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 

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

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