Christmas Carats

I could troll the internet watching proposals over and over...regular  people. celebrities; it doesn't really matter. There is something so wonderful about the tornado of emotions, expressions, and reactions, that just make me feel good. I love watching joy in the making.

Ambiance and...the internet are all a buzz with the most adorable engagement moments celebrities are eager to share with their fans and followers.

The former America's Next Top Model and Actress, Eva Marcille is getting hitched to Lawyer/Advocate, Mike Sterling. Eva shared joy via IG on Christmas Day with a simple caption, "Is said YES!!!!  #ambianceadores how raw and authentic a share this is, no filters, no staging, no stylist, just pure love. Congratulations Eva Diva!

Another favorite moment comes from IG: InsideWeddings with a super emotional proposal video from the Big Bang Theory's Katie Cuoco. The actress will wed professional equestrian Karl Cook. This will be an encore wedding for Cuoco but a first time down the aisle for Cook. In the video, Cuoco (overcome with emotion) announces ""we're engaged in the video clip before being reminded, she hasn't said yes yet. It is the great example of  how powerful and emotional love is for us all. Want to see the waterworks? CLICK HERE!

Under a tunnel of Christmas lights, the "Dear Future Husband" artist, Meghan Trainor said yes to the former Spy Kid actor, Daryl Sabara. Witness her tearful yes, then stay tuned to see her hug family and friends nearby, all set to the tune of Trainors' song, Hopeless Romantic. It's just beautiful.

Love is as authentic as it gets. Wishing these ladies a lifetime of Happiness!



#evamarcille  #katiecuoco #meghantrainer #celebrityengagements #celebrity weddings #experienceambiance #northernvirginiaweddings #weddingplanner

Merry & Married

Merry Time Holiday Card
5 x 7 card, Foil Stamp Flat Print

I really get excited thinking about how many of our #alwaysambiance couples are celebrating their first holiday seasons as married couples. It is a really special and exciting time for newlyweds. Creating new traditions, decorating first homes, hosting family/friends for the first time, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

A couple's first holiday card shouldn't be any less special. Your seasons greetings are a great way to reflect on and refresh the memory of a very special time you celebrated this year...your wedding day.

It is also a great excuse to share more fabulous photos from your special day.  Use a traditional wedding portrait or shoot for something that shows how good Forever After is treating you, either way, it's not too late to personalize your holiday wishes from the new Mr & Mrs.

Feast your eyes on our Newlywed Designs HERE.

Or get more inspiration from our selection of Holiday Cards HERE. 

#ambianceinvites you to learn more. The Be Merry Holiday Card is a 5 x 7 flat card with a foil stamped flat print. Price includes your choice of colored envelopes and can be ready to ship in 3-5 working days.

For more questions, post a comment below.

Wedding Day Sneak Peek: Cross Over To Cronauer

This past weekend was EVERYTHING it was supposed to be; beautiful weather, a stylish groom, a gorgeous bride, and literally, a circle of love around them. Virginia really is for lovers!

An intimate indoor ceremony, followed by a tented evening of dinner and dancing, on a perfectly tempered Virginia night is the magic memories are made of.  The love and light that showed up for this couple is one for the books. The plan, pops of pink that really allow the clean beauty of greenery to shine. I'd say mission accomplished.

Fabulous is bound to happen when your artist bridesmaids bring their own chalk!

And of course, a stolen moment to absorb it all.

The only hiccup of the evening is where it pays to have the Ambiance team in your corner. The escort cards were mistakenly printed without the guest dinner selection on them. Meaning, the wait staff doesn't know who ordered what. My team and I simply stepped in with the master list, and although it took some extra time, directed the waitstaff to each individual guest at every table.

I say it all the time, in all of your planning, there will still be instances you simply couldn't have planned for. This was a potential fire, that was snuffed out before it had a chance to start. The couple nor their parents ever had to leave their seats to handle the matter, all because of their decision to have, at minimum, a Day Of Coordinator.

One of my favorite moments...well people...The Father of the Bride. He owned his emotions and it was so raw and beautiful. It's the stuff you can't plan, fabricate, or capture again. On Wedding Day, our goal is to allow everyone to just be in the moment. During their father/daughter dance, he danced with  A so lovingly, held her so close, seeming to be taking in every breath of his little girl, now a married woman. I tear up just writing about it. It was beyond special.

The last detail, I'll share is probably one of the most authentic moments of the evening, literally, a circle of love. This moment was not planned, it just happened. Guests joined arm in arm, looking at lifetime of love in the making. Goosebumps, I tell ya, goosebumps.

I mean seriously, could there be any better way to end the evening?  The Cross over to Cronauer was such a successful, beautiful journey of emotion and joy. I am so lucky to have played a small part in the joining of two really cool families, in what I am sure to be, a long lasting love story for A + R. Now do you see how Forever After never gets old?

There are three other really special moments I won't dare to mention just yet. These are all photos I was able to snap during the day on my phone. I can not wait to see the finished professionally captured story laid out by one Stephanie Dee. Which means, amazing is still to come.


Our Amazing Dream Team:
Day Of Coordinator: Ambiance Special Events
Venue/Catering: Inn At Vint Hill
Photographer: Stephanie Dee Photography
Florists: Flower Gallery 
Cake: Gateau Distinction Cakes
Music: Dominion Wedding Entertainment
Transportation: Camelot Cars


#northernvirginiaweddings #virginiaweddings #virginiabrides #misstomrs 

Local Love: Out And About in Manassas VA

Dawn & I catching a quick "Us"ie

I was thrilled and overjoyed to gather with some amazing women entrepreneurs and celebrate one genuine soul...Dawn Gardner of DG Photography. No more shuffling all over the DMV for meetings for this girl. She has moved on up...to a studio in downtown Manassas.                  

Dawn's soft opening was a delightfully intimate evening with delectable cupcakes and macaroons (my favorite food groups) from Sweet Pink Bakery, meeting new professionals and catching up with a few old ones. There is something about driven, positive, encouraging women that is just good food for my soul. It invigorates and refreshes me deep from within.

I am so fortunate to do what I love and love what I do; to continuously find myself surrounded and encouraged with opportunities for growth; to learn about the purpose and missions of other women trying to build their empires from kitchen counters while juggling wife/mom hats. I am blessed to be able to offer my encouragement and support by doing what I can, when I can.

This is what makes being an entrepreneur worth every late night, every blog post,  every anxiety, every failure, and every restart. DG Photography Studio is confirmation that hard work and dedication can manifest dreams to reality. I am so overjoyed for her. And I am hopeful for every woman's dream that was there to celebrate. 

   


#weddingplanner #virginiaweddings #virginiaweddingplanner #dayofcoordinator #dgphotography #weddingphotography #eventdesign #weddinginvitations #northernvirginia #weddingvendor #woodbridgeva #manassasva #occoquanva 

How to say NO kids at your wedding

Ambiance Real Wedding
Robert E Holley Productions 

Whether or not to have kids at the wedding is a big decision! It has become more common for couples  to decide against having children at their celebrations. Some couples are even forgoing a flower girl and ring bearer as part of the wedding party. A few Ambiance couples shared that meal costs for kids is one factor for the decision; but also not worrying about censored music, accidents with alcohol, or taking over the dance floor, as others reasons. 

What I hear them saying is that parents don't always do a great job of parenting during a wedding. But that is another story for another day. 

So how do you say it? How do you say no thank you to children for your big day? 

TECH-NI-CALLY, it is poor etiquette to print "No Children" or "Adults Only" on your invite. One should simply address the invitation to the person or persons being invited. For instance, if your formal invitation is addressed to Mr and Mrs John Doe, then it is for grown ups only. Addressing an invitation to The Doe Family or Mr and Mrs Doe, John and Sarah Doe, would indicate that the entire family is invited.

The proper way to handle a guest that has mistakenly RSVP'd for more persons than the number you've allowed, is for the wedding host ( you or a parent) to call, gently remind them the invite was only for (insert number or names), that you hope this isn't too much of an inconvenience and hope they'll still be able to attend; but understand if they can not. 

Again, I say this is proper etiquette. Twerk and Binge-watch are also words that have been recently added to the dictionary, so I get it when you roll your eyes because it seems like another hassle... I know. The etiquette is truly centered in knowing the guests you are inviting. You should know and be decently familiar with your guest list. Being able to pick up the phone shouldn't be awkward.

Clearly, you can see how we've evolved into printing decrees for all to read and obey. Frankly, in the words of Sweet Brown..."Ain't nobody got time for that!" I tell my clients the proper way and allow them to decide for themselves. The Ambiance bride is typically a working one, so I understand and support her choice for having fifteen less phone calls on her to do list.

Printed or not, if no kids in the right choice for your wedding day, just be prepared to stand firm in that choice. The big girl panties must be pulled up tight...like spanx...no exceptions! Understanding fully that it may mean a near and dear friend/family member may not be able to make it. Don't make this decision lightly, because the only thing worse would be to allow even one person an exception, when others made the sacrifice. There will be whispers...and shaming. 

For more advice sent to your inbox, subscribe in the sidebar to the right =>.  

#weddingadvice #weddinginspiration #howto #askambiance # virginiaweddings #virginiaweddingplanner #dayofcoordinator

#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.

Wedding Plans made Even Easier

Ambiance is expanding...again!

In 2015, we adding invitations and wedding accessories from Carlson Craft to our repertoire in an effort to streamline the wedding planning process for our clients. Our idea was to maximize convenience and efficiency.

Recently, I've fallen in love with a utility tote that I simply can't live without from Thirty-One Gifts. It helps me keep organized while promoting the sophistication of my business brand. My light bulb moment came when a client wanted to talk options for wedding party gifts. Thirty-one offers various ways to gift, organize, and personalize your life.

Wedding or Christmas Gift for the Newlyweds!
https://www.mythirtyone.com/1858974

When your life involves a wedding, I can tell you, the best and most organized Day-Of's are the ones where the bridesmaids each have a tote (usually with their name) to keep up with their cell phone, chargers, make-up bag, and extra shoes. My staff and I line them up on a wall in a safe room and the maids know exactly where to retrieve their things. And no panic calls at the end of the night, asking if we've found...insert expensive, irreplaceable item here...

Best of all, they are gifts people will use over and over in their daily life. And yes, there are a few great options for the guys too.

Gift For Your Maids...only $10.
https://www.mythirtyone.com/1858974

I think Thirty-One products are a perfect fit for Ambiance; endless options for personalized gifts and home decor to welcome you to Forever After.

Already, love Thirty-One? Host a registry party for the products you love.

New to Thirty-One? Stay tuned to our page for upcoming events/specials or request to join our FB group: #AmbianceAdores XXXI.

Cheers to New Beginnings, friends...Ambiance Special Events and Thirty-One. It's the reason our couple's spend more time together and less time in meetings!

#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