Credits (from left to right)

Wedding Poppers

Bubbles

Birdseed packets

Pom Poms

Love Birds

Bio-degradable confetti

What are you doing to make a difference as a green videographer?

My primary approach to greening my business revolves around recycling.  Obviously, everyone knows to recycle cans and bottles.  However, with running a technology business, there’s a lot more one can do in the way of recycling.  We buy recycled products whenever possible.  We use renewable products whenever possible – in our case rechargeable batteries and refillable toner cartridges for the laser printer.  And then we recycle everything – after we have gotten the maximum amount of use out of it – paper, labels, batteries, lights, computer parts, broken equipment, etc.  All of those products that have exhausted their usability, get taken to the local recycling center.

What do you want couples to know about you?

I guess what I most want couples to know about me, personally, is that I produce wedding videos because I love it.  I really do care about each couple I work with and want them to have the best video possible, whether I or one of my associates is the videographer.  I tell my friends all the time how I just cried watching that last wedding video we sent out the door, and they tease me because it’s not even my wedding.  But every video for me is so personal.  I want every couple to take their video home and cry and watch it again with family and laugh and cry again and watch it again with friends and have them laugh and cry.  It’s not a product, to me, because I know it’s not just a product to each couple I work with – it’s a memory and a story, their story.

What should couples know about videography?

What I would like people to know about video is that it is as much an art form as photography.  I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Video Production.  I studied lighting, sound, editing, mise en scene, and storytelling at NYU.  I know how to get the best sound out of the ceremony, where to be to capture the most out of a live event using natural light to highlight the bride and groom.  I put a lot of thought and energy into framing each moving image – from the first frame through the pan or tilt or zoom to the last frame of the shot.  In editing, I make conscious choices about when and where to use slow motion, fast motion, sepia, or black and white, and how to cut to the music or through the ceremony to show off each couple’s personal style.  All of my associates studied film and video production and understand not only the technical side of a production, but also the art that goes into each wedding video.

We love Jessica!  Be sure to check out Jessica’s website by clicking here!

There are so many wonderful invitation designers all over the states. However, we strive to show smaller designers here and those that are doing some amazing eco-friendly things! We found this amazing designer on Twitter and we adore everything she does.  Here are few of her samples that are specifically eco-friendly!

Carey, the owner, does a great job of explaining eco-friendly options for her clients.  For example, to save paper in addition to having PCW papers, she makes these fun and original postcards for Save-the-Dates and respond cards.

I love her map options.  I love the look of a classy map!  Some of our clients have done hand-painted maps (which can take FOREVER) or have scanned a map from the venue where the reception will take place.  Doing a combo of the two is the most elegant way to do it in my mind.  Most hand-drawn/painted maps are not drawn to scale and tend to be, well, just cute (meaning not very helpful as far as a map is concerned).  If you are having a lot of out-of-town guests, a map drawn to scale is imperative if you are not providing transportation for them.  Here Carey has a real map and has infused a small element of whimsy along with detailed written out driving instructions.

An invitation designer will do all they can to ensure that every element of your invitation is edited and easy to read.  Carey does a fantastic job and it shows in her examples online and in her communication with me. Click on any of the photos above to get to her website and start planning your stationery journey today!

Happy Planning!

~Katie Martin

]]> http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/lassod-moon-designs/feed/ 0 http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/liz-brians-wedding-at-franklin-square/ http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/wedding-planning/liz-brians-wedding-at-franklin-square/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:01:15 +0000 Katie Martin http://www.eleganceandsimplicity.com/blog/?p=1404 Tara and I had the pleasure of helping Liz & Brian design their wedding day on 11/7 at the City Club at Franklin Square. While I was at the Hay-Adams for Maureen & Brendan’s wedding (photos coming shortly), Tara was with Liz & Brian!

Liz and Brian planned their DC wedding from all over the US.  Living in New York and traveling often for business made it imperative for them to hire a wedding planner.  Liz loved the fact that we do both wedding planning and floral designs!  We save our clients a lot of time and hassle by doing both services.  Liz also liked the fact that we are an eco-friendly company and we strive to provide only the best in quality “green” floral and event design elements.  She asked, like many ask me, how are you able to do that?  Well, we have staff and I love to create beautiful things!  The people that work for Elegance & Simplicity are dedicated and loyal.  More than half of our staff have been with us for over 5 years.  We take our employees seriously and we are constantly learning (or educating others) about innovative wedding trends, technology and eco-friendly practices.   Take a look at a few of the eco-friendly elements in their wedding below.

The couple chose a floral motif for all of their wedding stationery.  The dried pressed flowers were also on their beautiful invitations.  Our in-house calligrapher used soy ink for their escort cards.

Instead of a wedding cake, the couple choose fantastic cupcakes from Kendall’s Cakes!  At the top of the cupcake tower they used a family heirloom cake topper.  I absolutely adore this particular topper as it is simple and it just has an enormous amount of character and charm.  Reusing items for your wedding and donating what you have left over is key for an eco-friendly wedding.

All I have to say here – the cupcakes are almost as cute as Kendall!  If you have not met with her yet for your wedding cake, desserts or cupcakes – click on the photo here and get in touch with her!  Cream cheese frosting on top of red velvet cupcakes in cute paper holders- seriously yummy for the eyes and the tummy!  If you have not noticed already – she decorated the cake stand with matching ribbon.  Ahh – how I love thee (Kendall)!  A wedding professional that understands the importance of the details!  You would think this happens all the time, unfortunately such is not the case.  Just a case-in-point of why asking questions is so important when meeting with all of your wedding professionals!

Yet another reason why I love Jennifer…she is the only photographer that I have had at the City Club at Franklin Square who has taken a photo of the club outside after dark.  I love my city at night!  The City Club at Franklin Square is right in the center of the city and easily accessible via metro and within walking distance of a couple of museums, restaurants and hotels!

The couple chose a mixture of low centerpieces with tall arrangements with manzanita branches and hanging glass votives.  I love using these branches – they create a sense of wedding whimsy to me!

These photos from people dancing to Aaron Couch’s skills as a DJ are hilarious.  LOVE IT!

I want to hug Jennifer for taking this photo…perfection…

I will post again about their flowers in a separate post!  For now, I want to just say a big congrats to Liz & Brian.  Another happy couple to add to the Elegance & Simplicity, Inc. newlywed column!

~Katie Martin

We have gotten a few chances to work with her and her associates!  I absolutely adore Andrea!  Her innovative photography and friendly approach with clients are always a fantastic combination.  She is also a member of the Washington DC Green Wedding Consortium as an eco-friendly photographer and she was selected to be on the Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium!

Here are a few photos from a recent wedding in DC that Andrea took.

The couple…also cutie patooties!  Married at the Tabard Inn and portraits in Senate Park!  So wonderfully DC!

Check out the zipcar and her cute red shoes! I LOVE IT!

(bouquet by Phillippa Tarrant)

Congratulations to the couple and Andrea for being cutie patooties and having such a beautiful wedding day!

Cheers!

~Katie Martin

We are tickled GREEN!  We just saw that Carbonfund.org just posted about us on their blog!  We carbon-offset through them for our own company, but we also make carbon offsetting donations for couples as well with certain packages that we provide.  Learn about carbon offsetting your wedding by taking a look at their handy-dandy carbon-offsetting wedding calculator!  We also dig them as they are local!  Right here in Silver Spring, MD!

Take a look at their blog post about us by clicking on the logo above!  Thanks Carbonfund.org!

Happy Greening!

~Katie Martin

First, all of us should be learning how to eat well!  So, here is a book I plan to pick up this week:

I am a huge fan of Sophie’s books and blog!  Click on the book above and buy the book online or found out more about the book!

I am a lover of totes!  Here is a great tote that everyone should have for your groceries or for just looking cute around town!  Click on the photo to buy!

I am about to buy a blouse from www.dreamsack.com.  While perusing – I saw these fantastic 70% bamboo – 30% Organic cotton towels on sale – Perfect for a destination wedding welcome bag (if they are in your colors) and on sale!!!

Stay tuned for more products!  I have a great new resource for eco-friendly invitations that are adorable!!!  Will post about them soon!

Happy Shopping!

~Katie Martin

Follow the process for the this giveaway mania on Weddzilla’s blog!  I am now an expert blogger for Weddzilla and will be writing featured articles for their main website when it goes live!

Good Luck! ~ Katie Martin

Their wedding had so many wonderful spring touches to it!  Centerpieces were made with Dutch Hydrangea, Dutch Cymbidium orchids, Dutch Peonies and local lilacs.

I love how The Observatory took this photo with the mirrors in the background; it almost looks like the peonies are floating above the escort cards!

The blue, green and lavender lanterns we hung helped to give just a touch of springtime whimsy!

To see other photos from this wedding, click here to see the previous blog post!

Cheers!

Congratulations Claire & Adil!  Molly from Simply Vintage was a great help as their wedding planner and as always, we love working with her!  They really wanted eco-friendly flowers and they got them!  We love it when clients seek that out in their floral designs!

Cheers! ~ Katie Martin

They just opened this year right off Dupont Circle and I have to say, I salivate every time I drive by!  The owner (Penny) has dreamed up some fantastic recipes for her cupcakes and loves to do weddings.  Their space is in a LEED certified building!!!

Check out their website today and see when they are making specific flavors to go in try – OMG 24 Carrot RAWKS!!!!

Yummmmm! – Katie Martin

Check it out:

Eco-Friendly Shoe Source

What this wonderful blogger has done is genius and has saved a bunch of people time and money. She has scoured the internet, or does on a daily basis for the cutest looking shoes all over the world that are eco-friendly.

I love this cute flat:

Now take a look at Mink – they use non-animal products:

Everyone has their own style and taste for their shoes on their wedding day.  The key is to take your time. If you want your shoes to have some personality – do they have to be white?  Silver or gold?  Many gowns cover shoes anyway – why not have fun shoes or even comfortable shoes?  You can have both heels and flats for your wedding!  Try to select shoes that you may actually wear again.  However – you can always keep the shoes for your future daughter or sell them on ebay after!  Donating your shoes is also an option.

Happy Shopping!
Katie Martin

Amanda with Occasions helped to create a beautiful eco-friendly wedding buffet for the couple.  All left-over food scraps were placed into compost bins and the food was amazing!

Here are a few photos from the day:

The chuppah was adorned with purple delphinium and white and green orchids!  We will be using it again next week at the Westin Grand!

The bride choose beautiful shades of lavender and purple flowers with a hint of green (including local fresh English lavender, delphinium, freesia, roses and calla lilies).  While the bridesmaid (her sister) had a simpler bouquet to match her pretty burgundy gown.

We love being able to be creative!  Using deer moss and curly willow to create a real tree-like feel inside the mansion with the escort card table.

The centerpieces reflecting the escort card table and the bridal bouquet.

We always have a fun time creating interesting concepts for a real eco-friendly venue such as Woodend!  We will be there next week as well for Soneela and Walker’s wedding!

Cheers! – Katie Martin

These are are my favorite of portraits of them at the Decatur House and at St. John’s Church.  I posted some detail shots recently – but these are my favorite portraits!

This photo of Erin with her bridesmaids is absolutely timeless.  I can actually compare this particular photo to some of my mom’s friends photos, photos from 10 years ago and I am sure I will be able to compare it 30 years from now.  Beautiful women in strapless and flattering cocktail dresses with a stunning bride and her beautiful dress and veil.  With the backdrop of carefully designed cathedral length walls, you have the makings of a stunning, classic and timeless photo.  Bravo Jennifer, Bravo!

Congrats Erin and Chris, a truly wonderful wedding day for a truly lovely Washingtonian couple!

Cheers, Katie Martin

Soon – I will be launching the Green Love Events website (a 100% eco-friendly wedding division of Elegance & Simplicity Wedding & Event Designers, Inc.)!  We had a preview available of our services at the Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium Bridal show.  However – we have changed the logo!

Here it is:

Stay tuned for the launch of the website featuring our flowers, Photography from Love Life Images & Documentary Associates, Sound from Disc Jockeys on Call & MyDeejay.com, Bridal Fashion and Style from Promise for the Savvy Bride and Polished Image & Style Consultants.  It will be your one stop shop for an unforgettable Eco-Friendly Green Wedding or Event in the Greater Washington DC and Baltimore Metro Areas!

* Katie Martin

We had a wonderful time last Friday helping Dana to pick out her green wedding dress by Adele Wechsler at Promise for the Savvy Bride!  Jessica’s store is right on the same block as our office – so it was super easy to just pop over to the store!  Take a look at the fun photos taken by Tom from Documentary Associates.

Robin Fisher was there from Polished to help Dana find the best dress for her and her sister as the maid of honor.  Finding the right style for your wedding day can be tricky – but not with this dream team!

I just sat back for the ride.  It was very fun to watch Dana try on the dresses sent overnight from Adele directly to make sure Dana had the perfect dress for her eco-friendly wedding.  The Eco-Couture bridal gowns are amazing and full of fun details and sophistication!

A no!  THAT IS NOT THE DRESS SHE PICKED!!!!  That will be secret until the day of the wedding!  Stay tuned – more updates and meetings are planned.

Katie

We are meeting with them on Saturday to go over their wedding plans.  Then we will walk them over to Promise for the Savvy Bride to try on her eco-couture wedding gowns by Adele Wechsler!

We are so excited for them!

Check out all the green vendors at:

www.greenweddingconsortium.com/DCGWC

Stay tuned for the upcoming Washington DC Green Wedding Consortium’s blog where we will be documenting all of Dana & David’s plans….in the meantime – check back here!

The Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium Bridal Show is already having a huge following!  See Katie Martin live on News Channel 8 as she announces all of the wedding professionals that will be providing eco-friendly wedding services and goods for the Free $50,000 Green Wedding Giveaway!

Register for the show here:

http://www.dccwc.com/2009bridalshow.htm

1st 100 brides receive a goody bag filled with discounts and gifts!

At 2pm we will be giving away door prizes!

At 3:30 we will announce the winners of the green wedding giveaway!

Stay tuned for more details!

We will be posting a press release shortly that we will be giving away a $50,000 Green Eco-Friendly wedding at the Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium 2009 Bridal Show.  The show will be from 12-5pm at te Decatur House Museum on 1/31/09.  Yes – that is next Sunday!

The FREE Green wedding will take place on April 22, 2009 – Which is Earth Day – which is also a Wednesday.  You will be required to sign a release form as the wedding will be promoted in various ways as well as showcased in Katie Martin’s upcoming book about Eco-friendly weddings.  You will also sign an agreement that you will not be holding another wedding.  This will be your only wedding.  Please do not apply if you already have planned your wedding or you are in the process of planning your wedding.  You must only be engaged and be willing to be flexible and have a carbon-free, green wedding with us.

The following vendors will be providing services:

Decatur House Museum – Venue

Elegance & Simplicity – Eco-Friendly Green Wedding Planning

Green Love Events – A subsidiary of Elegance & Simplicity will be providing the flowers and invitations

Documentary Associates – Tom Van Veen will be providing green photography

Love Life Images – Jennifer Domenick will be providing green photography

Carola Myers – She will be providing green eco-friendly make-up for the day of the wedding for the bride

Avalon Caterers will be providing catering.

We look forward to seeing you at the bridal show!

For more information – please register here:
http://www.dccwc.com/2009bridalshow.htm

I love, love, love Woodend! This wedding in particular struck me as one of the most beautiful of all of the weddings that we did at Woodend in 2008.  This is not to say that not all of them were beautiful though! “Beautiful” truly is something different to all people.  To me, beautiful is a combination of the setting, the flowers, the food and the people.

It is easy with the professionals that I surround myself and my brides with to make a wedding a beautiful. What is not as easy, is to make a wedding full of surprises (good ones), wit, charm and warmth that exudes from the relationships that both the bride and groom have nourished over the years.

A very busy bride and groom relied on me, the bride’s mother and her aunt to help create a beautiful event during the planning process.  Very well-laid plans, led to a beautiful afternoon affair filled with eco-friendly details at a very eco-friendly venue!

The sweetness of the bride filled the rooms and the outdoor spaces at Woodend. The laughter and tears of friendship and family stories were constant. The bride’s mother and her aunt were probably the 2 most genuine women I had met in all of 2008.  I appreciated them greatly throughout the wedding planning process and throughout the wedding day!

Their love was so apparent that I could visualize in my head what they would like like 40, 50, 60 years from now.  They truly were a couple that I knew would grow very old together.  This is one of the reasons why I love what I do! Love.  That is the only reason why any of us live and breathe today.  Thank you Debbie and Robert for having a truly beautiful wedding day!

Vendors that helped to make this wedding so beautiful:

Elegance & Simplicity Wedding & Event Designers, Inc.

Occasions Catering

Documentary Associates, LLC

Cakes by Carolyn

Bialek’s Music

Hair by Giselle

Green Floral design for your eco-friendly wedding in Washington, DC

Katie Martin from Elegance & Simplicity was featured in My Day Magazine as the DC area’s leading green wedding expert in regards to her green (eco-friendly) floral designs.