Archive for the ‘Reception’ Category

Guide Me {Wedding Flowers by Season}

March 19

When planning weddings for our brides, I am often asked for suggestions in picking the perfect bloom for our client’s wedding day. When budget and availability are a concern, I make it a point to research flowers that are in season for our bride’s big day. Check out this simple and handy chart to see what’s in season!

Image: Baysidebride.com

Tell us, what flowers are you considering for your big day?

Engaged! in Washington 2013 Recap

March 12

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for me and the Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events team; two back-to-back wedding showcases, planning meetings with our 2013/14 brides, and tons of emails and phone calls exchanged as we gear up for exciting things ahead!  On March 3rd we participated in the Engaged! In Washington 2013 luxury bridal showcase hosted by Engaged! Magazine.  This spectacular event took place at three highly sought after venues in the DC area: The St. Regis Hotel, The Willard Hotel and the Decatur House. Veronica and I set up shop at the Decatur House  and were among Washington’s elite wedding professionals.

After a few short weeks of planning and a morning to prepare, we were excited for the doors to open that afternoon!

This bouquet was the inspiration behind my design. I spotted the bouquet designed by Holly Chapple via Pinterest.

Our lounge space adorned with custom pillows, ghost chairs and a fun hot pink rug was warm, welcoming and was a perfect spot to sit and chat with brides.

Image Credit: Three Lights Photography

The Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events Relaxation Bar was a huge hit among the attendees. The showcase attendees spent a few minutes chatting with me and Veronica before selecting a favor of their choice. Veronica and I covered the tables with items that I found locally (Wal-Mart, Ross, Marshalls, etc) and from a few of my friends online.

Image Credit: Three Lights Photography

We designed a tables-cape under the tented courtyard of the Decatur House. Our bold, majestic and elegant table received rave reviews throughout the evening. Janet Flowers of Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Design did an AMAZING job designing the centerpieces for our tables. Wildflower Linen’s new Odessa Platinum Gold overlay looked great paired with the Gold Shantung linen provided by DC Rental.  The Shantung Fuschia tie-back chair covers matched the flowers in the centerpieces perfectly. The Claret Gold Rim plates looked stunning atop the Gold Beaded chargersInfinity Gold flatware  and Imperial Gold Rim Glassware completed our look.

Image Credit: Three Lights Photography

Image Credit: Three Lights Photography

Image Credit: Three Lights Photography

Image Credit: Three Lights Photography

A special thank you to our vendor partners:

Design and Styling: Geomyra Lewis and Veronica Perez of Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events

Venue: Decatur House

Draped Tent: Sugar Plum Tent Company

China, flatware, glassware: DC Rental

Chair covers & overlay: Wildflower Linens

All florals, centerpieces and candles:  Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Designs

Relaxation Bar tables: DC Rental

Menu cards: Miss Merkel Design

Table sign: Laura Hooper Calligraphy

Tea, Salt Scrub and Candle Favors: Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events

Lounge Furniture Rental (Ghost Chairs and Madrid Loveseat): Cort Event Rentals

Rug: Wal-Mart

Coffee Table: IKEA

Misc Items: Ross, Wal-Mart, Target, Lara Casey Shop, Pier 1

Stay tuned for a behind the scenes look of our bridal showcase prep!

Meet the Team 3.3.13 {Engaged! in Washington at the Decatur House}

March 1

We look forward to meeting you at the Engaged! in Washington event this Sunday, March 3 at the Decatur House! Get your tickets here.

 

Alexandria Hotel Monaco Open House {This Saturday 2.23.13}

February 21

What are you waiting for? Be sure to RSVP to Hotel Monaco’s Open House taking place this Saturday at one of our favorite venues!

 

Veronica and I will be there and look forward to meeting you!

Real Weddings: Michelle +Larry

January 30

A few months ago I received an email from a mother of a bride looking for a wedding coordinator. As we begin talking about the bride’s big day, I knew the GLWE team would be a great fit for the couple. As the groom is in the military and the bride was relocating back to the DC area, I worked very closely with the mother of the bride in finalizing the wedding day logistics. The couple selected Hotel Monaco Alexandria as their ceremony and reception location.

I loved the sparkly belt our bride chose to complement her gown!

Throughout the morning the weather decided it wanted to play mind games with us, but ultimately agreed that Michelle and Larry deserved to have the courtyard ceremony they always envisioned!

After a smooth and swift ceremony, the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour in the courtyard while the bridal party took photos around Old Town, Alexandria.

The bride and groom kicked off the reception with a formal introduction and a first dance to “Hold On” by Michael Buble. Michelle and her father effortlessly danced to “Michelle” by the Beatles and the guests loved it!

Father/Daughter Dance

The fresh and eclectic summer menu that our bride, Michelle, and the culinary team at Hotel Monaco and Jackson 20 created was also a huge hit. After a three course dinner, the guests finished off the night with a delicious wedding cake created by Deiv Compton.

The gorgeous blooms, ceremony arch and personal flowers were designed and assembled by the very talented Dexter Fields and his team at Dexter Fields Flowers. Our DJ, Brennan Sullivan kept the party live and super fun with his great mix of oldies and top forty hits.

Congratulations Michelle and Larry and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your big day!

Michelle + Larry’s Dream Team:

Wedding Coordinator: Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events

Photographer: Daniel Soñé Photography-Daniel Soñé

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hotel Monaco Alexandria-Allison Manning

Catering: Jackson 20 @Hotel Monaco

Cake:  Deiv Compton

Florist: Dexter Fields Flowers

Officiant: Rev. John Hortum

Ceremony Musician: Chaerim Smith

Reception DJ: Brennan Sullivan

Hair & Makeup: Hair & Makeup by Claudine

Rehearsal Dinner: Overwoord Restaurant

Flower Love {Anemone}

January 28

One of my goals for the New Year is to learn more about wedding blooms. Lately I have been obsessed with the anemone flower. I am in love with the shape and dark center for which the anemones is known. My favorite anemones are the classic black and white combination. The black and white anemones are perfect for a classic and traditional themed wedding. As the flower also comes in various hues of red, pink, purple and blue, it works well in bouquets, boutonnieres and wedding centerpieces. Tell us, what is your favorite wedding flower?

Image Credits: BouquetBouquet, Cake, Centerpiece, Centerpiece, Boutonnieres, Centerpiece

Save the Date! 2.23.13 {Hotel Monaco Alexandria Open House}

January 25

I am thrilled to be invited back to Hotel Monaco Alexandria’s Second Annual Open House on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Hotel Monaco is one of my absolute favorite venues here in the DC area. My team and I have planned numerous events at Monaco Alexandria and have a few more on the books for the upcoming season. Be sure to mark your calendar for their Open House and click here to RSVP to this free and intimate event.

 

GLWE Behind the Scenes {This Weekend’s Site Visits}

January 22

Happy Tuesday! I can’t believe how quickly the holiday weekend went by! I was excited to start the weekend as I had time to spend with my daughter, clients, family and friends. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting one of our October couples for the first time. The three of us toured DC, Virginia and Maryland looking for the perfect location for their upcoming wedding. Our first stop was  Arts Club of Washington. I love the history of the Arts Club and its location near many DC landmarks and restaurants. The Arts Club is a unique venue as they have a garden that will be perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

Foyer of The Arts Club of Washington

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The Arts Club of Washington

I love this piece of Abraham Lincoln

One of the many spaces at The Arts Club of Washington

After visiting the Arts Club, I headed over to my favorite cupcakery, Sprinkles DC. I can’t go into the city without attempting to make my way over there!

Red Velvet, Strawberry and Vanilla Milk Chocolate with sprinkles

After a cupcake and coffee break, we headed to 2941 Restaurant and met with Michelle who showed us around. I loved the modern art that is displayed throughout the restaurant and the gorgeous waterfalls that are easily viewed through the glass windows.

2941 Restaurant

2941 Restaurant

After meeting with Michelle, we headed across the bridge to Maryland to visit Oxon Hill Manor. A few years back my team and I worked at Oxon Hill Manor for a brunch reception. I love the view from Oxon Hill Manor and the room options. The various rooms allow for versatility when laying out the ceremony and reception details and event floorplan.

Foyer area at Oxon Hill Manor

Checking out the views at Oxon Hill Manor

Oxon Hill Manor

One of the many spaces at Oxon Hill Manor

Bridal Suite at Oxon Hill Manor

We headed back into DC to visit with Nora at Sewall-Belmont House & Museum. It was exciting to be in the vicinity as the city was preparing for yesterday’s inauguration. Sewall-Belmont  is tucked away on Capitol Hill and its location can’t be matched.

Passed the Ten Commandments on my way to Sewall-Belmont

I love the door at Sewall-Belmont! A perfect place for bridal portraits.

After visiting with four different venues, I am sure our couple will find the perfect location for their upcoming wedding. I am excited to see which location our couple selects for their big day!

Real Weddings: Cristina + Curtis

October 19

I am so thrilled to share the details of Cristina and Curtis’ wedding day!  Cristina’s wedding was very dear to my heart, as she is like a little sister to me. Cristina is one of my event assistants and the little sister of my best friend, Veronica. I have known Cristina for practically her entire life. Naturally, when she and Curtis got engaged, we instantly started planning the logistics of their big day. After a few weeks of planning, Cristina and Curtis decided they wanted a small, intimate wedding celebration among their closest family and friends. We pulled together a few of our favorite vendors to execute the couple’s vision. Their thirty person wedding was held in a cute rose garden in Arlington, with a lunch reception following at Wildfire in Tyson’s Corner.  Cristina and Curtis chose various hues of orange and silver for their color palette. Their simple chocolate buttercream cake by Edibles Incredible bakery was divine! The cake pop favors were also a huge hit. And how about the fun handmade backdrop that Cristina’s best friend Jamie created? Love it! Cristina and Curtis’ big day was filled with such love and joy. Both families were so excited for the happy couple. If you spend five minutes around Cristina, her mom and siblings, you will see a family that is very close and a true blessing to be around. I am so happy for the Davis’ and wish them all the best in the next chapter in their lives!

Top: Cristina, big sister Veronica and little brother Miguel. Bottom: Cris' grandparents. (How cute are they?!)

Vero & James + The hubby and I

Cristina + Curtis’ Dream Team: Wedding Planning: Geomyra Lewis Weddings and Events Photographer:  I Take Photos-Emmanuel A. Gamor Venue & Catering: Wildfire in Tyson’s Corner Cake: Edibles Incredible Florist: Maryam Flowers Officiant:  Carla F. Ward Cake Pop Favors: The Sweet Source Custom Backdrop: Jamie, Friend of the Bride Hair & Makeup: Munira, Friend of the Bride

How About Some Color? {Cake Stands That Pop}

July 19

As a baker and lover of sweets, I am always on the hunt for new items to add to my collection. Most of my cake plates are traditional white or clear. I decided this summer was a great time to incorporate various colors and shapes. Below are a few of my favorite colorful cake stands. Looking for a simple way to incorporate more color into your wedding? Consider using a colored cake plate to add a pop of color to your cake table! Here are a few of my favorites:

 

Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5