We’ve moved!

I know you’ve been wondering where we’ve been lately. We haven’t abandoned our blog. Instead, we’ve made the move from Blogger over to Wordpress. Our new blog address is www.affairswithelegance.com/blog. Don’t worry we didn’t leave anything behind…all of our previous blog posts made the move with us.

We look forward to getting back to our regular blogging schedule starting tomorrow. Hope you'll join us.

Jung Lee - Wedded to Perfection

I loved the earlier season's of The Style Network's "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?". . . when they use to showcase the wedding planners, décor, etc. instead of drama. One of my absolute favorites was Jung Lee of Fête Events in New York. Earlier this summer the TLC Network aired the pilot episode of Wedded to Perfection which gave a behind the scenes look at how she designs and executes gorgeous events for her clients.

Tune in to TLC tonight at 10pm EST to catch the season premiere. A new episode will air each Friday. I can't wait to see what she does each week.

Jane & Eddie - The Reception

Today is our last post on Jane & Eddie's wedding. Like most couples, Jane & Eddie wanted wonderful food (and there was a ton of food), great music, beautiful décor and lots of personal details. You'll see from the photos below that their wedding had all of those elements.

While the couple and their bridal party took formal photos their guests headed into the Constellation Room for cocktail hour which included a raw seafood bar and several passed hors d'oeuvres. The amazing jazz trio that played for the ceremony also played during cocktail hour.

Guests retrieved their escort cards upon entering the room. Since over 90% of the guests traveled to Baltimore for the wedding we thought luggage tag escort cards was a great idea. They also doubled as favors. The bird detail was included on all of the stationery to incorporate the Groom's love for the Baltimore Orioles.


After cocktail hour guests headed to their tables to be seated for introductions. The couple and their wedding party entered the ballroom to the Black Eyed Peas "I Got A Feeling".




After dinner the couple had their first dance to "Nearness of You" by Norah Jones. The night skyline was a beautiful backdrop.


The couple's wedding cake, created by their caterer, was both beautiful and delicious. Their cake was served with Hagan Daaz ice cream, heart shaped cookie, a truffle and fruit.


Jane and Eddie decided to forego the traditional bouquet and garter toss. They chose to do the Anniversary Dance instead. All of the married couples danced to "Remember When" by Alan Jackson. The winners were the Groom's Grandparents who have been married over 50 years!



The DJ kept the dance floor packed ALL night. There was plenty of dancing (including break dancing), singing and even air guitar






Late in the evening the view from the ballroom was incredible


{all photos are courtesy of JLowe Photos. Do not copy, post, blog or publish photos without permission}

As you can tell, we had a great time planning this wedding. We'd like to thank Jane and Eddie for allowing us to be a part of their special day. We'd also like to thank the dream team of vendors who made our job so easy.

Venue: The World Trade Center - Baltimore
Caterer: Charles Levine Caterers
Photography: JLowe Photos

Musicians: Dimitri Nassar Trio
DJ: Carl Brashears of Classic DJ's
Officiant: Pastor Liv Costango

Florist: All flowers for this wedding were created by the Groom's mother Lori
Stationery: All stationery was designed by the Bride's Sister/Maid of Honor
Linens/Napkins/Chaircovers: BBJ Linen
Lighting (uplights/pinspots): Perkins Event Lighting
Rentals (ceremony chairs/chargers): Party Rental Ltd.
Wedding Planning: Affairs With Elegance

Jane & Eddie - Ceremony and Formals

Originally Jane and Eddie were to hold their ceremony outside in the Arcade area of the World Trade Center however the weather did not cooperate. It rained all morning and early afternoon on their wedding day. Whenever our clients are having an outdoor ceremony we always create a rain plan. "Plan B" for Jane and Eddie was to have their ceremony in the Maryland Room on the 21st floor. This meant their guests would not have the water view they originally wanted. Instead their view was of the Inner Harbor skyline. Still not a bad trade off.

The couple chose a jazz trio to play the music for their ceremony. The wedding party entered to "When I Fall In Love". The Bride and her Father walked down the aisle to "A Wonderful World"


The Groom awaiting his Bride


The Ceremony




They are officially husband and wife...


After the ceremony the couple and their wedding party hit the Inner Harbor area to take their photos. Although it rained during their ceremony, you'll see from the photos below that the rain cleared just in time for them to take their formal photos without getting wet.

The Happy Couple


The Supporting Cast...they were such a fun group




The Bride with her attendants who all wore navy blue dresses from J. Crew

{all photos are courtesy of JLowe Photos. Do not copy, post, blog or publish photos without permission}

Stay tuned later this week for the conclusion of this wedding where we'll post reception photos and the list of vendors who made this wedding beautiful.

Jane & Eddie - Preceremony

Jane and Eddie were married Saturday, September 12th in downtown Baltimore. They started off their wedding day completely different. While the Bride and her ladies headed to the salon the Groom and his guys headed to the Baltimore Oriole's Baseball Stadium - Camden Yards for their own private photo shoot with photographer Jen Lowe of JLowe Photos.

After the Bride and her ladies were done with hair and makeup they returned to their suite at the Renaissance Hotel to get ready. The room was filled with beautiful bouquets created by the Groom's Mother Lori.

I think someone is ready to get married...

The Bride arriving for the ceremony

{all photos courtesy of JLowe Photos. Do not copy, post, blog or publish photos without permission}

Stayed tuned for the ceremony pictures in tomorrow's blog post.

Happy Anniversary Joe & Kerry

It was one year ago Sunday that Joe and Kerry became husband and wife during a candle lit ceremony! They later danced the night away at their wedding reception overlooking a beautiful gold course. Click here to see the original post from their wedding.

They were such a wonderful couple and if you spent just a few minutes with them you'd see just how much they loved each other. From all of us at the Affairs With Elegance team . . . Happy Anniversary! We wish you many, many more years to come.

Sneak Peek - Jane & Eddie

This past weekend was the wedding of our clients Jane & Eddie at the World Trade Center in downtown Baltimore. Their original color scheme was cobalt blue but we added Kelly Green and gold accents to brighten the palette for this time of year. Here is a sneak peek of how the décor for the reception turned out.

Square cocktail tables dressed in green linen accented with cobalt blue votives.


Gold Bichon linens were placed on the guest tables accented with cobalt blue napkins

The cake table and escort card table were dressed in cobalt blue pintuck linen.

We will post more photos soon and we'll definitely post the professional pictures once we receive them.

Bridesmaids' Dress Promotion at Garnish Boutique

I recently received information from Mia Isse of Garnish Boutique regarding their fall promotions. You may remember my visit to Garnish Boutique last year. If you haven’t visited their dress boutique yet now is a perfect time. They are offering 10-15% discounts on Jenny Yoo and Coren Moore bridesmaids’ dresses for 2010 weddings if ordered this fall.

They are also having a sample sale on various 2009 designer collections which includes dresses ranging in price from $30-$100. How great would it be to snag one of those dresses for your upcoming engagement party or holiday party.

You can visit the Garnish Boutique at 5727 Falls Road in Baltimore, MD or call 410-464-0601 for more details and order deadlines.

Happy shopping!

Eboni & Nathaniel's Reception

When guests entered the foyer for cocktail hour they retrieved their escort cards from a table with a huge curly willow centerpiece with hanging votive candles. Once formal photos were done it was time to do the introductions in the mansion’s ballroom. They entered to the ever so popular Let's Get Married - Remix. The couple went right into their first dance to So Beautiful by Musiq. They lead their 150 guests into the tent for dinner. Their guest tables included high and low centerpieces, CD favors and menu cards (created by the Bride). Later in the evening their DJ did a great job keeping the dance floor packed. In addition to serving wedding cake Eboni and Nate also did a candy buffet. At the end of the evening we passed out sparklers with personalize matchbooks to their guests for the couple's grand exit. The couple honeymooned in the Bahamas.












{all photos courtesy of Lexis Photography}

CLICK HERE to see the original blog post of their wedding. Congratulations again Eboni and Nate! We were honored to be included in your big day. We didn’t do it alone though. Check out the great list of vendors who came together to pull off another great wedding.

Wedding Team
Venue: Grey Rock Mansion
Caterer & Cake: Simply Elegant Catering
Wedding Planner: Affairs With Elegance (partial planning & design)
Photographer: Lexis Photography
Videography: Slade Video Productions
Florist: My Flower Box
Music: DJ Sean Nice

Stationery & Aisle Runner: DIY by the Bride

Eboni & Nathaniel's Ceremony

Although it poured down raining earlier in the day, the weather cleared just in time for the couple’s outdoor wedding. They held their ceremony in front of the gazebo at Grey Rock Mansion. They had a large group of friends and family in their wedding party to stand up for them as they exchanged vows. Their 9 bridesmaids (including maid/matron) wore brown bridesmaids dresses in varying styles and lengths and they carried blue hydrangea bouquets. Their 7 groomsmen (including Best Man) wore tan linen suits with a brown striped tie and coral rose boutonnières. Their 2 flower girls wore tiffany blue dresses with a brown sash and carried pomander balls instead of a flower basket. Their 2 ring bearers and broom bearer wore tan suits with tiffany blue bow ties. Yes you counted correctly…they had a wedding party of 21 but they were such a fun group.

The bride who wore a gorgeous, strapless Maggie Sottero beaded gown was escorted down the aisle by both her parents to No One Else by Amiel Larrieux. Their guests cheered as they made their way up the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife. After the ceremony the couple took formal photos with their wedding party and parents while their guest were directed inside the mansion for cocktail hour.












All photos courtesy of Lexis Photography. Join us later this week for the recap of the reception.

Monday Marriage Quote

We all know couples have arguements from time to time. Most spouses will tell you that in a marriage you should "pick your battles". I thought the quote below might help with deciding how far you should argue your point in a disagreement.

Ask yourself, "What difference will this thing we're fighting about make in ten years? In one year? In a month?"
~Unknown

Happy marriage!

Baltimore Venues and Vendors

Most wedding planners will tell you that networking is key in this industry. It’s a great way to visit local venues and meet other great industry professionals. Tuesday evening I attended a networking meeting at the Rolling Road Golf Club in Catonsville hosted by Maryland Wedding Professional Association. Let me just say that this venue is gorgeous and unlike most golf and country clubs, you do not have to be a member to host your wedding or event there. The Georgian style clubhouse was recently remodeled and has a wraparound veranda that's perfect for pictures.

While at the meeting I also met the owner of Caricatures by Rick Wright. As you can see from the photo he does an awesome job drawing a person’s likeness. This is a great idea for a rehearsal dinner or other smaller gatherings. He will even pre-print the couple’s name and wedding date on the paper. How fun would it be for members of your wedding party to leave with a caricature of themselves as a memento from your wedding? Or why not have one of you…the happy couple…and use in a signature mat for all your guest to sign at your reception. I’m sure it would be a conversation starter. Visit his blog to see more of his work.

Happy planning!

Monday Marriage Quote

Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Monday Marriage Quote

Many married couples will tell you that marriage is about compromise and sacrifice but I think this quote explains why.

When you make a sacrifice in marriage, you're sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship.

~ Joseph Campbell

Jane & Eddie are getting married

Meet our clients Jane and Eddie who are getting married later this year. The talented Jen Lowe of JLowe Photos photographed their engagement session at Patterson Park in Baltimore. Below are a few of my favorite shots but CLICK HERE to see the slideshow Jen put together.

Thanks Jen! Awesome job as usual. Can't wait for their wedding.

Dress for your Rehearsal Dinner

Somes brides put a lot of thought and attention into finding the perfect wedding dress (which I completely understand of course) but forget to search for a cute dress to wear to their wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Your friends and family will be snapping tons of pictures throughout the night so why not have on a fabulous dress as you pose for your papparazi.


How about this one for $118 at Nordstrom

or this one for $168 at White House/Black Market (I know it isn't all white but it's still cute)

Happy shopping!

Monday Marriage Quote

When you make a sacrifice in marriage, you're sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship.

~Joseph Campbell

Happy 4th of July

Wishing you and your family a fun {and safe} holiday weekend.

{photo: J. Lowe photos}

Reception or After Party Wedding Dress

I came across this gorgeous Diane von Furtenberg dress on Nordstrom.com and thought it would be great for as reception or after party wedding dress. The lace detail may be the perfect compliment to your wedding gown. And at $495 it's a steal compared to what you'd probably spend on other dresses.

Why not pair it with these metalic Betsey Johnson sandals found at DSW.com which are also a steal at $150.

Happy Shopping.

Happy Anniversary to April & Joshua

Sunday, June 28th marked the one year wedding anniversary for April and Joshua who were married at Grey Rock Mansion last summer. We worked with this couple for almost a year to plan their beautiful nuptuals. Click here to see all the prior blog posts about their wedding. They recently moved to another state to pursue their careers. We wish them much happiness in their new city and many more anniversaries to come.