Vendor Spotlight: SpeechBooth™, the newest thing in Wedding-Tech

 

Now Everyone Can Leave a Speech!

Utilizing proprietary software on a provided iPad, SpeechBooth™ allows wedding guests to record personal messages in high-quality HD video. The unit is discrete, self-sufficient, can be shipped to any location, and does not require an attendant. All speeches are professionally edited and saved to an online user account for the couple to enjoy forever!

With its simple touchscreen design, SpeechBooth™ offers your guests the ability to record messages in high-quality HD video. You'll receive a professionally edited compilation video saved to a secure online user account. The personalized kit arrives pre-assembled, is self-sufficient, and easily blends into any wedding theme.

WATCH SAMPLE VIDEO HERE.

Favored Friday Vendor Spotlight: Tickled Photo Booth Company

What includes lots of love and pretty photos and just in time for Valentine's Day? A great photo booth company called Tickled Photo Booth Company!  

When thinking about something nice to add to your special event or wedding, photo booths are a great way to let your guests have fun and take a nice keepsake. Since its February and everyone is celebrating LOVE, Tickled Photo Booth Company is offering $100 OFF FEBRUARY BOOKINGS When you reserve your date during the month of February.

 

From engagement parties to weddings, Tickled Photo Booth Company provides a modern rendition of the photo booth, with quality pictures and long-lasting fun. Keep them in mind this year as you plan your special occasion and let them know you Favored by Yodit Events sent you.

Check out their latest photo booth gallery here. 

Valentine's Day Gift Idea: Bohnhoff and Kent Edible Art Handbags!

This Valentine's Day think outside the box and give the gift of fashion with a unique edible art handbag! Over Christmas, I recieved one of these tasty pieces of art and thought it would be such a great idea for my favorite chocolate holiday!

Bohnhoff and Kent combines chocolate and fashion with unique edible art near LA. B&K chocolate and cake handbags are filled with delicious cake centers bathed in rich chocolate casings, smooth truffle ganaches, fleur de sel caramel, delicious nut brittles and other natural ingredients.

B&K chocolate and cake handbags use blended flavors in masterful recipes to create one-of-a-kind candied sculptures. Each chocolate handbag is hand-painted with edible ingredients to imitate the glossy surfaces, subtle colors and distinct details of contemporary designs. Bohnhoff and Kent’s dessert chefs do not use fondant and use only the finest concoctions of cake, chocolate and ganaches to finish the designs so each luxury gift is as delicious as it is appealing.

B&K desserts near Los Angeles are shipped fresh, so every piece stays rich and moist. Order a chocolate and cake handbag for the perfect Valentine's day gift or as your next corporate gift, dinner centerpiece, wedding present or other occasion. See some of their stylish designs below.

Favored Friday Vendor Spotlight: Southern Blooms

From the moment I met Pat of Southern Blooms I was amazed at how sweet she was! Not only is she a talented florist, but she is a great overall person and made the floral design process for my bride and I a delight. Southern Blooms designs are inspired by gardens and all things natural. So if you are in love with abundant floral arrangements overflowing with garden-style flowers, fruits and vines than they are the perfect vendor for your celebration or just to add some beauty to your space!

Southern Blooms is widely recognized as an industry leader and trendsetter with features in many leading publications such as Weddings Unveiled, Southern Weddings, Southern Living Weddings, Southern Living, Victoria Magazine, Town & Country Weddings, Wedding Flowers, The Knot , and more. They have also been featured on renowned wedding blogs such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Elizabeth Anne Designs, Once Wed, United with Love, theknot.com, Weddings Unveiled, The Fête Blog, Borrowed and Blue, and also featured on Vera Wang’s wedding app.The Mother-daughter partners Pat Roberts and Sherry Spencer and their fabulous design team constantly inspire, innovate, and develop designs for each clients' specific vision while never lacking in refined elegance. They are located at 1694 North Main Street Madison, Virginia 22727 and always welcome you with some southern hospitality. See some photos of their beautiful work below and visit their website at http://www.southern-blooms.com/.

Photography by Jen Fariello, Jose Villa & Once Like A Spark

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#TipTuesday: Interior Design Tips For Newlyweds

When you get married building your first home together as a couple is important. But furniture negotiation and conflicting styles can lead to meltdowns and drama. It’s not always as simple as deciding which sofa to buy. You’re blending two different styles, preferences, and previous lives (old furniture) under one roof. A common question that arises is -- how to do you pull it all together in a stress-free way while letting your voice be heard? DC based interior designer Danielle A. Gray of Gray Livin’ has compiled a list of tips for maintaining your sanity and love for each other while decorating your new home.

Take Inventory. Let’s face it. We all hate parting with our treasured belongings. Whether it’s the grungy arm chair from your first apartment or your massive collection of snow globes, each person walking into a marriage owns something that is valuable to them. Unless you’re moving into a mansion, you may not have enough space to store everything you both own. Deciding what to keep and what to get rid of can be a daunting process. The best solution in this case is to meet in the middle -- choose a number that you both agree on that represents the number of items of sentimental value that you each get to keep. Everything else gets trashed, donated, or sold on Craigslist. For example, if your number is three, then you each get to bring a total of three personal items with you to your new home. The number of items you keep can be determined by how much storage space you have. Additionally, some couples like to limit the “keep” list to one box per person. Either way, taking inventory and coming up with a purging plan right off the bat eliminates clutter and frees up space for new items that you can purchase as a couple.

The Big Compromise. Ladies, I hate to break it to you but he’s going to want to have a large television in the family room. Don’t fight it, let him have it. That means you get to have something you want like the floral wallpaper in the master bathroom. Give and take is the key to blending styles and preferences. Know when to put your foot down and when to bend a little.

Pick a Style. What do you do when your spouse’s style doesn’t match yours? You envisioned a contemporary space with clean lines and neutral colors while your mate prefers bold colors and a clunky leather sofa. The first step is to settle on a neutral color for the walls. Whites and grays are great neutrals to consider. Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, Snow White, and Vintage Pewter are my favorites. Next, select an accent color for pop. Sprinkle the accent color in your artwork, throw pillows, or rug. If your mate only prefers neutrals only, add depth to the room with a mix of textures like a glass table, shiny metal accents, faux fur fabrics and varying wood tones. In terms of furniture, a Chesterfield sofa like this one from Restoration Hardware tastefully combines both masculine and feminine elements. The classic design is sturdy enough for lounging and watching sports while the tufted detail and curved lines add a touch of elegance to a room. You can also find similar versions available at any price point.

Divide the Workload. Most women want free reign for designing the house but don’t really care about the backyard. Most men to do so make him the King of the backyard. While the wife is busy selecting paint colors and fabrics, the husband can focus his attention on planting trees, routine yard work, and his beloved BBQ equipment.

Designate Personal Space. From time to time you may find yourself needing a breather from your love muffin. This isn’t because you dislike them, but a little “me” time or solitude is great for self-reflection, prayer, meditation, time-outs or relaxation. This can take place in a designated area of your home like the man cave in the basement. For the ladies, large walk-in closets and spa bathrooms have doubled as our lady caves. Spare bedrooms also make good neutral zones. Stake out your zone and claim it.

Hire A Designer. When in doubt, hire a pro! A good designer is skilled at creating gender neutral spaces and helping couples discover a design aesthetic that suits their lifestyle. Be sure to visit Gray Livin’ online to learn more about my services and to book a design consultation.

Source:Danielle Gray graylivin.com

#FavoredFriday: Catoctin Hall- Make 12/13/14 Your Wedding Day

Favored Friday Vendor Spotlight: Davinci Florist

DaVinci Florist specialize in creating floral and event designs for weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, corporate events, and any other event that requires unique and beautiful décor. For more than a decade, they have been one of the premiere floral and event design companies in the Washington D.C area.  Their services aren't just limited to flowers, they also provide lighting and furniture rental. Our favored team has worked with the company on a number of events. Check out some pictures below!     

Source: Davinciflorist.com

PRESS: Yodit Gebreyes Talks Wedding Trends on EBS TV

This month I had the pleasure of being asked to appear on EBS TV, an Ethiopian channel based in Silver Spring, Maryland that launched in 2008 with Arab Sat and Dish Network (www.ebstv.tv/). The Helen Show I was featured on alongside Hilina Kebede of Bliss Invite, spotlights successful African entrepreneurs, artists, and intellectuals in the Diaspora pursuing their dreams.

While on the show, I gave my insight on wedding trends, personal event details and what's most important when planning your big day! Special thanks to Favored Partner, Da Vinci Florals & Design for bringing the tablescape vision to life and allowing us to shoot in their beautiful showroom. Here are some close ups to the various table designs we featured on the segment.

Feel free to watch the entire segment below and let me know what you think. And please continue to tune in to EBS TV and share the segment with others, especially recently engaged couples that may need my services. Enjoy!

Promo Commercial - https://vimeo.com/101611343

Segment 1 - https://vimeo.com/101571873 Segment 2 - https://vimeo.com/101577221 Segment 3 - https://vimeo.com/101582994 Segment 4 - https://vimeo.com/101585842

Favored Friday Vendor Spotlight: Anthropologie Presents BHLDN

Checkout Anthropologie's new wedding dress line BHLDN! These gorgeous gowns can be found at store locations in Georgetown, New York, and Chicago to name a few. Cant make it to a store? Shop online at BHLDN.COM! These looks are perfect for an outdoor wedding. Simply elegant and timeless.

#FavoredFriday #YoureInvited: The Dandelion Patch in Georgetown

The Dandelion Patch is a fine stationery store that began in the heart of downtown Vienna, Virginia. Since 1994,  thdy have been part of the fabric of the community and through their invitations, stationery and announcements we have been privileged to share in the many births, weddings, anniversaries and parties of their growing list of loyal customers.  As Northern Virginia and their customer base have grown, they too have expanded.  You can now visit them at their flagship store in Vienna as well as at their locations in Reston and Georgetown. The Dandelion Patch is hosting a Tip Tuesday event Tuesday the 28th of April at their Georgetown location and you're invited! Source: thedandelionpatch.com

Favored Friday Spotlight: Great Gatsby Inspired Save The Date for the #BossWedding

                                              Watch Bambo + Janice Epic Wedding Trailer Here!

When I first heard Bambo and Janice story I completely loved how over the top these two were! The director reports that they were so open to ideas and excited about creating something that seemed impossible…

Some things you will see through out the trailer: They love Jay-Z. They love the trailer for The Great Gatsby. They have huge parties every year that they are know for throwing amongst their friends. They love to surprise people. They are more willing than most people that we know to step outside of their comfort zone in order to be creative!!! The keyword for this project was EPIC.

A little about Major Diamond Production...for the majority of the shooting it was just a crew of two.. Husband and wife team, Chris and Jennifer Mae. For the Club Scene. Jennifer Mae and Chris were able to shoot at Monroe in San Francisco.  The crew also reports that Janice and Bambo were incredibly dedicated and made it so much fun to create such a unique project together.

I love how Bambo and Janice wanted to create an experience for their guests leading up to their event. As a wedding planner and been through the process of planning lots of weddings, I know how difficult it is to do something different than everyone else so kudos to them for pulling it off!

Hope you can get some inspiration and enjoy their Epic Wedding Save the Date.

Source: http://bosswedding.com Video credit: Major Diamond Productions

Favored Friday: BHDLN is Coming to Georgetown!

 

Washington brides who want a wedding befitting an Anthropologie catalog will soon have another option besides shopping online for their gowns. The brand's wedding brand, BHLDN, will open a permanent shop-within-a-shop this spring at the Georgetown Anthropologie store on M Street. In addition to the brand's full assortment of wedding gowns, reception dresses and attire for bridesmaids, BHLDN's Georgetown shop will sell an edited assortment of jewelry, accessories and décor. Expect to find in-store exclusives hand-selected for D.C., with a focus on personalized service via BHLDN stylists. I dont know about you but I cant wait to check out the new store! The offical opening date is Friday April 11th!

Source: dc.racked.com

#FavoredFri​day Spotlight: Soliloquy Bridal Boutique

This week's #FavoredFriday Vendor Spotlight features a great minority woman owned local Bridal Boutique, Soliloquy Bridal. Located in Herndon, VA Soliloquy prides itself on helping brides make a statement! “You don't have to conform to anyone's statement but your own. We will ensure that you confidently and enthusiastically choose that unique wedding dress which reveals your inner most feelings and intentions as a bride. We will never apologize for seeking the luxurious and sometimes decadent in designer wedding dresses. You deserve it! You love couture wedding fashion and you've dreamed of this day your whole life, so why settle for second best?”

To ensure that every type of bride has a unique, fun, and comfortable dress shopping experience, Soliloquy offers several different services:

Appointment via Skype: We are proud to pioneer Appointments via Skype™ and allow brides to connect with the people they trust to give them feedback on their wedding dress if they cannot physically join the appointment.

Signature Appointments: Exclusive and extended three-hour fittings for you and your bridal party as you try on dresses and create joyful memories with your family and friends. Themes: Southern Charm; Mimosa Mixer; or Desserts, Definitely

Styling Saturdays: Our clients receive a complimentary styling session to assist with hairstyle options, hair accessory, and jewelry. Appointments required.

Soliloquy also offers On-site Alterations, Gown Preservation, Bridal Forums, and my personal favorite In-House Design for the bride that wants to design a custom dress! “If you want to design your own gown or have one designed with some key elements in mind, our in-house couture designer will work with you from concept to development. We will provide a sketch, develop the pattern, and source the fabrics for a custom-fit, one of a kind creation.”

For more information on this phenomenal boutique, make sure you check out their website http://www.soliloquybridal.com today!

Have you ever shopped at Soliloquy Bridal? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.

#FavoredFriday Vendor Spotlight: Rusty Love - Vintage Rentals & Props for Special Event Decor

Rusty Love Vintage Rentals is a one stop shop for all of your vintage prop needs. From desks, couches, chairs, to bottles and phones, Rusty Love is sure to have something to perfectly accent your next special event.

"We love events that are unique and personal to your style. Whether you want a lounge set up, card display, altar, or dessert table, we have everything you'll need to bring your inspiration to life." - Rusty Love Vintage Rentals

Rusty Love has a full inventory including, "french sofas to farm tables, candelabras to chandeliers. Our collection is ever-growing, so check back each week to see our new finds.  If there is something you have your heart set that you don't see, we can find it."

For a full list of inventory and contact information, visit: http://www.rustylovevintagerentals.com

#FavoredFriday Vendor Spotlight: Olivera Music Entertainment

Olivera Music Entertainment is a "full-service agency, providing high quality, service-oriented, professional music entertainment production to suit your special events." If you are a music lover like me, the entertainment aspect of your event is just as important as the food and decor. Olivera Music Entertainment is a one stop shop for all of your musical needs, including unconventional requests such as calypso and mariachi bands! For more on this #FavoredFriday Vendor see below.

Olivera History:

Olivera Music Entertainment maintains a loyal talent base of excellent musicians and performers. The owners, Kevin and Connie Olivera, each hold music degrees from outstanding music universities.

Early in their performing careers, they saw a need for a music entertainment agency with an emphasis on service. As their experience as professional musicians continued to provide wide-ranging opportunities, their list of performers expanded. The result is a polished look and style presented alongside their signature customer service for the past 26 years.

They Offer:

• National acts with complete production services, including talent booking, rider and release negotiation, back line and stage management, lighting, sound, transportation, hotel arrangements, on-site recording, videography, and production personnel.
• More than 150 dance and specialty bands.
• All styles of small ensembles, including classical, show tunes, Dixieland, Cajun, jazz, swing, new age, contemporary dance music, bluegrass, country steel and calypso bands, mariachi and ethnic groups.
• Soloists of all music genres, from background entertainment to featured performers.
• Unique themed event production, tailored to your imagination.
• DJs and karaoke.
• Customized arrangements, scored specifically for your event.

For more information about Olivera Music Entertainment and to book them for your next event, check out their website at http://www.oliveramusic.com/.

If you and/or your company would like to be featured as a #FavoredFriday Vendor contact me at carol@favoredbyyodit.com!

#FavoredFriday Blog Post: Airplanes & Trains Styled Shoot from Tunji Sarumi Photography

I came across some gorgeous images from a styled shoot from last week's #Favored Spotlight Vendor, Photographer Tunji Sarumi. It seems to be a very small world because I know the dapper gentlemen in the shoot & fell in love with all of Leanne and Mekdim (a real married couple). You can see their engagement photos here and their wedding and traditional here and here. also shot by Tunji Sarumi Photography. The shoot was styled and planned by J Garner Events and shot at Fort Meade Flying Activity Club. Ready to take flight and fall in love!

Source: Tunji Sarumi Studios

#FavoredFr​iday Vendor Spotlight: Tunji Sarumi Photograph​y

"We all see the world differently, and I believe my talent for telling stories through photography is a gift from God. I am neither especially clever, nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious. I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination during some of life’s most important moments." - Tunji Sarumi

Tunji Sarumi is an extremely talented photographer based out of Baltimore, MD. His work is timeless, capturing moments during the wedding in a very artistic but natural way. Check out a few of his pictures that I absolutely loved below.

To see more of his amazing work and for contact information, check out his website http://tunjistudio.com/

#FavoredFr​iday Vendor Spotlight: Baked by Melissa

Why purchase fruit cakes, and boring ginger bread cookies for your next party when you can have a fun spread of cupcakes! Gone are the days of simple vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, now Christmas themed treats are at your finger tips. Baked by Melissa makes it easy to get creative with your dessert table. Check out more about her business and her cupcake art below.

Baked by Melissa started after she was fired from her 9 to 5 in 2008. Inspired by her love to bake and her wanting all to enjoy desserts guilt free, Baked by Melissa was born. In 2009 the first Baked by Melissa bakery opened in New York City. Now her cupcake art can be created online or visitors can browse and purchase creations by others or herself on the website. The creations range from proposals, sports, and logos. If you can imagine it, you can create it! I love this idea and the best part is the cupcakes are mini so you won't feel bad about breaking you diet! So indulge a little and check out Baked by Melissa for your next event!

African Luxe: Meet ZAAF Collection Made in Ethiopia!

ZAAF is ZAAF™ is a collection of luxury apparel and leather accessories produced by highly skilled artisans in Ethiopia.

Love seeing young and driven people do what they love! Check out this article on Abai Schulze, Founder of ZAAF and also a friend who is under 30 and already making an impact in the industry!

ZAAFcollection.com officially launched with a redesigned homepage and online store just in time for the holidays. Shop ZAAF today! http://zaafcollection.com/ Make sure you to stay connected to them!

Website: www.zaafcollection.com Follow us on Twitter: @ZAAF_Collection.

#FavoredFr​iday Vendor Spotlight: The Girl Tyler Design & Photograph​y

 

Favored by Yodit Events is always looking for new vendors whose work we love to spotlight. Last week we came across an Ethiopian wedding video that we absolutely LOVED and decided to look up the company that put it together. The Girl Tyler Design & Photography "is a full-service wedding-enthused company that offers print marketing, still and motion photography, and stationery suite design to brides, grooms, and fellow wedding professionals". Check out the video and more about the company after the break.

The Girl Tyler Design and Photography focuses on four key areas:

1. Motion Photography: "We think the term videography stands as much for the type of camera as it does a robotic disposition: turn it on, hit record, repeat a few times, burn a DVD. In all honesty, we spend as much time crafting your story, choosing the right cameras and fine-tuning the settings, as we do editing after your big day. No one look is right for every wedding film, and we know how to dial the right one in. We call it Motion Photography, but it’s OK if you still call it video."

2. Paper Goods: "If you’re looking for CUSTOM WEDDING INVITATIONS it means you:

• want something completely unique
•  haven’t found “just the right” thing anywhere else
•  Seriously love great design (and paper too)

We’ve tackled Monograms, Save the Dates, Wedding Invitation Suites, Map Illustrations, Ceremony Programs, Signage Collections, Place Cards, Seating Charts, Menus, and so much more."

3. Still Photography:  "We know you don’t want to forget how in love you looked, your Mom tearing up during the ceremony, that surprise dip during the first dance or the best man’s wildly animated speech – it’s those moments and all the details in between that we love to capture as wedding photographers. We’ll let our images do the rest of the talking!"

4. Business Marketing: "Want your business to stand out from THE REST? We can tackle YOUR MARKETING with design, photography, and video.

We love working with other people who love what they do! We also know there are a lot of options out there today for consumers, which means you need more than your passion and awesome skills to shine. Let us help your business put its “best face forward” with a variety of marketing services – from logo and branding design to promotional photography and video."

For more information about The Girl Tyler Design & Photography check out thier website here.

Video Credits:

Hilton Alexandria Mark Center

Del Ray Baptist Church | www.delraybaptist.org

Beth El Hebrew Congregation | www.bethelhebrew.org

The Girl Tyler Photography