Howerton+Wooten Events Blog. The musings of a Maryland Wedding and Event Planner

Grooms Appreciate Wedding Planners

Very often, we are blessed with kindness and thank you notes from brides, mothers of the bride and mothers of the groom.

But, it really does speak to our heart when the grooms take a moment to tell us how much they appreciate us.  Here are some of our favorite 2010 comments/notes.

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At the end of one of our May weddings, the groom said to his bride, "Sheesh, Kay made sure this day was one of the best days of my life!"

The week before our July 17th wedding, John said, "I don't want to sound like Kelly Clarkson, but my life would suck without you."

Right after another July wedding, Cecil said the following to my husband (he's a part of the tear down crew) -- "Chris, you have an amazing wife!"

And, shortly after our final wedding of the season, Amy wrote, " . . . In the beginning, Sean didn't see why we needed a planner.  But, after we left our wedding, he told me that our planner was the best money we spent!"

 

Wow.  I just got goosebumps.  Thanks so much for your kindness guys!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

Wedding Day Love for Martina and Cecil

Today, I am showing some wedding day love for Martina and Cecil.  Martina and Cecil got married on July 17th of this year.  Their ceremony took place in the park near the Netherlands Carillon, and their reception took place at the Top of the Town in Arlington, Virginia.

  

This picture of Martina is so hot!  She was a gorgeous bride (on the inside and out).  I probably told her 100 times how great she looked in her wedding gown.  And, her beautiful spirit really touched my entire team.

 

 

This photo was taken in front of the Palomar Hotel, located in Rosslyn (or Arlington), Virginia.  Martina's make-up was the work of Teresa Atchison with Summark Faces.

All of the wedding day flowers were the talented work of Enchanted Florist.  I have to give a shout out to Melissa -- She is fantastic!

 

The bride's mother was the matron of honor.  You can spend five minutes with the Martina's mom, and you will know exactly where Martina got her good looks and her beautiful spirit.

 

One of my favorite things about weddings near the Netherlands Carillon -- the view of the Washington DC monuments.

 

The same goes for Top of the Town.  Here is a view of the Washington DC skyline.  I believe that their wedding photographer, Michelle Lindsay, took this picture from the Top of the Town's deck during the wedding reception.

 

Speaking of DC monuments, Martina and Cecil took some of their wedding day pictures near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

 

Martina and Cecil are leaning against the Lincoln Memorial in this picture.  This is one of my favorite photos of them.

 

The wedding cake was created by Kendall's Cakes.  And, I must tell you that this cake was pretty AND yummy.  I am sure that I had more than one slice on the following day.

 

The gold detailing on the wedding cake was lovely. 

 

This picture is fantastic.  I think this picture looks like an ad for champagne or an engagement ring.

 

Martina and Cecil, thank you so much for allowing us to take such good care of you on your wedding day.  This day truly was our pleasure!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photos: Michelle Lindsay Photography)

Washington Post's Wedding Video Series

The Washington Post has a video series that profiles Washington DC area couples getting ready to walk down the aisle -- from how they met to their first date to where they shared their first kiss.

Their premiere episode took place last June.  You can check out some of the videos here.

New couples are being featured every Thursday.  And, I must tell you -- some of the videos made me laugh and smil.  But, one video made me cry a little.  Can you guess which one?

If you are interested in submitting highlights of your own engagement romance, send a message to onlove@washpost.com

You never know!  You just might be featured in an upcoming video!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

Funny Wedding Proposals

While perusing the web last year, I came across some wedding proposal videos that made me smile.  so many of them have gone viral, and some of them only got a little response.

Below are some of the wedding proposals that made me smile last year.

Both of my grandmoms loved Bob Barker and The Price is Right, so this wedding proposal was guaranteed to make me chuckle.

Quite frankly, I find the snowman costumes kind of creepy, but I love this guy's courage and creativity.

This is just cute to me.

 

There are so many other funny wedding proposals that have gone viral.  Do you have any to share?

Have a great weekend!  Love and Soul Always, Kay

Peacock-Inspired Blue and Green Wedding Decor

A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of planning a wedding for one of THE BEST couples.  I smile every time I think of them.

Their blue and green wedding design was inspired by the colors of a peacock.

This picture of the bridesmaids is one of my favorites.  The combination of their wedding day jewelry and their lovely saris made for pure eye candy.
 

 

Each table had its own design.  As you can see, this table's blue and green decor was accented by gold napkins and gold chairs.

Here is a closer look of the same table before the catering staff finished setting them for dinner.

 
Half of the tables were designed with lime green table linen with gold napkins.  The centerpieces for these tables were crystal trees.

The bride and groom had their peacock Cake Topper made by an artist on Etsy.  It was so cute, and it was such a fun way to showcase the inspiration for their wedding reception design.

Here is another picture of their wedding cake.

Here is a picture of the sweetheart table.  For those of you located in the DC area, you can easily tell that this wedding reception took place at the Galleria at Lafayette Centre.

Enjoy!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photos: Erin Marie Photography)
 

Wedding Day Love for Michelle and Anthony

Michelle is one of our many “long distance” brides.  We helped her plan her Maryland wedding while she lived and worked in New Jersey.

  

We could tell from the minute we met Michelle that we were going to love her.  She and her groom, Anthony, have such a beautiful spirit.

  

 

Our team helped Michelle and Anthony plan their wedding (from soup to nuts) in four months, but no one could tell!  Their wedding was just as thoughtful and pretty as a wedding planned over a year.

  

 

And I must admit that I am a fan of their fall-themed reception.

  

  

 
The miniature white pumpkins, the leaf-shaped well wishes, the apple cider with cinnamon sticks, and the orange and cranberry flowers were ideal for a chilly November afternoon.

 

And, the wedding reception ended with all of the guests jamming in a soul train line.  My kind of party!

 

Thank you so much Michelle and Anthony.  We had a blast planning your day!

 

 

Love & Soul Always, Kay

 

 

Wedding Day Photos were taken by Jason Knauer Photography.

 

Reporter Botches Wedding Proposal

I know this video is almost three years old, but it gets me everytime I watch it.  What was this guy thinking?!?

Guys, if you plan to propose to your girl, don't tell this reporter.  He will flub up your moment, and not even realize he did it.  Ugh!

Reporter Botches Wedding Proposal | Sports | SPIKE.com

Have a great weekend!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

"My Advice To You Secretary Clinton -- Hire A Professional"

Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), along with other Capitol Hill officials, took a moment this week to congratulate Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her daughter's recent engagement to Mark Mezvinsky.

Senator Kerry stated, "I did want to mention — congratulations on Chelsea’s engagement.  I just finished playing wedding planner for my younger daughter (Vanessa), and my advice to you is — hire a professional.”

Senator Kerry, you are a smart man!  Thank you!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photo: NY Daily News)

Links to Love This Week

 

At the end of the year, I tend to be extremely thoughtful about my life and the occurrences of the year.  So, I feel quite comfortable in saying that this blog post (by Lara Casey) is just what the doctor ordered.

One of my most beloved colleagues (from my past life) got married recently.  She was stunning.  Her groom was handsome, and her wedding was just beautiful.  Here is the link to the pictures from her wedding photographer's blog.

Beautiful (inside and out) planner Eliana is hosting a fun giveaway to celebrate the launch of her new company EllyB Events (formerly By Your Side Events).  The giveaway is open to anyone that leaves a comment on her blog.  Click here to read all the giveaway details.  Hurry!  The giveaway ends on Sunday!

My little guy loves origami, so we are trying to make the origami cranes covered in glitter that I found on the Zakka Life blog.  I am sure our kitchen floor will be quite sparkly after this project.

One of my favorite Wedding Planning friends, Laura Auer, has a wedding planning quiz that reminds me of the old Glamour or Cosmo Magazine quizzes.  If you are a bride, check it out.

Do you have any good links to share this week?

Love and Soul Always, Kay

Sweet Potato-Praline/Vanilla, Bourbon-Butterscotch Layered Cake

That was the wedding cake flavor of the Biggest Loser couple, Nicole Brewer and Damien Gurganious.

I don't get excited about many cake flavors, but this one did it for me.  Everything about this cake makes my sweet tooth ache.  Oh!!!

There are no pictures available of their wedding cake yet, but I found a similar recipe worth sharing on the Serial Cooking blog.

Congrats Nicole and Damien!  I wish you a lifetime of happiness, good health and plenty of good lovin'

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photo: NBC)