I Heart You!

Valentine's Day isn't until next Tuesday, but the celebration begins this Friday, so don't get caught unprepared. If you haven't been able to scan our QR code for our tips to planning an uncomplicated, yet undeniably elegant Valentine's Day dinner date, fear not, you can still access it by scanning our code in the sidebar or by clicking this link.

Also, check out my Pinterest LOVE board for more ways to make the "holiday" special. And if you like my style, follow me. There's more to come.

Share the love!

The couple pictured above are our clients Julia and Michael. We can't wait to see them down the aisle this May.

What I'm Loving Today: Hand painted Wedding Invitations

VIA COURTNEY KHAIL

I've been a secret fan of Courtney Khail's work (and blog) ever since I discovered them a year ago. She reminded me of another stationery designer whose work I drooled over when I was planning my destination wedding back in 2006.

A little known fact about me is that in my early twenties I got a job in the biggest art store in New York City. I have no idea why. I was the only employee there without a tattoo of my cat. I didn't paint. Didn't sketch. Wasn't into Origami. I used my employee discount to buy stencils to decorate the walls of my studio apartment. Eventually I quit, because no one who worked there understood why I worked there anyway, but I did leave with an appreciation for art, specifically watercolors, because I thought it was probably the easiest to do until I tried to do it.

Today I discovered Happy Menocal on the blog of event design extraordinaire David Stark. Stark said their work "is such a nice departure from the 'vintage inspired' type and invites we have been seeing for social events" to which I say: "Amen!"

So today I'm loving Happy Menocal, Courtney Khail, My Personal Artist and all the other artists out there who are working with watercolors.

This is a trend to watch in 2012.

VIA DAVID STARK VIA HAPPY MENOCAL

Trailer: Chantal and McKinley Wed

Happy Friday! This morning I'm excited to share Chantal and McKinley's wedding video trailer (Chantal and McKinley were one of our favorite couples from last year). The video was shot by Jet Kaiser Films. Jet and his assistant were a pleasure to work with and their work reminds me of why videography is a good wedding investment.

Chantal + McKinley {hd + super 8mm wedding trailer} from Jet Kaiser Films on Vimeo.

See more of Chantal and McKinley's wedding which was featured on District Weddings.

All you need is love...

and our QR code for an uncomplicated, yet undeniably elegant ™ Valentine’s Day dinner date.

Deal Alert: Wedding gowns $59.99 and under

On sale now, online only, at The Limited.com, wedding gowns marked down from $400 to $35.99 and $59.99. They make great second dresses (if you're so inclined). Some are final sale, but at these prices, worth the risk. Purchase them here.

Here comes the advice (again)

Yesterday, I found the following paragraph in an article that went on and on about the excess of wedding budgets today:

In the good ole days, “weddings were performed in the bride’s home church, where the groom wore his first and possibly only suit and the bride wore a modest dress made by a family member or friend. The reception was usually cake, punch, an assortment of nuts and snacks or hors d'oeuvres, [and] the gifts were practical, such as bedroom linen, bathroom towels, and cooking pots.”

Aren’t you glad we’re no longer living in the good ‘ole days?

Nowadays, weddings are not as simple (you may hear the word “simple” used often, but it’s often defined as a design term). And modesty and practicality have gone the way of the punch and nuts. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a cake and punch wedding reception, in fact I blogged about a modern cake and punch wedding reception some years ago, it only begs the question: why would you?

Today’s weddings are investments. The return is a celebration that reflects your style and tastes (and your age), so enjoy it – the process, the ceremony, and the party.

Congratulations to you upon your engagement!

Happy New Year!

Best skim latte EVER!

Today is my favorite day of the year. Full of good food, good will and good intentions. It also means the start of the new year, new wedding clients, and more moments like these. I took these photos at Patisserie Poupon in Georgetown; home of the best skim latte in Washington, DC! I joined my clients here last Tuesday for a cake tasting. I had six good reasons (kidding).

Sinfully delicious and generously portioned cake samples

Anyhow, tomorrow is a holiday, so if you're still celebrating the new year and/or your recent engagement, check out this video I found on Tasteologie, and here's wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Drink - Strawberry Sparkle from Roberto Seba on Vimeo.

You DJ on the weekends?

I'm presently listening to the relaxing tunes on this free Holiday Playlist 2011 I downloaded from MP3.com as I prepare for this evening's holiday party. Over the past couple of weeks I've worked on the party playlist with the kind of obsessive compulsion that will some day drive me mad. Through my research, I've discovered a LOT of holiday music; more that I ever imagined existed. I've even found a few new favorites like Tasha Taylor's Merry Christmas Baby (also on the MP3.com holiday playlist). It sounds as though she's saying "Marry Christmas Baby" and, as a wedding planner, that makes me smile. Anyhow, tonight I'll find out if all of my hard work paid off.

Next party, I'm looping a background visual like this cocktail mash-up by The Flash Dance. Happy Holidays!


Cocktails Trailer from Chris Poole on Vimeo.

Surviving Holiday Season Stress

I did an interview last week with Refinery29 about surviving the holiday season. I shared some stress-relieving tips. My biggest tip is to get a lymphatic drainage massage at the start of the holiday season. Read more about it's benefits here. "But," you're saying, "we're in the middle of the season." Never fear, stop by your local health food store today and pick up a box of Emergen-C and take as directed. Happy Holidays! Read the Refinery29 article here.

via Refinery29

via The City Sage

When it comes to design magazines Rue is one of my favorites. Edited by two extremely talented and creative ladies, every issue is chock full of eye candy and inspiration, and the holiday issue is no exception. Check it out here. Now, set aside some time to do so, because you'll be here awhile. Happy Holidays!