Guest Blog Spot…”Darling Photographers..E-Session/Fun Meadowlark Botanical Gardens”

We are proud to highlight our guest blog spot…Darling Photographers…E-Session/Fun at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with one of OUR clients!  We absolutely love working with Darling Photographers and we can’t wait until the big day for our clients, Raven & Jimmie.  Thanks for all you do and being a fabulous photographer!

Click on the Link to view the full Blog:

http://www.darlingphotographers.com/blog/?p=2507

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Inspirations for Weddings in 2013…Movies & Television Drama

TV & Movies are shaping the wedding industry this year…Bride’s are taking the iconic era of film and using it as a style trend/decor for their weddings.  And there are two very unique entertainment productions this year that are at the forefront of wedding design inspiration.  First, there is the box office movie premiere of The Great Gatsby with leading man, Leonardo DiCaprio and with leading lady, Carey Mulligan.  As I take a look at this movie and it’s era, the 1920′s, I start to think of things or ideas that will illustrate a great wedding design board:

  • the design era, the 1920′s
  • Women accessories – pearls, fashionable headbands, fashionable hair clips, fur wraps, evening gloves, cigarettes in fancy cigarette holders, fans, brooches
  • Women’s attire – sheer dresses, dresses with fringes at the bottom, fur wraps, pantyhose,
  • Men’s attire – Brooks Brother 3 piece suits, colorful ties
  • Men accessories – cigars, canes, wing-tipped shoes, their mustache
  • The Venue – very ornate hotels with chandeliers and crystal accents, deep red color drapery and heavy furniture, (the Mayflower Hotel of Washington, DC)
  • Decor – feathers, chandeliers, the furniture – deep reds and golds and black, lace, pastel floral arrangements, antiques
  • The Entertainment – swing bands or big bands, cigar stations

Follow us, Perfect Planning, on our Pinterest Board – The Great Gatsby, to see our inspirations to create this iconic 1920′s style wedding.

great gatsby

Second, there is the television series MAD MEN with leading man, Mr. John Hamm (as Mr. Don Draper – oh I love him ladies!!!).  Set in 1960′s New York, the sexy, stylized and provocative AMC drama Mad Men follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising, an ego-driven world where key players make an art of the sell. From the hairstyles (up hair dos) to the men and women’s fashions (pencil skirts and Brooks Brothers suits) in this AMC TV drama, you will be captivated not onlymad men by the show but by the true inspiration of fashion style.  As I take a look at this movie and it’s era, the 1960′s, I start to think of things or ideas that will illustrate a great wedding design board:

  • the design era, the 1960′s
  • Women accessories – pearls, up-do hairstyles, cigarettes (regular)
  • Women’s attire – the pencil skirt, dresses with big bows at the collar or ruffled collars, dresses flared at the waist, the clutch purse, red lipstick, bright-colored dresses
  • Men’s attire – Brooks Brother 3 piece suits, colorful ties, straight leg pants
  • Men accessories – cigarettes, ties or bow-ties
  • The Venue – dark wood panel walls, oversized sofas, restaurant style chairs, tulip tables and chairs, black and white checkered floors (Maggiano’s restaurant ballrooms)
  • Decor – Tiffany blue, black and white, yellow, gray, retro style chairs or ghost chairs
  • The Entertainment – bands, cognac & martini stations

Follow us, Perfect Planning, on our Pinterest Board – MAD MEN, to see our inspirations to create this iconic 1960′s style wedding.  Watch the trailer to see if you are inspired to create your wedding day around “MAD MEN.  Click on the Guide Style within this link to get your inspiration.

Introducing our Sister Site – “You’re Cordially Invited”

Hi Everyone…can’t believe that we are in the middle of April and beautiful May is coming upon us.  Last week we began our 2013 wedding season and it was FABULOUS!  I can’t wait to provide you with the highlights from this romantic and gorgeous event with Camille and Angelo.  So, be on the lookout as we showcase our Real Weddings this year.

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you from our sister site, “You’re Cordially Invited” (www.yourecordiallyinvitedblog.com); our unique video blog that showcases premiere event professionals in the Washington, DC metro area.  I developed this unique media outlet so that potential clients have a visual resource to locate prominent event professionals to produce their events, and for other wedding professionals to be able to connect with each other.  In this episode, we are highlighting catering firm, Tasteful Affairs of Alexandria, Virginia.  The cuisine of Tasteful Affairs is oh so divine and the owner makes you feel like family.  Please view and share with your friends and visit the site bi-weekly for new videos of Washington, DC’s finest event professionals.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Real Weddings by Perfect Planning….the Airlie Center

Looking back at 2012 this was one of my favorite weddings.  Urbane Wedding Company was the videography firm that highlighted my client’s amazing day.  Tina & Dobrimir thanks a million for letting me be a part of your spectacular day.

Seeing this video let’s me know why I love my job…I am able to put smiles on people’s faces as they start a new chapter in their life.

Other professionals that helped to put this fabulous day together:

Airlie Center

L’Artisan Lily (floral decor)

Modern Toile Phogoraphy

Say I Do Your Way

Oh What A Cake

Keisha Willis (hair stylist)

Dawn Newsome of Pro’s Artistry (make-up artist)

Select Event Rentals

AFR Furniture Rentals.

Our Newest Collection added to Our Stationery Line

Don’t have the budget for custom printed invitations, however, want something that still sets the stage for your special day…contact us, Perfect Planning. We have a brand new design, Sleek Simplicity, within our Pocket Collection.  We are your local distributor of Carlson Craft invitations, stationery and gifts.  When custom invitations are not in your budget, contact us – Perfect Planning.   Go to our website and click on “Invitations” to view more styles like this!

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From our 20 Thirteen Collection…“Rustic Touch”.

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Our Day at A Chic Affair Bridal Show, March 24, 2013

This past Sunday, we had the opportunity to participate in the A Chic Affair Bridal Show (produced by RGI Events) at Georgetown’s coolest and modern event space, The Power House, operated by Rise Events.  The day’s weather was projected to be cold, snowy and with an overcast…but you know what, it did not stop our modern and chic Bride’s (oh, and the guys came along also!) that came out to participate in a magnificent event.  There were over 300 attendees, and we were able to connect and talk with some sophisticated Brides that we will be connecting with in the coming days.  Must I say, Mother Nature was on our side….the snow held off!  There were wonderful cocktails and hors d’ ouevres; there was a gentlemen’s lounge entertained by the amazing grooming physician, Mr. Michael Craig of Michael Craig Men’s Grooming, providing haircuts and shape-ups for the guys in attendance as they indulged in beer and watched a little March Madness on the tele!  Mr. Andre Wells (Events by Andre Wells), celebrity event planner & extraordinaire himself, was there providing insight to Brides during the panel discussion.  And there was so much more…including some of my amazing friends and preferred event professionals in the event industry that had their businesses on display; The Cake Courtesan, Vintage Limos, Nannytainment, and Honeymoon Islands.  Just an amazing and fabulous day it was!

Special thanks to Janet Ong of L’Artsian Lily for looking at my sketch and bringing the floral decor to life for my booth; custom menu cards by Chic Pear Designs; and thanks to Imijination Photography for being inspired by my table and taking the photos.

Great start to the year…now gotta go…big wedding next week that I need to prepare for!

Photos of Our Display Booth:

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Mother-Daughter Bridal Tea…Historic Rosemont Manor

The folks at Historic Rosemont Manor in Berryville, VA love to share in the joy of a newly engaged bride. For this reason, Rosemont has created their exclusive “Mother-Daughter Bridal Teas” which are held about once a month at the historic estate. The teas are completely free for engaged brides-to-be and their moms (or another special guest if mom is unable to attend). The three-course teas include a tour of the manor and grounds, as well as helpful tips from wedding professionals, door prizes, and more.

The next of these fun and informative events will be held  Saturday, March 30th, 2013 Historic Rosemont Manor.    Space is filling up fast and reservations are required.  Call 703-879-5683 to save your spot!   Says Rosemont owner, William “Biff” Genda, “These teas are just our way of celebrating your engagement and saying ‘thank you’ for promoting the tradition of marriage that is beneficial to society and family.”

Learn more about having your dream wedding at Historic Rosemont Manor by visiting their website: www.rosemont1811.com or find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rosemont1811

Your brides can also visit: http://rosemont1811.com/current-wedding-package-promotion/ to read more about the Mother-Daughter teas.

Connect with Perfect Planning to help organize and design your special day at Historic Rosemont!

rosemont manor photos

Part 2 – The Best Locations to Say “I Do” & To Toast to a New Beginning…The Mayflower Hotel

Just wanted to get back with you to discuss some other luxurious locations that we have had the opportunity tour and talk with the sales consultants at these venues about the amazing opportunities they provide for weddings & special events.

Our next venue on the list is the iconic and historic, The Mayflower Hotel – A Renaissance Hotel.    The Mayflower is one of the area’s most regarded landmark hotels, one of Washington’s largest luxury hotels, and is on the National Registry of Historic Places and as a Historic Hotel of America with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.   Encompassing almost 38K square feet of event space from the Grand Ballroom, the Chinese Room, the Promenade Room, the State Room…you have endless options to host a grand and luxe celebration of a lifetime.  My tour guide for the day was Senior Catering Sales Executive, Ron Kee, whom I have had the opportunity of having a professional relationship for numerous years – Ron is well versed with the Marriott & Renaissance brand due to his successful professional tenure with the brand.  The amenities and range of event services offered by The Mayflower provides any client or event professional with endless possibilities to host a luxurious event.  As I walked through the hotel, it made me think of royalty or presidential status with all of the intricate details in the architecture and plushness of the hotel rooms and suites.   Several of my clients have used The Mayflower as their hotel suite on their wedding night, and they have also stated that the feel of the hotel encompassed romance and supreme status.  If you’re looking for grandeur and amazement for your next event…look no further than The Mayflower!

Visit their website for more information…the pictures below are my amateur pictures from my visit.

Connect with Perfect Planning to organize and design your luxe event at The Mayflower Hotel!

mayflower hotel

Luxury Bridal Show in Georgetown…March 24th!

Come visit with us, Perfect Planning, on Sunday, March 24th at the Chic Affair Bridal Event.

The Power House  |  3255 Grace St NW, Washington, DC  |  On the C&O Canal in Georgetown

(click on the photo for registration & details)

chic affair bridal show

Wedding Planners You’re Invited…Special Tea at Historic Rosemont Manor

Attention Wedding Planners, if you are located in the Richmond/Washington DC Metro and Shenandoah area – you are invited to a special Wedding Planner’s Tea at Historic Rosemont Manor.

It is important that you r.s.v.p to me no later than March 25, 2013 if you would like to attend.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Cheerfully,

Tara Melvin, Certified Wedding & Event Planner

Perfect Planning

tara@perfectplanningbytara.com  |  703.975.5759

wedding planner tea at Rosemont