The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

Leslie Weekes is co-founder and principal of Leslie-Manning Events. A New York transplant, Leslie started her career as a meeting and event planner in Washington, DC in 2001. Recently, Leslie was the DC Wedding Planning Expert for Examiner.com.

Photo by Michelle Lindsay

How do you describe your “style”?
Practical, yet sophisticated, and our clients are like-minded. They want their dream wedding but at the same time they don’t want to mortgage the farm to pay for it. We show them how to do it.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
I love helping people; I can’t help it. When I do initial consultations often I meet couples who are overwhelmed and all over the place, and I have to hold myself back because this is a business, but I just want to help them have the best day ever.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
Among our clients, I’ve noticed that the bridal parties are getting smaller. Color is increasing – lots of rainbow and ombre designs. The wedding cake is either disappearing or it’s a traditional wedding cake (no cupcake trees). Couples still really care about the quality of the food, and perhaps because almost 50% of our clients are from out-of-town, a greater emphasis on the guests’ experience – upgraded sleeping rooms and swoon-worthy welcome bags.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
Don’t worry about pleasing everyone. Try your best, but remember, even though it sounds a bit cliché, it is your big day!

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
Decorating my home. I live on Houzz.com. Last year I took a sewing class at G Street Fabrics to learn how to make the furnishings that add the finishing touch, but can sometimes be prohibitively expensive (i.e. pillows and drapes).

How can we find you online?
Web: www.lesliemanningevents.com
Blog: lesliemanningevents.blogspot.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lmevents
Twitter: @lmevents

Thanks Leslie!

Have a question for Leslie? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.

The post WEDDING VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Leslie Weekes, Leslie Manning Events appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events has been helping couples plan fabulous weddings in the DC area since 2006. She recently released a comprehensive, free e-book, “The Elegant At-Home Wedding: A Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Hosting a Sophisticated Wedding… Right in Your Own Backyard.”

Photo by Kurstin Roe Photography

How do you describe your “style”?
I’m classic with a side of punk rock. But that’s just on a personal level. When it comes to wedding planning, I help my client bring out their personal style, while focusing my talents on organization and logistics.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
Its easy to stay passionate when each client I have is looking for something completely different from the last. And whether its modern minimalism or a barn wedding with chickens or a glamorous rooftop affair, they all end with a joyous event where everyone leaves happy, and that is what keeps me going!

You’ve just released a terrific resource for planning at-home weddings. What’s the #1 key to planning a smooth at-home wedding?
The key to planning a smooth at-home wedding is being flexible. You need to be flexible with what your home and/or yard can accommodate. You may need to change your menu plan or guest list based on your property’s set up. You may also need to be flexible with your budget, if you are really stuck on a certain guest list number, or a certain meal type. You will definitely need to be flexible when it comes to the weather. When it comes down to the final few days, and you are making choices about how to handle the weather, you need to be flexible enough to make the smart choice, and not get lost in emotion.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
My clients are super diverse, so its not like I see a lot of the same things over and over again. Rectangular tables and farm tables are still very popular. And while emerald may be Pantone’s color of the year, more than a few of my couples are working with shades of fuchsia.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
I always encourage couples to personalize their wedding as much as possible. For example, a lot of folks hosting summer weddings will serve water or lemonade before their wedding ceremony. But if you shared a connection over your love of sweet tea on your first date, serve that instead!

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
So many things. Baseball games. Helping homeless dogs find new homes. Throwing parties for my friends and family. And generally helping others – I love to hang out with my peers and help brainstorm new ideas for our industry.

How can we find you online?
WEB: www.bellwetherevents.com and www.yourweddingathome.com
BLOG: www.bellwetherevents.com/blog and www.yourweddingathome.com/blog
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/bellwetherevents
TWITTER: @bellwetherevent
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/bellwetherevent/
INSTAGRAM: @bellwetherevent

Thanks for sharing Janice!

Have a question about planning an at-home wedding? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.

The post WEDDING VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Janice Carnevale, Bellwether Events appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

Jodi Moraru is President and Founder of EVOKE, one of the premiere full-service event-design, planning and management firms in the Washington, D.C., area for weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, corporate and life events.

Thy Parra, Jodi Moraru, Jeannette Tavares
Photo by Rodney Bailey

How do you describe your “style”?
I would say although we really do focus on the style and taste of our clients, we very much lean to clean, sophisticated and elegant events with a touch of glamour. Sometimes lots of glamour! Our events host great details but are never fussy.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
My team. I work with the best women I know and every day is full of laughter, sharing and caring in our office. We support one another, share ideas and really approach each event as a team. Additionally and equally as important are our clients have their own unique personalities and styles and when we build our relationship with them and get to know our clients then we truly create events and celebrations that reflect them.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
Glamour is back in! Love the use of gems, mixed metallic colors and textures. We love playing with color and the all-white wedding is in again. At EVOKE we create our own trends for our clients and each client has at least one component featured in their wedding that is truly unique and customized for them. See our website and blog for some intimate details.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
Hire EVOKE! But seriously, at the end of the day you should be a guest at your own wedding, so if hiring a full-service event coordinator is out of your budget, hire someone for the month leading up to and the day of the wedding. It will make all the difference in the world.

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
My family! I have a very wonderful and supportive husband and the two most delicious children in the world. We take one fabulous vacation experience a year which enriches all of us and also allows me to bring new and creative concepts back to the EVOKE team. Good food, wine, and I am a bourbon girl. I love and enjoy all sorts of dining experiences and along with that entertaining on a regular basis. A good book is amazing when I have the time to read but working out keeps me sane and keeps those around me sane as well.

How can we find you online?
WEB: www.evokedc.com
BLOG: www.evokedcblog.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/evokedc
TWITTER: @evokedc and @jodimoraru
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/evokedc
INSTAGRAM: jodimoraru

Thanks for sharing your wisdom Jodi!

Have a question for Jodi? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.

The post WEDDING VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Jodi Moraru, EVOKE appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

Audrey and Andrew braved some chilly weather for their early-morning engagement session at the tidal basin. The cherry blossoms weren’t out yet, but you can’t go wrong with beautiful light and a cool couple! Check and check.

The post Audrey & Andrew | DC Engagement Session appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

Sara Muchnick is one of the experienced “weddingistas” at Engaging Affairs. Her work has been featured in numerous local and national magazines, and she was honored with the coveted ISES Capital Award for “Best Wedding of the Year” in 2010.

Photograph by Jennifer Lust

How do you describe your “style”?
The best part about what I do is that I don’t think I fit one style or another. There are some planners who are very traditional, others are incredibly modern and still some that put together a lot of shabby chic and DIY-looking receptions. My style really comes from using the personalities of my brides and grooms and making them shine in their own specific style. I get to do everything mentioned above and more. That’s what makes my job so exciting and different every day. My style gets to be as different as each couple I work with.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
New challenges and the constant new experiences each couple presents me with keeps me passionate about weddings. Currently I’m working on a DC wedding with a hint of Louisville, an enchanted forest for 400 and a casual 80 person wedding in the woods followed by an upscale BBQ and a reception that will be one epic celebration.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
One trend I’m seeing is the “marriage” of a romantic, traditional look done in a more contemporary way. Also dessert bars are back and more interesting than ever!

What are some “not-so-obvious” ways that a wedding planner can save couples money?
For me, the most obvious “not-so-obvious” way a planner can save a client money is to make sure the options they present are reasonably within the bride and groom’s budget. I constantly remind my couples that your guests don’t know what options you had and why you chose what you did. If you can go with a more basic linen that allows you to add more detail elsewhere on the table, it’s worth it. What you see in a magazine is not always necessary to achieve the look you want.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
Your wedding should not be about what all the magazines and TV shows tell you it should be about. It should be about who you are as a couple. I want your guests to walk into the room and say, “This is so Meredith and Chris!”

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
Traveling with my husband. Laughing with girlfriends. Spending time with family, and food shopping. I know it’s crazy but it is my stress release!

How can we find you online?
WEB: engagingaffairs.com
BLOG: bridalbubblyblog.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/engagingaffairs
TWITTER: @bridalbubbly
PINTEREST: pinterest.com/lauraweatherly/

Great stuff Sara!

Have a question for Sara? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.

The post WEDDING VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Sara Muchnick, Engaging Affairs appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

When I officially started my own company in November, I started promoting my style as “Joyful Wedding Photography,” because I am particularly drawn to photos that exude happiness. When my friend Heather, who I went to high school with, asked me to photograph her and Mike’s St. Patrick’s day wedding, I knew I was in for a joyful wedding explosion! And I was not disappointed. The whole day was filled with laughter, love, happy dances and even an extra-exuberant “I do!”

The best weddings represent the personalities of the couple, and this one certainly did! Heather and Mike share a love of music, and that was creatively incorporated throughout the reception. The guest tables were named for some of their favorite bands, and guests signed vinyl records instead of a guest book!

Congratulations Heather and Mike! It was so wonderful to share in the joy of your wedding day!

The wedding team:

Hair: Heather – Andrew McCarty of Matthew John’s Hair Salon; Mike – The Quintessential Gentleman
Makeup: Maryland Wedding Makeup
Dress Shop: David’s Bridal
Suit/Tux: Joseph A Bank
Cake: Sugarbakers
Caterer: Pier 5 Hotel
Florist: Blossom & Basket Boutique
Bridal bouquet: DIY by bride’s mother!
Reception Music: Shew-sical Entertainment
Invitations/Paper: W Design Gallery
Honeymoon: Cancun

The post best.day.ever | Heather & Mike | Wedding at the Pier 5 Hotel appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

While planning for her own wedding, Bree Ryback noticed that there weren’t many resources for a small-budget, offbeat DC wedding. Determined to inspire other couples seeking a more “non-traditional” type of wedding, she launched her DC wedding blog, Capitol Romance. Bree also recently started a wedding consultation business to connect couples with tools, resources and information.

Photo by Stephen Gosling Photography

How do you describe your “style”?
I like to use the words offbeat, alternative, funky & rad to describe my “style.” I love bright colors, skinny jeans, stripes, and all things Harry Potter. I try to give the non-traditional, more realistic view of the Washington, DC wedding scene.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
This one is easy – interacting with the couples to hear their love stories and visions for their weddings, and then helping to connect them with the right vendors. I am a people person – and I love connecting people to help bring about awesome results and solutions. That keeps my passion going.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
Oh god, I am terrible when it comes to “trends.” I don’t really pay much attention to trends and would rather have couples discover what makes them passionate and reflects their love story, and incorporate that into their wedding – no matter the pattern, color, theme, or trend.

Are there any particular venues that suit alternative weddings particularly well?
I love art gallery weddings – mostly because they come in many shapes/sizes AND they are usually pretty budget friendly because they are already decorated. Another great offbeat venue that seems to be popping up more and more is restaurants as wedding venues. Catering is significantly cheaper through a restaurant, and no table/chairs/linens/flatware rental is required!

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
There are NO rules when it comes to weddings. Whenever a couple asks me, “can we do ____?” I answer, “well of course you can, why not?!”. I think people get too caught up in “the way it’s supposed to be.” There is no real way, there are no rules, it’s only you, your soon-to-be husband or wife, and how you want to celebrate your new life together.

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
My awesome husband, my mini dachshund Sadie, my neighborhood, working on our rowhouse and, have I mentioned, all things Harry Potter? Seriously though, I love exploring our city of Washington, DC and spending time meeting new people. I also love visiting my family up and down the East Coast and traveling to new places!

How can we find you online?
WEB: www.capitolromance.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/capitolromance
TWITTER: @capitolromance
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/capitolromance
INSTAGRAM: @capitolromance

Thanks Bree! Have a question for Bree? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.

The post WEDDING VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Bree Ryback, Capitol Romance appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing the launch event for The Flying Bridge, DC’s newest rooftop event venue. The venue is located near Union Station and has amazing views of the Capitol! The event was put together by Aimee Dominick and the A.Dominick Events team, along with an amazing team of vendors: Elan Artists, Amaryllis Floral + Event Design, Frost Lighting, Design Foundry, and Occasions Caterers.

Guests were treated to great music from Dewdrop Society, Raggs and the All-Stars and The Source, as well as Elan Artists’ burlesque dancers.

The post The Flying Bridge Launch Event appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

Katey Clark and Ashley Amtmann, the team behind Lemon & Lime Event Design, are up-and-coming wedding planners in Baltimore. They were recently named as finalists in the wedding planning category for the Chesapeake Bridal Awards.

Photo by Jessica McSweeny

How do you describe your “style”?
Our style is very adaptable. We love working with our clients to come up with a style that is best for them. Everyone is different… some of our brides are rustic and want to get married in a barn, other clients want a nautical preppy theme, and some clients want everything based off of a color. We work with the couple, their thoughts and their budget to create just what they are looking for.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
Our clients and the ever changing wedding world. Every client we have comes to us with their own personal touches and it’s so fun to see all of our planning and hard work come to life on their big day. There’s nothing like seeing the look on their faces when we show them the space once it’s all set up… except for maybe their faces as they see each other for the first time.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
We feel the biggest trend is that people are doing whatever they want to do to make their wedding their own. If couples want food trucks to pull up instead of a sit down meal, that’s fine! If the couple wants a 15 minute ceremony, that works, and if they want an ice cream cake, it’s welcomed. Another trend is the 2013 Pantone color of the year, Emerald! Green is the color of prosperity, what better way to start your new life together?

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
Wedding planning can be fun. To say it won’t be a little stressful is foolish, but it can be a lot of fun! Keep your eye on the main goal… which is not if it’s raining, someone is running a bit late; the most important thing is you’ve found the one you love and you’re going to get married with all of your family and friends in the same state as you to watch it…. doesn’t get better than that!

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
Our doodles… Katey has a goldendoodle, Oxford, and Ashley has a labradoodle, Bailey. We have a pretty great husband (Ashley) and fiance (Katey) as well.

How can we find you online?
WEB: www.lemonandlimeevent.com
BLOG: www.lemonandlimeevent.com/the-lemon-peel/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lemonandlimeeventdesign
TWITTER: @lemonlime_event
PINTEREST: pinterest.com/lemonlimeevent/
INSTAGRAM: Katey – kateyclark, Ashley – ashleya1214
TV: WBAL-TV segment on alternatives to wedding cakes

Have a question for Lemon & Lime? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.

The post WEDDING VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Lemon & Lime Event Design appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.

I’m excited to share my new method of delivering digital images to 2013 clients – stylish, wooden USB flash drives with matching laser-engraved wood boxes. The team at Pexagon Tech did a great job! Ordering was simple and the final product looks amazing. What do you think?

The post New for 2013 – USB Flash Drives appeared first on DC Wedding Photographer | Stephen Bobb Photography | DC, MD, VA.