Groom Style

Here at The Plannery, we don’t want the brides to have all the fun. So today we’re giving the grooms some love and inspiration, taking a look back at some of our favorite, stylish grooms. From bold blues, to romantic velvet, coordinated looks to casual summer attire, classic formal to hilarious, all of these grooms will remind you that folks DO care about the men at weddings, and you should, too!

Grooms should go bold

Photo by Justin McCallum

Two of my favorite clients and men went bold in blue for their wedding in custom made tuxedos. Never be afraid to go for a bold look, nor to spend time and money on a custom look - it’s your big day!!

romantic velvet

Photo by Wildpines Elopements

I adore Dylan’s romantic velvet tux, above. It was a subtle but bold choice (can that paradox exist? I’m saying it can), and especially for a colder, crisper wedding season, this is an awesome and special look for a groom.

3 piece groom

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

If you don’t want to go full tux, but still want to feel special and put together, a three piece suit is a tailored look that still reads chic.

coordinated grooms

Photo by Susan Hornyak

John and Jonathan opted to coordinate without being too matchy-matchy for their day, and I loved it. It was super stylish while still feeling playful and fun - a great choice for a joyful day!

classic tux

Jess Latos Photography

You can’t go wrong. I have nothing else to say, except: YES.

playful tux

Payton Rainey Photography

But again - don’t be afraid to be playful. I’ve seen lots of subtle colored tuxedos on wedding days that add that dash of special to the classic look. Love it.

Match your vibe with a tie-less look

Debi Parker Photography

Having a super casual wedding? Embrace it and lose the tie! Also, summer weddings are a great time for grooms to go for a lighter colored suit - another choice I always adore.

you can’t resist a man in uniform

Photo by Jen Link

Here in the DMV we have lots of military folks - and I always urge those grooms to wear their uniforms. It’s such a special nod to their work and service, while being a gorgeous and handsome look!

Embrace your humor

Photo by Hannah Hudson

No, I don’t recommend wearing the above to your ceremony. But once the party has started? Feel free to embrace your sense of humor, the love of your team, whatever makes you feel like you!!

Judy and Dylan's Spy Museum Washington, DC Wedding

Photo by Wilderpines Elopement

In spite of the fact that I didn't meet them in person until the rehearsal, I truly want Judy and Dylan to be my BFF's -- if only they didn't live in Seattle!!!  They are two of the sweetest, kindest, most fun people I have ever met!  

The day before the wedding, weird storms were predicted, so I made the decision to do everything indoors at the Spy Museum (including ceremony in their gorgeous enclosed space on the roof).  The day of the wedding dawns, and everyone starts questioning me "It's gorgeous out, are you sure you want to move it inside?!"  I said "I believe in the Capital Weather Gang...let's stick with indoors"  As always...this is why you hire an experienced planner.  Because by the time the ceremony started, there was quite the wind storm outside.  By the time it ended, the winds were so strong even the Spy Museum's former military, VERY strong looking head of security could BARELY pull the doors open -- that's how strong the wind was!!!  In fact, after we had moved all of the guests downstairs for cocktail hour, the bride and groom were practicing their first dance on the roof when he came to me and said "Um...yeah, let's get them out of here, I've NEVER seen winds this strong and I'm starting to get worried!"

Luckily, everyone was safe and sound and no damage occurred to our beloved Spy Museum :)  

Speaking of their ceremony, did I mention that the flower girl and ring bearer were THE COUPLE'S CATS?!?!?!  In my 15 years as a wedding planner, I can truly say that this was a first for me.  I'm not even a cat person, but these cats were SO GORGEOUS, and were the sweetest!!!  

We were thrilled to work with one of our favorite caterers, Main Event, who knocked it out of the park as usual.  And Lisa Lee Florals, who we worked with for the first time last year at Lauren and Peter's wedding, has officially become one of our go-to gals!

These guests came ready to PARTY and another one of our favorites, DJ Kelton Higgins, delivered on all fronts.  

We can't say how much we love this couple, how much we love our vendor partners and, of course, how much we love working at the Spy Museum (even more now that they kept us from blowing off the roof!!)

Judy and Dylan’s vendors:

Venue: Spy Museum @spymuseumprivateevents

Plannery: Rebecca O’Donnell, The Plannery @theplannery

Flowers: Lisa Lee Florals @lisaleeflorals

DJ: Kelton Higgins @luvdupdjs

Caterer: Main Event @maineventcatrs

Photographer: Ashton Campbell with Wilderpines Elopements @wilderpines.co

Rentals: Select Event @selecteventgroup

Barbie wedding inspiration

Anyone else see Barbie this weekend? I adored it - and I left thinking about how we will likely see even more pink than usual in coming weddings, due to Barbie’s influence :) So below are some of our favorite pink details and ways to incorporate pink from past Plannery weddings! Enjoy!!

pink flowers

Photo by Shandi Wallace

Flowers are sometimes the most obvious way to add pink to a wedding, but dang, does it look good! Whether they be hot pink pops like the bouquet above, or more subtle pastel pinks, it’s always a great look for a wedding!

Pink placesettings

Photo by Lisa Boggs

Pink placesettings and/or table details are always an awesome place to have some fun and add color! We adored the above design by Bella Notte, and we think Barbie would, too.

Pink bridesmaids dresses

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

Why not have your favorite people wear pink on your wedding day? Men or women, groomsmen or bridesmaids, adding pink to their attire is always a great look!

pink lighting

Don’t be afraid to use pink to create a fun atmosphere! Nothing says party like pink (cue “c’mon Barbie, let’s go party”)

Pink invitations

Your paper goods (not just invites - but escort cards, etc) can also be an easy way to add some fun and pops of color. This invitation suite is a perfect example, with not only that amazing hot pink, but also other fun complimentary colors (that teal reads Beach Ken to me).

pink wedding shoes

Photo by JPG Photography

You KNOW Barbie would have some fabulous shoes on her wedding day. Whether they’re full-on pink, or colorful pops of pink, have some fun with your shoes! You know Barbie does.

have barbie crash your wedding

Photo by Shandi Wallace

This is a special shout out, but sometimes Barbie needs to make a special appearance your wedding herself :) In this case it was part of the maid of honor’s speech, but if Barbie played a special role in your life or childhood, don’t be afraid to have her join in the fun!!

Pink accessories

Photo by Shandi Wallace

It doesn’t matter your culture, how formal your wedding is, or where it’s happening, accessories are a great way to bring pink into the picture on your wedding day. From earrings to the above bracelets, make it pink!

pink wedding dress

Photo by Leo Druker

You knew I was going to end with my favorite wedding dress of all time. This hot pink stunner continues to stun years and years later. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your dress and bring on the pink!

Erin and Nick's Meadowlark Botanical Garden Vienna, VA Wedding

Nick and Erin were the SWEETEST couple!  I had so much fun planning with them, as well as with Erin's parents.  Nick is a golf pro at the Chevy Chase Club, so having a venue with tons of green seemed perfect.  Although it was hot outside, it was a beautiful day, and we were still able to have the ceremony outside.  As always, Barbara at Growing Wild, who I've been working with for over 15 years, did a beautiful job.  Officiant was really great too.  Cake was delicious (as Edibles Incredible always is!) - Enjoy these beautiful photos by Maddie Williams Photography!

Venue: The Atrium at Meadowlark @theatriumatmeadowlark

Catering: Great Blue Heron (in house caterer)

DJ: Kelton Higgins @luvdupdjs  

Harpist: Melissa Dvorak @capitolharpist

Photographer: Maddy Williams @maddywilliamsphotography  

Florist: Growing Wild @growingwildfloral

Hair and Makeup: Make up by Anab @makeupbyanab

Officiant: Drunk in Love Weddings @drunkinloveweddings

Cake: Edibles Incredible @ediblesincredible

Rentals: Select @selecteventgroup 

Emily and Chris's Fathom Gallery Washington DC Wedding

Photo by Barbara O Photography

We love low-key, DC weddings. And this one was a perfect example of how low key can still be both stunning and incredibly special. Emily and Chris got married at Fathom Gallery in early October. Unfortunately it was raining for most of the day, but magically, the rain broke just in time for the tented ceremony!

After their intimate rooftop ceremony, the most special part of the evening was when the groom played live music along with his father!

Food stations, great cocktails, speeches, and the bride changing into a super-cute cocktail dress rounded out this awesome wedding. Check out the photographs by Barbara O Photography.

Emily and Chris’s Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Fathom Gallery

Caterer: B.Lin

Photographer: Barbara O Photography

Ceremony Music: Quentin Walston’s Trio

Hair/Make-up: Logan 14 Salon

Julia and Tim's Fairfax Marriott VA wedding

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

Like many of our Covid rescheduled couples, Julia and Tim were already legally married when their wedding day FINALLY came along. However, that didn't stop them from having a gorgeous ceremony and reception with lots of personal touches throughout.

Although the Fairfax Marriott has a great event space, the couple definitely wanted to add their own touches to it, so we brought in some beautiful chairs and linens from DC Rental, as well as my favorite napkins, which we also used at A&J's wedding! The deep blues and purples were perfect for the fall day, and the weather was so gorgeous that photographer Jessica Latos was able to do all of the formal photos outside (can you even tell that you're in the perimeter of Fair Oaks mall here??? NO! AMAZING!)

Jennifer Henel from Atelier Floral Design decorated the couple's round ceremony arch, as well as providing gorgeous personal flowers and centerpieces for the reception.After the ceremony, the guests went out to cocktail hour, where they were greeted not only with appetizers from the hotel, but with a traditional Chinese Suckling Pig! I had never experienced this before, but after having it at both of his sister's weddings, Tim INSISTED that we have it here, and I'm SO glad he did -- IT. WAS. DELICIOUS!!! After the dinner, the couple changed into traditional Chinese wedding outfits to hold a tea ceremony for their elders. This was a beautiful nod to Tim's heritage. Guests danced the night away with music provided by Lucy Black Entertainment, one of our go to music providers! And they hit the dance floor while eating delicious cupcakes from Fluffy Thoughts. Julia chose the beautiful colors and wrappers for the cupcakes -- yet another way she really showed her style for the wedding that they waited so long for!

Julia and Tim’s Vendors:

Jessica Latos, photographer

Venue: Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks

Florist, Jennifer Henel, Atelier Floral Design

Rentals: DC Rental 

DJ: Lucy Black Entertainment

Hair and Makeup: Gabby and Martha

Cupcakes: Fluffy Thoughts

Claire and Jonathan's Meadowlark Botanical Garden Winter Wedding

Photo by Shawnee Custalow

One of my favorite times of year at Meadowlark is the holiday season. Claire and Jonathan agreed -- which is why their wedding was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. That way, they were assured, the venue would already be decorated in their gorgeous greenery and lights for the end of the year!

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted with hot drinks and cozy blankets for the short ceremony outside. What the groom did NOT know (but the bride and I did!) is that she was surprising him by walking down the aisle to the theme of the show they had been binging for MONTHS, The West Wing. (I had a TV themed wedding -- why did I not think of this?!?!?) For those in the know, it was a very sweet nod to their relationship.

Guests came inside for cocktail hour and dinner, where Growing Wild accented the already gorgeous space with greenery, lanterns and pinecones, as well as beautiful florals. The Instax Guest Book was explained by the couple's adorable dog, Scout, and guests enjoyed taking photos and posing for the camera.

Although the couple isn't from the Pittsburgh area, they DID wisely choose to have a cookie table like we do in Pittsburgh! They also added some delicious truffles and candy to the mix!

Enjoy this beautiful winter wedding - with stunning photos from one of our faves, Shawnee Custalow

Vendors:

The Atrium at Meadowlark: @theatriumatmeadowlark

Shawnee Custalow Studios, Photographer @shawnee_custalow

Florist, Barbara Von Elm, Growing Wild @growingwildfloral

Cake, Buttercream Bakeshop @buttrcrmbakeshop

Hair and Makeup, Tres Belle Beauty @tresbelleweddings

Kathleen and Peter's Old Town Alexandria VA Wedding

Photo by Rachel Naft

We always love an Old Town, Alexandria wedding! After three reschedules (damn you, COVID!!), and having gotten formally married a year earlier, Kathleen and Peter were finally able to have their wedding reception. Some of our favorite details include Kathleen’s sneakers (we love comfy brides!!), delicious cupcakes by Baked and Wired, and of course these photos by Rachel Naft. Enjoy!

Kathleen and Peter’s Vendors:

Planner: Rebecca O’Donnell, The Plannery

Venue: Hilton Alexandria, Old Town

DJ: Black Tie Entertainment, @blacktiedmv

Photographer: Rachel Naft, @rmnaftphotography

Florist: Atelier Floral Design, @atelierfloraldesign

Hair and Makeup: Ashley Riddle, @updosforidos

Cake and Favors: Baked and Wired @bakedandwireddc

Chaska and Josh’s Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

We at The Plannery always love Stone Tower Winery weddings! It was a pleasure to be back there, and with such an awesome couple. Chaska was a super on-it bride! She planned everything down to the last private dance with her new husband before leaving the venue, which is such a super sweet (and sexy!) way to end the evening - I highly recommend ;) Chaska also was a designer extraordinaire and put together an incredible design notebook prior to the wedding to help all vendors achieve her vision - and everything went exactly how she imagined. One of the sweetest touches was a memorial table for Chaska's mom. It is always a sensitive thing to not have a close loved one there on your special day, but they commemorated her mother so beautifully.

Enjoy these stunning photos by Margaret Wroblewski (another one of our all time faves!) and reminisce about summer :)

Chaska and Josh’s Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Stone Tower Winery

Catering: Purple Onion Catering

DJ: DJ Sal Flip

Florals: Springvale Floral

Photography: Margaret Wroblewski

Hair/Makeup: Caitlyn Meyer Pro

A & J's Spy Museum Washington, DC Wedding

Photo by Lisa Boggs Photography

There's just something about the Spy Museum. Literally every wedding we've done there has had (knock on wood for the future) absolutely PERFECT weather, and A&J's was no exception. The bride and her crew got ready in the absolutely GORGEOUS Van Buren suite (all of their suites are named after First ladies) at the Riggs hotel with Gabby and Martha, one of our favorite Hair and Makeup teams, while the men got ready in the Riggs Suite (which is so huge, the couple used it the next day for an intimate day after brunch with their nearest and dearest).

After the first look, the couple and their families ventured over to the Spy Museum where everyone was absolutely blown away with the gorgeous ceremony set up by Lynnvale Studios (the view doesn't hurt either!). Guests arrived to welcome drinks set out on shelving from Social Supply, and the couples walk down the aisle was made even more special with music by the bride's brother-in-law.

After the ceremony, drinks were passed on the roof as guests were invited downstairs where they gasped in awe at the GORGEOUS furniture, bars and displays from Social Supply, affixed with escort cards and signage from Fig. 2 Design. The bride and groom were able to sneak past the draping to practice their first dance with their band, Free Spirit (who rocked the house all night!).

When guests were welcomed into dinner, the oohs and aahs continued with the amazing lighting and fixtures -- a team up with Social Supply and Frost Lighting, and the gorgeous linens from BBJ La Tavola and napkins from Nuage. The guests could not stop complimenting the delicious food from Mindy's Catering.

Sara Bauleke from Bella Notte designed an absolutely stunning event, and we literally could not have done it without her. From choosing the perfect linens, to designing the lounge seating areas, to sourcing the most perfect design vendors, there aren't enough words to say how perfect she made everything. The cake from Fluffy Thoughts was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen...and I've been around a LOT of cake!

As you can see by the table names, the wedding had a decidedly "Spy" theme -- perfect for the venue! So of course, the night had to end with a cocktail shaker with an attached recipe for a vesper -- aka the "James Bond" martini (shaken not stirred...obvs.). Enjoy these photos from Lisa Boggs Photography!

Vendors:

Bella Notte, Design @bellanottedc

Spy Museum, @spymuseumprivateevents

Mindy's Catering: @mindyscateringdc

Band, Free Spirit

Bowen Films @bowenfilms

Lynnvale Studios @lynnvalestudios

Frost Lighting DC @frostlightingdc

Stationery: Fig. 2 Design @fig2design

Cake, Fluffy Thoughts @fluffythoughtscakes

Hair and Makeup, Gabby and Martha: @gabby_and_martha_

Draping Fabrication Events @fabeventsdc

Décor Social Supply @socialsupplydesign

Hotel: Riggs Hotel

Photographer: Lisa Boggs Photography @lisaboggsphoto

Calligraphy: Laura Hooper @laurahooperdesignhouse

Linens: BBJ La Tavola @bbjlatavola, DC Rental @dceventrentals

Napkins: Nuage @nuagedesignsinc

Glassware: Select Event Rentals