Happy Thanksgiving!

The ladies at Engaging Affairs wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for our amazing clients, our fabulous industry friends and our devoted blog readers. You all make it easy for us to love weddings and love our jobs.

The Thanksgiving montage above is courtesy of Manolo for the Brides and, aside from the paper squirrels (creepy), I'm loving it! Happy Turkey Day!

Chic Comfort Food

Before we all head off to indulge in way too much Thanksgiving dinner, I thought it would be fun to visit the idea of comfort foods as elegant wedding fare. Some of my favorite wedding hors d'oeuvres are luxe versions of childhood favorites: mini grilled cheese sandwiches with shots of tomato soup, mac and cheese (I love DC caterer Occasions' version with lobster), pigs in blankets, french fries in paper cones, petite Philly cheesesteaks and sliders.

Mashed potato bars with do-it-yourself toppings have been big for years and we've done the same with risotto and grits. For one holiday wedding, we did a very popular sweet potato bar with yummy add-ins like candied pecans and caramelized onions.

And I love our own Sara's idea to serve breakfast for dinner at her wedding on Saturday (more about her amazing wedding later). The French toast station during cocktails was a huge hit and so yummy. Talk about comfort food!

So before you get caught up in the idea that you have to serve oh-so-elegant filet with a few artfully arranged stalks of asparagus think of the foods you truly love and crave. I'll bet your guests would love them, too!

Laura


Photo courtesy of Brides.com

Chalkboard Details from Etsy!

A couple of months ago when I was searching for the perfect chalkboard for my outdoor October wedding, I came across artist Garth Fouts on Etsy. I loved the fact that he would create a chalkboard for me to my specifications because I needed something huge! I ended up getting a 6 foot tall black chalkboard that Garth hinged for me (which made it so much easier to transport and you couldn't even tell once it was unfolded). It looked so cool at the wedding; everyone commented on it!

Since I have several brides who are schoolteachers, the idea of using chalkboards has come up again and again. When I mentioned this to Garth, he sent me some other chalkboard ideas he came up with for weddings. I love the idea of chalkboard place cards and chalkboard tags.



I adore the idea of hanging chalkboard tags off the backs of each chair for table numbers instead of the traditional number stand on the table. The place cards could be used for signs on buffets, dessert displays or favor tables. I've even gotten a bee in my bonnet about having a children's table with a chalkboard topper so the kids could draw while they eat.

What fun ideas can you come up with for these chalkboard details?
Laura

Oo la la! Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show at Hitched!

‘Tis the season for giving, and the Hitched gals have teamed up with one of the most spectacular designers to give you the greatest bridal gift of all ~ an Oscar de la Renta trunk show on Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th!

As one of the most respected and established designers in the world, Oscar de la Renta is known for his use of exquisite detail and luxe fabrics. His stunning bridal collection is no exception and has received praise over and over again for its couture (yet classic) look and feel. These dresses are unlike anything you’ve seen and will be the perfect match for brides looking for a truly exquisite gown!

Since Hitched is one of only two dozen stores internationally to showcase the Oscar de la Renta bridal collection, this is one of their most anticipated trunk shows of the year. Be sure to book an appointment today by calling 202-333-6162 or emailing appointments@hitchedsalon.com.

Have fun!
Laura

We Have a Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered our drawing for a copy of Laura's wedding planning book, "Stop! Don't Plan a Wedding Without this Book."

Congratulations to stigg100 for being the lucky winner. We hope this book helps her with her wedding planning. Attention stigg100: send us an email (weddings@engagingaffairs.com) with your mailing address and we will pop the book out to you!

Made in the Shade: Vintage Wedding Umbrellas by Bella Umbrella

I've developed a slight obsession with the fabulous vintage umbrellas by Bella Umbrella (and the fact that you can rent these little numbers and have them shipped right to your door). As a wedding planner, I already have a trunk full of umbrellas (you have to be prepared!) but none are as swanky as Bella's. Each umbrella is an original from the 1930's to the 1950's and each is unique.


I love mixing and matching the colors and patterns for a whimsical feel.


Going tone-on-tone gives a more sophisticated look.


You don't need rain to use umbrellas at a wedding. They provide instant shade for outdoor summer ceremonies and are the perfect accessory for a fun portrait session. So bop on over to Bella and check out all the cool styles. Enjoy!
Laura

A Sneak Peek {Kendall and Nick}

My wedding this past weekend was absolutely gorgeous and, although, I don't have all the photos yet, here are a few shots from the bride and groom's monument shoot between the ceremony and reception. I had been worried that it would get too dark for good shots but I love the deep indigo sky and the dramatic lighting of the monuments behind them. Thank you to Juan Carlos of Fotobriceno for sharing these beautiful images!





Stay tuned for more fabulous detail shots of this Fall-themed wedding at The Willard!
Laura