nicely quoted...

To find someone who will love you for no reason,

and to shower that person with reason,

that is the ultimate happiness. ~ Robert Brault

{vendor spotlight : michael clark photography}

real wedding : amanda + dario

simply sweet! the outdoor tented summer wedding of amanda + dario was truly magical. family and friends from near and distances far joined in their wedding celebration at their family home. we were very honored to be a part of their joyous + amazing day!

{photo credits} ica images

{planning, event design + florals} by design events

happy marriage amanda + dario!

summer weddings | stylish hand fans

Our favorite time year is definitely Summer. Tea length dresses, scrumptious strawberry lemonade, lightening bugs, receptions under the stars... We love the beautiful outdoor weddings. Although beautiful, heat is definitely an unwanted guest that could crash any summertime party. Beat the heat with these stylish hand fans...

source: Nostalgia At High Tea

source: beau coup

source: Paloma Sia Designs

source: Paloma Sia Designs

source: txiquisan

These fabulous fans would be used way past the wedding. Stay cool!

Happy summertime!

summer fun | gelato

What is more poignant of summer time than some refreshing homemade gelato! Our favorite flavors hands down – butter pecan and strawberries and cream. Yummy! Umm. Umm. D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. :O)

Why not add some pizzazz to your summer event with gelato? You can have a gelato cart catered at your next event or special occasion. Penny Chocolates and Gelato offers a splendid gelato cart. With 29 scrumptious gelato flavors to choose from (and 13 amazing sorbet favors too), it’ll be hard to choose just a few flavors for your gelato cart. Penny Chocolates and Gelato will cater to you, anywhere your event may be held.

We absolutely love Penny Chocolates and Gelato! And know you will too. The delectable gelato is guaranteed to bring smiles to your guests’ faces! And what an amazing treat...

Happy tasting!

daytime garden party

Imagine a bright and crisp sunny day... The beautifully landscaped lush gardens and flowers... Your guests enjoying a vibrant signature drink on the portico or near a soothing water fountain... the buzzing conversation with the faint sound of jazz music playing in the background. Isn't this an inviting picture of a fabulous garden party? With day weddings becoming increasingly popular why not consider an amazing mansion to host your wedding.

Day events offer many benefits over an evening affair. Here are a few reasons we think these events are absolutely amazing:

Fabulous pictures : With all of the vibrant colors that surround a garden party you'll be sure to capture fantastic pictures of your wedding, from beginning to end.

Pricing couldn't be better : Day events are reasonably priced. Most venues offer a cheaper price when hosting your event in the daytime, as these are the times the venues aren't heavily used. There may also be other fees associated with an evening event, you may not need to pay for if holding a day event, such as a security guard fee.

Amazing visuals : See your stunning decor. You can finally see all of the details you put into designing your wedding, the intricate place card design to the venue itself. Take in all your amazing wedding day holds.

All day celebration : Holding a daytime event leaves room for an after party. Continue your celebration and party all night long.

If you are looking to hold a fabulous garden party, be sure to check out these amazing venues:

Oxon Hill Manor {MD} * Meridan House {DC} * Brookside Gardens {MD}

Happy planning!

Photo credit: Dept. of Parks and Planning Commission PG County Maryland, Holland Photography, Rodney Bailey and Meridian House, Brookside Gardens.

our favorite things : tastespotting

Being in the fabulous event planning industry we are definitely foodies. How can you not be??? :O) One of our most favorite things is tastespotting. We absolutely love this website which features lots of pictures of food & drink and yes, recipes too - it's a visual potluck!

Be sure to try this tasty recipe...

Pollo : Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients:
5 limes (juiced and the zest of one)
1 teaspoon dried cilantro or 1/4 c. fresh chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon salt
5 pieces of chicken (quarters)

Combine lime juice, lime zest, cilantro and salt. Rinse chicken and pat dry. Place in ceramic dish or zip lock freezer bags. Pour marinade over chicken. Marinate in fridge for 8 hours. Place chicken in large cast iron pan or glass baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake at 375 for 1 hour covered. Uncover, baste and salt, broil for 15 minutes (in order to brown the skin). (*Tip: The chicken is cooked when the juices run clear).

Cool for 10 minutes. Serve.

What an exciting and refreshing recipe for summer weddings!

Happy tasting! :O)

Photo courtesy of Gabriela's Kitchen

what a summer!!!!

wow... it's been an awesome summer for us. lots of events and so little time to share with you.

this past saturday we had stacey and marlon's wedding at the carnegie institute in washington, dc. what a gem!!! the room was set beautifully and they had an amazing time celebrating with family and friends. we haven't seen so many "tears of joy" being shared than at this wedding. stacey and marlon were so happy with the festivities they had planned - a cultural dance performance and a family poem reading, to name a few things...

brides, if you are looking for an absolutely fabulous location to hold your wedding - look no further. carnegie institute is gorgeous. take a peek here...

we look forward to sharing the pics from stacey & marlon's wedding with you soon. :O)

our favorite things...

wine tasting party

have fun & happy planning!

... 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