we're in the press! brides maryland

We're really excited about our feature in the spring/Summer 2009 issue of Brides Maryland. Pick up the issue to hear what we have to say about unique entertainment ideas!





Imagine the unique entertainment ideas you can bring to your next event...


Happy planning!

photo courtesy of brides maryland magazine

mrs. brewington confidential | to hire a wedding planner or not?

Rings, gowns, vows, and tears of joy . . . It’s wedding season! And nothing says ‘I do” more than an autumn and fall wedding. Well, at least for me. That was my ideal time to marry my husband (October 11, 2008). Unfortunately that was the extent of my wedding vision. I didn’t really think of myself as the fairytale princess type. The very best I’d done to imagine that day was visualize the leaves falling in their beautiful colors, after that the picture of my wedding vision fell flat and to be honest I really didn’t think of it that much.

So where did I begin? Well, I knew I needed help. Planning a wedding is a big job and not for the faint of heart. I wrote down some key elements that were important to me for my day: creativity, warmth, friendliness, a workable budget, and find the best darn planner I could find. Who was I kidding? I had absolutely no clue. I needed someone who would care as much as I did about my wedding, have a flair for design, and know weddings inside and out.

The best thing I did in this entire process, besides saying ‘Yes’ to the proposal of course, was hire a wedding planner. It allowed me to truly enjoy planning all of my wedding details and my wedding day. I’ve heard many women complain about the things that went wrong either in the planning, the wedding day, or both. The bridesmaids fell apart a month before the wedding. The caterer bailed, or their parents secretly invited an additional 60 people without telling them; a whole host of obstacles that threatened to ruin their experience. To avoid these types of things happening for my wedding I knew I better get a planner. I knew early on this is where a wedding planner can save me from so many of the headaches that could (and possibly will) occur.

I've come to realize planners provide so much skill and knowledgeable advice to assist in planning for my special day. From the gown to the décor, the food, to the favors, a professional wedding planner can provide the extra bit of pizzazz that will elevate your wedding from an every day wedding to a wonderful platinum affair that is full of elegance and fun for all.

I'm happy to say... I look back on my planning experience and wedding day with no regrets. My wedding gown was simply gorgeous, the cake and décor from the ceremony to the reception was stunning, and the food was simply delicious. Yes, I had a bridesmaid back out, the DJ delayed the start of the wedding, and some of our relatives danced the night away (read: spent a little too much time at the open bar). But despite all of the little hiccups, I was able to truly laugh, love, and cry tears of joy on my day. I wouldn’t change a thing thanks to my wedding planner, Samara Mendoza, and her fab team at By Design Events. They were able to handle all of the details and allow me the opportunity to not ‘sweat the small stuff’.

My best advice to the newly engaged? Hire a planner early in the process. Even if you only use them for the day of or to consult throughout your planning process, it’s definitely worth it!

Until next time...

Mrs. Brewington

couple saves first kiss for wedding day

This is really sweet! Please read on... First Kiss!

Melody LaLuz kisses fiance Claudaniel Fabien, but only on the cheek, during their rehearsal dinner party Friday night in Elmwood Park. (Tribune photo by Charles Cherney / November 28, 2008)

Congratulations Melody & Claudaniel!

source: chicago tribune

"bond" of an evening - bethesda north marriott hotel & conference center grand opening

What a fabulous grand opening! We walked in on the infamous red carpet. "Joan Rivers" was there, vying for an opportunity to interview us as we rushed into the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. We were given a personal tour of the new wing of the hotel and experienced the fantastic food. Everything was tasty... From the sliders to mini whoopie pies. There was also a 4-piece ensemble playing the "Bond" theme music and plasma screens showing the classic "Bond" movie. It was an absolutely wonderful evening and truly felt like vip's!

More about the hotel... The venue is beautiful! A must see! The sleeping rooms are comfy and gorgeous. The presidential suite is fabulous too! I can go on for days talking about the presidential suite - I absolutely loved it! Especially the "20 person" sunk-in tub. :O) Also, the convention center is attached to the hotel. This makes for a great space to hold your corporate meeting/conference, special event or wedding.

You too can take a personal tour of the space! Consider the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center for your next event!

photos courtesy of marthastewart.com + marriott.com

we are pleased to introduce...

a new feature to our blog, "Mrs. Brewington Confidential." we are truly excited to have a recent bride share her thoughts and experience of planning her dream wedding; selecting her "team" of wedding vendors, her encounter with bridal salons, and much more... Please stay tuned for advice, tips and suggestions from the fabulous Mrs. Brewington. A confidential, up close and personal conversation you don't want to miss...

Happy planning!

photo courtesy of labor of love photography

let's cook | christmas cookie cooking class

Looking for something unique and fun to do with your sweetheart, friends or family this Christmas season? How about a christmas cookie cooking class? One of our favorite restaurants {2941 restaurant} is giving this fabulous class. Yum.... Christmas cookies!!! :O)

Pastry Chef Anthony Chaves of 2941 Restaurant Presents: Christmas Cookie Cooking Class on Sunday, December 14th.

Join Pastry Chef Anthony Chavez as he brings the art of the Christmas cookie to a whole new level. This will be a fun, festive cooking class that will include instruction on baking 5 different types of Chef Anthony's favorites holiday cookies.

All of their cooking classes include cooking demonstrations, written recipes, lunch with fine wine and a 2941 French baguette to take home. From cooking novices to connoisseurs, everyone will enjoy the unique experience.

photo courtesy of marthastewart.com

The class will be held on Sunday, December 14th from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Each class is $110.00 per person all inclusive. Seating is limited. Make your reservation today! For reservations please call: 703-270-1500

Have fun!

Happy baking!

special ways to say "thank you!"

I've been thinking about all the things I'm thankful for and how special my loved ones are to me. Have you thought about the ways you can let your wedding guests know how special they are to you and your husband? Check out these creative ideas to add that special touch to your wedding and your thank you notes...

video + photo cd
Put your wedding video recap (five-minutes or so) and a few of your favorite photos on a CD and mail them out along with your thank you notes. This is such a nice way to remember the day for those who were at your wedding and even more special for those unable to join you and your husband on your wedding day.

wedding slide show
If you're going to have a slide show during your cocktail hour or reception, what a special way to thank your guests by including photos of them. Consider adding a segment, "our heartfelt thanks - life long family and friends" and include pictures of as many of your guests as you can. Your guests will feel special and truly a part of your special day.

thank you bean - go green
This is such a neat idea.... A thank you gift that actually grows. It's a message bean. This gift is very reminiscent of "jack and the bean stalk." Wonder if there's gold and a giant once your bean stalk reaches the clouds and sky... :O)

What a great accompaniment to your thank you notes!








Have lots of fun thinking of other creative ways you can show your wedding guests how special they are to you!

Happy planning!

sweeeeeet... it's thanksgiving! :O)

the holiday's are here. can you believe it??? as we prepare for thanksgiving this week, there are so many goodies! so, so many... it's hard to decide on what to serve. i absolutely love sweets! i came across these {sweet} heavenly recipes and wanted to share. enjoy!

: garnet yams with blis maple syrup and maple sugar streusel:
{recipe}

: spiced pumpkin cheesecake with caramel bourbon sauce :
{recipe}

: "nun's revenge" fabulous italian hot chocolate : i have to say, i love the name of this beverage! {recipe}

fabulous photos and recipes courtesy of epicurious.com + bon appetit.

by design events team wishes you and your family a very happy thanksgiving!

happy tasting!

bloomingdales : the "pre-wedding" wedding party 11.22.08

i recently came across this information and had to share... no plans this saturday? perfect! check out bloomies, the "pre-wedding" party in chevy chase, md. here's the info below:

there will be fantastic vendors there! one of my favs is penny chocolates & gelato! cheryl is an awesome pastry chef and chocolatier - her truffles and gelato are to die for. you have to try the lemon truffles and butter pecan gelato. it's oh so good!!! :O) oh, by the way, her truffles make wonderful wedding favors too!

a friendly reminder to register asap!

enjoy the party!

let's shop : harriet kassman sample sale

head over to harriet kassman's bridal salon. they're having a bridal gown sample sale! receive up to 60% off!!!

choose pristine gowns from designers including:
anne barge | romona keveza | badgley mischka | stephen yearick | reem acra | chris kole | antonio riva | josechu santana

ladies, appointments suggested: 202.363.1870

mazza gallerie, 2nd floor
5300 wisconsin avenue, nw washington, dc
http://www.harrietkassman.com/fashion_bridal.html

Happy shopping!

simply fab bridesmaids gifts

it's definitely fun to shop for the girls! check out these oh so fab bridesmaids gifts...


kate spade : clutch

kate spade : jewelery

red envelope : wine tasting party

philips : swarovski crystal headphones

happy shopping!

the by design events team :O)

... it's been a while

since the wedding season began, we have been extremely busy planning fabulous weddings for our brides and grooms. check out these fantastic pics of our happy couples!

hadiya + akeel june 2008

we designed hadiya's bouquet with fuschia peonies, orchids, white tulips, hyacinths and gardenia leaves. her bouquet turned out fabulous... and vibrant! :O)

gotta love all of the details...

we designed this centerpiece using roses, orchids, tulips and hydrangea.

danielle + michael july 2008
danielle + micheal were in the moment... :O)

simple elegance.


nia + kenan july 2008

sweet nia needed a little more time. :O)
we designed nia's beautiful bouquet with lots of deep red roses and a touch of pearl detailing.

we have many more pics to show you! please stay tuned...
thanks and kudos to our favorite photographer, kristen leigh photography, for the fab pics. :O)

happy planning!
the by design events team

the wedding season has officially begun... Kim & Adrian's jumping the broom!

We are really excited about the upcoming wedding of Kimberly & Adrian on Saturday, May 31, 2008! The theme... A Legacy of Love! Colors... Fuchsia & Orange! They've planned lots of fun and unique details for their special day.


Stay tuned for pictures of this fabulous affair...

Happy planning & designing!
the by design events team

2007 Year In Review

Last year was a very exciting year for By Design Events with firsts and new additions to our company! Looking back on the year... Our best top 3 highlights of the year would be...

third :: the addition of floral design services to our repertoire
We are really excited about this opportunity to serve our clients in the capacity of floral design. Chic, modern and unique floral designs are what we specialize in. We take our clients ideas and visions for their special event and bring them to life! Take a look at the personals and ceremony decor we designed for Kimberley's wedding in October...

second :: the addition of 2 new team members
YEA!!! :O) Jennifer & Katie recently came aboard with By Design Events! We are truly excited to have these talented and creative ladies join our team! They both have vast experience in wedding and event planning. Look to hear more from Jennifer & Katie in the near future...


first :: winning the Association of Bridal Consultants 2007 Tabletop Design Competition
We are truly speechless about this award (as we are ecstatic!!!)... It was a lot of hard work, planning the design, etc... but definitely well worth it! We are really excited about winning this prestigious award and look forward to 2008's competition. Take a look at these pics...

2007 has proven to be a very exciting year for us... We look forward to all that the New Year brings... With fresh & unique ideas, new engagement stories, fashion, trends and much more!

Here's to a new and exciting year!

Happy Planning & Designing!
the by design events team