Bridal Fashion Finds {Shoes That Bling}

May 17

One of the most important wedding day accessories is your wedding shoes. Your wedding shoes should be cute, comfy and coordinate with your gown. Being the girly-girl that I am, I love any and everything that sparkles.  Selecting wedding day shoes that ‘bling’ are a great way to add sparkle and a little fun to your wedding day look.  Below are a few of my favorites for every budget. Tell us, what will you be wearing on your big day?

 1. Casadei Crystal-Covered Peep-Toe Pump $1,500

2. Kate Spade New York Glitzy Glitter Slingback Pump $325

3.  Badgley Mischka Humbie II Pump $165

4. Enzo Angiolini Show You Pump $150

5. Stuart Weitzman Vevey Slingback $398

6. Miu Miu Glitter Open Toe Platform Pump $675

 

 

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Outdoor Wedding Essentials

May 15

Here in the DC area we are in the thick of spring and wedding season. Between DC, Maryland and VA, there are numerous outdoor venues available for your big day. I myself got married outdoors in the August summer heat. When planning for your outdoor nuptials, be sure to keep your guests in mind. Below are a few outdoor essentials that your guests will be sure to appreciate!

  1. Sunscreen: It is imperative to be shielded from the sun at all times. These handy wipes cut down on the mess and provide the protection your guests will need.
  2. Parasols: Parasols provide just the right amount of shade needed to block the sun.
  3. Fan Programs: Fan programs serve double duty during the ceremony. For an added touch, include an engagement photo on the reverse of the order of service.  
  4. Tissue: There will sure to be tears of joy during your nuptials. Convenient tissue packs are always appreciated.
  5. Bug Spray: Keep pesky little insects away with a spray of insect repellent.
  6. Hydration Station: After driving the distances, treat your guests to a signature beverage, lemonade, or water to keep them hydrated during the ceremony.
Posted in Ceremony, Geomyra Lewis Weddings & Events, Outdoor Weddings, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Date Night {On A Budget}

May 11

The year my husband and I got engaged we worked five (yes five) jobs between us. Because of that, we found it difficult to find time to spend together. While going through pre-marital counseling our Pastor emphasized the importance of a weekly date night. For the past five years we have gone on a weekly date night which we call “PG (Phil & Geomyra) Night.”  The dedicated time alone has been vital to our marriage. When planning a wedding, raising children or living on a budget, it may not be as easy to spend the money on a date night. As I am a foodie and love to try new restaurants, I have found the daily deal websites to be a blessing. We have been able to dine at some of the nicest restaurants in the area, often at half of the cost. When I get an alert on my phone or in my email, I search the restaurants website, check out the menu and purchase the deal. Last week our total bill with drinks, appetizer, two entrees and desserts normally would have cost us close to $90. With our purchased deal, we only paid $36! Some of the sites offer deals on restaurants, movie tickets, comedy shows, plays, cooking classes, wine tasting and other unique date night ideas. Be sure to sign up for deal alerts and download the apps to your smart phone. Happy Saving!

Posted in Date Night, Geomyra Lewis Weddings & Events, Personal, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Vendor Spotlight: {a}strid photography

May 8

Take a peek inside our Little Black Book and meet one of our favorite photographers, Astrid Woltering of {a}strid photography. I met Astrid a few months back when I was looking for a photographer for my daughter’s potrait session. After spending only a few minutes with Astrid, you will quickly see that she has a passion for photography and really enjoys what she does. Get to know Astrid and take a look at her work below:

Name: Astrid Woltering

Company: {a}strid photography

Web: myastrid.com

Blog: myastrid.com/blog

Tell us about {a}strid photography:  I started my business in 2009 shooting lots of families and a few    weddings that year.  Since then I have come to specialize in wedding photography in the DC/MD/VA    area as well as destination weddings. I still love shooting  lifestyle sessions– maternity, newborn, and family sessions will always be close to my heart.       

What makes you the best of the best?  I would never claim to be the best, since there were many more that came before me who I still admire to this day. However, I think everyone brings something different to the table. I love using soft, natural light to create thoughtful, dreamy portraits. I love timeless black and whites. I love photographs that evoke emotion and give you a sense of that person’s story. My photographs are a reflection of how I see the world, and that alone makes unique from any other photographer.

How do you exceed your clients’ expectations? I am much more than just a photographer to my clients. I love being a part of their wedding process-­‐ I get emails from my brides asking advice on what color suits to wear, which flowers go with their theme better, and even how to handle personal family situations! I send them a wedding planning brochure to aid them in the process, offer preferred vendors to cut back on their research time, and send them small surprises such as movie tickets or Starbucks gift cards to give them a break from the wedding planning.  By the time the wedding day comes, they are much more than clients and I am sad at the end of the night when it’s time to say goodbye.

What excites you most about the work that you do? I love that no matter how much planning you do, when the wedding day comes you never know exactly what you are going to get. It is challenging and requires a great deal of flexibility and being adaptable to any situation. I love that my job requires me to be creative. There is no better feeling than at the end of the night being able to put your camera down, put your feet up, have a glass of wine and know that you totally rocked that wedding.

 What has been a highlight or milestone in your career? It was pretty awesome having one of my cake shots be featured in Brides DC magazine last year! It’s also been an honor being featured on some local wedding blogs such as United With Love and Capitol Romance. However, there are some very exciting things that are coming for {a}strid photography which will also add to these milestones-­‐ stay tuned!

What should couples look for in their wedding photographer? It is so much more beyond the photography. You absolutely should be in love with your photographer’s images. However, your photographer is probably the one vendor (other than your planner) who will literally spend the entire wedding day with you. Be sure you are not only hiring someone based on their photography, but also someone you feel comfortable with and will be glad to have at your side on this important day in your life.

What venue(s) do you enjoy working at the most? There are so many fun venues in the DC area-­‐ however I think my favorites have been River Farm, Halcyon House, Woodlawn Manor, Molon Lave Vineyards, Whitehall Manor and so many more.

Advice for couples planning their big day? Or advice for couples when researching a wedding photographer?  If you have room in the budget, getting uplighting and pin-­‐lighting at your reception makes a beautiful and dramatic difference in your reception photographs. Don’t forget to consider what time sunset is into your timeline if you are taking pictures outside after the ceremony! Lastly, make sure you account for transportation time into your ceremony. Many couples forget that a 5 minute car ride to the reception can EASILY become 25 minutes when you are bustling your train, and trying to get the entire bridal party to focus and get in the car! I find that you can get groomsmen to do almost anything if you bribe them with cold beer

Anything else you would like to add? Have fun with the process and make it your own. It’s your day and you make the rules!

 

 

 

 

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Geomyra’s Favorite Things: {Mother’s Day Edition} Part II

May 3

Still looking for the perfect gift for your mom (grandma, sister, or friend)? Below are a few more of my favorite things with links to purchase.  

Sunglasses, Estee Lauder Gift Set, Earrings, Slippers, Wallet, Pumps.

 

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Pinterest Finds {Faith & Inspiration} Words to Live By

May 2

Below are a few of my favorite quotes that I stumbled acrossed on Pinterest. What quotes have you found that inspire and fire you up?

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Geomyra’s Favorite Things: {Mother’s Day Edition}

May 1

With Mother’s Day less than two weeks away, I thought it would be fitting to dedicate today’s blog post to Mother’s Day gift ideas. Below are a few of my favorite (as in I can’t live without) accessories that make great gifts for the #1 woman in your life.  Tell us, what are you getting your mother for Mother’s Day this year? Links below.

 Scarf, Bangle, Watch, Necklace, Tote

Posted in Fashion Finds, Geomyra Lewis Weddings & Events, Geomyra's Favorite Things, Holiday, Personal | No Comments »
DIY Citrus Scrub Favors

April 27

A few months back while browsing Pinterest, I came across a recipe for a homemade citrus scrub that I immediately pinned. I purchased the four ingredients, made up a few batches and shared with a few of my friends.  One friend raved how soft her hands instantly became after using the scrub. The other really enjoyed the natural clean scent of the scrub. For my recent birthday celebration, my best friend handmade fifteen citrus scrub favors for my guests. The citrus scrub favors are great for bridal showers or other small parties. Below is the recipe and list of ingredients. Enjoy!

 

Receipe:

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 5 min

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

½ cup coarse sea salt

½ cup sweet almond oil (can substitute light olive oil or vegetable oil)

½ teaspoon lemon zest

½ teaspoon orange zest

Directions: In a medium dry bowl, combine all ingredients making sure to not let any water touch them as it will dissolve the salt. Pour mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.

To use: Just before showering, swirl ingredients together with your fingertips to mix. Clean body completely and just before exiting shower, apply Citrus Salt Body Scrub to body in a firm circular scrubbing motion with hands or a soft washcloth. Rinse off the mixture and pat body dry with a clean towel.

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Get to Know Your Planner: Five Random Facts About Me!

April 24

In our new series: “Get to Know Your Planner,” I reveal five random facts about myself. Maybe we will have something in common?

1. I’m named after both my parents: George + Myra=Geomyra. [Pronounced Ja-mahy-ruh].

2. I’m a diehard Washington Redskins and Washington Caps fan. (I always root for my home teams)

3. My favorite part of the wedding day is witnessing the last dance. Months of planning, nurturing and execution are reflected in that moment. The last dance symbolizes the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

4. I’m a dessert fanatic. I always ask for the dessert menu in a restaurant and 9 times out of 10, no matter how full I am, I will order something from the menu.

5. I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and can eat them every day. The catch is, my sandwich has to be cut in four sections, and I prefer my PB&J with a glass of chocolate milk. (I don’t drink white milk).

Until next time!

Posted in Geomyra Lewis Weddings & Events, Geomyra's Favorite Things, Personal, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Signature Cocktail Love: Margaritas

April 18

My signature cocktail is a Margarita. (Patron margarita, on the rocks with salt to be exact). When planning an event, I like for the signature cocktail to fit the theme or color scheme of the event. A traditional margarita usually has a greenish, yellowish tint however, don’t be dismayed! There are tons of margarita recipes with a hue sure to match your color scheme. If you are looking for a signature cocktail for your wedding or party, be sure to try one of the unique and delicious margarita recipes below.

1. Pink Grapefruit Margarita, 2. Blackberry Margarita, 3. Blue Margarita,4. Passion Fruit Margarita, 5. Traditional Margarita

Posted in Geomyra Lewis Weddings & Events, Reception, Recipes, Uncategorized | No Comments »