Hip Bridesmaid Fashion

care of Lena Dunham's Instagram yo

I had to pop by to do a quick blog post on the bridesmaids outfits everyone's talking about.

For those of you who follow me on Instagram know, I flipped when I saw Lena Dunham's Instagram post featuring what she and fellow bridesmaids wore to her BFF Audrey Gelman's wedding. They wore sequined skirts customized by J.Crew's Jenna Lyons, along with dusty pink tops and gold shoes.

Can we PLEASE start doing more of this? It's sequined and shiny and sparkly so you know it's festive and fancy. But these ladies can WEAR THESE SKIRTS AGAIN. Plus, they're customized (see detail below) which is just sweet as hell. I adore that they're still appropriately dressy while still being untraditional and chic as all get out. Plus, I don't know who that pregnant woman is on the right, but she is killing it.

care of Lena Dunham's Instagram yo

Rebecca and Mike // Union Station, Washington DC Wedding // DC Wedding Coordinator

This wedding - my first for 2016 - was so much fun, and was the perfect match for me. It's a great example of how weddings don't have to be all one thing or the other - super offbeat or super traditional. We're all complex people and it makes sense that our weddings are, too. From a distance, this looked like a fairly traditional Jewish wedding. Lots of guests (260), large beautiful venue (Union Station is so lovely), and many of the wonderful Jewish traditions. Look closer, however, and you'd see that they had no announcement, no cake cutting, no first dance or parents dances. Most importantly, Rebecca proposed to Mike. Which I straight-up LOVE. Here's how their engagement happened, in her own words:

We had just bought a house and knew we would get married but I am a planner and Mike is not.  I had decided it was time to get engaged if we were going to get married and that we should get married in January 2016! I started asking Mike to marry me everyday.  His typical response was "Not quiiiiiite yet".  Then, we agreed that when I had asked him 100 times, he would have to say yes.  I started asking multiple times a day and then he got smart and made a one time a day rule :) By the 100th time, he was in! Neither of us believe in a traditional "surprise" engagement (which is generally not a surprise!) or the man having to ask the woman.  These decisions are made as a couple and we wanted to throw (somewhat sexist!) tradition out the window.  I also did not want an engagement ring so we surprised both our parents with the news and started planning.  The only problem was when no one actually believed we were engaged since there was no engagement ring and no engagement story!

We NEED more of this you guys. It was such an honor to work with a couple like this and support them and their families. I swear it makes my heart grow and my bolsters my feminist spirit. It's so ridiculous that our society doesn't "believe" people are engaged because they don't have a "story" or a ring (ummm... that story above is an EXCELLENT story). So please let's all continue to break traditions we don't care about and embrace the ones we do.

Now that I got that out of the way, let's move on to the beautiful photos of this lovely day. They took some portraits at Hotel Monaco before heading over to Union Station for some more. After the photos and Ketubah signing, they had a beautiful ceremony - Rebecca's father, a rabbi, officiated! Petal's Edge did such a great job with their romantic chuppah, and I especially loved the modern arrangements for the centerpieces. Design Cuisine along with Kosher Kitchen killed it with their food and service. As you'll see, Onyx kept them dancing all night long - and Charles Archambault captured it all in these fantastic photos. Enjoy! And congrats again to my most bad-ass of couples, Rebecca and Mike!

Rebecca and Mike's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie, The Plannery

Venue: Union Station

Caterer: Kosher Kitchen and Design Cuisine

Photographer: Charlie Archambault

Band: Onyx

Florist: Petal's Edge

Rachel and Andrew // Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington, DC Wedding/ DC Wedding Coordinator

Full disclosure - this wedding happened a long time ago. But I just got my hands on the stunning photos, and I simply HAD to share. So close your eyes and pretend for a moment that we're not in the depths of winter, but instead on the cusp of fall - and then open your eyes and sink into these beautiful photos by Sarah Gormley (which features one of my very favorite first-look shots of a groom EVER).

I was coordinator for Rachel and Andrew's October wedding. They were such a wonderful couple - so easy-going and fun and in love! In addition to their modern, fall colors (guys, those bridesmaid dresses are my FAVORITE - not to mention the lovely florals by Eight Tree Street), they also incorporated DC-related items including a Metro theme for their table numbers, menus, escort cards, and even bottles of wine they had guests sign for various anniversaries (love this) - and their Fluffy Thoughts cake was adorned with DC monuments. They had a slightly non-traditional menu with different themed stations/buffets rather than a plated dinner. And then they part-ayed the night away (as you shall see).

Very belated congrats to the wonderful Rachel and Andrew!

Rachel and Andrew's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie, The Plannery

Venue: Josephine Butler Parks Center

Photographer: Sarah Gormley

Caterer: Spilled Milk

DJ: Derek Romanoff from Bialek's Music

Ceremony Music: Palm Strings Trio

Uplighting and Photobooth: Bialek's

Florist: Eight Tree Street

Hair/Make-up: Modern Bridal Studio

Cake: Fluffy Thoughts

Kerrin and Antonio // St. Francis Hall, Washington, DC Wedding // DC Wedding Planner

Kerrin and Antonio got married this past October at Luther Place Memorial Church, followed by a reception at St. Francis Hall. Kerrin was a partial planning client - I didn’t meet Antonio til the day of the wedding, because he lives in Mexico! (though you may recognize them from their DC engagement session we featured here!). Kerrin moved to Mexico to be with Antonio shortly after the wedding, which is just damned dreamy. Speaking of dreamy… these photos from Sarah Gormley Photography are ethereal and lovely and amazing. She is one of my favorites and I just love the way she captures the day.

Kerrin was a flutist and fifer with the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and therefore has a ton of musician friends. She added some beautiful musical touches by having a musical prelude at the church, and then surprising guests with a flash mob of fife, drum and bugle players at the reception!

This was such a fun reception because they really wanted to meld their two cultures. Main Event did a great job of providing delicious food (and of course, margaritas!), and DJ Anthony from MyDeejay introduced some latin music to the usual dance hits. The last special touch was that their wedding day was on Kerrin’s mother and father’s 40th wedding anniversary! So after the cake cutting they did a special tribute to them. It was a wonderful evening and wishing Kerrin and Antonio all the best in Mexico!! Congrats!

Kerrin and Antonio’s Vendors:

Planner: Katie from The Plannery

Venue: Luther Place Memorial Church and St. Francis Hall

Caterer: Main Event

Photographer: Sarah Gormley

DJ: Anthony from MyDeejay

Florist: Love Blooms

Cake: Fluffy Thoughts

Videographer: CinemaBride

Oscar and Blaine // Mexican Cultural Institute Wedding, Washington, DC // DC wedding coordinator

The Plannery's fab coordinator, Tarra, brings you this blog post about Oscar and Blaine's wedding at the Mexican Cultural Institute. I was so bummed I was unavailable for this one, but was very glad Tarra was able to assist these wonderful men. Take it away, Tarra!

Blaine + Oscar = Bloscar! This is the one case where I would say merging the couples’ names together was sheer genius. In many ways, Blaine and Oscar are complete opposites…Oscar love to dance, Blaine does not.  Blaine is very (self-admittedly) Type A, Oscar is not…but Bloscar truly had a personality of his own! Evidenced by a wedding full of details representing both Blaine and Oscar’s personalities and backgrounds.

On the one hand, this special day represented your traditional style wedding (tuxedos, bowties, a formal Episcopal service, etc.)  On the other hand, this wedding gave off a modern, laid-back yet sophisticated vibe - and of course it was extremely FUN!  I think this blend is exactly what Bloscar was going for.  The perfect Greek and Mexican amalgamation. Notable examples include the beautiful Greek crowning tradition performed at the ceremony, and the reception held at the Mexican Cultural Institute featuring a kick ass mariachi band! Even the menu created by Spilled Milk was inspired by Greek and Mexican cultures.  The best part was the Mario Bros photo booth theme!!! Granted, the Mario Bros are Italian, but still somehow it fit in like a glove!

The final thing I will mention about this fantastic wedding was the crazy déjà vu experience I had.  Same-sex marriage + Impeding Hurricane Joaquin = Tarra wondering how the heck she was in this boat again! What are the chances I would experience this two times, in two different roles…first as a bride, then as a wedding coordinator?   Never fear, Bloscar was in excellent hands if I do say so myself!  And it truly my pleasure working with them - Congrats again, Oscar and Blaine!

Oscar and Blaine's Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra, The Plannery

Venue: Mexican Cultural Institute

Catering: Spilled Milk

Photography: Khalid Naji-Allah

DJ: Khelan Bhatia

Lighting: Protech

Photobooth: Snapshot Moments

Cake: Touche Touchet Bakery

Food Truck: DC Slices

Alyssa and Ali // Meadowlark Botanical Garden, Vienna, VA wedding // VA wedding planner

I thought it would be a nice break from the freaking freezing weather we've been having to take a look back a balmy outdoor wedding. I did partial planning for Alyssa and Ali - helping them nail down their major vendors and then stepping back in to coordinate their day. They got married outdoors on a fairly steamy, but beautiful, September day (does anyone remember hot, sweaty weather?). Cocktails and reception followed, along with some wonderful toasts, food, cupcakes and dancing!

Alyssa and Ali were awesome - first of all, can we talk about how I love a bride in glasses? It's ridiculous that I have to say that, but I love that Alyssa wanted to look like her beautiful self on her wedding day. Alyssa was also a DIY master. She did all of her own flowers - which is no joke. And they were stunning. She also DIY'd an entire candy bar which was a huge hit and so much fun! She did a Mr. vs. Mrs. bar with all of his and her favorite candy. Big thanks to Bonnie Sen for capturing this day so well, and congrats again to Alyssa and Ali!! Now enjoy these lovely photos and daydream about sunshine and flowers!

Alyssa and Ali's Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Katie, The Plannery

Venue: The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Catering: Great Blue Heron

Photographer: Bonnie Sen

DJ: Rusty from DJ DMAC and Associates

Cupcakes: SophistiCAKE

Flowers: The bride!

Jen and Steve // Carnegie Instute of Science, Washington, DC Wedding // DC Wedding Coordinator

Jen and Steve toured Carnegie Institute of Science last fall when I was running around coordinating and setting up Brittany and Dan's wedding. They briefly met me and later reached out to see if I'd help them! Jen and Steve got married at the Carnegie Institute of Science on Friday, October 30th. This awesome couple also did a killer job of adding some Halloween touches while still keeping things classy. Jack-o-lanterns were in the fireplace, her bouquet was a STUNNING dark, gothic, feather masterpiece created by Uncloudy Studio, they were introduced to "Thriller," and the place cards had a little extra bite to them (as you'll see). Also, Jen's dad MADE the cake topper and it was amazing! After a first look and some beautiful photos (by the awesome Shandi Wallace), they took full advantage of the venue by doing the ceremony in the round. Cocktails, dinner and dancing followed. The evening ended with a delicious cookie table in honor of Jen's grandmother. It was such a fun party - Jen and Steve were some of the most friendly, hilarious, wonderful couples I've worked with (and Steve can dance his a$$ off which is my very favorite type of groom). So enjoy this spooky stunner of a wedding!

Jen and Steve's Vendors:

Venue: Carnegie Institute of Science

Coordinator: Katie, The Plannery

Caterer: Spilled Milk

Photographer: Shandi Wallace

Floral: Uncloudy Studio

DJ: Dave Grimm from Bialek's Music

Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Palm Strings Trio

Sally and Brendan // Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA Wedding // VA Wedding Planner

 

Guys. I sort of don't know where to start with Sally and Brendan. Perhaps they can best be described by the fact that they printed out and framed hilarious quotes from their Match.com courting days and had them on each dining table. Or the fact that they, and everyone else, laughed through their entire ceremony (especially when Brendan said, "I, Charlize Theron, take you, Sally" in reference to Sally's obsession with Ms. Theron). They are effing mad funny. Thus, they were an absolute pleasure to work with. I did partial planning with them and helped them line up some vendors, as well as month of coordination. Also, I miss them. Also, they got me one of the best thank you gifts EVER and knocked my socks off. But I digress...

They got married this past July at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA. Sally is stunning, but got a little bridal boost thanks to Alison Harper & Co (dude - her hair... her HAIR). After getting ready they had a great ceremony filled with the most adorable flower children you'll ever see, the aforementioned Charlize Theron reference, and pure joy. Cocktails and photos followed, and then we had a great meal and got down to the dancing (the photos of which will also show you exactly how amazing these two are). Rusty from DJ DMAC kept them on the dance floor, they served donuts from Astro Doughnuts instead of cake (though Sally surprised Brendan with a cheesehead cake from Charm City Cakes... again: rad), and everyone partied all night long. One last shout-out to Emily from LoveBlooms who did beautiful modern arrangements and some stunning modern bouquets as well. And finally, big thanks to Hannah Hudson Photography for the gorgeous photos! Sit back, get ready to laugh and smile, and enjoy: (and congrats again Charlize and Sally!)

Sally and Brendan's Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Katie, The Plannery

Venue: The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Caterer: Great Blue Heron Catering

Photographer: Hannah Hudson Photography

DJ: Rusty from DJ DMAC

Florist: Love Blooms

Hair/Make-up: Alison Harper & Co

Donuts: Astro Doughnuts

Groom's Cake: Charm City Cakes

Kim and Todd // National Museum of Women in the Arts Wedding, Washington, DC // DC wedding coordinator

Kim and Todd have an awesome love story. As Kim’s dad recounted during his toast, thirty-some years ago - before Todd and Kim were born - their dads met at a job they both took after college and stayed good friends from then on. They each had children around the same time and they would often joke that they wanted to set their kids up so that one day they’d become family. Fast forward - Todd started college at James Madison University a year before Kim decided to go there too.  Todd's dad told him to help Kim and her family move her into her dorm, so he did. The week before classes started, Todd and Kim met for lunch a few times and were officially dating a couple weeks after that.  So, although they've been together for 7 years, they've actually known each other for over twenty!

They had a beautiful wedding this past June, with a ceremony at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the reception at National Museum of Women In the Arts. After getting ready, their first look, and some portraits, the ceremony began. We amazingly crunched in some more photos post-ceremony before the rain really came down - it made for some windy but beautiful pics by Matthew D’Agostino of Love Life Images.

This was yet another example of a fairly traditional wedding made personal with small touches throughout the night. Kim made the NMWA venue even more beautiful with her stunning DIY projects which included escort cards on keys, Kim and Todd’s initials in flowers, and hand-made preserves as favors. Add in the beautiful florals by LynnVale Studios and delicious dining by Main Event and you had an incredible evening. After dinner, the guests danced the night away to Elan Artists’ band Nation - and had a very cool surprise set with Kim’s uncle (E Street Band’s Nils Lofgren!) and Kim’s father. The icing on the cake (pun intended) was that their wedding cake was made by their grandmother!

Huge congrats to Kim and Todd! Thanks for letting me be a part of this beautiful day

Kim and Todd's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie, The Plannery

Ceremony Venue: Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Reception Venue: National Museum of Women in the Arts

Caterer: Main Event

Photographer: Matthew D'Agostino from LoveLife Images

Florist: LynnVale Studios

Band: Nation, through Elan Artists

Hair/Make-up: Amie Decker Beauty

Drapery: Fabrication Events

Lighting: Atmosphere Lighting

Transport: Atlantic Transport

Corey and Peter // Pinstripes Wedding, Washington, DC // DC Wedding Coordinator

Corey and Peter's wedding was a total blast and right up my alley (pun intended). Their non-traditional wedding was held at the Georgetown Pinstripes - a restaurant/bar/event space/bocce court and bowling alley. Hells to the yes. Corey was a DIY master, creating tons of great little details that made their day super special and unique.

After getting ready they started their day with a first look and portraits around Georgetown - the couple met at Georgetown University. We then had the ceremony at Pinstripes, with cocktails, bocce and bowling downstairs for cocktail hour while we somewhat frantically flipped the space for the reception!

In addition to Corey's awesome DIY details, which included hand-made notecards for the guests to fill out for each of their upcoming anniversaries (I've said it before and I'll say it again - I LOVE this guest book alternative), this wedding was also FULL of surprises. Corey's Mom did a surprise "rap" toast (to Fresh Prince of BelAir, obviously). Corey and her brothers surprised the guests with a choreographed dance, followed by ANOTHER surprise dance flash mob that Corey's family had put together. It was awesome. Needless to say, dancing, dancing and more dancing followed.

Big thanks to TellChronicles for the great photos - and can we talk about how freaking hot Corey and Peter are? Hot damn. (and a shout-out to Peter's Mom for a truly awesome hat - we need more hats and fascinators at weddings, please).

Congrats again to Corey and Peter!

Corey and Peter's Vendors:

Venue and Catering: Pinstripes

Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Photographer: Emily from TellChronicles

DJ: Dominick from DJ Paul Entertainment

Florist: Dahlia Floral and Vallena Ferguson

Cake: Catherine Cullen

Cocktail Music: Wentworth Richardson