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.

Monday Marriage Quote

I thought the quote below was a perfect reminder to couples to remember what the wedding is really about.

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance. A church filled with family and friends. I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for. He said one that would make me his wife.
~Author Unknown

Wedding Hair Accessories

If you're looking for beautiful hair combs to accesorize your wedding day hairdo then you'll love these by Sara Gabriel. These can be purchased in the Baltimore area through Betsy Robinson's Bridal and Gamberdella Bridal Salon and in the DC/Northern VA area at Terri Lynn Bridal, Hannelore's Of Olde Town and Katherine's Bridal Boutique.

Perfect for a beach wedding is the Ariel comb:


The Ashleigh Pin:


The Marielle Pin:



The Trillium Pin:


Happy shopping!

Congratulations Eboni & Nathaniel

Eboni & Nathaniel (Nate for short) were married during an evening ceremony at Grey Rock Mansion on Saturday. Although the weather called for rain all day we were fortunate that the rain held off, the sun came out and the couple was able to wed outside in front of the gazebo.

We added coral to their Tiffany blue and brown wedding color scheme to give it a fresh look for summer.

The personalized aisle runner painted by the bride


The escort table in the mansion's foyer.


Tables in the ballroom during cocktail hour


We alternated tall and low centerpieces on the guest tables for the reception. All of the floral arrangements for this wedding were created by My Flower Box


The couple's wedding cake


Eboni & Nate wanted a candy buffet


We passed out sparklers and personalized matches for their grand exit


Congratulations again to Eboni & Nate. Hope you're having a wonderful time in the Bahamas. We'll post professional pics as soon as we receive them from their photographer.

Monday Marriage Quote

Marriage is the hardest thing you will ever do. The secret is removing divorce as an option. Anybody who gives themselves that option will get a divorce.

~Will Smith (11 years into his second marriage)

Betsy Robinson's Girls Night Out

If you've been thinking about visiting Betsy Robinson's Bridal Salon for your designer wedding gown and accessories, then you'll love this. They are hosting a Girls Night Out event for brides and bridesmaids at their bridal salon in Pikesville, MD on Thursday, June 25th.

Monday Marriage Quote

Everyone will tell you that no marriage will ever be perfect. I think the key is to remember this quote I found recently. It makes perfect sense to me.

Motto for the bride and groom:
We are a work in progress with a lifetime contract.
~Phyllis Koss

Follow us on Twitter

If you like reading the Affairs With Elegance blog but would also like to know what else we're up to on a daily basis then follow us on Twitter. If you're on Twitter and you're one of our current/past clients or a vendor we've worked with, let us know. We'd love to follow you too.

Monday Marriage Quote

I love the following quote. It further explains my belief that marriage isn't just about getting married. There is still plenty to do AFTER the ceremony and reception.

We can't do ourselves justice by letting our tribute end in the wedding ceremony. You have to move from ceremony to sacrament. Sacrament takes up where ceremony leaves off. Ceremony is like putting a ring on her finger at the wedding, but sacrament is ringing her life with love and joy every day and every hour.

~ Rev. Joseph Lowery

Monday Marriage Quote

The secret to having a good marriage is to understand that marriage must be total, it must be permanent, and it must be equal.

~Frank Pittman

Happy Anniversary Stephanie & Walter

Usually on Mondays we do a marriage quote but today is such a special day that I thought we would skip it this week. Instead I'd like to wish Stephanie and Walter Happy Anniversary! It was one year ago today that they became husband and wife.

They were such a pleasure to work with and were so much in love. I keep in touch with the bride and since their wedding they've purchased their first home and now have a cute little puppy. I'm sure their family is waiting for the next BIG news that usually follows marriage :)

Congratulations Stephanie and Walter! Wishing you many more years to come!

Wedding Rehearsal - Who should attend?

With most weddings taking place on Saturdays the wedding rehearsals are usually on Fridays. So I thought this was the perfect post for today. I’m often asked by my clients who should attend their wedding rehearsal. The short answer is anyone who has a role in the actual wedding ceremony. I’ve provided a longer answer below.

1. Bride & Groom: Of course, you two are a given for attending the rehearsal since you are a key component to the ceremony. You will need to practice the processional, being given away, when to hand off the bouquet, etc.

2. Parents & Grandparents: Your parents and grandparents will also need to practice their entrance for the ceremony, lighting the unity candle (if applicable), where to sit once down the aisle, etc.

3. Wedding Party: Your wedding party consists of maid/matron of honor(s), bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, etc. They are your supporting cast and will also need to practice walking down the aisle (together or separately), the recessional, where to stand, etc.

4. Officiant: The person who will marry you should attend the rehearsal. They will need to know how they are walking to the alter, chuppah, etc. and with whom (groom, groom and best man, etc.). They will be able to explain various points in the ceremony to the bride and groom based on your ceremony program.

5. Singers & Musicians: They should attend the rehearsal for a couple of reasons. You and your wedding party will want to practice walking to the actual music you’ll walk to for the processional. The soloist or singers will have the opportunity to sing and get comfortable with the musical accompaniment and sound system.

6. Readers: While their role may seem smaller in comparison to those listed above, they still should attend the rehearsal. They will need to get comfortable with the microphone and sound system as well as know where to sit to easily make their way to the front to read the scripture or poem.

7. Hostesses & Ushers: They usually greet your guests, hand out programs, seat guests, etc. While this probably doesn’t require much direction, it’s nice for them to attend the rehearsal so that they know exactly where to be, what to do and the tasks you’ve chosen for them.

Happy Planning!

Monday Marriage Quote

The divorce rate would be lower if instead of marrying for better or worse
people would marry for good.

~Ruby Dee

Monday Marriage Quote

Love is a feeling, Marriage is a contract, and a Relationship is work.
~Lori Gordon

Stephanie & Bobby - Part 2

We recently received the professional photos from the October wedding of Stephanie and Bobby from Jason Miccol Johnson Photography.

Stephanie and Bobby were married at Village Baptist Church in Bowie, MD. The bride taking her place with her groom after being given away by her father.


Can you tell how happy they are to see each other?


After being pronounced husband and wife, the couple jumped the broom.


The wedding party who were so much fun.


Stephanie and Bobby hosted their reception at Old South Country Club


Formal picture of the couple on the grand staircase


I love this picture which was taken during their first dance


Their sweetheart table with the golf course as a backdrop


Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs.




Congratulations again to THE HAPPY COUPLE! Click here to see the original blog post from their wedding.

Monday Marriage Quote

Let the wife make her husband glad to come home and let him make her sorry to see him leave.
~Martin Luther

Eventology 2009 - My trip to Indiana

Earlier this month, I posted that I was headed to Indianapolis for the educational conference Eventology. This was the first year for the conference which was the brain child of Katasha Butler, owner of K. Sherrie + Company.

While it was very educational, it was also fun to finally meet colleagues that I was only familiar with on Twitter and other social media. Below are a few pictures.

This is what I saw upon arriving at the Omni Hotel...a lobby full of wedding planners :)


A group of us at Harry & Izzy's for dinner


Some of the ladies hanging out during the networking cocktail event:

Jennifer of A Regal Affair in Texas, Saundra of planning...forever events in Indiana and Terrica of Fabuluxe in Georgia.

Later we headed to the Milk...a lounge that is decorated with all white decor.


The next day it was time to hit the books (so to speak) and learn a few things.


The speakers and conference hostess:

{from left: Terrica Skaggs, Katasha Butler, Saundra Hadley and Liene Stevens}

I had a great time and learned a lot. Click here to see the professional pictures that were photographed by the offical Eventology photoprapher, Jennifer Badalamenti of JK Photography.