>> Want to win a $50 gift card to Three Potato Four? Click here for details!

Part antiques emporium, part general store, Three Potato Four is, in some senses, the perfect fulfillment of our wedding-decor desires. Launched in Reston in September 2007 by Janet Morales and Stu Eli, the online housewares boutique started its wedding-centric section after receiving a large number of orders from brides and wedding planners this past spring. If you dream of a vintage-inspired reception, but don’t have the time to scour flea markets and antiques stores, consider this adorable shop a helpful intermediary.

Though Stu, Janet, and family (the couple is heavily inspired by their children Holly and Otis) moved to Philadelphia last week to try their hand at a brick-and mortar-store, their wares are still accessible to anyone with a mailing address.

Cheap lockets from elementary-school boyfriends. Pocket watches picked up in European flea markets. Heirloom china so old you’re afraid to take it out of the cabinet. We’ve all got keepsakes, and they more than likely all have a great story behind them. In celebration of all things sentimental, Three Potato Four—our most recent Bridal Buyer spotlight—is giving away the chance to shop the antiques of its online store.

Want a chance to win? Tell us the story behind your most sentimental object in the comments below, and be sure to leave an e-mail address for contact purposes. The reader with the best tale will be rewarded with a $50 gift certificate to the store. Contest ends Monday, July 26, at noon.

Good luck! We look forward to hearing from you.

Recently engaged? Almost at the altar? Whatever your marital status, Washingtonian Bride & Groom is filled with gorgeous inspiration and helpful advice designed to make your Washington wedding a memorable one.  Our summer/fall issue—which hit stands yesterday—features the best in bridal fashion, interviews with local wedding experts, and a special section on ecofriendly wedding flowers. On top of all that, there's an extensive guide to the best wedding vendors in the area. Pick up a copy at your nearby bookstore, or sign up here to receive a free issue in the mail.    
 
Happy planning!

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Ted Gibson, owner and stylist
Ted Gibson salon & hela spa, Chevy Chase

Have brides begun to think of their wedding day as a red-carpet moment? Oh, absolutely. That’s why shows like Bridezilla and Say Yes to the Dress are so popular. It is an important day, so try to feel comfortable having everyone’s eyes on you. Confidence is a star’s greatest asset.

Should a bride consult her hairdresser about makeup and jewelry, too? It certainly can’t hurt. Anytime I’m doing wedding hair, I want to see the total package. Great special-occasion hair starts with the neckline of the dress. Makeup and jewelry have to work with the hair.