Eleganza Intima - Wedding Planning for the Couture Couple

Vendor Spotlight – Armin DeFiesta

eleganzaintima — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:43:40 +0000

On Thursday I had the privilege and the pleasure of having lunch with Armin DeFiesta. I found him by sheer coincidence on Facebook and we talked for a few days before agreeing to have lunch. We ate at Chadwick’s on The Strand in Old Town Alexandria and enjoyed some wonderful conversation. Much to my surprise, at the end of lunch, Armin asked if I had a few minutes for a quick photo session. Of course I said, “YES!!!!!!”

Above are only a few of the shots he took and I can’t thank him enough for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with me! It is very rare that I am on the other side of a camera lens so this was a very new experience. Armin kept telling me to relax and enjoy myself – but the entire time I kept hearing my mom saying, “sit up straight”; “put your shoulders back”; “cross your legs like a lady” … ha! Thanks a lot MOM!!!

We at Eleganza Intima prides ourselves on working with creative and fresh professionals. Armin DeFiesta is definitely one of those few professionals who is not only a pleasure to work with, but is also a good friend. One of his unique takes on wedding photography is putting together a slide show of photos from the days events before the reception. The show is played on a laptop during the cocktail hour and into the reception so the couple’s guests can enjoy some choice photos early.

Keep your eyes peeled DC … Armin Defiesta is going to take the wedding industry by storm!!!

Gown Sale

eleganzaintima — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:53:38 +0000

Hitched Salon in Washington, DC is having their annual sample sale! Visit the Hitched website and take a peek at the gowns they have available. They ship anywhere – so don’t worry if you don’t live in the area!! Happy shopping!!

Mary and Jeff

eleganzaintima — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:42:24 +0000

There are some couples who call us to plan their entire wedding … and then there are those, like Mary and Jeff, who have most everything planned, but still need a vendor here or a few design suggestions there. Mary not only had her ducks in a row, but they were quacking away!! Her and Jeff were such a fun couple to work with!!

Both Mary and Jeff put the importance of photography on the top of their lists. So when it came time to choose, there was no doubt that they would go with Rachel Naft, of RMN Photography. Rachel is such a joy to work with and her talent shows through in her photos – and I thank her for providing the pictures above.

Together with their bridal party, family and friends, Mary and Jeff were married outside of the atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Thank goodness the rain held off just long enough for the ceremony to take place!!! It was windy and cold, but all of the guests absolutely loved the ceremony!! All of us at Eleganza Intima wish Mary and Jeff all the best!!!

Hott to Trot – 2008

eleganzaintima — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:50:44 +0000

As wedding season begins to explode all across the Nation, there are a few things that couples are doing more and more which are slowly becoming current trends.

One of those has to do with attire. Brides and grooms are now wearing one formal outfit for their ceremony and changing into something fun for their reception. This has been something gaining in popularity with brides, but now the grooms are starting to have with it too.

As for color, couples are moving away from using brown as an accent (thankfully) to using gray. Gray is a low key accent color which can be paired with a bright Lemon Yellow or a deep Eggplant Purple. It makes a bold, classy statement for an afternoon or evening affair.

Couples are also leaning towards allowing their guests to have a say in what goes on during the evening. Make your reception an interactive experience by posting weekly questions on your wedding website. Let your family and friends decide whether or not you should smash cake on each other or be polite and serve with a fork … stressed about your first dance – just leave it to your guests!

For a memorable night cap, have a champagne bar in addition to the dessert spread. Think of it as an adult ice cream sundae bar. Give everyone their choice of champagne and then a myriad of delightful “toppings” such as sugar coated raspberries or a shot of orange liquor. It is sure to be a hit!

Sticking to Your Budget

eleganzaintima — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 06:09:04 +0000

Every year couples in the DC Metro area come to us for guidance on planning the wedding of their dreams AND staying within a budget. Contrary to what most think, it IS possible to do both and we can help you! The most important decision in the wedding planning process is setting a budget and then sticking to it.

Some couples choose to go into debt for their wedding, but we recommend that you make the most of what you can afford. You can have a beautiful wedding on a budget. If your parents are giving you money for the wedding, it should be done without strings attached. The couple needs to be given final decision-making authority to decide what aspects of the wedding are most important.

If the money is given well in advance of the wedding, consider putting it in a short term CD to earn some interest. Be open to spending on items that you have on the top of your list and be willing to save in order to find those items. For example, if you have fallen in love with THE gown and it is outside of your budgeted amount, get the dress and save on smaller flower arrangements for the reception.

If you aren’t hiring a wedding planner or consultant make sure you compare prices on flowers, favors, invitations and programs. It is always good to make appointments with at least three vendors in each category for comparison purposes. Make a pros and cons list for each vendor

Another place to save money is the food and beverage at the reception. If your budget does not allow for an open bar, you should fore go having drink tickets or charging your guests for their drinks. Offering passed champagne during the cocktail hour and then a beer and wine only bar for the remainder of the reception will cut down on the alcohol costs. If a plated dinner is what you really want, then you should think about cutting your guest list. If your guest list is important you you, then a buffet or hors d’oeuvres only reception are viable options.

Up-and-Coming Trend

eleganzaintima — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 01:59:18 +0000

It used to be that the parents of the bride and groom stayed at the reception until the last guest left to thank them for attending. Those days have given way to the upcoming trend of the bride and groom staying until the last guest departs. The reception is an upbeat and energetic party and no one – including the honored couple – wants to leave. The party mood is still strong at 10p or 11p in the evening and more couples are choosing to spend more time with their guests.

The combination of a comfortable atmosphere, good food and close family and friends make for the perfect opportunity for couples to replay the highlights of the wedding day. After the organized events have finished is the perfect time to get caught up on the things that the couple might have missed during the ceremony or reception.

Brides and grooms should ask to see and digital candid shots or video footage taken by their guests. It is fun to see how you looked walking down the aisle or the reactions of your bridal party during your vows. This is also a good time to spend some extra time with those family members and friends who came especially far for your big day.

When the weather is going to be nice, choose a restaurant or after hours hot spot within walking distance of your guests’ hotel. If your are having your reception in a hotel which has a bar on-site, you might be able to negotiate post-reception drink specials for you and your guests. Either way, take full advantage of the time you have with the people who love you most.

Kristin and Mike

eleganzaintima — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:56:03 +0000

For those like us, who deal with bridal couples on a frequent basis, it is easy to look at a couple and predict where they met or how he proposed or if the marriage was meant to be. In the case of Kristin and Mike, not only was it meant to be, but their love is truly a special one.

Kristin and Mike found us through our website last year and hired us not long after our first meeting. Kristin already had most of major details settled (the reception was at the Tower Club and thankfully they take care of everything but the kitchen sink) but still needed a few vendors and some design assistance. Well, let me tell you that the design is my favorite part!! After setting her up with Diane, from Hair by Diane, a make-up artist and a florist we were almost home free!

After a couple emails back and forth, the couple decided on Parisian Romance as their theme … at least that is what I called it! By mixing lavender, black and silver with the classic beauty of Paris – we were able to put together some wonderful linens along with breathtaking centerpieces that everyone just adored!

One very special part of the wedding was that their dog, Sweetie (pictured), was able to participate as the “Ring Dog” and take pictures with the wedding party. Sweetie got a new lavender leash and even flowers for her collar (though they never made it to the ceremony). While she might have stolen the show, at least while the guests could see her, it was all worth it for Kristin and Mike to have one of their most important family members there to participate.

In the end, the group danced the night away and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! It was a beautiful ceremony with a show-stopping back drop and a stunning view. It was more than a pleasure working with Kristin and Mike and we wish them all the best in the future!!

Wedding Day Kit

eleganzaintima — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:56:00 +0000

While I firmly believe that every wedding coordinator should carry with them an emergency kit, unfortunately, some do not. Should you find yourself having to put together your own kit, here are a few things to get you started.

Cotton swabs
Hair pins
Hairspray
A drinking straw (because you don’t want soda all over your face)
Tissues
Deodorant
Lotion
Mascara
Lipstick (for touch-ups)
Baby powder
Nail file
Hair brush
Mints
Lint roller
Portable fan
Bug spray (for outdoor wedding)
Band aids
Safety pins
Double sided tape

These are just a mere sampling of the many (and by many, I mean innumerable) items that I carry with me to every wedding. Again. I hope that you never find yourself having to put together your own kit … but if you do then I hope this helps you kick-start your “Plan for the Worst-Hope for the Best” Kit

Dance the Night Away

eleganzaintima — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:55:00 +0000

If you’re having a hard time deciding on that special song? It can be difficult to pick a unique song, but try your best to come up with something that really fits you, your fiance and your bridal party. If everyone else is moving to the same song – it isn’t really “your song” so try and think outside the box. If push comes to shove and you have to stick with a classic, what follows are the top 5 most heard songs in each category. Happy dancing!!!

Bridal party entrance:

Getting Jiggy With It – Will Smith
Lets Get it Started – Black Eyed Peas
We Will Rock You – Queen
Crazy in Love – Beyonce Knowles
James Bond Theme

First Dance:

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
At Last – Etta James
When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole
Have I Told You Lately – Van Morrison
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – Elvis Presley

Father/Daughter Dance

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
My Little Girl – Tim McGraw
I Loved Her First – Heartland
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
Daddy’s Little Girl – Al Martino

Mother/Son Dance:

A Song for Mama – Boyz II Men
You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins
I Hope You Dance – LeeAnn Womack
Through the Years – Kenny Rogers
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Flower Meanings

eleganzaintima — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:52:44 +0000

What do they all mean? Here are just a few flowers and what they represent. So the next time your out picking up some flowers just to say “I love you” make sure you don’t pick the “insincere” Foxglove.

Amaryllis: pride, beauty
Carnation (white): innocence
Clover: good luck
Daffodil: unrequited love
Dahlia: dignity, elegance
Foxglove: insincerity
Gardenia: secret love
Iris: a message for thee
Ivy: wedded love
Lilly of the Valley: increased happiness, sweetness
Orchid: love, beauty
Rose (red): I love you
Rose (white): innocence, secrecy
Rosemary: sweet remembrance
Spider Flower: elope with me
Sunflower: adoration
Tulip (red): believe in me