Two of the newest gowns from Monique Lhuillier. All photographs courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier is known for creating gowns that feature both classic and trendsetting elements. Her feminine lace sheaths are perennial favorites; this season, she showed new versions of this silhouette (above, right). And her princess-worthy ballgowns are always grand and romantic. The designer also presented wedding dresses that featured some of the top trends of the season—sleeves, asymmetrical hemlines, new textural elements, and leg-baring slits—as well as some fun and flirty short dresses.

Check out all of the new Monique Lhuillier wedding dresses after the jump. If you fall in love with one of them, head to Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Georgetown this weekend for a Monique Lhuillier trunk show.

Well, it’s February. That means my wedding is about three weeks away. And in case I somehow forget when it is, I have Nate to remind me. He’s started three separate countdowns: one for the number of days until our last day of work, another for the number of days until we leave, and a third for the number of days until the wedding. He was, until recently, updating me daily on all three. I finally explained to him that while I, too, am very excited, those dates represent critical deadlines to me, and thus it’s a little stressful to have someone constantly reminding me just how close they all are. I admit it’s my fault that he doesn’t fully appreciate how many details there are to think about before the big day. I’ve handled the planning almost entirely on my own for a number of reasons: I’m hopelessly Type A, so planning is usually fun for me; I’m the only one who cares about things like finding really cute table numbers; and finally, making unilateral decisions is just easier. So really, I can’t blame him for not feeling as much pressure as I do—but I don’t miss those countdowns.

I actually didn’t expect to feel stressed leading up to the wedding. Our wedding is relatively small, and given that it’s in Mexico, there’s only so much micromanaging that can be done. And it’s not that this wedding isn’t planned—trust me, it is. It’s just that there are so many last-minute logistical issues to consider: Who will meet the photographer in the lobby? Does the deejay really understand that under no circumstances is he allowed to play “YMCA” or the “Electric Slide”? What if our other guests sit down in the front row during the ceremony and our parents are relegated to the back? Who’s going to police that? And speaking of parents, mine don’t like each other, so that’s definitely going to be awkward. I should add that we’ll also be closing on a condo the day after we get back from Mexico, which means our apartment is currently in chaos.

I’m not sharing this to complain. I’m excited and very, very grateful for both the wedding and the new place. I just have a feeling that I’m not the only bride who feels—or will feel—a bit overwhelmed. Here are some things that I’ve realized can help.

Think this looks like a California wedding? Think again! Photograph by Korie Lynn Photography

When we first looked at this real wedding, photographed by Korie Lynn Photography, we thought the venue had to be in California—it had that sunkissed feel we all swoon over. And then we noticed that it actually took place in Charlottesville, at Keswick Vineyards. Such a lively pink-and-aqua color scheme (we’re hoping this palette really takes off around here), and that sweets station is just so, well, sweet.
—Elizabeth Anne Designs

The designer with two of her creations (left), and the White Swan gown. All photographs by Moshe Zusman Photography

Even though she now lives in New Jersey, wedding gown designer Sareh Nouri is a Washington girl at heart. She grew up in Springfield and Ashburn, and attended George Mason University, studying graphic design. When she was planning her own wedding in 2009, she had trouble finding a gown she liked, so she worked with a seamstress to create one that was more her style. Even after her wedding had long passed, she still missed the planning process.

“I know a lot of people get the ‘post-wedding blues,’” she says. “But mine never went away.”

She started working at a bridal salon, and became deeply immersed in the world of wedding dresses. She started sketching gowns, and created her first bridal collection last year.

“I love timeless gowns. I try not to do anything too out-of-the-box,” she says. “Most of my gowns are very soft and really lightweight—my main goal is to create gowns that are not heavy at all.”

The designer also likes to mix traditional bridal fabrics, such as silk tulle and silk organza, with modern silhouettes. But keeping things classic is important to her, in part due to her DC upbringing.

“DC is a very conservative city, so I try to keep my gowns elegant and the fabrics traditional,” says Nouri. “But I like to mix a little New York City trendiness in there, as well.”

One of her favorite gowns from the Fall 2012 collection (her second) is the White Swan (shown above).

“I love the pairing of the traditional lace top with the craziness of the skirt,” she explains. “I could imagine a bride wearing it at a ballroom venue, like the Willard or the Mayflower, but the gown is so lightweight that it could also be worn at an outdoor wedding.”

Nouri’s gowns are currently sold at Love Couture Bridal in Potomac (where she’s hosting a trunk show this weekend) and Soliloquy Bridal in Herndon. Click the jump to view more of her Fall 2012 collection.

Booth number 1 at Martin's Tavern is still a popular spot for proposals.

Proposing on Valentine’s Day isn’t the most original idea, but hey, it is the day to celebrate love, so why not? In case you’re thinking about popping the question on or around February 14 (we recommend waiting until the 15th or 16th, just to fake her out), we asked Falls Church wedding planner Lesley Cohen of LelyCo Events and Venue Safari for some creative last-minute proposal ideas.

Presidential Proposal: “If your significant other loves presidents of the past, take her for a meal at Martin’s Tavern and request the booth where John F. Kennedy popped the question to Jackie,” says Cohen. [Ed. note: While the story of JFK proposing at Martin’s is sometimes disputed, the tavern is still a popular spot for engagements.]

Art Lovers: “Tour the National Portrait Gallery and propose in the Kogod Courtyard, which has been named one of the seven architectural wonders of the world by Condé Nast Traveler magazine,” suggests Cohen.

Love on Ice: “Grab an early bite to eat, and then head to the ice-skating rink at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden,” Cohen says. “Nothing is more romantic than skating hand in hand; then you drop to one knee at the center of the rink for a fun and dramatic proposal.”

Are you planning a Valentine’s Day proposal? Don’t forget to get pictures of the big moment, and then send them our way at realweddings@washingtonian.com. We’ll post them on the blog!

Tara Keely's feminine wedding dresses will be featured at a Chevy Chase Bridal trunk show. Photograph courtesy of Tara Keely

Friday, February 3, through Saturday, February 4
The wedding gown collection by Modern Trousseau is a favorite among DC brides looking for a classic dress with a modern twist. The newest gowns will be featured at Hitched in Georgetown at a trunk show. Call 202-333-6162 to schedule your appointment.

Friday, February 3, through Saturday, February 4
Looking to glam up your wedding gown with a sparkly brooch, headpiece, or necklace? The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel is hosting a trunk show featuring the gorgeous jewelry of Siman Tu. Call 301-652-2250 to schedule an appointment.

Friday, February 3, through Sunday, February 5
Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection in Baltimore is hosting a trunk show of James Clifford’s classic, elegant gowns. Call 410-484-4600 to schedule your appointment

Friday, February 3, through Sunday, February 5
Tara Keely wedding gowns are feminine and stylish; check them out at a trunk show at Chevy Chase Bridal. Call 202-363-9301 to schedule your appointment.

Saturday, February 4
R&R Catering is hosting an open house at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. You’ll be able to taste the caterer’s appetizers, entrées, and sides, and other wedding vendors will be present to answer your wedding planning questions. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Visit R&R Catering’s website to register.

The newlyweds with a "Just Married" banner. All photographs by Stephen Bobb of Love Life Images

Rachel and Roman, who first met at work, wanted their August 20, 2011, wedding to resemble a “summer fair, colorful, with vintage accents,” says the bride. A computer specialist and freelance designer, she created many of the wedding decor details herself.

“Rachel was all about having a cohesive visual style, which turned into a lot of late-night crafting projects!” says Roman.

The wedding was held at the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, a city where the couple often hang out. “Ripple” by the Grateful Dead played as Rachel walked down the aisle, and “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles accompanied the recessional; both were performed by a flute and guitar duo.

The pair wed under a birch-pole chuppah adorned with paper pinwheels the bride created. Guests sipped lemonade to keep cool.