We are so excited to show you the professional photos from Documentary Associates from the wedding we did in College Park this past March!  Above is a sneak peek – come back for more in the upcoming days!

Ok – so we have one more image from that beautiful wedding at the Ronald Reagan Building a couple of weekend’s ago!  We just love this pretty pomander we made for the flower girl with white carnations with blue pin accents and a green ribbon holder!

More real wedding photos coming at ya this week!

From all of us on the Elegance & Simplicity Team…

(photo credit – Hostess With the Mostess Daily Blog)

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/happy-mothers-day/feed/ 0 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/ronald-reagan-building-reception/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/ronald-reagan-building-reception/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 13:30:29 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=6765

A little instagram love for ya today on the blog!  Yes – all of the photos this week were taken from my iPhone!  Just so much easier!  Then once I get the spectacular photos back from Documentary Associates - I can do a real post!  But this is a fun look at the reception at the Ronald Reagan Building we did last weekend!  We just loved the blue, green and yellow color palette.  Check out those fun charger plates from DC Rental too!

1st Photo – All about the billy balls for the cocktail hour!

2nd Photo – Centerpiece number one on square tables with submerged green cymbidium orchids, blue hydrangea with billy balls and yellow garden roses with our green frosted votives.

3rd Photo – The whimsical DC Rental chargers!

4th Photo – Overall look and centerpiece number with our lanterns!  We used aliums in these long table centerpieces along with vintage vases filled with billy balls and submerged dendrobium orchids and our frosted white votives

Have a fantastic Mother’s Day weekend!

This wedding was over the top gorgeous – if we do say so ourselves!

Our friend got married at the Ronald Reagan Building and we were able to create beautiful designs with her blue, green and yellow color palette.  You can see her inspiration board that we created on Pinterest for her here (click on the image below to see more on her board):

The groom’s lapel had a white cymbidium orchid with a blue thistle accent.  The mother’s corsage has the same orchid with a blue delphinium accent.  The ceremony had such fun details to it.  We custom designed the green and yellow aisle runner along with the stage cover and matching step!  Then our bride used a little DIY style with the blue confetti and she bought that adorable aisle tie off from Etsy.  The altar arrangements were our customized pedestals with manzanita branches with hanging green cymbidium orchids from yellow ribbons (we also attached orchids to the branches).  The bridal bouquet consisted simply of just green cymbidium orchids, blue thistles and blue delphinium for a beautiful and different style!  The bridesmaids bouquets had white peonies, blue thistles and green cymbidium orchids.

Stay tuned tomorrow for reception details!

Here is a sneak peek at the wedding we did this past weekend at the Ronald Reagan Building! Stay tuned tomorrow and Friday for looks at the ceremony and reception!

Please forgive the instagram photos – it was the only camera I had on hand this week! Above is another couple of shots from the wedding we did on Friday last week in Bethesda!  The bridal bouquet was filled with roses, peonies, ranunculus, lisianthus and orchids!  The mother’s corsage was simple with white cymbidium orchids and a pretty pink ribbon to tie it to her wrist.

Stay tuned for more real wedding photos!

This past weekend was super busy and we had a blast!

We promise to post some wonderful photos that we took with our iPhones of various elements.  Above is a cute sneak peek from the wedding we had on Friday!  That’s  the flower girl’s cute Kermit Mum pomander with green hypericum berry and spray rose accents.

More to come – stay tuned!

It’s not always easy to turn fashion trends into wedding trends…but we have fun doing it!

Color blocking is all the rage in fashion now and you can translate it with your wedding style!  Above is an example of how to translate brilliant wedding style with your decor.  Yes you can color block with your bridesmaids dresses but blocking with flowers is super easy for us.

WE LOVE COLOR!!!

For the wedding above at the Ronald Reagan Building we used all sorts of decor to “block” pink, green and yellow!  You have to be a bold and outgoing kinda bride or groom for this – so pick and choose where you want the color blocking done!  You don’t want your wedding to look too over the top or dated in any way!  Trends are fun as long as they are not used in excess!

Have a great weekend and let us know how you are incorporating fashion trends on your wedding day!

It’s finally here folks – the Wedcoupon blog has gone live – 2 weeks prior to the main site’s big launch!

Wedcoupon is a sister company of Elegance & Simplicity, Inc. as Katie Martin is both the CEO of Elegance & Simplicity, Inc. and the Co-Founder of Wedcoupon, Inc.

Wedcoupon is set to be the largest wedding group deal site for engaged couples.  Not only offering products from major players in the wedding industry but also discounts on services specifically in the Washington, DC area.  Next cities are Seattle, San Francisco, New York and beyond!!!

So check out the blog by clicking on the image above and be sure to sign up today to be the first to know when the site has gone live by clicking here!

Green Hydrangea is definitely one of our favorite flowers to work with!

We designed the above arrangements for a non-profit organization event at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.

Yep – we do corporate and non-profit events too!

(The above arrangements also have orchids and hypericum berries.)

We had a quick sample design put together for one of our client’s getting married in May!  We just love this arrangement that will be mixed with other tall arrangements on the rooftop at the Hay Adams Hotel. Stay tuned for the real deal next month!

We are so excited to have found an amazing new local designer that is all about organic and hemp dress design for brides!

Claire Cambardella is having her launch party and trunk show at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation/Phillip Merrill Center this Sunday from 12-3!   Not to be missed!

Have a great weekend!

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/announcements/claire-cambardella/feed/ 1 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/announcements/laura-and-jarrod-in-the-washington-post/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/announcements/laura-and-jarrod-in-the-washington-post/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:30:14 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=6723

We are thrilled that one of our March couples made it on to WashingtonPost.com’s website!

Congrats to Laura and Jarrod!  The article is a great read – just love reading about their love story! To read more – click on the photo above!

Photo by Documentary Associates 

Yummy!

Since we love Nicole Miller Dresses – we were thrilled to see that they will be doing bridal accessories!   These various looks will be available on ribbons to be used as headpieces, bridal sashes and brooches!  Available soon both online and at their retail locations.

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-products/new-nicole-miller-accessories/feed/ 0 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/eco-friendly-weddings/earth-day-weekend/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/eco-friendly-weddings/earth-day-weekend/#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:47:57 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=6704

This beautiful gown is from Romona Keveza’s line called Legends.  A truly beautiful and couture line of gowns.  Why is this so important for Earth Day weekend?  Romona Keveza makes all of her gowns in North America.

Many of you will be off to bridal salons this weekend to hopefully finally find the gown of your dreams. Or you might be on online this weekend checking out favors and shoes and invitations and flowers and whatever else might be the next thing to tick off your (what seems to be) never ending wedding planning list.

My only reason for writing this post with this beautiful photo is this – ask questions people.

Ask the following:

Where was this made?

There are a ton of other questions you can ask to help keep your wedding green, but the most important is about keeping things as local as possible. Where does your caterer source their food?  Where does your florist buy their flowers? Where is your make-up made and what is in it?  What eco options for albums does your photographer provide?

Whether you are here in DC or all the way over in Australia reading this blog today…if you are planning your wedding…just know you can make a difference with your wedding.

You just have ask questions!

Don’t just settle on a trend; don’t just settle for cute; don’t just settle for pretty…ask questions!

Have a Happy Earth Day Weekend and start now to make your wedding green!

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/eco-friendly-weddings/earth-day-weekend/feed/ 0 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/carines-trunk-show-with-giselle/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/carines-trunk-show-with-giselle/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:30:59 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=6699

Make an appointment by calling 202.965-4696!

Bridal market was this past weekend in NYC and I hope to do a nice chunky recap post for you!  Lots of loveliness on the runways!  Above is a fun photo from the Rivini show!

Stay tuned!!

Let’s face it…weddings are the one time you are allowed to be cheesy!  You might think hearts are too cheesy for weddings, but think again as it is a growing trend for wedding style!  Again – our advice is to keep it simple with any trend.  Why?  Because it is a trend and it WILL go away at some point.  You want your photos to be timeless.  So here are a few ideas to add the heart style (and a little cheese factor) in to your wedding day without going overboard!

Heart Garland via Etsy

Rainbow Wedding Cake via The Cake Blog

Heart Shoes via Fab

Heart tart via Wildflowers

Heart cookie favors via Free Wedding Projects

Invitations via Minted

Have a great weekend and we will back next week with photos from Bridal Market!!!

 Yes – you have seen it everywhere on blogs, facebook and Pinterest…OMBRE!!!  Simply said – its all about bringing different shades of the same color together for beautiful style!  Here are a few simple ways to make ombre style work for your wedding without going overboard!  It does not have to go everywhere!!!

Navy ombre gown by Monique Lhuillier via Ombre

Orange ombre bridesmaid dresses via KLK Photography

Purple ombre pomander by us!

Pink ombre wedding cake via Dawne Photo

Teal ombre invitations via OneWed

Teal ombre heart tote via Bridefinds

We had a great weekend with family for the holiday!  Above is one of the arrangements I made for my family.  I just love using parrot tulips!!!  They are great this time of of year!  So whether you are using tulips for your wedding or decorating your home…consider using the parrot variety for an extra pop!!!

In love with Chevron?  Don’t know how to incorporate it into your wedding day?  Above are a few ideas to bring in small touches of this uber popular design element without going overboard!

Invitations from Kxo Design

Clutch from Etsy

Cake from Elizabeth Anne Designs

Favor Bags from Shop Sweet Lulu

Spoons from Shop Sweet Lulu

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/eco-friendly-weddings/chevron-love/feed/ 1 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/real-wedding-at-the-w-hotel-in-washington-dc/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/real-wedding-at-the-w-hotel-in-washington-dc/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:30:18 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=6634

Lisa and Dan’s wedding was just nothing short of gorgeous at the W Hotel last summer and a big round of applause for fantastic photography by Inbal More for these amazing images!  We had a wonderful time helping Lisa and Dan plan for their big day!

Congrats to Lisa & Dan!!

The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is located on Chevy Chase Circle

Flowers by Edge Floral

Rolls Royce by Regal Limo

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/real-wedding-at-the-w-hotel-in-washington-dc/feed/ 3 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/gorgeous-w-hotel-style-sneak-peek/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/gorgeous-w-hotel-style-sneak-peek/#comments Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=6629

I cannot wait to show you the details from this gorgeous wedding at the W Hotel!

Stay Tuned for Lisa & Dan’s wedding!

(photo by Inbal More)

Last weekend we had a beautiful wedding at the University of Maryland Memorial Chapel!  My Alma Mater! It was definitely a coral affair!  I should have the professional photos back soon from their ceremony and reception in Bethesda!  Laura chose a guava color palette with a different shades of tulips, ranunculus and roses!

Enjoy these spring colors and have a beautiful weekend!

If you are not on you fitness game, now is the time to start!  So many of my brides and grooms are gearing up for their weddings with their spring workouts!  But don’t forget to stay green while you do it!  Don’t go out and buy bottled water!  Grab one of the above water bottles (in your favorite color) and you can filter water on the go!  Click on the photo to buy one today!

I like the Thermos Intak Water bottle as it has meter on it so you can count how many bottles you need to drink in one day (6) to get the 8 glasses you need in one day!  Get in the habit and you will be well on your way to losing weight, staying green and glowing on your wedding day!

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-products/favorite-water-bottles/feed/ 1 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/mallika-and-adams-adams-morgan-wedding/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/mallika-and-adams-adams-morgan-wedding/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:30:11 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=6604 We are excited to show you Mallika and Adam’s wedding at Stroga in Adams Morgan.

Congrats Mallika and Adam!  We loved planning your day!

Photography by Robb Hill and John Heisel of Bella Pictures

Decor and Flowers by As U Wish

Catering by Main Event Caterers

Cupcakes by Grassroots Gourmet

Hair & Makeup by Courtney Styles

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/mallika-and-adams-adams-morgan-wedding/feed/ 0 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/featured-weddings/mallika-and-adams-sneak-peek/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/featured-weddings/mallika-and-adams-sneak-peek/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:30:57 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=6599

Here is a quick sneak peek for Mallika and Adam’s wedding in Adams Morgan…more to come tomorrow of this fun Indian-American wedding in Adams Morgan!

Photography by Bella Pictures with Robb Hill and John Heisel

We are finally able to post more photos for Monica and Tim’s wedding at Meridian House!  We loved working with Monica and Tim as we were able to create a unique and simple look for their mandap with reclaimed wood and a simple sage green topper.  We were also able to make these gorgeous floral garlands for their ceremony.  Absolutely one of our favorite things to design!

I am obsessed with the cake they designed with Sticky Fingers Bakery!

I loved their color scheme inside with the vibrant pinks, oranges and greens in our ceramic white vases.

A beautiful couple with heart and lot of fun!  They even left the reception on their new bikes!!!

Monica and Tim – I tip my hat to you!  You are definitely in the top 3 cutest couples we worked with in 2011!

Cheers and have a happy weekend everyone!

(photography by Marcella Treybig)

Stay tuned for tomorrow as we will feature all of Monica & Tim’s beautiful Indian-American wedding at the Meridian House!

Photo by Marcella Treybig