Exceeding Expectations Wedding & Event Mgmt Co.

Real Weddings: Susan & Dan

2011-06-13T11:24:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago Veronica and I had the pleasure of coordinating Susan and Dan's Italian themed wedding at the Hotel Monaco in Old Town, Alexandria. We were very excited for Susan and Dan's wedding, as it was the first wedding of the season for EE and the wedding took place at one of our favorite venues. Susan and Dan's wedding day was flawless! The bride and groom was blessed with great weather, a great team of vendors and a super fun crowd.

Making it their own: Susan and Dan's officiant was a close family friend. The ceremony was officiated with love and fond memories of the couple. Our bride and groom also chose to engage in a wine box ceremony as opposed to the traditional unity candle or sand ceremonies.

Our All-Star Line Up:Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hotel Monaco Alexandria
Catering: Jackson 20 (Hotel Monaco)
Photographer: Anna Muhhin Photography
Florist: Petal's Edge Floral Design
Cake Baker: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes
Ceremony Musicians: Sage String Quartet-(Cello/Violin duo)
Reception Band: 14K Music Band: The Moonlighters
Hair: Elegant Artisan- KC Felton
Makeup: Tica Beauty- Marti Wright

Below are a few professional photos from the very talented Anna Muhhina Photography and a few from yours truly.

Our beautiful bride peeking at the ceremony set-up.

Our bride and groom chose to see each other prior to the ceremony. I love this shot of the groom taking a first look of his future wife!

Anna Muhhina Photography

The delicious red velvet and lemon cake was provided by Fluffy Thoughts.

There were three centerpieces designed by Petal's Edge that varied in size and color. Susan and Dan chose a simple and very chic color palette of ivories, white and hints of lavender.

The guests took home homemade limoncello as wedding favors.

Congratulations Susan & Dan. We wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Anna Muhhina Photography

Honeymoon Hot Spots: Tensing Pen Resort in Negril, Jamaica

2011-05-16T15:31:00.000-04:00

Looking for a romantic and secluded honeymoon destination? One of my favorite vacation spots hands down would have to be Jamaica. My husband and I spent four days and three nights in paradise last June. After doing tons of research via Tripadvisor, Kayak and various other sources, we settled on Negril, Jamaica. A few friends of ours raved about the beaches, locals, and affordability of Negril, so we took a chance. As Tensing Pen only has a handful of cottages and villas, you are able to enjoy peace and quiet among the ocean. The service was great, other guests were friendly and the food, oh boy the food… IT WAS AMAZING! One of the best meals I have ever eaten was at Ivan’s Bar a few yards away from Tensing Pen. Great food, great service and great prices make Tensing Pen the perfect location for your honeymoon! Below are a few photos from our vacation and Tensing’s website. Leave us a comment and let us know where you are planning to take your honeymoon!

Loved the view from the pool.

Pillar Suite

Welcoming gates of Tensing Pen

Breath taking sunsets

Blog Love: Tiana Simpson Photography

2011-05-10T10:14:00.000-04:00

A few months back Veronica, Cristina and I had the pleasure of coordinating Lindsay and Ryan's elegant and chic wedding DC wedding. Lindsay and Ryan held their event at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which is now one of our favorite venues. The space was very unique and fit the theme of the wedding, not to mention the staff was amazing! Head over to Tiana Simpson's blog to check out a few photos and let us know your thoughts. Special thank you to Tiana for the wonderful compliments :) Be on the look out for a question and answer session with Tiana coming soon!

Our dear Veronica has to make sure each card is perfectly aligned!

Check out the setup work of Team Exceeding Expectations

*All photos property and courtesy of Tiana Simpson Photography

Wedding Day Accessories: Wedding Shoes

2011-05-05T12:31:00.001-04:00

So you have your wedding date set, venue is booked, and you even have your dream dress. However, your ensemble is not complete until you have that perfect pair of shoes! Just as there are numerous wedding dress designers, the same goes for bridal shoes. Selecting the perfect style, heel height, designer and even color can be challenging. Consider these helpful tips when shopping for the perfect pair:

Start by researching wedding shoes for a designer that you are familiar with. For example, if you are comfortable wearing Nine West shoes, take a look at their bridal section to see if there is something that you like.
It is important to be comfortable in the shoes that you select. You will be wearing your dress and shoes for hours on end. Spend some time breaking in your shoes prior to your big day to get accustom to walking in them.
Looking for a unique way to incorporate your theme, color scheme, or that something blue? Be bold and add a pop of color to your ensemble by wearing a pair of colored pumps.

Below are a few options to consider; A high (luxury), medium (slight splurge) and reasonable (affordable)pair.

Luxury: After purchasing my first pair of Louboutin’s I would have to say I am in love with this luxury brand. The $875 satin Greissimo 140mm pump offered by Christian Louboutin is a classic pair sure to turn heads.

Photo courtesty of Christian Loubotin

Slight Splurge: Badgley Mischka not only makes wedding dresses but also wedding shoes. The four inch Lissa pump features a rhinestone brooch. The Lissa is also dyeable making it a breeze to match your color scheme.

Photo courtesy of myglassslipper.com

Affordable: Lastly, but certainly not least is the four and a half inch Elizana sling-back pump offered by Nina. At around $89, this pair of shoes is sure to fit any budget!

Photo courtesy of Zappos.com

Send us your wedding shoes and we will feature them on the blog in an upcoming post!

Five Things I Loved About the Royal Wedding Ceremony

2011-04-29T14:46:00.001-04:00

History was made today when Prince William, Duke of Cambridge married Miss Kate Middleton who became the Duchess of Cambridge around 11:00am this morning. Below are my top five favorite items about their ceremony:

5. The Ceremony Music: The Westminster Abbey Choir and Chapel Royal Choir along with the London Chamber Orchestra, and a fanfare team of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force provided the music for the ceremony that was selected by the Bride & Groom. The musical selections were a perfect fit for the mood of the much anticiapted Royal Wedding.

4. The Guests’ Attire: Although all eyes were on the Bride and Groom, it was hard not to notice the ornate outfits of some of their guests. The most noticeable accessories would be the customary gravity-defying hats typically worn for Royal Weddings. Princess Beatrice, 22, and 21-year-old Princess Eugenie, daughters of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York, made a fashion statement with their choice of unique hats. Below are a few of my favorites worn by the Princess' & Victoria Beckham.

3. The Bouquet: Kate chose to carry a modest bouquet made of lily-of-the-valley. According to the royal press release, "The bouquet is a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers." Simple, but classic.

2. Bridal Party: Although I love big grand family affairs, I am a fan of smaller more intimate bridal parties. Princess Catherine & Prince William opted to have their siblings (Prince Harry & Pippa Middelton) as their Best Man and Maid of Honor. Having a smaller bridal party cuts down on confusion and costs. If you are struggling with the decision on who to include on your wedding day, my advice is to keep it simple. You will thank me after your wedding!

1. The Dress: It's Sarah Burton! After months of speculation and rumors, it was revealed that Sarah Burton, The Alexander McQueen designer is the woman behind Kate Middleton's wedding dress. I love, love, love the timeless, elegant, and crisp gown that Kate chose. In this day and age, you don’t see long sleeved laced gowns; however the new Duchess of Cambridge undoubtedly made a fashion statement.

Tell us, did you watch the royal wedding? What were your thoughts?

Congratulations Prince William & Princess Catherine!

*Photos courtesy of the Associated Press

The Royal Wedding: William & Kate

2011-04-26T11:45:00.002-04:00

As a Wedding Planner, one cannot help but get excited about the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. In keeping with the excitement of all things Royal, here are a few details about the much anticipated event!

Save the Date: The marriage of Prince William and Miss Catherine “Kate” Middleton will take place at Westminster Abbey on Friday 29th April 2011 around 11:00 am.

All about the Bride: A little background on the future princess

Catherine “Kate” Middleton from Berkshire, England was born on January 9, 1982. She met Prince William in 2002 while attending University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Although Kate Middleton does not come from royalty, she is the daughter of a self-made millionaire.

Invitations:

Invitations to the wedding of Prince William and Kate have been issued in the name of Her Majesty The Queen. Around 1,900 people have been invited to the service at Westminster Abbey, and 650 people have been invited to the lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace given by The Queen.

Reception: Around 300 people have been invited to the dinner at Buckingham Palace given by The Prince of Wales. A rough breakdown of numbers of guests is as follows (this includes spouses)*:

Guest List: The vast majority of guests are drawn from the Bride & Groom's Family and Friends – over 1,000

Over 50 Members of The Royal Family
Over 40 Members of Foreign Royal Families
Over 200 Members of Government, Parliament and Diplomatic Corps
Approximately 80 guests drawn from Prince William’s charities, including some individuals who are not in senior positions, who the Prince has known for some time
60 Governors-General and Realm Prime Ministers
30 Members of the Defence Services

Budget: With close to 2,000 invited guests, one might wonder, “Who’s paying for the wedding?” Answer: “The Royal Family, with a private contribution from the Middleton Family, will pay for all those aspects of the day that constitute the wedding (e.g. the Abbey service, flowers, dresses, carriage procession, reception and dinner). The Government and other bodies will pay for costs that are consequential to the wedding.”*

Wedding Bling: In accordance with the couple’s wishes, there will only be one ring, which will come from Prince William for Catherine. The Wedding ring that Catherine Middleton will wear will be made of Welsh Gold. The gold was given to Prince William by The Queen shortly after the couple was engaged. It has been in the family's possession for some years and has been in the care of the Royal Jewellers. There are no further details on which mine the gold was mined from. The Prince of Wales wears his wedding ring under his signet ring.*

For the latest updates and all the happenings of the Royal Wedding, head over the official Royal Wedding Website: http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/

*Taken from the Royal Wedding Media Briefing

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show

2011-04-20T15:45:00.001-04:00

Mark your calendars for the Monique Lhuiller Trunk Show hosted by Carine’s Bridal Atlier, April 28th & April 30th. Monique Lhuiller, one of my favorite designers is the go to designer for celebrity wedding gowns. She has designed gowns for Ashley Simpson, Carrie Underwood, and most recently, Reese Witherspoon. Be sure to give Carine’s a call (202.965.4696) and schedule your appointment today! Carine's Bridal is located at: 1726 Wisconsin Ave. NW 2nd Floor Washington DC 20007

Venue Spotlight: Collingwood Library & Musem

2011-04-12T15:51:00.000-04:00

Veronica and I had the pleasure of working at Collingwood Library & Museum last November for Jess & Walter’s fall themed wedding. Collingwood is a historical, but renovated venue located right off of the Potomac River in Alexandria, VA. (My hometown!) After our walk through of the venue and meeting with the Events Manager Kristen Golden, we were instantly in love with the site. The space offers endless possibilities for hosting a river view ceremony, cocktail hour on the patio, followed by dinner and dancing in their American Legacy Center. The reception space holds about 200 guests comfortably. The Collingwood staff (Kristen & Jay) took great care of our bride, groom, guests and the EE Team. If you are looking for an affordable venue in the DC area with a great view, great location and a great staff, be sure to contact Kristen at Collingwood Library & Museum!

Front Entrance

Wrap around porch. Great location for cocktail hour. (Photo from Collingwood's website)

American Legacy Center. (Photo from Collingwood's website)

Patio with view of the river.

Inside of the reception space.

Inside EE

2011-04-06T14:18:00.000-04:00

In our latest series, “Inside EE,” I would like to tell you a little bit about how Exceeding Expectatons Wedding & Event Management Company (EE) got started. EE was created in 2006 after I graduation from George Mason University. I had always been interested in entertaining and coordinating, and knew that I wanted to own my own business one day. While studying in my junior year at Mason, I took a Wedding & Event Management course, under the instruction of Carrie Loveless. Along with other event management classes, I found my passion for wedding planning and coordinating. After receiving the highest grade out of all sections of the course, I found my passion. To this day, that has been one of my proudest moments, as I had poured my heart into my work, and it showed. EE was created after studying the ins and outs of the wedding industry and seeing that there was a need for affordable wedding coordination services. I decided that it was important for me to get as much knowledge as possible regarding wedding planning. I studied long and hard and paired my degree in management with a certification in professional wedding coordination and opened the doors of EE in the summer of 2006. With lots of hard work, and the support of my mother, EE was born.
The first year of business, EE planned two weddings. As a result of successfully planning two events, word of mouth spread and the next year we booked fifteen weddings! The next year we exceeded our goal and booked twenty-one events including our first Bat Mitvah for a pair of spunky twins, complete with a mechanical bull! To date EE has proudly coordinated over fifty-five weddings and special events. EE receives most of our business from word of mouth from previous clients. This fact makes me smile, as we love what we do and are proud to be a part of our client’s most important day. As we kick of the 2011 wedding season, I am taking the time to reflect and carefully plan the next stage of Exceeding Expectations. We are truly pleased to be doing our dream job, and can’t wait to work with you!

Our Original Logo

Our Current Logo

Real Weddings: Rachel & Mike

2011-04-04T16:48:00.000-04:00

One afternoon out of the blue, I received a phone call from a new engaged bride looking for a wedding coordinator for her upcoming wedding. The bride informed me that she was out of state, and would be relocating to Northern VA. She explained that she was not a "traditional" bride, and had unique and personal details that she wanted to incorporate into her big day. Fast forward a year later, and you have the truly unique, funky and fun wedding of Rachel & Mike. I spent numerous hours working with the bride and groom to ensure that every detail of their day was thoughtfully planned. The bride's aunt is an artist, and the couple wanted to incorporate the aunt's talents into their day. I took on the task of guiding Rachel and Mike through the planning process, while maintaining their personalities. Together with my team a few of my favorite vendors provided Rachel & Mike with top notch service. One of the areas best photographers (Tabatha and her assistant) courtesy of Rodney Bailey did an amazing job capturing the essence of the day. Take a look, and let us know your thoughts! Slide Show: http://www.rodneybailey.com/rachelandmikewedding/

Rachel & Mike's cake that I helped them design.

Custom made sweetheart table

Place cards & frames that doubled as favors for the guests

"Lounge area" all items were custom made

Our All-Star Line Up:
Ceremony Venue: Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Church
Reception Venue: Foxchase Manor
Catering: R&R Catering
Cake Baker: Wanda's Cake
Photographers: Tabatha & Naomi
Photo Booth: Posh Booth
Florist: Ultimate Floral Designs
Ceremony Guitarist: Ken Hall-Elan Artist
DJ & Lighting: The DJ Connection
Transportation: Majestic Limousine
Transportation: Antique Car- Prime Transportation
Rehearsal Dinner: Entertainment Cruises

Real Weddings: Kathy & David

2011-03-31T13:52:00.002-04:00

Veronica and I had the pleasure of coordinating the month of details for one of the sweetest couples ever; Kathy & David. I first met with the MOB to go over the logistics of Kathy & David’s big day, as the couple lived out of state. After spending some time with the MOB and hashing out the details, I knew it was a match made in wedding planning heaven. A few months closer to Kathy & David’s wedding, I got the pleasure of meeting Kathy, who was just as sweet as her dear mother. Kathy & David’s ceremony took place at the chapel of my alma mater, GMU. Their wedding day was flawless in every sense of the word. Their team of vendors were a pleasure to work with, and the guests had a great time. It is always a pleasure to see the bride, groom, family and friends having the time of their lives.

Making it their own: Kathy & David chose to have individual cakes as their centerpieces. This was a great hit among guests. The guests enjoyed taking home something sweet at the end of the night.

Another unique idea the bride and groom had were Mad Lib cards. The guests filled out Mad Lib cards during cocktail hour. Kathy & David now have a guest book filled with hilarious cards from their family and friends.

Veronica hard at work pinning the Ring bearer's boutonnière.

Married!

I bet these family members are happy that Kathy & David hired Exceeding Expectations :)

Our All-Star Line Up:

Ceremony Venue: St. Robert Bellarmine Chapel

Reception Venue: Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club

Cake Baker: Unique Bakery

Photographers: The Happy Couple-Joe & Katye Brier

Photo booth: The Happy Couple- Our photogs provided a photo booth that the guests went crazy over!

Florist: Maryam Flowers

Transportation: Chariots for Hire

Favors: Fisher's Popcorn (In honor of the couple's new last name=Fisher)
All photos courtesy of The Happy Couple

2010 Pick Knot Best of Weddings

2010-01-15T10:23:00.001-05:00

We are overjoyed and honored to be selected as a 2010 pick for The Knot Best of Weddings. Every year on theknot.com brides vote for their favorite local wedding professionals, and this year, we were voted a Best of Wedding winner!! The Exceeding Expectations strives to provide extraordinary service by going above and beyond. We are truly humbled to be recognized by the creme de la creme! Thank you to all of our past clients for their kudos! We are looking forward to working with our 2010 brides, and exceeding their expectations!

Carine's New Year Sample Sale

2010-01-11T10:18:00.003-05:00

Carine's New Year Sample Sale Sunday, January 17th, 12pm to 3pm Gowns will be priced as low as $999 to $1,899, marked down from original retail prices ranging from $3,000 to $9,000. Up to 75% off retail prices - a fantastic savings for brides! Designer wedding gowns from today's premier designers: Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Junko Yoshioka, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Pool, Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier, Platinum Collection, Reem Acra, Rivini, Rosa Clara, St. Pucchi, and The Vineyard Collection. Sale is first come, first serve. No appointments needed. All gowns are sample size 8 or 10. Gowns can be altered to fit a smaller size. Preview a small selection of sample sale gowns at carinesbridal.com

Our New Logo Revealed!

2009-10-27T14:10:00.006-04:00

We are excited to officially reveal our new logo. We reached out to Aimee of Creative Montage to create a fresh and timeless logo for Exceeding Expectations. We have excited news and happenings in 2010, and wanted a logo to reflect the changes that will be taking place at Exceeding Expectations. Below is the logo we have been using for the past three years, as well as our new logo. Let us know your thoughts!

OLD LOGO

NEW LOGO

We've Been Blogged

2009-09-29T13:35:00.002-04:00

Head over to Blue Sky Films Blog to read more about Nicole & Seth's wedding!

Real Weddings: Nicole & Seth

2009-09-21T11:04:00.006-04:00

Veronica and I had the pleasure of coordinating Nicole & Seth's big day at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC. Their ceremony was held in the STUNNING garden of the Omni, and their cocktail hour followed on the patio. Guests were later escorted to the ballroom for dinner and dancing. Head over to Freed Photography's blog to check out the amazing work of Nick Griner, Nicole & Seth's amazing photographer. Congratulations Nicole & Seth!! Venue: Omni Shoreham, Washington, DC Photographer: Freed Photography (Nick Griner) Videographer: Blue Sky Films (Sarah Mendiola) Flowers: Kensington Flowers Cake: Classic Bakery DJ: Bialek's Music (Patrick Miranda) Ceremony Harpist: James Dronenburg Makeup: Creative Images (Clarissa Gary-Tinker)

Real Wedding: Cindy & Tony

2009-09-15T12:32:00.010-04:00

This past weekend our team had the pleasure of coordinating Cindy & Tony’s special day. Their ceremony was held at Fort Belvoir Chapel, with a reception following at Fort Belvoir Officer’s Club.Our Bride & Groom were able to enjoy their family and friends while our team handled all of the logistics.Congratulations Cindy & Tony! We wish you all the best. Vendors: Reception Venue: Fort Belvoir Officer's Club Photographer: Jessica Smith Photography Cake: Bees Wedding Cakes Florist: Royal Floral Design DJ: Crown Entertainment (DJ CJ) Transportation: Fleet Transportation We loved the accent lighting in the ballroom The Belvoir Room offered stunning views of the Potomac. Cindy & Tony's guests departed with peanut butter fudge wrapped in a monogrammed favor box.

Guests were invited to sign a plate that will be hung in the couples new home.

Their beautiful wedding cake

Real Weddings: Benita & Jeff

2009-09-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

We had the pleasure of assisting Benita and Jeff with planning their blue and white themed wedding on Saturday, August 8th. Benita & Jeff’s ceremony took place in a church in Washington, DC Saturday afternoon. They provided a shuttle for their guests to and from the ceremony and reception (which is always a nice touch). The 100 person reception took place at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Crystal City. I can not say enough great things about the first class service that Marriott provided. My team and I were blown away by their attention to detail and attentiveness to our Bride & Groom as well as the vendors. Details of Benita & Jeff’s big day are below:

Benita & Jeff's Gorgeous (and delicious) wedding cake.

Blue and white centerpieces alternated amongst the guest tables.

The tables were dressed in crushed metallic linen.

At the end of the night, the wonderful staff at the Marriott surprised our Bride & Groom with a special treat!

All-star line up:

Reception Venue: Crystal Gateway Marriott: A very special thank you to Megan Grosso and her fabulous team)

Videography: 5 Star Entertainment: It is always a treat to work with Jim and his very professional team of videographers.

Photography: Arthur Bunda Photography: Job well done for Arthur and Oscar!

Hair & Makeup: Richie Makeup: My bride’s always look amazing when they have their hair and makeup done by Ky.

Photobooth: Posh Booth: Neal and his partner worked very hard to make sure all guests had their picture taken and put together a wonderful guest book for Benita & Jeff to take home at the end of the night.

Cake: Creative Cakes: Very good cake and a pleasure working with Ann.

Florist: Convention Floral: Nubia’s work is amazing, and her wonderful spirit makes working with her a treat.

Transportation: Reston Limo: Great job Reston Limo!

Happy Anniversary to us!

2009-09-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

We are excited to celebrate our 3 year anniversary! Three years ago today Exceeding Expectations opened its doors with the mission to provide affordable, professional, and reliable wedding and event coordination to all brides, regardless of their budget. We have been very blessed to have worked with amazing clients, vendors, and all-star staff. Here is to an amazing fourth year of business. Keep up the good work team!

Vendor Spotlight: MyEasyPhoto

2009-08-25T16:41:00.008-04:00

One of my favorite photographers is Don Cherry (JMD) of MyEasyPhoto. His unique personality, talent and affordable prices are what brides love most about him. We have worked with Don on various occasions over the past few years. He was the official photographer for my wedding weekend and took my engagement photos. If you are need of a photographer for your wedding, birthday party, or special event, be sure to check out MyEasyPhoto, and tell them Exceeding Expectations sent you! Get to know Don of MyEasyPhoto:

1. What makes MyEasyPhoto unique is the ability to offer customers and clients professional high quality prints within minutes ofcapture. We’ve been in the “onsite printing” business since 1999 and have seen the industry grow from prints in hours and minutes to very high quality prints in seconds. We are extremely proud of being able to produce a stunning print within seconds of capture.

2. How do you exceed your client’s expectations? We first sit down with out client and determine what our client’s needs and expectations are. We then produce the goods by working hard to exceed those expectations in every way possible. The first rule we throw out is a limit on the number of images captured during a client’s wedding or event.

3. What is your favorite time of year to shoot? The Spring! I’d have to say that the “Spring” is my favorite time of year to shoot. I say this because the natural outdoor colors add so much more “pop” to photos. Nothing irks me more than to see a photo of a couple with a cluttered background when nature offers us the best background one could ask for.

4. At what local venues or landmarks do you most enjoy working? In this area, the District is so unique. There is no other location in the world better than DC. The landmarks and monuments really add to images captured there. An honorable mention is the Quantico Base Chapel because from a photographer’s point of view, the windows allow a lot of light to come through.

5. What’s one of your favorite photography trends? My favorite (and most exciting) photography trends are the following: 1) The ability to capture wireless and images instantly appear on the computer screen or wherever desired. I once did a wedding and had guests images appear on the church’s video system. As I captured candid images of them signing the guestbook and waiting for the wedding to start images would suddenly appear on the church’s large video screen. Seeing this occur, many people wondered how we made this happen and many thought this was a nice “touch” to the wedding: 2) For another client (…Geomyra and Philip’s wedding), we were hired to provide on-site prints of guests arriving and standing on the red carpet! The guests loved it! I even presented the B&G with a few choice prints that were captured during their reception. It was an honor and a blast to have been a part of their wedding. 3) Digital Capture Technology. This is very important part of the equation. Now, this is not to say that one could not capture an equal or better image with any other camera,,..but the release of the Nikon D3 has had the greatest impact (IMHO) on shooting weddings than any other camera in history. When it comes to weddings, the Nikon D3 is the only camera in my bag.

6. Is there something you wish all bride’s knew about your job or the wedding photography industry? I wish they knew how much I really care and enjoy capturing some of the most special moments of their lives. I also feel so specially honored to have been selected as their wedding photographer. I tell you this, if I were financially well off, I’d shoot weddings for free.

7. Do you have wedding saving tips and advice for our bride's on a budget? I sure do! If on a budget I recommend that the B&G skip on those things that will matter less as time goes by. For instance, the limo ride,...or even the videographer. Why? Well, think of it this way, video captures moments,…photography captures a single moment that can never be repeated! Lastly, the B&G should choose a venue that works for their lifestyle and character versus trying to go way overboard and be in debt from day one of their wedding.

When I’m behind the camera, I feel like a rock star,…like a celebrity, like an Olympic athlete poised to break a record. I enjoy photography so much I wish I could have a camera in my hands 24 hours a day,…everyday! I feel so honored to be the photographer that captures so many special moment of a person’s life. We all have but a few moments to live on mother earth and given the chance to capture a single moment of a person’s life is of such great honor for me that I’m in sheer awe. Of the thousands of images I captured, I still find it hard to delete an image. I say this because once deleted, the moment captured becomes lost in the space of time spent. Lastly, my greatest reward is when I get the chance to visit a client or friend’s home and see my work all throughout their homes. You know, there is no better feeling for me as a photographer than seeing my work on display in the daily lives of friends, customers and clients.

http://www.myeasyphoto.com/

Don Cherry (JMD) Ph: (703) 850-6367

myeasyphoto@comcast.net

Real Weddings: Daisy & Travis

2009-08-12T11:48:00.011-04:00

One of our favorite couples Daisy & Travis was married on Friday at the Stone House in Sterling, VA. Daisy hired us to assist her in planning her big day from the beginning. We assisted her with finding top notch vendors within her budget and that fit her style. Daisy and Travis’ red and white themed wedding was intimate, fun, spiritual, and a breath of fresh air. Check out the event details and photos below:

Ceremony chairs set and ready for the guests

Bridesmaid bouquets

Daisy's red rose bouquet accented with rhinestones was absolutely gorgeous.

The strawberry and cream filled cake was one of the best that I have tasted. It was very popular among the guests. The detail in the cake design was a perfect matched to Daisy's dress.

The new Mr. & Mrs.

A special thank you to the all-star line up of vendors who did an amazing job:

Florist-Memorable Bouquet & Favors Photography-My Easy Photo Music-Total Dynasty Entertainment (DJ JButtah) Tables & Chairs-Potomac Party Rental Linen-Gala Cloths Cake-Taylor Made Cakes Catering-Wilson’s Catering

Exceeding Expectations is Featured!

2009-08-06T21:03:00.003-04:00

We are super excited to be August's Featured Member on i-wed.org. I-wed is an online community made up of amazing wedding professionals around the country. It is a great resources for planners like myself to learn and grow from my peers in the industry. We are truly honored to be apart of a wonderful group of professionals. A special thank you to the always fabulous Terrica and the i-wed family.

Real Weddings: Anh Thy & Nghi

2009-07-29T14:38:00.013-04:00

This past weekend we were honored to work with Anh Thy & Nghi on their wedding ceremony and reception. Their 65 person ceremony took place at the historic Woodlawn Plantation in Alexandria, Virginia. I can not say enough about the helpful and welcoming staff at Woodlawn. They were always willing to assist whenever we needed anything. The couple hosted a traditional Vietnamese ceremony, followed by a traditional American ceremony on the lawn of the plantation. Maryam Flowers provided the gorgeous ceremony and reception flowers for the couple. The orchid and crystal backdrop that she created looked absolutely gorgeous during the ceremony. After the ceremony the couple greeted 300 guests at the Waterford in Springfield. The venue was a perfect fit for Anh Thy and Nghi. The Waterford staff did a great job taking care of our Bride, Groom and their guests. The guests danced the night away with a live band (Red Sun) and really had a great time. We really enjoyed working with Anh Thy & Nghi, and wish them all of the best on their new journey together. A few non-pro pictures below: Woodlawn Plantation before ceremony setup: Ceremony chairs and arrangements set Beautiful backdrop created by Maryam of Maryam Flowers Ceremony underway Room for cocktail hour set and ready for our guests Placecard and favor table Centerpiece decorated with butterflies and pink rocks.

Candle centerpieces with butterflies. (The centerpieces looked amazing when we dimmed the lights).

The pink and white candy bar was a huge hit among the guests.

Honeymoon Spotlight: Aruba

2009-07-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

It only seems fitting to showcase the beautiful island of Aruba, as that is where my husband and I honeymooned last August. We were blessed with a five day stay at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino. Of the numerous resorts to choose from in Aruba, the Hyatt Regency is ranked at the top of the list. When researching a honeymoon location, we were looking for a luxury (but affordable) resort that had a casino, swimming pool, five star restaurants, and lots of entertainment near by. It is no secret that I enjoy a great meal and great company. What I loved most about Aruba was the food, friendly attitude of the locals, and gorgeous weather. Getting around the island was very easy and affordable. We had received a tip to take advantage of the local bus system, and it work out great. The Hyatt’s concierge attendant was a great help. He assisted us with booking dinner reservations and suggestions on things to do on the island. Aruba is only a three hour plane ride from Miami, which means more time vacationing, and less time traveling. Be sure to check out Madame Janette, Renaissance Mall for luxury shopping and Aruba Heli Tours for tours of the island. We can’t wait to go back to soak up the food, fun and sun!

Tell us, where are you honeymooning?

Wedding Registry: Kitchen Appliances

2009-07-23T12:53:00.018-04:00

An exciting element to planning your wedding is registering for gifts for your new home and life with your spouse. This is the only time in your life that your family and friends will likely splurge and actually buy you something you like. A few of my favorite must have kitchen appliances that I registered for, and use on a regular basis: Rival® 6-Quart Stainless Steel Crock-Pot® $50 As a newlywed and business owner, my day is packed with phone calls, emails, meetings, etc. The slow cooker has become my dear friend providing easy but delicious meals for me and my hubby. I am a huge fan of the Rival Crock-Pot 3 in 1 cookbook and recently discovered the crock-pot blog. Keurig® Platinum Single Serve Brewer/Coffee Maker $175 I am not a coffee drinker, however we sometimes have guests over that ask for coffee or tea. The Keruig Single Serve Brewer is ideal for brewing single cups of your favorite coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Black and Decker® 6-Slice Toaster Oven $80 I love how big this toaster oven is. We use it to make toast, garlic bread and pizza in no time. Hamilton Beach® Smooth Touch Can Opener $35 I really like the design of this can opener. I am also a fan of the smooth edges that the can opener leaves. George Foreman Next Generation Grill with Removable Plates $75 No kitchen is complete without a George Foreman Grill. I am a fan of their stainless steel design and removable plates. The Foreman Grill makes grilling hamburgers and hotdogs quick and easy. Most items are available at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Crate & Barrel Leave us a comment and let us know what some of your favorite registry items are!

Vendor Spotlight: Fusions Cuisine

2009-07-16T10:38:00.002-04:00

Looking for a caterer for your upcoming wedding that stands out among the rest? Fusion's Cuisine is a favorite among Exceeding Expectations and our brides. We are always excited to work with their talented team of professionals. When our clients book Fusions, they are guaranteed five star service. We asked Fusions President Blaise Thompson and Executive Chef James Thompson to give us insight on why they are a Bride's Choice Award Recipient:

What makes Fusions Cuisine unique? We have a fine dining Executive Chef who is personally involved in preparing the food during production - not just line cooks and sous chefs. This makes a distinct difference in the quality of food that is produced. An Executive Chef has a different level of experience and expertise than everyone else.

How do you exceed your client’s expectations? We customize menus for our brides to reflect WHO they are and WHERE they are from. This allows the food to be an extension of their who they are and bring a very personal level of detail to the menu development. We procure the best products possible and are very particular about our staff on site. They interact quite a bit with guests and should be able to explain the food and help create a fine dining experience for the attendees.

What is your favorite item on your company’s menu? We have many food favorites - during the summer our sweet potato hash and our melon salad with sambal are two big favorite side dishes. Our Root Vegetable Gratin main entree is something vegetarians love for seated meals. The unique hors d'oeuvres our Chef develops for every event are always fun and intriguing. They are always a big "WOW!"

What’s one of your favorite trends? Favorite cooking trend: Mixing old and new cooking techniques. Dabbling in molecular gastronomy and using it where it makes sense.

Is there something you wish all bride’s knew about your job or the catering industry? The one thing I wish people would understand is good service really matters and good service is not cheap. You can't run a wedding (or any event) successfully without enough staff to set up, work the reception and handle cleaning in a timely fashion. They interact with guests from beginning to end. Having a reception properly staffed will make or break the success of the overall experience. Trust your caterer. They know what they are talking about.

Do you have wedding saving tips and advice for our bride's on a budget? Cost saving tips - while a champagne toast is nice, it's not always appreciated by all guests. Very few people actually drink champagne. Instead, offer champagne at the bar and let guests toast with a drink they already have in their hand. This easily saves a couple hundred dollars in glassware and champagne.

To learn more about Fusions Cusine, be sure to check out their website and five star reviews on WeddingWire.

Wedding Wednesday

2009-07-15T11:28:00.004-04:00

Does anyone know what today is at Exceeding Expectations? Today is “Wedding Wednesday.” Wedding Wednesday is all about you, our EE Bride & Groom. This means that today you are responsible for taking an evening to enjoy each others company and remember why you fell in love! Wedding topics are off limits. There is to be no mention of wedding cake, flowers, your bridal party or anything related to the big day. Instead, take the day to check up on your fiancé and see what other things are happening in their life. Today’s Wedding Wednesday date is a classic: dinner and a movie. Grab a bite to eat at a local favorite and enjoy an evening showing of the latest blockbusters. Feel free to leave us a comment with your date ideas!

Quote of the Day

2009-07-10T12:02:00.001-04:00

"There are three types of people in the world; ones who make it happen; ones who watch it happen, & ones who say, what happened?"

Real Weddings: Nicole + Nic

2009-07-09T15:42:00.014-04:00

A few months ago I was contacted by a co-worker of one of my friend’s regarding a destination wedding. The bride (Nicole) called Exceeding Expectations and inquired about our Partial Planning package for her destination wedding in San Diego, CA. Nicole had booked a few of her vendors, but was still in need of a photographer, hotel room block, florist, Officiant, design assistance, and stationary assembly. After meeting Nicole, we were very excited and anxious to start working. Throughout the five month planning period, we researched and booked her remaining vendors. Exceeding Expectations also designed and handmade Nicole and Nic’s pocketfold invites and menu cards for their twelve guests. Veronica and I arrived in San Diego two days prior to Nicole & Nic’s big day. We ran errands for the couple and finalized the wedding details. Below are a few pictures we took with our camera. Working with Nicole and Nic was an absolute dream.

The beautiful La Jolla Woman's Club, La Jolla, California

Veronica hard at work decorating the altar.

Nicole wanted a white, blue and green dinner table. We used a white tablecloth and green napkins to add a "pop" of color for a clean crisp look.

Nicole and Nic's beautiful centerpieces made of blue and green hydrangea and limes provided by Whimsey Florals.

Exceeding Expectations designed and handmade the personalized menu cards for each guest.

The table is complete, and ready for dinner!

We used two large cylinder vases with floating candles, black rocks and orchids for the ceremony.

A few of the blue and green centerpieces and candles.

Nicole and Nic spoiled their guests with Godiva wedding cake favors.

Their flawless cake was made by FabCakes.

Congrats Nicole & Nic!

Get to Know Your Planner!

2009-07-08T21:44:00.017-04:00

A few random things about me

(Geomyra Lewis: Owner, Professional Bridal Consultant)

My name is a combination of both my parents names: George + Myra = Geomyra
I have a one year old Maltese puppy that was given to me on my wedding day by my hubby named Cane.
I am the eldest of four children.
I eat ice cream every single day.
I started “EE” after graduating George Mason University and receiving the highest grade in the Wedding & Event Planning course.
My favorite detail that goes into a wedding is wedding stationary and wedding cakes!
I have a sweet tooth that is out of this world.
My husband and I go to the movies just about once a week.
I am on the hunt for the “Perfect” Margarita.
I am a shopaholic and addicted to celebrity gossip.
I am a die hard Redskins fan and have increasingly grown to love the Caps.
One of my favorite quotes: "When people show you who they are, believe them." - Maya Angelou
I have over 4,000 songs on my iPod including pop, hip-hop, opera, country, and gospel.
I am passionate about my clients and love all things wedding.
I am living my dream…

Signature Drink Spotlight: Electric Lemonade

2009-07-08T09:27:00.010-04:00

Signature drinks remain a popular detail in today’s weddings. Not only is it a simple way to play up your wedding theme, it is also a way to save money. Some of our clients have opted to serve only a signature drink along with beer and wine during the cocktail hour. A full bar is then introduced during dinner. If you are hosting a summer wedding or dinner party with caribbean blue as one of your colors, you may want to try electric lemonade.

Ingredients: 1. Bacardi Limon

2. Blue Curacao

3. Sweet & Sour Mix

4. 7-Up Soda

5. Lemons

6. Sugar Rimmer

Recipe 1 1/4 ounces Bacardi Limon

1/2 ounce Blue Curacao

2 ounces sweet and sour mix

Mix (or shake) all ingredients and top with a splash of 7-Up. Garnish with lemon squeeze. Serve in a sugar rimmed martini glass with a lemon wedge.

Enjoy!

Wedding Gown Designer Spotlight: Simone Carvalli

2009-07-07T23:08:00.008-04:00

It’s no secret the ladies of Exceeding Expectations love fashion and design. One of my personal favorite bridal gown designers is Simone Carvalli. While shopping for a wedding gown for my Hollywood Red Carpet themed wedding, I was constantly drawn to the designs of Simone Carvalli. From the Simone Carvalli website: “Simone Carvalli brings you couture bridal gowns made of the best 100% silk fabrics and the finest of French lace. Add in our unique and amazing fit fabricated with a brilliant technique that gives every bride an hour-glass shape. Round that out with our authentic Swarovski crystals and an affordable price. Combine all this and you have…Simone Carvalli .” Listed below are a few of our favorite designs. Be sure to make an appointment at Jeanette's Bride N' Tux Boutique to view the latest collection.

All photos copyright Simone Carvalli

Wedding Cakes from past “EE” Brides

2009-07-06T21:40:00.007-04:00

We love wedding cake! Simply put, we love the creativity and thought process that goes into selecting the perfect wedding cake. There are hundreds of flavors to choose from, and even more designs. Featured below are cakes from some of our past clients. Let us know which one is your favorite! Nicole & Nic's Coconut Cream cake by Fab Cakes in San Diego, CA

Neopoltian (Strawberry Delight, Choco-Choco and Yellow Sun) by Edibles Incredible Linda Crayton Photography

Lisa Marie & Andrew's Mad Hatter strawberry cheesecake & chocolate raspberry cake by A Piece of Cake Kristin & Sean's pink and blue fondant cake by Lille Bakery and Cafe

Tisha & Rick's classic yellow and green fondant cake by A Piece of Cake

Selena & David's pink, white and lace beauty by Occasional Cakes

Lauren & Ben's pink and green confection by Cakes Unlimited in Charlottesville, VA Meredith Montague Photography

Exceeding Expectations Wedding & Event Management Company Blog

2009-07-04T21:14:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the blog of Exceeding Expectations Wedding & Event Management Company!

Exceeding Expectations is a premier Wedding & Event Management Company in the Washington DC Metro area. We specialize in providing affordable, professional and reliable Wedding & Event Coordination.

We work with our clients to create events that fit their taste, and most importantly, their budget. We offer various levels of services including customized Full, Partial and Month of Coordination packages to meet our clients' needs. Our passion for planning and attention to detail will give you the peace of mind needed to enjoy your special occasion. Our team of experienced and certified professionals works hard so you don't have to. We take care of all of the elements that go into your event by managing vendors, creating detailed timelines and allowing you and your guests to sit back and enjoy the event. We believe time is money, and guarantee to save you both. Exceeding Expectations is the proud recipient of the 2009 Bride's Choice Awards™ which recognizes and honors vendors that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. Contact us today to learn how we will exceed your expectations! Exceeding Expectations is a proud member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, International Special Events Society and is Wedding Wire Rated.