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.

Are You Thinking Outside of the Bun? Taco Bells Are Ringing!

Tiny or Micro Weddings are the hot new trend. I will not lie…I’m even making plans to get in on this ultimate intimate wedding experience in 2018.  A tiny wedding is typically a super small wedding experience. Think elevated courthouse. Micro weddings are all about adventure and intimacy. It’s the ultimate balancing act between embracing ones authenticity while mixing in a few traditional wedding elements….but only the pieces you really love. Like the dress, bouquet, and cake.

It’s about 2 hours (including ceremony and after-pictures) and only includes a maximum of 15-20 people. Many include an officiant and a photographer in an incredible and/or very personal (often) alternative location.

{I'm already working on my list of incredible “little known” locales for DC and Northern Virginia.}

I cannot wait to get my creative hands all over one, pulling together my favorite and most talented vendor friends to cater to the private and quirky couples of the District. For as relatively new as tiny weddings are to the masses, Taco Bell is hashtag winning with their first Vegas wedding. That’s right, a wedding…at Taco Bell.

Taco Bell has managed to take the cake with its new Vegas Cantina. It all started with their “For the Love of Tacos” contest, an all-expense paid wedding winner and these awesome photos. Now they offer a wedding package starting at $600.

*On a side note, this is also proof of why you invest in a good photographer; they can make anything look breathtaking.

Taco Bell

Cake anyone? Cinnabon Delight. Why, yes, it is true to the Taco Bell brand as well.  

Taco Bell

Oh you thought there wouldn't be a something blue too? No Bell wedding could be complete without twisted freezes for two. Talk about a signature drink!

Cheers to the happy couple, married 6.26.17!

Taco Bell

Would you, could you, have a tiny wedding? Where would it be? 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

#AuthenticallyAmbiance: Bridal Show Prep

Marketing Materials...Booth Design...Giveaways...Oh My!

We are about a month away until the Fort Belvoir Bridal Show. That means a calculated to-do list about a mile long for me. I prepare for bridal shows with great intention. I choose the Fort Belvoir show because it is smaller and allows me the opportunity to actual talk and address concerns of passersby. Year after year, it seems to really pay off for me, more so than the larger shows.

The end of my 2016 was intense self-reflection training. Through a couple Instagram business challenges, I managed to finally focus on defining and understanding my ideal client. I set big, clear cut, manageable goals. I also added on services like invitations and personalized gifts. I updated our Full Service package to include much more. Heck of the way to end a year, I know.

In a nutshell, all of these things need to be present and make an impression at this year's bridal show.

Decision...decisions...

Yesterday, I ordered a new invitations album, so bride-to-be's have something to touch, hold, feel and ask questions about regarding our invitations and accessories affiliation with Carlson Craft. I generally promote the on-line boutique but I haven't found that photos of invitations nor lip service have captured the attention of the bride-to-be.

I have designed to give away a personalized pillow to one lucky couple for subscribing and inviting Ambiance into their inbox monthly. It truly IS one of my new favorite things! I am totally obsessed with this First Date, Yes Date, Best Date personalized pillow design. The winner will get to choose the color. I think this is also a great gift idea for mothers and maids in attendance, plus it shows off a few ways we love our personalized gifts affiliation with Thirty-One and how we work it for weddings.

I generally do not like the large table that comes with traditional bridal show set-ups. It cuts off access to interaction if you stand behind that thing. But I do need to showcase one or two of our non-floral signature centerpieces, now included in our Full-Service package. More than anything, I've got to show and drive home the fact that you get more when you book with Ambiance.



Finally, I think I'll have a banner made. Something slim but tall. This isn't something I've used in the past but I want to make sure that if I'm engaged in conversation, something else still has access to the same message. The banner can't just be the logo either. I think it has to encompass everything I'm highlighting in the booth.

Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.  The banner design will provide tricky but I'm looking forward to nailing this challenge with subtle, sophistication that is Ambiance.




#thrityone #thirtyonegifts #virginiaweddingplanner #dayofcoordinator #weddinginvitations #weddinggifts #bridalshow #bridal fair #weddingshows #ido #love #engaged #mstomrs #wedding #authenticallyambiance

Pardon My French: No Bull...Buy Her A Bag!

1. Make-Up Bag 
2. Tissues
3. Phone Charger
4. Phone
5. Change of Shoes
6. Bobby Pins
7. Evening Bag
8. Deodorant
9. Lotion
10. Curling Iron 

Just a few things any bridesmaid is likely to have on her person for the day of your wedding. These are single bridesmaids, of course, because women with children know, a mom, isn't getting away with a evening bag. 

To my point...depending on where you and the maids get ready, she'll be traveling with a minimum of ten items to support you and keep her glamorous look for an endless number of hours. She needs a bag to put it all in. More importantly, as your wedding planner, I need her to have a bag to put it all in. THE most organized wedding days have order and attention to detail, through and through. 

Zip Top Utility Tote

Your maids are no exception. From ceremony to reception; photos and everything in between, she will have the items. She will need these items. And I will have to help her with each transition you make throughout the day. When the glam squad arrives to the venue, the very first question typically asked has nothing to do with you...the bride. Instead it is, "where can we put our stuff". Stuff?!?! 

The child in me wants to shout "not it" and take a step back like a second grader ready to play tag. The sophisticated professional in me knows better.  Aside from my standard tasks of executing your wedding details and timeline, I must also help your wedding party keep up with their $#*!. They look to me to know where it is, when they can go get it, and where it will be while they eat...dance...party! 

I can be honest with you, ALL phones (that are not mine) look the same to me. We may as well add chargers in too. Soooooo no, I don't remember what your phone looks like...or where you just had it. Hell, we just met...like yesterday. And when the bar finally closes at the end of the night, finding misplaced lip gloss and/or phone chargers, is comparable to searching for  a needle in an very beautiful, well designed haystack. 

Let's not do this anymore. The best and most fluid weddings I've assisted with, each maid has a bag. Something I can line up against any wall, in any room, and know that they are all accounted for, at a glance. 

All-In Organizer

#ambianceadores The All-In Organizer from Thirty-One Gifts. It is one of the best multipurpose bags for this very use. Not too big...not too structured. It's perfect! Plus, you don't have to worry about if it is her style to use as a purse after the wedding because it's a small tote...she can use it for literally anything. The kids, car, work, closet, farmer's market...whatever!

What is important is that it will get her through wedding day with ease.  All of her things in an easily identifiable/coordinated bag that can even hold her favor AND bouquet at the end of the night. Can't think of a better wedding gift that serves so may purposes. 

Mathematically speaking...

Less Worry = Less Questions = Less Fuss and ultimately equals more focus on YOU and your needs from your maids and myself. So how about it? Let's get shopping. Shop the catalog for the All-In Organizer, only $20 (w/o personalization), HERE. 

#thirtyonegifts #personalizedgifts #wedding #inspiration #personalization #bridesmaidsgifts #weddingpartygifts #weddingplanner #bride #groom #ido #love

#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!

Have Several Seats...2017 Chair Trends

Lunch Break Bride, 

You only have about an hour to eat, be inspired, and make decisions about this wedding. Today, is your lucky day! Find out why we can't wait to have several seats in 2017. 

It's not every day that a new chair trend comes along. In 2000, the best and most popular choice was renting white folding chairs. 2008, the chivari chair gained popularity but was still considered a substantial splurge. Now, two chair trends are on the horizon for 2017 and #ambianceadores! 

First up, the ghost chair. Although it won't be for everyone, we love its sleek design and chameleon like qualities that will blend in with any color scheme. This chair can really elevate a traditional formal design to contemporary with no effort at all. 

If formal doesn't appeal to you, no worries, this chair can easily switch up your shower or rehearsal dinner to whimsical yet sophisticated in a blink. The ghost chair is a definite splurge for the everyday bride, running $18-$22/chair; but an oh so edgy way to invite guests to the table with a seat they won't often experience. 

For an up-to-date look on rustic and/or casual designs, consider mix and match chairs. We can't wait to break all the rules and go coordinated but not uniform! Mix and match chairs can offer a playful but welcoming ambiance to your design/decor and can really add some depth and luxury to your space. 

We simply can't wait...tell me, which new chair trend speaks to you? 

#weddingdecor #weddingtrends #inspiration #weddingplanner #ambianceadores #eventdesign 

Choosing Your Vendors

I call it, 12 minutes of Awesome! My brief catch up with fellow wedding warrior, and one of my favorite photographers, Dawn Gardner of DG Photography.

My phone rang and 12 minutes was all it took. Dawn and I had talked networking, upcoming projects, future goals/directions, family and wrapped up with let's do this again soon! 

Wedding vendors always seem busy. That is because we really ARE. 

When a photographer isn't shooting, there is editing photos and scheduling client reveals. When a planning isn't on site, there is research, phone calls, looking ahead, thinking ahead for each project on the case load. Did I fail to mention, the other bazillion tasks of running a business like paying bills, ordering supplies, advertising and social media? So many times, a few minutes is all you've got. Then it's back to the grind and on to the next. 

You see, this is how I choose your wedding vendors or the dream team of people I recommend to you first. I don't just close my eyes and point to a business card on a page of many. I don't just call around and offer a list of anyone available on your date. No, not at all. 

I met people, talk to them, work with them, get to know them. Not for BFF's but I LIKE their work. I believe in their mission. I like they way they treat people. I like their approach to the profession. I believe them to be authentic. 

I think it's one of the biggest benefits to working with a coordinator. I don't just pick anyone...I help choose someone who I think would not only deliver but work well with your personality too. People you want hanging around all wedding day long. Each part of your event is another layer, including the people you work with. Each layer (color scheme, invitations, menu, favors) adds a little more awesome, a little more authenticity to your day...the people should too. 

12 minutes and I have 5 new books to read, inspire and grow my business.

And I can't wait, as "You Are A Badass" just moved to the top of my new list simply because the title speaks to me, lol. 

Don't you want someone who adds value to your day...to your life? Someone who gets it (your vision)? Someone who gets you? Choosing a vendor is more than ability and availability. 

You know when you connect with someone; shop around until you do. Choose more wisely the companies you hire much like the company you keep. 

Looking for a great Planner, PICK ME! Looking for a great photographer? Check out my girl Dawn G! She's good people, #ambianceadores her, CLICK HERE. 

#wedding #specialevents #weddingplanner #weddingphotographer #photography #northernvirginia #networking #smallbusiness #authenticallyambiance #inspiration #weddingadvice

#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!  

Hello Friday!

Will #TGIF ever get old? I don't think so. Happy Friday Friends!

What started as an excuse to catch up and spend time with a girlfriend turned into "stamp camp". We played around with blank Ambiance postcards, rubber stamps and embossing...oh the endless possibilities. 

It's amazing how you can elevate any blank piece of paper (envelopes too, wink/wink) with a little imagination, colored ink and on special occasion, a really cool blow dry tool. 

I'm excited to be updating my marketing materials in a more authentic way. I think it shows a little creativity but not in-your-face crafty, which is what the Ambiance bride looks for. 

Looking forward to saying Hello to a few of you soon. 

2017, get ready for a more authentic Ambiance experience!

#authenticallyambiance #stationary #personalized #stamping #tgif

7 Things #ambianceadores about Tatyana Ali's Wedding

Can we just start by saying how adorably sweet it is that Ashley (Ali's character on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air) is Married! Tatyana Ali became Mrs. Vaughn Rasberry on Sunday, July 17. I would have LOVED to do this celebrity wedding because of how authentic and genuine it appears to have been. The coverage of this wedding is chocked full of valuable lessons for the every day bride. Here are 7 that #ambianceadores:

1. A Morning Wedding! I love this bold, non-trending choice. Weddings are what you make them and it is a myth that dancing into the night is the only way to host a romantic celebration. I predict
more couples will start to at least consider the a.m. time slot in their wedding plans.

2. Small & Intimate. I can't say enough about the advantages of small and intimate events; but for the every day bride, think about how much further your budget could go with less than 150 people. How about your floral budget with less than 7 bridesmaids? I'm just going to leave that right there for you to chew on.

3. Hired Help. I'm just saying, a wedding coordinator is a valuable decision, no matter how biased I may be.

4. Embraced The Moment. Too often we wish for more or better of ourselves and our situations. Ali is pregnant and makes a conscious decision to not look at her situation as a hiccup within her wedding plans but as something to be embraced and shared. Instead of choosing a gown to camouflage her bump, she embraces with a more fitted choice that highlights her growing miracle.

Bringing new life into the world aside, the lesson still applies to you. Say you don't have the wedding budget of your dreams, it's ok, few people do. You must embrace where you are in your career, your finances and your life and DO with it what you can. Your wedding plans will reflect more beautifully, more authentically when you embrace and appreciate who you are, where you are, and what you have.  Deal with it...work with it.

5. Purposeful Design. Ali's centerpieces were intended to be something guests could take home. Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than an end of the night, after thought of an announcement telling guest to take a centerpiece if they want to. Talk about a deer in headlights situation. A little foresight goes a long way because most of the time, your centerpieces aren't designed for casual transport (insert water all over your seats). If you let your florist know this is something you are considering, you can design arrangements that are also user friendly for a car ride home at the end of the event.

6. Responsible Splurging. That is no mistake. Yes Ali was married at the Four Season's Beverly Hills but we are talking about a Doctor and a well known actress. This wedding could have easily been Over. The. Top. Yet, the couple's cocktail hour centerpieces (pictured above) were made using supplies from Michael's Craft Store. Your budget is a balancing act, spend in areas that matter to you, make affordable choices and use alternatives in areas that don't. It's that simple.

7. Meaningful Personal Touches. Ali's day could have easily been plastered with their names, monogram, and pictures, but the couple made a series of modest selections that were personal and important to them. I love their use of the wishing tree for two reasons. One, they used an actual tree that can be continuously enjoyed throughout their lives. Two, it speaks to who they are as a couple. It says the support and blessings of their family and friends is an important thing they wanted to capture to remember from their day. What matters to you?

The coverage of this wedding is simply beautiful. The photos showcase what I believe to be the  true magic behind weddings...love. All the up-lighting and glitter in the world can't manufacture the same energy as two people that are truly, authentically in love. See the full piece from The Knot and more on what the bride had to say, HERE.



*Photos Courtesy of The Knot. #TheKnot #TatyanaAli #CelebrityWeddings #ambianceadores #MichaelsCraftStore #inspiration #weddingplanner #va #dc #md #weddings

#NFL Inspiration for the Big Day

 

We are all about incorporating the things you love into your special day. Nothing changes when it comes to football. Two tricks to keep in mind when you include sports elements into the big day.

1. Keep it sophisticated.

2. Don't over do it.


Tips to Achievement:

You are a grown up...planning an evening of class, tradition, and etiquette, no matter the style. If you want to include your love of football  or any other sport, just be sure to take a step back and make sure it matches the "ambiance" of the rest of the event. I recommend subtle choices that guests will notice out of surprise. Whatever you choose, it shouldn't be the sore thumb in the room.

Secondly, you don't need your favorite team, team colors, or sport on everything.  One or two elements should do the trick. Don't go overboard with color or design. Here are a few elements that #ambianceadores!

Table Names or Numbers

A guest book you can easily turn into decor for your home! 

Single men will be more apt to come out an catch this over a garter belt. 

Team Cufflinks, also a great gift for groomsmen. 

All About That Lace!

Lace is such a timeless and classic fabric. Paired classic or rustic, lace adds elegance and charm to event design and decor. Today, #ambianceadores these lacy inspired invites and accessories just perfect for summer weddings. For more information on these looks and more lace inspiration, click HERE.

 Timeless Lace & Pearls Invite

Personalized Favor Bags

Classic Lace Invite

Modern Lace Invitation

Skip The Chargers and Spring for Lace Placemats!

Simple & Sweet Lace Seal N Send

Share A Photo & Say Thank You

Lace In Color, Double-Sided Invitation