Sarah and Robert // The Bolger Center Wedding, Potomac, MD // MD Wedding Coordinator

Sarah and Rob got married in early October at The Bolger Center in Potomac, MD. It was a slightly chilly day (with some real wind as you’ll see in the fab photos from Jenn Link), but in my opinion was still a gorgeous fall wedding!

First, we need to discuss Sarah’s dress. I haven’t had a non-white wedding dress since May 2013, people. And this gold dress was such a stunner on her and SO much fun. I adored it and I hope you do, too. There were also lots of hot guys in uniform, as both Sarah’s side of the family, and Rob himself, serve (I love that the groom wore white but the bride wore gold!).

Sarah’s family DIY’d her florals (so lush and gorgeous) and her centerpieces (autumnal, pumpkin based beauties). They had a full Episcopalian service, officiated by a dear friend of theirs. They also created a DIY photo booth of sorts for their reception - with an Instamax camera and lots of fun props! Their reception was filled with some great toasts (including a ukulele playing best man), great food, and great dancing, fueled by DJ Micah Vellian from DJ DMac and Associates.

Congrats again to Sarah and Rob!

Sarah and Rob's Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: The Bolger Center

Photographer: Jenn Link

Hair/Make-up: Makeovers On Call

DJ: DJ DMac and Associates

Sandhya and Steve's Alexandria, VA Wedding at Torpedo Factory

Sandhya and Steve were basically my first clients upon moving to DC and launching The Plannery. So I’m not gonna lie, I have a soft spot for these two. Sandhya was one of those brides that was convinced she was a bridezilla and was in fact my dream client: super smart, super savvy, super fun, super sweet and deeply in love (I’m a romantic, what can I say?). She and Steve were so much fun to work with - from tastings to photographer meetings to walk throughs to the day-of. Plus it didn't hurt that they lived near my neighborhood and frequented my favorite Mexican restaurant - so obviously they had great taste.

They got married in one of my favorite venues, The Torpedo Factory. The Torpedo Factory is in my hood (whassup Alexandria!!) and is modern, funky, non-traditional, and very fun. As you shall see. The day was captured by the ever-awesome Leo Druker.

Sandhya is half-Indian so while she didn’t do an official (epic) Indian wedding, she did want to incorporate elements into her ceremony and the reception and I thought she did a beautiful job. She wore the white sari her mother wore on her wedding day, and her uncle did a traditional blessing as part of the ceremony (those garlands… THOSE GARLANDS. sigh). And can we just say that my new favorite way to end a ceremony is with a high-five?? BEST.

After the ceremony they did some beautiful portraits in Old Town and by the waterfront.

Then Sandhya changed into her RAD reception dress (let’s hear it for non-white dresses, ladies!), and sat down for a great meal. After the speeches, her sister played a song for them on her violin - so lovely!

They kicked off their dancing with a ridiculously awesome first dance to Fly Me To The Moon.

Dancing and partying ensued thanks to Evan from MyDeejay.

And the night ended as only the most amazing wedding can end: with an impromptu push-up contest.

Sandhya and Steve's vendors:

Event Planning: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: The Torpedo Factory

Photographer: Leo Druker

Caterer: Main Event

Music: Evan from MyDeejay

Friday Links: Think Positively

This week. THIS WEEK. Good grief. It's been a rough one for so many reasons. Monday's bombing hit hard for me. A huge majority of my family lives in the Boston area. My mother and step-dad, my sister, many cousins, uncles and aunts. I had several friends who were both running the marathon and at the marathon. And let's not even go into the Senate's decision on gun control. So.

I really want to bring some positivity up in here.

Let's start with a beautiful piece my cousin wrote about running with her fear. Yes, the same writer cousin who has an awesome blog you should be reading. It's a gorgeous piece about fear, running, and good old beantown. If you don't read any other links, please read this one.

I also really like this piece from The Atlantic about how to move forward after these terrifying acts.

Let's also not forget that it's springtime, people! The time for growth, renewal, and flowers! If you happen to live in the Shenandoah Valley area, check out Kinfolk's upcoming flower potluck. Love it. Wish I lived a bit closer...

I am also recently obsessed with an awesome new blog called Advanced Style. It chronicles amazing older women and their beauty and fashion. LOVE. This post I thought was especially wonderful, this week of all weeks. Wise words from a stylish wise woman on the power of positive thinking.

And finally. Can we all please give it up for this most amazing future bride? I think it's the most kick-ass description of a dream wedding I've ever read - not to mention the most succinct and rad description of why non-white wedding dresses are the sh!t. (oh, and for you old folks out there like me, MCR is "My Chemical Romance" - amaze).

Happy Friday folks. Stay positive and let's keep on keepin' on.

Non-White Wedding Dresses

  I am so digging Amber Tamblyn's yellow dress (and bare feet!) for her wedding - stunning against the foliage. I love me some non-traditional choices when it comes to dresses. Gorgeous!