Real Wedding: Alison and Peter
By Kathleen Bridges November 16, 2012
Familiar faces Alison Starling and Peter Alexander tied the knot last spring at the Newseum. more
Real Wedding: Chandra and Adam
By Kathleen Bridges November 9, 2012
Breathtaking views of Washington and classic touches highlighted this Arlington wedding. more
Real Wedding: Lauren and Derek
By Kathleen Bridges November 2, 2012
A country chic Virginia wedding with tons of DIY elements. more
Real Wedding: Christine and Kyle
By Kathleen Bridges October 25, 2012
An elegant and eclectic Union Station wedding with dainty, mismatched details and plenty of twinkling candlelight. more
Real Wedding: Tricia and Amelia
By Kathleen Bridges October 11, 2012
Guests rang in the new year at this classy and edgy DC wedding. more
Real Wedding: Mona and Peter
By Kathleen Bridges October 5, 2012
A fusion of summer, vintage, and modern touches, with Indian elements. more
Real Wedding: Nia and Max
By Kathleen Bridges September 13, 2012
A five-tier almond-amaretto chiffon cake with bittersweet chocolate mousse and chocolate truffle topped off this lovely fall wedding. more
Real Wedding: Linnie and Billy
By Kathleen Bridges August 30, 2012
A quirky wedding with metallic accents, lots of gray, and pops of color. And did we mention the robots? more
Real Wedding: Nicole and Alex
By Kathleen Bridges August 16, 2012
This couple’s elegant reception featured mirrored tabletops and a three-tier hazelnut pear crunch cake. more
Real Wedding: Jamie and Nate
By Kathleen Bridges August 8, 2012
Casual elegance with handmade touches (and s’mores!) featured in this Chestertown couple’s nuptials. more
Submit Your Wedding Announcement
February 9, 2012
more
Real Washington Weddings
March 30, 2011
Washington couples share love stories, wedding details, and photos of their big days. more
Where To Get Washingtonian Bride & Groom
December 17, 2010
Your local newsstand isn't the only place that carries The Washingtonian Bride & Groom. Here is a list of bridal shops, wedding professionals, venues and more where you can find the latest issue. NEWSSTANDS CVS (area locations)Borders (area locations)Costco (area locations)Giant... more
Unveiled 2011: Participating Vendors
December 17, 2010
These Washington area wedding vendors will be available for one-on-one meetings at our January 23 wedding showcase. more
Save the Date!
November 16, 2010
Get ready for Washington's best bridal showcase more
Thank You!
By Jill Hudson September 21, 2010
Thank you for taking the 2011 Washingtonian Bride & Groom Vendor Survey more
Ask the Experts: The Videographer
By Jill Hudson May 28, 2010
Martin Andrews, Blue Sky Films, Owner more
Ask the Experts: The Videographer
By Jill Hudson May 21, 2010
Blue Sky Films' Martin Andrews more
Ask the Experts: The Stationer
By Jill Hudson May 14, 2010
Tracy Bloom Schwartz, CSEP, creative parties ltd., Co-owner more
Ask the Experts: The Makeup Man
By Jill Hudson May 7, 2010
Carl Ray, George Salon at the Four Seasons, Resident Makeup Artist more
Ask the Experts: The Decor Diva
By Jill Hudson April 30, 2010
Rose Rabin, division manager of Party Rental, Ltd; 301-931-4580. more
Rethinking the Last Hurrah
By Cindy Rich April 8, 2010
Washingtonian staff writer Cindy Rich uncovers new ways to throw bachelor and bachelorette parties. more
Spring Wedding Wear
By Sarah Zlotnick April 8, 2010
Dust off those save-the-dates and start booking your travel plans—the warm winds of April have ushered in spring-wedding season. Inject some color into your guest attire with these six fun trends. more
The Best Advice: Second Thoughts
By Jill Hudson April 1, 2010
Recently married couples share the lessons they learned after planning their own big days. more
Real Weddings: Lindsay Frost & Samir Bhasin
By Jill Hudson March 22, 2010
Married September 20, 2008 at the Queenstown Harbor Golf Club. more
Real Weddings: Arlene Fuller & Taz Lube
By Jill Hudson March 22, 2010
Married April 4 2009 at St. Aloysius Church. more
Real Weddings: Justine Ungaro & Gary Kordan
By Jill Hudson March 15, 2010
Married October 12, 2008 at Georgetown's Halcyon House. more
Real Weddings: Emily Cohen & Jeffrey Nestler
By Jill Hudson March 9, 2010
March 21, 2009 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. more
Will You Marry Me?
By Sherri Dalphonse February 1, 2010
While most men ask women to marry them in simple, romantic ways--say, on bended knee or during a candlelight dinner--some go to dramatic lengths to entice her to say yes. more
All Kidding Aside
By Leslie Milk January 29, 2010
Children and weddings. Two words that are not necessarily a match made in heaven. The smallest members of a wedding party can be adorable additions to any ceremony. But there’s always a chance that the pomp and circumstance of a... more
Second Thoughts
By Jill Hudson January 29, 2010
Recently married couples share the lessons they learned after planning their own big days. more
All Kidding Aside
By Leslie Milk January 21, 2010
Some advice on kids at weddings more
Marrying Faiths
By Jamie S. Rich October 30, 2009
When my husband, brian, stomped on the glass at our wedding ceremony overlooking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains in May 2005, half the guests yelled “mazel tov.” They were from Brian’s Jewish family. The other half—mostly my Protestant family— clapped... more
Fully Engaged
By Mary Clare Glover January 2, 2009
Tips on how to stay sane during your engagement. more
Ask the Experts: The Gem Guy
By Marissa Conrad January 1, 2009
Paul Pastor, Chas Schwartz & Son Jewelers, Mazza Gallerie & Willard Intercontinental more
Green Party
By Lynne Shallcross January 1, 2009
Seven easy ways to green up your wedding. more
Ask the Experts: The Florists
By Lynne Shallcross January 1, 2009
Rick Davis and Christopher Velasquez, Amaryllis more
Ask the Experts: The Maestro
By Lynne Shallcross January 1, 2009
This article is from the 2009 edition of Bride & Groom. For more wedding content, head here. What do you think of as your signature touch? For me, it’s all in the details. As an example, if it’s a very... more
Marrying Faiths
By Jamie S. Rich January 1, 2009
Need to pay homage to two faiths in your wedding ceremony? It doesn’t have to be a struggle. more
Matrimonial Madness
By Leslie Milk January 1, 2009
Weddings evoke emotions — the good, the bad, and they ugly. more
The Name Game
By Lynne Shallcross February 19, 2008
One couple turned a big decision into a friendly competition. more
Weddings of the Rich & Famous
By Mary Clare Glover February 19, 2008
From chartered jets for guests to couture gowns and six-tiered cakes, there are no limits when high-profile couples get married. more
A Touch of Green
By Emily Leaman February 19, 2008
From organic menus to secondhand dresses, weddings are becoming more ecofriendly. more
Throwing a Bachelorette Party in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia
February 12, 2008
Throwing a bachelorette party? Whether you like karaoke, dancing, or laidback lounges, we've got the bars and spots to go to have a great bachelorette party in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia. more
Here Comes the Dog
By Emily Leaman January 1, 2008
Some couples give their pets a big role in the wedding more
From the Bay to the Blue Ridge
By L. Adrienne Wichard October 31, 2007
Destination weddings don’t have to be far away. more
Love in Two Worlds
By Brooke Lea Foster October 1, 2007
When people of different cultures or faiths marry, there are lots of challenges—from family expectations to how the kids are raised to what to have for dinner. more
Bridal Parties
By sara levine June 1, 2007
For a last hurrah before the wedding, groomsmen often plan a night of bar-hopping or a weekend in Vegas. Women? “We’ve noticed a trend away from the crazy bar-crawl bachelorette party. Now it’s more about spending time together,” says Julia... more
Marrying Traditions: East Meets Middle East
June 1, 2007
By: Lindsay MoranWashington is an increasingly diverse area, and so is its wedding scene. The number of foreign diplomats, World Bank employees, and second-generation immigrants means that multicultural nuptials are common. “It’s actually rare for me to plan a wedding... more
Marrying Traditions: An American-Kurdish Wedding in London
June 1, 2007
By Lindsay MoranWashington is an increasingly diverse area, and so is its wedding scene. The number of foreign diplomats, World Bank employees, and second-generation immigrants means that multicultural nuptials are common. “It’s actually rare for me to plan a wedding... more
Budgeting a Wedding as a Guest
By Mary Clare Glover June 1, 2007
A friend of mine recently went to a weekendlong bachelorette party in Miami. With the flight, hotel, limo, meals, Champagne toast at the Four Seasons, and gag gifts, she spent nearly $1,000. That was before the wedding. In the past... more
Need Wedding Advice? Here are Tips From Wedding Veterans
By Andrea Poe June 1, 2007
By Andrea PoeFrom the moment you get engaged, you’re focused on the details of planning a wedding. Is a DJ better than a band? Is chicken predictable? Will the bridesmaids’ dresses clash with the flowers?There’s so much to think... more
How to Keep Wedding Guests Happy
By sara levine June 1, 2007
Months of preparation go into a wedding. Couples do everything they can to ensure that the day will be perfect. But you can’t please everyone. We asked brides and planners what Washington guests gripe about most—during and after a wedding—and... more
Setting a Wedding Date
By Rebecca Shillenn June 1, 2007
A yearlong engagement is nice—but you might need more time than that to get the wedding date and site you want. Popular venues are already booking receptions for spring 2008 and beyond. The Hay-Adams hotel in downtown DC and the... more
Wedding Traditions: A Turkish-Armenian Wedding
June 1, 2007
By: Lindsay Moran Washington is an increasingly diverse area, and so is its wedding scene. The number of foreign diplomats, World Bank employees, and second-generation immigrants means that multicultural nuptials are common. “It’s actually rare for me to plan a wedding... more
Marrying Traditions: A Korean-American Wedding
June 1, 2007
By: Lindsay Moran Washington is an increasingly diverse area, and so is its wedding scene. The number of foreign diplomats, World Bank employees, and second-generation immigrants means that multicultural nuptials are common. “It’s actually rare for me to plan a wedding... more
Marrying Traditions: From South Asia to South America
By Lindsay Moran June 1, 2007
From circling a fire to tossing chestnuts, weddings can bring together a variety of customs. more
Makeup Artists for Your Wedding Day
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Beauty Mark, Lorton; 703-550-9329. Brides say Kim Giammaria—our top vote-getter—has a calming influence and gives them a natural look. Rates: $295 for the bride on site, $85 each additional person; lesson $150.Carl Ray, George Spa Salon at the Four Seasons,... more
Almost Like a Wedding
By Lindsay Moran January 1, 2007
By Lindsay Moran On the Friday before the black-tie wedding of Marc Biondi and Emily Tait in May, Biondi’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner for more than 100 guests at Finemondo, a DC Italian restaurant. The restaurant was closed for the... more
Gardens, Historic Sites, and Ballrooms for Wedding Receptions
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
>> Washingtonian Wedding GuideArts Club of Washington, 2017 I St., NW; 202-331-7282 ext. 20. These adjoining townhouses—once President Monroe’s executive mansion—have an art-filled gallery and a large garden for ceremonies. Capacity: 300. Rates: $800 to $2,700. Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical... more
Music for Your Wedding: Deejays, Quartets, Bands
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Bialek’s Music, Rockville; 301-340-6206. Our top-rated music agency, Bialek’s represents 50 bands and 35 DJs. It can also provide groups that play ethnic music—including Latin, Arabic, Greek, French, and Portuguese.Black Tie DJs, Chantilly; 703-803-7722. In business since 1978, this company... more
2007 Wedding Guide
January 1, 2007
Based on feedback from wedding experts and local couples we have compiled our 2007 wedding guide. Begin with top wedding planners, and find your dream wedding setting in our guide to hotels, gardens, historic sites, and ballrooms. Make your event... more
Sister of the Bride
By Courtney Rubin January 1, 2007
The first clue that my twin sister, Diana, was going to become “enthusiastic”—as our father diplomatically put it—about planning her wedding came the day she told me she was engaged. “You need to move back to DC,” she said. “There’s... more
The Ring Bearer Won’t Go Down the Aisle
By Lindsay Moran January 1, 2007
By Lindsay MoranWhen Kathy Bain was married in Annapolis, her seven-year-old ring bearer handed over the wedding bands and promptly fainted. “He was overwhelmed by the pressure,” says Bain, who lives in Severna Park.A gasp rippled through the crowd. The... more
Buying Bridal Attire: Gowns, Accessories, Shoes, and More
By sara levine, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald, Mary Clare Glover January 1, 2007
Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection, 1848 Reisterstown Rd., Baltimore; 410-484-4600. This boutique offers a wide selection of gowns by designers including Monique L’Huillier, Reem Acra, and Kenneth Pool. Dresses: $950 to $7,500.Carine’s Bridal Atelier, Georgetown; 202-965-4696. This new salon carries seven... more
List of Top Bridal Hair Stylists
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Andre Chreky the Salon Spa, 1604 K St., NW; 202-293-9393. The work of Chreky’s wedding team, stylists Mindy Roberts and Rodney Pinion, has been featured in Allure and In Style. Pinion also does makeup. Rates: $175 for the bride in... more
Where to Find the Best Wedding Invitations & Calligraphy
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Calligraphy by Itsy, Greenbelt; 301-345-3945. Brides say Itsy Kliman, a calligraphy teacher, offers reasonable rates and fills orders quickly.Caren Milman Calligraphy, Rockville; 301-871-6716. Milman provides hand-lettered invitations, addresses, menus, and programs.Copenhaver, Dupont Circle; 202-232-1200. In business since 1896, Copenhaver provided... more
List of the Top Caterers
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Avalon Caterers, Alexandria; 202-337-2000. Avalon offers ethnic cuisines including Ethiopian, Indian, and Filipino. Brides say associate Caroline Craven is attentive and creative.Catering Company of Washington, Northwest; 202-347-8040. Specializing in gourmet American cuisine, this company’s event space, Elizabeth’s on L (1341... more
Buying Bridesmaids Attire and Renting Tuxedos
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
After Hours Formalwear, 17 area locations. After Hours is our top vote-getter for dressing the groom and groomsmen, although a few brides who answered our survey complained about service. Designers include Tommy Hilfiger and Oleg Cassini. Ann Taylor, 800-342-5266.... more
Recommended Photographers for Your Wedding
By sara levine, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald, Mary Clare Glover January 1, 2007
When comparing photography rates, you might want to look at the number of hours a photographer guarantees; the number of proofs and prints; whether a package includes an album, negatives, or a CD of high-resolution images; and other factors such... more
Cakes and Other Desserts
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Alexandria Pastry Shop & Catering Company, 703-578-4144. This shop uses real butter and cream from Shenandoah Valley creameries and chocolate from Belgium and France. Prices start at $5.25 a person. Ann Amernick, Chevy Chase; 301-718-0434. Amernick works with sugar... more
Florists for Your Wedding
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Amaryllis, 1625 Eckington Pl., NE; 202-529-2230. Our top vote-getter, Amaryllis won the DC International Special Event Society’s award for best event decor in 2006; it won best table design for the second year in a row. Art With Flowers,... more
Hotels for Weddings
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Cost per person includes food and alcohol unless stated. Fairmont Hotel, 2401 M St., NW; 202-429-5599 (ask for Robert Mikolitch). Receptions are in the outdoor courtyard, with its fountain and lush flowers and trees, or in the Grand Ballroom, which... more
Wedding Planners
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Bonnie Schwartz & Company, Bethesda; 301-229-9473. A top vote-getter in our survey of wedding experts and brides, Schwartz won the 2006 award for best wedding from the DC Chapter of the International Special Events Society. Creative Parties, Bethesda; 301-654-9292. This... more
Sites for Rehearsal Dinners
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Chef Geoff’s, 3201 New Mexico Ave., NW, 202-237-7800; 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, 202-464-4461. This Modern American restaurant’s uptown location has a back room with a private bar and seating for 65. There’s a covered patio at the downtown branch. Average... more
Recommended Videographers for Your Wedding
By sara levine, Mary Clare Glover, Dana Schwartz, Melissa Herald January 1, 2007
Absolute Video Productions, Centreville; 703-530-7528. This 19-year-old company is known for its attentive service. Rates: $1,875 to $2,675. Classic Moments Video Productions, Severna Park; 410-729-1898. Lisa Fisher is a favorite among couples for her personal service. Rates start at... more
Destination Weddings at the Beach
By Kim Forrest June 1, 2006
Assistant editor Kim Forrest’s favorite destination is the Hamptons. She can be reached at kforrest@washingtonian.com. Ann and Michael Santorios, who live in Reston, were married at a beachfront resort in Florida. Photograph courtesy of Peter Grant Photography When Ann thompson... more
Lessons in Love
By Denise Kersten Wills June 1, 2006
Denise Kersten Wills (d.kersten@verizon.net) wrote about planning her wedding in the January issue.Her June wedding on the horizon, Hillary Wicai spent President’s Day in February rushing around doing bridal errands. Her last appointment, a dress fitting, was a nightmare. The... more
Make Room for Groomzilla
By Laura Thomas June 1, 2006
Wedding planner Anne Book thought she had seen everything with brides. Then one of her grooms stormed into his reception from the church, his bride’s bouquet in hand, and said, “Anne, this is not the bouquet we picked out!” Book... more
Rentals: Tents, Linens, Lighting, Chairs, Tables, and More
January 1, 2006
Capital Party Rentals, Rockville, 301-231-9600; Dulles, 703-661-8290; capitalpartyrentals.com. Tents, dance floors, flatware, china, lighting, linens, and auxiliary power. Classic Tents, Silver Spring; 301-588-3181; classictentsinc.com. Tents, lighting, and carpeted, hardwood, or black-and- white dance floors. DC Rental, Arlington; 703-671-7300; dcrental.com. In... more
Renting Special Lighting for Your Wedding
January 1, 2006
Atmosphere Lighting, Silver Spring; 301-585-2100; atmospherelighting.com. Atmosphere has provided lighting for Al Gore’s daughter Karenna’s wedding and the Rockefeller family. Digital Lightning, Gaithersburg; 301-987-0511; digitallightning.org. Standard lighting, fireworks, and pyrotechnic centerpieces. Frost Lighting, Newington; 703-866-5153; frostlighting.com. Offers state-of-the-art technology, including... more
Renting Limos and Transportation for Your Wedding
January 1, 2006
Atlantic Services Group, 2131 K St., Suite 200, NW; 202-466-5050; atlanticservicesgroup.com. Limousines, minibuses, motor coaches, and luxury sedans plus event and valet parking. Harmon’s Hayrides & Carriages, Brandy Station, Va.; 540-825-6707; cadcol.com/harmons.com. Drivers wear black coats, top hats, and boots;... more
Registering for Gifts on the Web
By Christina Ianzito June 1, 2003
WEDDINGS ARE OFTEN STEEPED IN EXCESS--too many bridesmaids, too much tulle, too much money spent on frosting and flowers. It's enough to tug at one's social conscience. DC newlyweds Billie Vaslavsky and Vincent Audric, both 27, found a way to... more
Buying an Engagement Ring
By Cindy Rich June 1, 2003
WHILE LOOKING AT ENGAGEMENT RINGS through a jewelry-store window, Becky told her boyfriend, Nate, that she didn't like big diamonds. She said anything more than I carat wouldn't look right on her small hands. She didn't believe in being flashy,... more
Marriage Insurance
By Laura Thomas June 1, 2003
YOU WOULDN'T BUY A NEW CAR WITHOUT insuring it. So why spend $20,000 or more on a wedding without some safeguards? A growing number of couples is turning to premarital education--or, as Marriage Savers cofounder Mike McManus calls it, "marriage... more
Bridesmaids: Beauty, Dining, and Having Fun
By L. Adrienne Wichard June 1, 2003
BRIDESMAIDS MAY spend hundreds of dollars on a dress, bridal shower, gift, and bachelorette party. How can a bride show appreciation? Treat them to a day of pampering or a grown-up girls' tea party. Days of Beauty Most salons are... more
Ending an Engagement, Calling Off a Wedding
By Rachel Saifer June 1, 2003
THE CLOSER I GOT TO MY wedding day, the worse I felt. I dropped ten pounds and was suffering migraines. When my fiancé admitted he also had doubts, we called it off. I packed a bag, put my engagement ring... more
