Bride of the Month: Sierra Cooper

In our newsletter we featured our bride Sierra and her husband John’s love story. They had a fabulously fun Annapolis wedding, with their ceremony at the Naval Academy Chapel and a formal cocktail reception at the Annapolis Yacht Club. Sierra stunned in her Berta gown and looking at their photos it is clear that they had the time of their lives celebrating their marriage with family and close friends.

Photos: Hamilton Photography 

Flowers:Violets Florist

Cake: Fiona’s Cakes

DJ: EventProDJ

Ceremony: Annapolis Naval Chapel

Reception: Annapolis Yacht Club

Planning: Allison Barnhill Designs

  

  

 

Vendor of the Month: Greenworks Florist

Our Vendor of the Month for July is Greenworks! They are so wonderful at what they do, flowers truly become artwork in their hands. We wanted to showcase some of the fabulous work they have done over the years and also get their top five tips when is comes to planning and choosing your wedding flowers. Here’s what they had to say…

1. Do some research before you meet with the florist. Think about what you like and do not like, what style you are looking for, and bring pictures of what you see online or in magazines.

2. Ask what flowers are in season. This helps especially with cost control. Consider the color(s) you want rather than a specific flower.

3. Know your budget. Don’t forget to account for a delivery charge and tax. Typically, the cost of one plate of food should be about what you spend on your centerpiece.

4. Splurge on your bouquet if you can! It will be in your photographs and possibly preserved. Make it special.

5. Trust your floral designer and their team. They want to make your wedding beautiful!

Photo: Jessica Schmidt

Photo: Terra Dawn

Photo: K. Thompson

Photo: Abby Jiu

Photo: K. Thompson

Photo: K. Thompson

Real Bride: Hida Benero

In our newsletter we featured Hida and Jason’s wedding, the couple wed in January in Puerto Rico surrounded by family and friends. The destination wedding was light and airy, with hints of yellow and rustic touches.

Hida wore Monique Lhuillier “Portia” and she was such a joy to work with, when we received her photos we knew we had to share them. We wish her and her husband Jason all the best in their new life together!

Photos by: Nilka Gissell 

Real Bride: Kellie McKnight

As described in our newsletter, Kellie and Ivan were married in Puerto Rico on May 25, 2014 after knowing each other for over a decade and dating for seven. Through the years, multiple deployments, major surgery and a long recovery period they made it through it all. We are so happy to share this magical wedding, especially because Kellie is one of our own CBA consultants. Kellie wore a Badgley Mischka gown, Peter Langner veil, Cheryl King bracelet, Maria Elena earrings and rosary… plus a custom garter made by our seamstresses.

The bride and groom got married among family and friends in a secret garden ceremony, in a hidden park in Old San Juan. Their reception took place in one of the oldest buildings in the city, Hotel El Convento, a converted convent. Everything about their day was a celebration of their roots and the essence of their “old world” romance.

Photos by: Ryan Joseph Photography 

 

  

 

  

Sparkle for all this fall…

When wrapping yourself up in warm fall tones, don’t forget your fingers! All girls love sparkle but why not think outside of the box when it comes to colored engagement rings or adding a new piece to your collection?! From rose gold, to yellow diamonds, rubies, and everything in between here are some of our picks for fall’s swoon worthy rings…

Anna Sheffield via Brides.com

Tacori via Brides.com

Michael M. via Brides.com

DeBeers via Brides.com

Michael John Jewelry via Brides.com

Adel Chefridi via Brides.com

David Alan via Brides.com

Kwiat via Brides.com

Fall Bouquets

Brides are experimenting with so many colors and textures when it comes to their weddings! The color trend is especially prevalent in their flower choices. By mixing different types of flowers, colors, and greeneries brides can add unique depth to their arrangements and bouquets. This season we wanted to showcase some of our favorite fall bouquets from some of our favorite local florists.

Holly Heider Chapple Flowers/ Photo by Laura Ashbrook

Edge Flowers/ Photo by Michael Bennett Kress 

Edge Flowers/ Photo by Freed

Nature of Design with Janet Flowers/ Photo by Freed

Nature of Design with Janet Flowers/ Photo by Freed

Nature of Design with Janet Flowers

A Fall Wedding Two Ways

Fall is officially here! For brides planning a fall wedding the first task to tackle is deciding the vibe of your day. Some girls want to go rustic while some want glam. No matter their style, most seasonal brides veer away from “literal” in favor of “inspired.” A wedding can feel like fall instead of a greeting card through warm colors, candles, and touches of the season. So, our team at CBA curled up with some chai tea lattes and put together autumn wedding ideas that cater to two types of brides.

A Rustic Harvest 

Mira Zwillinger’s “Rubi” gown offers a romantic alternative to lace with its chiffon and applique details

Photo: Big Easy Wedding

Photo: Isabelle Radford

Photo: Stoneblossom

Photo: Party Space

Amazing Autumn Affair 

 Zuhair Murad’s “Jessica” gown and coat are both dramatic and versatile. The lace coat is traditional and regal while the ball gown underneath can be showcased with a dazzling belt for the reception.

Photo: JWD Paperie

Photo: Steve Canning

Photo: Steve Canning

Photo: Damon Tucci Photography

Easter Pastel Wedding Inspiration

Happy Easter to all of our past, current, and future brides – and to all of our family and friends! As the weather has begun to warm up in the DC area, we have also begun to sport some pastel hues in our everyday wear here at CBA. We love the ideas of incorporating such hues in a Spring wedding. So with that in mind, check out the inspiration boards that we have created to touch on of the soft, muted, vibe of this holiday: