Weddings

Bride on a Budget: September and October

Fall into some major savings as the autumn wedding season kicks off.

Photograph courtesy of Beauty by Brigid.

The lazy days of summer have officially come to an end, but in the wedding world, that only means brides-to-be are in the thick of planning for winter and spring nuptial celebrations. Haven’t checked all of those must-haves off the to-do list yet? Never fear—Bride on a Budget has special Washingtonian Bride & Groom offers for nearly everything you still need to tackle.

(Unless otherwise mentioned, please refer to Bride & Groom when making your reservations, and book before October 31, 2013.)

Beauty and the Bride

Put your best face forward on the big day with the assistance of Brigid Wilson of Beauty by Brigid. The former MAC artist has experience preparing a wide variety of bridal looks, ranging from natural to sultry. Use her services for your big day, engagement shoot, or another special occasion, and save 15 percent on her standard services by mentioning Bride & Groom. Normally $180 for brides and $75 for bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party. This special offer excludes travel fees and is available on a first come, first served basis. To reserve, call 703-622-0354 or visit Brigid’s website.

Hair Extraordinaire

Make sure you and your bridesmaids look your best on the big day with the custom hair services of Anna Fazio. Book a “hair party” for three or more guests, and get a per-person rate of $80 for updos and $40 for blowouts at your home or wedding venue—20 percent off Fazio’s normal rates. This special offer is for clients within 15 miles of Washington, DC, only; venues outside of that area may incur an additional travel fee. Reservations are subject to availability and must be made by October 31, 2013, but may be redeemed for 2013 and 2014 weddings and events. To view sample updos, visit Anna on Instagram, and to book an appointment, call her directly at 240-468-2759or e-mail oizaf2@gmail.com. 

Fashion-Forward Photographer

You’ve spent so much time and effort infusing style into your big day, why not opt for a photographer who knows how to capture that unique sense of self in all its glory? Local photographer Alexander Kafka marries vision with an individual focus on each bride and groom. Readers are invited to take $25 off her normally $75 per hour pricing for all engagement and couples shoots in the month of September. Travel fees are $25 an hour, no extra fees are charged for editing, and all images are made available to the client for unlimited download in high resolution and large format. Bookings are first come, first served, and packages can be purchased now for events through the end of 2014. If booked for the wedding after the shoot, Alex will extend that rate to the wedding as well. To book, e-mail a.c.kafka@gmail.com or call 240-994-9726.

Exceptional Events

Make sure your “I do” says something about who you are as a couple. Use the event planning services of Darian and Dechele to arrange everything from event design to concept and day-of coordination. The Fredericksburg, Virginia-based company specializes in designing custom events that suit your unique style and your budget, no matter how large or small. Mention this column and receive $500 off the cost of any wedding planning package, inclusive of a complimentary consultation. Redeem your package (booked by October 31) for weddings in 2013, 2014, and beyond, subject to availability. To contact, e-mail owner Dechele Norman at info@dariandecheleevents.com or call 757-621-3254. Visit the website for more information.

A Dream Destination Wedding

Set on its own private peninsula, the luxury resort Caneel Bay, on the island of St. John, features seven secluded white-sand beaches ideal for a low-key, intimate destination wedding. The Rosewood hotel’s Simply Us package offers everything for those who want to get married in paradise. The package includes arrangement and fee for the wedding officiant, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, a one-tier, six-inch wedding cake, a romantic dinner for two on the beach, a bottle of house Champagne, and a Caneel Bay memory box designed to hold all of the couple’s keepsakes gathered during their stay. Mention this article when booking and receive a complimentary upgrade for the bride and groom to the next available category at time of booking (subject to availability; blackout dates apply). Pricing is based on the day of the ceremony: $2,500 for ceremonies on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and $1,500 for ceremonies on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. The Simply Us package must be booked before December 31, 2013, and is subject to blackout dates. To reserve, call 340.776.6111 or e-mail caneel.weddings@rosewoodhotels.com.