Mother's Day Gift Guide

In case you forgot, Mother's Day happens to be coming up fast it's Sunday, May 10th this year. If you're still unsure about how you're going to spoil her, don't stress, you have time to figure it out. Just in case, here are our recommendations of the best gift ideas any mom would love. From a stylish watch that matches her busy life to a magazine subscription she can use wherever she goes, finding the gift that is just right for her interests is about to get a whole lot easier. Here are some easy and affordable ideas thanks to askmen.com

Source askmen.com

Spring Inspired Styled Shoot Model Call!

Looking for beautiful models {both male + female} for our Spring Inspired Style Shoot in VA! If interested, please send a link to your headshot, a full body photo, measurements and a little blurb about yourself toyodit@favoredbyyodit.com. P.s. If you reading this and aren't interested but know someone who might be, please tag them in a comment.

Wedding Wednesday: 14 Questions to Ask Photographers

When planning your wedding, one of the most important vendors you will hire (outside of your wedding planner) is your photographer. When your first kiss as husband and wife is over, the cake is gone, and the flowers have wilted all you will have left are the pictures. Make sure that you hire someone that understands your vision and will be able to capture all of your once in a lifetime moments. How do you do that? Well I am glad you asked! Check out “14 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer” put together by WeddingWire.

How would you describe your style of photography and can I see examples?

You’ll likely hear words like “photojournalistic,” “traditional,” “formal,” “documentary,” or “creative” but frequently these mean different things to different people. Ask a photographer to walk you through his or her work to help illuminate a description.

Have you ever photographed a wedding in my venue before?

If the answer is yes, ask to see the images that were shot at your venue to make sure they mesh with your vision. If the answer is no, it’s certainly not a deal-breaker, but see if the photographer would be willing to “scout” or check out your location in advance of the wedding to pick backdrops, etc.

Will you be the one photographing my wedding?

If the photographer works solo, the answer would be an obvious yes. However, if you’re interviewing a photographer from a bigger company, make sure that the person you’re talking to will be the one who will show up on your wedding day.

What if you get sick or an emergency comes up and you can’t photographer my wedding?

A photographer who works alone should have a good back-up plan in case of emergency, one that makes you feel comfortable and secure.

Are you insured?

A professional photographer should have insurance in case their equipment breaks, is stolen, or an accident occurs.

Can I see the album from a full wedding?

Some photographers will just show you a collection of their best images, instead of the full set of images from a wedding, start to finish. You’ll want to see images from every part of a wedding – getting ready, the ceremony, first dance, etc. – not just the most creative or dreamy portraits.

For the full list check out:

http://mktg.weddingwire.com/Newsletter/14-Questions-Photographer/default.html?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=Photography+Lifecycle+Email

Source: WeddingWire.com

Blog Post: Top 10 Wedding Guest Complaints and How to Avoid Them

Do you remember that time you went to a wedding expecting a full three course meal so you skipped lunch to fit into your dress and you got there and they were only serving light hors d'oeuvres? Or when you wore your new suede pumps to that wedding last August only to get there and find out that the ceremony is outside in the grass. As you sat there googling, “how to remove grass stains from suede” or digging in your purse praying that one of the M&Ms from the bag you bought yesterday dropped in the bottom of your bag you VOWED *see what I did there* that you would communicate better when it was your turn to get married. While you are making notes of all of the things you would do different, take a look at the top wedding guest complaints by BrideBox.

1. A difficult date: Everyone knows Christmas is your favorite holiday and a winter wonderland wedding with red and green accents would be the PERFECT backdrop for your special day. However, a wedding on Christmas Day or any other holiday could prove to be very difficult for your guests to attend. Travel plans for big holidays are often made months in advance, so if your heart is set on that date give your guests plenty of time to plan.

2. An uncomfortable climate: Having your wedding at noon outside in July was a great idea until the day of the wedding and it is 200 degrees outside. You don’t want your guests spending more time trying to redirect the sweat dripping from their forehead than paying attention to the ceremony. For moments where weather could affect your guests, get creative. Make your programs dual purpose by making them fans, or provide your guests a pashmina or blanket for chilly nights.

3. Disregarded dietary restrictions: As a new pescetarian this complaint is close to my heart. When selecting your menu, be sure to keep in mind those that have dietary restrictions. There is nothing worse than getting to a venue and the only options are chicken and steak with no vegetarian options. Be sure to ask if your guests have any special needs on the RSVP card so that they can be properly taken care at the reception.

For the full list of Top Wedding Guest Complaints, be sure to visit bridebox.com!

Source: http://www.bridebox.com/blog/top-wedding-guest-complaints/

RECAP 2015 Capital Bridal Affair - Photography by Rodney Bailey

On March 1, 2015 Favored Owner Yodit Gebreyes and one of our Favored Brides attended the Capital Bridal Affair (CBA) and Fashion Show at The Mayflower DC. If you have never been there, it is a beautiful hotel located downtown near the White House and the perfect venue for a luxury wedding. In October, we have the privilege of planning a wedding there and the CBA was the perfect event to get our brides creative juices flowing.

The official photographer was Rodney Bailey who has been voted the “Top Wedding Photojournalist” by Washingtonian Magazine since 1999. For more on Rodney Bailey and to see more of his amazing work, check out his website here: http://www.rodneybailey.com/index2.html#intro/home

Are you Prepared for Clutch Season?

Whether you are getting married, attending a wedding or any kind of occasion clutch season is finally here. You can never go wrong with classic metallic or vibrant colors to pair with your outfit. Nordstrom, J.Crew, Zara, Bloomingdale and Neiman Marcus offer great styles at affordable prices.

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: Liancarlo Trunk Show

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Emerald Green Bridesmaid Dress Inspiration

 

In honor of St. Patrick's Day we are featuring our clients, Tiffany & Keith's October D.C. Wedding at The Josephine Butler Park Center to give future brides some inspiration for wear to pick out the perfect classy long emerald green bridesmaid dresses for your green wedding color palette. We love bringing our client's visions come to live, from bouquets to bridesmaids dresses, centerpieces to cakes. 

Bridesmaid Dresses are by The Dessy Group | Coordination by Favored by Yodit Events | Photography by Danielle Real Photography

Bye Bye Winter! Hello Spring Wedding Planning

We've had a long, cold winter but for all of you spring & summer brides and grooms, your wedding day will be here before you know it! Favored by Yodit Events has a few summer dates left. Let us design the perfect planning package to assist in the beginning or final stretch of wedding planning. Contact us for your complimentary consultation today!

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

 

Now Everyone Can Leave a Speech!

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

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

WATCH SAMPLE VIDEO HERE.

Customize Your Wedding Website

One of the biggest changes in the wedding industry along with the internet is the ability to build a website for your wedding. Instead of building your own wedding website from scratch, generally it’s easy to use a pre-built template so you can get your wedding website up and running in no time. Wedding websites are great to show off your personal style, share favorite moments like that ring-selfie, engagement pictures, wedding invitation, hotels, directions, gift registry and wedding pictures. A great way to make it simple for your guests.

Here are a list of Website's for your Wedding

1. AppyCouple

http://www.appycouple.com/

2. Glo

http://glosite.com/

3. WeddingJoJo

http://www.weddingjojo.com/

4. eWedding

http://www.ewedding.com/

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

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

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

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

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

Valentine's Day Is in Less than a Month Away. Better Make Plans Now!

Call me Cupid because I think Valentine's day might be my favorite holiday! It’s that time of year again.Time to spring into action for Valentine’s Day and plan a special moment for those you love.

Whether you want to plan a cute activity day for your kids, book the best table and have a romantic time on the town think if you could use a hand. Here are some fun ideas to bring your vision to life!

Have a Be My Valentine Party at Home It's time to start planning your parties and gifts! Be sure to check out Tom Kat's Valentine's Day Collection Use code BEMINE15 at checkout for 15% off your entire purchase in the Valentine's Day section.

Kickoff Valentine’s Day Early with Sweets and Sips at Bourbon Steak

Make Reservation Here

Win A Charming Affair In New York! Try your luck in love with The Alexi and Ani + FWx Sweepstakes. Enter here for your chance to win a weekend for two in New York City! Contest enters at 11:59 PM ET on 01/25/15.

If you would like to setup a consultation to bring your vision to life please contact us here.

Wishing you a love-filled Valentine's Day!

BHLDN’s Spring 2015 Collection

“Meet me in the Garden” Everyone's favorite accessible wedding brand is back with a new collection. BHLDN's spring '15 collection features over 30 new wedding gowns ranging in price from $750 to $3,600, and they're totally dreamy. A collection inspired by lush blooms, trailing vines, and hidden nooks waiting to be explored.

Favored Friday Vendor Spotlight: Southern Blooms

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

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

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

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You're Invited: Start Off 2015 with these Winter Wedding Events!

 

Hey 2015 Bride to be's! Congrats on getting engaged! Don't know where to begin? Don't know what questions to ask before you buy? Looking to save money and give your wedding a personal touch? At Favored by Yodit Events we are here to help you discover practical tips and unique ideas for your big day!

Here is a list of some great events for all our lovely Favored Brides which can help decide on the rest of your wedding professional vendors.

Enjoy and let us know if you will be attending!

Washington Wedding Experience

Sunday, January 18, 2015

11:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Patriot Center (Fairfax, VA)

Get Tickets Here

Baltimore Bride’s Aisle Style

Sunday, January 25, 2015

11:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Lord Baltimore Hotel

Get Tickets Here

Washingtonian Bride & Groom Unveiled

Sunday, January 25, 2015

11:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Fairmont Hotel Washington, D.C.

Get Tickets Here

Discover the Washington area's best vendors at these all-day wedding experiences!

Seven Wedding Details Not to Share Before Your Big Day

You’re probably bursting with excitement over your upcoming wedding – and want to shout your plans from the rooftops! But take our advice – hold back. Of course, it’s okay to share some of your wedding details with your nearest and dearest but there should be an element of surprise on your big day, especially when it comes to these things.

The Dress and Attire We’re telling you now: Everyone will want to see a picture of what you’re planning on wearing. But we recommend keeping your attire a secret from the majority of your guests until the big day. You want the gasps of delight when you first walk down the aisle to be genuine, and you never know – some Debbie Downer might say something negative about your ensemble before the big day that may make you doubt your decision.

Hair and Makeup Choices “How are you wearing your hair?” is a common question, and like your dress, there’s no need to tell everyone about your intended hairstyle or makeup choices. Everyone will likely have an opinion about how you should look on your wedding day – but in the end, it’s up to you (with the help of your hair stylist and makeup artist) to decide.  Simply say “I haven’t figured it out yet” to change the subject.

Color Scheme and Decor Again with the element of surprise. You don’t want your guests to walk into your wedding and know exactly what the room is going to look like beforehand – a little anticipation is much more fun. There’s no reason you need to tell them every detail about your décor in advance, and if they press you for answers, just say “We want you to be surprised!”

First Dance Song Your first dance song is a very personal choice, and not all of your guests will “get it.” But that doesn’t matter. Even if you’re picking a more traditional song, there’s no need to share it in advance with everyone. You may pick up some unwanted comments or even criticism (“Oh really? That’s a weird choice.”) – and who needs that? 

Guest List Details Try to avoid divulging too much information about your wedding guest list to others. You may get a lot of questions about why certain people were or weren’t invited, and it can turn into a sticky situation. Of course, your close family members should be aware of the invite list, but there’s no need to take it too far beyond that. And related to that, it’s best to keep the reception seating arrangements private as well!

The Favors Think of your wedding favors as a gift to your guests – and most of the time, you don’t tell people about gifts (whether it’s birthday, holiday, whatever) in advance.  So any favors or giveaways should be kept private, except for anyone who is helping to assemble or purchase your favors.

The Surprises Whether you’re doing a fun sparkler sendoff, having a photobooth, or you and your dad are performing a wacky dance together, don’t ruin your wedding-day surprises by spilling the beans! Even if you just tell one person (and swear them to secrecy), you run the risk of your entire guest list finding out about that thing that’s going to make your wedding totally unique. So keep any surprise wedding elements to yourself (and your future spouse and wedding planner, of course!).

Source: Wedding Wire.com

Do You Have New Year's Eve Plans?

Looking to have a nice New Year's Eve Party at Home or at a Special Event Venue?

Photo from Myaa & John's Wedding by Jamie C Photography

As December 31st fast approaches, bring in the New Year with family and friends and leave the details to us. 

Whether its assisting with design details, vendor selection or just coordinating all the fun we can make sure you are enjoy all the festivities in style!

We look forward to hearing from you and making 2015 your best year yet!

Contact Us

Call or Email us to begin planning your  celebration.  

(703) 801-8057 | yodit@favoredbyyodit.com

Real Engagements: Travis + Valisha

Once I saw this beautiful couple's engagement video on Facebook, I knew I HAD to get their love story for all of you to enjoy. I am team #GoBigOrGoHome and Travis did just that to ask the love of his life to marry him. To learn more about this couple and see the SUPER Cute engagement video, check after the break.

How did you meet?

• We met at Word of God Fellowship Church. Valisha saw me coming to church, but never knew my name. She inquired about me through her brother in a picture that she saw and he gave a general background profile and she expressed an interest. I introduced myself the following Sunday. I told her we should meet on a Thursday for coffee, but ended up meeting on that Tuesday and we've been seeing either other ever since.

What do you love about her?

• Everything.  Her spirit, mind,  her support,  her relationship with God, her relationship with her family, her relationship with my family, her love for helping other young woman find their relationship with Christ, her leadership abilities, her non-judgmental attitude, her humbleness, her strength, her ability to forgive, her cooking, her singing. Her!

What do you love about him?

• His relationship with God, his role in the ministry, his love for my family, his ambition, his spontaneous acts, how he balances my life, how he encourages me to want to achieve more, how he opens me up to new ideas, how he always compliments me, how we makes me smile, how he still sends me txt msgs every morning, how he's there for me without even asking. Its almost as if he knows exactly what I need.

Describe the Proposal:

• The proposal took place at an Anthony Hamilton concert Dec 3rd, 2014 on stage. It was arranged through a mutual contact between Anthony Hamilton's management team and myself.  During the concert Anthony Hamilton called my name and requested I came to the stage. He asked  for me to take the microphone and I commenced with my proposal

The Ring!:

• The engagement ring is a 2 CT. Quad Princess-Cut Diamond 14k White Gold from Zales

Photographer/Proposal Planner Credit:

• Im not sure who recorded the video but I [Travis] arranged and planned the proposal

We at Favored by Yodit Events, wish you both a lifetime of happiness and overwhelming blessings! Congratulations!!