Ethiopian Couple Celebrate Their Wedding on a Helicopter

When I read about this Ethiopian couple celebrating their wedding on a helicopter I was certainly surprised! Its seldom when you hear about foreigners taking the risk to do something so bold and different with special events, but when they do, they sure know how to do it BIG!

I love when couples realize their wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and welcome the opportunity to share in the joyous occasion with friends and family! But there is something so romantic about taking a moment to sit back and take it all in with your partner and I cant see a more spontaneous and fun way than a private helicopter ride!

It definitely makes your special day a treasured memory by flying over some of the most romantic and beautiful areas Mother Nature ever created.

Kudos to this beautiful couple for taking a leap of faith and doing something different than the norm! I’m excited to assist my current and future wedding clients with all the details to create a fun and fabulous experience they will never forget!

Here are some local places to get married in the air: D.C. Helicopter Charters and New York Helicopter Charters 

Event: Tacori & Mervis Bring Large Jewelry Trunk Show to DC this Weekend

For brides on the hunt for the perfect wedding bands and jewelry, Tacori holds a can’t-miss event this weekend. Known for swoon-worthy sparklers, worn on various red carpets by the likes of Nikki Reed, Katy Perry, Katherine Heigl and Kate Beckinsale,Tacori takes over Mervis Diamond Importers on April 27 and 28 to host its biggest trunk show ever.

The event, held simultaneously at Mervis’s Rockville, DC, and Tysons Corner locations, will feature the largest selection of Tacori bridal and fashion pieces worldwide and showcase baubles from Precision Set, Verragio, Martin Flyer, JB Star, and Ritani. Overwhelmed by the idea of so many options? Tacori representatives and Mervis Diamond experts will assist and guide brides-to-be in finding their ideal wedding rings and accessories.

For grooms in need of some ring-shopping motivation, a complimentary Tacori sport band—a durable band built to withstand fading and tarnish—will be added to every purchase of the brand’s gentleman’s wedding band. Another bonus: Customers who spend $1,000 will have a chance to win gift cards for future purchase.

To attend the epic trunk show and score some major bling, RSVP online.

1700 K St., NW, 202-293-0600; Tysons Corner, 800-437-5683; 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-231-0030.

Source: Washingtonian by Irina Grechko Photo credit: Mervis Diamond Importers

Joel + Clarissa’s Engagement Photos: A #DMV Love Story

There's a saying "You know real love when you see it" and since the day I met Joel and Clarissa for the first time together at the Tasting Room at the National Harbor I knew they had something special.

A couple of months ago Clarissa reached out to me for wedding planning services and I immediately told her I would love to help! After our initial vision session, multiple phone and email conversations I knew she was a "Girl's Girl" like me and this was not only going to be a memorable experience for the bride-to-be, but for me too!

Since their wedding theme is a surprise to guest, I cant indulge in any details, but I can say it will be gorgeous!  And I'm very pleased to be able to share these amazing engagement photos taken by the renowned Rodney Bailey Photography! They are one of the finest wedding photographers in Washington D.C. with a pure passion for the art of photojournalism and I cant wait to work with them on the couple's wedding day.

Favored by Yodit Events is so happy to be assisting with the planning of their wedding which is scheduled for October 2013. Nothing makes our team happier than to work with people in love and being able to be apart of such a memorable time of their lives. Thank you Clarissa and Joel and continued blessings to you and yours!

#Favored Facts:

Clarissa adores her family, her soon-to-be hubby (Joel) and nice things!

Joel is laid back and will do anything to make Clarissa happy, a great quality to have in a partner.

Photo Credit: Rodney Bailey 

Wedding Wednesday: Vendor Spotlight- @SeatingChartBtq

This week for Wedding Wednesday we wanted to give you a break from the proposals and Spotlight a Unique Wedding Vendor. Are you looking for a classy way to display your seating chart? Check out The Seating Chart Boutique.

While the seating chart seems like a minor detail, it can be the difference between a smooth or chaotic transition from cocktail hour to the reception. According to The Seating Chart Boutique's CEO, they offer their clients:

1. Over 25 standard designs that are completely customizable

2. Mounting and Framing in-house

3. Exceptional quality and service that has been backed up by a 5 star rating on Wedding Wire and the Wedding Channel

4. Fast Turnaround! Most orders are delivered within 3-5 business days

5. You can also order other wedding stationary (programs, table numbers, menus, etc...) to complete the look

The Seating Chart Boutique is a great idea and a one top shop for all of your stationary needs! Make sure you check out their website and follow them on Twitter @SeatingChartBtq !!

RECAP: Howard Theatre's 2nd Annual Gala and Benefit Concert

On Friday, April 19th I had the pleasure of attending Howard Theatre's 2nd Annual Gala and Benefit Concert. It was the “Who’s Who of the D.C. Music and Political Industry” and a great event with amazing performances by nationally recognized artists.

Inside the Howard Theatre guests were greeted by glamour and classic chic! The event decor was beautifully put together with blue uplighting, luxurious soft green table clothes, purple accented flower centerpieces, programs, and menus.

The menu was delicious and prepared by Food Network Star Season 8 Finalist, Chef Malcolm Mitchell, who lives in Washington, D.C. and added a healthy twist to his soulful recipes, which was a great compliment to the evening’s theme.

The evening was not only designed to raise funds for the Howard Theatre Restoration but celebrations of remarkable entertainers who have helped redefine the music industry. This year’s gala concert was filled with heartfelt tributes to honorees Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick, and Valerie Simpson, who all had a personal connection with the historic establishment.

In addition, an impressive group of chart-topping recording artists including Marsha Ambrosius, Yolanda Adams, BeBe Winans, Lela James, Jaguar Wright, Kenny Lattimore and Sheila E. were just a few of the artist that lent their beautiful voices and talents for the performance tributes to the evening’s honorees.

Watching the many performances was definitely the highlight of the night! But just being in the presence of so many great and influential individuals was incredible! Check out more pictures taken by Insana Collins here.

Wedding and Events Boutique by Ann Taylor

Still looking for the perfect dress for a wedding or other special event coming up? Try Ann Taylor! Looking for a wedding dress? Ann Taylor has that to!

Perfect for bridesmaids or as a guest. A soft look for a nice spring outdoor event.

Still need accessories? Complete your look at Ann Taylor as well.

Find a beautiful Wedding Dress without breaking the bank! Simple yet very elegant.

Stand out in this Royal Blue Dress. Perfect for an evening formal event.

For more of the Ann Taylor Wedding and Events Boutique click here!

Adam + Renee's Engagement Photos: Laughter Meets Love!

Adam and Renee met in college at Salisbury University in the fall of 2003. Introduced by friends, the couple did not officially have their first date until February 2004. One thing I found so cute about their story was that Adam (being the jokester that he is) told Renee that he would fall in love with her because of her hair (which is gorgeous!!!) which she probably gets from being Chinese Jamaican. A great friendship grew and Adam continued to make Renee laugh and find more reasons to love her.

Since Renee is from Miami, the couple decided to make a trip and Adam made the necessary arrangements to pop the question! Adam found the perfect lighting + got down on one knee in front of Renee's family to propose. He said a few sweet things, she cried (a lot), her parents and brother screamed, and passersby clapped + cheered.

These two are getting married this weekend in Rivera Maya, Mexico and wish nothing but the best for this beautiful couple! Congrats :)

#Favored Facts:

Adam is a Wine Enthusiast + loves to cook (check his intagram @ad_renaissance)!

Renee loves dance + photography! 

Photo credit: CKJ Visuals 

Wedding Wednesday: The Amazing Proposal

This Proposal was very sweet. The future bride's favorite show is The Amazing Race, so her boyfriend spent two months preparing a proposal inspired by the show. He sent her on several challenges that involved a few of her friends all around New York City and ended of course with him. It is a little long, but I enjoyed the entire mini episode : ). Check out the video after the break!

Trending: Custom Cookies!

Move over gourmet cupcakes, custom cookies are the new hot desert item at events! While cakes are always a nice stable item, they are difficult to transfer and are sometimes messy. Cookies are perfect because they can be wrapped up and taken away as nice party favors.

Bakeries have taken this trend to the next level by making custom cookies available. If you can imagine the design, there is a company out there that can put it on a delicious sugar cookie. My personal favorites are company logo cookies which are great for branding, bridal cookies for showers and sport team logo cookies for viewing parties. Below are just a few companies in the greater Washington metro area that sell custom cookies:

1. Kalorama Cookie Company
2. The Cookie Cutter
3. Cakes by Chris Furin
4. Bundles of Cookies
5. Rae Bakes

Favored by Yodit hasn’t worked with all of the companies, but I was VERY impressed with their photo galleries and decided to share. Have you worked with any of these companies or know of another custom cookie company in the area? Share with us, we would love to hear from you!

You're Invited: Broccoli City Festival

We are 9 days away from making history with the Inaugural Broccoli City Festival! Join us Sunday, April 21st as we celebrate Earthday weekend, and living a healthy more environmentally sustainable lifestyle, at Broccoli City Festival!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

As the inaugural urban Earth Day celebration taking place at the DC Fairgrounds, BC Fest promises to become the premiere annual event showcasing cool, sustainable lifestyle choices for residents of the Washington, D.C. metro area. This fun-filled event, hosted by Va$htie and Rock Creek Social Club, will feature:

Live performances by locally and nationally recognized Hip Hop, EDM, Alternative Bands, including headliners Big Krit, JMSN, and Tittsworth

• Nutritional food demonstrations and vendors, including DC’s top healthy food trucks

• Group Yoga and Fitness instruction (Hip Hop, Vinyasa, Power and Restorative Yoga)

• Oversized games including Twister, Jenga, Checkers, etc.

• Nutrition and environmental education provided by local organizations

• Onsite acupuncture and massage wellness center

• Pop-up marketplace with environmentally conscious vendors and shops

• Live art from notable street artists

• Sneaker recycling/upcycling center by Suite Nation

• Craft Beer & Spirits available, featuring USDA organic juices for adults 21+

As the Earth Day event debuts in Washington, D.C. this year, organizers anticipate ample opportunities to engage and educate a crowd of more than 4,000 members of the urban community on strategies that lead toward living a more environmentally conscious and healthy lifestyle. The inaugural festival, taking place at the DC Fairgrounds, promises to become the premiere annual event showcasing what it looks like to “go green” in an urban environment.

“Washington, D.C. is already making great strides on the forefront of the green movement,” said Founder Brandon McEachern. “However, there are large pockets of areas, specifically in parts of Southeast and Northeast D.C., that still lack local, affordable and healthy food options or access to them. We are here to echo the message of sustainable living throughout the entire city.”

Prior to the BC Fest, the team will work alongside Green Scheme and Dreaming Out Loud to increase access to healthy, affordable food within underprivileged neighborhoods with an Earthday of Action on Saturday, April 20th. "We are helping build urban farms and markets in food deserts to create oases of healthy food," said Darryl Perkins, Director of Community Engagement. "Not only are we talking about raising awareness, we are on the ground working.”

Broccoli City Organic Lifestyle, a health and wellness national media platform, established the BC Fest to maximize the impact of their commitment to overcoming the barriers associated with affordable and healthy food options or access in urban areas. Residents in urban communities, particularly minorities, experience disproportionately higher rates of preventable disease; most of which can be averted by maintaining a healthy weight and keeping up with a healthy diet.

“We want to encourage more dialogue about building healthy communities, and hope to promote the economic growth potential in urban farming,” said Co-Founder Marcus Allen. “We are giving all people a chance to hear, experience or taste something that many have not been able to easily access before.”

The BC Fest will commence rain or shine in an innovative, open-air, mixed-use entertainment destination. Tickets, which can be purchased online for a reduced rate and on site, will grant access to the festival. Learn more about the festival and how to adopt a healthier lifestyle to share with their community by visiting www.bcfestival.com.

Wow On Your Wedding Night

Brides are you ready to wow your groom on your wedding night? You have so spent so much time preparing to look your best the day of, but don't forget some sexy lingerie for your first night as husband and wife!

If you are still looking, check out Victoria Secret's Bridal line full of cute Teddys, bra and pantie sets, babydall slips, and garters.

Indian Wedding Inspiration

 We at Favored by Yodit LOVE multi-cultural weddings! The rituals, customs and colors are so beautiful and no detail is left untouched. Indian weddings are no exception. Typically the celebration lasts several days and up to 10,000 guests can be invited to congratulate the new couple. What I love most about Indian weddings are all of the beautiful colors that are incorporated. Whether its Red to signify happiness and prosperity or Gold to represent good fortune, each color has significance to the newly united families. Are you attending an Indian Wedding soon and have nothing to wear? Check out Rent the Runway for their Indian Wedding inspired attire. 

You're Invited: Truckeroo is Back on Friday April 19th! Hire a Food Truck for Your Wedding!

Food trucks have been the latest hit in food trends in cities all over. And it seems that DC couples love the idea of a food truck at their weddings too! Truckeroo is a monthly festival held at Half and M Street, SE across from Navy Yard Metro Station. Over 20 food trucks take part of the event, so its the perfect place for a new couple to scout out some possible caterers for their upcoming wedding. Its also a great date night in the midst of the the stressful wedding planning process (when you don't hire Favored team lol!) with plenty of drinks at the bullpen, cornhole, and live music for the first truckeroo of the season.

If youre thinking of having something fresh instead of traditional catering, a food truck can provide another food option for your wedding – whether it’s as the main meal, some fun bites between the ceremony and reception or as a late night snack. Any foodie couple will love the idea of local, gourmet food options for their wedding. Who needs banquet food when you can have mobile grilled cheeses, tacos, burgers, ice cream and more delivered right to your wedding?

Food trucks might not be suitable for a traditional wedding, as guests might be expecting a sit-down meal, but they’re ideal for casual, outdoor celebrations. Some would say a food truck at a wedding is tacky, but I think not. You have so many gourmet options nowadays. Because many trucks are small businesses, they can personalize menus and customize the service, usually at a less expensive cost than traditional catering.

You're Invited: It's His Wedding Also...Catering to the Groom

It's His Wedding Also...Catering to the Groom

with Celebrity Event Planner

Andre Wells

(Events by Andre Wells)

• Does Your Business gain the interest of the Groom?
• Do You know the % of Grooms that are involved and making decisions in the planning process?
• How do You target the Groom as an engaged Client during the planning process?
• What activities are on the market that encompasses the Groom's Interest?
• Do you incorporate activities on the wedding day for the Groom & Groomsmen?
• Should your marketing material and website attract the interest of the Groom?
• What is surprising about this new evolving market...The Groom?
• What elements of the planning process are important to the Groom?

April 23, 2012

6:00PM- 9:00PM

Chima Brazilian Steahouse

8010 Towers Crescent Dr.Tysons Corner, Vienna, VA 22182

http://chima.cc/site/

Find out these answers and much more are we explore this new target market...The Groom! Wedding Industry Expert...Celebrity Event Planner...and named by BizBash as on of the Top 35 Event Designers in North America, along with Colin Cowie and Preston Bailey, Mr. Andre Wells of Events by Andre Wells, will educate us about our new client market, The Groom.

Purchase Tickets Here: http://www.weddingprofessionals.org/meetinginfo.php?id=84

5 Reasons Why Every Bridesmaid Loves Weddington Way!

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a huge honor. Standing next to a loved one as a sign of support for their new union is an amazing feeling. However, getting several girls to agree on one dress can be a bit of a headache. Body types vary, financial situations are different and more simply everyone doesn’t like the same styles. Weddington Way is a great online boutique that makes bridal party shopping easy for everyone. Check out my 5 reasons why every bridesmaid loves Weddington Way after the break.

1. It’s an online boutique: Typically all of the bridesmaids don’t live in the same area and if they do, schedules vary and it’s hard to get everyone to meet at one time. With Weddington Way you can shop online at your leisure and share with the other girls in one place. Each Bride will get a showroom space where ideas can be shared and comments can be made about likes and dislikes.
2. You get your own stylist: We all have that fear that the bride will pick a dress that you will never want to wear again. The dress that immediately after the wedding will collect dust in the furthest corner of your closet. Weddington Way provides each bride with a stylist that will help her chose from top brands in bridal fashion. Stylists are great in providing nonobjective opinions without being over bearing.
3. Pictures and Reviews of the Dresses: Don’t you hate when you see a dress on a model and it looks beautiful but when try on the dress it looks completely different? On Weddington Way they show the dresses on real people and have reviews from those women that wore them.
4. Try Before you Buy: Weddington Way has a great program that “For a small fee, you can choose from a selection of  about 100 dresses that can be shipped to you to try on in the comfort of your home!”  As a busy girl on the go I love this!
5. Group Discounts: Who doesn’t love a good discount? Lol If there are four or more bridesmaids and they purchase dresses from Weddington Way, your stylist will send you a discount code! Visit the site for more details.

Did your wedding party use Weddington Way? Tell us about your experience!

Press: Desire to Aspire Event Makes the Washington Post Style Section!

We made the Washington Post Yippie! See More Photos Here

Thank you again to everyone who was able to attend our March Edition of The Desire to Aspire Brunch last week! It was refreshing to see the amount of attendees who truly appreciated the event program and networking opportunities with leaders who are ascending in their fields!

The event’s focus was to bring together young professional women and men from an array of industries across the D.C. area to honor three female leaders in their respective fields and commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

Get to Know Our Amazing Honorees and Panelists:

Melanie Roussell, National Press Secretary, Democratic National Committee @MelanieDNC

Helena Andrews, Journalist and Author of Bitch Is The New Black @helena_andrews

Karen Richardson, Director, The White House Office on Public Engagement 

Special thanks to Favored by Yodit event partners, The Pesante Media Group & KNPR + Marketing

Our sponsors, Vita Coco, Organic Root Stimulator, The YFF & St. Gregory Hotel 

You're Invited: Bridal Workshop

Let Favored Help Plan The Perfect Marriage Proposal

Do you plan on proposing or know someone who is? Contact Favored by Yodit Event Planning to help with exclusive proposal planning.

Did you know that six million people planned or expected a marriage proposal on Valentine's Day in 2013, which is up from four million people in 2012? Or that 75% of women are disappointed with thier marriage proposal? Preparing to pop the question to the woman you love can be a very overwhelming experience. You want the moment to be perfect and one that she will be dying to tell her friends and family. If you aren't sure where to start or have an idea that you need help executing, we can help with all of the details. Whether you want a nice intimate proposal with just the two of you, or a flash mob with your entire family, no proposal is too small or too big for Favored.

Press: Favored by Yodit Founder Featured on Black Enterprise!

Congratulations are in order for Favored by Yodit Founder, Yodit Gebreyes who has been featured on Black Enterprise! The interview focuses on Yodit following her dream of entrepreneurship and finding success. She is among 4 young professionals that are determined to leave their mark in thier respective fields all over the country.

In the article appropriately titled, Ignoring Status Quo: 4 Young Professionals Dish On Finding Success, Yodit says, "I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and see if I could really do it. I always had a passion for event planning, but I never thought of actually making a full-time career into designing weddings and special events. When I realized there was a huge demand for the services … I had the tools, the knowledge, and the connections so all there was left to do was evaluate my situation, plan next steps and just do it."

Click on the link for the full interview: http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/tips-young-professionals-entrepreneurs-success-advancement/4/

Congratulations Yodit!! We are so proud to be a part of your team!!!

Happy April Fools! Check out this Marriage Proposal Prank!

Have you been tricked yet today? It is April Fools' Day so get ready for a few laughs or cries!

Our Favored team loves planning a good wedding proposal! But in the spirit of today we have been finding some great pranks and this one is definitely the best we've seen. The guy calls out his girlfriend to let her see a marriage proposal ... All part of a April Fools prank. Not only was it a fake proposal but he also made her scream like she was on fire! Im sure she was pretty upset but that is a small price to pay for this reaction!

Watch the full video here

Happy April Fools!