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 

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

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

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

Wedding Favors, For Dog Lovers Only!

I am not a dog person. Well, truthfully, I am not a pet person but I am totally in love with this doggy donation card from #carlsoncraft.  It may be one of the most custom pieces of stationary I've seen.

If you are passionate enough about your pooch to make a donation to charity on behalf of your guests in lieu of traditional wedding favors, I've got just the finishing detail for you. #ambianceinvites you to get the scoop on this pooch themed present.

Details...Details...Details...

Dimensions: 6 1/4" x 3 1/2" Card
Printing: Thermography
Includes: Printed card
Production Time: 5 Working days

Ready to order? Fall in love with the Puppy Love Donation Cards, HERE! 

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.

#AmbianceAdores this "I Said Yes" FREE printable

I'm trying to figure out just how many ways to use this FREE printable sign from the Carlson Craft blog. Oh, you thought it was just for the bride-to-be? No way! Maybe I'll start taking pictures of me when I say yes to a new client or a new latte at Starbucks. It's just that cute! 

Lucky for you, this is an adorable and cost effective prop for your social media selfie or with your ring shot for your engagement session.  Best of all,  it's super easy to make; just download, print, cut, and glue/tape on a handle. 

Here's hoping you love this free find as much as we do...CLICK HERE for download and instructions. 

#ambianceadores #weddingprintables #bride #weddingsigns #isaidyes #inspiration #weddings #weddingplanner #VAweddings

#AmbianceInvites...Shower The One With A Heart Of Gold

I don't know which we love more, the gold faux-foil heart or the horizontal lines. Together, the two elevate shower invitations from cookie cutter themes to sophisticated fun. This invite is for the bride-to-be looking to be showered in an authentic way; celebrating her personality and style. #AmbianceInvites you to ooh and ahh over the Heart Of Gold invite.

Details...Details...Details...

Print: Flat Full Color Printed (Choose Your Color Stripes)
Size: 4 5/8" x 6 1/4"
Production: 3 Working Days
Included: Printed Invitation, Envelopes (white)
Paper: 115 lb.
Note: Online Exclusive

Our E-Boutique combines the convenience of online shopping with the option to phone a friend if need be. Go ahead...find your Forever After HERE.



#bridalshowerinvitations #ambianceadores #weddinginspiration #weddingstationary #invitations #weddingstationary #weddinginvitations #pinkinvitations #goldinvitations #bridalshowers #bridetobe #bride #vaweddings #dc #maryland #virginia

You're Invited...Wood Grain Chevron

#ambianceadores this new on-line exclusive wedding invitation...Wood Grain Chevron. Think of it as a rustic meets modern mashup. One, I love Chevron. Two, I love all the ways you can personalize this baby! Not only can you choose your colors, you can also choose your corner design. Don't like square corners, choose round. Hate round, how about a crest? I'll spare you another, but you get my drift.

You'll also find coordinating reception, response, and thank you cards to complete the look. Think this could be the one? You're invited to check out the details below:

Details...Details...Details...

• Flat Colored Printing
• 5 1/8" x 7 1/4"
• 3 Working Days Production Time
• Black White Envelopes Included
• Paper White Smooth 115 lbs.

CLICK HERE to order a sample and to play around with customizing the design. Wishing you success in finding an authentic expression of your love and joy...Happy Hunting!


#weddinginvitations #invitations #ambianceadores #weddingstyles #chevron #weddingplanner #vaweddings  #weddingstationary #carlsoncraft #va #engagedcouples #bride #groom #weddinginspiration

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