August 25, 2009

Wedding Reception Lighting Basics

I found this great article on theknot.com this week regarding lighting for your
reception, here is an excerpt below!

Wedding Reception Lighting Basics
Think lighting your wedding reception site means flipping on a light switch? If you want to turn your wedding site from standard to simply stunning, you'll probably need to take a more illuminating approach to your decor. "Lighting creates a mood," says event designer Preston Bailey, and when it's done well, lighting can make everything -- including your wedding flowers.

Assess Your Site
If you're planning an evening reception, make sure to visit your site at least once when it's dark outside. Look around the room and see where the fixed lighting is focused. Lights that illuminate the walls, windows, and ceiling can draw attention away from the center of the room -- and you want to keep everyone's eyes on the tables, dance floor, and each other.

Learn Lighting Lingo
Here are the types of lighting commonly used at weddings.

Pin spot - A focused beam of light that shines directly onto an object, like a centerpiece or wedding cake, as a highlight effect.

Color wash - There are a few different types of light fixtures that can create a "wash," which is basically a blanket of colored light covering an entire area.

Gobos - Circular stencils that are put over a light to project a design or pattern. Popular gobo designs are monograms, dates, or any other wedding motifs.

Led Short for light-emitting diodes, LED lights are currently popular for weddings because they use much less electricity (and don't get as hot) than regular, incandescent light bulbs. LEDs are great for color changes and vibrant colors. They're also common in strands and good for accent lighting.

Use Color
Think outside your wedding palette when you use colored lights. If you've used sage throughout your wedding, shy away from green lighting -- it might be too much, and green isn't always flattering. Opt for colors that complement all skin tones, like magenta or a soft rose.

Choose the Right Lights
The layout of your reception site can determine how you're going to use lighting techniques. If your reception site has sprawling ceilings, use pin spot lighting to keep the decor focused on certain details. And use a gobo light if you have a cute, recurring motif to help tie your reception together.

Work with your lighting designer to figure out which type of lighting fits your budget. All of your vendors (whose hard work will be well displayed) and your guests (who will all look great in flattering light) will be happy with the results, and you'll be left with a reception space that's bound to impress.


From: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-reception-planning/articles/wedding-reception-lighting-basics.aspx

Visit theknot.com for more information!

August 21, 2009

Vendor Spotlight - Artisitic Concepts Group

Artistic Concepts Group can create any lighting affect in your room that you desire. As you can see below, the bride's and groom's names are projected onto a wall behind their sweetheart table (where they will be seated for dinner). This looks GREAT for pictures and is another small detail to add into your special day. Here, in our Serafin Ballroom, green and yellow lighting changed the entire atmosphere of the ballroom. The yellow linens were also brought in for this birthday party.
You can also project initials onto the dance floor! Here, at Waterford at Springfield, the initals of the bride and groom were highlighted on the dance floor. This is another great touch to the ballroom for your special day!
In 2008, Bride and Groom Heather and Ricky choose to have their name's displayed on the wall behind their head table at our Springfield location. There was also a spotlight on the 2 of them for their big day! (See how the flowers are a little lighter at the bottom/the chairs are brighter? A great touch for pictures and to make sure everyone can see you!)
Artistic Concepts Group (AGC) can do almost anything imaginable for your wedding day! Visit their website or give them a call for more information (703-631-2213).

ACG is also offering a special discount to Waterford at Fair Oaks weddings ONLY.
ONE FREE Standard Metal Custom Pattern
with any $1000 order
-OR-
10% OFF Rental Equipment*
(DIY or have ACG set it up for you)
*not applicable labor

-Offers may not be combined-

EMAIL ACG FOR MORE INFORMATION

August 12, 2009

Mariana and Wayne

Mariana and Wayne hosted both their ceremony and reception with Waterford at Fair Oaks over the weekend. The ceremony was held in our Carrington Ballroom. The room was filled with their family and friends -- and lots of pink and black!

Mariana utilized a wedding planner to ensure that the evening went smoothly. The wedding planner also made sure that all necessary pictures were taken!

Mariana and her bridesmaids created the centerpieces on their own -- ordered the flowers, had them delivered and put together the 2 pieced centerpiece here at Waterford. Prior to their arrival here, the flowers stayed in a very cold hotel room. Favors included gift boxes and water bottles.

The cake was also adorned with pink and black.

The couple started off the evening with their first dance and the dancing did not stop for the rest of the evening!

August 10, 2009

Vendor Spotlight - Cynthia Kirsch Photography


Cynthia Kirsch Photography aims to capture amazing moments in life through blending artistry with technical expertise and years of experience. Kirsch Photography is photography for the exeception moments in life and specializes in weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and corporate events.
Kirsch Photography can be reached at kirschphoto@yahoo.com , http://www.kirschphoto.com/, or 703-421-5454.

Kirsch Photography is currently offering a special discount for Waterford at Fair Oaks Brides. Please see the Waterford sales office for details!!

August 6, 2009

Bride$hare

Trying to save money? Or love going Green! -- Check out Bride$hare.

What is Bride$hare?

Bride$hare is a social networking site designed to help brides save money by sharing wedding-related resources and goods. Decor, apparel, rentals, and even vendors can be shared, swapped, or sold through Bride$hare connections.


Using Bride$hare is easy! After creating a profile, you’ll be able to connect with other brides planning similarly themed or decorated weddings, find local brides willing to split costs by sharing goods and services, browse member profiles and photos for inspiration, use Bride$hare classifieds to find or sell wedding items.

August 4, 2009

Vendor Spotlight - Maryam Flowers

Maryam Flowers is a family owned and operated flower shop in old town Fairfax (Fairfax City). Maryam Flowers has over 17 years of experience and can create anything you can imagine with flowers.

Services from Maryam Flowers include:
-unlimited consultations in the store
-centerpiece samples (with a signed contract)
-toss bouquet
-rental vases and other items
-delivery and set up of ceremony and reception flowers to an unlimited number of locations
-stage/back drop, chuppa design and set up
-transporting flowers from ceremony to reception location
-pick up of all rentals
-any additional requests a bride has for her special day
less stressful

Raji and Bree
Here are some photos of the flowers from Raji and Bree's Wedding in our Alexander/Carrington Ballroom last year (8-9-08). Their ceremony took place in our Carrington Ballroom prior to the reception.


Please contact Maryam at 703-385-2929 or maryam@maryamflowers.com or visit http://www.maryamflowersbridal.com/.

****MARYAM FLOWERS is currently offering a special discount to Waterford at Fair Oaks brides -- 5% off your total floral bill!****