5 Tips for Putting your Wedding Dress On

A wedding dress sets the tone for the entire wedding by reflecting the brides style and personality, while complimenting the venue.  Countless hours are spent shopping, trying on, altering, fittings and the heavily documented activity of actually putting on the dress.  Below we share five tips to make putting on the dress go smoother, the day of the wedding.

1. Time How Long it Takes

• At your final dress fitting time how long it takes to put your dress on, including all of your undergarments and putting your shoes on.  That way you leave enough time (with a little cushion) for getting dressed on the day of your wedding day.

2. Bustle

• Bring a mom or bridesmaid to the final dress fitting so they know how to bustle the dress.  If that isn’t possible, take a video of how the dress is bustled to share with your wedding planner so they can do it for you.  We have seen so many different types of bustles that we can usually figure it out, it will just go that much quicker if we are able to watch the video ahead of time so you can get back to the reception faster.

3. Use a Crochet Hook for buttons

• If the dress has a long row of buttons on the back, don’t forget to bring a crochet hook.

4. Have the bridesmaids get dressed first

• Before the bride gets dressed anyone that is helping her should get dressed first, that way they  look their best in the pictures too.

5. Have a bra sewn into the dress

• This doesn’t work for every dress but when it does, it is much more comfortable and faster to get dressed too!

We hope these tips help your day go smoother so you can enjoy the time with your favorite people, all while looking fabulous too!

xxoo!

 

Ashley & Ryan

We are still catching up on blog posts from our 2016 weddings but super excited to finally show you the amazing images from Ashley and Ryan’s wedding at Bluemont Vineyard that were taken by Bekah Kay Photography.  Now let me tell you, these are two of the kindest, coolest people you will ever meet. They have a large group of loyal and fun friends which made the entire day a complete joy and fun to be around.  Getting married in November means you never quite know what to expect from the weather but this day in November was gorgeous, the sky was so clear you could see for miles and provided a beautiful backdrop.  For the outdoor ceremony, we setup a chuppah and attached her father’s tallit, it was such a personal touch and really created a dramatic focal point in front of the blue sky.   Ashley carried a stunning cascading bouquet that we absolutely loved making.  Her bouquet had a variety of all purple flowers and greenery that included cool water roses, mokara orchids, freesia, calla lilies and variety of eucalyptus.  The centerpieces were two different designs, one floral arrangement with a variety of textures and fall tones that included dahlias, mums, marigolds, scented geranium and greenery and the other a distressed ivory lantern with greenery and flower blooms surrounding it.  The shades of purple with orange and ivory accents, went perfect for a fall wedding.  Congrats Ashley & Ryan, we absolutely loved doing the flowers for your wedding.  We wish you the best!!

Wedding Flowers & Decor:
Diamond Events

Photographer:
Bekah Kay Photography

Venue:
Bluemont Vineyard

Allison & Josh

Is it really August already, were has this summer gone??  We have been oh so busy and have lots of great weddings to share, starting with the wedding of Allison and Josh. It is always such an honor when someone’s parents choose you to coordinate their daughter’s wedding but the flattery that follows when they choose you to coordinate both of their daughter’s weddings is the ultimate compliment.  Three years earlier we had the pleasure of working with Allison’s sister, Bethany, whose wedding had some similarities but like most sisters, they were very different.

Allison & Josh married at the beautiful St. James’ Episcopal Church in downtown Warrenton, Virginia.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect as guests walked towards the church to be greeted by the big red doors & the sound of hymns.  The couple took the time to pray together (without seeing each other) before the wedding, it was such a sweet moment that they shared together and captured beautifully by their photographer, Michelle Lindsay.

After the ceremony guests made their way to Airlie for the cocktail hour and reception.  Café lights hung over the walkway and the sound of the live band welcomed guests as they entered the pavilion.  The flowers and decor were in fall tones of ivory and burgundy with gold accents.  We enjoyed working with Wedding Muse to provide the flowers while Diamond Events provided the decor rentals and coordination, between our two mega inventories we were really able to bring Allison’s wedding vision to life.  It was such a fun evening of dancing, sentimental toasts, surprise performances and not to forget the delicious desserts.  Allison & Josh both love cheesecake and opted for a variety of them for guests to choose from, all of them incredibly delicious and not an easy decision to make, in fact all of the cakes made by Gateau are delicious!!  To light the way back to their room, mini lanterns were displayed for guests to take home at the end of the night.

Congratulations to Allison & Josh!!

 

Ceremony:
Saint James’ Episcopal Church

Reception Venue:
Airlie

Photographer:
Michelle Lindsay Photography

Wedding Coordination & Decor:
Diamond Events

Bohemian Soiree

Morgan and David’s fall wedding at Chantilly Farm was the epitome of bohemian chic. The eclectic event featured bold colors and vintage touches—from the bridal attire to the festive décor. Even the bride’s “something blue” shoes had that boho feel, in ethereal turquoise and gleaming silver.

The bridal party wore bright dresses and bow ties that complimented their bouquets and boutonnières, respectively. The vivid flowers held pops of red, purple, yellow and orange. During the ceremony, against a breathtaking backdrop that overlooked Floyd County, stood a birchwood arbor decorated in fall flowers. In addition to the archway, these flowers also lined the aisles on suspended hooks. In the barn reception, fun fuschia tablecloths, shimmering gold runners, and the regal navy napkins complimented the floral decor.

Equally as bohemian as the color scheme were the event’s vintage elements, which included framed family photos and colored glassware. The lightheartedness of the bohemian wedding continued in the treats that guests enjoyed. The couple celebrated their wedding with a Krispy Kreme donut cake with wooden versions of them on top. “All you need is love or maybe a donut,” proclaimed a nearby sign. As guests danced the night away, they were able to re-energize at the customizable popcorn bar.

Venue:
Chantilly Farm

Photographer:
Chelsa Yoder

Wedding Coordination:
Diamond Events

Morais Vineyard & Winery Wedding

Sometimes when it is 30 degrees outside the best thing to do is “think spring” right?!  Browsing through images of the weddings that we have done and I came across this oh so colorful orange and green wedding with tropical touches at Morais Vineyards & Winery in Bealton, Virginia.  The ceremony took place outdoors with the pergola, which was decorated with strands of crystals and orange Mokara orchids.  The ballroom looked stunning with orange crush linens that had an iridescent shine and provided just the right contrast to the the arrangements which were mostly green flowers with pops or orange.  Last but least, the gorgeous cake!  The flowers used included dahlias, Mokara orchids, spray roses, hydrangea, tick dianthus, hypericum berries and amaranthus.

Venue:
Morais Vineyard & Winery

Wedding Coordination, Flowers & Decor:
Diamond Events

 

 

Four Keys to Creating Your Wedding Guest List

After the engagement, the first thing couples should do is to create their wedding guest list. Family and friends are key components for a couples’ big day, so it’s important to define who you want to be there. Because the budget usually reflects cost-per-head, it’s important to have an estimate on the number of potential guests. Plus, adjusting the size of your guest list is on of the fastest ways to reduce costs. A slight change in the number of guests can have a big effect on the budget.

1. Keep an updated contact list. Rather than scrambling to collect names and addresses at one time, work on it gradually. Texting with Aunt Sue? Confirm her address. Lunch with Mom? Get the correct spelling your cousin’s wife’s name. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Create a spreadsheet to keep track of names and addresses. Use tabs to divide your spreadsheet by each side of the couple. Ensure that there are no duplicates by working on your guest list together. You can utilize Google Docs or Dropbox to access your spreadsheets on-the-go.

3. Ask key family members to provide their must-invite list. This ensures that there are no surprises later. But set expectations early by providing them with a set number of guests and offering examples of who you will be inviting.

4. Keep track of children and their ages. Kids meals are charged differently, by age, and will impact the budget differently. For example, children 3 and under usually eat free, while four- to 12-year olds are offered kids meals. Any children, from ages 13 to 21, will be charged for an adult entrée. However, they shouldn’t be included in the per-head alcohol costs.  For various reasons (budgetary or otherwise), many couple’s are deciding to not invite children to their event.

For more budget and planning tips, Join the Diamond Events mailing list!

Katie & Austin’s Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Katie & Austin found the perfect place to host their rustic, elegant wedding within the rolling hills of Leesburg at Stone Tower Winery. In addition to tours and tastings, the local, Loudoun County winery offered the perfect venue for the couple’s outdoor wedding.

Katie and her ladies-in-pink were able to get ready at the venue, with the winery’s beverages on hand. They offered the bride a toast before she walked down the aisle.

Following their vineyard-side ceremony, the couple were able to give their guests a unique, al fresco dining experience. Katie, Austin and their guests sipped signature limoncellos at long tables, under twinkling light strings.

After an evening of dancing, laughter, and celebration, guests sent the lovebirds off to married life through a myriad of sparklers.

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Stone Tower Winery Wedding

Groom kissing bride on head

Al fresco wedding reception

Love Birds cake topper

Sparkler Exit at Stone Tower Winery

Venue:
Stone Tower Winery

Photographer:
Matt Mendelsohn

Wedding Coordination, Flowers & Decor:
Diamond Events

Mackenzie & Jason’s Braeloch Wedding

While rain can seem like an uninvited guest on your big day, wedding lore says that a sprinkling is, actually, quite lucky. Traditionally, a wedding-day rain symbolizes renewal, unity, beginnings and fertility for Mackenzie and Jason’s wedding in Vinton, Virginia (right outside of Roanoke), rain symbolized the couple’s ability to move forward and have fun. With rain threatening to come down just as the ceremony was to begin, the couple simply delayed their wedding until the clouds passed–the chairs were wiped dry and the event continued on. The couple were married under a beautiful, garlanded arch with ferns and flower petals decorating the ceremony site. The rest of wedding was as carefree as the couple, with the Harwell Grice Band entertaining guests with bluegrass tunes and light hearted donut favors from Krispy Cream (The pun-tactic signage reminded guests,” Do-not leave without a treat!”). The gold-gilded reception featured a long king table with elegant, candlelit lanterns, hearty garlands and sumptuous spray roses.

Venue:
Braeloch
Wedding Coordination, Flowers & Decor:
Diamond Events

Under the Sea 1st Birthday

What a fun celebration for a sweet little girl! The dessert table included a 2 tier lavender and aqua “Under the Sea” themed round cake with fondant circles to represent “scales”, seashells and even seaweed. On top of the cake was a mermaid cake topper.  A few of our favorite elements from this beautiful ocean party are:

The amazing cake
The aqua, lavender and purple color scheme
The tassel garlands
The “sand” under the cupcakes that was actually brown sugar
The seashell themed desserts
The tall white seahorses
And the cutie pie turning 1!

Styling by Diamond Events

Cake & Cupcakes by Sweet Blossom Cake

Melissa & Shannon’s House Mountain Inn Wedding

Just like when they first met, Melissa & Shannon quickly fell in love with their venue. Lexington, Va.’s House Mountain Inn set the perfect September backdrop for the couple, who were looking to host a fall, country wedding. Atop the couple’s three-tiered wedding cake sat the words “Dynamic Duo”, reflecting the power pairing–as well as Melissa’s and Shannon’s love of all things superhero. This theme was reflected in details, like the comic-book-style save-the-dates (scenes from their proposal), the groom’s /best man’s processional song (Star Wars) and the superhero-titled tables. The bride’s bouquet held red roses and white calla lillies, while the bridal party’s bouquets held different shades of yellow roses with red hypericum berries. The groomsmen and groomswomen wore matching boutonnieres and wrist bracelet corsages. The decor at the ceremony and reception sites consisted of tall, glass vases with red roses and white hydrangeas, with yellow flower petals lining ceremony aisle. The two-part reception featured a s’mores bar and superhero photo props. Following the reception, attendees partied all-night-long with streaming music, a hookah bar (created from Jack Daniels bottles) and multiple games of cornhole.

Photography Credits:
Skyryder Photography
Venue:
House Mountain Inn
Floral & Decor:
Diamond Events