Happy first anniversary to this sweet couple who were married a year ago this month in my neighborhood at The Basilica of Saint Mary and The Alexandrian Hotel. Click here to read more about their wedding day from my previous blog. Happy Anniversary C+J!
Anniversaries Continued… at the National Gallery of Art and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Washington, D.C.
What a difference a year makes. Thanks to photographer Andy Li of Sincerli we can roam the halls of the airy East Building at the National Gallery of Art through his photos. I know we all look forward to visiting our museums and galleries again. Until then, enjoy these photos of beautiful Anna and David on their wedding day just a little more than a year ago.
At the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Cherry blossoms for the escort display. Click here to read my FAQ on cherry blossoms.
More cherry blossoms for the ceremony design. Click here to read and see more about cherry blossoms in D.C.
Happy Anniversary Anna and David. Wishing you good health and happiness.
What is Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)?
Forest Bathing is the act of seeking out nature, particularly, forests and trees, and just spending time in their presence. Recently, I read the book “Forest Bathing” by Dr. Qing Li and thought the time was right to share this information with you.
Trees work to produce oxygen, cleanse air and even help to purify water. They also release something called phytoncides. Phytoncides are part of the tree’s natural defense system, protecting them from bacteria, insects and fungi, they are also how trees communicate with one another. It has been shown that when humans breathe phytoncides they receive some of these benefits, as well as a hit of natural anti-depressant. Microbes that are released from the soil also contribute to these effects, which is why you might feel noticeably better after spending some time outside digging in a garden.
Multiple studies have been conducted to show that being in nature works to combat “technostress,” reduce blood pressure, improve energy, lift depression, boost the immune system, improve concentration, aide in sleep and increase anti-cancer producing cells.
The “Forest Therapy Study Group” in particular found that Shinrin-Yoku lowered the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline and worked to suppress the sympathetic “fight or flight” system while enhancing the parasympathetic “rest and recovery” system.
If you can’t get outside, studies have shown that having plants and flowers in the home, office or hospital room can make a difference in recovery time and improve mental attitude. It has even been shown that people who have hospital rooms with views looking out to nature, as opposed to other buildings, recover faster.
According to NASA research, the Peace Lily, Golden Pothos, English Ivy, Gerber Daisy, Spider Plant and Mother-in-law-Tounge are among some of the best houseplants to help filter air and boost oxygen.
During this time of uncertainty, I think we can all use nature as one way to heal ourselves and learn to move forward. No better time to start than now - while still making sure you are following all social distancing and current health guidelines.
For further reading, Dr. Qing Li suggests the following:
www.childrenandnature.org: Richard Louv’s organization “to fuel the worldwide grassroots movements to reconnect children with nature.”
www.fo-society.jp: Forest Medicine Therapy Society in Japan
www.forest-medicine.com: The Society for Forest Medicine in Japan
www.greenexercise.org: the home of green exercise research at the University of Essex, UK
www.hphpcentral.com: the Healthy Parks Healthy People organization in the United States, which aims to bring “the latest international research, innovations and programs that focus on the health benefits of human contact with the natural world.”
www.infom.org: International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine
www.natureandforesttherapy.org : an American-based organization whose mission is “to mobilize healthcare networks to connect people with nature,” offering guide training, workshops and retreats.
www.onesquareinch.org: a project in the Hoh Rainforest of the Olympic National Park, US
February Winter White Wedding in Washington D.C.’s Georgetown
Hooray for Leap Year because it’s giving me one extra day to sneak in a February blog. This beautiful wedding happened a year ago this month at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and The Metropolitan Club in Washington, D.C. I love the way the light and mood in these photos by Cecile Olaussen Photography reflect the beauty of this mid-winter season in Washington. As always, it was a pleasure teaming with expert planner Margo Fischer of The Bright Occasions who orchestrated an elegant celebration for the happy couple. Happy Anniversary T&G!
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Cecile Olaussen Photography
Fleur Encore Potpourri Recipe
photo by Emily Alyssa Photography as seen in PEOPLE online!
Ever wondered what to do with your flower when they begin to wilt? Make Potpourri of course!
Step 1: Dry you flowers. There are few ways to dry your flowers once they begin to fade. The first is the old fashion way, simply tie they together and hang them up side down in a warm dry place. Winter is actually an ideal time for this because the air has less humidity in it and we have our heaters going.
The second option is to cut off the flower heads and place them on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and into the oven at 200 degrees for about 30 minuets to 1 hour or until the petals seem dry. If you leave them in the oven too long they will burn, so be sure to set a timer!
Last if you are really in a hurry and just want the rose petals, pull them off the rose and place them on a single layer of paper towel. Next place them in the microwave with one paper towel on top. Set the microwave for 2 minuets and viola, dried rose petals!
Step 2: Add some scent. Most commercial flowers are lacking in fragrance, so you might want to add a few spritzes of essential oils to the dried blooms. If you do, just make sure that you let them dry completely before moving onto step 3.
Step 3: Sachet or Bowl. Choose a decorative sachet that is a transparent or loose weave fabric and place your completely dry flowers inside. The loose weave will allow the scent to escape and add fragrance to a drawer or closet.
Secret Tip: Moth Away. If you ever have problem with moths, you can add dried cloves and dried mint leave to your sachet, they are natural moth deterrents and will help keep them away from your wools and sweaters.
Last secret tip: Summer Jasmine. Jasmine blooms are one of the sweetest and most fragrant flowers in the world and are abundant during the summer month. If you pick a handful of these tiny blossoms, let them dry, and add they to your sachet, they will smell divine!
Last last secret tip: Variety. If you are making your potpourri to be decorative and go in a bowl, try adding some fun elements like pine cones, dried citrus slices, acorns, or any other naturally decorative element.
Happy First Anniversary Erin and Patrick. Classic Winter Wedding at The Four Seasons Washington D.C.
I love getting the chance to wish my couples a happy first anniversary. Erin and Patrick were my first wedding in 2019 (1.19.19) and it’s so fun to look back at the photos from their wedding day at St. Ann’s Catholic Church and The Four Seasons Washington D.C. Caroline of Caroline Dutton Events did a beautiful job coordinating and creating a classic look for this couple. Thank you to Photographer Nancy Anderson Cordell for capturing so many great shots of Erin and Patrick.
Romantic April Wedding at The Basilica of St. Mary and The Alexandrian Hotel
For Clare and Joseph, a romantic engagement in Paris led to a lovely April wedding at home in Old Town Alexandria - and I was so happy to be a part of it. While most of my clients contact me a year or several months before their wedding day, every once in awhile I meet a couple on a shorter timeframe. Clare and Joseph came to me in early March for a late April wedding. Given that I wasn’t yet in the height of spring-summer wedding season, I had an opening (and it helped that their ceremony and venue were both just down the street from my studio). We worked quickly to coordinate a floral design and everything came together with ease in time for their wedding day. Special thanks to Planner Joanne Willard, of Celebrate Slowly, who was resourceful and so very helpful throughout the day. And thank you to Liz Stewart for capturing the wedding with these beautiful photos.
Photo Credit: Liz Stewart Photography
First look in the garden at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town — the same church where Clare’s parents were married. Clare and Joseph’s ceremony began after 7 in the evening so photographer Liz Stewart met with them earlier in the day to capture the light.
Photo Credit: Liz Stewart Photography
Clare carried a large, spring bouquet full of roses, ranunculus, and peony blooms in white and blush tones. Joseph wore a ranunculus boutonniere.
Photo Credit: Liz Stewart Photography
Photo Credit: Liz Stewart Photography
Photo Credit: Liz Stewart Photography
Photo Credit: Liz Stewart Photography
Their black tie wedding reception took place in the outdoor courtyard of The Alexandrian Hotel. It was a warm and windy spring night.
Photo Credit: Liz Stewart Photography
Photo Credit: Liz Stewart Photography
Beautiful shots of the newly married Clare and Joseph in front of the historic church following their ceremony. The Basilica dates back to 1795 - I wonder how many brides and grooms have stood in this very spot?
Labor Day Weekend Weddings and Anniversaries
As I put the finishing touches on a beautiful wedding scheduled for later today (stay tuned - it’s a stunner!), I wanted to take a moment to wish Karina and Ibrahim a happy first anniversary! Karina and Ibrahim blended culture and color expertly and created a masterpiece. Their vision gave me a chance to flex my artistic muscle with one-of-a-kind boutonnieres and corsages accented by hand-made Japanese Mizuhiki knots; a floral arch complete with origami paper cranes and flowers; and hand-painted berries in peacock blue to accent the bridal bouquet. Take another look at Photographer Violet Short’s images; it was so hard to choose a sample to share with all of you. Wedding Coordinator Lynn Nelson of Bridal Silhouette strung together all the details of the day and I look forward to working with her again soon.
The lovely Karina.
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
The dapper Ibrahim.
Mizuhiki is an ancient Japanese art form and traditional decoration for weddings symbolizing affection, warmth and togetherness.
Late summer light made for perfect Georgetown portraits.
Karina’s dress, designed by Made With Love, fit like a glove. Her bouquet featured Garden Roses, Cally Lillies, Orchids, hand-painted berries and greenery.
It was all about the details for this Ritz-Carlton wedding ceremony and reception - a romantic floral arch, intricate origami paper cranes and flowers, submerged flowers inside vases with floating candles and a peacock blue cake.
Happy Anniversary Karina and Ibrahim!
Congratulations Erica and Mitch on a Bright and Beautiful May Wedding at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia
Some things are worth waiting for. This past May, I was honored to design for Erica and her groom Mitch who celebrated their outdoor nuptials at the beautiful Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia. Love Life Images captured the spirit of the day; planner Rachel Rice of The One Moment Events coordinated the event; and my good friend Ray Bialek, of Bialek’s Music, brought the music and the fun for the guests.
The bride carried a rounded bouquet of brightly-colored peony, rose, and ranunculus blooms accented with hypericum berries and greenery.
Mitch added a touch of pink with a charming ranunculus and spray rose boutonniere.
The sunset and mountain views were the perfect backdrop to this personal affair. The chuppah really popped against the winery’s natural, spring backdrop.
The Erica’s bouquet led the design for the rest of the wedding florals. At their reception, Erica and Mitch kept the color and featured small, sweet arrangements and petite bud vases throughout the venue.
With more than 40 years in the industry, Bialek’s Music is simply the best.
Wishing this happy couple years of happiness. Cheers!
Happy First Anniversary Elizabeth and Danny. Elegant Blue and White Wedding in Chevy Chase at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Columbia County Club
I met Elizabeth and Danny in the best possible way - through a referral from another wedding client (thank you Megan and Coult)! Elizabeth and Danny turned out to be just as wonderful and I am so happy to wish them a Happy First Anniversary together. The year flew by and I just had a chance to see their photos by Natalie Nadozirny of Borrowed Blue Photography. Take a look at #sMIttenwiththeSmiths on their special day at the beautiful Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and historic Columbia Country Club.
I love seeing a bride surrounded by her closest family and friends. Elizabeth was elegant in all white and her bridesmaids were the perfect complement in ice blue with bouquets of blue hydrangea and garden roses.
Elizabeth’s Dad wore a boutonnière of blue thistle backed with simple greenery.
Elizabeth carried a classic all white rounded bouquet of garden roses and Danny wore a white rose boutonnière with a touch of blue thistle.
A few more shots at their beautiful wedding venues: The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
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.
Happy First Anniversary Kearney and Brent. D.C. Wedding at 101 Constitution and Charlie Palmer
It’s a special joy to celebrate the first anniversaries of the couples I’ve designed for over the past year. I love being able to look back at the photos with fresh eyes - you see new details, expressions and colors. I wonder if the couple feels that way too following their first year of marriage?. Kearney and Brent were married on the rooftop of 101 Constitution followed by dinner downstairs at Charlie Palmer. Flowers in burgundy, lavender and plum provided a vibrant contrast to the stone white backdrop of the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument. Although I blogged about the wedding back in September (read it here), I wanted to post a few more pictures and congratulate Kearney and Brent on their first anniversary together. All photos by Amy Wu Photography. Wedding planning by Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events.
Happy First Anniversary Sam and Damion. June Wedding at District Winery.
Back in December, Washingtonian Weddings Magazine released their Winter/Spring issue which featured Sam and Damion’s beautiful June 8th wedding at District Winery. I was honored to have my work appear alongside so many great vendors and photographed by the talented Liz Fogarty. So even though you may have already seen this spread in the Washingtonian or on my previous blog, I wanted to give everyone another look and wish Sam @samanthanmmoss and Damion @dmossfitness a very Happy First Anniversary!
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!
J.Crew Fashion Night with Erica Natal and Leigh Heiserman
Have you seen @ericalnatal on Instagram lately? She is hustling - and making some real headway - by generating creative and compelling content. Recently, she partnered with J.Crew in Georgetown for a spring shopping party and asked me to design some flowers for the event. Her buddy Leigh Heiserman from Lauryn Prattes Styling and Events stopped by to share in the fun which made for great photos.
All photos by Erica’s company, Solely In Focus. Daisy macaroons by Buttercream Bakeshop.
Erica and Leigh
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.
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!
