Gorgeous fall sky. Photo: Documentary Associates

Warm lights in a mix of soft pink and purple washed the ballroom walls. Photos: Documentary Associates

Nothing like being introduced as newlyweds by a bagpiper, honoring the groom’s Scottish heritage. Photo: Documentary Associates

One of my favorite cakes. The textured icing looks great and look at that abstract cake topper Phyllis made! Photo: Documentary Associates

Yes, a garter football. Photo: Documentary Associates

Production Team:

Ceremony: Cherrydale United Methodist Church, Arlington, VA

Reception: Washington Golf & Country Club, Arlington, VA

Cake: Fluffy Thoughts

Hair Styling: Evolve Salon

Makeup: Perry Warren

Floral Design: Phyllis A Kennedy of The Enchanted Florist

Photographer: Documentary Associates, Tom Van Veen

Musicians:  Steve Rogers Jazz Trio

Ceremony Guitarist: Paul Bangser

Reception DJ: MyDeejay, William Steward

Transportation: Regal Limousine

Guest Hotels: Westin Arlington Gateway and Holiday Inn Ballston

Linens: DC Rentals, Jennifer Krysa

Lighting: John Farr Lighting

Wedding Planner: Vicky Choy, Event Accomplished

Photo: Vicky Choy

OK so back to gifts. Sapore is introducing a wedding registry program. As more couples are getting married later in life and living together before marriage, who needs yet another blender or sheet set? Artisanal oils and vinegars would be a great alternative registry, especially since I don’t think the couple would necessarily buy those for themselves but certainly use at some point. This is even more so for those who love to cook. Their smaller size bottles are the perfect size as your favors, and simply adding a tag or custom label turning them into escort cards (great for food-inspired wedding). As a general gift idea, I love their gift box set where you can choose any four bottles of oil and vinegar.  Happy gifting! — Vicky

Photo: Vicky Choy

Photo: Vicky Choy

]]> http://eventaccomplished.com/2013/03/registry-gift-ideas-for-dc-foodies-sapore-artisanal-oils-vinegars-and-sea-salts/feed/ 0 http://eventaccomplished.com/2013/03/high-end-bridal-consignment-boutique-fabulous-frocks-alexandria/ http://eventaccomplished.com/2013/03/high-end-bridal-consignment-boutique-fabulous-frocks-alexandria/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:30:37 +0000 Vicky Choy http://eventaccomplished.com/?p=2910 Located in the Del Ray section of Alexandria, Fabulous Frocks is a welcomed addition to the Washington DC bridal fashion market in an age where brides are less sentimental about keeping their wedding gowns for their future daughters and savvy brides are searching for “the look for less.” (Click here for more info on how to consign your dress.)

Photo: Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria

The shop features recently worn (no more than 5 years) and sample gowns from designers such Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Rivini, Anne Barge, Ulla-Maija and Vera Wang that originally retailed for $2,000 or higher, and now new to you at 20%-70% discount. For example, as of earlier this week, there is an elegant Paloma Blanca available at 40% off retail! When I visited last week with Linda Fairall, the lovely owner, she says her gowns typically range from $1000-$8000 and there were about 80 gowns available, with a constantly changing inventory. To go with your beautiful gown, you can also find  Sara Gabriel veils and headpieces, and Meg Jewelry.

Your bridesmaids can take advantage of the current 10% off  promotion (through April 15th) in a selection of Jenny Yoo and Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids dresses (Fabulous Frocks is only one of two stores in the entire metro DC area that carries Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids).

Even though you can purchase these gowns at a discounted price, the experience at the boutique is not lessened at all. The boutique looks like a high-end salon with spacious dressing rooms and attentive service.

Photo: Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria

Ready to shop? Here is a quick tip from Linda: Treat shopping at a consignment shop like you would at a sample sale at any bridal salon. You will be: purchasing an off-the-rack dress in only one size, paying in full, walking out of the store with you dress.

There are 3 upcoming trunks shows:

• Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids April 26th-28th
• Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids May 17th-19th
• Sara Gabriel Veiling and Accessories June 14th-16th

Photo: Linda Fairall o Fabulous Frocks of Alexandria

Happy Shopping! Vicky

Photo: Pancha Dulce

We are always looking for ideas on favors and on contents for a welcome bag that would represent Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia. As I was wandering through my neighborhood farmers market and a local store the other day, it dawned on me that this is a great place to find locally made products, especially if you already buy them regularly. Why didn’t I think of that earlier?  Here are some of the products that my local market sells that would be great gift ideas:

• Chocolate truffles from Virginia Chocolate Company (Falls Church, VA)
• Handcrafted Soaps from Union Street Soapworks (Millersville, MD)
• Oh Mercy Hot Sauce (Falls Church, VA)
• Cookies from Pancha Dulce (Falls Church, VA) – Double Chocolate Sea Salt is yummy!
• And one of our favorite bakers, Kendall Barrett, sells her jams and baked goods at Local Market (we’re eating through our bag of Ginger Molasses cookies quickly)

What do you see at your local farmers market that would also make great gifts? Share them with us here! Happy shopping – Vicky

Venue: Lincoln

Food & Drink: Seasonal American small plates. All the dishes are made from fresh ingredients supplied by local farmers, fishermen and ranchers around the region. Specially crafted cocktails and the first ever moonshine list in DC by the master mixologist is also a highlight at Lincoln.

Private Dining Options: Lincoln has two private dining options, the Emancipation Room and the Flag Room. Each room seats 32-40 guests, but there is also the option to open a wall and combine both rooms. The available dinner menus range from $60-$80 per person and includes three courses. Passed hors d’oeuvres are priced individually and different bar packages are also available.  Personalized menus with your wedding monogram are a special touch offered to every private event. Click here for private dining info or contact Jeanhee Kim.

Transit & Parking: Public garage parking is available next door.  There are also two Metro rail stops nearby, McPherson Square and Farragut North.

Advantages:

• Located centrally in Thomas Circle.
• Great ambiance and separated private dining options
• Public garage parking next door
• Near other local reception venues such as St. Regis Hotel, Sofitel, Carnegie Institute and Decatur House
• Within walking distance to several area hotels including Donovan House, Marriott Residence Inn, Washington Plaza Hotel, The Westin City Center

Challenges:

• No valet parking
• High traffic during rush hour
• Not ideal for large groups

A groom’s pie instead of a groom’s cake. It happened that the groom loved pies. Why not? Photo: Jan Michele Photography

Check out these cute minis from Pie Sisters in Georgetown with customized wraps from Dress My Cupcake.

A variety of Pie Sister’s cuppies flavors were a huge hit with guests at a recent wedding. Photo: Jason Keefer Photography

]]> http://eventaccomplished.com/2013/02/featured-on-united-with-love-on-food-trends-this-year/feed/ 0 http://eventaccomplished.com/2013/02/an-interview-on-stephen-bobb-photographys-blog/ http://eventaccomplished.com/2013/02/an-interview-on-stephen-bobb-photographys-blog/#comments Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:30:11 +0000 Vicky Choy http://eventaccomplished.com/?p=2887 I am honored to be featured on Stephen Bobb Photography’s blog today. Learn more about me, what I think are the trends for 2013, and when you should hire a wedding planner. If you haven’t checked out Stephen’s work, don’t delay. I would say that Stephen follows a true photojournalistic style but his framing of the subject makes his photographs interesting. His images have a soft and sweet quality to them. Like his tagline says, they are joyful. I’ve always believed that if you trust your photographer and you are comfortable in front of him/her, that will result in great photos. Because Stephen is such an easy going and all-around nice guy, it’s so easy to be comfortable around him. His new website has a useful feature that shows weddings by style and by venue. Enjoy! Vicky

Photo: Bar Method DC

Want to look lean and fit in your wedding photos? Give The Bar Method DC a try. Class works all parts of your body – arms, legs, glutes, core – and includes cardio to bring you closer to a lean, dancer’s body. The Bar Method DC is running a bridal package for engaged clients looking to get their bodies sculpted and toned for the big day. The Pre-Wedding Package features:

• 3 months of unlimited classes
• Bar Method goodies
• a private bachelorette party class with a group of friends, and
• a package freeze (so you can freeze your package during your honeymoon).

I recently took a class there myself to check out the experience. My sore muscles can attest to the all around workout you get there and I like it better than going to the gym. Our teacher was energetic and encouraging and gave modifications for folks like me who were just starting out. Even if you already have an exercise routine, this would be a fun alternative to mix things up. They have a beautiful new studio located on 9th Street NW between G and H Streets and have classes before and after work, and also at lunch. Please contact the studio for more information. — Vicky

Suburban’s Love Story Films are a creative way for you to tell your unique story.  All the love and emotion of how you met, your first date, hilarious and romantic stories as well as all the excitement of the proposal.  Click here to see a sample of one of their love stories.

All entries must be submitted BEFORE April 8, 2013.

All entrants must be engaged to qualify and enter.

The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day: April 12, 2013.