richmond

introducing jaime!

September 15, 2015

Windy and I feel super lucky to do what we love everyday. We feel even more lucky when we find fantastic team members who are willing to work hard with a smile on their face! Our Fall intern is just this and we are thrilled to introduce Jaime to you!

LOVES: I have a major sweet tooth! I love to bake and my passion for baking began at a young age. We didn’t normally have tons of sweets around my house and my mom didn’t bake, so I developed this passion on my own. I’ve made homemade croissants, chocolate souffle, and not to mention I make some of the BEST chocolate chip cookies ever! Aside from the sweets, I also really love to cook. Anytime I’m home visiting my family my dad and I make homemade pasta and pizzas. My mom likes to call us all wannabe Italians because we love Italian food so much! I also really love to travel and experience new cultures. Currently, I’m dying to go to Greece and Prague!

PASSIONS: I consider myself very creative. I am always making things. Everything from recipes, to jewelry, to tie-dying pillow cases, to short movies! I idolize Martha Stewart! I also really love volunteering. I have volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters for five years. The student organization I’m involved with develops and coordinates service projects for the Richmond community.

DISLIKES: Bad manners. Eggs. Mashed Potatoes. [Most people can’t seem to get over this last one.]

FUN FACT: On Pinterest, Walt Disney World follows me! They have 132k followers and are only following 167, I think it’s the coolest thing ever! I REALLY love Disney and it’s my dream to work for the company one day.

Jaime dove right in with a killer wedding in Williamsburg with Windy. She’ll be frolicking around Richmond with us, so be sure to give her give her a great big hug!

[All of these incredible photos are by Mary Otanez Photography!]

We can’t wait for her to get her hands dirty and find a passion for this business! Welcome to the team, Jaime! We are thrilled!

kelly and alex, an elegant richmond wedding

August 6, 2015

I had the absolute pleasure of helping Kelly and Alex plan and wrap up the final details of their big day back in September. Talk about the wedding of your dreams. Not to mention this couple is truly one of a kind–such a sweet, sweet pair! I’ll never forget walking into their home, the day of the wedding, and immediately being embraced by Kelly’s mom.

From the nod to Alex’s baseball past with the home plate guestbook or having Kelly’s aunts make hundreds of traditional Italian cookies for their dessert display, the whole evening was filled with personal details. This classic and elegant, white wedding is one for the books. Enjoy the incredible photos by the incomparable Laura Gordon!

Kelly and Alex’s wedding was also featured in PRINT! Engaged! magazine featured them in their Spring 2015 issue, so make sure you don’t miss all seven glorious pages!

(photo by Mary Otanez Photography)

surviving the rain

July 17, 2015

When I first received the call that I was accepted as the Summer LK intern, I was so excited. Then when Lindsay asked if I would be able to help out at a wedding that same weekend I was even more excited! I was ready to jump right in and get my feet wet, unaware that meant literally.

What I realized, however, is that rain on your wedding day doesn’t have to be a reason to fret–especially when you have a prepared planner. Stuart & Joey’s April wedding was the ultimate example of how to handle a rainy affair! Windy knew exactly how to prepare when the forecast was looking gloomy in the days prior and then directed the back up plan when storms hit throughout the day. I’ve decided to put together some rainy wedding day tips so that you can stay calm and enjoy your day–rain or shine!

1 – This one’s obvious, but always have a backup plan! Whether a tent or an indoor option, have a plan and be okay with it. Even if your ceremony and reception are indoors, have some great back up options for photos as well!

2 – Make the call early enough for your vendors to be prepared. Take a look at the weather early in the week and prepare yourself mentally. Then glance at it about 2-3 days out from your wedding and speak with your planner about moving on to plan B. That morning, take action! It’s better to be safe than sorry if the rain decides to pour during your ceremony.

3 – Repurpose your flowers. Having your ceremony in your reception tent may not be ideal but there are ways to make it looks amazing! Create your alter space and reuse flowers around it to make pictures look stunning. And make sure to have your VIP’s seated near you just like the original plan!

4- Embrace the rain! Talk to your photographer about taking some beautiful pictures of you two holding umbrellas. A well prepared planner will have cute umbrellas in his or her emergency kit’s!

5 – Be open to change. This may not be your ideal situation but hey, isn’t rain on your wedding day good luck? [Eye roll, we know!] Try to be flexible when the time comes to switch things up. After all, you’re still going to marry the love of your life, so rain or shine just keep enjoying your day and dance the night away!

We hope you’ve found this tips helpful! What is your back up plan? How will you be prepared for gloomy weather?

Katie

richmond wedding expo: behind the scenes

January 20, 2015

For those of you not intimately involved in the wedding industry, wedding and bridal shows are events that happen usually twice a year and are a strong marketing component of a lot of vendors in the wedding world.

Hundreds of brides, grooms, mothers of the bride and maids of honor gather together to get just a sampling (literally) of the vendors in the RVA area and a glimpse into the hot trends in the wedding industry – all under one roof.

LK was lucky enough to snag a booth this year at the Richmond Wedding Expo at the Richmond Marriott Downtown this past Sunday, the 11th. Hours of planning, prepping and actual labor went into our time at the show, and it’s all worth it at the end of the day. Thank goodness for supportive husbands! They were up and out of bed, helping us unload downtown by 7:30am on a Sunday. Good men, these two! [We absolutely loved the extra height and brightness from our white pipe and drape from Rent- E-quip!]

Even my daugher, Edie, was up and in to help!Voila! The finished product! [Fabulous sparkle linen from Classic Party Rentals of Virginia and couch from Ampa Events. The photos featured in our booth came from these incredible photographers: Laura Gordon, Kristin Moore, Joyeuse, Carly Arwine.]
And our favorite addition was the Instagram Photobooth Prop! This was a hit with attendees and vendors alike, and in someone’s hands the entire show. So much fun!

It was incredibly important to us that our booth spoke to who we are as a business and was an open and comfortable area for couples to come and chat with us. We had a great time designing the booth and then meeting so many fantastic couples.

A successful day for sure! Thanks to Richmond Weddings for a great show, the vendors who helped us with our booth, and the lovely folks who came by to chat! We met a ton of prospective clients and are super pumped to bring you all on as official members of the LK family!

All the best,

the ooohs and ahhhs: quick gift guide

December 16, 2014

We’ve all been there–running around frantically trying to find a last minute hostess gift for a cocktail party that evening or realizing you forgot a gift for your work gift exchange the next day. I’ve put together some full-proof, always appreciated, fantastic gifts for the last minute Lucy’s out there, all while supporting things local in RVA!

{804ork cookbook, dish towels, virginia cutting board, coffee mugs from anthropologie,rva blanchards coffee,west 30 candles}

Need some wrapping or packaging ideas? Take your dish or tea towel, lay it flat on a surface, place a bottle of wine in the center, wrap upwards on the bottle and tie with a ribbon. Ta da! Pop a cellophane bag with hot cocoa and marshmallows inside a coffee mug!

There are many local Richmond gift shops that source cute, last minute gift ideas. My favorites are Tweed in Short Pump, Mongrel in Carytown and Southern Season in the near West End. Kroger even carries the Blanchard’s coffee!

What are your go-to gift ideas? Any particular places you like to shop for gift items? We want to hear from you!

the ooohs and aaahs: holiday entertaining

December 10, 2014

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the decorating and entertaining. I love a house full of people, good food, good wine and noise. Lots and lots of noise. I host Christmas Day with my husband’s family in the morning and then my own family in the evening. There are people in and out all day, and I absolutely love it. It gives me the chance to find new pops of decor to use for every meal and cocktail!

Since Sophia and Aboudi’s wedding this past Fall, I’ve been obsessed with all things GOLD. Naturally, this got me thinking about Holiday decor, of course! It’s so easy to stick with the traditional red, green, silver or white. They are beautiful in their own way, but this year I wanted to spice things up! And give you the same idea! Pairing a warm, sparkly gold with a rich, jewel tone brings a whole new dimension to Holiday decor. Plus you can push this versatile design all the way to New Year’s!

So without further adieu – I give you my favorite colors and things for this season’s entertaining!

{Gold Stemless Wine Glass from World Market, Flag Bunting from Etsy, Cake from Styles Sweet, Mirrored Serving Tray from World Market, Mercury Glass Balls from World Market, Place Setting, Reindeer Pillow from Pier 1}

Trying anything new for your decor or when entertaining your guests this year? Changing out some old holiday decorations for a new and fresh look? We want to see!

Enjoy!

the ooohs and aaahs: holiday party attire

December 4, 2014

‘Tis the season, y’all! I know everyone says this, but this is truly, really my favorite time of the year. My birthday falls right after Thanksgiving and the only thing I ever want is to decorate for Christmas. I’m serious!

Because of this, Windy and I have put together a ‘Holiday Gift Guide-slash-Our Favorite Things’ for you! We’re hoping to continue this throughout not only the Holiday season, but into next year as well. We always find ourselves lusting after a gorgeous pair of shoes or a set of gold-rimmed stemware. So without further adieu, we introduce:

{daphne pearl necklace from stella and dot, secret garden studs from kate spade, Maybelline’s SuperStay Lipstick in color Wine and Forever, skinny gold bangles DesignSea via Etsy, ASOS Peace of Mind gold heels, black chiffon jumpsuit from Target, gold feather comb from Anthropologie, Essie’s lacy-not-racy}

This jumpsuit is insane. It’s so comfy and a perfect transition outfit. Pair it with simple earrings and flats for a walk around town and glam it up using the above suggestions for a cocktail party or two! I only wish I had purchased this sooner! Currently strutting this nail polish as well–perfect for this time of year! And while I know everyone is splurging this season on gifts, dinners, and decor, each of these items is under $100! You can thank me later!

What are you donning this Holiday season? Any special function you are particularly looking forward to? We’d love to hear your styles and favorite things! Send them our way!

pumpkin spice bourbon sangria

October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween!

If I’m speaking honest, I’m not the biggest fan of this annual Holiday, but the sweet tooth in me loves any opportunity to overload my system with sugar. In case you’re in need of a last minute, festive cocktail to warm you up while you’re trick-or-treating with your kids or just to sip on over a fire with friends, this is the perfect one to set the mood!

[HGTV]

WARM PUMPKIN SPICE BOURBON SANGRIA

2 apples
2 pears
1 orange
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar, or more to taste
1 cup bourbon
3 cups apple cider
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 bottles pinot grigio, chilled

Thinly slice fruit and mix in big bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add honey, brown sugar, bourbon, cider, and spice, stirring to combine. If you’re able, let it sit for a few hours to enhance the flavors. Top with pinot grigio and serve! [We prefer this warm for a cozy treat, but it’s just as refreshing chilled!]

Have any fun Halloween plans you’d like to share? Joining in on the Hanover Avenue fun in Richmond’s Fan District? Bonfire with cider and s’mores with friends? Or just walking door-to-door with your inevitably precious kids? We’d love for you to share!

sofia + aboudi: mint, gold and the globe

October 10, 2014

Happy Friday ya’ll! We’ve got a pretty one for you today. Nothing better on a Friday afternoon then scrolling through pretty wedding images right?

I started emailing with Sofia in January of this year. She was living and working in NYC and trying to plan her RVA September 2014 wedding remotely. A tough job to try to do solo right?

That, in and of itself, is quite the task. Add to it, her groom lives in Dubai! Half way around the world people!

Sofia & Aboudi met in Dubai while Sofia was visiting the city on a trip she received as a graduation gift. Several other fate-filled moments brought them together again and they fell in love.

Fast forward though their relationship to this lovely engagement and wedding planning time…

The venue was set thanks to her Dad and brother who scouted the wedding location scene in Richmond for Sofia. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Blomendaal House. A beautiful backdrop for an outdoor ceremony in the gardens and then a reception under the tents in front of the house.

But the list of “everything else” was left up to me and Sofia, so we got to work. Without meeting face to face until April, we did a lot over the phone and email. Thank goodness for Pinterest boards!

Mint green and gold was the color scheme Sofia oogled over from the time we began chatting. She toyed with deep purple and gold as well, but for the garden, I thought the mint and gold, with just a touch of peachy blush, would be just gorgeous. The gold was vital as it played a huge role in connecting Sofia & Aboudi’s Lebanese culture. So we made sure we had plenty of sparkle to go around. Glittery table numbers from BHLDN, ornate gold overlays from Connie Duglin specialty linens on the cocktail tables, gold chiavari chairs from Classic Party Rentals of VA and feather tips dipped in rose gold glitter all acted as little “tips of the hat” to their Lebanese roots.

Mary Henry of M Henry Designs worked with us on floral to make sure we were staying honest to the garden we were in, but yet decorating the very blank canvas of a white tent. She hit a home run once again pulling in the whites, greens and touches of blush to pull the look together.

Sofia worked in the film industry in NYC, so a videographer was a no-brainer and she obviously had a list of what type of film she wanted of her big day. I immediately sent her Humanstory Films. Bill Gaff and I have worked together for almost 10 years now and he was the only filmmaker I would recommend for this job! Check out their wedding film here.

[I’m a sucker for a sweet Father/Daughter moment.]
It pays to have talented friends in the wedding industry. Luckily for Sofia & Aboudi they were in good hands with their photographer friend Carly Arnwine who captured the day so beautifully. And Aly Randolph of Randy Cakes who made the custom cake pops and the wedding cake – she was a busy lady! Both friends did an amazing job on every detail they touched.

Eric Cunningham from Choice Entertainment kept the party rockin’ all night and mixed up some fun Arabic and dance music for the crowd. A surprise belly dancer got the dancing started and the floor was packed all night!

Sofia and Aboudi – you were such a sweet and loving couple. I’m so excited for you and your life together in Dubai. Please keep in touch! Sohotkon! (Cheers!)

Warm Regards,

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Blomendaal House | Catering: Meriwether Godsey| DJ: Eric Cunningham with Choice Entertainment | Photography: Carly Arnwine Photography | Videography: Humanstory Films | Linens & Chaivari Chairs: Classic Party Rentals of VA and Connie Duglin Specialty Linens | Cake: Randy Cakes | Flowers: M. Henry Designs | Ceremony Music: Silverleaf String Duo | Guest & Wedding Party Transportation: Winn Transportation | Planning & Design: LK Events & Design

crafty cocktails

August 29, 2014

What a perfect way to kick off this Holiday weekend–cocktails! And not just any cocktail, these three delicious recipes all feature Richmond’s own Belle Isle Moonshine, a locally made 100% organic corn moonshine, distilled in copper stills. But that is not all! One of my September Groom’s, Alex Wotring, is the co-founder and managing partner of this incredible local company! He so graciously shared his top three most favorite drinks with me and we’re featuring them today. Go grab some Belle Isle Moonshine and make your self a refreshing cocktail this Holiday weekend!

Monk on Moonshine

38oz of Belle Isle Premium Moonshine
19 1/2oz of Punt e Mes Sweet Vermouth
4oz of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
4oz of Green Chartreuse
Aged in a new, charred oak 2 liter barrel

Most people don’t want to wait 5 to 6 weeks for a drink or buy a barrel, but if you have patience, it is totally worth the wait! Because all of the ingredients are aged together, the cocktail takes on a silky smooth texture that is on a different level.

oldfashioned

Shiny Old Fashioned

2oz Belle Isle Premium Moonshine
1/2oz simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1/4oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Bourbon soaked sun dried cherries
Fresh orange wedge

Might be my favorite! The sweetness from the muddled orange and maraschino liqueur works perfectly with the bitters and the pepper finish of the Premium Moonshine. If you take the time to make the bourbon soaked sun dried cherries, it’s a great snack when you get to bottom of your drink!

Moonshine Mule

2oz. Belle Isle Premium Moonshine
1 oz. fresh lime or lemon juice
Ginger beer
Lime wheel for garnish

It is a play on a very popular cocktail right now, the Moscow Mule. Our spirit is similar to a vodka, which is traditionally used in Mules, but the sweetness from the organic corn blends even better with a good ginger beer than even the best premium vodka. I prefer lemon juice in my mules and will sometimes use Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer when we need an added kick!

index We just love supporting local business, especially if they allow for cool, creative cocktails at a party or event. Consider incorporating local foods and beverages into your wedding and adding signage so that you’re guests, especially the out-of-town ones, get to know Richmond and our incredible resources. I also encourage you to read up on Belle Isle Craft Spirits on their website and their book that just launched. They’ve teamed up with renown restaurants in the area to create some super yummy recipes for every palate.

Thank you, Alex, for sharing some recipes and feedback with us! We are thrilled for your wedding in just two short weeks!

Make sure to follow Belle Isle Moonshine on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

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