Claire and Jonathan's Meadowlark Botanical Garden Winter Wedding

Photo by Shawnee Custalow

One of my favorite times of year at Meadowlark is the holiday season. Claire and Jonathan agreed -- which is why their wedding was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. That way, they were assured, the venue would already be decorated in their gorgeous greenery and lights for the end of the year!

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted with hot drinks and cozy blankets for the short ceremony outside. What the groom did NOT know (but the bride and I did!) is that she was surprising him by walking down the aisle to the theme of the show they had been binging for MONTHS, The West Wing. (I had a TV themed wedding -- why did I not think of this?!?!?) For those in the know, it was a very sweet nod to their relationship.

Guests came inside for cocktail hour and dinner, where Growing Wild accented the already gorgeous space with greenery, lanterns and pinecones, as well as beautiful florals. The Instax Guest Book was explained by the couple's adorable dog, Scout, and guests enjoyed taking photos and posing for the camera.

Although the couple isn't from the Pittsburgh area, they DID wisely choose to have a cookie table like we do in Pittsburgh! They also added some delicious truffles and candy to the mix!

Enjoy this beautiful winter wedding - with stunning photos from one of our faves, Shawnee Custalow

Vendors:

The Atrium at Meadowlark: @theatriumatmeadowlark

Shawnee Custalow Studios, Photographer @shawnee_custalow

Florist, Barbara Von Elm, Growing Wild @growingwildfloral

Cake, Buttercream Bakeshop @buttrcrmbakeshop

Hair and Makeup, Tres Belle Beauty @tresbelleweddings

Kathleen and Peter's Old Town Alexandria VA Wedding

Photo by Rachel Naft

We always love an Old Town, Alexandria wedding! After three reschedules (damn you, COVID!!), and having gotten formally married a year earlier, Kathleen and Peter were finally able to have their wedding reception. Some of our favorite details include Kathleen’s sneakers (we love comfy brides!!), delicious cupcakes by Baked and Wired, and of course these photos by Rachel Naft. Enjoy!

Kathleen and Peter’s Vendors:

Planner: Rebecca O’Donnell, The Plannery

Venue: Hilton Alexandria, Old Town

DJ: Black Tie Entertainment, @blacktiedmv

Photographer: Rachel Naft, @rmnaftphotography

Florist: Atelier Floral Design, @atelierfloraldesign

Hair and Makeup: Ashley Riddle, @updosforidos

Cake and Favors: Baked and Wired @bakedandwireddc

Chaska and Josh’s Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

We at The Plannery always love Stone Tower Winery weddings! It was a pleasure to be back there, and with such an awesome couple. Chaska was a super on-it bride! She planned everything down to the last private dance with her new husband before leaving the venue, which is such a super sweet (and sexy!) way to end the evening - I highly recommend ;) Chaska also was a designer extraordinaire and put together an incredible design notebook prior to the wedding to help all vendors achieve her vision - and everything went exactly how she imagined. One of the sweetest touches was a memorial table for Chaska's mom. It is always a sensitive thing to not have a close loved one there on your special day, but they commemorated her mother so beautifully.

Enjoy these stunning photos by Margaret Wroblewski (another one of our all time faves!) and reminisce about summer :)

Chaska and Josh’s Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Stone Tower Winery

Catering: Purple Onion Catering

DJ: DJ Sal Flip

Florals: Springvale Floral

Photography: Margaret Wroblewski

Hair/Makeup: Caitlyn Meyer Pro

A & J's Spy Museum Washington, DC Wedding

Photo by Lisa Boggs Photography

There's just something about the Spy Museum. Literally every wedding we've done there has had (knock on wood for the future) absolutely PERFECT weather, and A&J's was no exception. The bride and her crew got ready in the absolutely GORGEOUS Van Buren suite (all of their suites are named after First ladies) at the Riggs hotel with Gabby and Martha, one of our favorite Hair and Makeup teams, while the men got ready in the Riggs Suite (which is so huge, the couple used it the next day for an intimate day after brunch with their nearest and dearest).

After the first look, the couple and their families ventured over to the Spy Museum where everyone was absolutely blown away with the gorgeous ceremony set up by Lynnvale Studios (the view doesn't hurt either!). Guests arrived to welcome drinks set out on shelving from Social Supply, and the couples walk down the aisle was made even more special with music by the bride's brother-in-law.

After the ceremony, drinks were passed on the roof as guests were invited downstairs where they gasped in awe at the GORGEOUS furniture, bars and displays from Social Supply, affixed with escort cards and signage from Fig. 2 Design. The bride and groom were able to sneak past the draping to practice their first dance with their band, Free Spirit (who rocked the house all night!).

When guests were welcomed into dinner, the oohs and aahs continued with the amazing lighting and fixtures -- a team up with Social Supply and Frost Lighting, and the gorgeous linens from BBJ La Tavola and napkins from Nuage. The guests could not stop complimenting the delicious food from Mindy's Catering.

Sara Bauleke from Bella Notte designed an absolutely stunning event, and we literally could not have done it without her. From choosing the perfect linens, to designing the lounge seating areas, to sourcing the most perfect design vendors, there aren't enough words to say how perfect she made everything. The cake from Fluffy Thoughts was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen...and I've been around a LOT of cake!

As you can see by the table names, the wedding had a decidedly "Spy" theme -- perfect for the venue! So of course, the night had to end with a cocktail shaker with an attached recipe for a vesper -- aka the "James Bond" martini (shaken not stirred...obvs.). Enjoy these photos from Lisa Boggs Photography!

Vendors:

Bella Notte, Design @bellanottedc

Spy Museum, @spymuseumprivateevents

Mindy's Catering: @mindyscateringdc

Band, Free Spirit

Bowen Films @bowenfilms

Lynnvale Studios @lynnvalestudios

Frost Lighting DC @frostlightingdc

Stationery: Fig. 2 Design @fig2design

Cake, Fluffy Thoughts @fluffythoughtscakes

Hair and Makeup, Gabby and Martha: @gabby_and_martha_

Draping Fabrication Events @fabeventsdc

Décor Social Supply @socialsupplydesign

Hotel: Riggs Hotel

Photographer: Lisa Boggs Photography @lisaboggsphoto

Calligraphy: Laura Hooper @laurahooperdesignhouse

Linens: BBJ La Tavola @bbjlatavola, DC Rental @dceventrentals

Napkins: Nuage @nuagedesignsinc

Glassware: Select Event Rentals

Bridesmaid and Wedding Party Alternatives

First thing’s first: the folks who stand up with you during your ceremony are not the bridal party. It’s 2022. They’re the Wedding Party.

And the Wedding Party is getting more and more creative.

As times change (thank goodness!), we’re getting more folks bucking tradition, and that includes who they invite to stand next to them as they get married. Men invite women, women invite men, and (gasp!) - they don’t all have to wear the same thing!

Here are some of our favorite “alternative” Wedding Party ideas we’ve seen over the years, in case it inspires you to eff tradition, and do what feels right!

Add some color!

Photo by Leo Druker

One of my favorite couples chose to have her bridesmaids wear every color of the rainbow! It brought such joy to the day (and the photos!) - and I highly recommend it!!

Brides: have your best men beside you

Photo by Margaret Wrowblewski

I don’t see enough brothers and male best friends next to brides. This brother was one of my very favorites - and I know his sister adored having him there with her on her big day!

Matching, schmatching

Photo by The Colagrossis

Why do members of the wedding party have to wear anything coordinated or matching at all?? This awesome bride just told her best gals to wear whatever they wanted and (GASP!) - it worked, everyone was happy, and they still got married! :)

women in suits

Photo by Josef Sullivan Photography

Women can wear suits. And look damned good in them, too. Men - have a female friend or family member you want up there with you, but you still care about matching? Have her rock a suit and never look back!

How to add some Pride to your wedding

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

Happy Pride month!

To celebrate we wanted to look back at some of our favorite weddings and ways to incorporate pride into your wedding day. We here at The Plannery support all love and always have - when I moved here from NYC I was surprised to find little to no wedding planners openly embracing LGBTQ couples on their websites, marketing, etc. Things have changed a lot in the last ten years, but we’re still proud to support all love and all partnerships. So take a look, below, to see how you can show your support of the LGBTQ community on your big day

Use your Wedding Program to make a statement

We see many couples - gay, straight, and everything in between - use their programs to make a statement of support. Whether it be a quote, or some words directly from the couple, your ceremony programs are a great way to put in writing how you feel about equal rights, marriage rights and the LGBTQ community.

Add some rainbow details to fly your flag of support

Photo by Chris Ferenzi

Melissa and Tashia decided to use rainbow tissues during their ceremony as a nod to #pride

I loved this small detail (that did emerge when the tears emerged during their beautiful ceremony!) as a subtle way to show pride. Whether it’s tissues, rainbow boutonnieres, or some other small detail, adding a little rainbow to the mix is a symbolic and powerful way to show your support.

Hire wedding vendors who are LGBTQ supporters

Whether you’re an LGBTQ couple or not, hiring a wedding vendor who is outspoken and very explicit in their support and beliefs is a very important way to show support to the LGBTQ community. By giving your dollars to vendors that support others, it matters and does make a difference. As one of our clients said about The Plannery, “as both my husband and I consider ourselves allies of the LGBT community, I really appreciate how open they are about supporting LGBT couples as well couples of diverse/mixed backgrounds and religions… It was a refreshing ‘icing on the cake’ to work with a vendor who was so transparent and open about this topic and even though we don't personally identify, we truly admire this honorable approach to their services as we have many loved ones in our lives who do.”

Photo by Shawnee Custalow

Photos with pride

Photo by Susan Hornyak

Another way is to look for photo opps on your wedding day that show your pride! We adore Longview Gallery as a wedding venue - especially because of its proximity to Blagden Alley, an awesome alley with tons of murals - including this beautiful statement of LOVE.

Make a bold statement

Photo by Justin McCallum

Go big, or go home. Some couples decide to make a big statement - like one of my favorite couples who hired the incredible Riley Knoxx to perform at their wedding. Nothing says pride like kicking off your reception with a Beyonce impersonator (who also happens to be the first transgender performer to perform at an NBA game).

Wine-y Weddings

We’ve had a lot of clients who are wine lovers and want to somehow incorporate their appreciation into their big day. So in honor of National Wine Day (who knew?), today we’re talking wine. Whether it’s just for your toast, or it’s the backdrop of your wedding, here are some of our favorite wine-y weddings!

Getting married in a Vineyard. Like, actually IN it

Photo by Anne Lord Photography

If you’re looking for an outdoor ceremony, a vineyard can be absolutely stunning and romantic. Like the wedding above, at Stone Tower Winery, outdoor ceremonies can provide beautiful backdrops and lots of gorgeous photo opportunities, too!

Wineries make gorgeous backdrops

Photo by Robinson Imagery

Here in the DC area we’re lucky to have a lot of nearby wineries. For those who want a gorgeous outdoor venue beyond the ceremony, wineries are still a wonderful option to consider. Not only do you get to drink some great local wine, but you also get beautiful photo opps (like the above, at King Family Vineyard in Charlottesville).

DC makes great wine

Photo by Mason Photography

Like wine but don’t like the country? DC has an option for that, too. Enter District Winery, a stunning venue right by the water that offers gorgeous views, great wine, but a more urban feel!

Wedding Wine Tastings

Photo by DuHon Photography

If you want your guests to participate in your love for wine, I encourage adding a wine tasting to your cocktail hour or event your reception! Some couples offer tastings to guests along with their hors d’oeuvres, while others sometimes include it in the actual meal, like a wine and cheese pairing.

Bubbly is wine, right?

Photo by Love Life Images

…and don’t forget the champagne! If you’d rather save all the sparkling wine for yourself, make sure you have some special bubbly ready for you and your wedding party either before or after the ceremony.

Wedding Cocktails

Photo by Rhinehart Photography

In honor of World Cocktail Day, we’re talking about how to have some fun with your wedding cocktails and cocktail hour!

Shaken or Stirred?

Photo by Shandi Wallace

Cocktails are a fun way to add some small details and a dash of fun. This couple chose to create personalized cocktail stirrers to play into their wedding theme. Whether it’s umbrellas, crazy straws, or monogrammed cocktail napkins, you can add your own twist (get it?) to your cocktails during cocktail hour.

Showcase your favorite spirit

Photo by DeNeuva Photography

A lot of folks personalize things by showcasing and sharing their favorite spirit with their guests. Whether it’s a whiskey bar, a martini bar, tequila tasting, what have you - it’s a great way to make your cocktail hour feel like YOU - and share a little of your favorite thing with your guests.

Share a sip with your new spouse

Photo by Go Kate Shoot

I always encourage couples to have a moment alone after the ceremony. The rest of the day - although fun - will be hectic and often chaotic. So why not grab a drink with your new spouse, relax and enjoy the moment?

Signature Cocktail

Photo by Shandi Wallace

This is an oldie but a goodie - most caterers offer to provide signature cocktails at the bar for free. And it’s especially fun to have each couple choose their own to reflect their own favorite!

Why Wedding Planning is about Mental Health

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

We don’t often think about weddings and mental health. But because this is mental health month, I thought I’d take a moment to talk about why weddings, and wedding planning in particular, are actually connected to your mental health.

I hadn’t made this connection until recently, when we decided to take a look back at the many reviews and input we’ve received from our clients over the years. And what suddenly became apparent was that nearly all reviews talked about how we made them FEEL.

“Unlike many of our friends, my (new!) husband and I thought wedding planning was super fun and did not find it stressful. ”

— Emily and Paul

“my husband and I were actually able to enjoy our wedding from start to finish—we were able to eat, drink and dance all night, not having to worry about the little details.”

— Rebecca and Andrew

“I truly felt like I could sit back and enjoy my wedding and not have to worry and that is the best feeling.”

— Kylene and Tony

And those feelings often had to do with stress and worry. And stress? Stress can be a huge trigger for poor mental health.

Now I’m not in any way saying our expertise as wedding planners can compare with a therapist or mental health professional! Heeeeeeck no. But. The wedding planning process can bring up a LOT. You’re navigating decision making with your new partner, sometimes for the first time. You may be navigating difficult family dynamics. You’re looking at budgets and money and finances, which can sometimes cause stress. Not to mention the ridiculous and abnormal stress society at large puts on this ONE BIG DAY (which I call bullshit on BTW).

So whether it’s one of us at The Plannery or not, I urge you to hire vendors and wedding planners who make your life easier. Who take away the mental stress, rather than add to it. Who help you FEEL good, both during the planning and on your wedding day. We all need to take care of ourselves these days, so please think about your mental health as you begin your wedding planning journey.

Jordan and Zachary's Dockmaster Building DC Winter Wedding

Photo by Bee Two Sweet

I love me some winter weddings, especially on the water. This stunning bride and groom were dressed to impress as they cemented their love in classic Jewish tradition at the breathtaking Dockmaster Building, one of the awesome event spaces that the Wharf in DC can provide. One of my favorite touches: The couple incorporated books, old and new, from their personal library…a cornerstone of their relationship - and even incorporated flowers from book pages in the bride’s hair and bouquet!

Congratulations to Jordan and Zachary! Enjoy the spectacular captures from Brittany at Bee Two Sweet Photography 

Jordan and Zachary’s Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Dockmaster Building

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

Photographer: Bee Two Sweet

Florist: She Loves Me

Cake: Buttercream Bake Shop

Hair/Make-up: TC Beauty