Friday, October 23, 2015

A Brunch Wedding & Reception

One of the first questions most newly engaged couples get is "did you set a date?". In all honesty, if you are planning on getting married within a year of your engagement, that is one answer you should have ASAP. There are many factors to consider when selecting your venue and one should be the time of day you would like to get married. A unique, and cost effective option is a brunch wedding and reception. You are also more likely to get the date you both want. The most popular months of the year to get married are May-October, so venues and vendors tend to book up fast for those times. However, if you choose to get married during the morning to early afternoon, you may have a better chance of not only booking the venue you want but vendors as well.  Here a a few more reasons to consider a Brunch Wedding.

As I mentioned above, the most popular months to get married are May-October and the most popular times and days are Friday and Saturday evenings. The venue you like may be booked in the evening but maybe available mid morning to early afternoon. Another option is having it on a Sunday. These alternate options may even be a more cost effective as well.

From pancakes, sausage, eggs and biscuits to light sandwiches and finger foods, the food selection possibilities are endless. Don't forget Mimosas!

A brunch wedding is a great idea for smaller weddings. The setting is more intimate and allows for more interaction with family and friends.

If you want to make it a weekend event, you can get married on a Saturday morning and celebrate the rest of the weekend!






Monday, October 19, 2015

Fall Date Night Ideas

Let's be honest, there is nothing more fun and beautiful than Fall! The changing colors of the leaves, comfy sweaters and warm drinks in our hands just to name a few. It's also a great time to plan a romantic date with your special someone. Here are some ideas, so get out there and enjoy!


Have a picnic and don't forget a warm blanket



















 
Got to a college or high school football game













Make caramel apples



















cozy up to a fire




















Visit a harvest festival, pumpkin farm or wine festival




















Wear a couples Halloween costume























Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Prewedding Mother (and Mother in Law!) Bonding

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and time consuming, that is why it is so important to take time away from planning, and relax. What better way then to spend that time with your mother, mother in law or a special person in your life and let them know how much you appreciate them. This is a big day for them as well! Here are a few ideas:


Spend the weekend away 
At the beach, in a cabin or a favorite town




Have a Sleep Over
Wear your favorite PJ's, look at old pictures, watch movies and reminisce




                                                                   Have a Spa Day

There is nothing more relaxing than a massage!







Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Korenne & Eric Smith, MunaLuchi Bride Blog Featured Wedding


Maryland Mansion Wedding: Korenne + Eric Smith

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Korenne, a digital marketing manager and Eric Smith, a contract administrator loved planning their wedding together. Korenne had so many positive things to say about the incredible journey that is wedding planning. “For us, our wedding was the first time we truly felt like partners and we approached everything like a team.” What a phenomenal team they are. The two had an absolutely divine Maryland mansion wedding, the moments captured by Memories of Bliss Photography.
Wedding Date: May 3, 2015
Wedding Location: Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD
First Dance Song: “Giving You the Best That I've Got” by Anita Baker
Favorite Items on the Menu: The bacon wrapped scallops and lollipop lamb chops during cocktail hour and the prime rib during the main course. 
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
We met at Ozios Lounge in Washington, DC in September of 2012. I was there for a friend's birthday party. Eric happened to be nearby our table. We struck up a conversation, although Eric was very shy! I asked him to buy me a drink - which he refused to do since we had plenty of free drinks in our section. He challenged me and I knew there was something special about him. So, when he asked for my number at the end of the night, we went out on our first date the very next day!
 We got engaged on September 15, 2013. We had just moved in together. It was the day after I had thrown Eric a birthday party in our new apartment. As we were preparing to go to a wine festival, Eric went into our bedroom to get me an accessory for my outfit. He said, "My outfit was missing something." I didn't think that was strange because he always helps me get dressed! When Eric returned, he got down on one knee and proposed. I was very, very surprised! Little did I know, the weekend before, he asked my dad for my hand in marriage. My entire family was waiting for our phone call to get the official announcement. I was so surprised that they kept the secret from me for a whole week!
After the proposal, we went to the Vintage Virginia Wine Festival and enjoyed our first day as an engaged couple. Trump Winery even gave us a free bottle of Blanc de Blanc while at the event to help us celebrate.
 Wedding Style
My wedding dress is a fitted trumpet-style gown from Oleg Cassini. It is ivory lace with subtle pink applique flowers and a sweep train. 
My wedding dress was the first wedding detail I finalized. I went to David's Bridal with my mother, grandmother, Eric's grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. I tried on what seemed like a million dresses. The sales consultant suggested my wedding dress, but I was skeptical about the pink flowers. But as soon as I tried it on, I loved it immediately. And, by the reaction of everyone else when I exited the dressing room, I knew it was the one! As a surprise, my mother purchased the wedding dress for me.
As for bridal party gifts, the groomsmen received Gold bowties and the bridesmaid received vintage floral studs. 
Culture
We chose to jump the broom. We wanted a simple ceremony with traditional elements. We used the same broom my brother and sister in law had jumped for their wedding two years before. I loved that we were able to use it for our wedding. 
Memories
My favorite memory was walking back down the aisle with my husband, Eric by my side. Stevie Wonder's "As" was playing and everyone was cheering as we exited the atrium. It was such a great moment knowing we had the support of family, friends, and God in our union and I was truly overcome with joy. I cried the entire way, but I swear they were happy tears.
Help a bride-to-be out!
We recommend that engaged couples take the time to truly plan their event together. We took an entire year to plan. Brainstorm ideas together. Budget together. Go to the appointments together. We delegated responsibilities to each other and then discussed our findings in the evenings after work. Sometimes, we didn’t always agree. But we communicated constantly about what each of our priorities were and tried to meet those needs. When the wedding arrived, we could relax knowing we both were on the same page. 
Vendors
Wedding Planner and Florist: Prestigious Occasions
Photography: Memories of Bliss Photography
Ceremony and Reception: Newton White Mansion
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal
Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bride's Earrings: BHLDN
Bride's Necklace: JCrew
Hair: Arif Hair Salon
Makeup: Mod Girl Makeup
Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell via Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor
Brooch Bouquet: Lionsgate Designs
Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedos: Azad American Formalwear
Groom's Shoes: Hugo Boss
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Bakery
Caterer: Santoni's Catering
DJ: DJ Reece
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Article & Photo Credit: MunaLuchi.com