Lisa and Wren's Riverside on the Potomac, Leesburg VA Wedding

Photo by Eric Einstein Photography

Lisa and Wren got married on a beautiful June day this past year, at the magical Riverside on the Potomac in Leesburg, VA. One of our favorite venues, the weather definitely worked for them and resulted in a stunning day!

The couple had a ton of performing artists friends (as Lisa herself is also in the performing arts), which resulted in personal, musical touches throughout the day including friends playing for the ceremony (and leading a recessional parade of sorts that felt New Orleans-esque), and as you’ll see - an EPIC first dance!

Personal touches continued with the florals being DIY’d, a relative conducting the ceremony, and many other close family and friends having been assigned very specific roles to include people near and dear to them as much as possible. 

Last, but certainly not least, Lisa’s brother was photographer! We adore the photos that follow - be sure to check them out and start getting excited for summer with these images by Eric Einstein Photography. Although he’s based in Denver, he travels all the time - so definitely check out his amazing work.

Coordinator: Tarra with The Plannery

Venue: Riverside on the Potomac

Catering/Rentals: Brittany Flohr, Simply Fresh

DJ/Uplighting: Mark Maskell, Restless Promotions

Photography: Eric Einstein Photography and Video

Hair/Makeup: Ana B, MAB Artistry

How to incorporate different cultures into your wedding

We’ve had lots of experience with couples who come from different backgrounds/cultures and want to honor their differences within their wedding. There are a ton of ways to pay respect to various cultures, backgrounds and religions within a wedding. Below we have some ideas to share:

decor

One of our weddings wanted to subtly acknowledge her South Asian background, so she chose to do so through her decor. Even the smallest of nods - whether it be the flowers you pick, or the vases you use - can give guests a sense of where you come from and what matters to you!

Nisha and Derek, Photo Lady Love

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

food

Food is an excellent (and delicious!) way to pay homage to various cultures and their cuisine! We’ve had couples include Indian food in their appetizers, serve Peking Duck, or share a traditional dessert with guests, all as a way to honor their backgrounds (and let guests savor the flavors of those backgrounds as well!).

Nisha and Derek by Photo Lady Love

costume change

We’ve had several weddings where either the bride, or both the bride and groom changed outfits in order to balance tradition with modernity. Often, they don more traditional garb for a ceremony, but then change into more modern options for the reception - or vice versa! This is a great way to balance looking back at our pasts and looking ahead to the future!

Shandi Wallace

Shandi Wallace

Photo by the Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

other attire

Sometimes folks opt for a more subtle nod to cultures via cufflinks, boutonnieres, bouquets or other accessories and attire!

Carol and Gregg, Stephen Bobb Photography

additional cultural ceremonies

Additional ceremonies can also be added to a more traditional wedding structure to honor the couple’s backgrounds. Here, the couple chose to do a traditional tea ceremony during the reception - and in another, the Ethiopian groom and his family added some traditional elements to their reception as well!

Latos Photography

Latos Photography

Music

Music is an awesome and beautiful way to honor our backgrounds. It can be easy to add at various moments in the day - whether post ceremony (like this bagpiper!), or during cocktail hour. Music can be quite emotional and I love using it to help guests feel connected to the couple.

Photo by Love Life Images

I hope some of these ideas have been helpful! Enjoy and celebrate your differences and backgrounds - it’s such a fun way to honor those you love and what makes you, you!

Olivia Jacob Photography

Jessica and Joe's Spy Museum Washington DC wedding

Photo by Kissick Wedding

Enjoy and dream about the warmer weather as we hear from Bella Notte who helped design this fabulous Spy Museum wedding!

Like many couples in recent years, Jessica and Joe were legally married by the time they hosted this celebration, so they knew the focus was going to be having a big party! Originally, Jessica wanted to go very classic with all white, but we pushed her to consider adding some color in. The cocktail hour bar at The Spy Museum is a bold red and we pushed Jessica and Joe to pull that into their wedding design. After considering it, the couple knew red would be fun in the space and we ended up not only using it during cocktail hour but carrying it through throughout the day. We mixed in touches of red and pink with white and accents of black, being careful to maintain the classic and elegant feel that Jessica had wanted from the beginning. At the end of the day, Jessica said the space was more beautiful than she'd imagined it would be.

Since the party was so important to them, we placed the dance floor at one end of the room and opened that wall, flowing into an outdoor lounge with a custom bar, to give guests a place to mix and mingle when breaking from the dance floor.

Having the lounge space was very important to them, so in the world of smart things you can't see but that will keep you sane, Jessica and Joe book a tent to install, should the weather not cooperate on the wedding day. This way they could utilize the lounges no matter what; luckily we had amazing weather and we were able to keep the outdoor space completely open.

Jessica and Joe’s Vendors:

Planner: Rebecca O’Donnell @theplannery

Design: Bella Notte @bellanottedc

Venue: International Spy Museum @spymuseumprivateevents

DJ, Kelton Higgins @kelton.higgins @luvdupdjs  

Flowers: Flowers at 38 @flowersat38

Photographers: Kissick Weddings @kissickweddings

Hair: Bridal Beauty Associates: @bridalbeautyassociatesllc

Makeup: Red Carpet Ready Makeup @redcarpetreadymakeup

Catering: Main Event @maineventcatrs

Lighting: Atmosphere Lighting @atmolighting

Draping and Furniture Fabrication @fabeventsdc

Decor: Paisley and Jade @paisleyandjade

Valet: MJ Valet @mjvalet

Nicole and Clint's Mount Vernon Inn Wedding, Alexandria, VA

Nicole and Clint got married at Mount Vernon Inn, this past July. They were a lovely couple who cared a great deal about being surrounded by loved ones. They focused a lot on special touches and details to make their day extra-special both for themselves and their guests (I love the red, white and blue accents in honor of Mount Vernon!). Enjoy all the big and little components of this wedding, shot beautifully by Chris Ferenzi!

Nicole and Clint’s Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue/Caterer: Mount Vernon Inn

Photographer: Chris Ferenzi

Music: DJ Jake Ritchie

Florist: Holland Flowers

Cake: Alexandria Pastry and Cafe

Hair/Make-up: Perry Warren

Groom Style

Here at The Plannery, we don’t want the brides to have all the fun. So today we’re giving the grooms some love and inspiration, taking a look back at some of our favorite, stylish grooms. From bold blues, to romantic velvet, coordinated looks to casual summer attire, classic formal to hilarious, all of these grooms will remind you that folks DO care about the men at weddings, and you should, too!

Grooms should go bold

Photo by Justin McCallum

Two of my favorite clients and men went bold in blue for their wedding in custom made tuxedos. Never be afraid to go for a bold look, nor to spend time and money on a custom look - it’s your big day!!

romantic velvet

Photo by Wildpines Elopements

I adore Dylan’s romantic velvet tux, above. It was a subtle but bold choice (can that paradox exist? I’m saying it can), and especially for a colder, crisper wedding season, this is an awesome and special look for a groom.

3 piece groom

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

If you don’t want to go full tux, but still want to feel special and put together, a three piece suit is a tailored look that still reads chic.

coordinated grooms

Photo by Susan Hornyak

John and Jonathan opted to coordinate without being too matchy-matchy for their day, and I loved it. It was super stylish while still feeling playful and fun - a great choice for a joyful day!

classic tux

Jess Latos Photography

You can’t go wrong. I have nothing else to say, except: YES.

playful tux

Payton Rainey Photography

But again - don’t be afraid to be playful. I’ve seen lots of subtle colored tuxedos on wedding days that add that dash of special to the classic look. Love it.

Match your vibe with a tie-less look

Debi Parker Photography

Having a super casual wedding? Embrace it and lose the tie! Also, summer weddings are a great time for grooms to go for a lighter colored suit - another choice I always adore.

you can’t resist a man in uniform

Photo by Jen Link

Here in the DMV we have lots of military folks - and I always urge those grooms to wear their uniforms. It’s such a special nod to their work and service, while being a gorgeous and handsome look!

Embrace your humor

Photo by Hannah Hudson

No, I don’t recommend wearing the above to your ceremony. But once the party has started? Feel free to embrace your sense of humor, the love of your team, whatever makes you feel like you!!

Judy and Dylan's Spy Museum Washington, DC Wedding

Photo by Wilderpines Elopement

In spite of the fact that I didn't meet them in person until the rehearsal, I truly want Judy and Dylan to be my BFF's -- if only they didn't live in Seattle!!!  They are two of the sweetest, kindest, most fun people I have ever met!  

The day before the wedding, weird storms were predicted, so I made the decision to do everything indoors at the Spy Museum (including ceremony in their gorgeous enclosed space on the roof).  The day of the wedding dawns, and everyone starts questioning me "It's gorgeous out, are you sure you want to move it inside?!"  I said "I believe in the Capital Weather Gang...let's stick with indoors"  As always...this is why you hire an experienced planner.  Because by the time the ceremony started, there was quite the wind storm outside.  By the time it ended, the winds were so strong even the Spy Museum's former military, VERY strong looking head of security could BARELY pull the doors open -- that's how strong the wind was!!!  In fact, after we had moved all of the guests downstairs for cocktail hour, the bride and groom were practicing their first dance on the roof when he came to me and said "Um...yeah, let's get them out of here, I've NEVER seen winds this strong and I'm starting to get worried!"

Luckily, everyone was safe and sound and no damage occurred to our beloved Spy Museum :)  

Speaking of their ceremony, did I mention that the flower girl and ring bearer were THE COUPLE'S CATS?!?!?!  In my 15 years as a wedding planner, I can truly say that this was a first for me.  I'm not even a cat person, but these cats were SO GORGEOUS, and were the sweetest!!!  

We were thrilled to work with one of our favorite caterers, Main Event, who knocked it out of the park as usual.  And Lisa Lee Florals, who we worked with for the first time last year at Lauren and Peter's wedding, has officially become one of our go-to gals!

These guests came ready to PARTY and another one of our favorites, DJ Kelton Higgins, delivered on all fronts.  

We can't say how much we love this couple, how much we love our vendor partners and, of course, how much we love working at the Spy Museum (even more now that they kept us from blowing off the roof!!)

Judy and Dylan’s vendors:

Venue: Spy Museum @spymuseumprivateevents

Plannery: Rebecca O’Donnell, The Plannery @theplannery

Flowers: Lisa Lee Florals @lisaleeflorals

DJ: Kelton Higgins @luvdupdjs

Caterer: Main Event @maineventcatrs

Photographer: Ashton Campbell with Wilderpines Elopements @wilderpines.co

Rentals: Select Event @selecteventgroup

Barbie wedding inspiration

Anyone else see Barbie this weekend? I adored it - and I left thinking about how we will likely see even more pink than usual in coming weddings, due to Barbie’s influence :) So below are some of our favorite pink details and ways to incorporate pink from past Plannery weddings! Enjoy!!

pink flowers

Photo by Shandi Wallace

Flowers are sometimes the most obvious way to add pink to a wedding, but dang, does it look good! Whether they be hot pink pops like the bouquet above, or more subtle pastel pinks, it’s always a great look for a wedding!

Pink placesettings

Photo by Lisa Boggs

Pink placesettings and/or table details are always an awesome place to have some fun and add color! We adored the above design by Bella Notte, and we think Barbie would, too.

Pink bridesmaids dresses

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

Why not have your favorite people wear pink on your wedding day? Men or women, groomsmen or bridesmaids, adding pink to their attire is always a great look!

pink lighting

Don’t be afraid to use pink to create a fun atmosphere! Nothing says party like pink (cue “c’mon Barbie, let’s go party”)

Pink invitations

Your paper goods (not just invites - but escort cards, etc) can also be an easy way to add some fun and pops of color. This invitation suite is a perfect example, with not only that amazing hot pink, but also other fun complimentary colors (that teal reads Beach Ken to me).

pink wedding shoes

Photo by JPG Photography

You KNOW Barbie would have some fabulous shoes on her wedding day. Whether they’re full-on pink, or colorful pops of pink, have some fun with your shoes! You know Barbie does.

have barbie crash your wedding

Photo by Shandi Wallace

This is a special shout out, but sometimes Barbie needs to make a special appearance your wedding herself :) In this case it was part of the maid of honor’s speech, but if Barbie played a special role in your life or childhood, don’t be afraid to have her join in the fun!!

Pink accessories

Photo by Shandi Wallace

It doesn’t matter your culture, how formal your wedding is, or where it’s happening, accessories are a great way to bring pink into the picture on your wedding day. From earrings to the above bracelets, make it pink!

pink wedding dress

Photo by Leo Druker

You knew I was going to end with my favorite wedding dress of all time. This hot pink stunner continues to stun years and years later. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your dress and bring on the pink!

Erin and Nick's Meadowlark Botanical Garden Vienna, VA Wedding

Nick and Erin were the SWEETEST couple!  I had so much fun planning with them, as well as with Erin's parents.  Nick is a golf pro at the Chevy Chase Club, so having a venue with tons of green seemed perfect.  Although it was hot outside, it was a beautiful day, and we were still able to have the ceremony outside.  As always, Barbara at Growing Wild, who I've been working with for over 15 years, did a beautiful job.  Officiant was really great too.  Cake was delicious (as Edibles Incredible always is!) - Enjoy these beautiful photos by Maddie Williams Photography!

Venue: The Atrium at Meadowlark @theatriumatmeadowlark

Catering: Great Blue Heron (in house caterer)

DJ: Kelton Higgins @luvdupdjs  

Harpist: Melissa Dvorak @capitolharpist

Photographer: Maddy Williams @maddywilliamsphotography  

Florist: Growing Wild @growingwildfloral

Hair and Makeup: Make up by Anab @makeupbyanab

Officiant: Drunk in Love Weddings @drunkinloveweddings

Cake: Edibles Incredible @ediblesincredible

Rentals: Select @selecteventgroup 

Emily and Chris's Fathom Gallery Washington DC Wedding

Photo by Barbara O Photography

We love low-key, DC weddings. And this one was a perfect example of how low key can still be both stunning and incredibly special. Emily and Chris got married at Fathom Gallery in early October. Unfortunately it was raining for most of the day, but magically, the rain broke just in time for the tented ceremony!

After their intimate rooftop ceremony, the most special part of the evening was when the groom played live music along with his father!

Food stations, great cocktails, speeches, and the bride changing into a super-cute cocktail dress rounded out this awesome wedding. Check out the photographs by Barbara O Photography.

Emily and Chris’s Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Fathom Gallery

Caterer: B.Lin

Photographer: Barbara O Photography

Ceremony Music: Quentin Walston’s Trio

Hair/Make-up: Logan 14 Salon

Julia and Tim's Fairfax Marriott VA wedding

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

Like many of our Covid rescheduled couples, Julia and Tim were already legally married when their wedding day FINALLY came along. However, that didn't stop them from having a gorgeous ceremony and reception with lots of personal touches throughout.

Although the Fairfax Marriott has a great event space, the couple definitely wanted to add their own touches to it, so we brought in some beautiful chairs and linens from DC Rental, as well as my favorite napkins, which we also used at A&J's wedding! The deep blues and purples were perfect for the fall day, and the weather was so gorgeous that photographer Jessica Latos was able to do all of the formal photos outside (can you even tell that you're in the perimeter of Fair Oaks mall here??? NO! AMAZING!)

Jennifer Henel from Atelier Floral Design decorated the couple's round ceremony arch, as well as providing gorgeous personal flowers and centerpieces for the reception.After the ceremony, the guests went out to cocktail hour, where they were greeted not only with appetizers from the hotel, but with a traditional Chinese Suckling Pig! I had never experienced this before, but after having it at both of his sister's weddings, Tim INSISTED that we have it here, and I'm SO glad he did -- IT. WAS. DELICIOUS!!! After the dinner, the couple changed into traditional Chinese wedding outfits to hold a tea ceremony for their elders. This was a beautiful nod to Tim's heritage. Guests danced the night away with music provided by Lucy Black Entertainment, one of our go to music providers! And they hit the dance floor while eating delicious cupcakes from Fluffy Thoughts. Julia chose the beautiful colors and wrappers for the cupcakes -- yet another way she really showed her style for the wedding that they waited so long for!

Julia and Tim’s Vendors:

Jessica Latos, photographer

Venue: Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks

Florist, Jennifer Henel, Atelier Floral Design

Rentals: DC Rental 

DJ: Lucy Black Entertainment

Hair and Makeup: Gabby and Martha

Cupcakes: Fluffy Thoughts