Eline and Brandon's Carnegie Institute of Science, Washington DC Wedding

Photo by Duhon Photography

I've been straight-up terrible about blogging lately but both Tarra and I now have spirited, fun babies instead of headache, exhaustion inducing newborns so we're both doing our best to get back to it! Plus, we're finally getting in some of the gorgeous photos from the weddings we've been working on lately. So here's Tarra to take it away about Eline and Brandon's awesome Carnegie Institute wedding!

What can I say? The Plannery loves Carnegie! There is something about that rotunda that makes for the most quaint, timeless, and remarkable ceremony - and sick dance floor!  Eline's mother recognized how cool the rotunda was too and gifted her daughter and new son-in law a handmade quilt depicting the rotunda floor. In addition to the quilt there were a few other small details that made this wedding special. There was that really awesome engraved pocket watch (that I actually wish was for me because I've always wanted one!). There was also the first look between Eline and her father as well as Brandon and his mother - so stinking sweet.  More and more this is becoming my favorite little moment next to the father/daughter dance which I am a huge sucker for mainly because I have major regret for not doing one with my loving dad. And then there was the stroopwafels, that's right stroopwafels given as wedding favors. A Netherlands delight! And finally there was the fabulous evening weather that we had that allowed the infamous rotunda doors to be open while everyone partied the night away. 

Eline and Brandon made this wedding so effortless to coordinate with their organization, transparency, and happy go lucky demeanor.  Big shout out to Duhon Photography for his creativity in making cool people and a cool venue even cooler than ever! 

Eline and Brandon's Vendors:

Coordination: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Carnegie Institution of Science

Caterer: Spilled Milk

Photographer: Duhon Photography

DJ: Bialek's Music

Hair/Make-up: Modern Bridal Studio

Florist: UV Flowers

Laura and Matt // The Whittemore House, Washington, DC Wedding // DC Wedding Coordinator

Laura and Matt were a true joy to work with. I helped coordinate their intimate wedding at The Whittemore House this fall and loved every minute! Unfortunately we had some rain on their day, so they ended up doing their first look in their hotel room, followed by something I adored - they read each other their vows, just the two of them, prior to the ceremony. I really loved that they created this moment for themselves - it was a lovely reminder that a wedding day is about the two people getting married and what they are promising each other.

They decided to have the fireplace at The Whittemore House be the focal point for their ceremony which I loved. After the ceremony, guests went into the front of the house for cocktails while we flipped the ballroom for dinner. Dinner, toasts and dancing followed! (p.s. - THAT DRESS. Ok I'm done now).

Congrats again to Laura and Matt!

Laura and Matt's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Whittemore House

Caterer: Main Event

Photographer: Amanda Gilley

Videographer: Michael Brazda

DJ: Good Note DJ

Florist: Palace Florists

Dessert Buffet: Pie Sisters

Officiant: Emily Cook Therapy

Make-up: Polished Studio

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R & E // Arena Stage, Washington DC Wedding // DC wedding planner

R & E got married this past summer at Arena Stage, a venue I'd been dying to work in for a while now. They're a private couple so we won't be showing any photos of their faces or their guests' faces - but I still had to blog about this one cause it was so special, so much fun, and Jess Latos Photography took some stunning pics! E is Ethiopian, and R is Jewish. They wanted to plan their wedding fairly quickly, so we jumped right in! They incorporated various traditions throughout their day. My favorite was the Ethiopian cuisine  - and the wet naps that were on every table that said "Marriage is Messy"! R was also pregnant - and therefore a glowing, stunning bride. We made it through the hora without any dropping or falling incidents which was my major fear (!), so I considered the evening to be a big success!

This was one of the most beautiful weddings I've done that seamlessly incorporated different traditions - experiencing these cultures merging and celebrating together was really touching and, frankly, brought me to tears at times during the night. So enjoy what photos I'm able to share (and big thanks to Jess Latos Photography for the beautiful images) and join me in wishing R & E a huge congrats on their marriage! I'm also happy to report their new little baby joined their family this fall and is happy and healthy! Congrats again to R & E - much love to you both!

R&E's Vendors:

Planner - Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue - Arena Stage

Caterer - RSVP and Dama Catering

Photographer - Jess Latos Photography

DJ - KC Higgins

Flowers - Whole Foods

Cake - Fluffy Thoughts

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Kathy and David // Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington, DC Wedding // DC wedding coordinator

Yet another beautiful wedding that Tarra coordinated this year at one of my favorite venues, Josephine Butler Parks Center. Let's hand it over to Tarra for more details!

What a treat this wedding was to work!  Kathy and David planned the most love-filled wedding there could be. Beginning with the warm and charming Josephine Butler Parks Center. It was important to them for their wedding to mean just a little bit more. David, a lawyer, and Kathy, owner of a non-profit writing program for marginalized youth, are both very much involved with giving back to their D.C. community.  So what better way than to host their wedding at an amazing venue that stands for community safety, health, education, arts, architecture, and agriculture?  Not only is JBPC centrally located in D.C., its mission is to grow city-wide park-based community health and vitality by nurturing innovation and partnerships.  Kathy and David took great comfort in knowing their venue rental fee went towards supporting such an important and meaningful establishment.

The love was also felt by the volume of friends and family they invited to this joyous event. I must say the reception space was completely maxed out, but Kathy and David would not have had it any other way.  Surrounding themselves with love and laughter on their wedding day as well as great food and drinks is exactly what they wanted to accomplish. And Spilled Milk definitely delivered on the great food part!

There was no shortage of beauty in the space either.  With Kathy’s wonderful mother at the helm of the décor plan, Yellow Door Floral Design provided quite the array of stunning floral arrangements. In addition to the guest tables, every nook, cranny, and fireplace mantle at JBPC was accounted for in terms of flowers and candles.  It was really a treat to work with and watch this team of vendors transform this already beautiful space into an even more beautiful space.

Though I did not join in the festivities, I was so delighted to see Michael O. Snyder Photography’s super fun and artistic shots of Kathy, David, and some guests at the National Mall.  A place that is very near and dear to Kathy and Davids’ hearts. They were transported there in true D.C. style via the Old Town Trolley post-reception.  Yet another loving aspect of this wonderful wonderful wedding! Congrats again Kathy and David!

Kathy and David's vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Josephine Butler Parks Center

Catering: Spilled Milk

Photographer: Michael O Snyder Photography

Ceremony/Cocktail Music: Bell Weather Bayou

DJ: Bialek's Music

Florist: Yellow Door

Shuttle Bus/Transport: Old Town Trolley

Hair/Make-up: Glynn Jones Salon

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Kasey and Seth // Hotel Monaco, Washington DC Wedding // DC wedding coordinator

Kasey and Seth got hitched this past October at Hotel Monaco, DC - one of my favorite venues. They were an absolute delight to work with - such a friendly, awesome couple. After a first look and some shots around the hotel and across the street at the National Portrait Gallery, they did their Jewish ceremony in the semi-round, then we flipped the room while their cocktail hour took place in the Athens Ballroom. Emily from Love Blooms killed the florals - Kasey completely flipped (in a good way) when she saw how well the flowers matched her bridesmaids dresses! Elisha from Love Life Images did an amazing job capturing these two, and String of Pearls Quartet played their ceremony and cocktail hour, while DJ Dan Goldman rocked out their reception. They ended the night by giving perfectly DC treats to their guests from District Desserts.

Congrats again, Kasey and Seth!

Kasey and Seth's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue and Caterer: Hotel Monaco DC

Photographer: Elisha from Love Life Images

Florist: Love Blooms

Ceremony Music: String of Pearls

DJ: Dan Goldman, Bialek's Music

Rentals: DC Rentals

Cake: Fancy Cakes by Leslie

Cookie Favors: District Desserts

Hair and Make-up: Bespoke Salon

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Mimi and Gavin // The Dumbarton House, Washington DC Wedding // DC Wedding Coordinator

Some people don't know this about me, but I'm an introvert. It may seem odd for an event planner to be an introvert, but trust me, it works. Therefore, it was a pleasure working with Mimi and Gavin, two of the most introverted people I've ever met! Many people planning weddings are aching to be the center of attention. Mimi and Gavin were the complete opposite! They knew themselves, but also knew their families - and so they planned a small, intimate wedding that allowed them to celebrate with their families while also not being horribly overwhelmed, socially. The Dumbarton House was a perfect fit. After their first look and some beautiful portraits in the Dumbarton gardens, they had a Catholic ceremony at Holy Rosary in DC. Post ceremony, guests were shuttled over to the Dumbarton for cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing. Windows provided amazing food and service, as usual. Studio DBI (before their move to the West Coast - sob!), did the stunning florals, and Josh from MyDeejay kept everyone on the dance floor. The wonderful photographers, The Colagrossis, provided the lovely photos, below!

Special shout-out to Mimi's gorgeous outfit change into a traditional Vietnamese wedding dress half way through the ceremony. The red on her was ridiculously beautiful - couldn't get over what a stunning bride she was!

Congrats again to Mimi and Gavin!

Mimi and Gavin's Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: The Dumbarton House

Caterer: Windows Catering

Photographers: The Colagrossis

Florist: Studio DBI

DJ: Josh Rhett, MyDeejay

Hair and Make-up: Georgetown Bride

Tent: Sugarplum Tent

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Katelyn and Matthew // Charlie Palmer Rooftop, Washington, DC Wedding // DC Wedding Planner

Katelyn came to me in November, asking for full service planning for a May wedding! Needless to say, things were a bit of a whirlwind, but we had a great time making it all happen! Katelyn was going for a bit of a boho chic look and The City Florist made it all come to life - and more. Katelyn's father is in the landscaping business and cared a lot about the floral elements - and The City Florist did NOT disappoint! After a delicious meal by Charlie Palmer, the guests danced the night away to Burnt Sienna. The only thing that would have made the day a bit better was if it hadn't rained non-stop! But the guests rolled with it and thanks to the tent at Charlie Palmer we all stayed (mostly) dry. Other things I'm crushing on in this wedding include: the ringbearer's blue hair, the record guestbooks, all the children sleeping in all the places, and Katelyn's hilarious facial expressions :)

Big thanks to Jessica Latos Photography for the beautiful pics - enjoy!

Katelyn and Matthew's Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Katie, The Plannery

Venue and Caterer: Charlie Palmer Steakhouse

Photographer: Jess Latos Photography

Florist: The City Florist

Ceremony Music: Christopher Wyton

Band: Burnt Sienna

Make-up: Nour Kazoun Makeup Artistry

Hair: Sue Volans

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Julia and Joe // Longview Gallery, Washington, DC // DC wedding coordinator

Julia and Joe got married this past March at Longview Gallery - a venue I've been dying to work in, and was so happy I finally had the chance. It unfortunately started raining right as their photos were supposed to start in Blagden Alley - but thankfully The Columbia Room offered up their space and they got some beautiful pre-ceremony shots! Their ceremony was in the front gallery, under a DIY'd arch and officiated by a friend. Well Dunn catered a beautiful reception, and Washington Celebrations kept people on the dance floor, and also did beautiful string lights for the space! But my favorite parts of the wedding were the more personal, fun details, including a video that Joe created of the two of them that was projected on a wall, their District Doughnut dessert, as well as the late night pizza from Pizza D'Oro that was delivered later in the night! Finally, we have to talk about what a hip, stunning couple this is. Julia's dress (and lips!) were so gorgeous and Joe was working it in that suit. Go Kate Shoot shot the beautiful pics you'll see below - enjoy!

Julia and Joe's Vendors:

Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Longview Gallery

Photographer: Go Kate Shoot

Caterer: Well Dunn

Florist: Sill Life Florals

DJ and Lighting: Washington Celebrations

Hair/Make up: District Beauty

Donuts: District Doughnuts

Cake: Paisley Figg

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Kara and Mike // Studio Theatre, Washington DC wedding // DC wedding coordinator

Tarra recently coordinated this modern wedding that took place at DC's Studio Theatre and I had to share. As an ex-theatre gal, I was SOOO bummed I couldn't coordinate this wedding myself! But Kara and Mike were in great hands with Tarra - more words for Tarra, below along with some stunning photos:

Sweet is a complete understatement when it comes to Kara and Mike. This prompted me to look up synonyms for the word: Dear, Pleasing, Precious, Treasured, Well-liked, Admired, Esteemed, Near to One’s Heart, and what do ya know, DARLING!!! Darling makes me smile considering it was the actual first name of their photographer (who I must add lives up to the word and who took these BOMB photos!)

So, basically I was surrounded by the most awesome people ever during this wedding.  From Kara and Mike themselves, to their beautiful loving families, to their awesome friends, one who served as the officiant and others as cake and flower delivery team, to Darling and her assistant, to the lead and her team at Eat & Smile Catering, to Nikki at Studio Theatre who was beyond amazing, and to DJ Stereo Faith.  

I feel very blessed to have been part of the sweet dream team who made this April wedding in DC come together so perfectly.   And by perfectly I am including the inevitable bumps in the road that come along with wedding planning and executing. It is not a question of will they happen, but rather when they happen how will we respond?  Kara and Mike’s ultra laid-back demeanor helped the final planning processes go scary smoothly! That same demeanor carried over to the big day, making it seem like I was hanging out with them rather than coordinating their wedding. If Kara and Mike ever want to remarry (to each other of course!) PLEASE sign me up to coordinate/attend that wedding 100x times over. Just take a look at their gorgeous photos - can’t beat their infectious smiles, super tasteful wedding party attire with stunning bouquets, and a sick venue with no-fuss fresh décor! Enjoy!

Kara and Mike's Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra from The Plannery

Venue: Studio Theatre

Caterer: Eat and Smile

Photographer: Darling Photographers

DJ: DJ Stereo Faith, DJ DMAC and Associates

Flowers: Little Shop of Flowers

Cake: The Cake Room

Hair and Make-up: Alina Karaman

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Rebecca and Mike // Union Station, Washington DC Wedding // DC Wedding Coordinator

This wedding - my first for 2016 - was so much fun, and was the perfect match for me. It's a great example of how weddings don't have to be all one thing or the other - super offbeat or super traditional. We're all complex people and it makes sense that our weddings are, too. From a distance, this looked like a fairly traditional Jewish wedding. Lots of guests (260), large beautiful venue (Union Station is so lovely), and many of the wonderful Jewish traditions. Look closer, however, and you'd see that they had no announcement, no cake cutting, no first dance or parents dances. Most importantly, Rebecca proposed to Mike. Which I straight-up LOVE. Here's how their engagement happened, in her own words:

We had just bought a house and knew we would get married but I am a planner and Mike is not.  I had decided it was time to get engaged if we were going to get married and that we should get married in January 2016! I started asking Mike to marry me everyday.  His typical response was "Not quiiiiiite yet".  Then, we agreed that when I had asked him 100 times, he would have to say yes.  I started asking multiple times a day and then he got smart and made a one time a day rule :) By the 100th time, he was in! Neither of us believe in a traditional "surprise" engagement (which is generally not a surprise!) or the man having to ask the woman.  These decisions are made as a couple and we wanted to throw (somewhat sexist!) tradition out the window.  I also did not want an engagement ring so we surprised both our parents with the news and started planning.  The only problem was when no one actually believed we were engaged since there was no engagement ring and no engagement story!

We NEED more of this you guys. It was such an honor to work with a couple like this and support them and their families. I swear it makes my heart grow and my bolsters my feminist spirit. It's so ridiculous that our society doesn't "believe" people are engaged because they don't have a "story" or a ring (ummm... that story above is an EXCELLENT story). So please let's all continue to break traditions we don't care about and embrace the ones we do.

Now that I got that out of the way, let's move on to the beautiful photos of this lovely day. They took some portraits at Hotel Monaco before heading over to Union Station for some more. After the photos and Ketubah signing, they had a beautiful ceremony - Rebecca's father, a rabbi, officiated! Petal's Edge did such a great job with their romantic chuppah, and I especially loved the modern arrangements for the centerpieces. Design Cuisine along with Kosher Kitchen killed it with their food and service. As you'll see, Onyx kept them dancing all night long - and Charles Archambault captured it all in these fantastic photos. Enjoy! And congrats again to my most bad-ass of couples, Rebecca and Mike!

Rebecca and Mike's Vendors:

Coordinator: Katie, The Plannery

Venue: Union Station

Caterer: Kosher Kitchen and Design Cuisine

Photographer: Charlie Archambault

Band: Onyx

Florist: Petal's Edge