Aisle Walk in Winter

Sparkle Like the Driven Snow on your Wedding Day

By Tracey Edgerly Meloni, Christine O’Connor and Carissa Sutherland Ciuca

Snow Wonder
Ideas for the Winter-Weather Wedding

By Tracey Edgerly Meloni

Let your imagination run amok: Design the winter wedding of your dreams. The only rule: no cliches. Most wedding planners, caterers and bridal salons tailor themes to individual couples’ expectations. But what happens when planners are challenged with complete design freedom? Excitement, passion and an explosion of fire and ice.

SETTING THE SCENE
“Winter night sky theme—white, navy blue, with crystal accents.” —Jamie Sears, Simply Chic Events

Jamie’s vision:
Luminarias line both sides of the aisle for ceremony.
For the cocktail hour, highboy tables wrapped in white spandex with mirrored tops, dressed with clear cubes of white roses mixed with white feathers.
Thousands of candles light the room, including a candle chandelier made of white branches.
Hundreds of small, circular mirrors hang from the ceiling to reflect light.
Metallic white silk drapes the walls, lit by soft white lighting.
For the main reception, navy table linens with sheer white organza overlay simulate “a blanket of snow over the tables.”
Metallic navy linen napkins lie folded on top of clear crystal chargers with beaded edges.

“I was inspired by the ice hotels in Scandinavia, shades of white, clear and sparkly.” —Vicky Choy, Event Accomplished

Vicky’s vision:
For the ceremony, white birch trees line the aisle. White velvet or faux fur as aisle runners.
For the reception, a room draped in billowy white fabric with ice-gray up-lighting.
An ice bar continues the theme (from Ice Kristals in Manassas). “Although ice companies have lots of great options, they aren’t the most practical. To translate the look of ice, look into Lucite.” Illuminated Lucite tables are available for rental.
“When clients ask where to spend their decor budget, tablescapes usually make the most impact.”
Varying textures of white create a sense of depth. Ivory crushed-velvet tablecloths or ivory vine sheers paired with ice Chiavari chairs (Select Event Rentals in McLean).
“I would use all rectangular tables, with a mirrored runner.”

“Lighting does so much to transform a setting … And it helps to make a grand entrance.” —Phyllis Kennedy, The Enchanted Florist

Phyllis’ vision:
Flank the entrance with two very large, bare trees covered with “snow and ice, with hanging votive candles throughout.”
Pin-spot table centerpieces to make them more dramatic.
Wash a wall with light and up-light features such as columns.
Cover the ceiling with organza, with blue lighting above.
Use ice-blue linens on square tables.
The use of box lighting underneath illuminates frosted glass cylinders that can be used for centerpieces.
“Another look for winter could be an all black and white wedding, with the florals, everywhere, being red—very passionate and exciting,” Kennedy adds.

SHOW-STOPPING MENUS
Nine courses of luxury, a regional “Babette’s Feast” for intimate winter celebration
Cathal Armstrong, chef, co-owner, Restaurant Eve

Marinated White Tuna with Gorgonzola dolce, onion marmalade and white Alba truffles
“OOO” Osetra caviar, oysters and onions
Roasted Black Carolina Sea Bass with lobster agnolotti and Devoncrest Farm edible violas
Hand-rolled Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi with leek fondue and Perigord truffles
Sauteed Goose Foie Gras with huckleberries, goose-leg confit and cipollinis
Roasted Shafer Farm Venison with braised baby celery, celeriac puree and Valdeon
Roncal with hazelnut toast and hazelnut honey
Crisp Meringue with clementine spume and crème patisserie
Chocolate Butterfinger Ganache Tartlet with candied peanuts and caramel ice cream

“A choice of packages, one warm and homey, one ‘Mr. Winter.’” —Dennis Marron, Chef, The Grille at the Morrison House

Cozy
Braised pork cheeks with bacon espuma
Kobe beef bourguignon
Grilled octopus with black-eyed peas
Chesapeake Ray with hot sesame oil
Miso-marinated cod
Lamb stew in mini winter gourd
Foie gras with warm apple butter
Spiced hot chocolate
Molten chocolate cylinders
Glogg

Cold
Seared tuna tartar with American paddlefish caviar
Kumimoto oysters with yuzu ice and frozen shiso salt
Butter-poached lobster tail with truffle foam
Vichyssoise of oyster and caviar
Coconut snow ball
White hot chocolate with essence of lavendar
Sweet shrimp tartar
Cold smoked scallops with apple froth and Meyer lemon gelee

THE CAKE

Snowflake cake —Vicky Choy, Cakes by Carolyn

Black and white cake; owner Tom Lally loves winter weddings for their “intimate warmth.” —Phyllis Kennedy, Alexandria Pastry Shop

White-chocolate mousse Art Deco cake —Morrison House, Hollin Hall Pastry Shop

FLOWERS AND DECOR
“The bride … gets to have everything she wants, even if it’s not winter colors!” —Judy McNamara, A Flower Blooms in Clifton

Tulips: Available December through May, with Holland tulips being less expensive then French tulips.
Lilies: “I prefer large hybrid lilies.”
Brassica: “If you can get them.”
“Mixing in specific greens is a must… I like podocarpus, steel grass, bear grass, magnolia leaves. Another way to introduce green and give texture is to use Bells of Ireland and green hypericum [berries].”
“Red is a great color for winter weddings: roses, tulips, red hypericum.”

“My favorite February flower is pure white Amaryllis, gorgeous.” —Phyllis Kennedy, The Enchanted Florist

Other Kennedy favorites:
Hyacinth, phalaenopsis orchids, cattleya orchids, tulips, “especially parrot-type, green-white variegated,” (FIG. v), paper whites (for fragrance).

“I see ice-carved urns filled with lush white roses and ranunculus on the altar … tall, white, willowing branches in clear trumpet vases as centerpieces. Vases will be lined with shiny silver marbles.”
Jamie Sears, Simply Chic Events

Other favorites:
Hydrangea, crocuses, lilies, stephanotis, accents of dusty miller, baby-blue eucalyptus and silver-dollar eucalyptus

“To glam it up, use winter fabrics like velvet or fur instead of ribbon, and adorn with crystals for extra sparkle.” —Vicky Choy, Event Accomplished

Silvery greens (like lamb’s ear), creamy white hydrangea, anenomes

STEALING THE SHOW: THE GOWN

“Atelier Aimee offers the perfect wintertime bridal gown (‘Cora’ is the model).” —Jeanette Fusile, Jeanette’s

Bride ‘n Tux Boutique
Featured in silver silk-satin fabric, with a full A-line skirt and attached cathedral train, “Cora” has a bustier-style bodice encrusted with silver beaded embellishment, bugle beads and porcelain flowerettes. A silver fox stole completes the Ice Princess look.

Think “Great Gatsby” and beyond—go vintage. “We have an actual 1928 wedding dress in black and gold mesh, with black velvet trim and beautiful lines.” —Tara Selario, Eclectic Threads

Also tempting, along with Ascot-like period hats:
A 1950s winter-white tailored gown with matching bolero and rhinestone buttons.
A 1930s peach-tea dress, “perfect for a theme wedding or anyone who wants to look elegant but not necessarily traditional.”
A 1950s gold-brocade gown, very luxe.

“Our Domo Adami collection is perfect for elegant winter weddings,” encrusted with crystals and jewels. Also recommended: Hannelore’s of Olde Town’s shrugs and sumptuous cover-ups/coats.
Pamela Vito, Hannelore’s of Olde Town

Destination Weddings

“My favorites are Mont Tremblant in Canada, Sandals in St. Lucia and … Egypt!” —Melinda Webb, Dreams and Destinations

Hotel Quintessence (FIG. vi), a boutique retreat named among the top 100 luxury spots by the Robb Report, on the shore of Lake Tremblant provides helicopter transfer from Montreal. Skiing and spa luxury rule.

“Destination weddings here can be tailored to any taste—gastronomy, wine, skiing or more. There is no residency or blood-test requirement in Quebec, and they also offer same-sex marriages.”

Sandals St. Lucia is “luxury personified.” —Mystical Nile Celebration fills 15 days with wonder, romance and history.

“We are an international event and design firm. In additional to consulting, floral designs and lighting, we provide stationery, calligraphy, logistical management and hospitality services for guests of any size event.”
—Katie L. Martin, Elegance & Simplicity Wedding & Event Designers, Inc.

“Destination wedding should always be family-oriented.” —Dominican Republic, “for truly special weddings.”

What Kind of Bride Are You?
Wedding-gown trends that really fit the bride

By Christine O’Connor

Strapless, backless, princess, sheath. The possibilities seem endless when searching for a wedding gown. How does the bride-to-be find that perfect dress for her big day? It is important to choose a gown that reflects the bride’s personal style, whether sexy, chic, traditional or avant-garde. A bride must delve into her inner princess or diva to find the right fit for her.

Princess Bride
What bride doesn’t want to look like royalty walking down the aisle? Katie Vaitsheshyna, manager of White Swan Bridal in Vienna, advises a bride to “follow her dream.” Imagine walking down the aisle in a classic Rina di Montella gown; the designer uses luxurious silk fabrications and beaded patterns to enhance European silhouettes.

Romantic and feminine, the Rina di Montella dress provides a soft look with an asymmetrically ruched midriff and dropped waistline. With its full ballgown skirt and beading, Vaitsheshyna believes it suits the princess inside. This gown is accented with appliques and a chapel-length train; the highlight of the outfit is the lace-illusion cap sleeves.

Vamp Queen
Let’s face it; sexy is always in, and Chantilly Lace has some fabulous looks. Owner Marla Kemsey says that “a dress is meant to complement the beauty of the bride. It can be sexy without looking like a club dress … The glamorous retro look with asymmetrical draping and a sexy fit through the hips that flairs out at the knees is in.”

These dresses can be exciting, but tasteful. “My job is to find the best dress for a bride’s figure. The most important thing is that it fits along the bust and waist. A bride wants to look as beautiful as she can.” And Kemsey does a fantastic job of finding gowns that fit the seductress wannabe. The sexy look is what customers are buying now, but Kemsey notes that the Hollywood trend with feminine lace is emerging. “It’s the sexy, draped, ‘40s glam versus the ready-to-wear, soft, flowery, baby-doll look.”

Starlet
For the bride who wants all eyes on her as she stands in the spotlight, go glam. “Strapless is still quite strong. A lot of brides are wearing dresses that are more fitted,” claims Nancy Griffin, owner of the 50-year-old Arlington shop Lady Hamilton, Inc. Virginia may not have as many off-the-runway looks as New York, but Griffin says that her shop has “some really pretty gowns for the starlet bride.”

Fashion-forward to the Carmen gown designed by Enzoani. Lady Hamilton carries the line for the girl who wants to capture all the attention. The strapless Carmen design with slight sweetheart neckline is made of French taffeta. The highlight, though, is the dropped waistline with a pleated mermaid skirt adorning a ruched bodice.

Trend-Setter
Trendy-modern brides seek haute-couture styles, and bridal consultant Kathy Juckett at Katherine’s Bridal Boutique in Alexandria is the woman to see. It’s all about trend-setting and finding a dress that is personalized, Juckett suggests.

Bringing attention to the Alvina Valenta fall 2008 collection from the store’s recent trunk show, Juckett points to the contemporary ivory silk duchess satin gown. The dress, with its sweeping train and covered buttons down the back, features an A-line with an organza ruffle overlay on the bodice. With handmade beading and embroidery that surrounds the empire waist, the cameras will be flashing on the trend-setter who dons it.

Earth Goddess
The culture of the eco-conscious transcends to brides who are planning environmentally friendly weddings. For brides that are one with Mother Earth, green is the new black. Luckily, there are a variety of options for eco-styled brides. Borrow Mom’s wedding gown, or go vintage. Some earthy women are even sewing homemade gowns.

For bohemian looks, visit sites like TheFind.com, ALittleBitHippy.com and ThreadheadCreations.com that offer hand-crafted hemp wedding gowns for the nature goddess in all of us. The Vintage Gauzy Hippie Wedding Dress available on SomeLikeItVintage.com is an example of a 1970s-style gown that is in excellent condition. The cotton dress is beautiful with soft layers and delicate details. The gown is fully lined with ruffles and flower details. With ethereal lacework at the chest and belt, this long-sleeved gown is oh, so Zen.

Wedding Day Blunders
A guide to grace in sticky situations
By Carissa Sutherland Ciuca
Want to prevent the token toddler from adding his own soprano serenade to the ceremony? Wondering how to thank your maid of honor and best man? Or how to deal with over-spirited guests? Weddings are rife with potentially sticky situations, but our handy guide prepares you to glide through your big day without a hitch.

Drunk and Unruly Guests
With an open or otherwise full bar at their disposal, guests sometimes surpass their limits in beverages. “If you know people on your guest list have the potential to overindulge, check with the venue staff to see what measures can be taken,” suggests Lacey O’Donnell of Milestones Events. Elizabeth Maynard, catering sales manager at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, recommends designating somebody—whether your weight-lifting cousin or a member of professional security—to help the inebriated guest to a more private environment.

MultiCultural Weddings
To avoid a room full of confused guests, O’Donnell recommends using the menu to guide guests through exotic plate preparations. And the deejay can provide background information on traditions or events taking place throughout the evening. “You want everyone to have enough information to appreciate what’s happening,” she advises. And Maynard recommends training event staff in advance so servers and bartenders can field your guests’ questions.

Poor Vendor Service
If you hire a wedding coordinator, provide him or her with the contact information of all the vendors you hire. O’Donnell points out that “vendors live and die by good referrals,” so most will do all they can to fix a problem. Also, remember that vendors don’t know what to fix if they’re not made aware of it. If you encounter blunders, stand up for yourself, with contract in hand, of course. Maynard advises getting references for any vendor you’re thinking of hiring.

Additionally, know that some venues, like the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, offer one-stop shop service—the venue manages all the vendors, alleviating stress for the bride and groom.

Young Attendees
Communicate to guests upfront whether or not you prefer children at the ceremony, the reception, both … or neither. For weddings including children, offer kid-friendly activities and meals. Or consider the alternative: Print “Adult Reception to Follow” on invitations to alert guests that this wedding is a kid-free zone. Another option? Hire professional childcare. Anne Guerin, president of Staffing Solutions @ Mother’s Aides Inc., says professional caretakers are prescreened and have CPR and first-aid training. All are required to pass a background check, too. “Professionals can provide entertainment and arts and crafts for children,” she added. To hire a childcare service, contact an agency at least a month in advance. A professional service typically starts at approximately $30 per hour, depending on the number of children.

(January 2009)

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Tags: wedding, Weddings, winter wedding