Hottest Temps for Coolest Wedding Plans
Back in February, I shared a post about my daughter Sarah Squire’s upcoming winter wonderland wedding as we shopped for her wedding dress. Almost six months later and in 100-degree weather, she and I returned home this week so we could continue with all the planning involved to make it happen this January! So much to think about, but we refuse to be intimidated by any of those wedding check lists. Right now we are both content knowing that a wedding gown has been selected along with a fabulous venue, an amazing band, an officiant, and a probable florist, photographer, hair stylist, and makeup artist. So with my iPhone in hand, I thought it would be fun to take photos of our adventures this week and share a follow-up wedding post with Stylebook.
First up was a seamstress appointment in Falls Church for Sarah’s dress fitting with wedding gown specialist Feli Salazar, who was recommended by Love Couture Bridal. The minute we met Feli at her home, we felt confident in our seamstress choice as her relaxed demeanor and expert knowledge shined through. Having worked as a seamstress for 15+ years at area fine bridal salons, Feli now works independently with brides. In addition to the alterations at hand, including the enormous amount of hemming involved, Feli educated us on the different choices of bustling the gown in order to lift the train off the floor. The bustle choices: Regular (or Traditional) Bustle, French (or Under) Bustle, and an Over Bustle. Sarah opted for the French as she found it to be the most flattering on her backside and the most secure…Something quite relevant for Sarah as dancing will be the primary focus at her wedding celebration. Her fiancé, Mac Barlow, can dance like no other!
As we left the seamstress’s home to head to Sarah’s hairstyling appointment with Gazi at Toka Salon in Georgetown, our iPhones both went off with a text from my son, Malcolm, who was reporting in from a deep sea fishing trip at Sunset Marina in Ocean City, where he joined his four friends and Captain Dave Black at 5AM to go tuna fishing. And what a catch they had! The morning was just getting going, yet all of us were already having a very productive day! By 8AM, the five anglers had caught more than 400 pounds of yellow fin, just as we had met our wonderful seamstress!
Next up was a makeup trial with the very talented Elizabeth Whitcomb at Bellacara. And being a new bride herself, Elizabeth knew just what Sarah was aiming for with an elegant and natural Grace Kelly look, yet bride-proof (waterproof). Not only did Elizabeth come up with the perfect make-up, she also recommended a pre-wedding facial treatment regime using a daily microfoliant by Dermalogica as well as a two-step daily peel formulated by Dr. Dennis Gross.
The next evening, we met with a local Old Town florist, Enchanted Florist. And what a fabulous experience they provided as both Sarah and I were fighting traffic coming from work. We gathered on the second floor above the actual shop, where a spread of cheese, grapes and rosé awaited. Phyllis Kennedy and her expert team, Ashley and Natalie, were well prepared with all kinds of inspiring ideas! And who knew, they were contracted to do the very first wedding to take place at the very same venue where Sarah’s January wedding is going to be—The Trump Hotel in D.C.! Though it hasn’t been completed yet, the new hotel is due to open September 12, with the first wedding is scheduled to take place on September 17! Read my next Stylebook post on Thursday to view our hard hat site visit. Amazing!!
After our brainstorming session at Enchanted Florist, we walked right around the corner to Grape + Bean for some small plates and wine. Our faves were the Warm Duck Rillette and the Mozzarella + Caponata. What fun we were having in Old Town!
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
