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 

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

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

Pardon My French...Read. The. Damn. Contract!

#authenticallyambiance ,planning tip,#pardonmyfrench,#inspiration,#alwaysambiance,#ambianceadores,Pardon My French

Grab a drink, you may need it!
Ambiance + DG Photography

I'm finding myself a little perplexed when people try to throw tantrums because they "thought", "cant believe" or "feel" something is/isnt in their contract. I love you, I really do; but this is going to be hard for some of ya'll to hear. Grab something to sip on, you may need it. 

The wedding industry has been evolving for a cool hundred years now and I am going to need ya"ll to stop playing. The contract, is no longer a new concept.

Nowadays, the wedding planner isnt always the first phone call. Most couples come to me with at least one or two services already booked. Those who work with a coordinator, get the added benefit of extra eyes reading and pointing out important information. It's your signature on the line. With or without a planner, YOU must know what you are signing. 

~You MUST know, whether or not your photographer is for 6 hours or the whole day.

~You MUST know if you are financially responsible for un-booked rooms in your hotel block.

~Your MUST know whether or not there are deadlines on you changing your mind.

~You MUST know how many hours you are allowed for set up.

~You MUST know your florist will not order your flowers without an approval and final payment, two weeks prior.

I mean, really? These are not surprises folks. You have got to pay attention to what you are committing to AND what you are getting. You wouldn't dare walk into a car dealership, sign the paperwork and then say "wait a minute, they don't come with oil? Yet, you are spending the same type of money. For the life of me, I can not figure out why someone would be casual with one yet not the other?

Contracts are two sided, generally covering what the vendor will provide and also covering what and what the client is responsible for. Contracts exist for a reason! Deadlines for changes, payments, do, dont's, will, and wont's, are printed up to inform you ahead of time. 

I am a #daveramsey girl, my family and I live debt free (excluding the mortgage). Though I love to help throw a good party, when it comes to your investment in Forever After, I'm more of an advocate for spending well. Taking care of your coins, starts with knowing what you're committing to and what should be provided to you in return. No more 'damsel in distress' routine. 

Before you go, can we try something? Can we committ to taking the same time and energy you use to meet, compare, and choose your vendors and actually read the contract...before we sign?

Yes! Great! I'll just need your signature on the dotted line.

Readers Signature: _________________________________

Now there's nothing left to do but honor it. 

#pardonmyfrench #authenticallyambiance #weddingplanner #weddingcontracts #rant #weddings #engaged #bridetobe #groomtobe #isaidyes #ido #love #va #md #dc  

#AmbianceInvites You To Get "Knotty" with Nautical!

We love the playful and clean look a nautical theme can bring. The key to flawless execution hangs not in the balance but on it.

Nautical is a theme that can easily be overdone. For a sophisticated look...all you really need is a few themed touches here and there. Keep your design elements coordinated but not uniform. 

            

For your attire, we love the thought of #somethingblue shoes for the bride, and an understated themed look for the men. 

Try a mix of florals and lantern centerpieces to create interest for your guest tables. Choose themed escort cards/holders or a themed table number holder, but not both. 

Consider a clean cake with a themed topper or a textured cake with a decorated cake stand/table. Add on colored cloth napkins, if you are using white linens, themed favor tags/boxes, and one more "wow" detail like up lighting or chair decor for the couple..and voila...Simple. Elegant. Fun. 

Get the look...

Nautical Invitations:

Nautical Romance Invitation

http://ambiancespecialevents.carlsoncraft.com/Wedding/Wedding-Invitations/3148-KE36107-Nautical-Romance--Invitation.pro

Nautical Boutonnieres & Card Holders:

See a variety of knot styles at Etsy.com

Nautical Personalized Coasters: 

Free Spirit Coasters

http://ambiancespecialevents.carlsoncraft.com/Wedding/Placemats--Coasters/3215-DD32016CS-Free-Spirit-Coaster.pro

What other ideas do you have for your nautical inspired look? Post a comment below or tag someone looking to "knotty" with nautical.


****
#nauticalwedding #nauticalweddinginspiration #weddinginspiration #vaweddings #northernvirginia #weddinginvitations #weddingthemes #nauticaltheme #isaidyes #ido #weddingplanner #bluewedding #blueandwhiteweddings #personalizedcoasters #weddingpaper #weddingstationary 

#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

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! 

Food Allergy Awareness Week...Exclude the Food...Not the Child!

What a week! Food Allergy Awareness Week 2016 is in the books. 

I am an allergy mom! Bringing awareness to #foodallergies especially in our schools is an additional purpose for my life. Birthday Cupcakes, Pizza, and Popcorn parties at school exclude children with life threatening conditions and I'd like to bring change to that. I also use my small platform to promote Celebrations for All(ergies) when it comes to special events. Making sure all guests have an opportunity to feel included.

 Let's face it, even at a wedding, #glutenfree friends comes in all shapes and sizes. 

Sisters! Gluten Free Flower Girl on the right.
We made sure special arrangements for a sweet treat in lieu of wedding cake.
Reese Studios Photography

This week I was able to collaborate on a lunch time awareness fair for my son's school. We set out to help students better understand some food allergy terms they've heard, understand the importance of not sharing food, and how they can help save a life. 

For elementary a visual presentation seemed best...

...because when kids shares #doritos, they are also sharing milk. Imagine lots of big eyes and jaw drops on that one. 

The students were receptive to the information, asking questions about reaction symptoms and sharing their stories and/or experiences with food allergies. Just Wonderful! Thanks to #FARE we had some great printables and posters we were able to use; sending every child home with a bookmark and a PAL (protect a life) certificate. 

We consider our event a success. The icing on the cake, is when the principal called the event Inaugural. She wants to do it again at Back To School Night so parents and students can have the same experience and understanding at the start of the school year. 

I am overjoyed and grateful to God for aligning my passions and platform to be more of an active and consistent voice for the cause. 

You can still help support #foodallergyawarenessweek this week. Share this blog on just one of your social media channels today. One click could helps to educate another.  

Teal is the color for Food Allergy Awareness!
And I hate his picture, so you know this is important to me.

#allergyfree #allergymom #glutenfree #dairyfree #cornfree #soyfree #peanutfree #treenutfree #eggfree #fishfree #shellfishfree #allergyadvocate #allergyspeaker 

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

#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

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

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