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.

Cherry Blossom Photos in Washington D.C. at the Jefferson Memorial

As a collector of experiences, I wanted to see what it felt like to wake up at 5:30 a.m. and arrive in D.C. an hour later to experience a cherry blossom photo session. It actually felt pretty good! I am not a morning person by any means, but it was thrilling to join the other photo seekers at the Jefferson Memorial. Luckily for me, I was joined by Brittany Branson, Nika Smirnoff, and our photographer Casey Marie Windsor. After seeing these photos, I think the early wake up call was worth it!

Cherry Blossom Photos Washington DC a DIY Guide - Parking and Photography

While notorious for meticulous planning when it involves my clients, when it comes to fun projects just for me, “Spontaneous” is probably the nicest word that could be used to describe me.

When I heard peak Cherry time had been moved up a couple of days, I wanted in on the action, and I wanted in now. My first thought was to ping a couple of my professional photographer friends to see if they had any “Cherry Blossom Sessions” left, but most were completely booked or couldn’t work within my last minuet time frame. Most professional photographers only guarantee a handful of time slots because of the unpredictability of the Cherry Trees blossoming.

Following so many #igdc photographers I realized that I could probably get some great photos with just my iPhone and good lighting. So next I tapped a few people I identify as “creative hustlers” who would probably be down for an early morning if it meant some good content. I also put a flyer up on my Instagram Stories asking if anyone wanted to join me in the joy of waking up at 5:30.

Within a few hours, By Brittany Branson, Calligraphette & Co, and even a real photographer, Marie Windsor Photography were all on board! Now technically there are rules to taking photos at the monuments, and if you are working with a professional photographer they need to apply for a permit. Since we were going as friends, and working mostly with our iphones we thought we were probably ok. Just no props and no tripods, I have haerd that fines can be issued in the thousands of dollars range.

Never having been part of a Cherry Blossom session myself, I really didn’t know what to expect. Would there be parking, how early do we really need to get there?

I have heard that the best time to be there is before sunrise, so since sunrise was at 6:59 am we decided to meet at 6:30am. This was a good idea, and meeting at 6:15am might have been an even better idea, but really that is just way too early!

Coming from Alexandria, VA I took the parkway over Memorial Bridge, bore to the right and then turned left to follow the road along the water towards the Jefferson Memorial. My idea was to park in the lot closest in front to the memorial but it was closed. I continued to follow the road closet to the Jefferson and eventually saw a sign for Public Parking. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was doing, but decided to trust the signage and turned left. Just a little down that road there was a parking lot with lots of spaces at 6:28am. It is pay parking and I used my Park Moblie App, zone 5811 and was on my way. The walk from the lot to the steps of the Jefferson is about 10 minuets.

Brittany had been the first to arrive and remarked that waiting alone at 6:25 in the morning had been kind of creepy, but that in the time she had gone in to use the ladies room (so yes there are some restrooms) and come back out, 2 couples were already in the midst of their engagement sessions.

Having been admiring Connor Studios portraits, for a year, I wanted to try and get the same angle so we walked clockwise around the water from the memorial. By 6:55 another photographer and family, were in the spot I had spied on our walk in. Trust me, jockeying for position gets real, which is why you may want to come even earlier than 6:30. I guess it’s just human nature, but sometimes I forget to be all zen and polite.

By 7:05 the sun was making its way up, and the sky was showing signs of brilliant yellow and red. We took turns posing in pairs of two and as a group. We captured the cherries with the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson and then took a few through the blooms themselves.

We photographed until about 7:30am which by then the place was drawing with couples, families, photographers, instagram models, joggers and bikers!

Brittany and Nika had appointments to head off too and Casey Marie and I wandered a little further down the path. Eventually we were tired and felt we had enough photos, by 8:00 I was back in my car and heading home.

The Cherry Trees were not quite a peak, and something about being up and in the presence of such powerful elegance is intoxicating, so I may just have to do this again!

Cherry Blossom Photos Washington DC a DIY Guide - Parking and Photography

While notorious for meticulous planning when it involves my clients, when it comes to fun projects just for me, “Spontaneous” is probably the nicest word that could be used to describe me.

When I heard peak Cherry time had been moved up a couple of days, I wanted in on the action, and I wanted in now. My first thought was to ping a couple of my professional photographer friends to see if they had any “Cherry Blossom Sessions” left, but most were completely booked or couldn’t work within my last minuet time frame. Most professional photographers only guarantee a handful of time slots because of the unpredictability of the Cherry Trees blossoming.

Following so many #igdc photographers I realized that I could probably get some great photos with just my iPhone and good lighting. So next I tapped a few people I identify as “creative hustlers” who would probably be down for an early morning if it meant some good content. I also put a flyer up on my Instagram Stories asking if anyone wanted to join me in the joy of waking up at 5:30.

Within a few hours, By Brittany Branson, Calligraphette & Co, and even a real photographer, Marie Windsor Photography were all on board! Now technically there are rules to taking photos at the monuments, and if you are working with a professional photographer they need to apply for a permit. Since we were going as friends, and working mostly with our iphones we thought we were probably ok. Just no props and no tripods, I have haerd that fines can be issued in the thousands of dollars range.

Never having been part of a Cherry Blossom session myself, I really didn’t know what to expect. Would there be parking, how early do we really need to get there?

I have heard that the best time to be there is before sunrise, so since sunrise was at 6:59 am we decided to meet at 6:30am. This was a good idea, and meeting at 6:15am might have been an even better idea, but really that is just way too early!

Coming from Alexandria, VA I took the parkway over Memorial Bridge, bore to the right and then turned left to follow the road along the water towards the Jefferson Memorial. My idea was to park in the lot closest in front to the memorial but it was closed. I continued to follow the road closet to the Jefferson and eventually saw a sign for Public Parking. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was doing, but decided to trust the signage and turned left. Just a little down that road there was a parking lot with lots of spaces at 6:28am. It is pay parking and I used my Park Moblie App, zone 5811 and was on my way. The walk from the lot to the steps of the Jefferson is about 10 minuets.

Brittany had been the first to arrive and remarked that waiting alone at 6:25 in the morning had been kind of creepy, but that in the time she had gone in to use the ladies room (so yes there are some restrooms) and come back out, 2 couples were already in the midst of their engagement sessions.

Having been admiring Connor Studios portraits, for a year, I wanted to try and get the same angle so we walked clockwise around the water from the memorial. By 6:55 another photographer and family, were in the spot I had spied on our walk in. Trust me, jockeying for position gets real, which is why you may want to come even earlier than 6:30. I guess it’s just human nature, but sometimes I forget to be all zen and polite.

By 7:05 the sun was making its way up, and the sky was showing signs of brilliant yellow and red. We took turns posing in pairs of two and as a group. We captured the cherries with the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson and then took a few through the blooms themselves.

We photographed until about 7:30am which by then the place was drawing with couples, families, photographers, instagram models, joggers and bikers!

Brittany and Nika had appointments to head off too and Casey Marie and I wandered a little further down the path. Eventually we were tired and felt we had enough photos, by 8:00 I was back in my car and heading home.

The Cherry Trees were not quite a peak, and something about being up and in the presence of such powerful elegance is intoxicating, so I may just have to do this again!

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

Children’s National Hospital and Light Up The Season on December 16, 2018 at The Four Seasons Hotel, Washington

The holidays are fast approaching and I wanted to take a minute to shine a light on a cause near and dear to my heart. It’s called Light Up the Season and it benefits Children’s National Hospital. The event (formerly known as The Georgetown Jingle) raises money to support the Hospital and is held every year at The Four Seasons Hotel. Each year, 12-15 of Washington’s top interior designers and florists are invited to decorate a tree or holiday item, like a wreath, menorah or mantle piece, that is then auctioned off at a fun family-friendly afternoon event (buy tickets here). Last summer, I was excited and honored to receive an email from the event’s organizers asking me to participate for the second year in a row.

The process works like this: Every designer is partnered with a Children’s National Hospital patient and together the patient “artist” and designer work to come up with a fantasy holiday theme. This summer, I had the pleasure of meeting a sweet young lady named Annabelle.

As I talked to Annabelle about what she would like to see on her tree, she drew the small picture below. Her favorite color is blue, her sister’s favorite color is lavender, and, of course, mine is purple. Naturally, we were already in harmony!

Annabelle very much liked the idea of woodland animals and an enchanted snowy forest. We also agreed there should be some bells on the tree as a nod to her name. After combining Annabelle’s ideas and my vision, I decided the theme of our tree would be “Over The River and Through The Woods.”

The next step was to begin the work of decorating a tree. In recent years, I have found myself missing the camaraderie and aesthetic kismet that comes from working with a large group of volunteer designers. Heavily influenced by my time in the White House Floral Shop under Former Chief Florist Laura Dowling, I wanted to recreate this experience and feeling. So I reached out to all my creative friends and asked them to help me #craftforacause. The response was incredible; I am so warmed by the generous people in my creative community!

I hosted the first #craftforacause party at my home in mid September. As the saying goes, “many hands make light work” and the attendees produced dozens of floral hoop wreaths made out of yarn and felt. Thanks to Anne Kelley, Carleigh Smith, Emily Alyssa, Jasmine Ellesse, Maria Kessel and Vicky Choy for kicking off #craftforacause!

Photo by Marie Windsor Photography

The second #craftforacause party was held on a beautiful late September day at Periwinkle, a lovely clothing boutique in Old Town, Alexandria. Marie Windsor Photography joined us and took lots of detailed photos. Pamela Vetrini of Cheats and Meeses brought us a delicious cheese board extravaganza to fuel our designs. The designers for our second party included Elizabeth from Periwinkle, Kelley Cannon, Janice Carnevale, Lindsay Kidwell, Jasmine Ellesse and Nicole Nespor. It was fun to see how unique everyone’s designs were and how different they were from the first party.

There was one more #craftforacause party this weekend and I can’t wait to show you those designs too!

The finishing touch on my tree comes from Accent Decor who generously donated dozens of beautiful glass and felt ornaments. These handcrafted ornaments are just what I needed to complete the tree’s wintery woodlands theme. While it is not guaranteed that Annabelle can attend the event, I sure hope she can because I think she will love what we have created.

Thank you to everyone who came out to #craftforacause. And thanks in advance to those will help set-up and decorate the tree in preparation for the big event on December 16. I’ll make sure to share pictures of the finished product once it is complete!