Hunt Country Celebrations Articles and Awards

On Tuesday, June 19th. Harmon's Horse Drawn Carriages provided two Vis-a-Vis Carriages each pulled by a team of Belgian Draft Horses for The White House. The occasion was The Congressional Picnic for an estimated 1,500 Senators, Representatives and their families. This year's picnic had a mardi Gras theme with Mardi Gras necklaces, jazz musicians, Kermit Ruffins and The Barbecue Swingers and Paul Prudhomme, renowned new Orleans Chef, who with his staff prepared the Cajun supper.

The Carriage rides were an enormous attraction for the guests. One carriage started on each side of The White House. They did a tour along half of the Circle Drive around the House passing between the view of The White House and the East Lawn on one side and the Ellipse, Washington and Jefferson Monuments on the other. A beautiful drive.
Click here to see all of the photographs from this prestigious event!

Harmons Carriages Featured in
Washington Post

Harmon’s Carriages was featured in The Sunday Washington Post Metro Section on July 2nd. Sadie, the white Percheron mare, was pictured with handler, Bob Caswell, at the South Asian wedding of Vasu Muthyala.

The groom was riding Sadie who was decorated with traditional brocade Horse Costume in his Grooms Procession or Bharat. The 1/3 page picture was part of an article on Nontraditional Nuptials in the Washington Area. Harmon’s Carriages has two white mares that perform this part of South Asian weddings all over the Metro Washington, Virginia and Maryland area.

Regetti Photography

Regeti’s Photography is proud to announce their acceptance into the WPJA, The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) is a highly screened professional organization composed of photojournalists and wedding photographers from around the world. What sets their members apart in the industry is their candid, documentary approach – a distinctly artistic vision toward wedding photography.

Recently featured on Nightline ABC for their unique artistry and as a “Sign of the Times” Regeti’s was recognized as one of D.C. and Northern Virginia’s photojournalist for their new age style of photography.

Olivera Music Entertainment Receives Prestigious Award

Strathmore Hall, March 30, 2006--Kevin Olivera, of Olivera Music
Entertainment, located in Ashburn, VA received the Capital Award for entertainment Production from the International Special Events Society (ISES) DC Chapter at their annual Awards Gala recently helped at Strathmore Hall in Bethesda. The D.C. chapter, with almost 500 members, is the largest ISES chapter in the world. The Capital Awards, now in its 11th year, have honored the most distinguished professionals covering all aspects of the special events industry.

Black Horse Inn

The Black Horse Inn was the Winner of the 2004 World Travel Web Awards for website design.

The following awards were presented to the Black Horse Inn by Arrington's Bed and Breakfast Journal as a result of a survey made by the nationally syndicated publication. It was voted on by businessmen, brides and guests of the Inn.

• #1 Winner in the category of "B&B/Inn With The Best Wedding Arrangements"
• #1 Winner in the category of "Best Inn in the Nation in 2004"

• #1 Winner in the category of "B&B/Inn With The Best Meeting Facilities"

Washington Life Magazine recognized the Black Horse Inn as "One of Twenty Perfect Places to Hold Your Wedding Reception".

The Inn was featured with other prominent wedding reception facilities including The Ritz-Carlton, The Four Seasons Hotel, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Congressional Country Club, The Mayflower Hotel and others in the Washington metropolitan area.

January 2003 - Ten Sites That Take You Away ...... The Ideal wedding-reception site can be as elusive as the ideal mate--or so it may seem... Only couples searching for over-the-top elegance will consider this Inn. Complete with pillars and porches, the handsome 19th century inn presides over 20 acres of rolling hills. Most popular of six wedding packages is the two night option.

You get: two hours of wedding planning; use of the entire inn, including eight bedrooms, each with private bath; the magnificent grounds, including a gazebo in the boxwood garden (excellent for ceremonies) and the garden terrace (perfect for cocktails); and the Gilded Fox wedding hall whose French doors open to a flagstone terrace and overlook topiaries and gardens......

A Formal Affair, The Black Horse Inn & The Edge Photography featured in of "I Do for Brides" Magazine

Debbie Richards of A Formal Affair featured a wedding gown, from Alfred Sung for the spring photo shoot of "I Do for Brides" magazine, that took place at the Black Horse Inn. The FRONT COVER of the magazine features a bride at the front gate of the Black Horse Inn. Photographs from this shoot will be featured in the Spring and Fall issues of "I Do for Brides." Don Harper's photographs from The Edge Photography are also featured in the magazine.

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First Dance Impressions

The Washingtonian featured First Dance Impressions in their January 2003 edition as one of ten dance studios mentioned in the article entitled "Start on the Right Foot Worried About That First Dance? Here Are Good Steps to Take". Read this small excerpt and find more on the Washingtonian at

http://www.washingtonian.com/weddings/dancelessons.html

First Dance Impressions, Warrenton and Fairfax, 703-868-0982; Alexandria, 703-626-7016; www.firstdanceimpressions.com. The Lily package ($275) includes five private lessons and a suggested song list. The Orchid ($550) includes 10 lessons--8 private, a session for the wedding party, a session at your reception site (or else 11 lessons without reception-site visit)--plus choreography for a father-daughter dance and a practice video.

Articles

Preserving Your Wedding Flowers

By Mary Beth Lopresti

A wise florist once said, "It isn't until I hand a bride her flowers, that she realizes she wants to keep them forever!" With all of the details involved in planning a wedding, reception, and honeymoon, it is no wonder that this item is often overlooked. Almost 70% of our wedding orders last year came from "after the wedding" calls. While we do our best to accommodate these clients, there is much to be gained by planning ahead.

There are two common methods of flower preservation. "Freeze drying" is a process that results in a 3-D floral arrangement, typically displayed in a table top dome or shadow box. With this method, the flowers are very fragile and brittle and, as a result, may deteriorate and crumble over time. "Pressing" is a process that became popular in the Western world during the Victorian Age. Pressed floral art created with your wedding flowers will be in a frame that can either hang on a wall, or be placed in a stand for table top/shelf display. This technique results in a floral design that is literally "pressed" against the glass, thus remaining in a fixed position for you to enjoy for years to come.

Because the freshest flowers make the most beautiful art, your florist plays a key role in the outcome of your artwork. Choose a florist who will use high quality, fresh flowers and arrange them in a way that is not only beautiful, but "durable." The wedding and reception are high energy events that can take quite a toll on a poorly constructed bouquet. The better condition the flowers are in when they are delivered for pressing, the better the outcome of your floral art.

During the pressing process it is natural for the colors of the flowers to change somewhat. Generally speaking, flowers with an "intense" color will press darker---red roses will become a deep burgundy; while flowers with a "softer" color will become lighter---pale pink and white flowers will become a cream color. During a design consultation, it is important to discuss your specific flowers and how they will look once they are pressed. You can also be given recommendations for specific flowers that "press well" and best hold their "live color."

When designing your floral art, you may choose to have your bridal bouquet "recreated" or include a wedding invitation, portrait, or program from the ceremony. Framed art can range in size from a 5"x7" up to a 20"x24", so the possibilities are endless. In addition to the bride's bouquet, we often press the groom's, attendant's, and parent's flowers and/or centerpieces to include in your artwork, or to create additional artwork for gifts.

Flowers will add beauty to your wedding celebration and, when your wedding day ends, they can be transformed into a work of art to be cherished for a lifetime. We welcome your questions about this process and how we can help you enjoy your wedding flowers forever.

Mary Beth Lopresti is the owner of All Seasons Floral Preservation. To find out more about preserving your wedding floral memories, call 703-283-9447 or visit www.allseasonspressed.com.

Bridal Beauty

By: Celia Faulk and Crystal Gallagher
Independent Beauty Consultants, Mary Kay

Envision that magical, spectacular moment when you and your fiancée first see each other on your wedding day. Your gown is "perfectly you". You are having the best hair day of your life. Your bouquet emits a luscious scent that sets the mood. You can barely contain your exhilaration. Take a moment to hold up a mirror. How do you look? Is your complexion clear, polished, and refreshed? Do your eyes look alive with love and excitement?

Although your gown will be stunning; all eyes (and cameras) will be drawn to your radiant face, which will reveal your true beauty through your perfectly blended eyes and dazzling lips. Since you will be the primary focal point of the celebration (with your fiancée receiving ample attention as well), you'll want to take the time to select the perfect bridal look for you.

When choosing your bridal look, some important tips to keep in mind:

1) Prepare your canvas: At least eight to twelve weeks ahead of the wedding begin an appropriate skin care program of cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing and protecting your skin DAILY; preferably twice daily. This will ensure that your skin will not only be polished and radiant for displaying your dazzling smile, you'll also be starting a healthy habit that will preserve your youthful appearance for your many years of blissful marriage. If you have any dermatological concerns, make an appointment now, so that treatments can have plenty of time for desired results. Many brides seek a "sun-kissed" look for this special occasion. Continue to use a minimum of SPF 15 daily on your face and neck to diminish the appearance of fine lines, future wrinkles, and the possibility of skin cancer. If you choose to tan, tan safely with the use of SPF every time, all over! Sunless tanning lotions/sprays have come a long way in the past decade and provide a safe alternative. Be sure to start either tanning method, a minimum of eight weeks before the eventful day to prevent blotchiness, uneven skin tones, and burned skin. Drink plenty of water for a healthy complexion and to ward off the negative effects of stress.

2) Wear makeup (even if you normally do not): This is a special, once-in-a-lifetime day. You do not want to look "washed out" or not "dressed" for the occasion. Makeup is designed to enhance your natural beauty. You will want to (at least slightly) accentuate your eyes and lips as these two features will tell the most about your emotions and be the focal point of your pictures. Seek a complimentary consultation with a professional beauty consultant to discuss your skin care and bridal beauty looks at least eight weeks before the wedding. A professional beauty consultant will not only show you a variety of glamour techniques and applications, but can also work with your mother, mother-in-law, and bridal party. Take your mother and a few bridesmaids along for your consultation so that you can get the opinions of those that know you best; if they went dress shopping with you, they'll be sure to go glamour shopping with you too!

3) Choose your bridal look well in-advance: Take into consideration both the season and time of day of your wedding, when selecting your bridal look. A winter bride may need to properly hydrate her skin to avoid the stress of dry skin, while a spring or summer bride may have to make appropriate skin care adjustments for a more combination to oily complexion. Morning and early-afternoon brides often select more subtle and natural glamour looks, while the late-afternoon and after-six brides usually prefer more accentuated glamour looks. Save pictures from magazines that have "the eyes", "the lips", etc. that you want for your day and take them to a professional beauty consultant , so you can be instructed on how to re-create your desired look. Waiting until the day of your wedding, and depending on a friend to "make miracles happen" with your makeup, rarely renders the desired results you want.

4) Test-drive your look before the big day: Practice applying your look the day of your run-through hair appointment (take your veil with you!), day of your portraits, one month before the wedding with the gown and all, and once-a-week thereon until the wedding (because the day is almost here!). You'll want to be sure that you are comfortable and confident with the application process so you can re-create your magnificent look with ease for your rehearsal dinner, honeymoon, and throughout other celebrations in the future.

5) Select ALL of the right products: Your wedding look is no place to start cutting corners; purchase all of the necessary items to complete your look, because you deserve nothing but the best for such an important day. Choose either a creme-to-powder foundation or use a loose powder to set your finished look, to ensure a matte-finish. This will help to decrease a reflective shine in photographs taken hours after the ceremony. If you have oily skin, seek a product that will eliminate the oil quickly without drying your skin (don't rely on continuously powdering your nose, as this just creates a build up of oily powder). Layering your lip products will prevent smearing and wearing off; outline and completely fill the lips with lip liner that mimics your true lip color followed with loose powder or powder foundation. Then apply your selected lip color (try not to go too bold for a more natural look) and lip gloss for that added "pop". Be sure to give your lipstick and lip gloss to either your maid/matron of honor or your future hubby, so that you'll have quick access to these essentials throughout the reception.

6) Layer your fragrance of choice: Choose a special scent to commemorate this extraordinary day, but be sure to try it out several times in the weeks leading up to your wedding day (get your fiancée's opinion ahead of time!). You may want to choose a lighter scent, and layer with a body wash, moisture lotion, and/or spray, rather than a heavier perfume.

Regardless of the invitations' font, design of the centerpieces, or decadence of the cake, what you will remember most is the way you felt the day you united with your one and only true love. Seal that memory by taking the time to properly prepare your skin and select your unique bridal look. Enjoy every pampering moment of being the bride-to-be and treat yourself daily, because YOU are the bride "from this day forward".

Celia Faulk and Crystal Gallagher are Professional Beauty Consultants with Mary Kay, the best-selling brand of skincare and color cosmetics in the United States for the past 11 of 12 years. To learn more about our services, please call 540 439-6370 or visit www.marykay.com/cgallagher7.

Wedding Budget

By: Lynn Pirozzoli, Owner of the
Black Horse Inn, Warrenton, VA

Which elements are the most important to you? The romance of a wedding …the reality of paying for it…

Whether you want to have a barbecue for 20, a formal dinner for 100 or a cocktail reception for 400, the first thing to do is to sit down with your fiancé and work out who is going to contribute.

Although it was once tradition for the bride's family to pay for most, if not all of the wedding, this is no longer the case. Today many couples pay for their own wedding, with help from either or both sets of parents. Therefore, the bride and groom must add up the amounts that they have from various sources and plan their wedding accordingly.

After deciding what the budget is, the next step is to prioritize expenses. For example, the bride might insist on an elegant evening reception. After some research, it may be determined that up to 60% of the budget will need to be spent to achieve her ideal, leaving few funds for a designer gown, fabulous photographs, quality invitations, flowers a plenty and a dream honeymoon. Or perhaps, the top priority is flowers, with orchids spilling form Lalique crystal vases on every table, or maybe the groom hopes to commission Harry Connick Jr. to sing at the reception. Obviously, your budget will strongly reflect these preferences.

Try to group expenses into major categories: reception (to include the location, rentals, food, drink and cake), fashion (to include bridal wear and other accessories for the groom and wedding party), flowers, photography and videography, music and entertainment, honeymoon and miscellaneous (to include initiations, stationary, favors and transpiration). Ideally the reception should be about 50 percent of your budget and the remaining categories the other 50 percent. It might be a good idea to have your budget outlined on paper. This hard copy will aid in resisting vendors who will try to tempt you to stay beyond your means. Be sure that you understand all costs involved before finalizing any arrangements and read contracts carefully before signing.

Remember that many companies will require a deposit so it might help to highlight dates for payment on your spending plan.

There are a few key elements that will vary the cost tremendously; time of day, menu, length of reception, level of formality and the size of the guest list.

If you set out your budget and find you keep cutting where you would rather not, perhaps a longer engagement period would give you a chance to put away the extra cash needed. A monthly savings program as little as one year can make a big difference to achieving the wedding of your dreams.

Another way to economize is to accept generous offers from family and friends; whether an aunt volunteers to fill the church with flowers from her garden or a friend from school sings a rendition of Ave Maria, not only will enhance the personal side of both the wedding and your memories.

A little creativity will stretch your budget a long way. Church decorations and flowers can be reused at the reception and, if you have the inclination make your own gifts for the bridesmaids and the ushers. Take a course at the local college in stained glass, ceramics or even Chinese painting; these gifts shall be cherished and will cost nothing more than the registration fee, materials and your time. Plus, the class might be a good way to wind down each week throughout the stressful planning period.

Finally, many travel agencies have savings plans for honeymooners; if you don't mind waiting a few months before departing, then go ahead and register your honeymoon, then invite guests to contribute. This is an ideal registry for couples who have already set up house and are more in need of the dream vacation that an additional set of china or glassware.

Lynn Pirozzoli is the owner and operator of the award-winning Black Horse Inn in Warrenton, VA, voted "Inn with the Best Wedding Arrangements in the Nation." To schedule a tour please call (540) 349-4020 or visit www.blackhorseinn.com.

RECEPTION RENTALS

By Barbara Shannon
Reprinted Courtesy of Brides & Weddings
of Northern Virginia

Have you checked out your local rental store yet? If not, make this a priority on your list of things to do during your initial planning.

Rental stores are not just for tractors any more! Most offer a large selection of china, glassware, flatware, dance flooring and more to make your event spectacular. Even if you have booked a full service facility you will want to check out the specialty linens that are available to enhance your theme and set the tone for your special day.

Tenting has come a long way in the last few years and your local rental store will be able to work with you in determining your needs, explaining the different styles and applications. With the accessories that are now available the possibilities are endless and limited only to your vision of the perfect reception.

To add that bit of spark, check out your local rental store for trends, ideas and accessories that will make your reception a memorable experience!

Barbara Shannon is Sales Manager for Capital Party Rentals. To schedule an appointment and visit their showroom call (703) 661-8290 or visit www.capitalpartyrentals.com.

CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS

By Melissa Guzman
Reprinted Courtesy of Brides & Weddings
of Northern Virginia

While today¹s brides often look to traditional ideas when planning their receptions, many look for newer ways to add some wow to their special day. If you are one of those brides, consider a chocolate fountain.

Chocolate fountains began appearing at societal events, weddings and other grand celebrations in just the last few years. When considering renting a chocolate fountain for your reception, here are some questions to ask your vendor:

What type of chocolate do they use? While domestic chocolates are satisfactory, an imported Belgian chocolate is superb. After all, it is about the chocolate! Are there flavor choices (milk, semi sweet, white chocolate?) Is imported Belgian chocolate an additional cost?

Do they offer Kosher chocolate? Is there an additional cost?

Are they licensed and insured? Can they provide documentation to you and your event location?

How many fountains do they have and will they have availability for your reception?

Do they offer dipping items for the fountain?

Can they provide a tasting for you and visuals of set ups so they can coordinate with your theme/colors?

Does their service include an attendant? How is the attendant attired?

How many hours are provided with their service?

How long have they been in business?

How many events have they done?

Are they members of professional organizations?

Choosing a professional is always the best choice when selecting a chocolate fountain rental company. Make sure the equipment is in proper working order, contains all necessary operating parts and is clean. Professionals who specialize in chocolate fountains will be able to provide you with their very best.

Chocolate fountains come in a wide variety of sizes for your celebration. Make sure to consider the appropriate size for your number of guests and event location. Fountains range from 27 inches high, perfect for smaller events, to a towering 44 inches high, suitable for large groups of people or grand event locations. Make sure to discuss all options -- in many instances having more than one fountain available is more suitable than having one large fountain. Shorter lines to the chocolate fountain as well as multiple flavors can be wonderful options for your guests. Many companies offer multi-fountain discounts.

Be creative! Chocolate fountains are a great addition to your event!

Melissa and Regie Guzman are the owners of Capitol Chocolate Fountains, the largest fountain rental company in the Metropolitan area. To schedule an appointment in their Prince William County showroom call 877-CHOC-FTN or visit www.CapitolChocolateFountains.com for additional information.

WEDDING TRADTIONS AND CUSTOMS

By Linda Vaughan
Reprinted Courtesy of Brides & Weddings
of Northern Virginia

Do you ever wonder why a particular wedding custom is practiced? Many
couples incorporate customs into their weddings but often do not know the origins of these traditions.

Here are some common, and not so well known, customs and traditions:

Wedding Gown Color:

The original wedding gown was red. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes luck for the couple. Pakistani brides often wear red on the third day of the wedding celebration, when the marriage rites and ceremony are performed. In Biblical times and during the Middle Ages, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns because it was the traditional color of purity. Today the color is represented in the practice of ³something blue² for the bride on her wedding day.

According to the website www.tellallproductions.com, the first white wedding dress was worn in the late 1400¹s by Anne of Brittany for her marriage to Louis XII of France. The traditional Japanese wedding gown is white; in ancient Greece and later during the Victorian era, white was worn to represent purity and innocence.

Today, white and ivory are the most popular colors for wedding gowns, with many brides adding a touch of color to reflect their ndividuality. The more daring bride will wear whatever color suits her, including black.

Wedding Veil:

Originally, Roman brides wore veils. Traditionally, brides were thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits, and it was believed that veils disguised brides and protected them from evil spirits.
(www.tellallproductions.com) In early European times, marriages were
arranged and brides were bargained. Once the transaction and ceremony were completed, the marriage was irreversible. Often, the bride¹s father would veil her until after the ceremony so that the groom would not see her, just in case he was not pleased with the arrangement.

The veil, which was yellow in ancient Greece and red in ancient Rome,
usually shrouded the bride from head to foot, and denoted the subordination of a woman to man -- the thicker the veil, the more traditional the implication of wearing it. The lifting of the veil at the end of the ceremony symbolized male dominance. If the bride took the initiative in lifting it, thereby presenting herself to him, she was showing more independence.

Veils came into vogue in the United States when Nelly Curtis wore a veil at her wedding to George Washington's aid, Major Lawrence Lewis. Major Lewis saw his bride standing behind a filmy curtain and commented to her how beautiful she appeared. She then decided to veil herself for their ceremony. (www.ourmarriage.com)

Bridesmaids, Best Man and Groomsmen:

It was once thought that both the bride and groom were vulnerable to forces of evil; therefore, the best man¹s duty was to protect the groom on his way to the church. Groomsmen and bridesmaids were dressed in attire similar to the bride and groom in order to confuse the evil spirits until after the ceremony took place. Today, the bridesmaids and groomsmen assist the couple during the planning stages and on the wedding day.

Wedding Flowers:

Traditionally, the bridal bouquet had different flowers, each with special significance (i.e. roses for love, lilies for virtue). In ancient marriages, the brides carried herbs beneath their veils to symbolize fidelity. Greek brides carried ivy as a symbol of never-ending love. Orange blossoms, the world-renowned wedding flower, were chosen by the Spaniards to represent happiness and fulfillment, because the orange tree flowers and bears fruit at the same time. During earlier times of "primitive marriage," when the fear of demons was common, brides carried stinking garlands of herbs and spices for the purpose of frightening off evil spirits. (www.ourmarriage.com)

The groom¹s boutonniere should have a flower that is present in the bride¹s bouquet. This stems from the medieval tradition of a knight wearing his lady¹s colors to declare his love. Today, brides chose wedding flowers to suit themes and color schemes.

Unity Candle Ceremony:

This modern day custom, which is only about 12 years old, rose in popularity with the increase of interfaith marriages. It is a symbolic versus a religious custom. The ceremony signifies the joining of two families into one and could have roots in the South African tradition of the bride¹s mother carrying a fire from her hearth to the home of the newlyweds, where a new fire would be lit.

The unity candle is actually a set, which consists of one pillar and two taper candles. The couple¹s mothers, grandmothers or children light the tapers during the ceremony. After the exchange of vows and wedding rings, the bride and groom each hold a taper and light the center, or pillar, candle together.

Jumping the Broom:

This is an African American tradition that began during slavery when couples were not allowed to marry. The couple would hold hands and jump together over a decorated broom. If they could jump and land together, it signified their marriage would last. Today, many African American couples still jump the broom after they are pronounced husband and wife and before the recessional.

Dowry/Hopechest/Trousseau/Bridal Shower:

In the past, the groom would pay a price to the bride¹s family. In turn, the bride¹s family would provide the couple with a dowry items needed to establish their new home. Young ladies would plan for their weddings long before they were of marrying age. During this time, brides would add items to the dowry. These items were kept in what was called a "hope chest" which was built by the bride¹s father. Trousseau is another name for this collection of clothing and household items.

Tradition says the first bridal shower was thrown for a poor Dutch couple because they were denied the dowry due to the groom¹s low economical status as a miller. (www.ourmarriage.com) Today, the custom is for the bridesmaids to host a shower for the couple. Guests provide gifts needed by the couple or the bride.

Ring Finger/Wedding Ring:

Egyptians believed the Vein Amoris or ³Vein of Love² ran from the heart to the third finger of the left hand. The diamond was a popular gem for the wedding rings of the ancient Greeks because they believed that the stones were teardrops of the Gods and reflected the flames of love. Today, diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands because of their value. Additionally, they are strong gems that endure the stress of everyday living and are said to last forever.

Invitations' Tissue:

What is the purpose of that sheet of tissue paper for each invitation? In earlier days, all written correspondences, including invitations, were hand written with ink. To prevent smearing, a piece of tissue paper was placed over the writing to blot the excess ink prior to mailing. Today, the tissue serves no real purpose. It is merely a formality and is placed over the face of the invitation.

Some traditions and customs fade away with time while others endure. Who knows what trends of today will become the traditions of tomorrow?

Linda Vaughan is an experienced wedding consultant & coordinator and owner of Special Affairs LLC, an event planning company. To schedule a
consultation with her call (877) 991-0998 or visit www.special-weddings.com.

WEDDING PLANNING 101

By Linda Vaughan
Reprinted Courtesy of Brides & Weddings
of Northern Virginia

Now that you¹ve said "I will", how do you prepare to say "I Do"?

By engaging the services of a professional wedding coordinator, you can save time, stress -- and money. The coordinator¹s fee is often offset by the money you save during the planning process. No matter your wedding size or budget, a coordinator will allow you to look forward to your special day instead of wishing it were over.

You determine how much help you need from your coordinator. Services
include full coordination, a must for any bridal couple that doesn¹t have the time to plan one of life¹s most important occasions, partial planning and day of coordination. Today¹s couples work hard and long hours, which leaves little time to devote to the numerous details required to plan an event as significant as a wedding.

When to call in the Expert:

Hire your professional wedding coordinator early in the planning. A
coordinator will have the experience, education and resources to help you plan your budget - and stick to it. Professional planners know money saving techniques, how to review contracts of wedding professionals and how to manage other vendors. Your bridal consultant can help you develop a theme for your special day and assist you with all the wedding etiquette questions.

This is not your "Father of the Bride" Wedding:

Many couples have misconceptions about wedding coordinators, partially based on the Steve Martin movie "Father of the Bride". A professional event planner will not take over your wedding, but assist you in realizing your dream day. Your consultant will offer a variety of services to suit your unique needs and ensure that your wishes and best interests are fulfilled.

When selecting a professional wedding coordinator, good communication
and trust are imperative. Ask questions and rate how a potential coordinator responds. You must feel comfortable with your coordinator and have the sense that this professional in genuinely interested in fulfilling your needs and requests. And, or course, ask for references.

Use the reporter's guideline:

In newspaper writing, there is a rule about the lead paragraph in a story. You need to give your readers the who, what, when, where, how and why of the story. Although the order varies a bit, the rule remains the same for wedding planning. Why are you planning a wedding versus elopement or a civil ceremony? Who are the key players in your event, from guests and attendants to vendors and who pays those professionals? When do your want your wedding to take place? Where do you want your event to occur? What experience do you possess to organize this event, from budgeting skills to knowledge of etiquette? And finally, how are you going to accomplish your wedding plans?

By using the services of a professional wedding coordinator, you will be able to answer all of these questions, stay on track with your budget and have the wedding of your dreams.

Linda Vaughan is a Certified Event Planner and Principal of Special Affairs, LLC. She brings 15 years of event planning experience. To learn more about Special Affairs call (877) 991-0998 or visit www.special-weddings.com

EDITORIAL STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

By Don Harper
Reprinted Courtesy of Brides & Weddings
of Northern Virginia

What is the best style of wedding photography ‹ classical or
photojournalistic? For most brides neither completely meets their needs. What brides really want is a merging of the two styles, known as editorial photography.

The contemporary bride wants her wedding album to tell a story and for the photography to capture three things. The first is emotion ‹the joy, tears and sharing of love reflected in the faces of the bridal couple, family and friends. The second is the fashion present in the details of the wedding day -- the bridal gown, flowers, cake, ceremony & reception sites, and the light illuminating the day.

The third is the art of the wedding album itself. The new coffee table
wedding album is a work of art personalized to the couple¹s special day and worthy of publication. These albums are displayed for years and shared with family and friends, in contrast to the older collection of prints that collect dust on the top of the closet shelf.

Editorial wedding photography is easy to recognize. Think of a top bridal or fashion magazine without the advertising. You see a story that includes more than a ceremony and reception. Frequently there is an integration of the engagement, rehearsal dinner, gown fitting and elaborate preparations for the special event.

The camaraderie and preparation of the groom with his buddies, well as the bride and her party, are often captured. Pictures at the ceremony not only include the pageantry, but also the emotion of not only the bride and groom but also family and friends as they respond to the shared love. Photographs should capture the unique qualities of the wedding venue and the play of light either inside or outside.

Formal pictures are a small part of the editorial style and sometimes done in part before the ceremony. Other formals may be done prior to the reception where the fun kicks into high gear. Here is the opportunity to capture the family and friends having a good time. The emphasis is on the activities and fun and less on static table shots.

The departure of the bridal couple signals a new beginning. In some cases there¹s photography of the beginning of the honeymoon. Sometimes something as simple as a tuxedo jacket and gown hanging on a chair can close the story.

A good editorial wedding album brings all of these elements together in an uncluttered artistic style that will remind the bride of her day in a manner worthy of Vogue or Elle magazine. Every story is different and every album should also reflect that individually.

Editorial photography meets the needs of today¹s couples while providing images grandparents can treasure. Editorial style works for weddings that are elegant in their simplicity or elaborate in size and venue; indoors or outdoors, for both young couples and those merging families.

Good editorial photography requires two photographers working simultaneously -- sometimes independently and other times as a choreographed team. A graphic artist designs the coffee table album and artistic slide shows. There is frequently a mix of color, black/white and other artistic toning of images in the album. DVD slide shows with music can portray movement and action.

When selecting your photographer look for emotion, fashion and art in the images and presentation. When you¹ve found these elements you¹ve found the photographer who has "IT".

Don & Ines Harper are awarding-winning photographers and owners of The Edge Photography Studio in Leesburg. To learn more about this unique style of photography call (703) 669-1000 or visit www.theedgephotography.com.

HORSE & CARRIAGE
- RIDING IN STYLE

By Midge Harmon
Reprinted Courtesy of Brides & Weddings
of Northern Virginia

Have you always dreamed of traveling to your fairy tale wedding in a horse & carriage? You can make that dream a reality, but first you need to consider some transportation logistics.

A horse & carriage only goes about four miles per hour in town traffic. If you wish to use a carriage you will need to have your ceremony site and reception venue within a mile of two or each other. Carriages work best when the ceremony and reception are held at the same location, such as a countryside estate.

If you wish to use a carriage and your sites are too far apart to make
travel feasible you can have the carriage transported after the ceremony and taken to a short distance from the reception. From there you can make your grand arrival. There will be a reload fee, and you must allow time for reloading, unloading and travel. Keep this in mind when planning your reception timeline.

A Vis-à-vis carriage carries six adults, but if your gown is very full it will probably carry four adults and two children. If you would like for more of your wedding party to arrive at the reception via carriage, you must allow for the time it takes to make round trips. Another option is to transport your wedding party members via car and then have the carriage take them for short rides at the reception site. This will also provide more photo opportunities.

Midge Harmon is the owner of Harmon¹s Horse Drawn Carriages. To find out more about her service call (540) 825-6707 or visit www.cadcol.com/harmons.

DELIGHTFUL
DESTINATION WEDDINGS

By Linda Vaughan
Reprinted Courtesy of Brides & Weddings
of Northern Virginia

Imagine ... A beachfront wedding ceremony followed by a reception aboard your private, chartered catamaran with dinner and dancing to a steel band and 50 of your dearest family and friends Šall under the soft glow of the Caribbean moon.

Destination weddings are on the rise. However, few couples really know how to organize an event of such magnitude and importance in a far away location. Whether it¹s a tropical or European destination, there are numerous details to consider when planning a destination wedding.

Most resorts offer a "Free Wedding" when you stay at their location. Do you know what is included in that free wedding? This event usually lasts only one hour and leaves little room for individuality. This is unlike most American weddings, which include both the ceremony and reception, with the reception being the biggest part of the event.

If your dream is to recreate an American wedding in a foreign location, you will need to either do a lot of homework or hire a professional wedding planner either stateside or at the destination location. To help you determine if a destination wedding is right for you and your fiancé, here are some points to consider:

Your Guests & Expenses: Do you plan to invite all of your friends and family? Are you or they savvy travelers? Have you ever been to this destination? Determine who will pay for what.

Residency Requirements, Date & Officiant: Be aware of any residency requirement and any local holidays that may conflict with your wedding plans. If you have a religious preference, will you be able to find the
appropriate officiant?

Wedding Style: Are you re-creating a stateside event or will you go with local customs? Will the menu reflect the destination¹s cuisine or be more like home? Consider where and how you will find qualified vendors. Since destination weddings are like wedding weekends, consider what local activities are available for your guests.

Destination weddings do not have to cost more than a wedding at home. And just like planning an at home wedding, keep these tips in mind: Start planning early, ask lots of questions, know what services are available, and take safety precautions as you would at home.

Remember to respect local customs and realize that things are done differently in other parts of the world. It¹s those customs and differences that will make your destination wedding a truly delightful and unique experience.

Linda Vaughan is an experienced event coordinator and traveler. She is a member of the International Special Events Society and she has professional contacts throughout the world. To find out more about destination weddings, call (877) 991-0998 or visit www.special-weddings.com.

WONDERFUL WEDDING WEEKENDS

By Kelly Barrett
Reprinted Courtesy of Brides & Weddings
of Northern Virginia

In this modern day of transient lifestyles, wedding guest lists contain relatives and friends traveling from both coasts. To make the most of the time couples can spend with their friends and family members, brides and grooms are planning wedding weekends and hosting multiple events in unique venues.

The wedding weekend consists of numerous parties and activities centering around guests getting to know each other while enabling the bride and groom time to relax and enjoy catching up with friends and family. A wedding weekend agenda typically goes like this:

The Ice Breaker:

This party is usually held on the Thursday evening prior to the wedding. This dinner has replaced the traditional rehearsal dinner as it is often the first time the bride and groom¹s families meet. It¹s a good idea to keep this event on the casual and fun side, incorporating themes like a bar-b-que or Hawaiian luau.

Bridal Party Outings:

These events are designed to allow for some relaxation before the big day, and again, give guests a chance to make new acquaintances and renew old friendships. Outings can include trips to a spa for the feminine side of the bridal party, golfing for the groom and his buddies, and sightseeing tours and excursions to local wineries for wedding guests.

Rehearsal Dinner:

This event is held the night before the wedding and now includes not only the bridal party but family members and out of town wedding guests. It is not unusual to have a guest list of 50 attendees. More couples are utilizing interesting venues, such as wineries, for these events.

The Wedding & Reception:

By now your guests have had some time to get to know one another better, so let the good times begin. Relax and enjoy the day, whether it¹s an elegant ballroom event, a trip back in time at an historic bed & breakfast, or a casual catered affair in the countryside.

Post Festivity Brunch:

This is the perfect opportunity for the bride & groom to thank out of town guests, friends and family members, and to open gifts. Put the emphasis on hospitality and relaxation.

The wedding weekend allows you time to relax and enjoy visiting with all of your guests. Use venues that offer many opportunities for different events for your guests while keeping their traveling time to a minimum. With a wealth of historic sites, B&B¹s, wineries, shopping outlets, spas and golf clubs, Northern Virginia is the perfect place to hold your wedding weekend.

Kelly Barrett is the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Marriott Ranch located in Fauquier County. The Ranch is situated in the heart of Virginia Wine Country at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers many unique venues and activities for wedding weekends. For more information call (877) 324-7344 or visit www.marriottranch.com.

Celebrate a Celtic Wedding Tradition

By Norm Weaver
703-594-3755 - 703-721-4033 pager

The "skirl" of bagpipes has been part of Celtic wedding traditions for centuries, but you do not have to be Scottish or Irish to add the memorable sound of the Highland Pipes to your wedding. Anyone can include the distinctive flair of the Highland Pipes in their celebration.

A piper, dressed in the traditional colorful kilt and formal jacket or military tunic, can:

welcome guests to the wedding site with stately tunes,
provide special music for the ceremony,
play joyful tunes at a distance for the receiving line and as guests depart,
lead a mini-parade to a nearby reception site,
welcome guests to the reception,
provide background music for the cocktail hour, and
escort the new couple into the reception.

The pipes are particularly suited for ceremonial music for the seating of the mothers, entrance of the brides-maids, and for the bride's entrance. There can be no better way to celebrate the marriage than having the piper lead the newly married couple's dramatic exit with a joyful dance tune!

Keep in mind that the bagpipes are a loud instrument with no volume control, other than distance. Some professional pipers also play the "small" pipes, a quieter instrument suitable for small, indoor venues.

Selecting a musician for any event can be difficult. Choosing a bagpiper can be particularly challenging. Below are some suggestions for finding the right piper:

• Check with your wedding planner, caterer, DJ, celebrant, wedding site representative, or other musicians for their recommendations. Ask why they recommend a particular piper.

• Look for a piper with at least five years experience playing for weddings. Ask how many weddings the piper plays for in a year. Playing time is not always a guarantee of quality, but usually the more weddings, the better.

• Ask for the names and phone numbers of couples the piper has played for recently. Then talk with the clients to find out how helpful the piper was. Did he/she arrive ahead of time, did he/she sound good, was he/she neat, was he/she pleasant, and most important, did he/she help the bride and groom really celebrate!

• Ask for a tape of the tunes the piper suggests. An experienced piper should enjoy helping in the selection of particular tunes to make the wedding unique.

• Ask to observe the piper playing for another wedding. The piper should have control of the pipes. They should not continue to "squeal" after he stops playing the tune.

• If the piper competes, find out what grade he/she competes in. The grades are from 1 (top) to 5 (lowest). The higher the grade, the better the piper. Remember, not all good pipers compete.

How much will it cost to "pay the piper"? The best advice is to check with more than one piper. Most pipers have a standard fee for playing for a wedding, regardless of the amount of playing time you request. Expect to pay more to have the piper play for the wedding and reception. Be sure the piper includes travel cost and find out when and how he wants to be paid.

Remember, having a piper play for your wedding should be fun!

Choosing A Quality DJ Service
For Your Event

By David Myers, Proprietor
Sound Decision DJ Service

A quality disc jockey is as valuable as gold. Entertainment is one of the most important choices for any event. Your guests will remember the fun they had with the DJ for years to come. Everyone has heard the nightmare DJ story of the guy that jumped up on the speakers with an inflatable guitar screaming, Let s get this party started!!

While this may or may not be your idea of quality entertainment, be sure to ask all of the necessary questions in order to match your DJ to your personal style. You can quickly assess whether or not the person you have on the other end of the phone is flexible enough to meet your needs. Follow your gut feeling as well as these guidelines.

1. Your DJ is only as good as his equipment.

Discount stores sell DJ equipment. Make sure your DJ uses all professional quality sound and lighting effects and lighting. All equipment should be routinely serviced and maintained. Look for name brands such as JBL, Crown, American DJ, Chauvet and QSC.

2. Insist on Back-Up Equipment ON SITE!

Most every DJ will assure you that they carry back-up equipment. Ensure the equipment is with them at your event and not across town at another event. If your DJ boasts that he is computerized, check to be sure he carries either a second fully loaded computer or all of his music on Compact Discs and CD players in case of computer failure.

3. Ask for References and/or Referrals.

Your best bet is to see your DJ in action. Keep in mind that all DJ s are not created equal. DJ s who specialize in weddings should be able to provide bridal references. Compared to successfully orchestrating the flow of a wedding reception, providing radio and club DJ service is a completely different activity. Before contacting any DJ service, do a little research on the Internet to find out who and what is available in the area. Always call the local Chamber of Commerce for referrals.

4. Ask how many events are booked each day per Disc Jockey.

Booking more than one event per day per DJ can be a potential problem. A multi-operational company should have double the number of operating systems to accommodate equipment failure at every location at which a DJ is performing. Of course simultaneous failure may not every occur, but if it does you want to be sure it is not during your once-in-a-lifetime fairytale $25,000 wedding! For example, a two-system operator needs four complete systems. If there are any doubts, ask to see the equipment and do not accept excuses or lengthy explanations.

5. Ask if the DJ Service and the DJ himself are members of the local Chamber of Commerce or any other DJ organizations. Also, check liability insurance parameters.

Membership in the Chamber or other professional organizations, such as Hunt Country Celebrations, shows a dedication to professionalism. Local Chambers are in the business of promoting legitimate businesses in the community. Many high-end facilities require DJ s to provide proof of liability insurance. For a legitimate business, insurance is a necessity. You certainly wouldn t hire a caterer or rent a facility that did not carry liability insurance. Some facilities include the vendors on their policy. Check with each location individually.

Choosing a Wedding Photographer

by Saskia Paulussen
for Saskia Paulussen Photography LLC

What an exciting time it is being engaged and planning every detail for the special day.

After the date has been set, the location of your dreams found and you are thinking about what you would like to eat, what will the cake look like and what color you would like the flowers to be, the photographer enters the picture as the one to capture all the special details you have given so much attention to.

Choosing the photographer who will be a big part of your day, can be a fun experience. It gives you the opportunity to look at many happy brides and grooms and even get ideas for your own day based on what you see. You will review many photographs in order to decide which style you prefer and ultimately which photographer you would like to work with.

The first step in choosing your photographer is to decide which style you like. The two main styles for wedding photography are termed classic and photojournalistic. As in everything in life everyone interprets this in their own way so none of the photographers are exactly the same and each has their own style within a style that they represent. The main difference is whether the pictures are more or less posed. In general the classic photographer will take more time to create beautifully posed photographs whereas the photojournalistic photographer will capture memorable moments as they happen.

Once you have determined your preferred style, ask around. A great source can be friends whose wedding you have attended. Ask if they were pleased with their photographer and if they would recommend them to you. Not only the final product but also the photographer's presence and interaction the day of the wedding and after the wedding are important.

The more time you have the better, it gives you the opportunity to speak to as many photographers as you would like and gives you better odds that the one you would like to work with is available.
Photographers usually get booked far in advance: in general they can do only one wedding a day. Therefore, once they have a commitment for a certain date that date is no longer available. If photography is important to you be sure and arrange it as soon as you can.

To lessen the time that you spend looking at work that may not be to your liking or not in your budget range, contact