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

Co Co Sala

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I definitely l have chocolate on the brain.  So, I decided to share some pics from my site visit at Co Co Sala last year.

Like I said, this place is known for its chocolate.  This restaurant is often referred to as a "chocolate boutique."  If you take one look below these glass counters, you will know why the name, "chocolate boutique" is well deserved! 

Another view of the chocolate on display. 

The sugar sculptures located in the niches are fabulous!  They are basically edible pieces of Modern Art!  

This is not the best picture of this area, but I wanted you to see the golden silk curtains.  These curtains can enclose this seating area, and make it a private area large enough for 32 people (seated). 

This restaurant has a lounge area with two bars on each side.  I think the red cube chairs in this seating area are so much fun -- casual and hot.

  

Co Co. Sala has additional function space -- Some of it is perfect for those of you who may want to enjoy their food AND a completely private space.

This is their gallery.  I believe that it can comfortably accommodate 50 people. 
 

They also have a patio garden.  I like the urban look of this space, but I suspect that this area has the potential to be a little loud. 

And, this is the restaurant's rooftop space.  Nice, right?

 

 

Here is the view from the rooftop.  I wish the view was a "teensy bit" better.  But overall, I think this is a very stylish option for a rehearsal dinner or a small wedding reception.

Love and Soul Always, Kay

(Photos: My pitiful attempts at photography) 

Wedding Day Love for Carolyn and John

Today, I am showing some Wedding Day love to one of the loveliest couples I have every met! -- Carolyn and John.

 
Carolyn and John were married at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Washington, DC.  St. Augustine happens to be the first church I attended when I moved to the DC are.  It is definitely one of my favorites.  (I just wish they had better parking!)

  

 

This is probably my favorite ceremony picture.  Can't you just imagine what she was thinking at that moment?

 

Their wedding reception took place at National Geographic Society Museum.  If you know Carolyn and John, then you know that this is the perfect venue for them.

 
 

 

The DJ rocked the wedding reception.  And, you can definitely tell that they had a great time!

 

Stephen Bobb of Love Life Images took some excellent pictures of the wedding party throughout Washington, DC.

I must tell you that I have never noticed these bikes before.  Of course, I see them all of the time now! 

 

 

Some of my favorite wedding pictures were taken in the Dupont Street Metro Station.

 
 

This is such an awesome shot in the metro station.  Don't you just love how the escalator light illuminates the bottom of Carolyn's gown?
 

Thank you so much for allowing us to take care of your wedding day, Carolyn and John.  Your wedding day was awesome -- just like the two of you!  Like I said, Stephen Bobb at Love Life Images is awesome!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

(Photos: Love Life Images)

The Knot Best of Weddings 2011

We are thrilled to share that Howerton+Wooten Events has been chosen as a Best of Weddings 2011 winner by The Knot!

Thank you to all of our amazing couples who spoke on our behalf!  We are honored and humbled by your votes and reviews.

We can't wait to take good care of our weddings in 2011 and 2012!  It's going to be awesome!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

Oxon Hill Manor

Last year, my team and I had the pleasure of taking care of a wedding at the Oxon Hill Manor in Fort Washington, Maryland.

 
The manor sits high on a hill with a really nice view of the Potomac River, the National Harbor and parts of DC.

 
The grounds include formal English gardens, rose bushes surrounding a reflecting pool, and a large brick patio.

 
This entrance into the garden is one of my favorites.

 

 
Here is the lawn.  There are so many places on their grounds for a lovely wedding ceremony.

 This is a picture of the same lawn (just an opposite point of view) with a wedding ceremony taking place.

  This brick patio is a great option for a ceremony, or cocktails or the actual dinner reception.

If you wanted your musicians to play while the guests are enjoying cocktails, you could consider placing them under this portico.

Here is one of the rooms available in the Oxon Hill Manor.  The dark room through the doors is called the Library.

 
 
The pictures above are the third room available.  As you can see from the picture above, couples typically use this third room for dancing. 

The venue's staircase ascends from the first floor hallway.  I think I love the staircase more for architectural pictures though.

Finally, the Oxon Hill Manor has a spacious bridal suite.  It is definitely large enough for your entire bridal party.

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Pictures: Morningstar Photography and some of the Pictures are My Pitiful Attempts at Photography)

Emma Wedding Dress Collection by Punk Rock Bride

If you haven't seen the new line of affordable wedding dresses created by Punk Rock Bride, you should check them out!

Emma was formed in 2010 by the creators of Punk Rock Bride, who wanted to give brides an alternative to the traditional wedding dress for a reasonable price.

But, don't worry -- You won't sacrifice the luxury or drama of a wedding dress just because it cost less than $1,000.  All of the dresses in the Emma collection feature the same fun "edge" as the original Punk Rock Bride line.

I really like the length and the material used to create this A-line wedding dress, called Sophie.  The main layer is created with silk georgette, and the skirt includes two additional layers of silk chiffon.

 

 
If you know me, you probably know that I hated my wedding gown because of a big bow on the back.  Well, call me crazy, but I really like the bow on the back of this dress, called Jamie.

This is my second time professing my admiration for a Punk Rock Bride dress.  Punk Rock Bride takes a unique approach to traditional wedding gowns by incorporating non-traditional fabrics and mixing multiple layers to add texture and depth to every design.

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photos: Punk Rock Bride)

Wedding Day Love for Meredith and Ben

We had the privilege of taking care of Meredith and Ben's wedding in May of this year.

Meredith and I first met when we worked together in the Cable TV industry.  I was "beyond thrilled" when she asked me to take care of her wedding.

 

Meredith started off her wedding day with a make-up application from Nyke at Divine Cre8ions.  She opted for an "Old Hollywood" look.

 

This picture gives you a great view of Meredith's make-up and her vintage earrings.  (so lovely)

 

The wedding bouquets (created by Petals Edge Floral Design) were absolutely luscious!  Gerry incorporated Magnolia leaves into the bouquet to represent Meredith and Ben's Kentucky background.

 

This is one of my favorite pictures.  It shows off the ladies' attire and their gorgeous bouquets.

 

The wedding cake (made by Amphora Bakery) was simple, elegant and so tasty!  But, the darling of the night was the chocolate groom's cake in the shape of a UK football!

 
 

The wedding ceremony was supposed to take place in the outdoor courtyard of the Sheraton Suites in Old Town Alexandria.  But, one minute (yes, I said one minute) after the ceremony was supposed to begin, the wind started blowing, and the rain came down.
 
Luckily, our team was able to change and re-set a new ceremony location within 14 minutes.  Yes, I said we did it in 14 minutes.  My team rocks!!

Fortunately, Meredith, Ben and their families had THE BEST demeanor and a fantastic sense of humor.  Here is the bride and groom in their new ceremony location.

 

In fact, the rest of the evening was filled with dancing . . .

 

 

And, joyful, loving emotions.

 

Thank you so much to Meredith and Ben for allowing Howerton+Wooten Events to be a part of your special day!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

PS. Please tell your awesome mom, Bonnie, that we said hi!  She was so wonderful to work with on your wedding preparations.  We couldn't have asked for a better Mother of the Bride.

(Photos: JA Laub Photography)

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)

Rehearsal Dinner -- Movie in the Park

 
Doesn't a picnic with friends, while watching an old movie sound like a fun evening?!?

I think so!

In fact, I think this would be a great option for your rehearsal dinner.  It's casual, it's entertaining and it's a fun way to bring people together.

Here's how you do it --

1. Invite your wedding party to dinner and movies in the park.  Include the park details, the movie details, the picnic menu, the weather details, and let them know how to find you in the park.

2. Pack an awesome picnic dinner.  Complete with drinks, dessert, and utensils.

3. Arrive early.  Designate a central location.  And, mark it with a flag to let your wedding party know where you are located.

4. Enjoy the movie!

 

If you decide to hold your rehearsal dinner in the park, remember to bring the following --

1. Bug Spray

2. Blankets

3. Lawn Chairs (if you prefer not to sit on the blanket)

4. Bottle Openers and Wine Stoppers

5. Trash Bags (for all of your dinner utensils, plates, and trash)

6. Golf Umbrellas (just in case)

7. Binoculars (for people watching)

8. A Great Picnic Dinner (easy bite-size items are probably the best)

9. Wine, Beer and Sodas

10. Popcorn, Cracker Jacks and/or Movie-Size Boxes of Candy (you can find the movie-size boxes of candy in stores like Five Below)

11. Wet Wipes, Napkins, and Shout (for the little food mishaps)

If you live in the Washington, DC area, check out this list of outdoor movie events scheduled during the summer months.  I checked the internet and found similar movie options in just about all of the major US cities with large parks and beaches.

Enjoy!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photo: Washingtonian)

Silver Swan Bayside

Last month, I had the opportunity to check out the Silver Swan Bayside in Stevensville, Maryland with my July 2011 bride and groom, Sharon and Mark.

 

I visited this venue two years ago, and I drove away thinking "bleh."  It was dark and dated.

As life would have it, they are completing the final stages of a renovation, and I am happy to report that this former restaurant feels much brighter, fresh, and just right for a small wedding on the bay.  In fact, the venue feels very comfortable and relaxed -- I know my couple is going to have a fun night!

 
Your guests would have a great view of the Chesapeake Bay during your wedding ceremony.

I took this picture right before another planner started setting up.  As you can see, you are permitted to use petals.  In an effort to respect the bay, the venue asks that you use fresh petals instead of the synthetic ones.

 
If you ever visited the Silver Swan Bayside in the past, you know that this tented patio is new.  This space allows ample space for a bar, a cocktail reception, and there is a permanent dance floor at the far end.

 
Here is a view of the tented patio if you were standing near the dance floor.  The glass doors to the left of this patio lead into the venue's dining room.

 
This dining room definitely received a face-lift.  If you have been here before, you will notice that the room is brighter, the big bar is gone, and the floors were replaced. The chiavari chairs are included -- and so is complimentary valet parking!

 
The Silver Swan Bayside is located at the Queen Anne Marina.  I had the pleasure of traveling to (and from) this venue on my bride and groom's boat.  (Wouldn't that make for a great send-off!)

If you are interested in checking this venue out, give Taylor a call at (410) 643-2021. 

Tell her that Kay at Howerton+Wooten Events sent you!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

(Photo: My pitiful attempts at photography)

 

 

The dining room offers great views of the Chesapeake Bay.

Check In with Howerton+Wooten Events at FourSquare during the Bethesda Bridal Showcase

If you are planning to attend the Washington Bridal Showcase this Sunday, be sure to check-in at the Howerton+Wooten Events booth on Foursquare!

We're thrilled to be utilizing this location-based social network during the Bridal Showcase in Bethesda, Maryland.  We cannot wait to connect with you at the show!

 

 

Here's what you need to do!

• Stop by and say hello!  We are in Booth #103!
• Check-in with your mobile device and pick up a Howerton+Wooten Events gift
• Learn about all of the great services that our award-winning team has to offer.

If you unlock the Howerton+Wooten Events' Mayor badge at the conclusion of the Fashion Show, you will win a swag bag filled with Wedding Planning Goodness!  We will award one bag to one mayor at the conclusion of each of the fashion shows.

Here are the Bridal Show details --

Washington Bridal Showcase
Sunday, September 19, 2010
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda, MD

 

We look forward to "checking in" with you on September 19th!

Love & Soul Always, Kay