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!

Spring 2013’s Trend: Long Live The Party Dress! @RenttheRunway

 

Being a self proclaimed "Party Girl turned Party Planner" means I wear  lots of dresses. Since I don't have a closet the size of Oprah's yet, I try to save money & space by finding new ways to look the part. Now that wedding season & summer parties are quickly approaching I thought it would be good to share  one of my favorite go-to spots to find inspirations & trends for my style, Rent the Runway!

Rent the Runway is a company with a mission – to democratize fashion and empower women to feel beautiful every day. And every time I have worn a dress from this online closet on the go I have received tons of compliments.

The online retailer just released a some great Spring 2013 Trends for dresses and accessories for any guest of a wedding or special event leading to the big day such as the Engagement Party, Bridal Shower, Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner & Honeymoon Looks To Love!

Read RTR's Here Comes the Guest

“Go Green” Vivian Wynter’s Eco Friendly Makeup Picks

“Go Green” Vivian Wynter’s Eco Friendly Makeup Picks

Hola Beauties!   Does the thought of “going green” seem to be this huge debacle that feels bigger than you.  Do you feel like you want to make a difference, but don’t know where to start?  These days, it feels like everyone (and everything) is getting an eco makeover. Celebs are even swapping their Porches for Priuses, and of you haven’t noticed, plastic bags have become virtually obsolete in grocery stores.  Going green has become a huge trend in Fashion and Beauty as well, because it is the easiest step one can take towards making a difference. 

As this trend emerges, tons of cosmetic companies have fled the market with promises of products that are eco-friendly.  As a Makeup Artist, I am concerned with the quality of the products that I recommend to clients, be them drugstore or department store.  Here is my Top 5 list of approved Eco-friendly cosmetic brands that are both easy on the environment and beautiful on the face!

          

1.)  The Physician’s Formula “Organic Wear” makeup line is 100% organic, from the internal product to the packaging. Each package is made of recycled paper instead of plastic, and products such as the Natural Organic Tinted Moisturizer and the Natural Origin Jumbo Lash Mascara contain 100% certified organic ingredients.  

                                                                                 Drugstore Diva Find

         

2.)  Origins is a makeup brand dedicated to being Eco-friendly. The makeup packaging is made up of 50% Forest Stewardship Council certified paperboard and 50% post-consumer recycled fiber. Origins sell everything from skincare products to bath and body products. The “All and Nothing” sheer pressed powder is one the company’s bestseller.

 Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

    

3.)  “Almay Wake-Up Hydrating Makeup SPF 13”, a powdered mineral-based makeup.  Just be careful of the application.  Beware-Mineral makeup does contain titanium dioxide, which is technically a carcinogen, so it can be harmful if inhaled.  BUT NO WORRIES.. .It's quite ok to use topically on your skin since it doesn’t absorb through the skin. I recommend mixing the mineral makeup with your day cream, and applying it on your face with your fingers. You will get incredible coverage, that won’t appear chalky.

Drugstore Diva Find

             

4.)  The environmentally conscious “PlantLove” line from edgy makeup master and popular brand Cargo is leading the way in easily accessible, eco-friendly beauty. From the 100% natural ingredients to the biodegradable packaging, PlantLove is environmentally smart and stylish. With so many fabulous products, where’s a girl to start? The Baked Illuminator -which combines blush, bronzer and highlighter in one easy compact, is a fan favorite, as is the Eye Liner. 

 Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

        

5.)  Iconic model and recent Dancing with the Stars contestant, Josie Maran, launched her own cosmetics line in 2006 and teamed up with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in order to bypass harmful ingredients.   Josie is as committed to quality and luxury as she is to the environment which is a win-win for the environmentally savvy girl on the go. The whole line is gorgeous, but the two products that have generated the most buzz are her all-purpose palette of four “Color Finger Paints” and her mascara. 

Sephora or Department Store Diva Find

Breakfast at Tiffany's Themed Bridal Shower

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a blog about the Breakfast at Tiffany's decor I (I = myself and 3 other girls lol) made for a Bridal Shower I co-hosted. We finally had the shower last week and it turned out AMAZING! The Bride loved the decor and had a lot of fun. Below are a few pictures from the event.

The Shower was a brunch, so we served bagels, muffins, danishes, cheese and crackers, cake pops, cookies, cupcakes, etc...

The Cake pops were made by Save Room Desserts. They looked and tasted amazing!

Along with the Tiffany's boxes we printed out Audrey Hepburn quotes, framed them and placed them all on the tables.

The Keepsake box was handcrafted for the bride.

All the decor was handmade. Although it took awhile we had a great time making everything and everything looked great!

Complimentary Engagement Session from Claudia Oliver Photography

Receive a free Engagement Session with Claudia Oliver Photography when you book your wedding package before March 31, 2013. Call (202) 370--7907 or go to www.claudiaoliver.com for more information.

You're Invited: Style to the Aisle...a Bride's RUNWAY 2013

Don't miss THE premiere bridal fashion event of 2013 produced by Memorable Moments Event Planning Co.!

WHO: You! Plus Press, Event Planners, Trendsetters & the Sophisticated Fashionista Bride.

WHAT: Romance comes back to rip the runway for a 3rd season with an all NEW look to give brides that much needed "fashion for thought" as she prepares for her big debut down the white carpet. Come enjoy an uber-chic bridal experience, get inspired and celebrate your engagement in style.

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2013 | 3pm-7pm

WHERE: L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC

If you've been to countless bridal expos but have left overwhelmed & uninspired, you're in for a real treat! Unlike any other, this event is unique & lavish; its a place where an elite & diverse collection of some of the hottest trends from the region's best designers & bridal boutiques in bridal fashion and accessories come to the catwalk. Come enjoy a great afternoon of mingling with your entourage, sip complimentary champagne/cocktails provided by Chambord, enjoy tasty hors d' oeuvres & win some fabulous prizes. Meet some of the best beauty experts, receive onsite beauty treatments in our exclusive "Style Lounge" and some amazing swag for the first 100 guests.

Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/303133

Spa in a Jar for Inclement Weather

Our skin hates the colder weather in the #DMV. So if you’re stuck inside try to make the best of your time with a homemade body scrub.

Here’s How:

1. All you need is sugar, oil, and fragrance. (We suggest using regular sugar for fine exfoliation).

2. Find your container (old baby food jar and jam jars work great).

3. Use a 2 to 1 ratio of sugar to oil. So, if you are using a half a cup of sugar in your container add 1/4 cup of oil. Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil (warmed in microwave to make liquid) work best in my opinion.

4. Stir the two together.

5. Then add your favorite scent, whether it is peppermint oil for the holidays (great for headache relief), lavender for relaxation, or citrus for invigoration your skin will enjoy this spa day at home.

Source: Tip Junkie

Get Your Keys Organized During #Snowquester

1.) Color Your Keys

Hate taking forever to find your house, car, office keys when its snowing? Take 5 Minutes while indoors to color code your keys with nail polish to save time and get organized.

Here’s how:

1. Remove your keys from their chain.

2. Select your nail polish colors and decide which key should be paired with each color. You can even try some clever color associations. Is your front door red? Paint your house key cherry. Have a garden shed? Paint it green for your garden. Pool key? Blue for water!

3. Paint a layer of nail polish over the top portion of your keys. If you go over an outline by accident, use a toothpick to remove any excess polish.

4. Let your nail polish completely dry and then apply a second coat until you can’t see the metal of the key underneath.

5. Once the keys are dry, put them back to your keychain, and that’s it!

Source: BrightNest 

Yep There's an App for That! Apps for the Bride to be!

Apps for smart phones and tablets have become a staple in everyone's lives. Whether you use them to pay bills, social media, shop, or play games there is definately an app to make every aspect of your life easier and weddings are no exception. If you type weddings into the Apple App store, over 1,900 different applications come up. Everything from balancing your budget, a brides checklist, seating charts, finding the perfect dress, and sharing wedding photos is in the app store. I was shocked at all of the different options. Below are a few that I thought were pretty amazing and would be helpful to any bride to be.

1. Wedding Party: Collect wedding photos from all of your guests in one place.

2. WeddingHappy: Asks your anticipated wedding date. Then it builds you a customized to-do checklist with suggested due dates

3.Wedding Dress Look Book by The Knot: On-the-go shopping source for the hottest wedding dresses. You'll get listings of wedding dress salons that carry that wedding dress you've been dying to try on.

4. The Married App for Wedding guests: Live photo sharing, photo booth, event info and directions, song requests, schedule, and much more!

5. Wedding Countdown: A highly customizable countdown app to your big day

Have you used any of the apps listed above or any wedding apps period? Tell us which ones are your favorite!

You're Invited: Desire to Aspire: A Women's History Month Brunch Celebration

The month of March is recognized throughout the United States as Women’s History Month, due to the anniversary of the Woman Suffrage Parade that took place here in Washington in March of 1913. The Pesante Media Group, KNPR + Marketing, and Favored by Yodit will bring together young professional women from an array of industries across the D.C. area to honor three female leaders in their respective fields and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement.

Those women are:

Melanie Roussell

National Press Secretary, Democratic National Committee

Helena Andrews

Journalist, Contributing Editor of The Root, and Author of Bitch Is The New Black

Karen Richardson

Director, The White House Office on Public Engagement

Join us as we celebrate these fearless leaders who are ascending in their fields!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

St. Gregory Hotel M Street Bar and Grill

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 Event Host Committee

Women's Information Network

The Fab Empire

The YFF Experience

 Music by DJ Eskada

 #desiretoaspire

Buy tickets here:

http://desiretoaspirewhm.eventbrite.com/