Tidbit: Make an Exit

And make it memorable!
I can't stress this enough to my couples.
Remember learning how to write a 5 paragraph essay in 5th grade where you always had to have an introduction, body and close to wrap it all up? Well, you should also think of your wedding this way! A strong and moving essay wouldn't make sense without a compelling closing paragraph, and so too, your wedding should not be a cliffhanger!
I know I get carried away with analogies sometimes (often), but seriously, a planned exit not only brings closure to the evening, but makes for some pretty awesome photos. 
Sparklers are always a great option, but one new-ish trend are biodegradable flying chinese lanterns. (Thanks to one of my fave blogs for introducing to me this!)
One idea is for guests to write well-wishes to the couple on these--then release at end of the night. How awesome!

To be Wed: Jess + Larry

Check out the engagement photos of one of my August couples, Jessica and Larry, taken last weekend by the always fabulous Corey Ann Photography! (Yes, I am biased as Corey was also my wedding photographer!) Anyway, Jess and I have been planning her Cleveland wedding since last October and I can't wait to see her and Larry next month! (For Corey Ann's most recent work, see her blog here.)

Alycia + Ernie: 07.25.09: Married

::Highlights of this wedding::

1. Ceremony seating

Alycia and Ernie were married in the gorgeous rotunda of the Carnegie--so the bride wanted to have her guests seated in a circle to complement the space instead of the typical chair layout. And the couple was married right in the middle of that circle! Having set up the black chiavari chairs for this event, I can say that creating this type of seating plan is a lot more difficult than it may look!

2. Bride's Entrance

Alycia (and her bridal party) made her entrance into the rotunda down a spiral staircase--definitely different and super elegant!

3. Black Chiavaris + Black Linens

Although slowly gaining popularity, I notice that people still tend to shy away from incorporating too much black into their weddings. But it can be timeless, classic, sexy when done right as evidenced by this wedding's use of black chiavari chairs and black pintuck linens. Think 'little black dress.'

4. Club DJ

Music was important to them, so instead of hiring a 'wedding dj' Alycia and Ernie splurged on one of their favorite local club djs to spin at their reception. And trust me....it made for a great party!

5. Sunken Hydrangea

Orchids have been done. So it was refreshing to see another flower, hydrangea, in sunken centerpieces. Striking.

DJ Dredd

::VENDORS::

Venue: Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington DC

Entertainment

Harpist: Kristen Jepperson

DJ: Dominic Redd

Floral: Atelier Floral Design

Photographer: Rodney Bailey

Videographer: Enfocas Photography Inc.

Rentals: Party Rental

Caterer and Cake: The Classic Catering People

Makeup: Elan Image Consulting

Transportation: Regal Limousine

Audio/Visual: ProAV

photo guest book

circular ceremony seating in rotunda

unity candle

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cocktail table centerpieces of black river rocks and hydrangea

bride Alycia in Nicole Miller gown

flower girls with babies breath head wreaths

staircase entrance

sunken hydrangea and branch centerpiece (tall)

sweetheart table

centerpiece of carnation mound (low)

bridal bouquet of hydrangea, callas, roses and stephanotis

cocktails

photos on the portico

bird's eye view into rotunda

yummy salad by CCP! greens, gorgonzola, strawberries, caramelized walnuts!

the beautiful portico right before the sparkler exit