#WeddingWednesday Real Engagements: City Love- De'Shon and Alisha

jenkins1 How They Met:

Alisha and De’Shon first met in the summer of 2010 after a chance encounter with a mutual friend. Love did not spark then, but a year later, fate reunited the two and they began dating. Late last year, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Abigail into the world.

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The Proposal:

During the Christmas break, Alisha and De’Shon decided to take their beautiful daughter to Chicago, where Alisha is from, to celebrate her first Christmas. After a chat with Alisha’s mom, about the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, and some research De’Shon knew The Skydeck would be the perfect location for the proposal. “The Skydeck sits on the 103rd floor of the 1,450 foot building and it extends over the street in a glass box that allows you to see directly under you to the street. The view as the city lit up was simply amazing and I couldn't think of a better place to propose with a better view, overlooking the very place she was born and raised”, says De’Shon.

“Her family was unaware of the proposal, other than her father. So to pull it off we had to be very sneaky. From sliding past security at the bottom floor without her seeing the ring on the scanning screen, thanks to their help, to the photographers being prepared to catch the precious moment. Before we stepped in the glass box, I notified one of the photographers of my plan. We all got in the box to take a family photo with her parents and siblings, and then we took a family photo with just us and our daughter. I told her I wanted to take a photo with just me and her. So after she handed our daughter to her mother and I handed my phone to her father for him to record, I got down on one knee as we prepared to take our photo and pulled the ring out asking her to marry me. After tears from her, her family, and many of the tourists waiting to take their photos she said yes!”

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The Ring:

The engagement ring was designed by GS Laboratories and features a natural diamond radiant cut surrounded by round brilliant cut diamonds. De’Shon chose this particular ring because, “I feel as if she's special, so she deserved something special and not common. I also don't know much about jewelry other than authenticity and appearance. The ring stuck out to me in the beginning and something about it just looked like it would be perfect on her finger. A wedding band wasn't created specifically for the ring, so when the jeweler showed me how it could be accented with a band on each side, giving it the look as if it was one ring with a custom design, I was sold.”

Congratulations to the happy couple! We at favored wish them a lifetime of love and blessings! If you need a wedding planner, we would love to assist you in planning your big day!!

 

RECAP: ZAAF Launch Event at Barcelona Wine Bar on Superbowl Sunday!

MDC_3550Favored by Yodit Events had the pleasure of planning the Official Launch event for ZAAF™, a new collection of luxury apparel and leather accessories produced by highly skilled artisans in Ethiopia. The event was helped at the NEW! Barcelona Wine Bar in Washington, D.C. and guest enjoyed complimentary cocktails, food & Georgetown Cupcakes! Congrats to Founder & CEO Abai on the new venture and continued success!

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Barcelona's brunch cocktails, bellini's & mimosas and yummy mini empanadas were some of the tasty items on the event menu!

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Guests loved the handbags!

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How cute were these Georgetown Cupcakes with the ZAAF Logo???

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Abai & I (Yodit)  take a quick picture in front of the ZAAF Step and Repeat! Love her!

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Abai gives the ZAAF story and why she started the company to guests!

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Ethiopian Artist Wayna & friends take a photo with Abai!

The main goal of the event was to introduce fans to the brand, the founder and each piece which is made to exacting standards and showcases beautiful craftsmanship and natural resources unique to the region it draws its inspiration from. ZAAF™ is a word that means “tree” in the ancient and noble Amharic language. More information can be found on http://zaafcollection.com/.

Need help planning an event? Contact us at www.favoredbyyodit.com/contact. Let us take care of the details!

Photo credit: Malik Photography

You're Invited: Westin Tyson's Multicultu​ral Bridal Expo 2014

Westin Wedding Expo Flyer (2) Attention Multicultural Brides!! The Westin in Tyson's Corner has a wedding expo coming up just for you on February 23, 2014 from 11:00am - 5:00pm. See the flyer above for more information.

Vendors, if you are interested in participating in this great event, contact contact Fatima Ayari at fayari@westintysonscorner.com.

Valentine's Day Party Inspiration

vday2 Valentine's Day is only two weeks away and its time to start thinking of cute decor ideas and inexpensive gifts to give to lovers, friends, kids and coworkers. If you are stuck and don't want to raid your local store for unoriginal packaged candy, check out some cute ideas from The TomKat Studio.

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Fondant Glitter Hearts for Valentine's Day

Tools and Materials:

For this sweet design, you will need cupcakes, tub of red fondant, mini heart cutter, edible glitter, paint brush, rolling pin, printable heart tag template, small tag paper punch, cupcake boxes and ribbon (optional)

Directions:

1. Take a small portion of fondant from the tub and roll into a small ball.

2. Use rolling pin to flatten fondant.

3. Use mini heart cutter to cut shape from rolled fondant.

4. Dip paintbrush in water and paint onto heart.

5. Sprinkle edible glitter onto heart and shake off excess. Repeat if necessary.

6. Place your glittered fondant heart on top of your cupcake, and enjoy!

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Heart Balloon With Tissue Fringe Tassels

Tools and Materials:

For this sweet decoration, you will need a 36" heart balloon, tissue paper (or precut tissue tassels), Valentine's Day balloon tags, twine, satin ribbon, hot glue gun and scissors.

Directions:

1. Start by cutting tissue paper to 10" x 28". Fold in half. Cut strips about 1/2" wide on both ends, as shown in photo.

2. Unfold and tightly roll the tissue paper.

3. Take the rolled tissue paper and fold in half.

4. Twist the end of the folded tissue to create the tassel, keeping a small loop at the end for stringing.

5. Continue making tassels until desired number is achieved. String and secure the tassels to twine using a hot glue gun. Tie tassel filled twine to the end of the balloon.

6. Add a satin ribbon bow, if desired. Download and print our Valentine's Day balloon tags to attach at balloon knot

 

For more ideas check out http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/

 

 

The Knowles Masquerade Party

photo Sixty never looked so FIERCE.!!! As Tina Knowles, rang in her birthday on January 11th in a celeb filled New Orleans masquerade ball at Muriel’s Jackson Square restaurant. The night was filled with dancing, a live jazz band, and an enormous nine-tier golden cake topped with a feathered masquerade mask. Mardi Gras also known as The Feast before the Fast is one of New Orleans biggest celebration it is a time to celebrate and indulge in rich food before you give it all up for lent. Mardi Gras revelers dress up in masked costumes and take to the streets with food, drinks, music, and parades. The main colors are purple, gold, and green. You can take it from there with beads, flowers, balloons, and streamers. The motto "Why decorate when you can over decorate?" So how to throw the perfect Mardi Gras party just like The Knowles. Well with food, Live Band, Signature Cocktail drinks and a King Cake your guests will have an experience to remember.

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Signature Cocktail Drinks Recipes

1 - Fat Tuesday

3 slices of radish 2 oz. New Amsterdam Gin 1 ½ oz. cranberry juice ½ oz. agave nectar 2 oz. ginger beer Dash of bitters Garnish: radish slice

Muddle radish in bottom of shaker. Add all other ingredients except the ginger beer, and shake vigorously. Strain over ice into a lowball or rocks glass. Top off with ginger beer, and garnish with a radish slice.

2 - Cajun Sensation

2 oz. Appleton Estate Reserve 1 oz. mango juice ¾ oz. Velvet Falernum ¾ oz. simple syrup 1 oz. lime juice Chili pepper Garnish: mint leaves

To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a sauce pan over low heat. Remove from heat and chill. Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice, shake, strain, and pour into a glass. Garnish with mint leaves.

3 - Chocolate Cherry Rosè

1 oz. Courvoisier Rosè 1 oz. Effen Black Cherry Vodka 1 oz. DeKuyper Crème de Cacao 2 oz. cream

Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass that has been drizzled with chocolate.

4 - The French Quarter

2 oz. New Amsterdam Gin Dash of Absinthe 1 oz. orange juice ¼ oz. lemon juice 1 oz. thyme syrup Garnish: Lemon slice

To make thyme syrup blend 3 sprigs thyme with 1 cup hot water and 10 tsp. sugar and strain. Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a classic coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Sweet tooth no problem just make a King Cake for your guests.King Cake is shaped into a ring and decorated with green, purple, and gold sprinkles-the colors of Mardi Gras.But there's more a tiny plastic baby is baked into the cake, and the guest who gets the piece containing the baby has to host the festivities the next year so the tradition continues.

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Don’t forget the food; you can make Cajun Crawfish, Shrimp Etouffe, Jambalaya, Boudreaux’s Zydeco Stomp Gumbo and Bananas Foster dishes as a main course meal or simple finger foods.

You're Invited: Carine's Bridal Designer Bridal Sample Sale

CBA Sample Sale Jan 14

January 29th & 30th Sample Sale
Carine's Bridal Atelier is parting with some of last season's couture gowns with their bi-annual sample sale. From designers like Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Marchesa, Rivini, Jenny Lee and more, brides can take advantage of discounts from 50-75% retails prices. The gems are first come, first serve!

You're Invited: Carine's Bridal Accessory Trunk Show

CBA Accessories Trunk Show Jan 20

January 20-24th Accessories Trunk Show
It's all about the details! From necklaces to belts to headpieces and beyond, brides can accessorize their gowns with custom pieces from designers like Miami-based Maria ElenaHomaLiancarloCheryl King and more. Brides will receive 10% off one item, 12% of two items and 15% of three or more items.
Appointments are required. Please call 202-965-4696 or email info@carinesbridal.com to book yours!

 

2014 Zuhair Murad Bridal Collection

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The Zuhair Murad bridal collection can be described in two words couture bridal. Murad brings to his bridal collection the same impeccable style and construction that he is already renowned for on the red carpet. Signature gowns include ultra romantic, voluminous skirts that can be shed to reveal light, sheer sheaths, and rich, lace overlays that are layered over ethereal and romantic strapless tulle gowns. The highly coveted designer wedding dresses are the epitome of feminine sophistication come to life in a bridal gown. Ultra chic and impeccably fitted, this collection is for the most discerning of brides.

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DIY Hot Cocoa Favors & Hot Cocoa Bar Party Inspiration

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For my 28th Birthday I wanted to do something "sweet" to celebrate with my closet friends and decided to host a brunch & ice skating soiree! Since my birthday is January 21st its always freezing so I wanted to give guest a favor that would keep them warm in the cold! Below are some photographs of the hot cocoa mix favors I made and the easy to do hot cocoa bar at the ice rink for my guest to indulge in at the event.

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I recommend putting out a few different toppings as part of your hot chocolate bar, so that guests can mix and match their favorites. I also used hot cocoa flags to dress up my home made marshmallow and brownie bites which are great when you dip them in your hot cocoa!

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The hot cocoa mix favors were also used as place cards for guest to find their seat :)

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Brunch without a signature mimosa is not a fun brunch in my eyes so I was thankful to find that Sequoia Restaurant in DC had a great unlimited mimosa option for my guest to be happy!

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See more photos on our Favored by Yodit Events (Yodit Gebreyes) facebook page here. Make sure to "Like Us"!

Photography by Our Story Photography | Printables by Tom Kat and Party Blog | Styling by Favored by Yodit Events 

 

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Father Daughter Dance Video Inspiratio​n

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Typically we only see videos of cute first dances and choreographed dance numbers from the bride to her unsuspecting groom circulating around the internet. Rarely do we see a father daughter dance that not only pulls on our heart strings but also makes us laugh from start to finish. This beautiful bride and her father wanted a dance that would leave a lasting impression on their guests and they definitely succeeded! Check out the video below!

A Pink Dress, An Upside Down Cake & A New Year's Eve Wedding Celebratio​n

kaley Cuoco wedding Weddings around holidays are always a fun time, especially since you can combine the excitement of new nuptials with seasonal celebrations. A new trend that is starting to take the winter by storm are New Year’s Eve Wedding Celebrations. The most recent couple to jump on the bandwagon and set the bar high is Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco and Ryan Sweeting. The blushing bride married the love of her life in a fire and ice themed wedding at Hummingbird Nest Ranch in the Santa Susana Mountains. Tweets and posts took over the internet of the gorgeous wedding cake days after the wedding with photos of her pink dress, the chandelier cake and Ryan's grooms cake that Kaley designed.

kaley2 Cuoco wore a custom pink strapless Vera Wang ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and hand applique Chantilly lace accents. She also wore a nude tulle Vera Wang veil accompanied by a pink bouquet.

kaley cakeTennis Pro Ryan Sweeting described his wedding as the “best night in history” and said his “cheeks hurt from smiling so hard”. How cute!

kaley cake 2We feel in love with this upside down chandelier cake from The Butter End Cakery and so did everyone else on social media.

 

Giveaway: Win a ZAAF Amadeus Laptop Case at The ZAAF Launch Event!

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In honor of the Official Launch Event, ZAAF is giving away a FREE Amadeus Laptop Case, which retails for $300 to one lucky fan!

To enter to win, follow the simple steps below:
  • You must follow @zaaf_collection on Twitter & @zaafcollection on Instagram.
  • Attend & Purchase a $10 raffle ticket at the #ZAAFLaunch on 2/2/2014 at Barcelona Wine Bar!
  • We will select the winner during the event! 
  • Note: You must be present at the #ZAAFLaunch to to win.
Enjoy Complimentary Cocktails & Passed Brunch Inspired Hors d'oeuvres and 20% Off of ZAAF Products during this Stylish Shopping Soiree. 
We invite Press & Media to attend & cover the #ZAAFLaunch!

 

Event Details:

ZAAF Official Launch Event

Date: Sunday, February 2nd 2014

Time: 12:00pm-4:00pm

Location: Barcelona Wine Bar - 1622 14th St NW Washington, DC 20005

RSVP: zaaflaunchdc.eventbrite.com

Dress: Brunch Chic Attire Requested

Street Parking Available

Event Hashtag: #ZAAFLaunch

Social Media: @Zaafcollection (Instagram)

 

 

{Purple + Gray + Yellow Inspiration} Habesha Garden Romance Styling Shoot at Meridian Hill Park!

  Favored by Yodit Events | Garden Romance Styling Shoot Photo shoot In 2013 I had the opportunity to plan and coordinate over ten weddings, twenty special events and my very first styling shoot! This shoot was inspired by my love for gardens and the 2013 trend of outdoor weddings that was very popular among couples everywhere so what better place than Meridian Hill Park.

A couple of months ago I had the idea to do the "Garden Romance" Styling Shoot with some great vendors at Meridian Hill Park, a structured urban park located in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Columbia Heights. The place is filled with beautiful areas like a cascading fountain, overlooking ledges, gorgeous landscape and much more! I wanted to photograph a young Ethiopian couple so my team and I enlisted in the talents of up and coming models, Alem & Samuel who were great to work with!

Our amazing stylist, Erica Joi from Distinctiv Style knew my color palette and vision and found the perfect bridal boutique in Old Town Alexandria named Ellie's Bridal to pick out a stunning long & lace gown which was very popular all over the bridal salons last year. The gown was also accompanied by long, traditional veil, which we also saw popular with our Favored Brides! The groom's attire was from Savvy Formalwear who has also dressed some of my past clients with great attention to detail and I think they hit the mark with this modern light gray suit and vest combination. The purple tie and handkerchief were the perfect palette addition to finish the look.

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Creative Team:

#FavoredFriday Vendor Spotlight: Olivera Music Entertainment

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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

wpid6501-007 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!

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Source: Tunji Sarumi Studios

You're Invited: Engaged! in Washington

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"Brides and grooms can meet {truly} the best of the best wedding vendors, see their work, and make appointments on the spot. Vendors are vetted and and known for their stellar reputations in the wedding market. Seriously, you could meet all of your wedding vendors in one day!"

The first 300 brides/grooms receive a fabulous goody bag AND the cost of admission is rebated by many of the vendors when contracting their services!* Hire 4 of the vendors, receive a rebate of $65 x 4, so it pays to attend Engaged! in Washington! (*Exceptions will apply; see the show program the day of the show!)

Limo buses will shuttle between each venue throughout the event so guests can stay as long as they want and not worry about parking!

Mark your calendars and don't miss simply the finest bridal event in the city! Purchase your tickets HERE

Take a look at a recap of last year's show!

 

 

How to Host A Superbowl Party in Style!

Superbowl2 Superbowl Sunday is only a month away! While the typical parties will be serving Buffalo wings and pizza, we have a few suggestions to help host your party in style! I pulled a few of our favorite recipes that will have your guests running into the kitchen every chance they get!

Triple Pork Sliders

Triple Pork Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground pork

• 1/2 pound fresh Mexican chorizo sausage, casings removed

• 1/4 cup finely grated pepper jack cheese

• 1 small shallot, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 8 slices applewood smoked bacon, cooked crisp

• 16 small dinner rolls, sliced in half

• Curly leaf lettuce

• 3 sliced plum tomatoes

• Smoked Paprika Mayonnaise, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat a flat top grill pan to medium-high heat.

In a medium bowl, mix the ground pork, sausage, cheese, shallot, garlic, and salt and pepper, to taste. Form the meat mixture into small equal-sized patties.

Cook the burgers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove them from the pan and serve on split rolls with a half a slice of bacon, lettuce, tomato and Smoked Paprika Mayonnaise.

Smoked Paprika Mayonnaise:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Sriracha)

 

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients together in s medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving, allowing the flavors to meld. Can be made a day ahead.

 

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Smoked Gouda-Chorizo Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients:

• 2 links Mexican chorizo, casings removed

• 1/2 pound smoked gouda, shredded

• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onions

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup cream cheese

• 3 tablespoons sour cream

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 12 large jalapeno peppers, stemmed, seeded and halved

Directions:

Special Equipment: parchment paper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Brown chorizo in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and place into a large mixing bowl. Add the cheese, red onion, egg, cream cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, and salt and pepper, to taste. Press into jalapeno halves and assemble on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

 

Shrimp

Grilled Shrimp with Orange-Habanero Mojo

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon seeded and chopped pickled habanero chile peppers (or use 1 tablespoon habanero hot sauce)

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• 16 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1 pound)

Directions:

Soak eight 8-inch wooden skewers in cold water for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour. Meanwhile, make the mojo: Combine the orange juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, the pickled habaneros, half of the garlic, the cilantro, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl; whisk well and set aside.

Combine the remaining garlic and 1/4 cup olive oil in a small bowl. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Skewer the shrimp and brush with some of the oil-garlic mixture on both sides; season with salt and pepper. Grill until opaque, about 2 minutes per side, brushing with the remaining oil-garlic mixture. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with the orange-habanero mojo.

 

The Year of the Flowers 2014

image2 While flowers tend to part of every wedding, this year, floral arrangements are getting a serious upgrade. Flowers are being woven into the décor more than ever before from oversized cascade bridal bouquets, elaborate flower installations that hang over the dance floor to draping elaborate displays at tables, having fresh flower ceremony arches, decking out cake canopies with flowers and displaying escort cards and seating arrangements on a fresh flower wall. Here are a few great ideas to consider when planning your big day.

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You're Invited: ZAAF's Official Launch Party at Barcelona Wine Bar

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We are excited to share some great client news! You're invited to the Official Launch Event for ZAAF™, a new collection of luxury apparel and leather accessories produced by highly skilled artisans in Ethiopia. We spotlighted them about a month ago and now we are planning their launch in Washington, D.C. Each piece is made to exact standards and showcases beautiful craftsmanship and natural resources unique to the region it draws its inspiration from. ZAAF™ is a word that means “tree” in the ancient and noble Amharic language. We hope you can join us in celebrating this great new business and support bringing economic development in Ethiopia!
Event: ZAAF Official Launch Event
Date: February 2nd 2014
Time: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Place: NEW! Barcelona Wine Bar - 1622 14th St NW Washington, DC 20005
Attire: Brunch Chic 
Parking: Street Parking Available
Complimentary Cocktails & Passed Food for Guests
ZAAF Products will be on sale at the event with 20% off!
For more information: info@zaafcollection.com
Event Hashtag: #ZAAFLaunch
Social Media: @Zaafcollection (Instagram)

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

TS3 "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.

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