Real Inspiration: Carolyn & Andrew

Back in January I posted photos from this couple's beautiful engagement session.  Now, take a look at their gorgeous wedding!  Todd Spitler, who also did the couple's engagement photography, did an amazing job capturing this day.

 

The couple got married in Harrisburg, PA, at Saint Catherine’s Laboure Catholic Church, the church Carolyn attended as a child.  How beautiful is that stained glass?  And their reception was in the Chocolate Ballroom at The Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA.  The couple used the wedding planner from The Hershey Lodge, Ira Task.

Carolyn's dress is from David's Bridal!  David's has locations in Glen Burnie, Bowie and Rockville, MD.  Carolyn headed there looking for bridesmaids dresses and found her beautiful wedding dress as well!  The dress was designed by Oleg Cassini (He has also been worn by Jackie O!  Oh my!)  The bridesmaids wore dresses by Priscilla of Boston which is unfortunately now closed.  So thrifty brides, look on ebay for these dresses! What a beautiful color purple!  The bride's and maids' had their hair done by Mindy Whalen and their make-up by Nicole Palermo.  

The flowers are from Flower Designs by Cherylann based out of Hershey, PA.  Carolyn worked with Lori and says, "She was fantastic!"  The table numbers came from Etsy. The escort cards were from Wedding Paper Divas and they matched the invitations and save the dates.

The groom is an avid cyclist, so the couple incorporated bicycles into the wedding decor.  The cake topper was a bicycle made for two (how cute!) and was found on Etsy.  The favors were hand-painted coasters (also from Etsy) that had two bikes, the name of the couple and their wedding date.   The cupcakes and assorted sweets came from Couture Cakery: Carolyn says, "We worked with the owner, Jasmine.  She was so talented and fabulous to work with!"   

The couple used DJ Kopec, which the bride proclaimed, "the best DJ in the area!"  He came up from Baltimore to do for the reception.  "Chris [DJ Kopec] was able to keep people dancing the entire time.  Young and old…I couldn’t believe how many ppl were up out of their seats.  He’s amazing."  Looks like the reception was a lot of fun!

Congratulations Carolyn and Andrew!  And thanks so much for sharing!

Tasting Tuesdays with Truffles

I have been a long time fan of the Belvedere (its my favorite building in Baltimore) and more recently have become a fan of Truffles Catering.  I am especially a fan of those awesome Truffles ladies who throw fabulous soirees and plan perfect weddings!  Want to know what I'm talking about?  Attend one of their Tasting Tuesdays!

The first and third Tuesday of each month Truffles will feature tapas-style tastings of their delicious hors d'oeuvres, salads, entrees, and desserts for clients interested in their catering services for an event.  You can purchase your tickets here.  I know I will be heading over for some of their mouthwatering cuisine ASAP!

Their next tasting will be Tuesday, January 17th.

Interviews with Baltimore Wedding Vendors

Over the past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to interview some great Baltimore wedding vendors.  I got the inside scoop on their businesses, plus some fantastic advice that every bride needs.  I wanted to make sure you guys (my awesome readers) didn't miss the opportunity to get the 411!  So, read up!  (Interviews are linked in purple).

Tara Parekh Photography

 Early this year, I had the chance to interview Tara Parekh of Tara Parekh Photography.  You don't want to miss this interview!  Tara gives us lots of tips on choosing a photographer and getting great wedding photos.

Balance Boudoir

I had a great two-part interview with Balance Boudoir Photography.  Rissa Miller, professional photographer, and Ashlee Riddle, hair stylist and owner of Up Do’s for I Do’s, tell us all about what they do at Balance Boudoir Photography.  Plus they gave us lots of tips for making the photo shoot experience comfortable and fun!

Julianne Smith, The Garter Girl

I loved talking to The Garter Girl, Julianne Smith, because her garters are handmade and a lot of what she does is custom.  Not to mention beautiful and eco-friendly!  Smith is also one of the editors of United With Love, a wedding blog for the D.C. area. 

Maria Louise High

In my interview with Maria Louise High, owner of Little Blue Studio, we talked about her lovely handmade fabric flowers.  The perfect accessory for the wedding day (or rehearsal dinner, or well, any day)!


I'm not sure if this "counts," but I did write a bit about my creative process , if you would like some insight into Alexandra Webb Jewelry (me)!  Of course, I am always posting about my custom bridal jewelry.

Garnish Boutique

I also got to sit down with my friend, Mia Antalics, owner of Garnish Boutique.  We talked about her business, trends in bridesmaids attire and tips for brides. 

Madeleine Homes, La Papillon Spa

I took a trip to La Papillon Spa in Lutherville to interview Madeleine Homes, spa owner, make-up artist, and "eyebrow whisperer."  We talked about all of the wonderful services she provides to brides and their maids.  In Part 2 of the interview, Homes gave us some great ideas on how to prepare for your wedding day and working with a make-up artist.

 Felicity C Weddings

I also got to interview Felicity Carmody of Felicity C Weddings.  She explains the role of a wedding planner and all of the ways she can help in the planning process (plus make the day of the wedding much easier for everyone involved).  In Part 2 of the interview, Carmody gives us some wedding planning tips, plus her favorite Baltimore wedding vendors!

Are you a Baltimore area wedding vendor?  Would you like to offer my readers some advice?  Please email alexawebb@gmail.com. 

Pink Swarovski Crystal Bridesmaids Jewelry - Custom Order

So pretty in pink!  The bride chose to have her 2 maids in the same necklace and her maid of honor in a pink and green combination.  All of the girls have different earrings based on their tastes.  They all mesh in the same color pallet!  On a budget?  Using crystal instead of gemstones is a great way to save a little money. 

Bridesmaids Necklaces

Maid of Honor Necklace

Each girl has a different style of earring

These pieces are sterling silver, Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls.  More of my custom work.  And more about the custom design process.  Alexandra Webb Jewelry

Beach Bridesmaids Jewelry - Custom Order

Perfect for a beach wedding!  Starfish and shell charm necklaces with dyed freshwater pearls and AAA grade pale green prehnite.  The bride chose to make her maid of honor's necklace a little different by adding a shell charm in addition to the starfish charm.  All metals are sterling silver.

To see more of my custom work, go here.  To read more about the design process, visit my website.  Alexandra Webb Jewelry

Real Inspiration: Chelsea & Jason

Chelsea and Jason chose Mt. Vernon, one of my favorite Baltimore neighborhoods, as the backdrop for their wedding  The ceremony was held at St. Ignatius and the reception at the Peabody Library.  Their photographers, Artful Weddings by Sachs Photography, did an amazing job capturing this couple's special day!  Anne and Joe Sachs, a husband-wife team, never fail to impress me with their images.  Chelsea and Jason loved working with them- "talented but relaxed, calming, warm, and just fun to hang out with."

The couple met 13 years ago at the University of Virginia, through a mutual friend, one of the groomsmen, Matt.  Chelsea explains, "We all moved to NYC right after school.  And while Jason did spend a lot of time in my bed those first few years - it was always without me in it!  I lived in midtown Manhattan with Matt's (now) wife.  Jason lived in Hoboken.  I worked a ton and was never at the apartment.  Jason and Matt would out late in the city, and Jason would just crash in my room while I wasn't there so he wouldn't have to take the train back to Hoboken.  It wasn't until almost 10 years later, when he stopped by my Christmas party in 2007 that we finally hit it off!  Not sure what is was about that cold December night in the East Village, but we've pretty much been stuck together ever since."

 The bride's amazing gown came from Pronovias.  They have a huge store in Manhattan, but you can also shop the collection right here in Baltimore, at Francescas Bridal.  Her purple satin shoes came from DSW.  Chelsea says, "I'm a sucker for a bargain!"  Her gorgeous make-up was done by Debbie Federico.

The invitations were designed by Alexandra at Aerialist Press.  Inspired by the iron work around the stacks of the Peabody, the invitations were custom designed.  Quick turn around time and easy to work with, Chelsea highly recommends Aerialist Press.  The flowers, including centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres were made by Fleur de Lis.  The bride chose to have a vivid purple bouquet including purple hyacinth, pink and purple anemonies, purple tulips and black magic roses.  I love it!  I love brides adding pops of color to their ensembles, and bouquets are the perfect way to accomplish that!  The bridesmaids bouquets featured baby green hydrangea, purple tulips, hot pink and plum dendrobium orchids.  Beautiful!  Fleur de Lis, located in Baltimore, has been making weddings more beautiful with their creations for over 18 years! 

The dashing wedding party sported tuxedos and purple bridesmaids dresses.  The maids dresses were from Nordstrom.com.  The dresses are JS Boutique, they come in a variety of colors with optional straps.  The couple didn't use a wedding planner.  Jason (the groom) did most of the planning!

The Peabody Library is truly a breathtaking venue!  The reception was catered by Chefs Expressions, whic also made the cake.  It had layers of chocolate cake, lemon cake, and blueberries.  Yumm!  And guests danced the night away to the sounds of William Steward of My Deejay.  The ring bearer's pillow came from Michael's Arts and Crafts.  

 Congratulations Chelsea and Jason!