Happy First Anniversary Erin and Ryan. Elegant July Wedding at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

It’s no secret that The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is one of my favorite venues in Washington. I love the hotel and working with their pro staff (read: Michael Deltette). Last July, I had the pleasure of designing for a beautiful couple, Erin Loomis and Ryan Moore, who made my job easy. And receiving this email from Erin after the wedding was icing on the cake: “Thank you so much for all the amazing flowers for my wedding this weekend. They were even better than what I was picturing in my head.” Happy First Anniversary Erin and Ryan! All photos by Michael Connor of Connor Studios.

I get a lot of requests for floral arches which can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes. It all depends on your venue and set-up. Erin and Ryan had a medium-sized arch of greenery accented with garden roses in blush and pink. The arch photographed beautifully and looked so romantic in the Mandarin’s garden.

The bouquets and boutonnieres featured all the best summer blooms in pinks and blush - from garden roses and hydrangea to ranunculus and dahlias.

You can’t beat these classic photos on the steps of The Jefferson Memorial by Connor Studios. The blush and blues really pop against the white stone monument.

For a more modern look, Connor Studios took advantage of the great waterfront views at The Wharf - just down the street from The Mandarin.

Erin and Ryan chose a tall centerpiece and a low candle design for their reception which created an elegant setting for the dinner. We also designed a signature escort arrangement and added fresh blooms to their beautiful wedding cake by Buttercream Bakeshop.

Washington, D.C. Historic Wedding Venues and Happy First Anniversary to Danielle and Michael. May Wedding at Woodlawn Estate

Washington, D.C. is full of historic venues that make for beautiful weddings, including this one just down the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia. The history of Woodlawn Estate started with a wedding which makes it an even more perfect venue for your nuptials. In 1799, the one and only George Washington gave Woodlawn to his step-grand-daughter, Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Custis and his nephew, Lawrence Lewis. Today, Woodlawn offers an outdoor setting with tented areas surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscaping. Not to mention, the mansion makes a gorgeous backdrop for any event. Also located on the property is the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Pope-Leighey House which is available to rent as well. Both are listed as National Trust for Historic Preservation sites.

Woodlawn Estate is beautiful in springtime and this bride and groom did it justice. Danielle and Michael were wonderful to work with and look stunning in their pictures. Photographer Anna Reynal shot so many beautiful images, it’s hard to choose just one - so forgive me while I share them all (not really).

Beautiful Bride Danielle in her Essence of Australia wedding gown from Wren Bridal in Annapolis. Make-up by Georgetown Bride.

So much love and emotion in this shot.

Groom Michael in Hugo Boss.

Danielle’s bouquet was a wild and organic spring mix of roses, blue delphinium, hyacinth, white stock, orchids and a variety of greenery. Her bouquet was finished with blue and white streaming ribbons.

The bridesmaids carried smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet, also finished with streaming ribbons.

Two gold urns full of hydrangea, roses and greenery and placed on pedestals flanked the couple during their ceremony.

Happy First Anniversary Danielle and Michael. Wishing you many more happy years to come.

Happy First Anniversary Vanessa and Dave - Pretty in Pink at Washington Golf & Country Club

Before we close out the month of April, I wanted to wish a Happy First Anniversary to a special couple and share a few more cherry blossom photos. Today, I’m looking back at the April 28, 2018 wedding of Vanessa and Dave who were married at the beautiful Washington Golf & Country Club in Arlington. As always, Martina Kavanova was wonderful to work with at WGCC. Sam Hurd Photography did a great job of capturing the day. I hope you enjoy his pictures!

Vanessa and Dave under a beautiful double cherry blossom tree. Trish Clarke Schechtman @squaregirl68 served as Vanessa and Dave’s day of coordinator.

Vanessa carried a classic, rounded bouquet of garden roses, peonies, and ranunculus accented with pearls and crystals which gave it a very feminine look.

The eight bridesmaids carried smaller versions of the bridal bouquet and the sweet flower girl carried a pomander of pink roses and white hydrangea.

The classic, rounded shape of Vanessa’s bouquet was carried throughout the ceremony and reception. Two large urns of pink and white roses and hydrangea were designed in a pavé style - which means the stems are cut short and the flower heads are placed close together.

The covered terrace overlooking the golf course is a beautiful setting for ceremonies and is mostly rain proof (but not necessarily wind proof).

Happy cheers for the newly married couple.

Vanessa and Dave chose a combination of high, low, and floating candle centerpieces for their tables.

The low style was designed in classic clear glass compotes and placed on top of mirrors.

The tall style was designed in a clear glass trumpet vase.

Happy First Anniversary Vanessa and Dave!

Happy First Anniversary Caroline and John - Classic Washington Wedding at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church and The National Press Club

It’s been awhile since you’ve seen me design a classic, all white Washington wedding. Despite all the bright blooms and Design Master color on my Instagram feed, classic all white is something I adore. So on this occasion of Caroline Gunther and John Ismay’s first anniversary, I thought it would be a good time to share some pictures of their beautiful and timeless wedding at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church and The National Press Club. All photos by Erin Tetterton Photography.

Caroline hired Jewel Hair Design and Blend Makeup Artistry for her hair and make-up.

A beautiful picture of Caroline and her Father - I love how her kind and thoughtful personality comes through in all the photos.

Caroline chose an all white, rounded peony bouquet - classic and always in style.

John wore a detailed white ranunculus boutonniere accented by grey brasilia berry and finished with a coordinating satin ribbon.

A sweet and petite flower crown of spray roses was made for the flower girl who carried a basket of petals finished with a dusty pink ribbon.

Details… details. Erin Tetterton did a lovely job of capturing all the little things that made Caroline and John’s day so elegant.

The bridesmaids also carried all white bouquets which were slightly smaller and made of polo roses nestled in hydrangea.

Great moment captured outside St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church.

I love this portrait and am so happy to see the aisle flowers went home with him.

For their reception at The National Press Club, Caroline and John carried the dusty blue, pink and grey colors to their centerpieces made of hydrangea and roses.

The wedding cake by Edibles Incredible accented with a simple spray of flowers.

Happy anniversary Caroline and John! Wishing you many years of happiness.

My Wedding at Oxon Hill Manor

Truly, I have so much to say about my wedding at Oxon Hill Manor, but mostly I just wanted to share the pictures with you. So here are a few of my favorites from our wedding almost 7 years ago. Yes, I did the flowers myself (with generous support from my friends Antje Wood, Tricia Siudet and The Enchanted Florist, VA). All photos are by Lisa Boggs Photography, day of coordination by Kelly Cannon Events. The motorcycle is a Paul Smart Ducati and the cake is by Maggie Austin Cake.

Historic Meridian House Wedding

Last October, I had the pleasure of designing for a special couple who were married at the historic Meridian House designed by architect John Russell Pope. This weekend is Megan and Coult’s first anniversary and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate them. Looking back through the photos by Djenno Bacvic, it’s hard to find a frame where they aren’t smiling or laughing — and not just little smiles, we’re talking big smiles that go ear to ear.

Megan and Coult’s outdoor ceremony was full of white and peach flowers, including an all white chuppah accented with greenery.

What an entrance! The gardens at Meridian House are in bloom from April to October and provide the perfect setting for a wedding. Maria Canellis, Director of Events, is an expert at making private events and weddings magical.

There’s that big smile again.

Wedding Planner Molly Radigan was hard at work on all the details behind the scenes.

I like this bird’s eye view of the party in the linden grove. Catering by Natalie Walker, Event Coordinator for Well Dunn Catering.

Sparklers and one more big smile for the road.

Happy memories of a happy couple. Congratulations on your first anniversary!

Happy First Anniversary Claire and Brendan! All White Spring Wedding at the Sagamore Pendry in Baltimore

March is here and that means it’s time to wish Claire and Brendan a happy first anniversary. Their wedding was truly a dream - they are a gorgeous couple that complements each other in every way.

The Sagamore Pendry Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for this beautiful all white wedding planned by Tiffany Rivera of Simply Breathe Events. I also had the chance to work with the fabulous Maren White; Maren is now back in town as the Director of Catering and Special Events at The Conrad Washington, D.C.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

I love designing a show-stopping arrangement for the escort table. Claire and Brendan’s tall arrangement included white garden roses, hydrangea, orchids and white pear blossoms.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

Claire and Brendan’s soundtrack for the night was created by DJ Kelton Higgins. Check him out - he’s wonderful to work with and is getting married himself in just a few months.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

Claire carried a classic, all white rounded bouquet of David Austin Patience garden roses and peonies with just a hint of greenery. About half of my brides choose a classic style like this for their bouquet; the other half opt for something organic, wild and free flowing.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

Claire and Brendan were married under an all white floral chuppah.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

The couple chose tall, dramatic centerpieces to highlight the architecture of the ballroom at the Sagamore Pendry. As you can see, the centerpieces were on double duty for the wedding day - we used them for both the ceremony and the reception which is a great way to get more out of your wedding flowers.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

Pear blossoms and these little blue bird ornaments gave this late March wedding a unique spring feel. Happy March, Happy Spring! And Congratulations Claire and Brendan.

Cherry Blossom Engagement Photos and Wedding Flowers at The Mandarin Oriental in Washington D.C.

With cherry blossom season almost here, I thought this would be the perfect time to share photos from Erin and Ryan’s wedding at The Mandarin Oriental DC. Planned by the hotel’s Director of Catering, Michael Deltette, no detail was left unnoticed. Even though we did not meet until her wedding day, Erin could not have been a kinder or more easy going bride!

The couple’s sweet little King Charles may or may not have stolen the show:)

This swing photo may be one of my favorites of all time! So much love!

If you had any doubt about the Mandarin being the perfect hotel, these windows will convince you.

Classic Washington at its finest.

It’s all in the details!

This rounded yet organic bouquet had all of our favorite flowers! Garden roses, dahlias, hellebore, astilbe and blushing bride protea.

The couple said their “I Do’s” in the Mandarin’s Garden Terrace Courtyard under an arch of wild greenery and roses in an asymmetrical design.

Seal it with the kiss of true love.

The escort is always one of my favorite pieces to design because it is meant to be a showstopper and can be a little different from all the other arrangements at the reception.

The Mandarin Oriental has partnered with Buttercream Bakeshop. They do a beautiful job with their cakes and a small touch of fresh flowers is all that is needed!

These flowers could be described as roses and hydrangea in rounded style with trailing greenery.

All photos by Connor Studios

Inbal and Bryan's October Wedding In and Around D.C., Old Town, and Mount Vernon

“She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes. ”

— Arundhati Roy

Some pictures are so simple and breathtaking that they capture a whole day in one frame. Inbal was a stunning October bride and I’m so happy to have a chance to share these beautiful images by Genevieve Leiper with you.

Dress by Grace Loves Lace and make-up by Alisa Venglinskaya @venglinskaya_makeup.

Bride and Groom dressed and ready to go at The Alexandrian in Old Town. The wedding was held just down the road at the beautiful and historic Mount Vernon.

A great shot of Inbal and Bryan at Mount Vernon framed perfectly by their chuppah made of greenery. I love the emotion on their faces.

Five pretty bridesmaids, each with their own style. Don’t they look like fun?

Inbal’s color palette of cream, peach and dark red made for a stunning bridal bouquet and flower crown. Wedding flowers were a mix of Garden and Spray Roses, Lisianthus, and Ranunculus accented with greenery of Italian Ruscus, Seeded Eucalyptus, and Salal.

You can’t beat this Tidal Basin backdrop. Congratulations Inbal and Bryan!

What Flowers Work Best at District Winery?

Featured in 2018-2019 Washingtonian Weddings Magazine!

Ceremony space photographed by Liz Fogarty

I think we can all agree that District Winery is one of the top five hottest wedding venues for 2019!  With gorgeous views (and an even better event staff) I feel so lucky to have been invited by my bride Sam and her groom Damion to design for them at their June 8th, 2018 wedding. If you are into fitness, especially with the New Year approaching, you can follow them on instagram at @sammossfit and @dmossfitness

First look captured by Liz Fogarty

Originally, Sam was considering an asymmetrical hanging greenery installation for her ceremony, but ultimately decided to use the District Winery wine barrels.  The wine barrels are great because they are sturdy platforms that support large arrangements with no surprises or worries about wind interference.  For those of us working on rooftops, wind can be a really big deal and often spoils best laid designs.  In addition, we lined the chair rows with boxes of greenery and delicate white flowers to help soften the modern ascetic and add a little romance.  Looking at the photos by Liz Fogarty Photography you almost can't tell you are in the middle of downtown D.C.!

District Winery has your guests enter from the ground level, so it is helpful to have signs directing the way upstairs.

Invitations and paper goods by The Dandelion Patch

Part of the charm and appeal of District Winery is the modern industrial vibe complete with exposed steel beams and boards.  From a floral perspective, the exposed beams and boards are fabulous because they make it easy to hang lightweight installations.  Working with Natalie from Designed Perfectly Events, we hung two abstract greenery and flower focal pieces over each of the bars.

Ivy, plums and white roses was all it took to make something special and dramatic. Photo by Liz Fogarty

When District Winery opened, they had custom tables built to accommodate as many guests as possible and maintain the chic urban vibe.  All the food is served family style and the tables are extremely narrow.  As a result, fat centerpieces are out of the question unless they are tall with a very small footprint.  

Broken garland is a popular choice among clients, but we opted for something a little more romantic.  On each of the tables, we placed four groupings of tall stemmed glass floating candles with petite arrangements nestled to the sides.

Personally, I was treated so well at District Winery that I am excited to design for them anytime I can!  Now enjoy a few more of Liz Fogarty's photos from Sam and Damion's wedding because they are too gorgeous not to share!

Dress Vera Wang and Peter Langner veil from Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Let's just say it, HOT! HOT! HOT! thanks to Susan Lim Hair and Makeup

The best part about designing the aisle greenery in a box was that they were easy to move and reuse for the reception. I didn't even have to stay to do this, Natalie and the venue took care of it!

A collaboration with Buttercream Bakery, Designed Perfectly Events and Moi, and, of course, photographed by Liz Fogarty Photos With music/entertainment by John Howard, A2Z Music Factory

Happy First Anniversary Sophie and Luc! Classic Christmas Wedding at Georgetown’s City Tavern Club.

Sophie Pyle Ziegler is a woman about town; she runs her own successful media company, Rose Media, and is always at every party you want to go to. I even caught her on a Real Housewives of Potomac episode.

Initially, Sophie and I bonded over our love for reality television and pop culture. When I voted on her Instagram story that Karlie Clausen was more boring than Gigi Hadid, she lol’d and replied they were both boring. After she and Luc got engaged, she DM’d me to let me know she was looking for a florist and asked if I would have a chance to talk flowers with her. Of course I did.

We had our initial consultation via phone and I loved her bubbly, exuberant personality. When she told me she wanted a very classic DC wedding, I told her that I had spent time freelancing in The White House Floral Shop, and that was about as classic as you could get. She loved the Obama’s and was thrilled to have a florist who had also designed for them.

Sophie’s classic, round bouquet was made of snow white peonies, garden roses, ranunculus and phalaenopsis orchids. The edges were finished with touches of hand-guilded greenery.

The next time Sophie and I met, it was for a walk through of her quintessential Georgetown venue - the City Tavern Club. It was the first time I had worked at the club since starting my company and it was the first time Emily Alyssa and I met. Since then both have become two of my favorites!

The morning of Sophie’s wedding, I delivered her bouquet to the hot salon, Karma by Erwin Gomez where I found her bridesmaids in great cheer, lounging and drinking bubbly. The salon is very chic, with discreet individual hair stations for each client (which must be appreciated by DC’s glitterati who just want to have their hair done in peace!) I presented the bouquet to Sophie and she couldn’t have been more gracious.

Sophie walked down the aisle in a stunning Marchesa dress from The Bridal Room VA that was reminiscent of Pippa Middleton at the royal wedding.

Congratulations on celebrating your first Anniversary Sophie and Luc! See you on the gram:)

Happy First Anniversary Claire and Brendan! All White Spring Wedding at the Sagamore Pendry in Baltimore

March is here and that means it’s time to wish Claire and Brendan a happy first anniversary. Their wedding was truly a dream - they are a gorgeous couple that complements each other in every way.

The Sagamore Pendry Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for this beautiful all white wedding planned by Tiffany Rivera of Simply Breathe Events. I also had the chance to work with the fabulous Maren White; Maren is now back in town as the Director of Catering and Special Events at The Conrad Washington, D.C.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

I love designing a show-stopping arrangement for the escort table. Claire and Brendan’s tall arrangement included white garden roses, hydrangea, orchids and white pear blossoms.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

Claire and Brendan’s soundtrack for the night was created by DJ Kelton Higgins. Check him out - he’s wonderful to work with and is getting married himself in just a few months.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

Claire carried a classic, all white rounded bouquet of David Austin Patience garden roses and peonies with just a hint of greenery. About half of my brides choose a classic style like this for their bouquet; the other half opt for something organic, wild and free flowing.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

Claire and Brendan were married under an all white floral chuppah.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

The couple chose tall, dramatic centerpieces to highlight the architecture of the ballroom at the Sagamore Pendry. As you can see, the centerpieces were on double duty for the wedding day - we used them for both the ceremony and the reception which is a great way to get more out of your wedding flowers.

Photos by Steve and Jane Pilkerton

Pear blossoms and these little blue bird ornaments gave this late March wedding a unique spring feel. Happy March, Happy Spring! And Congratulations Claire and Brendan.