We’re a little late on this one but there’s still time to take advantage of this great deal at The Dandelion Patch!

Have you bought your wedding gown yet?  This  might be your perfect opportunity!  Carine’s Bridal Atelier is hosting a sample sale this weekend.

What’s a sample sale, you ask?

Have you ever been to a bridal salon?  All those dresses hanging on the racks are gown samples, intended for brides to try on before ordering one directly from the manufacturer.  Once a new collection comes in for the next season, the ‘old’ gowns need to be sold to make space for the new ones.  Of course these are high-quality designer-made gowns so really there’s nothing terribly wrong with them.  Sometimes there might be a sequin or bead missing, a small tear, a little bit of dirt, or some other minor and fixable problem.  Other times they’re just like brand new and ready to go!  When you decide to purchase a sample gown, you’ll walk out of the store with it that day.  Remember that bridal gown samples are usually around a size 10 (street size so if you’re petite or plus-sized you may not have much luck at a sample sale.

With designer gowns discounted to $999-1899 (from $3k-9k), this could be a HUGE money-saver for your wedding.  They have name brands like Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Pool, Monique Lhullier, Reem Acra and more.  Click here to see what they’ll have available.  Why  not go check it out and see if there’s anything you like?  Here’s the details:

Sample Wedding Gown Sale
Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Sunday, January 17th
12:00-3:00pm
1726 Wisconsin Ave, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC  20007
202-965-4696
www.carinesbridal.com

Hi all!   I know it’s been a while since I first announced my big news, but we’ve been busy with tastings, meetings and contracts so that we can relax over the holidays.  Now I’ll have to catch you up on my plans!

When it came to picking a location, I have to say that it was an easy choice for us.  As a wedding planner, I’m pretty familiar with most of the DC area’s venues, and there are some amazing options.  But our choice was just PERFECT for us.

A few months ago, I went to go see a children’s theater production at Glen Echo Park with a friend.   I fell in love with both the park and the carefree feeling I got as I walked around.  What surprised me the most is that I’ve somehow lived in the DC area for seven years before visiting this hidden gem that’s INSIDE the beltway!   My fiancé and I try not to take anything too seriously and love being outdoors.  So when I brought him back to this old art-deco amusement park with a running carousel, he was sold as quickly as I was.   It’s the perfect backdrop for a chic and whimsical wedding with some very personal vintage flair.  We’re confident that our guests will be comfortable just being themselves (no tuxes or sequins required!) and will remember the day long after the last dance.   Some of our longtime blog followers might remember that we did a venue spotlight on Glen Echo Park way back when Wish Special Events was Soiree Special Events!  Here is the sign at the front entrance to the park, which overlooks an old trolley that is parked there, seemingly freezing a moment in time.

Weather permitting, our ceremony will be held outside on a grassy tree-lined grove in the center of the park.  But in the event that it’s raining or too sunny, we will be married underneath this Cuddle Up Pavilion, which is the structure that used to house the Tilt a Whirl! 

Guests will be able to explore the park and take a ride on the carousel in between the ceremony and reception.  I’m not a carousel expert or anything, but I have to say that this carousel is beautifully restored and is sure to make any rider feel as happy as John and I will be on that day.  This gorgeous night shot of the indoor carousel is courtesy of Michelle Lindsay Photography.   

When the fun begins, we will be in the Bumper Car Pavilion… a covered structure with fantastic hard wood floors that used to house the… you guessed it… bumper cars!     That’s a coincidental nod to my fiance’s love of all things with wheels.    He’s more in to the motorcycle, truck and racecar variety… but since we couldn’t (read: wouldn’t) get married at a racetrack, this is a pretty good compromise.  This photo is courtesy of Documentary Associates, who were the photographers that worked with Rebecca on Hailey & Matt’s Glen Echo wedding in July 2009.

This park has a LOT of history to it and the friendly park rangers are more than happy to give tours and share this history with anyone that’s interested.   Here’s a picture of the Bumper Car Pavilion when it housed the Dodgem Scooters:

A few other points about this park that makes it perfect for us:

1.)     At one point, this was considered a branch of the Chautauqua Institution.  The original Chautauqua Institution still exists, is one of my favorite places to visit and served as my home for two summers that I worked at its theater company.   Since I’m hugely into the arts (studied voice in college) and Glen Echo  still serves as a home to many artists, I feel a particular connection to the park.

2.)    The park only allows wine, beer and champagne… no liquor.  While some might see this as a downfall, I embraced it as a budget-friendly way to offer adult beverages all night.  Plus, our quick mental review of our guest list proved that most are beer or wine drinkers anyways.

3.)    We chose August 2010… both because of availability and because we’ll receive off-season rates.   I know what you’re thinking:  an outdoor August wedding in DC?   Are you crazy?  Well, maybe a little bit, but we’re also smart.   We’ve having the wedding later in the day after the sun goes down so it won’t be unbearable.  And if it’s a little warm, guests will dress accordingly and we’ll still celebrate just the same.   Let’s face it:  it doesn’t matter what time of year you choose, if you’re having an outdoor wedding in DC, you’re at the mercy of some of the most unpredictable weather I’ve ever experienced.   So you might as well do it at a lower rate when possible!

That’s all for today.   I’ll be back soon with posts on building a wedding website and our DIY Save the Dates!   I’ll leave you with one more shot from Blink Photography of a couple dancing in the Bumper Car Pavilion.  I L-O-V-E the hard wood floors, the geometric patterns in the ceiling and the natural light shining through!

Be back soon!

Early last month, I had the opportunity to attend the open house event celebrating the new studio space of one of my favorite photographers, Joylyn Hannahs!!

Joylyn has a great new space right in Leesburg, located at 214 South King Street.  The event was a great opportunity to not only make some new friends and see the space (which is super cute), but Joylyn had a makeup artist on hand to make all the ladies feel super glamorous for their head shots.  Check out the shot she took of me:

There were also some very yummy treats on hand as well!  The space was complete with some cool features showcasing Joylyn’s work and a great spot to meet with potential couples:

I even managed to snag a photo of Joylyn on the other side of the camera:

Check out Joylyn’s website and blog for more amazing samples of her work.  Congratulations Joylyn on the new studio!

*~~*~~*Felicia*~~*~~*

Extra!  Extra!

Carine’s Bridal Atelier is hosting a sample sale this weekend.  Are you looking for a wedding gown?  This is the perfect opportunity to save some cash!  Here’s all the details:

Designer Bridal Gowns For As Low As $999 This Weekend Only!

Up to 75% off sample wedding gowns by Carolina Herrera, Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Platinum Collection and more!

Carine’s Bridal Atelier of Georgetown is hosting their annual end of year Sample Sale Event on Sunday, December 6^th from 12pm to 3pm. Sample wedding gowns by top designers will be on sale for up to 75% off retail prices—a fantastic savings for brides! Gowns will be priced as low as $999 to $1899marked down from original retail prices of $3000-$9000. Gowns sold on a first come, first serve basis.

“Sample gowns are a great option for brides on a budget or on a short wedding timeline,” says Carine Krawiec, Owner of Carine’s Bridal Atelier. Sample dresses are in great condition and must be sold to make room for new gowns. Sample gowns are a bridal size 8 or 10 and can always be altered to fit a smaller body size. Carine’s Bridal Atelier offers custom alterations onsite in their Georgetown boutique.

Brides can preview a selection of sample sale gowns online at http://carinesbridal.com/samplesale.htm. These gowns, plus MORE, will be priced to sell between $999 – $1899 at the Sample Sale Event.

Special Event Details

Date & Time: Sunday, December 6, 2009 (12pm–3pm)

Location: Carine’s Bridal Atelier, 1726 Wisconsin Ave NW, 2^nd Fl., Washington, DC 20007

Phone: 202-965-4696

Additional Important Information

• Sale is first come, first serve
• Line starts directly outside the boutique
• No appointments taken
• No merchandise hold policy
• Designer labels include Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Junko Yoshioka, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Pool, Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier, Platinum Collection, Reem Acra, Rivini, Rosa Clara, St. Pucchi, and The Vineyard Collection
• All shopping and “try-ons’s” are self-service
• Sales consultants will be available to answer questions and provide assistance as needed
• All gowns size 8 or 10
• Entire boutique will serve as an open dressing room; brides welcome to try-on gowns anywhere there is available space
• All brides are recommended to wear bras, lingerie, shorts, and underwear to try on gowns as entire boutique will become a dressing room
• All sales are final (no returns allowed); gowns are sold “As-Is”
• Cash and Mastercard, Visa, American Express accepted. NO Discover card. NO checks allowed.
• Street parking is limited.

For More Information

Contact Carine’s Bridal Atelier by phone 202.965.4696 or email info@carinesbridal.com or visit www.carinesbridal.com

Let us know if you attend the sale and if you score a deal!

Remember our post about the creative florist, Volanni, and their floral screen pieces?  These guys are fabulous!  See below for a coupon for 25% off of one arrangement this month.  Know anyone with a birthday coming up?  Or maybe you’ll want to send yourself flowers like Cher in that movie Clueless!

Here’s Volanni’s website if you want to check out more of their work!

A few weeks ago, we were invited to an open house at a new venue, 1777 F Street, NW. This gorgeous venue houses the Council on Foreign Relations, but also serves as a venue for meetings, receptions, and all kinds of events.

When you walk into the venue, less than a block from the Old Executive Office Building, you are greeted by the welcoming lobby.

(Sorry, my photographs don’t do it justice!)

Here’s a picture from the venue’s web site of the reception space outside of the larger reception room.

You can certainly bring in your own lounge furniture for the space and create a great lounge, but the furniture that’s already there is SO comfortable!

The first floor boardroom can be used in a number of ways.  There were cocktail tables set up throughout the room, as well as a few appetizer stations and bars.

Different caterers were set up on the various floors of the venue — unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the caterer on the first floor!

When you go back into the lobby, there’s a grand staircase that leads to the second floor.  At the bottom of this staircase were the adorable ladies from Sweet Ladies Bakery.

Can I just say, YUM!?!?!  Here’s a guest, enjoying one of their delicious cupcakes:

And a display of a few of their mini cupcakes:

They also had a display of these adorable “lollipops,” including a brownie lollipop, a chocolate truffle rolled in coconut, and cheesecake lollipops!  I’ve already referred one of my brides to them — they have great prices, and are the nicest girls to boot!

On the 2nd floor, there are a number of areas that couples can use in a variety of ways.  I think if it were me, I would do my cocktail hour on the rooftop terrace (which you’ll see soon), and dinner and dancing in the second floor “ballroom.”

The room holds about 175 for dinner, so probably around 140 for dinner and dancing.  Or you could have dinner in the ballroom, and have dancing just outside the ballroom in the reception space (photo from 1777 F Street web site)

All of the furniture can be moved out, and this would also be a great area for a little lounge (all of the furniture you see is yours to use however you’d like!)

On this floor, delicious food was offered by Susan Gage Caterers.

You then take the elevator up to the 7th floor, where the spaces are more designed for meetings, but I had to mention the wonderful ladies from Ridgewells Catering.  I ate the MOST DELICIOUS chocolate peanut butter bonbon…with pop rocks on the bottom.  I LOVE POP ROCKS!!!  They also had these delicious little poached apples with a brie mousse, and look at these adorable little “ice cream cones”!

They were filled with various fillings, and were AMAZING!  The folks at Ridgewells are just so creative, I love it!

After visiting and snacking on the 7th floor, I headed up to my favorite part of the venue, the 8th floor terrace.  (Again, I apologize for my less than stellar photography skills!)

As with the other floors, these benches and tables can be used however you like, plus, of course, you can supplement with cocktail tables and bars.  The terrace also has a great view of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building:

If it rains, though, the space inside is still really pretty, and also has a great built in bar:

One of the best things about the venue is that, if you’re renting it for a weekend, you get THE ENTIRE BUILDING!  What other venue do you know where you get four floors of space to do whatever you want with?!  Their prices are really affordable, so if you’re looking for a new, unique venue near the White House with an outdoor terrace, check out 1777 F Street, NW. You can call them at 202.509.8465 or email them at dcrentals@cfr.org.

Thanks for inviting us to your open house, gang — we had lots of fun!

Are you in the special event industry?   Join Room Service at the new Long View Gallery as they show off their beautiful lounge furniture.  Be sure you RSVP by 10/28 — email Heidi Berger to get on the list.

Are you a bride who’s considering renting a furniture lounge for the wedding?  This party is intended for event pros but open to folks like yourself who want to see a lot of lounge options in one place.  Feel free to attend!

Here’s a fun photo of a Room Service setup I found on their Twitter page:

“Free Wedding Cake for Washington DC-Area Military Men and Women

Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, a McLean, Virginia based specialty bakery, are offering a free wedding cake to a member of our armed forces serving in the Washington, DC metro area. Fluffy Thoughts Cakes will be accepting entries for the free wedding cake beginning now through November 1, 2009. The recipient will be selected on Verteran’s Day November 11th, 2009.

To qualify, the bride or groom must be a member of the military and must be getting married in 2010 in the Washington, DC metro area. To enter the give-away, the applicant should send an email to Fluffy Thoughts Cakes at lara8@aol.com including the following contact information: Name, Phone Number, Wedding Date, Location of Wedding.  Additionally, please include: why you should win a free wedding cake and a photo of the couple.”

We’ve worked with Lara several times over the years and she consistently brings beautiful cakes that are darn tasty too!  Here are just a couple of the creations she’s brought to Wish weddings:

Stacey & Todd’s cake at The Washington Club:

Laurie & Rod’s cherry blossom cake at Meadowlark:

Rob & Maya’s cake at the Hotel Monaco:

Victoria & Michael’s damask cake at the Westin Grand:

Gorgeous, no?  See more yummy cake designs on the Fluffy Thoughts blog!

UPDATE!  PHOTOS FROM FREED ARE HERE!

So…anxious to see the rest of the party?  Sorry I cut you off so suddenly after Part 1!

Back on the street level of the house, we peer down the steps into the all-concrete basement at the Halcyon House:

Capitol Decor named the party The Garden of Good and Evil.  An eerie and dark theme lends itself to all sorts of awesome decor possibilities:

Check out the trees to the left and the right, as well as the tree-shaped lighting done by John Farr Lighting Design:

A better view of the lighting along the wall:

I really loved the cocktail tables, which featured a natural-themed centerpiece on top and a lit chandelier underneath!

I mean really.  When’s the last time you’ve seen a lit chandelier underneath a table?  The Capital Decor team is so creative!

I also really liked these spindly-looking wooden tables, clustered against a wall.  They have a certain Tim Burton-esque feel about them, don’t they?

It’s unfortunately impossible to tell, but do you see the artwork in the center?  That’s a piece by the home’s owner.  Built up around it is a metal truss system with a stage on top.  Guess what!??  That’s the DJ booth!  DJ Chris Laich was spinning and mixing for us all night:

Check out the awesome shelf setup for the bar.  I thought this was a wonderfully creative way to display the bar glasses instead of the usual 6′ rectangle skirted table you see at typical events:

Well Dunn Catering provided all the drinks and munchies for the party.  Here’s one of their rolling signature drink carts.  This bartender was mixing up a fancy martini for my friend and fellow wedding planner Sara Bauleke:

So then — the party switches gears!  Obviously the indoor space was the Garden of Evil, no?

Outside in what must be the home’s driveway or alley, the Garden of Good was swinging!  In the center, Capital Decor had a big beautiful urban-themed bar.  Check out the huge US Capitol Dome piece!  There’s also the big awesome graffiti wall behind them (another Capital Decor piece).  Again, check out how they displayed their glasses on shelves behind the bar:

Here’s a ground-level view of the bar.  I love the metallic feel…perfect for an urban event.  I know it’s hard to see the US Capitol Dome because it’s lit so brightly but trust me…it was pretty darn awesome:

Here’s another view from above.  I’ve never seen umbrellas this gigantic before!  Check out the size of the chairs towards the bottom center.  This umbrellas must have been 10-12′ in diameter!  Another cute detail is the Lincoln Memorial prop behind the food station.  I love these DC-themed props!

Here’s another view of those gigantic umbrellas.  Look at the ratio of their stands to the umbrella!  Ridiculous!

Off to the very right you can see green lighting of the ‘Evil’ party through the windows.  I really liked the combination of the blue linen and red chairs for their cocktail seating area.  This color combo was popular on wedding blogs about a year ago and I’m just now starting to see it show up at real events.  What do you think of the blue/red color combination?

Here’s another view of that seating area.  I love the big red vinyl sofa!  How awesome is that thing?  The mirror on the table is pretty phenomenal too:

Thanks for inviting us to your event, Capital Decor!  We really had a B-L-A-S-T and it’s always great to catch up with familiar faces.  Cheers!