Original Wedding: Ashlee & Terence

The Dallas Cowboys' win this past Sunday was a post-honeymoon treat for Ashlee & Terence, whose Cowboys themed wedding took place last Saturday! Cowboys fan or not, their wedding looked gorgeous with the blues and silvers carrying the theme throughout the ceremony and reception. The theme was very tasteful and subtle and came full circle when Terence tossed the garter to the fellas on a football, with the Monday Night Football theme playing in the background! The dance floor was packed all night and the lovely couple had a grand exit, complete with bubbles and cheering family and friends.

My favorite things:
1. The Monday Night Football theme being used at the garter toss song-- what a cute idea for a slightly football themed wedding!
2. The fact that E.V.E.R.Y. S.I.N.G.L.E groomsmen was dressed, ready to go, on time and where they were supposed to be! Somehow it's always the guys we have to chase down, so great job fellas!
3. Testing out the photo booth. Someone's gotta do it!

Things I learned:
1. Always check to make sure everything is correctly in it's place, whether you are responsible for the item or not. (Okay, okay-- I already knew this, but I'm glad I follow this rule or we would have had 100 misplaced chairs when the bride showed up!)
2. Be prepared to do the unexpected. Nora was thrown into doing all of the announcements when we found out that the DJ doesn't announce, but she rocked it!
3. Dance floor clings do not cling to the dance floors that look like wood... who would have thought?!

Ashlee & Terence-- Congratulations on your team's win over the weekend and may you have a beautiful life together!

Venue: American Legion Post 177
Caterer: American Legion Post 177
Coordinator: NoLo Weddings & Events
Rentals: Le Fabuleux Events
Photo Booth: Red Eye Photobooth
Wedding Cake: Loyda's Cakes
Florist: Buttercup Floral Design

Original Wedding: Natasha & Bernie

The weather here on the East Coast on September 8th was definitely a bride's worst nightmare, but that didn't bring down Natasha and Bernie's high spirits! Severe storms, heavy rains and wind gusts may have contributed to late arrivals, guests running from taxis, lights flickering and pushing the ceremony back a smidge (just a smidge), but the lovely bride and groom took it all in stride. As the ceremony ended, the storm let up for guests to make their way to the reception. Even the typical DC traffic cooperated and everyone danced the night away to celebrate Natasha and Bernie!

My favorite things:
1. The sugar cookies favors-- I think it's great when favors are edible!
2. The ring bearer's itty bitty suit.
3. The caesar salad topped with shrimp. Y.U.M. Probably my favorite part of the entire meal. (I love it when couples feed us the same meal as the guests, it really is a special treat!)

Things I learned:
1. If the ring bearer wants to run after his mom down the aisle, he will most definitely do so regardless of any tactic you come up with to keep him put. (But hey, it was adorable!)
2. Umbrellas do not work when it's raining sideways. NoLo might need to invest in company ponchos!
3. There is no point in driving around DC to find a "closer parking garage" because it just doesn't exist.

It's looks like they are being bombarded by the paparazzi-- I love it!

Natasha & Bernie-- If it's true what they say, the two of you have a TON of good luck piled up with all of that rain, not that you'll need it :)

Venue: National Press Club

Coordinator: NoLo Weddings & Events

Caterer: National Press Club

Wedding Cake: Fluffy Thoughts

Photographer: Alex Agaryshev

Videography: East West Production

Florist: Fantastic Florals

DJ: Maximum Volume Productions

Original Wedding: Taylor & Nick

Some of you may remember Taylor & Nick as the "WPOC Dream Wedding" couple, and dream couple they were. Both Taylor and Nick looked completely ecstatic and in-love all evening as they prepared for the ceremony, vowed their love to one another, took pictures and mingled with guests. Fortunately, the high chance of storms predicted earlier in the week disappeared and allowed their garden ceremony to happen right on schedule and their guests to stay dry!

My favorite things:

1. The photobooth! Such a great favor for guests to take home.

2. The "pick a seat, not a side" sign for guests at the ceremony.

3. The wedding cake-- beach theme anyone? The chef did such an amazing job!

Things I learned:

1. Groomsmen appreciate presents with their names on them just as much as bridesmaids do.

2. A golf cart is a completely acceptable mode of transportation for the bridal party-- In fact, they love it!

3. Instead of putting the fish in the centerpiece bowls upstairs, do it in the ballroom. It's much more efficient than carrying 20+ individual bowls down the stairs, 2 at a time. Go figure.

Taylor and Nick-- I wish you both a marriage as beautiful as your wedding.

Venue: The Garden at Michael's

Coordinator: NoLo Weddings & Events

Photographer: Photography by Brea

Caterer: Michael's Eighth Avenue
Wedding Cake: Michael's Eighth Avenue

Florist: Maher's Florist

Girl's Attire: K & B Bridals

Custom Designed Invitations: Chelsey May

Limo: All Stretched Out
DJ: Mark Bishop

The My WeddingDJ App - Insta DJ

Recently, I discovered the My WeddingDJ app and I wanted to share it for those of you who are looking to drastically cut costs for your wedding day. It's an app that fills some of the duties of a wedding DJ. That's right-- If you are looking for ways to save money on your wedding, consider hiring your (or a friend's) iPad.

The My WeddingDJ app, available on the iPhone or iPad for a mere $1.99, let's you build playlists for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. It even let's the person operating it easily flow from one song to the next for each part of the ceremony, complete with automatic fading (the cocktail hour and reception sections just shuffle playlists).

Now I'm not suggesting that the app can provide you with ALL of the services of a DJ, because it certainly cannot act as a master of ceremonies, announce your bridal party, or get your quiet guests pumped up, but it can lower costs if you have someone willing to do these things for you.

This app is also a great idea if you have a reception DJ, but don't have anyone to do your ceremony music. If you are not getting married in a church, or somewhere with a sound system, it can be costly to have either your DJ provide two music set-ups or to hire someone completely different.

Just an idea to consider!