Rebecca and Dave // Woodend Sanctuary, MD Wedding // MD wedding coordinator

As some of you may have seen via Instagram, our beloved Tarra recently had a bit of a medical scare. Thankfully, she is healthy and well now, but this wedding came right in the midst of some of her health issues. We like to keep it real here, so more details below from Tarra on this magical yet difficult wedding - and yet another example of how wonderful our clients are (and how dedicated our incredible Tarra is)! Big thanks as always to Sarah Gormley for the stunning photos. She is one of my most favorite photogs and humans!

Rebecca and Dave, what can I say? They were simply too much fun. Another ideal kick-ass couple that The Plannery was fortunate enough to work with. Rebecca flat out oozes kindness and is the ultimate kindred spirit.  Dave is the epitome of calm and cool.  They are an unflappable force to be reckoned with.    

Their wedding at Woodend Sanctuary was so special - Dave and his family built the chuppah themselves. Their ceremony, led by a family friend, was very comical - and they danced together halfway through the 7 circles! Add in the beautiful photos by Sarah Gormley and you get some real life magic.

Many of our couples are laid-back, which WE LOVE, but these guys definitely take the cake - and this took some weight off my shoulders, which I ended up needing that day. To know me is to know that I would never put my own needs on the table on someone else’s wedding day unless it was super serious! Doesn’t matter if I am starvin’ like Marvin or have a raging headache.  It turns out I had something pretty serious going on with my leg during their wedding. I powered through of course, but did actually find myself in the hospital the very next day!  I tell this story for two reasons. First, to let everyone know that my unexpected surgery went well and I am totally fine now!! Doing 100% better and feeling very fortunate that the issue was found and treated.  The second reason, is to point out how incredible it is to work with such compassionate people every day.   As a planner/coordinator, I get to work closely with so many couples and in that, you develop a very special and meaningful relationship - albeit short-lived at times.

On Rebecca and Dave’s amazing wedding day at the gorgeous Woodend Sanctuary, I got to experience so much joy with them even though I was in some serious pain.  On their very own wedding day, thanks to our special relationship, I took comfort in knowing that their joy was my joy and my pain was their pain.  And honestly, that is pretty damn awesome.

Venue: Woodend Sanctuary

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Photography: Sarah Gormley Photography

DJ: DJ Evan Reitmeyer

Florist: Sill Life

Hair: Scissors and Comb

Make-up: J H Makeup Artistry

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The Personal Is Political

Like many of you, I woke up Wednesday in absolute horror. I’d slept a mere 4 hours. I woke to the sound of my daughter singing “Twinkle Twinkle” to herself in her crib and burst into tears. I also had that brief moment of legitimately considering a move. Americans value my worth and the worth of so many, so little? Fine, I’m done. I’m out. I was ready to shut down The Plannery. Get away from the DC area. Attempt to find some solace in solitude.

We are living among people who are silent (or not so silent) racists and/or misogynists. That is clear. Our new president has been an advocate of sexual harassment and misogyny, xenophobia, racism, and has been beyond vocal about his anti-Muslim, immigrant and LGBTQ leanings. Our rights are going to be threatened beyond anything we’ve ever seen.

So I need to be here for them. And I need to be here for you. Because though I’m a teeny, teeny, teeny tiny blip in this completely effed up, overwhelmingly terrible world, I believe that maintaining the strong voice of acceptance, love and equality that The Plannery has always had from day one is something I have to keep doing. I think it does actually matter that when a same-sex couple is searching for someone to support them, that they see my site filled with inclusive language and photos. That when an interracial couple is looking for assistance, they see this post. That someone looking for help who feels their rights, lives and love threatened, sees that there are businesses - and more importantly, people behind those businesses - who support them 100%. The personal is political. The world is so overwhelming right now, that I have to think small. I have to focus on what I can control. I have to believe that the small, personal choices I make every day will make a difference.

I have no idea how the wedding industry is going to change based on the tidal wave of shit I see coming. I have no idea if The Plannery will be able to survive. But I will try. Because while it’s nothing - nothing - compared to what so many people in public service and non-profits do every day, I have to believe my little company, my small voice that says “you matter, your love matters, I am here for you” might change someone’s day, someone’s life. We need to take time to mourn, but then we need to continue to celebrates life’s joys. I hold that thought close to my heart when my young daughter looks up at me and smiles, oblivious to what’s happening around her. I hold that in my heart when I head off this weekend to work a wedding, and hopefully bring a small bit of a joy to a family and community that has had an extremely tough week.

Much more important than this tiny company, I urge everyone to donate to the organizations that are going to need support and will be fighting way harder than I am to help make this world right again. Jezebel put together a wonderful list of options that I plan on donating to - both my money and my time. Please check it out and take action. Our time, our money, our actions matter. Sending peace and love to you all.

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Kate and Josh // AVAM Baltimore, MD Wedding // MD Wedding Coordinator

Tarra's been super-busy this year (yay!) - so here's another one of her weddings at the always-hip American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. Take it away, Tarra!

I knew Kate and Josh were super cool right away simply because of their reception venue choice - The American Visionary Art Museum.  Call me biased, as it was also my wedding venue, I don't mind! It was so nice to be back and enjoy all that AVAM has to offer to the world whether you are a museum goer,  event guest, bride or groom!   Did I mention I got to work with the same rad venue coordinator who help me with my wedding nearly 4 years ago?!

AVAM really is such a chameleon of a space - it accommodates any and every couple's wedding day dreams.  Kate and Josh brought in stunning, handcrafted farm tables (Barnes Handcrafted Farmhouse Tables), some mismatched charger plates, mason jars, and bright florals to accomplish a homey, eclectic vibe. The food was top notch as expected, with Josh being a chef himself. 

Let's not forget about their gorgeous ceremony held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Baltimore. I love and completely support weddings outside of church walls, but it is always a nice treat to witness a couple marry in a church especially when it is a beautiful and historic as Holy Cross. 

It was so wonderful to work with this sweet couple.  They were classifiably busy in the months leading up to their wedding, but they never let it show.  Kate's work landed her a new opportunity in Berlin, Germany! I wish them all the best in their newly-wed life overseas!

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Mimi and Gavin // The Dumbarton House, Washington DC Wedding // DC Wedding Coordinator

Some people don't know this about me, but I'm an introvert. It may seem odd for an event planner to be an introvert, but trust me, it works. Therefore, it was a pleasure working with Mimi and Gavin, two of the most introverted people I've ever met! Many people planning weddings are aching to be the center of attention. Mimi and Gavin were the complete opposite! They knew themselves, but also knew their families - and so they planned a small, intimate wedding that allowed them to celebrate with their families while also not being horribly overwhelmed, socially. The Dumbarton House was a perfect fit. After their first look and some beautiful portraits in the Dumbarton gardens, they had a Catholic ceremony at Holy Rosary in DC. Post ceremony, guests were shuttled over to the Dumbarton for cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing. Windows provided amazing food and service, as usual. Studio DBI (before their move to the West Coast - sob!), did the stunning florals, and Josh from MyDeejay kept everyone on the dance floor. The wonderful photographers, The Colagrossis, provided the lovely photos, below!

Special shout-out to Mimi's gorgeous outfit change into a traditional Vietnamese wedding dress half way through the ceremony. The red on her was ridiculously beautiful - couldn't get over what a stunning bride she was!

Congrats again to Mimi and Gavin!

Mimi and Gavin's Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: The Dumbarton House

Caterer: Windows Catering

Photographers: The Colagrossis

Florist: Studio DBI

DJ: Josh Rhett, MyDeejay

Hair and Make-up: Georgetown Bride

Tent: Sugarplum Tent

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Noelle and Sean // Warrenton, VA Backyard Wedding // VA Wedding Coordinator

Those who follow me on Instagram know that Tarra's been doing an amazing job as coordinator this year - taking on a ton of weddings and kicking ass! This one was a doozy - I'll let Tarra fill you in:

I am so happy Noelle found The Plannery! I knew she was our kind of bride from her first email and Sean was our kind of groom too.  A super friendly, kind-hearted, real, cool, down-to-earth couple. How lucky am I that both Noelle and Sean each have 4 siblings that are just as kick ass?! That's right, Noelle has 4 awesome sisters and Sean has 4 awesome brothers who made up their wedding party. 

The wedding festivities took place at Noelle's family property in Warrenton, VA, which is really a slice of heaven on earth. SO not your average backyard. The vast hillside view was simply to die for. Noelle and Sean nailed it in seeing this yard as the perfect, picturesque venue for their wedding day.  Sammy's Rentals brought in all the hardscapes we needed to create the respective spaces we needed.  

As with any outdoor event, we had to be ready for inclement weather which did in fact come our way.  Unfortunately, the storm that day was an ugly, vicious, and persistent son of gun.  Plan B went into effect and a tent was brought in for the ceremony. Noelle's family was also gracious enough to open up their home to their 200+ guests as shelter from the storm. 

Sure, there was some very loud and very scary thunder.  And sure, there were certainly some disappointment and tears. Vendors struggled to do their jobs as the wind and rain made it impossible at times. The ceremony started nearly two hours late. Cocktail hour (in its true form) essentially never happened. But you know what? Noelle and Sean were married any darn way! Their friends and family were beyond patient and understanding about everything. They were also very helpful and supportive.  I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason.  There is an inexplicable and beautiful reason why all of us there experienced this amazingly, memorable wedding in exactly the way we experienced it. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing.

Que sera, sera!

Noelle and Sean's Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Caterer: Side Street Catering

Photographer: Breanne Furlong

Ceremony Musicians: Innocenti Strings

DJ: Pinstripe Rebel, DJ DMAC and Associates

Tent: Sammy's Rentals

Transportation: Chariots for Hire

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Looking for day-of assistants!

Hello everyone!

The Plannery team is looking for some new day-of assistants for this Fall and 2017! If you have some event background and want to get more experience or if you're thinking about making the transition into events and think you have something to offer, please reach out. We're looking for rad, reliable people who want to pick up some weekend events work - and we're always interested in people who might like to continue to grow with The Plannery in the future and work towards becoming a coordinator. Please be professional, proactive, and a great communicator. If you think you fit the bill, send a cover letter and resume to me at katie (at) theplannery.com.

Thank you thank you!

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Katelyn and Matthew // Charlie Palmer Rooftop, Washington, DC Wedding // DC Wedding Planner

Katelyn came to me in November, asking for full service planning for a May wedding! Needless to say, things were a bit of a whirlwind, but we had a great time making it all happen! Katelyn was going for a bit of a boho chic look and The City Florist made it all come to life - and more. Katelyn's father is in the landscaping business and cared a lot about the floral elements - and The City Florist did NOT disappoint! After a delicious meal by Charlie Palmer, the guests danced the night away to Burnt Sienna. The only thing that would have made the day a bit better was if it hadn't rained non-stop! But the guests rolled with it and thanks to the tent at Charlie Palmer we all stayed (mostly) dry. Other things I'm crushing on in this wedding include: the ringbearer's blue hair, the record guestbooks, all the children sleeping in all the places, and Katelyn's hilarious facial expressions :)

Big thanks to Jessica Latos Photography for the beautiful pics - enjoy!

Katelyn and Matthew's Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Katie, The Plannery

Venue and Caterer: Charlie Palmer Steakhouse

Photographer: Jess Latos Photography

Florist: The City Florist

Ceremony Music: Christopher Wyton

Band: Burnt Sienna

Make-up: Nour Kazoun Makeup Artistry

Hair: Sue Volans

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Julia and Joe // Longview Gallery, Washington, DC // DC wedding coordinator

Julia and Joe got married this past March at Longview Gallery - a venue I've been dying to work in, and was so happy I finally had the chance. It unfortunately started raining right as their photos were supposed to start in Blagden Alley - but thankfully The Columbia Room offered up their space and they got some beautiful pre-ceremony shots! Their ceremony was in the front gallery, under a DIY'd arch and officiated by a friend. Well Dunn catered a beautiful reception, and Washington Celebrations kept people on the dance floor, and also did beautiful string lights for the space! But my favorite parts of the wedding were the more personal, fun details, including a video that Joe created of the two of them that was projected on a wall, their District Doughnut dessert, as well as the late night pizza from Pizza D'Oro that was delivered later in the night! Finally, we have to talk about what a hip, stunning couple this is. Julia's dress (and lips!) were so gorgeous and Joe was working it in that suit. Go Kate Shoot shot the beautiful pics you'll see below - enjoy!

Julia and Joe's Vendors:

Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Longview Gallery

Photographer: Go Kate Shoot

Caterer: Well Dunn

Florist: Sill Life Florals

DJ and Lighting: Washington Celebrations

Hair/Make up: District Beauty

Donuts: District Doughnuts

Cake: Paisley Figg

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Kara and Mike // Studio Theatre, Washington DC wedding // DC wedding coordinator

Tarra recently coordinated this modern wedding that took place at DC's Studio Theatre and I had to share. As an ex-theatre gal, I was SOOO bummed I couldn't coordinate this wedding myself! But Kara and Mike were in great hands with Tarra - more words for Tarra, below along with some stunning photos:

Sweet is a complete understatement when it comes to Kara and Mike. This prompted me to look up synonyms for the word: Dear, Pleasing, Precious, Treasured, Well-liked, Admired, Esteemed, Near to One’s Heart, and what do ya know, DARLING!!! Darling makes me smile considering it was the actual first name of their photographer (who I must add lives up to the word and who took these BOMB photos!)

So, basically I was surrounded by the most awesome people ever during this wedding.  From Kara and Mike themselves, to their beautiful loving families, to their awesome friends, one who served as the officiant and others as cake and flower delivery team, to Darling and her assistant, to the lead and her team at Eat & Smile Catering, to Nikki at Studio Theatre who was beyond amazing, and to DJ Stereo Faith.  

I feel very blessed to have been part of the sweet dream team who made this April wedding in DC come together so perfectly.   And by perfectly I am including the inevitable bumps in the road that come along with wedding planning and executing. It is not a question of will they happen, but rather when they happen how will we respond?  Kara and Mike’s ultra laid-back demeanor helped the final planning processes go scary smoothly! That same demeanor carried over to the big day, making it seem like I was hanging out with them rather than coordinating their wedding. If Kara and Mike ever want to remarry (to each other of course!) PLEASE sign me up to coordinate/attend that wedding 100x times over. Just take a look at their gorgeous photos - can’t beat their infectious smiles, super tasteful wedding party attire with stunning bouquets, and a sick venue with no-fuss fresh décor! Enjoy!

Kara and Mike's Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra from The Plannery

Venue: Studio Theatre

Caterer: Eat and Smile

Photographer: Darling Photographers

DJ: DJ Stereo Faith, DJ DMAC and Associates

Flowers: Little Shop of Flowers

Cake: The Cake Room

Hair and Make-up: Alina Karaman

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Hip Bridesmaid Fashion

care of Lena Dunham's Instagram yo

I had to pop by to do a quick blog post on the bridesmaids outfits everyone's talking about.

For those of you who follow me on Instagram know, I flipped when I saw Lena Dunham's Instagram post featuring what she and fellow bridesmaids wore to her BFF Audrey Gelman's wedding. They wore sequined skirts customized by J.Crew's Jenna Lyons, along with dusty pink tops and gold shoes.

Can we PLEASE start doing more of this? It's sequined and shiny and sparkly so you know it's festive and fancy. But these ladies can WEAR THESE SKIRTS AGAIN. Plus, they're customized (see detail below) which is just sweet as hell. I adore that they're still appropriately dressy while still being untraditional and chic as all get out. Plus, I don't know who that pregnant woman is on the right, but she is killing it.

care of Lena Dunham's Instagram yo