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Search results for ritz carlton. If you didn't find what you were looking for, try a new search.

Classic Blue Patterned Wedding at The Ritz Carlton DC
December 5, 2019

Today’s classic blue patterned wedding at The Ritz Carlton DC is not to be missed. It’s full of joy and love from the very first moment to the very last. Their first look has to be one of our favorites. The immense joy on Hannah’s face before Josh even turned around really brightened our day! And if that wasn’t enough, their reactions to seeing each others faces was just too cute! The pair were married in a traditional Jewish ceremony complete with a Ketubah signing to kick it off and a smashing of the glass to finalize it. After the beautiful ceremony under the wooden Chuppah, guests moved on to the reception for cocktail hour before being ushered into the ballroom for dinner and dancing.

We loved their unique wedding design elements that Hannah and Josh chose to infuse into their big day. The mismatched blue patterned centerpiece vases featured all white florals with complimented the blue and white table linen and the unique centerpiece vessels. We adore the mixing of patterns and they definitely did it up right at this DC wedding! Thank you to Kristin Moore Photo for sharing this wedding with us today!

The following Washington DC wedding professionals contributed to this wedding:

Venue: Ritz Carlton DC | Planner: Sara Muchnick Events | Photography: Kristin Moore Photo | Florals: Petals Edge |  Band: Nightsong Band | Hair: DC Looks | Makeup: Leslie Dolchin | Photobooth: Washington Talent | Day of Paper: Sprites Ink | Lighting: Digital Lightning | Rentals: DC Rentals

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Real Weddings  / Real Weddings - Blue  / Real Weddings - Classic  / Real Weddings - DC  / Real Weddings - Green  / Real Weddings - White

Abundant Greenery Ritz Carlton DC Wedding
November 7, 2018

For their abundant greenery Ritz Carlton DC wedding Blaine and Justin wanted it to be a “let loose, kick off your shoes” party. That is something we can certainly get behind! Even though they wanted a more relaxed feel, they certainly didn’t forgo any style and class. The team at A. Dominick Events certainly made sure their wedding design was on point. From the huge greenery wall dotted with candles and the chandeliers dripping in garlands, their ceremony set up was like a modern secret garden. Amaryllis Designs worked with the planning team to create an Oasis that transformed a traditional DC hotel ballroom wedding, into something utterly magical!

Following the ceremony, the space was transformed for their reception. Blaine and Justin opted to forgo the traditional sit-down dinner and featured themed food stations (raw bar, Italian, etc.) instead. They sprinkled in a variety of table styles to mix up the textures and styles throughout the room. Tall pub tables mixed with low cocktail rounds with industrial chairs gave variety and uniqueness against the greenery centerpieces. This allowed them to eat, dance and wander when and wherever they wanted. They also chose to forgo the traditional cake for Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Talk about fun! Thank you to Abby Jiu Photography for the gorgeous peek into Blaine and Justin’s Ritz Carlton DC wedding!

The following wedding vendors contributed to this greenery filled Ritz Carlton wedding:

Event Planner: A. Dominick Events | Photography: Abby Jiu | Venue: The Ritz Carlton, Washington DC | Floral Design: Amaryllis Designs | Hair & Makeup: Amie Decker Beauty | Paper Materials: Cheree Berry Paper  | Calligraphy: Lettering by Lynne  | Rentals: La Tavola Linen | Rentals: DC Rental | Rentals: Party Rental LTD  | Shoes: Kate Spade | Music: Ground Control Band – Elan Artists  | Lighting: Frost Lightning | Videographer: Shaking Hands

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide. For additional local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries. Especially relevant would be our Washington DC area real weddings.

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Lush & Glam Ritz Carlton Wedding
February 5, 2018

Welcome to another wonderful Monday of DC wedding inspiration! Did you watch the big game last night or just the commercials like we did? As die hard Saints fans we didn’t have a stick in the fire on this Superbowl! I can safely say that Budweiser water commercial might have made me shed a few tears!

We are bringing a killer DC wedding to you today with a trifecta of awesome; jaw dropping florals by Amaryllis Designs, wine country inspired design by A. Dominick Events, and romantic photography by Bonnie Sen Photography! Robin and Jesse were concerned with planning because of how fickle the weather in DC can be in early March. But when their Ritz Carlton DC wedding day came the sun was out and there wasn’t a hint of winter left in the district!

When designing their wedding look, they wanted to bring the outside indoors. They did this by channeling Napa Valley vineyards, lush greenery, and winery color tones. From the suspended greenery centerpieces to mossy table arrangements made of candles, mixed metals, and natural elements, the vision really transformed the ballroom. Our personal favorite detail is the unique escort card cart presentation with trailing vines, classic calligraphy cards and funky west coast inspired furniture cart. Congrats to the newlyweds and thank you A. Dominick Events for sharing a peek into their wedding day!

 

The following wedding professionals contributed to this lush Ritz Carlton DC wedding:

Event Planning: A. Dominick Events  | Photography: Bonnie Sen | Floral Design: Amaryllis | Hair: Artistry by Claudine |Makeup: Claire Ashley Beauty |  Cinematography: Ryan Geldermann Wedding Cinematographer | Calligraphy : Lettering By Lynne  | Venue & Cake: The Ritz Carlton Washington Dc | Rentals: DC Rentals | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Lighting : Frost Lighting | Invitations: A Fabulous Fete | Welcome Tags: Flourishing Penguin | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide. For additional local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries and other Washington DC area real weddings.

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Intimate Jewel Toned Ritz Carlton Wedding
April 12, 2017

Jon and Caitlin met in accounting class at George Washington University during their Sophomore year. Six years later, Jon surprised his bride-to-be in their apartment before a dinner date. It was very important to these two that their wedding felt very “them.” It’s always great when couples want to stick to a theme that represents who they are as individuals and also as a couple. These two opted to get married at the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown because they fell in love with the industrial feel and exposed brick prevalent throughout the venue. It was also within walking distance from their apartment and where they first met at GWU.

One of our favorite details to see when we receive weddings is the inclusion of really special and intimate touches; these two managed to do that while also bringing a tear to our eye. Caitlin’s father passed away in 2013 so they decided to include his memory in really sweet ways. They had the world “love” written in his handwriting sprinkled throughout the day; this touching detail showed up on the ceremony programs and menus by Just Write Studios. They also wove his handwriting into a ring for Caitlin and pins for her brothers and Jon.

The couple’s favorite memory from the day was being able to sneak away from the party for a few minutes between the ceremony and cocktail hour. They said having those few minutes to reset and celebrate themselves (and of course eat the hors d’oeuvres their venue brought them) was the perfect moment before rejoining their guests. We love it when couples do this! The wedding day can be a big wonderful blur from start to finish as so many things are going on. When you take a minute to step back and relax, you can really be in the moment and create lasting memories! Thank you to Lisa Blume Photography for sharing this intimate Ritz Carlton DC wedding with us today!

The following Washington DC area wedding professionals contributed to their wedding:
Photography: Lisa Blume Photography
Wedding Planner: Engaging Affairs
Venue: Ritz Carlton DC
Bridal Gown: Sarah Janks / Bridal Salon Lovely Bride DC
Ceremony Musicians: Timmie Metz
Floral Design: Darling and Daughters 
DJ: Bialeks Music- DJ Dan Goldman
Calligraphy: Just Write Studios
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Rentals: DC Rental

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide. For more amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries and Washington DC area real weddings.

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Joyous Ritz Carlton Virginia Wedding
February 8, 2017

There are three words that came to mind when we saw this Tyson’s Ritz Carlton wedding: crisp, clean, and classic. From the stunning bride in her white fitted gown to the pale pink, cream, and light apricot color scheme, we feel like we’re floating on air with this wedding. And is there anything better than the look on the groom’s face when he first saw his bride? We are swooning over this moment, captured by their photographer, UWL favorite, Eli Turner!

Meredith and Drew chose to have both tall and low floral centerpieces at their reception; we always think this is a fantastic idea when planning your floral design and with blooms from Holly Chapple Flowers, you can do no wrong. For the tall centerpieces, the gold stands warmed the light color palette and the varying shapes and sizes of the clustered low centerpieces added texture to go along with the mirrored plates that they rested on. Also, don’t miss out on that stunning five tier cake. We adore how they alternated the texture on the tiers and added in a few flowers for pops of light color! Thank you to Engaging Affairs for sharing this glamorous Ritz Carlton wedding with us today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Congratulations to Meredith and Drew! Thank you for sharing your joyous Ritz Carlton Virginia wedding with us!

The following Washington DC area wedding professionals contributed to their wedding:

Wedding Planner: Amanda M. of Engaging Affairs
Photographer: Eli Turner
Beauty: Claudine Fay
Videography: Reflexion Videography
Venue: Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner
Dress: Love Couture Bridal
Floral Designer: Holly Chapple Flowers
Band: Millennium Band
Invitations: Michelle’s Memos
Calligraphy: Just Write Studios

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide and for even more amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries and other Washington DC area real weddings.

 

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DC Ritz Carlton Brunch Wedding: Rick + John
November 2, 2016

Oh how we love brunch, and to see it used as a staple in a loving DC wedding reception just makes my heart happy for the guests who were able to be a part of John and Rick’s wedding day. Nothing says love to me more than brunch treats, mimosas, and personal vows in front of close friends and family! After a chance meeting at a favorite neighborhood watering hole in Austin Texas, the couple hit it off and decided to have a real first date later that week. Fast forward to four cities and two dogs later, the couple tied the knot at DC’s iconic Ritz Carlton Georgetown surrounded by their loved ones. We adore the personal wine box and love letter ceremony the couple performed during the wedding to reopen years into their marriage! Such a fun and personal moment to reflect upon their wedding day with later! Thank you to Chris Ferenzi Photography for sharing their love story with us today!

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Congratulations to Rick and John!  Thank you for sharing your rich jewel toned country DC wedding with us!

The following Washington DC area wedding professionals contributed to their wedding:

Photography: Chris Ferenzi Photography
Officiant: Joyce Hilbery
Venue: Ritz Carlton Georgetown
Floral Designer: Shelley Micali
Entertainment: Rick Whitehead
Cake: Ritz Carlton Georgetown
Rehearsal Dinner: Big Bear Cafe
Photobooth: OM Digital

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide and for even more amazing local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries and other Washington DC area real weddings.

Photo Credits: Chris Ferenzi Photography

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dc weddings  / Real Weddings  / Real Weddings - DC  / Real Weddings - Purple

Meaningful Multicultural Wedding at the Ritz-Carlton DC
September 11, 2019

Despite both attending at Brown University, it wasn’t until Ibrahim and Karina moved to New York City as post-grads that their paths finally crossed. Thanks to mutual friends, they started dating shortly after meeting and, after nine years, decided to tie the knot in a beautiful Multicultural wedding at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC.

In planning their wedding, the pair knew they wanted the opportunity to express both of their backgrounds both aesthetically and practically. Karina, who is Japanese and Italian, wanted a unique celebration to honor her marriage to Ibrahim, who is Guinean and Congolese. As a way to create something new and inclusive of everyone involved, they decided to extend their wedding experience across two days. Friday night saw a welcome dinner, aptly named “A Cultural Celebration,” which brought together guests from across the globe; this provided a perfect way to kick off their DC wedding weekend.

The wedding itself was Western in tradition, with added touches of Japanese décor and a West African DJ. The pair opted for private vows at the ceremony, with music playing so that only the couple could hear one another’s vows yet all guests felt like they were a part of the exchange. They did, however, share the sand ceremony with everyone. Guests from all around the world brought sand from Italy, Japan, Guinea, and Maryland to signify their heritage.

From DIY kokeshi doll cake toppers to handcrafted mizuhiki boutonnieres, Karina and Ibrahim’s wedding experience captured their one-of-a-kind relationship through and through. They successfully brought together various traditions, both old and new, to create something that represented each of them as individuals and, of course, as a newly married couple. Thank you to Ashley Atelier Flowers for sharing this multicultural wedding with us today!

The following Washington DC wedding professionals contributed to this Ritz-Carlton wedding:

Florist: Atelier Ashley Flowers | Venue & Catering: Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C. |  Photographer: Violet Short  | Videographer: Tweed Weddings |  | Planner: Lynn Nelson, Bridal Silhouette | Officiant: Alexis Kassim | Hair Stylist: Ali Wear | Dress: Made with Love Bridal

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Meet More 2018 United with Love Vendors
October 9, 2018

We’re back from New York Bridal Fashion Week and are excited to share a few more of our 2018 United with Love vendors with you today! Are you looking for build the perfect team for your wedding day? Having a strong support team is so important when it comes to a smooth event. Continue reading to view some of our favorite vendors. We’re including highlights on some of the best wedding planners, photographers, and wedding venues. And don’t forget to see each of these wedding vendors in action; click on the links in each paragraph to see their work on United with Love! Want to become a UWL vendor? Shoot us an email at hello@unitedwithlove.com to learn more.

 

Photographer – Eli Turner Studios

Eli is a master of his craft, and is dedicated to capturing natural and authentic moments without being obtrusive. It’s this laid-back approach – punctuated with doses of humor – that puts couples at ease in front of the camera and helps him blend seamlessly into his surroundings like a fellow guest or family member. His quiet presence and relentless attention to detail make him a gifted storyteller, inspired by his surroundings and guided by the emotions of the day. From the first kiss to the last dance, Eli captures and transforms every detail and subtle moment into a love story that lasts a lifetime. Don’t miss this Modern Romantic Long View Gallery wedding or this Joyous Ritz Carlton wedding.

Event Planner – Everyday Events

Juliet Mandler brings an exemplary track record of providing quality coordination, design, and event production and management skills to every event she plans. Her company was founded with the sole purpose of bringing a broad spectrum of personalized services; from intimate gatherings to large weddings and everything in between. Juliet brings creativity, authenticity, passion, and integrity to each event she plans. Her resourcefulness and time management skills help Juliet execute her clients’ visions seamlessly.

 

Stationery & Calligraphy – Flourishing Penguin

Ashley of Flourishing Penguin spent twelve years as the Creative Director for a web and graphic design company focused mainly on government contracting projects. While she learned a wealth of information about project and client management, the projects left her searching for something more. After designing all the paper materials for her own wedding, she knew she had finally found her creative calling. Her passions for color, typography, paper and calligraphy all came together into one realized vision. Early in 2018, she opened Flourishing Penguin to focus exclusively on stationery and branding. Her amazing work was featured in our End of Summer DC Soiree with Maratha Stewart Wine Co. and this Pretty Pastel Anderson House Wedding.

 

Beauty – Andre Chreky Salon

Yes, there really is an Andre Chreky! And you’ll see him everywhere at the salon spa that bears his name. Not only “on the job,” but also in the myriad details that make your experience so remarkable. Artist, visionary, entrepreneur, Andre Chreky has spent the last decade perfecting his philosophy: stellar service that treats every client like a star. Andre’s driving work ethic, expansive heart, and effervescent creativity have led him to cultivate a team of talented professionals who share his unfailing sensitivity to your salon/spa aspirations. You can see Andre Chreky Salon’s work in this Timeless Downtown DC wedding.

Want to be a featured vendor on United with Love? Feel free to shoot us an email at hello@unitedwithlove.com for more information.

For photo credit, click on the featured UWL post or check out the vendors website!

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inspiration  / planning and budget  / Tips & Advice

Advice and Tips from Wedding Photographers!
November 2, 2017

We know that planning a DC area wedding can be overwhelming, exciting, and full of questions that you need your wedding professionals to help guide you through. Whether you are at the beginning stages, picking those first HUGE vendors that set the tone for your big day, or wrapping up final details before the home stretch we’re here to help. We are beginning series’ over the next few weeks of advice and tips from some of our favorite United with Love family members! Today we have rounded up amazing DC wedding photographers to share insight on planning, styles of photography, and what to expect over the course of the wedding day!

Lisa Blume Photography from Ritz Carlton Georgetown wedding

Does your Photographer have a preference on having a First Look versus the couple seeing each other at the altar?

Apparently so! Out of the answers we received on our recent survey, 71% of photographers said that they prefer the ease and time considerations a First Look gives to the wedding day. 29% of photographers said that they did not have a preference to either, while no one said they prefer a more traditional First Look at the altar. Ultimately all photographers are going to do what makes you, the couple, happiest! But if you are planning on wanting an abundance of portraits, bridal party photos, and family formals I would consider a First Look to ensure you are not trying to cram everything into a cocktail hour! Also, if you are getting married during winter months with an early sunset consider how much daylight will be left for portraits if you put off seeing each other earlier in the day!

Love Life Images

What advice can you give to help couples to make a First Look go easily and be less stressful?

“Having a private first look is a great way to ease some of those wedding day jitters and for a couple to connect and spend a few moments together without the pressure of an audience. A wedding day is long, full of stress and will go by in a blur, so taking a few moments alone allows a couple to be in the moment and enjoy being together before the rest of the day begins. It’s important to keep it simple when choosing a good spot for the first look. Somewhere with good light and a simple background that is convenient within the timeline is the best. Save the fabulous location for portraits with the bridal party and more creative portraits of the two of you. ” Love Life Images

“Basically, trust your photographer! I always prefer to shoot a first look in private without the bridal party within sight. The moment is much more intimate without obvious onlookers. If there is a way that the bridal party, parents, etc. can watch from a distance or through a window, that’s great and I am all for it. Another first look to remember is the brides father seeing her in her dress the first time. When possible I wish all brides would allow time for this. We see some really amazing things happen at father/daughter first looks. ” Mike B Photography

“Don’t make it more complicated than it has to be. We always want to make it more of an experience for you than a photo-op but if we can make it both, win-win. In all of our years, we have had ZERO couples wish they hadn’t done a first look. We have had a lot who wished they had done one. The first look does not make seeing your fiancé walking down the aisle less special. You get 2 special moments instead of 1.” Connor Studios

Birds of a Feather Photography

What is your best tip or trick to staying within a wedding photography budget?

“I think working with your timeline and using the time as wisely as possible is the best way to stay within a photography budget. If you can’t afford to have your photographer stay until the very end, maybe do a cool “night time” shot instead. Or skip all the getting ready photos and just do a few at the beginning. You don’t need to document every hair and makeup moment and can use that time elsewhere!”  Hannah Hudson Photography

“Ask yourself what how much coverage do you want from your photographer? Are engagement photos important to you? Do you need your photographer to stay until the very end? Normally I recommend that clients put more time on the front end rather the end of the day because guest start looking a little haggard after dancing for long periods of time. Photos can also get repetitive after the first 45 minutes of free dancing.” Lisa Blume Photography

“If high quality photography is essential to you, it’s best to begin your photography search immediately. This way, you can give yourselves a little more wiggle room when it comes to your photography budget. If you haven’t decided on the venue yet, maybe you can let go of some smaller areas of your wedding details, to make room for the photography team you would most like to work with, even if they are above your initial photography budget.” Birds of a Feather Photography

“One of the areas that couples can save a little on their photography budget is to avoid over-coverage. I feel that a 2nd photographer is most important from the last hour of bride and groom prep through the first hour off the reception. This is the crunch time where you have prep, possibly a first look, the ceremony, portraits, table details, cocktail hour, etc… It’s tough to cover alone at larger weddings. Once you are an hour into the reception, things begin to flow at a slower pace and a 2nd photographer is rarely needed. They become more like paparazzi and can be a distraction. I recommend to my clients that they plan on having a 2nd photographer for 3-4 hours in most cases.” Mike B Photography

Love Life Images

What advice or tips do you have for planning a balanced photography timeline?

“Formal family portraits can be stressful on the day of your wedding for no reason other than the simple fact that everyone wants to enjoy the party and be with their friends and family, making it difficult to have their undivided attention. To manage this time wisely, make a very specific list of groups with everyone’s first and last name. The photographer can be more efficient when they have the names rather than just, “couple with parents.” Also, plan to lump all the family photos together during one time chunk of the day. Spreading them out can make it more difficult to gather people and get their cooperation. Remind guests that are needed for photos where they need to be and at what time. This can be done at the rehearsal dinner.” Love Life Images

“For couple’s portraits, our secret weapon is to split the photos up into 3 small sections throughout the day. Once following the first look, once again just after the ceremony, and a 3rd round of portraits at sunset. Each time we’ll only take 7 to 10 minutes of portraits, but it gives our couples a break and time to enjoy the day as it’s happening. This also adds variety to locations, lighting, and backgrounds. “ Birds of a Feather Photography

“Your portrait list does not need to be every single combination of 6 variables. Think of what you want hanging on your walls and that’s what you want. ‘Shot Lists’ are a no-no. I don’t need to be told that you want your first dance photographed or how to specifically photograph it. What I would like to know is if you are planning a special lift or dip in your 1st dance or if you are doing something different and special, or a surprise so I am prepared to document it. “ Connor Studios

Love Life Images

DC Landmarks and Monuments: friends, foes, and tips to go with shooting there!

“We love to take advantage of the iconic scenery that DC has to offer and we know how to expertly navigate getting those photos. Most monuments do require a permit, and it’s easy enough to get one that it doesn’t make sense to risk it without one. Even though it might be crowded with tourists, they like to see wedding parties and there tends to be lots of cheering and congrats which can really boost the spirits of a wedding party. Traveling and parking at the monuments can be tricky, so the key here is hiring transportation and traveling together with your photographer and bridal party. If you are planning a wedding during the cherry blossoms, be prepared for big crowds and leave plenty of extra time for getting around, but it can really be worth it. “ Love Life Images

“If you want to take your 26 person bridal party to the Jefferson Memorial… we can do that! But we have to warn you that it’s going to take a long time, you must do a first look, and your bridal party needs to be patient with the process. The monuments are gorgeous and always worth the effort… but it does take quite a lot of effort. Don’t forget the permits! YES, you really do need them especially on your wedding day. Most professional photographers understand the legal consequences of shooting without a permit, and will not move forward without one in place. As long as you have a permit, and have a clear expectation of the time it will take to get these monument photos… it can happen very smoothly!” Birds of a Feather Photography

“Do not work with a photographer who agrees to photograph you at the monuments without a permit. If they are willing to let you get hassled on your wedding day, what other short-cuts are they taking? We don’t want to be fined or detained or have images taken from us on your wedding day. The permits are a hassle and aren’t the cheapest thing so if you don’t want to deal with it, talk with your photographer and find locations that don’t need them. “ Connor Studios 

“If you are in wedding attire, you are sticking out. Period. You’re much more likely to be noticed by Park Rangers. For that reason, I always have couples get a permit to shoot at these locations. One negative about shooting at DC landmarks or monuments is that most of the time weddings are on Saturdays which are the busiest tourist day for these locations. Doing a day after shoot is a lot easier if your couple is dying to get these shots and allows for a more relaxed and easy environment.” Hannah Hudson Photography

Mike B Photography

What Photography details do most couples forget about? What items should I remember to make your job easier?

“Please remember to have a pretty hanger on hand for your wedding dress- the one it comes on is probably not very photogenic. We like to be introduced to everyone in the room when we first show up and start shooting. That way we know who all the important people are in the room! Please bring comfortable shoes to walk in for photos. Some of the best locations require a bit of walking. If there is rain in the forecast for your wedding, buy clear umbrellas in case we can pop outside for a few shots. The clear will let in light where the solid colors will make your faces darker.” Love Life Images

“A huge time saver is to have the couple have their invitations, rings, jewelry, flowers, shoes, dress, etc… ready and available when I arrive for prep photos. I also suggest that the groomsmen be dressed when I arrive and that the groom is wearing his shirt and pants. This way I am not spending valuable time waiting for the guys to stop watching the football game and get ready. If the groom is dressed as requested it’s quick and easy to shoot him putting on his tie, cuff links, jacket, shoes, etc. If the couple are going to exchange gifts, wait until I am there to photograph it. Another thing is to remember to include space for your photographer in your shuttle, car, or limo, if you will be traveling to different locations for photos before or after the ceremony. This is especially true in DC where it can be easy to get separated by traffic or parking issues. Stick together!” Mike B Photography

“As photographers we love to use available, natural light in the getting ready space. Our biggest hurdle is always a dark, small, and cluttered getting ready room for the Bride. Choose your getting ready space with photography in mind! There are many gorgeous hotels in the city with beautiful, light filled hotel rooms and suites. The best trick is to have hair and makeup done in any available room, NOT the prettiest. The hair and makeup clutter the beautiful space. Instead, save one room, possibly that evening’s bridal suite or a parent’s room as the space where the bridal details can be photographed, and where the Bride can get dressed without the clutter.” Birds of a Feather Photography

“For detail photos and styling accessories  I recommend having pretty ring boxes ready and maybe even some loose fabric to style with.” Lisa Blume Photography

“Know how to tie those bowties! I can’t tell you how many times, especially grooms and groomsmen, have bowties that they don’t know how to tie. So they are getting ready and realize at the last minute that no one knows how to tie them and everyone runs late. Also, have someone who knows how to pin bouts. Lastly, have a point person who knows all the family member and who can wrangle family members for quick family photos!” Hannah Hudson Photography

Birds of a Feather Photography

Give us your best or worst wedding photography story!

“Thinking about all the stories we could tell was fun. Crazy things we’ve come across include hurricanes, epic snowstorms, irate priests, cicada infestations, too much alcohol, broken down transportation, overzealous church volunteers, passed out groomsmen, drunk wedding toasts, broken ankles, lots of family arguing and even hospitalization. Knowing how to handle these situations calmly and professionally navigating them to get photos we need takes practice. We once had a very tall cake that was about to fall over, so we convinced the caterer to move the cake cutting from the end of the night to right after the first dance. But not all of it is disastrous. There are some really wonderful and beautiful surprises that we never could have anticipated happen at weddings. There was a wedding at Congressional Country Club that the parents of the couple surprised them with fireworks over the golf course, which made really fabulous photos! Our job is much more than just taking pictures.” Love Life Images

“Well I wouldn’t call it my best story, most definitely it would be the worst. I photographed a destination wedding two years ago in Annapolis. The bride’s father had passed away two years prior to the wedding I believe. The brides mother walked her down the aisle to the altar in place of her father. The ceremony took place and it was gorgeous and very emotional with the brides father being mentioned several times during the ceremony. As soon as the ceremony ended we started portraits with the immediate family on the alter. The first photo was of the bride and her mother. I got the shot and offered a hand to the brides mother as she stepped down off the alter, she went limp and slowly fell to the floor. She suffered a massive heart attack and passed away within minutes. It was shocking and heartbreaking beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. Everyone was a wreck and as the mother was transported to the hospital with bride, groom, maid of honor and a couple of other close friends, I became the liaison between the family and the guests who were all from out of town, as well as the remaining vendors (catering, venue, DJ, etc..). The reception was held but it became more of a somber family meal and reunion. When the bride finally arrived from the hospital she helped to turn it into a celebration of her mothers life. I did not expect that I would be going home after the wedding that night and editing her mother’s wedding portrait for use as a photo on her prayer card and obituary. It was huge reminder to me about the power of photography and how important out job is. One of the best good stories occurred at a waterfront private estate wedding near Williamsburg, VA, the same year. The couple was surprised with a very large fireworks display during the reception. I had no idea it was happening and when I saw the size of the fireworks display, I had to capture it. I was able to scramble quickly (in about 30 seconds) set up a couple of lights, grab a different camera suits to capturing the moment, and squeezed behind the couple to capture them viewing their private fireworks display. The shot I captured is now one of my signature photos and one of my favorites to date. Another great moment occurred when a couple I was working with during an engagement session decided to jump into one of the reflecting pools near the Capital from opposite sides. They ran towards each other and met in the middle, he picked her up and they kissed in the middle of the reflection pool with the capital centered in the background. It was unexpected but it’s now on my business card. I have shot weddings in hurricanes with no electricity, only candlelight, and also in blizzards. The key is to be prepared for anything and be ready to react immediately. “ Mike B Photography

“Recently I had a bride who was getting married in Old Town Alexandria, so we headed to our favorite first look spot and got a few portraits around town. At some point the bride looked down at her feet and her Manolo Blahnik satin white heels were soaked in blood. Apparently they had been rubbing on her toe and help….. it wasn’t a pretty sight. I immediately found a local floral shop (the Enchanted Florist) and they were able to give us some hydrogen peroxide, paper towels, and band-aids which was so sweet of them! A couple of years ago I was photographing a rehearsal dinner on the top floor of the Hay Adams Hotel and while the sun was setting I noticed that the White House was lit up with wonderful rainbow colors! What a surprise!! Then we found out that the Supreme Court officially passed a law allowing same-sex couples nationwide to marry. The White House was illuminated in rainbow colors for the evening as a nod to the achievement of the gay rights movement! It was an incredible moment that I will never forget. Everyday I’m reminded how lucky I am to live in our nation’s capital.” Lisa Blume Photography

Hannah Hudson Photography via DC Fairmont Hotel Wedding

“One of the moments that has always stuck with me was a bride who was supposed to have a beautiful outdoor Fall wedding in the country. That day, it was down pouring and then hailing with lightning. There were also tornados in the area. You could have COMPLETELY forgiven her for having a small moment to freak out. Whenever anyone asked her that morning if she was ok, she just smiled and said she was getting married and her husband-to-be had just made it back from active duty in Iraq safe so what more could she ask for. I tell that story a lot to brides I meet. It’s about perspective and it can make or break your day. If your flowers aren’t the exact shade of lavender you wanted, you need to decide if you are going to let it ruin your day. (PS – I would suggest you don’t!) ” Connor Studios

Connor Studios via Maryland Country Club Wedding

Thank you so much to our wonderful DC wedding photography partners for sharing their best tips and advice for navigating wedding day photos! To see additional DC wedding vendors check out our Vendor Guide. For more help look through our DC wedding tips and advice!

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ceremony and reception  / planning and budget  / Tips & Advice

How To: Choose Wedding Day Linens
April 18, 2017

We totally understand that choosing your wedding aesthetic can be super overwhelming. Once you’ve imagined the overall look in your head, the next step is to determine how the details fit into this vision. One thing that can make or break the design of your DC area wedding reception is your choice of linens. Have you ever seen a stunning wedding with boring white cotton linens that come with the reception space? No, probably not! That is because incorporating linens that flow with your design plan is absolutely key. “Where do I start?” you might ask. Have no fear; we’ve got some amazing linen advice and some awesome resources for you via Goodshuffle, our favorite event and party supply rental marketplace. They helped us with some tips and tricks on how to choose wedding day linens.

Lisa Blume Photography via Intimate Jewel Toned Ritz Carlton Wedding

Starting Out: How do I choose the linens I need/want?

Style/Material: Do you know which material and style will tie your tables into your vision? There are so many linens to choose from: burlap, sequin, textured, pintuck, print are just a few of the options. There are also tons of colors and designs to choose from. If your design plan is pretty mild, choosing a fun print or a textured linen may liven it up a little and draw the eyes of your guests. If you want a little pizzazz but don’t want your guests to feel too overwhelmed, place sequin or bold linens on your ancillary tables like the cake table, gift table, and cocktail tables.  These will draw the eye but not take over your reception. When choosing linens, also don’t forget the other items that will lie on top of them. This includes florals, centerpieces, dinnerware, favors – the list goes on and on.

Linens you may not have considered: Maybe you’re having rustic farm tables and don’t want to cover their beauty; consider opting for reception table runners. These can also be added on top of standard linens that come with the venue to add a little color or texture. You could even include wedding chair covers or ribbons and sashes. These small details can play a big role in the overall look of your reception space so try not to forget about them! And napkins – oh napkins! There are so many great choices when it comes to the color, size, print, and even fold of your dinner napkins. Make sure to take these into account when planning out your wedding day linens.

 

Sarah Jane Winter Photo & Design via The Tides Inn Nautical Virginia Wedding

Size Matters: What size and shape do I need for my tables?

Round v Rectangle v Square: Connect with your wedding planner, venue coordinator, and anyone else you want involved in the aesthetic of your wedding day. They should be able to help you decide which table shape works best in your space and meshes with the look and feel of the day. If you’re doing it alone, consider the type of venue you’re working with. Consider square tables if your venue is outside and doesn’t have a ton of special definition. If you have a long space, rectangular banquet tables might be your best bet as they will fill up the space nicely. Circle reception tables are always a wedding favorite and can function well in any space. Don’t forget, you can get your tables from Goodshuffle, too!

Linen Calculator: Take the stress, worry, and (most of all) computing out of the linen planning process. Goodshuffle has a convenient linen calculator and we are absolutely obsessed! This handy dandy tool will let you know just what size tablecloth you need for your particular table shape and guest count.

Wale Aritzos Photography via Romantic Carnegie Library Wedding

To Buy or Not To Buy: Should I rent my wedding day linens or purchase them in bulk?

There are a few things you need to consider when deciding whether renting or buying linens is right for you. The following factors are some of the top reasons we would highly suggest renting over buying. Goodshuffle dove into this issue on their Why You Should Rent V Buy For Your Event blog already, but we have some additional thoughts on the matter pertaining to linens specifically.

Setup: The number one reason we think you should rent linens instead of buying them is the setup factor. Oftentimes, if you don’t rent through one of your local wedding vendors (be it the venue, the caterer, or an outside rental company) you are stuck setting each and every linen up. Since you can’t place table linens until tables are popped in your venue, you will probably be stuck doing this on the day of your wedding. Trust us when we say this is NOT something you want to have to worry about. The last thing you want to do that day is place linens on all 15+ tables in your space.

Storage: After your wedding where are you planning on storing the 12 table linens that you purchased for your wedding day? We’re pretty sure you don’t have 12 dining room tables that seat 8-10 people, so odds are you won’t even have much use for one of those linens. “But I can sell them!” you say, which brings us to our next point… CAN you sell them?

Resale Value: Sure, maybe you can sell them. You can list them on all sorts of sites and maybe you’ll get a bite or two from a bride but how much money will you truly make? Will you get back the money you spent on them? Can it up for the time it took to find someone willing to purchase them? Will you be compensated for the space they took up in your home before you passed them off? We’re not so sure about that.

 

Lissa Ryan Photography via Snowy DC Winter Wedding Inspiration

Cleanliness: Now of course you know that after a night of good food and drinks, your linens are going to get a little dirty. Where do you plan on laundering them? Have you included that into your overall budget? Also, don’t forget that those linens you purchased will probably need to be steamed or ironed before your big day so they look great! Don’t forget to factor this timing in on your wedding day. And trust me, as someone who has ironed and steamed table linens for a wedding, it’s no small task!

Color Matching: One issue you might never see coming when purchasing your linens is color matching. If you end up buying your linens online, they may not match everything else that you choose. Sometimes colors look completely different in person; or they might be cut from different swaths of fabric, making them a similar color, but not exactly the same. Or maybe the color won’t match your napkins or table runners perfectly! When you rent, you can avoid these possible problems altogether.

So there you have it, folks. Cut the worry out of your life and check out Goodshuffle for all of your wedding day needs. In fact, Goodshuffle helps you cut more than your linen worries. They offer a one-stop-shop for everything from tables and chairs, to decor and entertainment. For more wedding tricks, check out our wedding tips and advice sections. For inspiration and ideas don’t miss all of the beautiful DC area real weddings we feature weekly!

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design, decor and details  / Tips & Advice

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