#AlwaysAmbiance The Winston's First Anniversary

Cake truffles from NYC, a hashtag, and Uber Black Car as wedding transportation; 

the Winston's ooze what it means to be young, in love, and in the city! 

Their journey to Forever After is one that proves life is better together and can whether any storm. Oh yes...Hurricane Joaquin made its way to the Atlantic Coast the week of their union. Although we had to Plan B our cocktail hour due to wind and rain, love had an agenda of its own and their Ever After would NOT be denied.  

Their day was the perfect balance of tears,

...and turn up! 

It really resonated in my heart when Patrice made the decision to have her mother walk her down the aisle. This is something I had done at my own wedding and is still one of my most cherished life moments.

But the details...so many truly personal touches made their entire event an experience for us all.

Patrice and Andre decided on an event design that would keep guests talking, mixing and mingling all night long, ensuring no two guest tables were alike. When one person hates cake, naturally a color coordinated dessert buffet yeilds the perfect compromise. Passed love notes, surprise gifts, formal attire, live music...I could have their wedding every day.

I love learning just how big, deep, and wide love is. Every wedding is my favorite because you've allowed me in to your soft place. You've allowed me to learn about who you are and what love means and looks like to you. This is why Forever After never gets old. It is why I pray your love is everlasting, why I pray we will always be connected because of it.

Always Appreciated, Always Loved is what being #AlwaysAmbiance is all about. Thank you for allowing me to see you Patrice and Andre. Happy Anniversary...may the force be with you.

#AlwaysAmbiance Happy Anniversary Tiffani & Aaron

Cheers & Happy Anniversary to #alwaysambiance couple, Tiffani and Aaron, married on 8.8.08!

This couple was sure of almost every detail of their wedding, start to finish. Needless to say, their vision of  'sophisticated style'  was a direct reflection of who they are as a couple. Don't they look good? 

I learned so much from this wedding about myself and the way I wanted to do and grow my business. Sad to say, but, this was the first wedding where my execution didn't fully live up to expectation (a few missed details, although un-noticed by guests, were a disappointment to them). Talk about a devastating blow...but a pivotal moment in my growth as an entrepreneur. 

Even though I felt my team had done well, I had to examine areas of improvement, ie: better exploring client expectations, documenting layouts/design in more detail (no relying on memory and conversations alone), ways to communicate more effectively with my staff. Constructive criticism is a hard but necessary part of growing a business into a lasting competitor in your field.

I've continued to strive to be greater each time someone says 'I Do' to Ambiance. Tiffani and Aaron could have been disappointed and never communicated with me again. But they instead chose to, take me up on my offer to share their experience with Ambiance, giving me an opportunity to grow. They took the time to share the things that went well and where they feel they felt short. 

With great appreciation, I raise a glass to Tiffani and Aaron, whose transparency and honesty have driven me to be better...and still standing! I am to have been open to learn such a valuable lesson. I am still here doing what I love, always a little better than before. As for this couple's Forever After, they recently became a party of five, welcoming their third child.

I will always be honored to share in and watch love grow. 

Happy Anniversary Tiffani and Aaron, may your love continue to grow and thrive!  

#AlwaysAmbiance Happy Anniversary Claudia & Randy

Throwing it back this Thursday with  a very Happy Anniversary month to this seriously sizzling' hot couple. Look but don't touch, you just might get burned.

EVERY single detail, from their sassy Gatsby themed engagement shoot...

...to wedding day, stemmed from their super lovable personalities and infectious smiles.

When he sees her for the first time...that look...priceless!

Torrential rain and 3 flash flood warnings couldn't stop them. And when it was all over...there love stood; conquering the day like a flag planted on the moon. LOVE is truly at the source for these two.

The rain let up just enough to allow for a few night shots. 

Salsa dancing, surprises, and a short dress and sneakers wardrobe change, kept everyone dancing the night away until the wee hours of the morning. They even donated their wedding flowers to the hotel. The next morning, the hotel placed a sign thanking them for the beautiful flowers for all guests to be welcomed and wished them well in Forever After ahead.

There is nothing like the power of love and being directly influenced and inspired by it everyday. I LOVE MY JOB!!!! Thank you for allowing me to share a small part in your joy and journey. Happy Anniversary Claudia & Randy.

Always Appreciated. Always Connected. #AlwaysAmbiance



*****

Photography: DG Photography

#weddingplanner #weddings #vaweddings #weddinginspiration # pinkwedding #pinkweddinginspiration #engagedcouples #GreatGatsby #GatsbyTheme #love #ido #alwaysambiance #anniversary #realweddings #authenticallyambiance #engaged #engagedcouples

#AlwaysAmbiance : Look Who's Celebrating An Anniversary

I absolutely CAN NOT believe this wedding was 3 years ago today. This encore wedding blended two families in a small and intimate ceremony/reception tucked away in Northern Virginia. His daughter proudly served as Maid of Honor and her son, Best Man. Love and Laughter are two of my most favorite things on the planet. Love brought us all together and the laughter wasn't far behind.

FUN...from the very beginning to the very end.

This military power couple continues to climb the ranks (they are pretty up there, lol). They've been whisked away to Puerto Rico and back, and just last week...a high school graduation for their son.

From Guest Book to Home Decor,
A Fitting Guest Book for this Military Couple. 

What I love most of all, is that I know how they are doing three years later. I love having the chance to stay connected with clients and celebrate their successes big and small. I love hearing about the good seeds that continued to grow from two simple words, "I Do"!

As you plan your wedding, remember, wedding day is merely the starting line and I will be there...Always! And you will be #AlwaysAmbiance too.

Favors? A Shot of Love Anytime You Need One.

Happy Anniversary...Carlos & Yesenia!




*****

Photography: Reese Studios

#weddingwednesday #weddinginspiration #weddingplanner #vaweddings #alwaysambiance #weddinganniversary #ido #weddinginspiration #pinkwedding #yellowwedding #roseweddingbouquet #ambianceadores #militarywedding #militaryweddinginspiration

Blogging...Is For The Birds!

I. Am. Stuck. That's right. I have literally spent an entire day...AN ENTIRE DAY...trying to figure out what to blog about. This is not only frustrating but exhausting. Hence the photo that totally captures my current mood.

#alwaysambiance bride Lisa having fun with Robert Holley Photography

I am on a journey to truly become "Authentically" Ambiance. It's not just the title of my blog but a lifestyle of wearing, living, breathing, and simply being my brand through and through.

This seemed much easier in theory because the truth is, I have spent a decade of attempting the blog the cookie cutter way; doing what I thought was proper. You know what I mean,  posting content, writing, photos the way  everybody else seems to be doing it.


Luckily, the blog hasn't stopped me from having success in my business but I also know it is a missing link in my growth. Blogging is a thing I am going to have to dig deep and really find my authentic digital voice.

Help a sister out!

You are the working bride. The one that is short on time, the one who craves affordable style, the one that doesn't want to spend ALL of your nights and weekends planning the pivotal moments in your life.

I said to myself,
Me: Self?
Myself: Yes.
Me: Why don't you just ask?

So here goes...tell me fair Unicorn, what do you want to know, to experience? What does inspire you? What is authentic to you? Let's get to know one another, engage, and discover authenticity together. You've read this far, don't leave me hanging; leave a comment, below or via social media. Don't leave me hanging.

If you blog for your business, tell me how you found your authentic voice.

Authentically Ambiance Real Wedding...Jen & Gary

It was love at first sip...not Jen and Gary...but my first meeting with them at #Starbucks. The bride; brassy, sassy, and a little sarcastic. The groom; gentle, lighthearted and easy going. I instantly knew I was in for a treat with these two. The two were brilliant in being open to suggestions on how to best make vision meet their budget. Gary wanted Jen to have whatever she wanted. Jen wanted inviting, a touch custom, and all within budget. We did so well with our budgeting, we almost hired Vera Wang and applied for a patent on a cake projector (our inside joke).

*FYI: Brides dream, do, and say some of the funniest things while wedding planning. I am never bored.*

We roped off the main aisle with a Forever After sign, truly setting the tone for their life together. Jen and Gary wanted to make wedding day so special for the other, I had to keep separate files and email traffic to handle their "surprise" wish lists.Selfless love right from the start! It may be some of the most fun our team has had.

We were busy hiding muscle cars and photographers, arranging special snacks, meals, and of course, cupcakes for one gluten free flower girl. We customized booklets to hold their vows, created a flowing backdrop for their outdoor nuptials and ended the night with scratch off lottery tickets for all...(insert sigh) my heart cant help but be full.

After an emotional first look, this couple decided on Forever and picked up a life long cheerleader as well. This couple stole my heart and luckily adopted me as their very own to keep forever. Looks like I'm party of the family now. Welcome To Forever After Jen and Gary...xoxoxoxo.

Team Work Makes The Dream Work! Here are the fabulous vendors that help us shine.

Coordinator: Ambiance Special Events
Ceremony Location: Fort Belvoir Officer's Club
Reception Location: Fort Belvoir Officer's Club
Catering: Fort Belvoir Officer's Club
Photography: Reese Studios Photography
Flowers: Royalty Flowers Inc
Cake: Sweet Ladies Bakery
DJ: DJ Mike Pisfil
Hair/Make-Up: Audrey LeFevre
Favors: DIY

#ido #bride #groom #ambianceadores #wedding #purpleweddings #blueweddings #militaryweddings

Authentically Ambiance: Real Wedding Lisa & Chris

LISA & CHRIS...

With the Groom-to-be stationed abroad and Mother-of-the Bride, out of state, it was my joy to stand in and be Lisa's right hand woMan. The distance of family and guests made the perfect transition into what would be the couple's theme.

Louisana Pralines for guest favors and a traditional 2nd line, tied back to the bride's southern roots. While travel boarding passes and destination table names, playfully pulled in the groom's military service. Together, we customized a beautiful winter wedding that was exactly what Lisa wanted; simple, elegant, and FUN!

Welcome to Forever After, Lisa and Chris! I can't wait to share in your next milestone.

Teamwork makes the Dream Work. Here are the wonderful people we had a chance to collaborate with:

Event Planning & Coordination: Ambiance Special Events 
Photography: Robert Holley Photography
Ceremony: St. Mary of Sorrows
Reception: Fort Belvoir Officer's Club
Hair/Make-Up:L'Image Salon 
Vintage Car: Vintage Limos 
Limo Service: Majestic Limo
Favor Pralines: Sugar Belle Louisiana
Florist: Royalty Flowers
Cake: Bee Wedding Cakes
DJ: Black Tie DJs
Chair Covers: Be-Seated 
Invitations: Ambiance Special Events
Menu Cards: Ambiance Special Events
Favor Bags/Labels: Ambiance Special Events
Programs/Boarding Cards: DIY