We experienced our first bridal show this past Sunday at the Patriot Center at George Mason University.  All I can say is WOW!  When researching the pros and cons of bridal shows, I heard mostly negative feedback from my fellow wedding industry friends.  They claimed it was too expensive (true) and brides only come for the swag offered by the exhibitors.  I decided to throw caution to the wind and move forward with my plans and I am happy to say, it was a good decision!

We arrived at 8:00 a.m. the day of the event and saw how small a 6'x8' space really is.  I am ashamed to say that my background is in interior design - I should know have know that is a small area and have planned accordingly.  Somehow my training did come in handy and we managed to get everything in (it was tight, but we did it)!

The floodgates (a/k/a front doors) opened at 11:00 a.m. and the crowds poured in.  Megan and I were swamped for several hours without a break in the action.  There were several slower times, but really no time at all where we weren't speaking with someone about their wedding.  We booked five appointments that day for consultations and my phone was crazy the next day with brides looking for appointments.  I have 12 pending contracts out right now just from this show and appointments the remainder of this week through next weekend for consultations.

My daughter, Megan, was a tremendous help to me that day.  She was wonderful with the brides.  She isn't involved in the business at all, but has absorbed enough information over the years that she handled herself like a pro.  I couldn't have done it without her.

Thanks to my husband, Rich, who hauled everything in from two vehicles and back to the vehicles following the show.  Thanks also to our other daughter, Jessica, who treated us to a relaxing dinner following the show. 

Would I do this again, absolutely (just maybe not til next year).

Kristen and PJ were married in November in Frederick, Maryland and held their reception at the historic Ceresville Mansion.  I enjoy working with all of my couples, but I loved working with this couple!

I have just launched a line of special occasion arrangements that can be delivered locally to your friends and loved ones (and maybe even yourself).   I get many phone calls throughout the year from people asking for a dozen roses or a birthday bouquet to be delivered.  I always turned these folks away explaining that I was only a "wedding designer".  I suddenly realized that this was something I could offer.  Please see my website to place your order.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, happy and healthy New Year!

Irena and Eddie were married this past October at the Newseum in Washington, DC.  Irena carried a hand-tied bouquet of Star 2000 roses and cream hypericum berries.



The ceremony took place on the deck of the Newseum overlooking the Capital.



The reception was catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering and featured elevated centerpieces of orange cymbidium and dendrobium orchids.  Orange Mokara orchids were placed in the cylinder vases.  Other guest tables had 9" tall vases of orange Mokara orchids.



Best wishes to you both as you begin your new life together!