Destination -- Florida!

September started off so nicely with a trip to Orlando, Florida, for my husband to officiate at the wedding of Caitlin Metzger & Ryan Lavrusky.  We've know Caitlin for about 18 years and were honored to be included in the wedding in this way.  We were so excited, too!!!  Despite the rain that moved the ceremony inside the building, it was a beautiful wedding for this young couple.  

The happy couple at the rehearsal dinner at Bella Tuscany.

About 85 friends and family gathered at "The Pines of Windermere" to share in this celebration with Caitlin & Ryan. Not a dry eye in the place as we remembered Caitlin's mom, Lori, and knew that she was with Caitlin in her heart and through all the laughter that was shared that day.  Lori would be so proud of her daughter and the lovely woman she is becoming!

Caitlin's aunts Michelle & Annette were making sure everything went as planned and the wedding coordinator in me was ready to help with whatever was needed that day.

They were able to take a few pictures outside between the raindrops!

Caitlin & Ryan with Caitlin's brother, Nathan, and her father, Phil.

Recapping their story.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?!

Prayer over Caitlin & Ryan as they share in this new life together!

Water ceremony -- water from where they each grew up, 

combined now to use for their children's baptisms.

You may kiss your bride!!

First dance as husband and wife!

After the wedding festivities one day and a pool party the next day at Caitlin & Ryan's apartment complex, our family was able to enjoy extra time in Florida and went to WDW's Magic Kingdom and SeaWorld!

Caitlin & Ryan -- we wish you many, many happy years together!  

Thank you,

Lexi

Real Wedding -- Intan & John's Spring Wedding!

On Saturday, April 20, Miss Intan Purwanti became the bride of Mr. John Limbacher on a beautiful spring day!  Their black and white themed wedding, with pops of red and yellow (yellow as a nod to John's favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers!), was very simple and elegant!

The lovely and heartfelt wedding ceremony was at Rockville Christian Church.

Reception was held at Woodlawn Manor -- a beautiful setting for a spring wedding!

Beautiful father & daughter moment.  He was beaming with love for his daughter!

Guests were out on the dance floor having a great time!!!

Thanks to these wedding professionals for providing their services for this wedding:
The Savory Spoon Catering Co., www.thesavoryspooncatering.com
Woodlawn Manor, www.montgomeryparks.org
Zareth Acosta Photography, www.zadesignz.com
Blossom and Basket Boutique, www.blossomandbasketboutique.com
DJ Don Entertainment, onemildol@msn.com
5iveStart Media Productions,www.5starvideo.com
ZBest Limousine Service, www.zbestlimo.com

How to Avoid Disaster!!

In the Winter/Spring issue of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, there is a great article called "Weathering the Storm" about avoiding natural disasters!

With the hurricane season officially starting, here on the East Coast, in less than a month, anyone hosting an event during the summer and early fall months really should be considering a "Plan B"!!

Most of the hurricanes typically affect those locales along the coast, but even in Central Maryland, we have been exposed to the force of hurricanes and strong weather!

The magazine article offers these questions to ask your venue and wedding /event professionals that you have hired for your special event!

1.  Ask the venue whether there is a standard backup plan in the case of low power, burst pipes, or bad weather.

2.  If you are planning an outdoor affair, always have an indoor location locked down and the means to make the switch.  Your wedding/event planner should handle these details, once set, not you.

3.  Make a list of all of your guests' contact information -- include emails, land lines, and cell numbers -- and have extra copies so you can delegate a phone tree if necessary.

4.  Be direct when asking your caterer, coordinator, and any other event professionals whether they can provide their services should the need for a contingency plan arise.  Better to hear a "no" up front than on the day of the wedding, in the midst of chaos!!

The article goes on to say that really the most important thing is not to "freak out" if an unforeseen disaster does put a dent in your plans!  Just know that at the end of your wedding day, you will still be married to the one you love and cherish -- and will have a great story to share with your grandchildren!!!

Comment below if you had a disaster (or near disaster) occur that changed your wedding or event plans or if you have any special "Plan B" plans for your upcoming wedding or event!!!


Thank you to www.washingtonian.com "Bride & Groom" for this information!

Winery Wedding!

We were able to attend as guests (!) a small wedding at a winery in Virginia earlier in early March.  While my husband performed the ceremony, it was so nice to be there as a guest and not as the coordinator!  The bride thought of everything and it was a beautiful, intimate affair!

The Early Mountain Winery in Madison, VA (near Charlottesville) provided a romantic setting for this wedding. A beautiful, sunny day matched the sunny disposition of all who attended!  The afternoon setting sun provided perfect lighting for pictures and the flow from late afternoon into evening. 

With about 30 people in attendance, the room was filled with love for Brook & Eugene as they shared their promises to each other in marriage.

 

The wine barrels flanked the fireplace for the focal point of the ceremony. 

On one were pictures of loved ones with a memorial candle and the other held the unity candle.

 

 

Placecards followed the theme of rustic charm.

 

 

 

One of a matching set which were placed at the entrance of the aisle that

Brook and her father walked down.

 

 

 

The other side of the ballroom area was set for the dinner reception.

 

 

 

Beautiful cake!!

 

 

 

 

The hallway area which joined the winery to the ballroom was a perfect location for the cocktail hour before the wedding and then for guests to pick up favors at the end of the evening!  Brook and Eugene provided personalized bottles of water, small bottles filled with mint M&M's in their blue & white colors, packages of red licorice, individual tea bags, mason jars with hot chocolate mix already measured out (just add hot water!) and monogrammed paper bags for easy carrying!

 

 

Thank you to Brook and Eugene for a beautiful wedding!

We were delighted to a be a part of this special day!

 

 

 

 

Rustic Chic and Traditional!

Bride Caitlin Vandegrift and groom Jake Brandenburg were greeted with a beautiful day for their August 2012 wedding.  The ceremony was held at Christ Reformed United Church of Christ in Myersville, MD, and the reception was at Thorpewood in Thurmont, MD.

 

Adorable ring bearer and flower girl getting ready to walk down the aisle!

 

 

 

The Bride & Groom enjoying a quiet moment after the ceremony!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colors of navy blue & coral looked beautiful with the rustic setting of Thorpewood!

 

 

 

Everyone enjoyed the music provided by Shew-sical Entertainment!

 

 

 

The happy couple has bought a house and are enjoying getting settled into their happily ever after!!

 

 

Professionals who provided services for this wedding were:

 

Photographer, Kelly Hahn Photography

Florist, Blossom and Basket Boutique

Reception Venue, Thorpewood

Catering & Desserts, Canapes

Transportaion, A Touch of Class Limousines

DJ, Shew-sical Entertainment Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romantic Wedding!

Happy New Year to you all!!!  I send my best wishes to you all for a wonderful 2013!  Hope it's aready off to a good start for you!! 

One of the beautiful weddings I had this past fall was in late September in Frederick, Maryland.  Megan Richter became the bride of Kevin MacCauley.  Getting ready at her home, Megan was so excited to share this day with her friends and family!  With an adorable flower girl dreaming of her own wedding day as she gazed at Megan, the bride and her attendants enjoyed spending that time together before the wedding!

      

         

       

 

 

Megan & Kevin exchanged their vows on a lovely September afternoon at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in downtown Frederick.  Family friend on the groom's side, Father Mick, officiated at the service. 

 

 

 

Pictures were done outside at the reception site while guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the veranda overlooking the golf course and enjoying the warm September sunshine!

Beautiful setting for this reception --

the colors of champagne, ivory & black looked great with the room decor!

 

 

 

Such a happy bride and groom!

 

Enjoying dancing to great music!!



Friends visited the photo booth!!

 

 

This truly was a beautiful wedding -- and the couple is now enjoying their happily ever after!

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

From the bride: "Lexi is incredibly personable, professional and thorough, leaving no detail behind.  She's extremely knowledgeable about all wedding day aspects and has expertise in both ceremony and reception details.  Most importantly, she felt like a partner in the wedding planning process. My mother and I were able to relax and enjoy the day without worry because we trusted Lexi. We highly recommend Lexi, she's amazing!"

 

Thank you, Megan and Kevin for allowing me to a part of your very special day!

 

 

Other wedding professionals who were part of Megan & Kevin's wedding were:

Flowers created by Ory Custom Florals

Photography and Photo Booth provided by Susan Solo Photography

Reception Location & Catering Musket Ridge Golf Course, Myersville, MD

DJ and Lighting from Brian King Productions

Cake created by Angel Cakes and Cupcakes

Invitations and Printed Menus by The Organized Bride 

Guest Transportation by On the Town Limousines

Are you prepared, just in case?!

Have you thought about purchasing special insurance for your upcoming wedding or event?!  In a recent issue of a wedding magazine, that question was asked, and answered.

If you cancel your event because of a sudden illness or bad weather prevents someone crucial (like the groom) from traveling, or a busted pipe floods your venue, basic insurance will reimburse the costs your site and vendors won't.  There are also other types of insurance you can easily and inexpensively add on, including loss-of-deposit coverage, in case a vendor closes its business after receiving a deposit from you or doesn't show up, reimbursement for speical attire that was lost or danaged before the event; and photography insurance, which actually pays to reassemble everyone, plus flowers and cake, for new shots if your original photographer doesn't deliver.

I'd encourage you to get additional special event coverage if you are paying big deposits early on or if one of you has an unpredictable job (like the military).  Coverage also can cover weather problems that come up.  Premiums can be as low as $200.  Check with your individual insurance agent about what he/she can offer so you can be protected on one of the most important days of your life!

Lexi