You're Invited: The Ultimate Ring Event

Ultimate Ring Event

Need to find the perfect ring for your perfect girl? We have the perfect event for you. The Ultimate Ring Event is being held on February 24th and 25th at I Gorman Jewelers. You’ll have the chance to browse through hundreds of engagement rings and wedding bands. Guys, you can come alone or with your bride to be, there will be eight incredible designers to help you custom design and pick the perfect ring. Explore a wide selection of loose diamonds and one of a kind gemstones. As an added bonus you will receive 10% off all purchases during the event. For a full list of designers and more details click here.

You're Invited: Alexandria Wedding Showcase

alexandria wedding showcase

alexandria 2

You're Invited: The Engaged! Event

engaged event

Combine date night with wedding planning at one of DC's premier wedding venues, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on March 3, 2017 for The Engaged! Event. “We are giving couples the opportunity to meet and greet the best of the best wedding vendors, establish a rapport and book appointments to further discuss wants and needs for the wedding day. The Engaged! Event will serve as your efficient introduction to the finest wedding professionals and services in one evening!”

For full details and to buy tickets, click here.

You're Invited: Burpees with Bae!

Burpees with Bae

Spice up your Valentine's Day plans with a sexy workout with Bae! Join Master Trainer Deanna Jefferson and her Celebrity Chef beau JR Robinson on February 15th for a date night you will never forget. For full details and to buy tickets, click here.

The Top Photography Trends for 2016

Your wedding photos are lasting memories of your wedding day. It's important that you put thought into who will capture your day and how you are going to do it. You want your photos to have not only a lasting impression but truly capture the emotion of every moment. If you aren't sure where to start, how about starting with this year's top photography trends! We’ve got you covered with Brides Magazine’s photography trends for 2016!

Aerial views are in!: Drones Photographer Manny Carabel of MTC Photography says that drones "gives you the vantage point of capturing images of things, people, and places you may not be able to get by standing in one spot". However, he does warn that the quality of the photos may not be as professional as handheld cameras.

10 Things You Should Know About Drone Wedding Photography

Back in time: Film Photography Remember when photos were developed instead of digitized on a computer? That’s the idea behind film photography. According to photographer Kristin La Voie, the "film renders light, color, and tones differently than digital images. Typically, they're softer, more flattering — and have a more painterly feel than the vivid, crisp digital photos." These images are achieved by developing the photos using analog cameras and negative film.

Fit for the stars!: Editorial Style Shots Who doesn’t want wedding photos that are fit for a spread in Vogue! As NewYork-based wedding photographer Amy Anaiz says, editorial shots "create portraits of the couple that have a visual impact because your eyes are drawn to their deep expressions and deliberate placement — similar to what you see in magazines." In order to accomplish these looks Amy says that the photos should capture beautiful and flattering light, pay close attention to detail, and be clean images.

Poof!: Smoke Bombs Smoke bombs are probably a new trend that you may not have heard of! According to photographer Jenevieve Purcell, who uses this cool photo effect, her clients are amazed with the process and its uniqueness.The cool effect is achieved by literally dropping colored smoke bombs in the shot! How cool is that!

Timeless: Black & White "With an increase in vintage-styled weddings over the last few years; black and white photos are predicted to increase alongside." Who doesn’t love the sleek and timeless appeal of a black and white photo? You cannot go wrong with incorporating a few black and white photos in your photo repertoire.

Oh so natural!: Less Filters “Thanks to Instagram, photography filters have been all the rage. However, in 2016, Brooklyn-based wedding, engagement, and family photographer Ben Deibert believes that brides will seek a more natural, real editing style of their photos, allowing their beauty to shine through with natural, simplistic editing and lighting.”

One last thing…. Well speaking of Instagram, while having filters for your photos may not be “in” this year; hashtags definitely are! Creating your own hashtag for your wedding events will allow your guests to further participate in your big day and it creates an online album of your wedding. You and your guests will be able to browse photos from the wedding simply by clicking on the hashtag. Be sure to come up with your own unique hashtag for your big day and encourage your guests to use it!

Source: Brides.com

Win a Wedding at The National Harbor!

Are you a bride that has always dreamed about having a wedding at the National Harbor but aren't quite sure how to pull it off? Well today is your lucky day! The National Harbor, the WeddingWire and 94.7 Fresh FM have an incredible contest going on where you can WIN your rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception.

Enter to win the romantic, waterfront wedding of your dreams at National Harbor. National Harbor is partnering with WeddingWire and 94.7 Fresh FM to bring one lucky couple from the greater Maryland, DC, and Virginia area an amazing spring wedding, right on the Potomac.

With help from our team of professionals, we’ll take care of the dress, rehearsal brunch cruise, wedding ceremony and reception.

After the winning couple is announced on April 16, they’ll meet with the National Harbor team to get ready for the big day, Sunday, April 26, 2015!

Contest ends on March 30^th.

Among many prizes, the package includes:

• Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties at Bobby McKey’s
• Rehearsal brunch cruise onboard the National Elite
• Wedding gown, jewelry, veil, and groom’s tuxedo provided by House of JonLei Atelier
• Professional photographs and album by WEPS
• Hair and makeup for the bride
• Wedding and cocktail reception at The Sunset Room by Wolfgang Puck
• Wedding reception on The Pier by several National Harbor restaurants
• One-night stay in the Suite at AC Hotels by Marriott at National Harbor

For more details and to enter: http://www.nationalharbor.com/destinationwedding/?utm_source=FacebookContent&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=DestinationWeddingEntryPeriod

You're Invited: Special Discount to Toasted- DC's Largest Indie Wedding Event

Discount to Toasted!

"I have a special treat just for United With Love readers to the upcoming Toasted Wedding Event on October 19th at Eastern Market. Toasted is DC's largest indie wedding event; think of it as the antidote to a traditional bridal show! It will be a uniquely fresh event showcasing the best in small, local businesses and hand made goods for couples seeking a truly different wedding planning experience. This is a one-stop-shop for all of your wedding inspiration and vendor needs! Use the code "unitedwithlove" to buy tickets for just $5! But, hurry, hurry because this offer is only valid until October 12th. See you there!"

Source: United With Love

#WeddingWednesday: Fall Outdoor Wedding Tips and Ideas!

Fall is just around the corner and that means bonfires, apple cider, pumpkins and yes...pie! Fall colors are gorgeous and make it a great season for an outdoor wedding. Here are some fun creative ways to incorporate some of your favorite fall festivities into your big day! I don't know about you but when I think Fall I think pumpkins and hayrides. Orange might not be your fist choice for decor so consider painting or even decorating pumpkins to add that fall feel to the scene. Switch things up a bit by getting rid of traditional ceremony seating and going instead with hay barrels. As beautiful as an outdoor wedding might be we all get a little chilly after a while. Help guest combat the cold by offering blankets to keep them warm. If you really want to heat things up bonfires are the way to go. They will get your guests warm in no time and can actually be quite romantic. And if you do choose to have a bonfire then its only right that you have s'mores! Pre-made kits make the cutest favors! If your venue doesn't allow open pits of fire or if you just don't have the extra space you can still have a s'mores bar. Just use small burners to roast the marshmallows. Its a great substitute for a sweets bar. Speaking of sweets; instead of going with the usual cake for dessert try offering up some fall flavored pumpkin and apple pie.  

You're Invited: Hitched Styling Night

You're Invited: OUTFITTED x Nival Salon + Spa Event

 

OUTFITTED and the Nival Salon + Spa invite you to attend a private event next Saturday, July 26th from 6pm-10pm. In addition to an unparalleled shopping experience, we will be providing complimentary beauty treatments with professional stylists all night! Please join us for an evening of beauty and summer styling sessions and enjoy refreshments from our complimentary dessert bar and cocktail bar! This event is invite-only and you must RSVP to Briana@OutfittedShop.com. This invitation is good for you and one guest. Parking validation at The Collection will be provided for all guests.

You're Invited: BizBash - Elevate DC 2014

Elevate is a one-day experience designed to connect event professionals around the power of live events, brought to you by BizBash and Eventbrite. Featuring workshops, and topic discussions on technologies that are changing the industry as we know it, Elevate is here to provide event organizers with the tools to improve events. Step outside of your everyday world, try something new, and be inspired at this one-day conference.

Explore all aspects of events, from sponsorships and budgeting to social media and technology, and discover ways to improve your business and work more effectively. Learn from industry leaders and entrepreneurs who have forged their own paths, taken risks, and achieved greatness.

Ronald Reagan Building

Washington, D.C.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Pricing

Admission to Elevate includes:

• Breakfast
• General Session with Keynote Speaker
• Morning Workshop
• Networking Luncheon with special guest, André Wells
• A choice of two afternoon Workshops
• Cocktail Hour

Ticket Pricing:

• Flash Sale for Event Organizers – First 50 tickets sold - $199
• Full Day Pass for Event Organizers- $225
• For special group rates, email jrivera@bizbash.com.

For more information and to register click HERE

You're Invited: Complimentary Tickets to Wedding Salon

The Knot, Premier Bride and Perfect Wedding Guide Invite You to

Discover the Best Resources for Your Wedding

Wedding Salon

Monday, September 8th, 2014

4PM-8PM

The Madison Hotel, Washington DC

Cake Tastings, Cocktails, Beauty Makeovers

Honeymoon Giveaways, Reception Tables, Goodie Bag

Complimentary Admission for You & One Guest

Use code WSDCC here

* Registrant must be engaged and is allowed one guest only. All parties must be 21+.

A Picture Perfect Graduation Party!

Inspired by nostalgic moments & the promises of a bright future, Do Driver of Piggy Bank Parties styled this creative “Picture Your Future” Graduation Party with Polaroid & photo album decor! The adorable “yearbook” party favors and “Sweet Memories” photo garland are such great graduation party ideas… they get an A+!

PARTY HIGHLIGHTS to look out for:

– Cute Polaroid inspired banner + tissue “graduation tassel” garland – “Yearbook” favor boxes filled with the graduate’s favorite chocolate treats – “Sweet Memories” photo banner and graduation “photo album” guestbook – Varsity letter brownies & Chalkboard inspired printables

Graduation is often a time of reflection when photo albums and yearbooks from the past are reminisced over while dreams of what the future holds are ever present. This graduation party design was inspired by the magical Polaroid photographs of yesteryear and the slides you’d see projected on the white wall of your grandparents’ basement!

You're Invited: Book Hill Says I Do!

Whether you’re just starting to plan or have everything but the last-minute details nailed down for your special day, you’ll find helpful resources at Book Hill Says I Do on April 4 and 5. The neighborhood in Georgetown hosts a two-day event to help get brides, grooms, and their guests get prepared to get hitched.

Vendors will be on hand to aid you in making decisions, from selecting invitations at Dandelion Patch to picking the perfect dress at Lovely. Brides can visit Salon Ilo for hair and makeup suggestions, Patisserie Poupon and Macaron Bee for cake and dessert tastings, and Bacchus Wine Cellar for beverage samples.

Be sure to check in at either Urban Chic or Sherman Pickey during the event to receive a gift bag with special offers. Participating stores will offer discounts, as well as gifts with purchase. Register for the Bridal Bliss raffle to be eligible to win a prize from participating stores.

No RSVP necessary. April 4 and 5, Book Hill neighborhood, Wisconsin Ave., NW.

You're Invited: Royal DC Cocktail Party

This early-April weekend in DC will culminate in an elegant cocktail party, decorated with the handiwork of the class members and Karen Tran herself. With a purple and gold themed floral display, this cocktail hour will be nothing short of a royal affair.

 What: A Royal Cocktail Hour

When: April 10th, 2014 from 7-9PM

Where: Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the Portrait and Hirshhorn Rooms

Attire: Cocktail Attire Requested

Tap into your regal side and join us for an event you will not want to miss! Sip wine, savor butler passed hors d'oeuvres, and experience the jaw-dropping wedding vision that Karen Tran and her DC workshop bring to life. Enjoy the design and accommodations arranged by me, JoAnna Bayliss, of JoAnna Dee Weddings! You may even find yourself in the slow-motion photo booth provided by videographer East West.

Tickets are limited

$45 tickets available here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-royalty-cocktail-hour-with-karen-tran-tickets-11112103601

For more information visit: http://www.districtroyalty.com/#

Modern Mardi Gras Wedding Inspiration

Do you want to have a Mardi Gras inspired wedding, but don't know where to begin? Check out some of my favorite Fat Tuesday themed weddings incorporating the infamous purple, green and gold that is sure to bring the New Orleans spirit to any location!

Perfect for an outdoor or a vineyard wedding, lose the tablecloth and go for an exotic flower centerpiece.

Whether you want to include the colors in the wedding fashion, stationary, food or in the decor the options are limitless.

Stun your guests with longtables with a soft purple linens and a showstopping ceiling with purple lighting.

Want a vintage look? Select softer variations of the purple and green and incorporate more golds.

Who would have ever thought green apples would make such a gorgeous centerpiece? Not only is it different, but it is also perfect for the cost conscience bride.

You're Invited: A Chic Affair

Enjoy some of the best wedding vendors DC has to offer as well as an avant garde presentation of 2014 collections by Lovely Bride and a free ride credit code the day of the show courtesy of Uber.

All tickets include: Champagne, cocktails, cake tasting, mini-spa treatments hors d'oeuvres, conversations with experts, fashion show, exhibition, planning timeline tool and luxe gift bag.

VERY LIMITED VIB (thats Very Important Bride!)tickets available also include:

Early event access, premium seating during runway show, VIB gift upon arrival (including products from Uber and drybar!) and entry to win exclusive VIB giveaways !

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.acawashingtondc.com

Don't leave the boys at home! Come hang out in our Gentlemen's Lounge!Snacks, spirits, and special gifts just for guys!

Recap: Ritz-Carlt​on Washington DC Ballroom Unveiled

A few weeks ago, we told you about Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC event where they unveiled their new ballroom. The event took place earlier this week and it was beautiful! The Ritz went with a Winter Wonderland Theme where guests were whisked into a ballroom with snowfall and evergreen trees. I love the elegant décor and the subtle hints of color that enhance the “icy” feel of winter. Check out how the staff at Capital Décor and Events executed this event flawlessly.

"The Ritz-Carlton Washington DC sponsored a Wishing Tree to assist Martha's Table in providing holiday presents to children in need."

Source: Engaged! Magazine

Photography: Steve Canning of Steve Canning Photography.

Venue: Ritz Carlton Washington, DC

You're Invited: Black Bride Presents The Bridal Brunch DC

Mix and Mingle with wedding vendors in an elegant relaxed boutique-style layout at the beautiful Carnegie Library in Washington, DC. Dine on delicious brunch fare, and champagne cocktails from our “Married” Mimosa bar while being serenaded by DC’s finest jazz performers. There will be expert discussions, and a fashion segment featuring gowns from local elite bridal salons. Brides will find everything they need to plan their dream wedding under one roof! Top industry insiders and wedding experts will be on hand to offer tips, tricks and guidance in creating not just a wedding, but a lifetime experience.

Black Bride Requests the Honour of Your Presence

at

The Bridal Brunch, DC

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Noon to 5 p.m.

The Carnegie Library at Mt Vernon Square

801 K Street, NW | Washington, DC 20001

For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

You're Invited: Arts Club of Washington Open House