cake your options are endless.

Frosting & Batter
Perhaps one of the biggest compromises that must be made when choosing a wedding cake is choosing the batter and frosting. Although the bride and groom may prefer red velvet and coconut, the wedding guests need to be considered. Try to stray away from exotic flavors such as coconut with lemon or banana chocolate rum. Everyone needs to be able to enjoy the deliciousness of a wedding cake. However at the end of the day the wedding couple needs to be happy.

Color
Ideally the wedding cake should compliment the color scheme. Colors can be very vibrant and vivid or they can be subtle and soft. The color of your wedding cake should reflect the mood that you are trying to set. Soft colors set a gentle mood, while more vibrant colors are fun.

Tiers
The original idea of having multiple tiers came from the French. For larger weddings there are usually four or more tiers. While smaller weddings have less tiers. None the less no matter how many tiers there are you never want to have too much or too little cake.

Design

Ideas for cake designs can be found everywhere. There are tons of television shows (Ace of Cakes, Cake Boss, Cake Wars) and magazine articles to help create inspiration. The design can be very traditional with simple designs and subtle accents; or it can be completely out of the box. The design of your cake should reflect your personality.

The Wedding Invitation

2011-04-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

The Wedding Invitation

When starting the stages of the wedding planning process many overlook the importance of invitations. The wedding invitation is the first impression your guest will get of your wedding day. The invitation sets the mood, tone, and provides a brief glimpse of the wedding. Things as minuscule as the envelope, font, and font size play a large role in the overall appearance of the invite.   

Although this is your wedding day, you want to insure your guests that they will enjoy this joyous celebration. The invitation reveals to guests the formality of the wedding, the attire, and the taste of the couple. Similarly, it also provides the bare necessities such as the date, time, and location of both the wedding and reception ceremony. The wedding invitation also solidifies the happening of the event. Once invitations are mailed there is no turning back.

The invitation should be treated as a delicate flower. Hand-written addressed envelopes add a personal touch and are often viewed as the norm. But as time has progressed and technology has advanced, typed labels are becoming more and more popular. Additional information such as local hotels and rental car companies should also be included in the invitation, so out-of -town guests can make accommodations.

Here are a few tips to remember when creating your wedding invitations:

1. Overcompensate.

2. There's a thin line between elegant and sloppy.

3. The four W's, who, what, when, & where.

4. Always use a second (or third) set of eyes.

*Keep these tips in consideration as you begin to plan your big day!*

3 Alternative Wedding Venues

2011-04-07T15:26:00.002-04:00

3 Alternative Wedding Venues

Every bride understands the importance of the wedding and reception venue. The venue can ultimately break or make an unforgettable day. Many brides see their ideal wedding ceremony taking place outside, on a Spring day, surrounded by beautiful flowers. However many brides are thinking outside of the box. Non-traditional weddings are slowly starting to grow in popularity. From themed weddings to funky locations; your options are endless! To help get your creative juices flowing we have found 3 alternative wedding venues.

1. Spirit of Washington/Inner Harbor Cruises 
Although many weddings occur on traditional cruises, many don't occur on short dinner cruises. The Spirit of Washington and Inner Harbor Cruises set sail daily. A dinner cruise cuts costs without losing quality. Dinner cruises provide the option of having an event during anytime of the day. This will truly provide a memorable experience for not only the bride and groom, but also the wedding attendees.  

2. Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden 
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, The Lee-Fendall House mixes history with elegance. Home to the late Robert E. Lee, the "telescopic" architecture of this colonial style home is breathtaking. You can exchange your vows in the garden, and cut the cake in the parlor. There is also said to be a ghost of the Lee-Fendall House.

3. Camden Yards
Take me out to the ball game! Why host a reception at a hotel when you can invite your guests to Camden Yards in the Inner Harbor? Imagine making a toast while overlooking Oriole Park and the Baltimore Skyline. This venue will truly take your breath away!

Whether you prefer a baseball park, civil war landmark, or on the sea, create an experience that everyone will remember!

beautiful. blissful. blush. | MELANIE & PHILLIP

2011-04-03T06:51:00.000-04:00

This was a great wedding shot by a SUPER photographer Kathleen Hertel! An awesome fall event in downtown Baltimore at the Grand Hyatt.

A FUN READ...

2011-02-21T08:57:00.000-05:00

The true story of Prince William and Kate Middleton's fairy-tale romance--and the Royal Wedding that will capture the hearts of people around the world.

He was the boy who would one day be king, and she the middle-class girl who had harbored a crush on him. In 2001, both new students at the University of St Andrews, Prince William and Kate Middleton met for the first time. Though competition for William's affections was fierce, and the scrutiny of the paparazzi (and all England) daunting, love blossomed and Kate won her Prince Charming.

Now the sound of wedding bells is about to ring loud and clear for the joyful couple. Wiilliam & Kate celebrates their much-awaited upcoming nuptials and tells the story of their remarkable romance. Written by The Sun's Royal correspondent, it features 150 beautiful photographs and is the perfect keepsake of this memorable, once-in-a-lifetime event.

Tami's Tips | A Gift your girls will love!!!!

2011-02-04T20:49:00.000-05:00

Today's Tip - Give your bridesmaids a gift they will love and use beyond your wedding day!

How many ladies have been a bridesmaid and received a gift of jewelry for the wedding or something along those lines. Give your BFFs something that they will feel super "chic & unique" when they carry it! Handbag designer, Nneka Saran designs and makes very "chic & unique" handbags and clutches that any girl would love.

These handbags have been featured on television and carried by several Hollywood starlets - any bridesmaid would appreciate a one of kind accessory to add to her collection!

All bags are handmade and made to order in limited quantities, so you will be sure that each of your girls have an original creation.

Nneka Saran handbags - a great gift for your bridesmaids!

The Baltimore | blush| Experience

2011-01-30T12:19:00.000-05:00

Getting married is definitely an experience ... getting married in Baltimore is also - an experience. We want to give you the Baltimore Blush Experience. Every Sunday check in here, on our blog, for the happenings of Baltimore Weddings! We will cover everything from great places to find your dress to great places to take photos! PARTAKE IN THE EXPERIENCE!!!!

2011 | INTERN SEARCH

2011-01-22T11:31:00.001-05:00

Are you interested in learning about the wedding planning business? We are on the hunt for great talent. blush | WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING FIRM needs Event Interns. These spots are great ways to get to know the industry and get a foot in the door! I can speak from experience, training is key to success in the wedding industry. If you are interested...please forward us your interest letter (email to info@blushweddingsllc.com) and keep an eye out for information on our upcoming Intern Information Session coming up in late February 2011.

beautiful. blissful. blush | NICOLE & JOSEPH - TROPICAL ELEGANCE

2010-08-29T08:18:00.001-04:00

Blush produced and directed this beautiful wedding at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Tiffanni & Mike – Mountain Branch Golf Course » Observatory Blog

2010-08-04T11:09:00.001-04:00

Remember this - - A Blush Moment to Remember!!! A rainbow actually appeared right after this golf course wedding ceremony...yes indeed - a sign.

Tiffanni & Mike – Mountain Branch Golf Course » Observatory Blog

subscribe | YouTube - Blushweddingsllc's Channel

2010-07-28T16:13:00.000-04:00

YouTube - Blushweddingsllc's Channel

THINGS WE LOVE | Authentic Designer Handbags Auction | Save 90% on Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci.. | oohilove.com

2010-06-26T05:35:00.000-04:00

Heaven on the web....

Authentic Designer Handbags Auction Save 90% on Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci.. oohilove.com

SAGE + CHAMPAGNE | INSPIRED

2010-04-29T22:59:00.001-04:00

This board is inspried by one of our brides vision on sage and champagne with accents of platinum and pink. A traditional affair to take place at Baltimores Tremont Grand.

Jenene duplicated by tamekasmall

A Fun Day with Your BFFs | FASHION PARTY (it doesn't get any better than this)

2010-03-31T21:20:00.000-04:00

Looking for a fun way to spend time with the girls before you tie the knot??? Why not have a Fashion Party? Yes...a Fashion Party by Arden B. (one of our fave places to shop).

Make this just one part of your day out with the girls. Other activities can include brunch, tea, and a night out on the town!

Labels of Love | Vera Wang (CLASSIC)

2010-03-24T19:08:00.000-04:00

PEONIES in NOVEMBER??? CAN IT BE!!!

2010-03-20T09:06:00.001-04:00

For those of us who love peonies. We share a brief moment with them between May and June when they display their beauty. I know brides who have chosen wedding dates based on when these natural beauties are available (maybe this is the real reason for "June Brides"). Well if you have already set your date and it’s October - we have an easy solution...

Visit a florist and purchase the peonies while they are still buds. Purchase more than you need just in case a few don't make it through the preservation process.

Cut the stems and cover them with cellophane.

Place your peony buds in water and refrigerate.

Talk to your florist about your buds during your consultation.

Deliver the buds to the florist when they request them so they can bloom.

The buds can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator.

Things we Like | Peacock Bridesmaids Clutch Bags by ClutchThat on Etsy

2010-03-12T08:39:00.001-05:00

See more on the website - Peacock Bridesmaids Clutch Bags by ClutchThat on Etsy

Do us all a FAVOR!

2010-03-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

The key to a favor your guests will love. Two words .....

Personal & Memorable

Many of our clients contact us concerning the "favor" issue. What do we give? Where do we purchase? We are pushing our brides to be a bit more creative than just M&Ms in cute boxes with little bows. Get personal and make it something your guests will connect to you and be able to actually use. There is nothing worse than spending money on favors to find that people leave them at their tables, in the hotel lobby, or dare I say toss them in the garbage. Here are some ideas that we have given to brides:

Cookie wedding cakes

I know many of you have seen these before, but what was great about this favor is that the couple was known by their family and friends for baking cookies! They had been baking cookies together since they started dating. It was personal! They were packaged to match the couples theme in purple boxes with alternating hot pink and orange ribbons. They also doubled as escort cards for the guest! The image to the right are wedding cookie cakes designed by Just Cupcakes.

Recipes of Love

We have another couple who have taken our advice and kept it personal - They are known for cooking and hosting great dinner parties! So their wedding favors will actually be a small book of their recipes. Designed to match the theme of their stationery it will give guests a look into their kitchen and their hearts. Websites like lulu will help them print their favors so that they are authentic looking like the one on right.

So, stop looking through pages of generic websites for favor ideas...get personal and therefore memorable! Your guest will favor you for years to come.

"Labels of Love" - Monique Lhuillier

2010-02-21T16:00:00.003-05:00

Bridal Teas

2010-02-07T08:50:00.000-05:00

Thinking about a traditional bridal tea? Here are some great recipes and ideas Bridal Teas.

"Labels of Love" - Romona Keveza

2010-01-21T12:26:00.002-05:00

Written by K. Monroe | Assistant to the Director of Events

The Notebook

2010-01-10T12:20:00.005-05:00

We were asked a few questions a few months back from the DC, MD, VA editors of "The Knot Magazine". See our responses in the new Spring/Summer 2010 issue on page 34!!

Written by T. Smallwood | Senior Director of Events/Owner

sample sale | CARINE'S BRIDAL ATELIER

2010-01-03T08:33:00.005-05:00

Blush Wedding & Event Planning Firm hopes that you attend this event. A great way to find the dress of your dreams and save a few dollars...see the announcement below.

* * * * *

Carine's New Year Sample Sale!!!
Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at 12pm-3pm

Please join us at our final sample sale of the season. Designer gowns will be priced as low as $999 to $1,899, marked down from original retail prices ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 - a fantastic savings for brides!

"Sample gowns are a great option for brides on a budget or on a short wedding time line," says Carine Krawiec, owner of Carine's Bridal Atelier. Sample dresses are in great condition and must be sold to make room for new gowns. Sample gowns are a bridal size 8 or 10 and can always be altered to fit a smaller size. Carine's Bridal Atelier offers custom alterations on-site in their Georgetown boutique.

Designers include: Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Junko Yoshioka, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Pool, Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier, Platinum Collection, Reem Acra, Rivini, Rosa Clara, St. Pucchi, and The Vineyard Collection.

Sale is first come, first serve. No appointments needed. Preview a small selection of sample sale gowns at carinesbridal.com

For more information, call (202) 965-4696 or email info@carinesbridal.com

Carine's Bridal Atelier
1726 Wisconsin Ave, 2nd Floor
Washington, District of Columbia 20007
http://www.carinesbridal.com/
Your Aisle Is Our Runway

Reposted by T. Smallwood |Owner/Senior Director of Events

CONGRATS ARE IN ORDER!!

2009-12-31T19:29:00.006-05:00

You’re engaged, excited, and floating on cloud 9! You can’t wait to flaunt your princess cut solitaire from Tiffany & Co. , and share your blissful news with family, friends, your hair stylist, coworkers…and anyone else who will listen! You purchase wedding magazines (like our favorites Grace Ormonde Wedding Style , The Knot and Engaged) and look for local boutiques for gown shopping….when suddenly the stress starts to pile on! Breath taking bouquets, creative centerpieces, signature drinks, and inspiring invitations.

Who knew there would be so many aspects to planning a fabulous wedding? Don’t panic, there is a way to plan a wedding with minimal stress, but starting on the right foot is key. First priorities are establishing a budget and developing a guest list! Knowing how many people you can invite and how much you can afford will allow you to create an efficient plan. This is the time where it would be wise to interview and hire a professional wedding planner to assist you. Wedding Planning Specialists offer a range of services from complete wedding planning to day of coordination.

Once you and your wedding coordinator have a clear plan, the two of you can start shopping away! TIP: Try to include close family and friends in shopping excursions. Too many chefs in the kitchen can lead to stress and frustration, and these moments should be a fun, and enjoyable.

Keep organized at all times. Have copies of all of your contracts, and receipts in a file. If you’re working with a wedding planner make sure to forward all information to them for your personal file. Your wedding planner can also keep track of the correspondences that you have with all of your vendors. These will come in handy as you/she starts to finalize wedding details closer to your wedding date.

Make sure to engage both families in some of the planning. This is just to get an idea of what is important to them. Though it’s not their day, and you may not agree with everything that they want, it’s better to start the compromising early on to avoid not having any surprises closer to the wedding.

You and your coordinator should begin interviewing vendors early on, as the crème de la crème are booked up rather quickly! You should only interview (face to face) 2-3 vendors per category as meeting too many would only overwhelm and confuse you.

Lastly, you and your coordinator should begin finalizing your logistics and details approximately two months prior to your wedding. Seating assignments can be as cumbersome as creating the guest list….as Aunt Judy and Aunt Diane’s personalities fuse like oil and water. TIP: Mom’s and Dad’s would be a great help with this as they know most of the family inside scoop!

Set trends, take risk, and plan the most fabulous, breathtaking, wedding your family and friends have ever experienced. With a set budget and guest list early on, organization, and your wedding coordinator by your side you are sure to keep your sanity. Happy Planning!

Written by D. Edwards | Director of Events

baltimore wedding | SUROBHI & PATRICK

2009-12-30T20:15:00.012-05:00

Photographer CHRIS BALTAZAR shot this Baltimore Wedding at The World Trade Center. I absolutely loved this family.

Written by T. Smallwood - Owner/Senior Director of Events

Go "a little" green...Reduce, Recycle, Reuse....

2009-08-30T08:21:00.015-04:00

These days, the idea of going green is somewhat a requirement if you want to be an acceptable resident of the planet. Though this is the case, most people are doing "little things" to help conserve. My idea of making "green" happen - make things functional, not wasteful. Your wedding is a huge moment in your life where you can also go "a little" green...

REDUCE:
Cut back on paper. Instead of having a booklet style program, using numerous pages, use a more simple, elegant program. A half page program on a beautiful heavy stock, serves the purpose. Make it elegant by using stylish scripts and a simple layout. This program, featured on The Knot is a perfect example. Another way to reduce your paper is to use table menus that double as table numbers, instead of having separate menu cards for each guest.

RECYCLE:
During cocktail hour when people may drink beers, wine etc., make sure the bar tenders have a bin just for glass, aluminum soda cans, and plastic juice bottles so that those items can be recycled. Check with your venue and/or caterer to make sure they will take care of the pick up. If the venue/caterer aren't recycling (find out why and encourage them to do so) and see if a family member can take the items to a local recycling location.
RE-USE:
Get more out of your flowers... You can use the same aisle arrangements as centerpieces. It usually requires the florist to stay during the ceremony so the large pieces can be moved after the ceremony. Though there may be an extra fee for the floral team to stay, you could save hundreds. Guests may not even recognize that they are the same arrangements when placed a top a large vase. In the photo above from Davinci Floral Designers in Silver Spring, Maryland the large centerpieces are usually detachable. Davinci offers column rentals that can be used during your ceremony where the flowers are placed.

After your flowers' second use as your reception centerpiece, give them a third go-round when you give them away to your guests to take home. In addition, most people will toss a simple paper escort card. Find a way to incorporate the escort card into your favor so that the paper has dual use. We suggested to a bride, whose favor is a booklet of inspirational quotes, that she have the label on the book double as the escort card.

As you can see, going green doesn't have to mean that your reception is lit by electricity generated from solar panels or that your wedding dress is made out of recycled organic cotton (*wink*). Just thinking twice about reducing, recycling, and reusing can help make your wedding "a little greener" - and can usually save you a few dollars too. Now that's going green!

Your Wedding...BRANDED????

2008-11-26T12:26:00.006-05:00

In the world of marketing and business, the word branding is a key element in getting recognized. The same concept applies to your wedding. A brand is defined as a collection of images and ideas that represent a producer (or in the world of weddings ...that represent a moment). I have come across a great company that develops branding for weddings in the manner a marketing firm would develop branding for a company. Marry Monograms "...Marry Monograms inspires brides worldwide with an amazing selection of beautiful monograms which allows them to personalize their big day in any way imaginable...". Some of their great creations are pictured below.

Also, for the creative bride, or those of you who have graphic designers as friends, a monogram is a way to brand your big day!!! Making it recognizable by your guests for years to come!

The De-Flowering of the Bouquet

2008-11-02T08:50:00.011-05:00

I have had a couple of my brides say that they did not want their bouquets to be the norm. They wanted to do something different. The first bride who said this met with one of my favorite florist and will be carrying a plant called the protea. So, for the bride who wants something that is alive, but not the standard - select a unique plant or flower. For example:

Blushing Bride Protea

Coxcomb (looks like a sea sponge)

Scabiosa

I also found a GREAT resource for something elegant and fabulous. Emplume Moderne Couture Bouquet & Fine Wedding Accessories makes wonderful bouquets of feathers. This vendor is for the couture bride who is not afraid to make a statement!

Crystals are often used to improve a traditional floral bridal bouquet. But there are some brides who 100% BLING! Like these bouquets made from Swarovski crystals...

So ladies, be bold, be different...de-flower your bouquet!

RUN STEPHY RUN!!!

2008-07-11T20:23:00.004-04:00

One of my Brides, Stephanie Miller was FIRST IN LINE a this years running of the brides in Baltimore, MD. Below is the link to WJZ's coverage of the event! Stephanie found her dream dress for a wonderful price! RUN STEPHY RUN!!! Way to go!

http://wjz.com/video/?id=41181@wjz.dayport.com

Laser on your paper?

2008-07-09T07:49:00.005-04:00

Invitations. Those small introductions to your wedding day. These days, with so many different kinds of invitations, it can be difficult to personalize these small previews to your big production. One way is with a laser. Yes ladies a laser. Why just use ink to insert your monogram onto your invitation? A stationer can insert your monogram with texture and definition (yes, HD invitations) onto your invitations with a laser paper cutter. Similar to the photo below. Love your dress? Well, Vera Wang has an invitation that has a laser cut lace design as an accent. You don't have to have Vera Wang, but you can steal the concept. Use an accent from your dress (like the lace design) and bring it into your invitation.

Lastly, use your theme to make your invitations 'HD' like these invites by Ferrara at Cartalia Wedding Stationery.

Upgrade the standard, add your personal touch - Laser your paper!

Calling all Pink Ladies!!!

2008-07-06T20:14:00.004-04:00

For the brides that love pink! Here are a few ideas of how to bring your signature color into your day.

Remember the signature drink!

Who said you had to wear white shoes? Why not bring your signature color into your favorite accessory?

Save money on linen...use the standard given by the venue and rent hot pink runners. That could save you $15.00 per table (depending on the rental company).

Tired of white escort cards? Think Pink! You could even vary the shade of pink for the card and/or ink!