Thursday, July 28, 2011

Shop A Splash of Elegance: Invitations and Stationery

A Splash of Elegance is pleased to carry some of the top lines in the invitation industry including Envelopments, Birchcraft, Carlson Craft and Chloe B.  Contact us to shop for invitations needs from save the dates and invitations for your wedding, holiday cards, wedding and baby shower invitations and social stationery.







Tuesday, July 26, 2011

A Splash of Elegance is now WeddingWire Rated for 2011

Reston Virginia- July 11, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, is pleased to announce that A Splash of Elegance is WeddingWire Rated 2011.  WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program that distinguishes wedding vendors across the country for their excellence.  Based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews, WeddingWire Rated is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to find the best local businesses for their wedding.

A Splash of Elegance has 10 reviews on WeddingWire.  Reviews by our newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with our business and staff.  Our reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making the most informed decisions for their big day.

"We are delighted to unveil the 5th annual WeddingWire Rated program," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. " A Splash of Elegance has made a commitment to capturing their clients experiences on the nation's leading wedding review site."

As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available.  The WeddingWire Rated program provides A Splash of Elegance with a simple platform to capture customer feedback from their wedding planning experience.  Newly engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews for A Splash of Elegance on WeddingWire.com.  We would like to thank our newlyweds for our WeddingWire Rated 2011 recognition.

For more information, please visit A Splash of Elegance on WeddingWire.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Vendor Spotlight: Jones Photography

This week we had a chance to chat with Ron Jones from Jones Photography.  For more information on Jones Photography please visit http://fairfaxweddings.net/.


Tell me about your business.
I consider my business a modern photography studio.  What that means is that I'm not bogged down by lots of overhead and a big payroll, since my office and studio are located in my home.  This allows me to spend more time with my family, while putting in the long hours necessary to run a successful business.   My photography business is my full time job and is fully licensed and insured.

I specialize in working with brides and grooms who want everything to be the very best.  They have high expectations.  I'm used to meeting my client's expectations, if not exceeding them.  I am also careful not to take away from the religious, as well as romantic, aspects of their day.

What do you enjoy most when working with a bridal couple?
It is all about capturing the excitement and love on their special day.  When the married couple opens their wedding album, either for the first time or the 50th time, I desire them to instantly be returned to the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions from their wedding day.

As I photograph a couple's wedding day, I know that the images will be very important to not only them, but future generations who will look at their photos and see and feel both the excitement and love that took place on their special day.

From where do you draw your inspiration?
Many places, one of which is the bridal couple themselves.  Some of my clients want hot, fun, crazy images while some want a more traditional look to their photos.  And some want a mix of both.  Of course I also attend industry conventions and seminars where I always try to stay on top of the latest trends and styles in wedding photography.  Today's wedding photography is nothing like your mom's wedding photography.

What advice do you have for brides and grooms who are in the throes of planning their wedding?
Surround yourself with experienced professionals and you'll have a great day and great memories.  Don't rely on friends or relatives to do a professional's job.  It's not fair to them (let them enjoy the day, too!) and it's not fair to you (even though they mean well, there's a very good chance it won't be done the way it should have been done).   First...  hire a Consultant/Planner.  I've been at so many weddings where a friend or relative was "the wedding planner" and things have gone astray.  A Wedding Consultant will take care of all the little "things" that pop up on the wedding day before you or your guests even know about them.   Think "Stress Free"!

"Experience" is a good thing when it comes to the professionals you surround yourself with on your wedding day.  You should also surround yourself with people who love what they do.  I love what I do and that love and enthusiasm results in photographs that are much "better" and more special to you.  If your photographer is making your guests feel at ease and comfortable, that is sure to show up in their expressions, as captured in your photographs.

Thanks Ron!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Remarriage Showcase Video

The Remarriage Showcase took place this May at River Creek Club in Leesburg, Virginia.  Save the date for next year's showcase, March 10, 2012.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Hot New Wedding Trend: Food Trucks

One of the latest crazes in the wedding industry is bringing in Food Trucks to cater at wedding receptions.  These aren't your little hot dog carts you see all over DC, Food Trucks are gourmet kitchens on wheels that can drive to your event and provide the food for your guests for the evening.  For a couple looking to have an out-of-the-box reception that guests will love and remember for years, this is it.  Want to have a latin flair at your wedding?  Check out District Taco, DC Empanadas or SOL Mexican Grill.  For the best of the Chesapeake, try Feelin' Crabby or Red Hook Lobster Pound.  Want something sweet?  Try Solar Crepes or Pleasant Pops.  For the full list of DC Food Trucks check out Food Truck Fiesta, an online resource that shows a real time map of where the DC Food Trucks are should you get a hankering for a taco or crepe and can't wait for your wedding.

District Taco Food Truck. Source.

Interested in having a Food Truck Wedding Reception or Event?  We know some great DC, Maryland and Virginia venues that are very Food Truck friendly; email us at info@asplashofelegance.com to start planning your party!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Shop A Splash of Elegance: Kristina Eaton Headpieces

Last week we highlighted a few of the beautiful Kristina Eaton veils we carry.  Today we are so excited to show you a few beautiful Kristina Eaton Headpieces.  















Contact us for more information on Kristina Eaton's gorgeous line of veils and headpieces!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Vendor Spotlight: West Belmont Place


This week we continue our series of vendor interviews with Sharon Meyers, Director of Catering Sales at West Belmont Place.

Tell me about your business.

West Belmont Place at the National Conference Center specializes in social events such as large weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, fundraising galas, birthday parties, anniversary parties, awards & recognition events, holiday parties and reunions.  For weddings that require specialty cuisine, we do allow licensed caterers to provide the food.  We can accommodate an intimate gathering of 100 guests or a large group of 500 to 1200 depending on the set up requirements.  One of our best features is our wonderful courtyard patio to hold wedding ceremonies and special events.  There is a double heart sculpture as a backdrop and a beautiful wooden Pergola.

What do you enjoy most when working with a bridal couple? 

What I enjoy the most when working with a bridal couple is to really get to know them to create a very special and unique experience.  I like to talk to them to find out what their vision is for the wedding ceremony and reception.  It works well to incorporate their family traditions as much as possible throughout the event.

From where do you draw your inspiration?

I get my ideas from participating in local bridal shows, reading special event related publications, going to industry events such as ISES (International Special Events Society) and NACE
(National Association of Catering Executives) as well as attending hospitality specific conferences.

What advice do you have for brides and grooms who are in the throes of planning their wedding? 

My advice to the bride and grooms who are in the middle of planning their special day is to enjoy the process!  Don’t try to tackle all the details at once.  Take it one step at a time.
Your day should be stress free and memorable.  This gives you the time to spend with your friends and family while we execute all the fine details.

Thanks Sharon!  For more information on West Belmont Place please visit their website at http://westbelmontplace.com/.