Introducing... our new Planner and Coordinator!

Photo by Duhon Photography

I’ve been hoping to add to The Plannery’s team for some time. But as you may remember before Tarra joined our team… I’m picky as hell. The Plannery is my first baby, and I’m very protective of it. I want to make sure anyone who joins is fully on board with our vibe, our high quality, our no-nonsense approach, and - obviously - gets sh*t done.

Which is why I’m thrilled to announce that Rebecca O’Donnell will be joining The Plannery as a Senior Planner and Coordinator. I’ve been obsessed with Rebecca pretty much since I met her years and years ago. In a sea of sugary sweet (and, frankly, bland) planners, she stood out for how direct and hilarious she was - and after she assisted me for a wedding where I needed help last minute (and also saved my butt), I also discovered that she’s a damned good planner. Very talented, gets it all done, kind and generous, funny, but also will be the driving force you sometimes need when making decisions (or dealing with difficult family or vendors).

Please join me in a hearty “welcome” to Rebecca - and head on over to our updated About page to learn more about her (including her own amazing wedding which I’m pretty much obsessed with). And don’t forget to check out our updated testimonials page to hear what clients say about her (and you can also always visit her old Wedding Wire page to see some reviews from past clients there as well!).

Rebecca, The Plannery is SO lucky to have you and cannot wait for all the sh*t we’re gonna get done for couples in 2019 :)

Kelly and David's Airlie Warrenton, VA Wedding

Photo by Mantas Kubilinskas

Kelly and David got married at Airlie in Warrenton, VA this past May. They did all of the planning with Dave living in Italy (!). Kelly is a librarian, hence the beautiful library card catalog touches (which as a book nerd, I adore). Though it rained on their day, it was still such a special event - as you can see through the photos by Mantas Kubilinskas. My two favorite details are the wooden carved names that they used as place cards, and that whole sword/champagne thing :) 

Enjoy this stunning rainy day wedding (a good reminder that weather-be-damned, your wedding day will always be awesome)! Congrats again Kelly and David!

Kelly and David's Vendors:

Coordinator: The Plannery, Rebecca

Venue: Airlie

Photographer: Mantas Kubilinskas

Ceremony Music: Robert Cross, East Coast Entertainment

Reception Music: Dapper DJs

Florist: Vintage Floral Design

Hair and Make up: Iva Bella Salon

Cake: Sweet Creations

John and Jonathan's Long View Gallery, Washington, DC wedding

Susan Hornyak Photography

John and Jonathan were referred to me fairly last minute by some other clients of mine. I jumped in, super excited to work at Long View again and with this awesome couple - and on the day of DC pride, no less! Such a fun touch for their wedding day! 

John and Jonathan really wanted their evening to feel like a party - and they made some lovely small decisions that helped that vibe follow through. One of my favorites is that they greeted guests at the door prior to the ceremony. A reverse receiving line of sorts, I thought it was such a lovely touch that made guests feel welcome and made it an intimate affair. Their ceremony was also laid out with two aisles - an awesome decision that allowed the room to physically embody these two lives coming together, joining into a wonderful partnership and marriage. 

Post ceremony we had cocktails in the back gallery (with a champs bar, to boot), followed by a meal in the front gallery that featured three different stations for guests to visit which encouraged mingling and chatting. The room was stunning, with an awesome layout and rentals that really reflected the industrial vibe of Longview. 

Post dinner we all headed back to the gallery for The Bachelor Boys and the guys and their guests danced the night away!

Congrats again, John and Jonathan! And big thanks to Susan Hornyak Photography for the wonderful photos.

John and Jonathan's Vendors:

Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Long View Gallery

Caterer: Occasions Catering

Photographer: Susan Hornyak Photography

Band: The Bachelor Boys

Draping: Fabrication Events

Lighting: John Farr

Floral: Uncloudy Studio

Monica and Jason's Woodend Sanctuary wedding

Photo by George Street Photo

Monica and Jason were married on the perfect summer/fall cusp day at the ever beautiful Woodend Sanctuary.  I really loved that Monica rocked her long, luxurious locks in a completely down-do by Styled by Anna Fazio. All of her bridesmaids sported half-up/half-down dos to round things out and they all happened to be brunettes…talk about complimentary looks!  

Although I was not present in the room, I know that Monica and Jason had the most special and intimate ceremonial Ketubah signing before their wedding. The actual Ketubah was spectacular with a vibrant blue circular design. It was displayed at the wedding ceremony alongside the equally spectacular chuppah designed by Growing Wild Floral.

Before their Ketubah signing the couple shared another intimate moment with their first look.  I usually am busy and/or want to give couples privacy during this time, but I couldn’t resist sneaking a peak on this one. It was so moving to watch Monica in her stunning dress walk along a picturesque path and reach out to touch Jason. His reaction was so freaking priceless and captured perfectly by Kyle Bergner with George Street Photo.

I would be remiss not to mention the guest appearance by their fur baby, Hunter.  Monica and Jason gave lots of thought about how much they wanted Hunter at the wedding, but realized how it would be logistically difficult and settled on an epic cardboard cut-out of him instead! A happy and hilarious compromise that made for a fun addition to their DIY photo guestbook station.   

This wedding had all the best elements. Wonderful couple, simplicity, class, and joy. Congrats to Monica and Jason!

Monica and Jason's Vendors:

Coordination: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Woodend Sanctuary

Catering: Corcoran Catering

DJ: DJ Evan Reitmeyer

Photography and Videography: George Street Photo

Florist: Growing Wild Floral

Hair: Styled by Anna Fazio

Make-up: Real Doll Makeup

Caitlin and Michael's Dumbarton House, Washington, DC wedding

Photo by Love Life Images

I must begin by acknowledging what an incredible job Love Life Images did with this joyous wedding between Caitlin and Michael. This may be my all time favorite shoot. Elisha Maria has such a magic eye and is so much fun to work with! Of course all of her subjects were simply beautiful to capture - and I do mean all…the stunning bride, dapper groom, doting parents, gorgeous St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, and charming Dumbarton House.  

Being a boutique wedding planning and coordination company, we get our fair share of beloved offbeat couples that plan rad, offbeat weddings. #loveoffbeat! That said, when a super classic, traditional wedding comes my way it always makes for a very special treat. The major highlights of this event included Caitlin's gown and lace trimmed veil, the vintage car, and personalized wax sealed notes for each guest!

The other touching part about this wedding was the role of Caitlin's dad. Dr. Amborski fully embraced the notion of his little girl getting married - he took wedding planning to a whole new level! At times I was taking notes from him ;-) No stone was left unturned and his number one objective, which was without a doubt accomplished, was to make Caitlin and Michael's day as beautiful, perfect, and memorable as ever. 

Congratulations to Dr. & Mrs. Taylor!

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary Mother of God

Reception Venue: Dumbarton House

Catering: Main Event Caterers

Photographer: Love Life Images

DJ: Entertainment Exchange

Hair/Make-up: Alison Harper and Co

Florist: Growing Wild Floral

Eline and Brandon's Carnegie Institute of Science, Washington DC Wedding

Photo by Duhon Photography

I've been straight-up terrible about blogging lately but both Tarra and I now have spirited, fun babies instead of headache, exhaustion inducing newborns so we're both doing our best to get back to it! Plus, we're finally getting in some of the gorgeous photos from the weddings we've been working on lately. So here's Tarra to take it away about Eline and Brandon's awesome Carnegie Institute wedding!

What can I say? The Plannery loves Carnegie! There is something about that rotunda that makes for the most quaint, timeless, and remarkable ceremony - and sick dance floor!  Eline's mother recognized how cool the rotunda was too and gifted her daughter and new son-in law a handmade quilt depicting the rotunda floor. In addition to the quilt there were a few other small details that made this wedding special. There was that really awesome engraved pocket watch (that I actually wish was for me because I've always wanted one!). There was also the first look between Eline and her father as well as Brandon and his mother - so stinking sweet.  More and more this is becoming my favorite little moment next to the father/daughter dance which I am a huge sucker for mainly because I have major regret for not doing one with my loving dad. And then there was the stroopwafels, that's right stroopwafels given as wedding favors. A Netherlands delight! And finally there was the fabulous evening weather that we had that allowed the infamous rotunda doors to be open while everyone partied the night away. 

Eline and Brandon made this wedding so effortless to coordinate with their organization, transparency, and happy go lucky demeanor.  Big shout out to Duhon Photography for his creativity in making cool people and a cool venue even cooler than ever! 

Eline and Brandon's Vendors:

Coordination: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Carnegie Institution of Science

Caterer: Spilled Milk

Photographer: Duhon Photography

DJ: Bialek's Music

Hair/Make-up: Modern Bridal Studio

Florist: UV Flowers

Carol and Andy's Shenandoah Woods Wedding

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

Now that Tarra and I are emerging from maternity leave, we're looking back at some of our great weddings from this past season. Here's Tarra to discuss this beautiful Shenandoah Woods wedding. The couple wanted to maintain some privacy so you won't see any faces here - but the photos by Jess Latos Photography are still a must-see! Take it away, Tarra...

It was a pleasure to work alongside Carol and Andy in the weeks leading up to their amazing wedding.  All of their hard work and dedication paid off in showing their friends and family a truly amazing night valley in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah Woods offered a romantic, relaxed atmosphere with the most magical views.  It felt like I was camping under the stars with 150 new friends!  [Sidebar: I am super excited to return to this incredible venue for another Plannery wedding in August 2018.]

Carol and Andy were a joy to be around with her kindness and warmth and Andy’s passion. The event was filled with laughter and tears. I was particularly moved by their inclusion of a private memorial honoring departed family members. With their closest loved ones present, they carefully placed marked roses within their gorgeous DIY chuppah. This is a testament to how deeply devoted this couple is to their family and each other.

The ceremony was officiated by their two witty friends bringing in both Catholic and Jewish elements, which was super-amusing.  Other cool elements that I really enjoyed about this event included the very chic wedding party attire, the stunning flowers by Beyond Asian Antiques & Floral, and the delicious dessert spread by Triple Oak Bakery.  Oh and I can’t forget about the good ol’ fashioned s’mores by the fire pit.  Enjoy this wedding that was captured so perfectly well by Jess Latos Photography - and congrats again Carol and Andy!

Britt and Chris's Decatur House DC Wedding

Photo by Love Life Images

Britt and Chris were Partial Planning clients of mine that I adored - sadly, due to my pregnancy, I had to pass off coordination to the fab Rebecca O'Donnell and wasn't able to be there on their wedding day. They were such a fun couple to work with because in some ways they wanted really classic DC elements - black tie optional, a beautiful, historic venue - while also keeping things modern (I loved their green/white floral vibe, provided by Love Blooms). 

Their day started off with a ceremony at the historic and stunning Christ Church in Alexandria, VA. There were some protestors near Christ Church because they were about to take down some plaques memorializing Robert E. Lee - but luckily they were able to run them off so they weren't in the photos! From there they all ventured over to the Decatur House - one of my favorite DC venues for cocktails, dinner and dancing. Dinner was tented outdoors and Amaretto Band did an awesome job - even playing a last minute request of "Hang on, Sloopy" for the Ohio State fans in the crowd.

Congrats again to Britt and Chris - I was so sorry to not be there and see this come to fruition, but Matthew D'Agostino's photos from Love Life Images are the next best thing!

Britt and Chris's Vendors:

Planning: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Coordination: Rebecca O'Donnell, Blue Canary Events

Venue: Christ Church and Decatur House

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

Photographer: Matthew D'Agostino, Love Life Images

Band: Amaretto Band

Florist: Love Blooms

Transportation: RMA Limo

Hair/Make-up: Modern Bridal Studio

Nasheed and Chris's Non Traditional NMWA Wedding

Photo by Ayesha Ahmad

Ok are y'all ready for part 2? (if you missed part 1, check it out here)

Nasheed and Chris's wedding was insanely awesome. Here are some examples of what you have to look forward to - then scroll on down and enjoy the photos by Ayesha Ahmad of this unique, non-traditional DC wedding: 

• A first look with fab protest signs and beautiful shots from all around DC

• Two of the National's Mascots (Abe and George, of course) as their ceremony ushers

• An elaborate ceremony processional to music such as "Gangsta's Paradise" and a parade of babies who filed in to the tune of "Prince Ali" from Aladdin

• A uniquely non-traditional, super personal (and hilarious) ceremony which included references to the Hunger Games ("may the odds be ever in their favor"), a vow to "make America great again," and a reading which turned into a performance from Book of Mormon

• A ceremony that also gave nods to both their backgrounds, with the exchange of garlands and the breaking of the glass (by both of them, thank you very much)

• A costume change for BOTH the bride and the groom (and check out her BOOTS - and his socks!!)

• An elaborate first dance which ended in my most favorite song of all time (seriously), "Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler from The Wedding Singer

• The kick-ass cover band Go Go Gadjet who rocked it out, along with glow in the dark bracelets the couple provided to guests that would flash and change color in sync with the music

• Basically the best wedding ever... enjoy!

Nasheed and Chris's Vendors:

Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: National Museum of Women in the Arts

Caterer: Main Event and Aladdin Catering

Photographer: Ayesha Ahmad

Band: Go Go Gadjet

Florist: Scentsational Florals

Draping/Platform: Fabrication Events

Nasheed and Chris's Non Traditional Holud

Photo by Ayesha Ahmad

Guys. This couple is so near and dear to my heart. I worked with them last year, doing month-of coordination for both their holud and wedding in May of 2017. They reached out to me a YEAR in advance and I immediately booked them even though I normally don't book that far out. That's because their email mentioned their non traditional backgrounds (he's half Italian catholic/half Jewish, and Nasheed's parents are from Bangladesh and Muslim) in addition to references to Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, lip sync battles, and other insanely wonderful non traditional ideas!

So this obviously has to be a two-part-er. Come back on Thursday for their ridiculous wedding. But now, onto the holud. In addition to the holud being co-ed, their email mentioned that it "may or may not include a lip sync battle, roast of the bride/groom, airing of grievances, feats of strength, and/or white people awkwardly trying to do synchronized dances to Bollywood music in lieu of whatever is actually supposed to happen at those things." YES.

It was all of those things, and so much more. Josephine Butler Parks Center was the venue and it was a huge DIY affair. Big thanks to Nasheed's fantastic friends who created her "stage" decor, as well as to my lovely associate Tarra who assisted the hell out of it (including putting out a small fire with her bare hands. That girl is fierce). 

While there were some traditional elements, such as the henna and delicious food, there were also amazing untraditional moments - like all the performances, including a Circle of Life recreation with a very unwilling Simba, lip sync battles (my all time favorite activity), and much, much more. Enjoy this colorful, hilarious evening captured by Ayesha Ahmad Photography!

Nasheed and Chris's Vendors:

Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Josephine Butler Parks Center

Photography: Ayesha Ahmad

Catering: Ravi Kabob and The Italian Store

Staffing: Wright Staffing Company

Henna: Henna Ink