Freakin' Fabulous

We had the best time at The Engaged Magazine Bridal Event earlier this week. The event was held at the magnificent Willard Hotel in Washington DC. There was a wonderful first impression of the event as guests entered the lobby and were greeted by the sounds of 6 musicians from Crystal Strings playing beautiful music. At check-in, brides and their guests were given a bright red bag from Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and then made their way to the Crystal Ballroom to visit with some of Washington's best wedding vendors. It was nice to see our friends from Engaging Affairs, Thomas Bowen Videography, Janet Flowers, Steve Canning Photography and Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection.

We always love to meet new vendors and at this show we got to chat with the folks at Digital Lighting, Patty Cakes, and Blushing Bakeshop.

The wedding brunch was held in the Grand Ballroom which was set with lovely, long tables decorated by Plants, Etc. and Select Event Rental. The menu from the talented chefs at the Willard included Chilled Seafood Amuse Bouche, Brioche Breakfast Pizza, Quail's Egg Benedict, Smoked Salmon Mini Bagel, and Hash Browns with Applewood Smoked Bacon. The dessert was amazing: Lemon Thyme Bread Pudding with Wild Strawberries AND Belgian Chocolate Beignets with Caramel Sauce. Yum.

The highlight of the day was listening to speaker Clinton Kelly from TLC's most watched show, What Not To Wear. Clinton spoke about his four main components of style and how they relate to dressing for the wedding day. He was humorous, warm, and willing to talk with anyone who had a style question or who just wanted to meet him and say hi. After his speech, he signed copies of his new book Freakin' Fabulous which outlines his rules of life to become a "better you".

Pictured above are two of my wedding assistants with the star of the day. From left to right: Claire DeRose, Clinton Kelly, and Caroline Bailey (who was very excited when Clinton declared her shoes "fierce").

Thank you to Steele from The Willard and Doreen from Engaged Magazine for planning a great event for brides and their guests.