Invitations are here!

We have partnered with Checkerboard to bring you invitations, save the dates, announcements and othe printed paper products. The site allows you to order samples and view a preview of your invitation instantly!

Check out a few of our favorites:

Something Modern

Loving Letterpress! - and this one too!

A Classic

Floral

Ok, I could go on and on for days-- check out the site, there is something for everyone and every budget!

" 'Tis the season... to get engaged!"

With Thanksgiving and the rest of the winter holidays around the corner I was reminded of an article I saw last year about the stats of holiday season engagements. 'Tis the Season to Get Engaged by Buck Wolf reported that, "November and December account for 26 percent of marriage proposals.." Also, check out the article to read about a few interesting proposals!

A few other wedding stats I ran across:

~ August is the most popular month to have a wedding

~ Today's brides worry most about going over budget, but are most willing to splurge on a great photographer.

~ The average bride was 22 in 1980, 25 in 1990, and 25.1 today.

Check out this link for more Wedding Stats & Trends from Hallmark.

Hot off the Press!

Check out LelyCo Events in the Fairfax County Times bridal section this month! We are featured in the "Strike Up the Band" article. Pick up the insert for great ideas and local wedding resources.

Featured Event

Photos by www.RodneyBailey.com


Jennifer & Ernest's Wedding
Dominion Valley Country Club~ Haymarket, VA

An outdoor ceremony was planned on the lawn overlooking the pond, golf course, and hills of Virginia. As dark clouds loomed later in the day we were unsure if we would be able to proceed with the outdoor ceremony. As the planner, I coordinated with the country club to postpone the set up for as long as possible. I knew my bride had envisioned her ceremony to take place on the lawn and I wanted to her dream day that she had imagined. Meanwhile, Carly from Affordable Arrangements set up the ceremony flowers (wreaths tied with chocolate brown ribbon with an accent of hypercium berries and bags of ivory rose petals) indoors in case of any sudden change of weather. Finally, we decided togo forward and set up outdoors and hope that the weather held out.

As guests began to arrive, they mingled outdoors and found their seats as the talented Chris Dunn played music on his guitar. The weather was still a bit cloudy outside when the processional began. As Jennifer and her father exited the building to walk down the aisle, the sun appeared and put a "spotlight" on their beautiful ceremony.

The reception was quite the party! The ballroom looked classic and elegant with centerpieces of tall calla lilies. The band, Carte Blanche, kept the dance floor filled all night - the bandleader, Ira, did an amazing job as the MC. The guests feasted on delicious crab cakes and filet mignon and a chocolate fondant "skyscraper" from Manassas Cakery. The cake uniquely tied together their colors by having metallic peach and ivory "windows" on the tall chocolate brown treat! Godiva chocolate bars covered in peach, ivory, and brown graphic paper flanked the cake.

As you can tell by the wonderful work of the photographer, Tabatha Luskey, one of Rodney Bailey's associates- it was an incredible day! It was a joy to work with Jennifer, Ernest, and their families!

Details that made the day:

~ Weaving the colors of ivory, peach, and chocolate brown through everything: the programs, flower girl's dresses, the ceremony decor and favors.

~ Jennifer's Vera Wang sheath was gorgeous. She wore a 50's era "pouf" veil that was stylish and unique.

~ Their cake by Manassas Cakery was made to look like a skyscraper, a nod to city where they met... New York City.

~ The family made a candle lit, Martha Stewart-esque picture display of wedding photos of their parents and grandparents.

Congratulations Jennifer & Ernest!

More pictures: