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

#AmbianceInvites you to Think Spring!

If Spring is your thing, #ambianceinvites you to say "Yes" to the Graceful Dogwood - Sep 'N Send wedding invitation. {More questions about Sep 'N Sends? Find a quick overview HERE.}

This invite features branches, leaves, and beautiful dogwood blooms. It's the perfect welcome to your Spring wedding. Create a beautifully themed day by layering this invite with an outdoor ceremony, rustic themed cake and branch centerpieces for your reception.

Ready to think Spring? Get the scoop below.

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

Print Type: Themography

Size: Invitation 5 1/8" x 7 1/8", Reception & Response Card 4 7/8" x 3 1/2"

Production: 3 days

Included: Invitation w/ blank white envelopes, Reception Card w/ blank white envelopes, and Reception Card with blank white envelopes.

Notes: Invitation Sheet is 10 x 7 1/8" with perforated detachable cards. Invitation, Response, and Reception Card will come delivered on one convenient sheet.

Order your sample of Graceful Dogwood or shop more invitation designs, HERE.

#wedding #invitation #weddinginvitations #sepnsend #dogwoodtrees #rusticwedding #naturewedding #springwedding #inspiration #pinkwedding #weddinginspiration #virginiaweddings #isaidyes #ido #bride #groom #militaryweddings #dc #md #northernvirginiaweddings #weddingplanner #eventplanner #weddingcoordinator

#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

#AmbianceInvites...Whimsical Watercolor

Hello Spring! I've decided to skip the typical Spring inspiration of fresh blooms and soft petals. We want to highlight something fresh and new. #ambianceadores the sophisticated expression of art meets Spring in this water colored inspired invite.

We love it's playful foil lettering and its simple design. And those corners! Who knew you could love such a thing. An invite that wants to look plain but has so much interest and complexity...it's truly a work of art! Whimsical Watercolor totally sets the tone for an intimate yet fun affair, allowing you to be a little traditional and a little playful.

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

Print: 6" x 6" card
Size: Foil Stamped & Thermography
Production: 5 Working Days
Included: Printed Invitations, Blank Envelopes (choice of color)
Paper Weight: White Shimmer 105 lbs.
Notes: Extra Postage Required

You're invited to learn more about this stunning invite HERE.

#ambianceinvites #weddinginvitations #weddingstationary #weddinginspiration #vaweddings #weddingplanner #goldweddings #watercolorinvitations

Missed #bridalfashionweek? 5 Must See Looks!

Bridal Fashion Week...a chance to peek into the brilliant minds that continue to recreate and breath new life into the ways we love lace, silk, chiffon, and all things wedding.  

I think I have decided that I am totally going to Bridal Fashion Week next year in New York. My first goal for 2016. Last week, I glued myself to our Twitter and Instagram accounts to indulge myself in the fashions, inspiration, and glamour of it all, living vicariously through some of our favorite folks to follow on Instagram. Here are merely a few of our favorite looks from last week.

Runway magic...IG: southernweddings

Yes...it's an Ombre gown! #ambianceadores this post from IG: Martha_Weddings 

Love this "It's A Wrap" shot from designer IG: moniquelhuillier

Proof that daring and different can still be classy! IG:munaluchibride

Concepts leave room for so much imagination. We can totally see a bride wearing her flowers! IG: theknot

Chronicles Of A #weddingplanner: Happy Birthday Ambiance!

 Finally a quiet moment to sit beach-side and reflect on who I am, what I am and who & what I want to be. 

I closed my eyes, one big breath in, opened my eyes and there...my soul opened. The AHHHH moment I've been craving. 

Diamond Head Honolulu, Hawaii

I seek to be a mountain. A presence of majestic beauty. A pillar of quiet strength. Admired from a distance. Beautiful from within, no need for approval, or permission. 

I desire to be great, for myself, in hopes that it will runneth over into every aspect of my life. 

As I watch two of my favorite people in the world be carefree in a seemingly never ending playground of ocean, I seek to be a beacon of joy, a creator of celebration and more good. Good Times. Good Memories. And Real Good Love.

I hope the beautiful journey of my marriage & family continue to allow me to be inspiration for friends, family and clients...that love & matrimony are so worth it...fulfilling...satisfying...and worthy celebration every day. 

It is hard to believe that it has been a decade of trials and triumphs being my own boss. And like Diamond Head, I've been through some things, basked in sunshine, felt some rain, learned some lessons, yet here I stand. My gift is great and big and wide and steadfast and awing and more complex more than eyes can behold. Yes, I do believe I will be a mountain!

Happy Birthday Ambiance Special Events. Cheers to hard work, courage, believing in your dream and never being afraid to try...cheers to me.

All My Love,
~Michelle~

P.S. Just after writing this piece and snapping the above photo, a rainbow appeared over Diamond Head. The next morning, I hiked to the top and took a liberating breath in. I'm ready...ready to ride a new wave of growth and continued success.

                                                

Seven Lucky Tips from the Valentine Pros

Photo Cred: Bayside Resort Dot Com

It’s that time of year, where many spare no expense on bears, greeting cards, flowers, and more. The time honored tradition of publicly showing their affection for another on the day of St. Valentine.  According to 2014 statistics from CNN, roughly 2 billion dollars will be spent on candy, another 2 billion on flowers, and nearly 5 billion on diamonds, gold, and/or silver. Shocking, right?

This year, who better to advise you on your Valentine’s Day decisions than those who celebrate it annually…with the same person! We were so lucky to have a few of our Facebook Married couples offer their Do’s and Don’ts for the making this Valentine’s Day special and memorable.

Do think outside the box. It should be about quality time together...not things you receive. ~Kristi  & Nathaniel (3 years 11 months)

Don’t forget Valentine’s Day is February 14^th. ~Andrew (3yrs)

Do - make an effort...a small gesture or card; prepare dinner or dessert.  ~Suzanne (16 yrs)

Don’t think the MAN has to do everything on Valentine’s Day. We like to feel loved and special too. ~Robb (1year)

Do think about his/her personality and choose a gift that fits, not necessarily the standard flowers and chocolates. Thinking and preparation go a long way!  ~Shannon & Peter (7yrs)

Don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. Treat each day as a special day. Giving flowers on the Tuesday before is better.  ~Omari  (5yrs)

If you don't do special stuff regularly and spontaneously throughout the year, Valentine’s Day isn't as special. ~Cassandra (19 yrs)

Before you cast your coins into the 18+ billion dollar pool of love tokens, consider just how well spent that money will be. Will your gestures really reflect your love and adoration for your partner? It looks like the pros agree to keep it creative and personal on any day you plan to show your love. These seven lucky tips are just the advice or reminders you need to achieve a more thoughtful and meaningful Valentine’s Day with your sweetie.

Go forth and spread the love!

#valentinesdaytips #valentinesday #valentinesdayideas #valentinegiftsforhim #valentinegiftsforher #ambianceadores 

5 Pinteresting Ways To Propose To Your Wedding Party

Searching for ways to pop the question a second time? How will you ask your closest friends and family to become your wedding party. We've got some adorable ideas just for you.

Custom Labels for Everyone 

Responsibilities Included 

We totally have a crush on this scrabble tile ring. CLICK  HERE to check out the DIY instructions.

#ambianceadores Grey's Anatomy, so Be My Person, sent us over the moon in love. 

Say It With Wine! Drink now or save for 1st Anniversary.

*Photo Cred: Pinterest

#ambianceadores #bridesmaidproposalideas #groomsmanproposalideas #weddingpartygifts #bridalparty #vaweddingplanner 

Conquering Virginia: Belle Grove Plantation

Me On A Famous Couch...It Was In the Movie Lincoln

I'm in the zone! How do I know? Things are coming to me in my sleep. Ideas on where and how to place things are rolling out of my brain before I can even groan that morning has come so soon again. This week is all about the styled shoot we have coming up. I'll be working on finalizing the timeline, my packing list, and final ideas to ensure I'm bringing my "A" game. I have the pleasure of working with some fantastic vendors and I can't wait to finally bring forth our inspiration and conversations for Brides & Weddings of Northern Virginia Magazine.

 All I can share right now is the location: Belle Grove Plantation. Here are a few shots I snapped when I went to scout it out and ended up taking the guided tour of the estate and B&B. It is full of interesting factoids, stories, mysterious women, key hole desk tops, and curved doors. In two words...richly charming. Enjoy!

Be Sure To Ask Michelle Where The Phrase
"Sleep Tight, Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite" Come's From.