Featured Bride: Allison

We all know the saying, “Mother knows best” and pretty much cringe, but for this bride, it’s a whole ‘nother story… Allison was “harassed” for weeks and unknowingly set up by her mother at a teacher honor society holiday dinner. That evening, she was “introduced” to, her now husband Tomás Ovalle, the gentleman that helped her mother’s students with a garden. AWWWW.

With that first day behind them and a bright future ahead, Allison and Tomás shared their vows in front of their friends and family in a formal wedding at The Church of the Nativity in Burke, Virginia on October 13, 2013. Allison wore a Winnie Couture, Italian satin wedding dress with intricate beading and a beautiful train. Her dress was purchased at a bridal shop she passed by every morning when she took the train into New York City .

The reception was held in the same ballroom where the couple first met, at The Country Club of Fairfax (How ROMANTIC!!). Guests enjoyed a seated and catered dinner, surrounded by a classical fall themed decor of warm autumn toned colors.

Please enjoy some images from their special day!

       

  

Allison’s all-star Team:

Makeup and Hair: Bridal Beauty Associates

Florist:  Emily Harmon of Love Blooms

Catering: The Country Club of Fairfax

Cake/cupcakes: Cakes by Linda

Photographer: Matt H. of George Street Photography

Wedding/Day planner: Desiree Walker of Perfectly Yours

Videographer: George Street Photography

• Advice for future brides? Plan it so you’re able to enjoy your day. Pamper yourself. I started out being really stressed about money. I even considered doing my own make-up. I am sooo glad I didn’t. First of all, I couldn’t have done what Sam did, second I was so nervous and frazzled the morning of I’m not even sure I could have held a make-up brush straight, third I got to be pampered and the process actually calmed me down. Not to mention I looked amazing!  It’s one day, you want to enjoy the time. (there will be plenty to stress over) Plus, who doesn’t want to look your best?
• Here’s what she had to say about us: The team was amazing. I worked with Krystal and Sam. Despite some serious bumps the morning of my wedding Sam pulled through and did amazing makeup. She nailed the look I wanted and made me feel like a movie star. Krystal was really patient with me. I think I called her no less than three different times before I made an appointment for a trial. I think she knew more of what I wanted my hair to look like than I did, because it came out gorgeous. She made my bridesmaids look beautiful and even made my cousin who isn’t super into hair and make-up feel super comfortable. I couldn’t have asked for better. Plus the look lasted the entire day and night! The hair didn’t budge! These girls really know what they’re doing. Everyone couldn’t stop gushing about how great I looked. Plus they’re fun to work with and easy to talk to. Many of my girlfriends who got married before me used them too,so I knew I was in good hands!

-Stay Beautiful

Featured Bride: Valarie

Imagine the perfect fall day, at an elevation of 951ft with a barnyard styled vineyard as your backdrop. Who could ask for a more romantic and rustic feel for a wedding?

Valarie and Jason shared their “I-do’s” on October 19, 2013 in front of about 127 friends and family at the Bluemont Vinyard in Virginia. Valarie donned a La Sposa sweetheart strapless gown in all lace with a scalloped bottom, which was accompanied by a matching scalloped bordered, elbow length vale which she purchased at Ava Laurenne in Fredricksburg, VA. Concerning her bridesmaids’ dresses, they were purchased from Ann’s Boutique in Burke, VA and she actually allowed her ladies to pick a style that best suited them (WOWWW). Clearly, Valarie was a heaven-sent bride that many would PRAY for, if ever asked to be a bridesmaid.

With the help of wedding decorator Kathleen Wheaton from Elegant Momentz, the décor of both the wedding and reception was flawless in the most causal and vintage way possible. Fall colors of brown, red, orange, and yellow beautifully accented the venue, as well as strategically placed pumpkins, hay barrels, mums, and vintage frames.  Guests were treated to passed appetizers and a family styled dinner at the reception with an open bar. They also enjoyed a signature drink, the mason Dixon, a warm/cold apple cider with the option to spike it with rum, named due to his family being from the north and her being from the south.

With personal touches throughout every detail of this weeding, this beautiful day ended in an equally beautiful evening with a breathtaking sunset as their canopy. Please enjoy some pictures from their wedding!

Valarie’s All-star Team

Makeup and Hair: Bridal Beauty Associates

Invitations: Magnet Street

Florist: Affordable Arrangements

Catering: Savior Fair

Cake/cupcakes: Cupcakes and a 6in round cake from Sugardust Cookies & Cakes

Photographer: Brett Simpson Photography with assistance from Ryan LeBreton

Hair accessories: Floral lace/pearl flower from Etsy

Wedding decorator: Kathleen Wheaton from Elegant Momentz

Wedding/Day planner: Jenny McLaughlin provided by Bluemont Vineyard

Music: DJ (Bob Artman) from Black Tie DJs

Videographer: Villatoro Productions

Transportation: Trolley from Virginia Rides

• Advice for future brides? Enjoy the wedding planning process; although stressful at times, you only get to do this once!  There are always places in your wedding budget to cut cost however, I am so thankful that I did not skimp on hair and makeup-there are only a handful of times in you life that are all about you….so you should look and feel your best! Your engagement will fly by no matter how long it is and your wedding day will be over before you know it.  Take the time to cherish these moments and enjoy your new life as husband and wife 🙂
• Here’s what she had to say about us: BBA truly knows how to make you feel like the princess you are supposed to be on your wedding day.  They are true professionals who were able to highlight each persons individual beauty while staying on schedule-which can be tough the morning of your wedding.  Having them come to you is a major plus.  I wish I could have Bridal Beauty Associates help me get ready everyday!

-Stay Beautiful

Featured Wedding- AUGUST 2012- Dana and Tyler

Tyler and Dana’s love story began back in 2005, when they first met while at W&L Law School, but they didn’t begin dating until they had both moved back to DC after graduation.  In fact, while at W&L, she set him up with her best friend and maid of honor, Gen.  ” It made for a really great maid of honor toast!” says Dana.

On August 25, 2012, that love story continued with the breathtakingly beautiful and sweet wedding among their family and friends at The Thomas Birkby House in historic Leesburg, VA.  Dressed in a flowing Paloma Blanca gown, Dana met Tyler at the end of a cobbled “aisle” where they promised to share their lives together as husband and wife.

Dana is one of those special brides of ours that just makes me smile every time I think about her.  She’s so genuine.  She has great taste.  And despite the gloomy weather and some sprinkling, she keep her cool and didn’t have a bridezilla moment.

Krystal and I first met Dana in November of 2011, not too long after incorporating our businesses together. She was one of the first bride’s we’d booked under the Bridal Beauty Associates name.  She had also been coming to me for months before the wedding for her eyelash extensions, and it was a fabulous opportunity to get to know her (and indirectly Tyler!) better.  We are both now married to patent examiners at the US Patent and Trademark Office!

A special Thank You to the very talented Stephanie Ascari Photography for sharing these beautiful images with us to share with you.  Please enjoy!

Dana loved her eyelash extensions so much, her mother in law and maid of honor Gen both came and got them done before the wedding, too!

Words of advice from Dana: “My main advice to brides is to try not to agonize over every small decision.  And, definitely, get a day of coordinator even if you didn’t use a wedding planner!”

Recipe for Success:

Florist-A Flower Blooms in Clifton

Caterer-Tuscarora Mill

Dress Designer-Paloma Blanca

Venue- The Thomas Birkby House, Leesburg, VA

Photographer- Stephanie Ascari Photography

Wedding Planner- Events in the City (Christie)

Hairstylist- Krystal

Makeup Artist- Suzanne

Here’s what she had to say about us:

“Suzanne, Krystal, and their entire team were fantastic both at the trial and at the main event. Prior to the trial, I told the bridal party that they were not obligated to get their hair or makeup done. Following the trial, everyone in the bridal party signed on to get their hair and makeup done based on the pictures from the trial. Leading up to the wedding, I went to Suzanne for eyelash extensions, which are awesome and I would recommend to any bride. On my wedding day, Suzanne and Krystal arrived early and kept things running on time. Even though it was rainy and humid on my wedding day, everyone’s hair and makeup stayed put throughout the afternoon and evening. In fact, some of the bridesmaids still had their hair done the next day. They did a great job and I would recommend them to any bride.”

Read more of our reviews here!

Featured Wedding- JULY- Missy and Alex

July Featured Wedding, Missy and Alex, July 7, 2012

How they Met: ” Alex and I met in grad school in Texas.  He’s from Oregon, I’m from Delaware, and we met in the middle.  We were together for 5 years before he proposed at sunset on a dock in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.”

Planning the Big Day: ” I planned the entire wedding myself.  For me, the key was to make a decision and move forward.  Don’t stress about it too much. It is just one day.  Your guests are not concerned with the type of flowers you chose or the color of your bridesmaid’s nail polish.  Definitely hire a day-of-coordinator.  You will not regret it. ”

Words of Wisdom: “The day of our wedding ended up being on the hottest day of the year in the DC area EVER on record.  The entire outdoor event that I spent 8 months putting together was changed literally the week before.  In addition to that, my mother fell and broke her hip 2 days before the wedding, and my car died hours before my rehearsal dinner.  By all accounts this should have been a disaster, but I realized there are just some things out of my control.  Just go with it.  The day goes by so fast, take a few seconds to look around, breathe, and savor the moment.  I loved my wedding and would do it all over again without changing a thing (except for Mom’s hip).”

Recipe for Success:

Photogrpahy: Marcella Treybig Photography

Florist: Petal’s Edge, Alexandria VA
Venue: The Hendry House, Fort C.F. Smith, Arlington VA
Cake: Cupcakes from Buzz Bakery, Oregon Duck cake from The Cake and the Frog
Catering Company: Heather Hardage from Matters of Taste
Dress Designer/Shop: Pronovias
Bridal Party Dress Designer/Shop: David’s Bridal
Her “colors”: coral, silver, white
Day of Coordinator:  Heather and Marcella (from Matters of Taste), they were excellent!

Her Beauty Team: Suzanne Minskey on makeup and Krystal Morant on hair

What she has to say about us: “Suzanne and Krystal came to my hotel room the morning of my wedding to do hair and makeup for me, 2 bridesmaids, and 1 mother. Krystal gave us all gorgeous updo’s. Mine was exactly like the trial I had a few months before and I received many compliments on it. They made my girls look so pretty I actually cried. I don’t know what is in that makeup, but it held up on all of us all day through 100+ degree heat! We all received little goodie bags with extra lip gloss, oil sheets, bobby pins, mints, etc. I would definitely recommend BBA and would use Suzanne and crew again.”

Featured Wedding- JUNE 2012- Emily and Paul

Emily and Paul were married in a beautiful secluded venue at Spring Grove Farm in Appomatox, VA on June 16, 2012 among family and friends.  Our team of artists Kira, Angela, and Heather made the trek from Baltimore, MD there to get her and her bridal party gorgeous, and it’s a wedding we still talk about in the office.

Emily is one of those people that’s always smiling.  Like always.  I’ve yet to meet a bride who is more cheerful and positive.  She inspires those around her to grin like fools, and it’s amazing how relaxed she is even in stressful situations.

She arrived at our Manassas studio for her trial with her full crew in tow.  Her fiance’s family and her have a wonderful relationship, and they were all present to support her and provide their input when it came to making decisions about her hair and makeup.  We all sat around, drinking tea, chatting and laughing, and we had a lovely time.  Lovely is a word that immediately comes to mind when you think of Emily.  She is always just lovely.

She had seen a style from our Alternative Bridal Shoot earlier and loved the hair on our Victorian Bride.  It worked perfectly that Angela had designed the hairstyle for the shoot and would be there with Emily on her wedding day to recreate it to Emily’s specifications.  Kira on makeup talked to  her about eyelash extensions, and Emily decided it was the way to go for her wedding day look.  And you can see in the photos, boy what an impact they make!

How they met: “Paul and I met as seatmates on an airplane in January 2009; Paul was on a bachelor/bachelorette skiing and snowboarding trip for his best friend, Brian, and I had been convinced to go snowboarding by my best friend, Dennis. Paul was separated from the rest of the group and seated alone for the trip back, and I had traveled alone from Charlotte. A conversation ensued, we stayed in touch, and six months later we started dating, taking turns driving the 300 miles (600 miles round-trip) between them on weekends before I made the move north in July 2010 to be closer. After almost two years together, we took a vacation to Maine in August 2011. While visiting Mount Desert Island and Northeast Harbor in Acadia National Park, Paul found a wonderful moment after their tour boat stopped on Little Cranberry Island to ask me to marry him.”

As always, THANK YOU so much to Emily’s photographer Nick Kessler for sharing these beautiful images with us.  Enjoy!

Have you ever seen such a big smile? He looks so happy to see her!

See? Don’t you just want to smile? This woman knows how to enjoy every moment in life!

My favorite image from this wedding. How romantic, and the setting is just beautiful!

Recipe for success:

Florist: Kay Hall

Catering: Bilie’s Cakes and Catering (and my husband’s mother with some extra appetizers)

Cake: Billie’s Cakes

Venue: Spring Grove Farm in Appomatox, VA

Photographer: Nick Kessler Photography

Hair Accessories: Bridal Gems PIN 28

Hairstylist: Angela

Makeup Artist: Kira

What Emily Has to Say About Bridal Beauty Associates:

“Suzanne’s team was phenomenal in their professionalism, the quality of their artistry, and their flexibility. They did impeccable work on all ten ladies in my wedding party in five hours, with Angela, Kira, and assistant Heather working skillfully to transform naked-faced women into stunning sights to behold. The price may seem high, but they and what they do are well worth the investment.”

Read more of our reviews here!

 

Her advice for future brides: “The advice I would offer for future brides is to lock in the big participants and vendors early on and then refine your vision as you go. View the wedding and its preparation as your first major challenge together (though there have likely been others earlier on), and with that in mind, don’t forget the relationship while you plan for the event, as it’s so easy for so much to get lost in the whirlwind of tulle, color schemes, food, and all manner of input on how you should conduct yourself and your day. Realize and remember that it is the love that makes the day magical, so design your day to revolve around and reflect love for your sweetheart and the beloved people you have invited. That doesn’t require hearts, only heart.”

Featured Friday- MAY 2012- Jennifer and Charlie

When: May 12, 2012

Where: Bristow Manor Golf Club

Jennifer and Charlie’s story begins back in high school.  They both met in biology class at Chantilly High School years ago, and they chose to incorporate that into their engagement photos with Photography by Marirosa.  Here is one of the shots they entered into our Engagement Photo Contest last year.

Jennifer came to our studio for a trial with Kira for her wedding day hair and makeup, and she absolutely loved the style that Kira created for her.  She chose to wear her hair down for the ceremony and photos and then put it up for the reception.  Her and Kira clicked so much, Kira even colored her hair before the big day so that the blonde would be absolutely perfect!

I wish I could share all the names of the vendors with you that she used for her wedding, but we’ve since lost touch over the months and I never wrote those details down.  However, I still wanted to feature her gorgeous day on the blog with you.  I hope you can find some inspiration in her images.

A special big Thank You to Photography by Marirosa for sharing these photos with us for your viewing pleasure.  Be sure to check out her website!  She totally rocks!

Check out the gallery of images here!

Aisle Style Thursday- Arika, May 2012

Soon we’ll be adding images to our portfolios from our May wedding at Veritas Vineyard in Afton, VA where Krystal and myself traveled to for the amazingly beautiful wedding of Arika on May 20, 2012.  But before we do, I wanted to be sure to share some of my favorite images with you first~ our loyal readers! (You may recognize Arika as the icon image from our Facebook page and some of the photos I took of our work currently on our website. I’ll soon be replacing them with Darling’s much more professional and BETTER photos!)

We loved working with Arika, because not only is she so beautiful, but she had a very definite style in mind for her wedding day.  With the awesome lace dress with the big cut out, she knew she wanted her hair up to show it off.  And for the ceremony, she work a facinator veil, a vintage piece I wish more brides would adopt. It just screams cool.  Toss in that feather flower and bam!  We kept the eyes nice and neutral with a hint of smokiness in the outside corners so they didn’t get lost behind the veil.  Glossy lips, luscious lashes, and she was good to go.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy these breathtaking photos compliments of the always amazing Darling Photographers!  Thank you so much Darling for allowing us to share both our work and yours with our brides!

Are these two not THE cutest couple you’ve ever seen?  I just so love everything about this photo.  Don’t forget to check out Darling’s website, and please make sure to leave this beautiful couple some love on the blog today.