Holiday Fun: Easter Egg Hunt

As we all know, Easter is a Christian festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion at Calvary. Celebrated worldwide, Easter is a time for self-reflection, renewal, rebirth, spreading love and forgiveness. It's also a time to eat good, spend quality time with family/loved ones and even take the kids on a Easter Egg Hunt.

In an Egg Hunt, whether indoors or outdoors, decorated eggs (real hard-boiled ones or artificial) are filled with or made of chocolate candies of various sizes and are hidden in various places for children to find. When the hunt is over, prizes may be given out for various achievements, such as the largest number of eggs collected, the largest or smallest egg, or for the most eggs of a specific color.

Here is a list of Egg Hunts right here in the DC Metropolitan area you can attend. Make this Easter an adventurous and fun-filled day for you and the kids. HAPPY EASTER!!

Washington, DC :

1. Easter Egg Hunt at Madame Tussauds

March 30, 2013, 7:30am - 9:45 a.m. 1025 F Street, NW Washington DC. The wax museum is hosting a fun and educational "eggs-ploration" through American history and pop culture, with more than one thousand eggs hidden throughout the Presidents Gallery. Various trinkets and prizes will be contained in every egg. Live bunnies will be on-hand for special Easter photo-ops in the attraction’s replica Oval Office. The event is free for ages 12 and under, $10 ages 13 and up.

2. Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place

March 29-30, 2013, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1644 31st Street NW Washington, DC. Children of all ages enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt and a thrilling Egg Roll Contest. After the exciting games, spend the morning decorating festive eggs and building a spring basket. Visitors also enjoy a self-guided tour of Tudor Place’s gardens. Bring your own basket, spoon, and one hard-boiled egg per child. Admission: Member Children: $7, Nonmember Children: $10, Adult Chaperones: $3.

3. Easter Monday

April 1, 2013, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Ave NW  Washington, DC. Since 1891, Easter Monday at the National Zoo has been a tradition in the African American community. Enjoy family activities, including an egg hunt, animal demonstrations and live entertainment. This event is free.

Maryland:

1. Bunnyland at Butler's Orchard

March 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and April 1,6, and 7, 2013. (Closed Easter Sunday), 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 22200 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, Maryland (301) 428- 0444. Welcome spring with a hayride down the Bunny Trail, hunt for colorful eggs, Visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride a pedal tractor, play in Kiddie Hayromp and Castle, see live bunnies, lambs and chicks. Admission: $8.50 per child and $6.50 per adult.

Northern Virginia:

1. Easter Egg Hunt at Reston Zoo

March 23, 24, 30, and 31, 2013, 9 a.m - 4 p.m. 1228 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, Virginia (703)757-6222 . Visit this small family friendly zoo and enjoy an Easter egg hunt with pony rides, raffle tickets, candy, face painting, Easter pictures, and more!

*Visit http://dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/a/EasterEggHunts.htm for more Easter ideas and events*

Refinery29 DC Readers Wedding Photo Contest 2013

Do you look at your Wedding Photos and think...wow these should be published somewhere? Well here is your chance! Refinery29 is looking for weddings to feature. Read on for more details.

Have you planned (and gotten hitched in) a beautiful DMV wedding, and now have a bounty of pics to prove it? We want to hear from you! We're looking for the most creative, gorgeous wedding decor — whether you opted for vintage, traditional, or nouveau-hip — and we know that Washington's newlyweds (and the not-so-newly wed) have inspiration to spare. If you'd like to submit photos from your big day to be considered for a prime spot on R29, send us two to three of your favorite professional pics and use the subject line "DC Weddings." (Disclaimer: It must be your wedding!) So go ahead, dust off those wedding albums — you know you want to!

Send photos to: holly@refinery29.com. Visit: http://www.refinery29.com/2013/03/44599/refinery29-readers-wedding-pictures-contest?utm_source=email&utm_medium=editorial&utm_content=washington-dc&utm_campaign=130322-turquoise-jewelry for full details.

Photo Credit: http://eurekaspringsweddings.travel/

Chris + Jay Ell's Engagement Photos: Norfolk...Where It All Began!

 

Its always special witnessing the happiness of a dear friend. And today is no different as I share the gorgeous engagement photos and love story of Chris and Jay Ell (my college gal pal who I adore)! Last night the couple unveiled their much anticipated wedding website and it goes without saying these two were meant for each other! Im also excited to be in their bridal party of close friends & family.

The couple pays homage to Norfolk, Virginia, the city where they both were raised and eventually locked eyes first as they attended Poplar Halls Elementary School. How cute right? But this isn't your average local girl meets local boy and become an item...right away!

As they grew up, their distance became greater, and interactions even less. Chris attended and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University while Jay Ell joined myself and most of her bridesmaids at George Mason University! After four years of great memories at George Mason Jay Ell headed back to Norfolk in order to plan for graduate school in Richmond at VCU, Chris' Alma Mater. But as fate would have it months later, the two rekindled their friendship which grew into a serious relationship and will become a holy matrimony in the presence of God, their family, and friends on October 19th 2013. 

Love you guys and cant wait to celebrate your beautiful new beginning as one!

Photo Credit: Brandon Mitchell Photography 

Wedding Wednesday: Proposals

I love love love watching wedding proposal videos. Occasionally I will run across one that is too cute not to share and the one we feature today is no different.

The guy in this video went over and beyond to make the proposal to his girlfriend one that she will never forget. Making the Movies jealous is the title and he definitely accomplished that. Grab your box of tissues and watch the video below.

In case you were wondering if their wedding was just as cute...it was...*grabs a fresh box of tissues*.

DC Wedding Trends: Cherry Blossoms

Today, March 27th marks the 101 anniversary of our beautiful DC Cherry Blossoms! In 1912 Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City gifted the trees to celebrate the friendship between the United States and Japan. Now the trees have become a staple in DC culture and are celebrated yearly with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

When the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom they make a perfect backdrop for engagement photos and weddings. Many natives and lovers of the Nations Capital are taking advantage of this trend by adding the flowers in many different creative ways. Unsure how you can add the flowers to your wedding or event?

Add the Cherry Blooms to your stationary, on the alter, or on the tables as centerpieces!

Not sure where to take your wedding photos? How about right under the cherry blossoms! The are perfect and add a nice subtle touch.

Add Cherry Blossoms to your cake to tie everything in! The perfect ending to a DC Wedding.

Real {Ethiopian} Wedding: Solomon & His Bride's Authentic Portland

One of the most impressive aspects of this wedding was the size and supportive nature of the grooms party and brides party. They marched as a collective whole with Solomon as he went to deliver flowers to his bride to be and see her for the first time at this authentic Ethiopian wedding.

Family, friends, and elders gather around the living room awaiting to greet the couple at this Authentic Portland Ethiopian Wedding.

In case you missed breakfast or cant eat from wedding jitters, Ethiopian culture can help you with a goorsha, which I refer to as a handful of food and love. Its customary for the family to feed the groom before he meets his bride.

Its Ethiopian tradition for the couple to walk past everyone after the first look and are welcomed with cheers and well wishes from all guests. In many cases be prepared for singing, clapping, and sometimes the sound of musical instruments like a drum.

When having a "so called" Ethnic Wedding its nice to have authentic symbolic items and wedding favors to showcase and educate wedding guests which are from a different county or have a different ethnic background.

I'm in love with these bright colors and infusing special cultural traditions in weddings. Authentic Ethiopian gift and food baskets, called messobs were presented to the wedding couple before the ceremony. You will find these in most Ethiopian homes which are used as decor, storage, etc.

Its always great seeing how much a family comes together for a wedding. The women are all in the kitchen cooking and the men are running around taking care of vendors like transportation, venue, etc. More and more I see the younger generation seeking professional wedding planners like myself to take the stress away from the family so they can really take part and enjoy the full day or week of wedding festivities. Authentic Ethiopian food was in abundance at this Ethiopian wedding. All prepared by friends and family for the 600+ guests.

That's a lot of cooking! I bet the bride and groom were very thankful.

Photo credit: Evrim Iconz Photography

Would You Post Your Wedding Online?

A new survey shows that brides are thinking about setting social media rules at their weddings—something event planners may want to consider, as well. Mashable: "While celebrating a new marriage online can be fun, it can easily get out of hand. Fifty-six percent of newlywed brides feel that social media guidelines should be spelled out for the ceremony. For example, 52% of participants feel that the newlyweds should have first dibs on posting wedding pics on social media sites.

Source: BizBash

RECAP: A Chic Affair

Yesterday, Yodit (Favored's CEO) and I attended A Chic Affair in Georgetown at The Powerhouse in Georgetown. If you have never seen or heard of The Powerhouse it is located behind Dean and Deluca on Grace Street. It's a very nice 2 level open venue perfect for the intimate bridal expo we attended. A Chic Affair was wonderfully put together with vendors, a panel discussion and bridal fashion show. Check out a few of the pictures from the vendors and the fashion show below.

Karin's Florist Put together this beautiful Floral Arrangement. Made us feel like it was really spring despite the cold weather.

How amazing are these cakes!! The Henna cake on the left was made by The Happy Tart and the Carousel cake on the right was made by M&T Events, both completely edible. I had samples of cakes from both vendors and they were delicious!

Of course the night wouldn't have been complete without a fashion show. We noticed a lot of mermaid style dresses with very dramatic bottoms and trains in the lineup. The Brides at the show looked very inspired! For more pictures check out Favored's Twitter page and Instagram: Favoredbyyodit!

Let us know which Bridal Expos coming up you will be attending and your experience. We would love to meet you there!

2013 Trends: Baby Shower Event Planning Themes

Everyone loves a great themed party and baby showers are no different. Lately, moms-to-be have gotten very creative with celebrating thier bundle of joy with creative themes. Huggies put together a great list to make your shower stand out from the rest. Check out a few of my favorites...

1. Star Light, Star Bright: Have each baby shower guest wishing on a star with dream catcher crafts, silver hanging stars and dreamy white hot chocolate.

2. Mom's Diner: Order up something special for mom’s baby shower and serve mini milkshakes and buttermilk pancakes to the sounds of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll hits.

3. Ahoy Baby!: Get guests inspired with a treasure trove of nautical baby shower novelties. Sail away with pirate punch, sailor cap decorations and seashell accents.

4. Camp: Make baby shower planning an achievement with a retro beverage station, lanterns and scout badge cookies.

5. Bling it On Baby: Make all that glitters gold for mom’s memorable day with a bedazzling for baby station, mini glitter cakes and apple cider for an extra touch of celebration.

For a full list of Huggies Baby Shower themes go to: http://www.punchbowl.com/huggiesutm_source=eBlast&utm_medium=email&utm_term=NA&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=huggies_2

Happy Planning!

RECAP: 2013 Potomac Flower Show

This past Sunday, March 17th 2013, I had the pleasure of attending the 2013 Potomac Flower Show held at the Potomac Flower Wholesale HQ in Silver Spring, MD. From the vendors, design competition, and amazing seminar by the great Rene' van Rems, to the super talented individuals in attendance socializing and enjoying the music, food and drinks, I truly enjoyed every bit of that experience.

As we walked around, the fabulous vendors had their beautiful blooms on display.  Vendors and Suppliers traveled from Ecuador, Colombia, South Africa, and Holland to name a few. A lovely sight to see indeed!!

Not to mention, Potomac Flower Wholesale celebrated their 15th Anniversary!

First place went to Anahit Hakobyan for a second year in a row and she was also the People's Choice Winner! This year's special theme was to create a 15th Year Anniversary Arrangement, suitable for a buffet table, using Potomac Floral Wholesale Logo and Colors. Congrats to her!!

Rene' van Rems gave us a very useful seminar on wedding trends and ideas.  From the beautiful bouquets being passed around to the funny jokes he told along the way, it was an excellent presentation!

Here are a few designs from the competition. Which design do you like the most??

1.

2.

3.

*Some pictures courtesy of Potomac Flower Wholesale www.flowerwholesale.com*

10 Wedding Songs for 2013!

 

In the interest of wedding season that is rapidly approaching, we at Favored by Yodit thought we should list our favorite love songs of 2012 and 2013 that would be perfect to set the mood at any wedding reception. We picked out our top 10 after the break...

1.       Beyonce- Love on Top: Can’t have a love song list without adding our girl Beyonce! This song is really cute and I’ve seen a lot of brides singing it to their grooms so I couldn’t leave it off

2.       Bruno Mars- Marry You: The title alone is enough, but also the fact that this has been the song of choice for all proposal flash mobs, makes it a perfect wedding song.

3.       Miguel- Adorn: Hands down the sweetest song of 2012…I dare you tell me what topped it lol

4.       Tamar Braxton- Love and War: She came out super strong with this one… a song about fighting for the one you love…great message for the lovers

5.       Rihanna- We found Love: This song just makes you want to fist pump and pop bottles with the one you love, i’m moving my shoulders as I type lol

6.       John Legend- Tonight: I like a little cockiness, let your mate know what the deal is lol

7.       Tank-Next Breath: There is so much emotion in this song, tank is good for adding a subtle sexy touch to all this love songs

8.       Eric Benet- Real Love: The first time I heard this song, I think I shed a tear…but just one because I’m a G lol…this song is beautiful

9.       Tyrese- Best of Me: What woman doesn’t want to hear that their mate can do anything as long as they are by their side…love this

10.   Avant ft. KeKe Wyatt – You & I: This is one of my favorite songs that came out last year. Avant and KeKe just know how to put together a great love song.

What were your favorite love songs of 2012 and 2013? Would you add any songs to the list?

Water Wedding Anyone?

In case you didn't know today is World Water Day! Cheers *grabs water bottle*! Did you know that more people die from dirty water and poor sanitation than all forms of violence including war? Crazy right!

Fortunately, there are organizations like Charity Water than make it thier mission to "bring clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries". You can do your part in assisting with this great organization by visiting http://www.charitywater.org/.

While you are rallying the troops to assist, have you ever considered having a Water Wedding? I didn't even know these existed, but a few minutes on pinterest and that all changed. Couples are getting very creative when it comes to giving thier nuptials or taking engagment and wedding photos. I love it when couples make thier pictures solely about thier personalities and do something out of the box. See some Water Wedding Inspiration below:

Would you ever consider doing a water wedding or taking your wedding photos under water? I think these pictures are beautiful but im not sure I would have the courage. Kudos to the adventerous couples out there!

Source: http://www.charitywater.org/.

**All photos are from pinterest**

WELL, HELLO SPRING!!

It's the first day of spring and I'm sure I'm not the only one welcoming spring with arms wide open (thank you sweet baby Jesus). Time to put those coats, sweaters and boots away and pull out those...wait a minute...haven't gone spring shopping yet? Not sure what's in style either? No worries! I'm no fashion guru but i do know for sure there's one thing you can expect to see again this season.

FLORAL PRINTS!! I mean what else would I be obsessing over?? According to Elle.com, the floral print has found "a romantic revival on the spring runways". Designers like Chanel, Christian Dior, Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Erdem, and Moschino have all offered up thier take on the iconic pattern. From dresses to even sunglasses, this season's florals come in soft pastel colors and vibrant hues. So ladies...and gents...have fun with fashion and enjoy the sweet romance of spring by adding florals prints to your collection this year. Check out some looks straight off the runway! Which designer's floral print do you like the best?

1. Moschino

2. Ralph Lauren

3. Prada

4. Naeem Khan

5. Paul & Joe

Surprise Wedding Performance

A new trend for brides is to do a mini performance at the wedding reception and I LOVE it! I never get tired of seeing videos of the bride and groom or bridal party putting on a mini concert for the guests.

In the video below, the bride surprised her man with a performance of Love on Top and other popular Beyonce songs. The Groom looked so proud! I can't wait to do this at my wedding lol.

Thank you so much Tynesha for sharing this video!

Did you do a performance at your wedding? Send us your video so we can share it!

You're Invited: Capital Bridal Affair and Fashion Show

As every engaged couple knows, there is much to be done between “I will!” and “I do!” Kick your wedding planning into high gear at Capital Bridal Affair and Fashion Show, happening Sunday, March 24 at The Mayflower Hotel in downtown Washington. With today's deal, you'll receive two (2) admissions to this amazing event for just $19 (a $38 value)!

The Capital Bridal Affair and Fashion Show offers you the opportunity to meet the Washington area's best wedding vendors so you can ask questions, taste/see/touch their products, get inspired and even book their services at the show! With help from Prepare to see the newest trends of the wedding industry, from bridal gowns to invitations and much more! Hear the music (with live performances!). Taste the cake. Smell the flowers. Touch the invitations. See the photos… Everything you need to plan your perfect day – It's all under one roof!

Purchase your tickets at the link below:

http://www.thecapitoldeal.com/engine/SplashDetails.aspxLID=4&contestid=21722&productid=8750230&p=12&p=2

 

RECAP: DIY - St. Patrick's Day Edition

Since St. Patrick’s Day is conveniently here, I thought it would be awesome to do a DO-IT-YOURSELF mini floral arrangement with vases made from soda bottles and a CD. I know what you’re thinking…keep reading.

Whether you’re planning a gathering, a dinner with someone special or just at home drinking some Irish whiskey watching the Chicago River be transformed into the brightest, greenest river you’ve ever seen, make St. Patrick’s Day a little more special this year and add these easy to do, cost efficient and eco-friendly arrangements to your holiday décor! CHEERS!!

Step 1: Cut soda bottles to desired length

Step 2: Glue CD to the cap end of one of your cut out soda bottles

Step 3: Spray paint one bottle white and the other green. Let sit for 2 hours

Step 4: Repeat step 3 for a second coat

Step 5: When bottle vases are completely dry, arrange flowers as desired

Pictures courtesy of Afrient Media Studios (www.afrientmediastudios.com)

You're Invited: Spring Bridal Showcase at Kentlands Mansion

Plan your dream wedding all in one place. The Kentlands Mansion Spring Bridal Show takes place on Sunday, March 24, 2013, from noon to 4 p.m. Gaithersburg's elegant 19th century estate provides the perfect setting to start your wedding planning process or finish up the final touches to your special day. The Mansion is located at 320 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg.

Experience the elegance and charm of historic Kentlands Mansion while meeting one-on-one with a variety of wedding vendors, including caterers, photographers, event planners, musicians, makeup artists, hotel representatives and more. Brides-to-be can spend the day sampling delicious cuisine from the area's finest caterers, and discovering the latest bridal fashions and wedding trends. Whether you are just starting your planning, finishing up the details or anywhere in between, you will find exactly what you are looking for at the Spring Bridal Show. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day.

Admission is $5 per person. For information and directions please see the links below or call 301-258-6425.

Enjoy delicious cuisine from the area's finest caterers. Discover the latest in wedding trends. Experience the elegance and charm of historic Kentlands Mansion while planning your special day.

Caterers Photographers DJ's Jewelry Designers Event Planners Makeup Artists Hotel Representatives

Tickets: $5 at the door. Call 301-258-6425. Arrive early for a chance to win door prizes from our vendors!

The Whack Wedding!

Weddings are all about creating new memories and I love when a bride and groom get fun and creative with thier guests!

This video is so cute and everyone looks like they had so much fun. Who says you need to break the bank to create a nice memorable wedding video? Check out how the Whacks celebrated thier big day at the link below.

http://vimeo.com/61981844

Thanks Jamisha for sharing this cute video!

Real {Ethiopian} Wedding: Yonas & Fasika Sunset Bridal Photoshoot

What a better way to start this snowy week than with a sunny gorgeous wedding photoshoot I came across this weekend! This lovely Ethiopian couple decided to have a photoshoot 2 days before their wedding in Ethiopia. Can I just say the desert backdrop is simply amazing on both the bride & the groom's skin! They are glowing!

I know that might sound strange, but more and more couples are actually going this route inorder to capture amazing photos since the day of the wedding is usually packed with family activities. And if your nervous about having your groom seeing your wedding dress before the wedding you can always schedule the photoshoot after your nuptials to still keep it a surprise for your big day!

When I saw this sunset photo above the city of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia there was something that screamed "Lion King" in every royal sense! I love how this couple chose to embrace their culture and showcase the beauty of the African desert and forest so naturally. Kudos to the photographer and Yonas & Fasika for being such a beautiful couple!

Interested in having your wedding or engagement featured? Just complete the submission here.

Photo credit: Nashville Photography Group (Loved these photos!)

5 Easter DIY Party Ideas

Easter Brunch Chair Ties

 

Step 1 Cut short pieces of flowers from bushes.

Step 2 Gather several flowers to create small bouquet

Step 3 Tie flowers together with piece of ribbon.

Step 4 Layer colored ribbon and burlap ribbon together and tie around chair backs.

Step 5 Slip flower bundle into tie.

Bell Jar with Nest Centerpiece

Step 1 Cut moss the size of the charger plate.

Step 2 Glue in place.

Step 3 Glue some reindeer moss into nest, add eggs.

Step 4 Glue nest in center of plate, add twigs and sprig of floral.

Step 5 Add bell jar

Easter Brunch Place Cards

Step 1 Whitewash pots with white paint (fill brush with paint and wipe almost dry on paper towel) and dry.

Step 2 Fill each pot with dry foam, then cover with reindeer moss.

Step 3 Put branch into pot.

Step 4 Use flower heads from small floral bush and hot glue to branch as shown.

Step 5 Add name written or printed on paper and wrap around branch for name placement.

Step 6 Glue few small flower heads into reindeer moss in pot.

Easter Table Centerpiece

Step 1 Use white acrylic paint to paint dots, swirls, rickrack lines on pots. Let dry.

Step 2 Cut stem from bunny pick and insert into each pot, as shown.

Easter Godiva Chocolate Egg Favors

Step 1 Only GODIVA could make Easter eggs as delectable as this. Shop Online or Create an Assortment at a Boutique.

Step 2 My favorite are the Truffle Crème Egg Assortment which includes: chocolate ganache and marshmallow mousse in a milk chocolate shell, milk chocolate ganache and dark chocolate mousse in a dark chocolate shell, raspberry ganache and dark chocolate mousse in a dark chocolate shell, and caramel ganache and hazelnut mousse in a milk chocolate shell.

Step 3 For best results, place on tray or plate, as shown and enjoy quickly.

Hope you enjoy these easy #DIY tips to plan a festive Easter Brunch to celebrate the holiday with family gatherings, spring parties & delicious gifts to share!