Local Find: Say I Do Expo

From the amazing Event Producer (Pink Dot Concepts) that brought us the Nonconforming Bridal Fair, comes a new type of wedding expo for the Washington, DC Metro Region. Introducing…

Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo

Is a Same-Sex Marriage in Your Future?

“Say I Do!” LGBT Wedding Expo is in DC for the second year!

If you and your partner are planning to wed in the DC Metropolitan area, then circle Sunday, June 5, 2010, on your calendar for a very special event. Pink Dot Concepts gives us “Say I Do!”—the ultimate LGBT Wedding Expo—at the luxurious Hotel Palomar, 2121 P Street NW, from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Pre-event workshops will offer specific information addressing the needs of LGBT couples. And, you’ll be able to meet more than 30 gay and gay-friendly vendors, representing a full spectrum of wedding services and related products: legal professionals, wedding coordinators, photographers, floral designers, caterers, cake decorators, and more!

Details:
Date: Sunday, June 5, 2010
Location: Hotel Palomar, 2121 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Registration Fee: $10 per couple, in advance [www.sayidoexpo.com]; $25 at the door

Ticket price to the expo includes:

• Access to over 30 LGBT-friendly wedding vendors
• A special swag bag filled with goodies ($75 value) for first 100 couples
• Informative workshop line-up (legal, financial, wedding advice and more!)
• Scrolling floor shows (wedding gowns, tuxedo’s and more)
• Cake and dessert tastings
• Rainbow marketplace
• Raffles and prizes!

Click inside to read more about swag bags & prizes!!

Read the rest of this entry »

Real Capitol Romance: Soumonie & Stephen

I adore finding couples from all different backgrounds, shapes, styles, races, religions, ages, etc. If it’s one thing I have noticed about the wedding world – it’s that sometimes it tends to get rather bland and one-dimensional.  (IE: go to Weddinggawker.com and count the non-white, non-heterosexual couples …. right).

One of my goals with Capitol Romance is to attempt to change that representation, because I don’t think its a TRUE representation of the couples in the DC Metro Area!

But enough from me and my constant thoughts & opinions, today’s e-shoot is a gorgeous “Secret Garden” themed shoot from the ever-awesome James Reyes Photography. James has already supplied me with one of my FAVORITE weddings ever (Rebecca & Jeff’s Intimate, Vintage Thrift Store Wedding) so I knew I would be thrilled to feature his next shoot when it popped into my inbox this week.

Meet Soumonie & Stephen

Soumonie (what a beautiful name) & Stephen met up with James to do a post-wedding engagement shoot! Love it. Their Cambodian/Chinese wedding can be seen here on James’ blog!

James shares a bit about the shoot & couple:

I was so delighted when Soumonie and Stephen came to me with the idea of doing an engagement styled session after their wedding day. They had something else in mind from your typical engagement session. They wanted to recreate their dating experience from the first few weeks of their relationship. So we set out to hit the various spots at which they would spend time, talking well into the night, just shy of sunrise.

I just cannot say enough positive things about this couple. They are both filled with a kind and gentle spirit, yet their passion for each other stretches the imagination. More than once after getting “the shot” and letting them know we were ready to move to the next location, they were still passionately kissing each other.

Talk about LOVE people! Enjoy the rest of the shots from this beautifully styled love shoot:

Click inside to see the rest!

Read the rest of this entry »

DIY Decor with Photography Du Jour

After they’ve gotten their wedding pictures back, some couples might find themselves wondering:

I have 500+ pictures of my wedding …. now what?

This afternoon’s DIY Decor idea helps answer that question, or at least gives you some DIY Decor inspiration into what you COULD do with some of your wedding pictures after you get the files from your photographer.

Shauna, of Photography Du Jour, has provided us with some fantastic imagery to showcase your favorite weddings pictures using canvas prints! I wish that I had met Shauna/posted this feature BEFORE ordering my own Canvas Prints from my wedding (we had a heck of a time trying to design the sizes/setup for our bedroom wall) so hopefully it helps some of you!

First, our attempt at being as good at this as Shauna:

Now onto the pro (Special thanks again to Photography Du Jour for the images!). Shauna showcases a few different setups with sizing information on how to best display your wedding canvas pritns around your home!

Click inside to see more setups!!

Read the rest of this entry »

DIY Christmas Ornament & Tulle Bouquet

For those of you that came to the Nonconforming Bridal Fair, you might have already gotten a copy of my tutorial on how to make your own DIY Christmas Ornament & Tulle Bouquet(s).

For those that didn’t, here it is…

How to Make Your Own:

DIY Christmas Ornament & Tulle Bouquet(s)

Materials:

• 5” diameter round Styrofoam ball (or 4” for bridesmaid bouquet)
• Plastic floral holder and handle (available at Micheal’s or other crafts stores)
• Lots and lots of tulle: cut into 4” squares
• Floral pins
• Christmas balls (colors, size, and amount can vary) – we used 9 per bouquet
• Glue gun & glue
• Ribbon

Directions:

1. Glue the Styrofoam ball to the holder.

2. Plan the arrangement of your ornaments on the Styrofoam ball, and mark with a small dot where you glue them. (*Tip*: The more ornaments you use, the less tulle you will need!)

3. Put hot glue onto the hanger of the Christmas ball and then push into the Styrofoam. (*Tip*: you could also add some more glue around the ball, once it is pushed into the Styrofoam, in order to secure the ball)

4. After the balls are secure, take 2 of the tulle squares and pushing them into Styrofoam using the floral pins to secure the tulle.

5. Start at the bottom and work the tulle in a circular pattern around the base of the plastic floral holder

6. Fill the Styrofoam ball in entirely with the tulle. (approx. 300-400 squares)

7. Finish the bouquet off by wrapping ribbon around the plastic handle. You may also have to trim the tulle once it is all in place.

And now for more shots of our offbeat DIY bouquets in action:

Click inside to see more …

Read the rest of this entry »