Ellie’s Bridal Boutique Names Winner of The Knot Best of Weddings 2020

Fourteenth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor Top Wedding Vendors Across America


ALEXANDRIA, VA January 10, 2020— XO Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that Ellie’s Bridal Boutique has been selected as a 2020 ­­winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest- and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding planning brand and app. 

In 2020, only five percent of hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals listed on The Knot received this distinguished award. In its fourteenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2020, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories, including venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more, to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique wedding. 

“We are honored to again receive this prestigious award and are so thankful for all our brides who have continued to support us for the past 24 years. " states Ellie, owner of Ellie’s Bridal Boutique.

The Knot has inspired 25 million couples (and counting!) to plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs. With a rich history of providing high-quality content and inspiration, The Knot makes it easy for couples to connect with and book the right wedding professionals to create their perfect wedding day. On The Knot Marketplace, couples can get connected to any of the hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot Best of Weddings gives couples the confidence to find and book the best local vendors to bring their wedding visions to life. In combination with years of trusted content, The Knot’s innovative technology makes planning one’s wedding celebrations easier and more enjoyable.

Wedding professionals who win The Knot Best of Weddings are members of WeddingPro, the leading B2B wedding brand. As the largest marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 13 million visitors per month who are planning weddings on The Knot and WeddingWire, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and this year’s winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/vendors/best-of-weddings.

About The Knot


The Knot is the nation’s leading multiplatform wedding resource offering a seamless, all-in-one planning experience—from finding inspiration and local vendors to creating and managing all guest experiences, wedding registries and more. The trusted brand reaches a majority of engaged couples in the US through the #1 wedding planning website TheKnot.com and #1 iOS and Android mobile app The Knot Wedding Planner, The Knot national and local wedding magazines, and The Knot book series. Since its inception, The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely them. Visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Event Alert: Wedding Blueprint Open House

What a crazy/beautiful/wonderful start to 2015!! We're so sorry about all the quiet on the blog lately. We've been busier than ever having an amazing time making new friends with the sweetest brides and some of their loved ones as their search continues or they say YES to THE dress! 

Have you been making new wedding friends 2015? Either way, we need to introduce you to some – mostly Liza: the amazingly sweet and endlessly talented owner of Studio DBI, a full service event design company, offering planning, coordinating, design consulting, and in-house floral services. They do it all!

After seeing Studio DBI's work for the first time, we realized we couldn't live without them. The arrangements we get from Liza and her team never fail give our salon a new breathe of life.  We now aim to have their florals as much as possible and can personally attest to the team's personal and outstanding customer service  and eye for style and design.

Not only is Liza's team expert in creating swoon-worthy arrangements, but our boutique space, colors, and environment are always considered when they design arrangements for us, creating works that not only fit whatever mood we want to set for the week but also compliment and enhance the entire room.

Ready to make new friends? Mark Sunday, February 22 on your calendars as Studio DBI hosts The Wedding Blueprint Open House right here in Alexandria. Get the chance to meet our friends from Studio DBI, Paired Images (remember them from here and here?), and more awesome local wedding vendors that you'll absolutely want the chance to get to know. 

RSVP for the event here (before Feb 17) and contact Studio DBI or Perfect Planning Events for any questions about The Wedding Blueprint.

Wedding Through Two Different Lenses

On the off chance you thought wedding photography was just about having a nice camera and knowing how to use it, we present to you a Kate Spade inspired stylized wedding through the eyes and lenses of two fabulous photographers.

These two little sneak peeks are a great example of how a photographer's vision, technical photography skills, and post processing choices give each of their albums a personality of their own. It's important to remember that photographers are artists that completely immerse themselves into their work. SO much happens behind the scenes that we don't see when we are in front of the camera!

We absolutely love how our Kate Spade shoot turned out (special thanks to Margo of Bright Occasions & The DC Ladies!) and hope you'll appreciate the passionate work our wedding photographers do when turning your wedding day into a memorable work of art. 

Molly Tobias Photography

Procopio Photography

Vendor Information:

PhotographyProcopio Photography & Mollie Tobias Photography | Wedding Planning & StylingBright Occasions  -Contact: Margo Fischer  |VenueCarnegie Library - Contact: Kristina Noell or Ashley Forrester | CateringKatie Musser, 550 Events - Contact: Katie Musser | Wedding CakeKendall’s Cakes - Contact: Meghan De Angelis |Desserts: Huda’s Sweet Bee Bakery - Contact: Huda Baterjee | Invitations & PaperTabibi Design - Contact: Tina Tabibi | RentalsDC Rentals - Contact: Kathleen Schmidt | Floral DesignEight Tree Street - Contact: Contact: Maribel Kalata | Hair: Amie Decker of Amie Decker Beauty | Makeup: Suzanne Della Pella of Amie Decker Beauty - Contact: Amie Decker | GarterThe Garter Girl - Contact: Julianne Smith | Bridal Gown and Bridesmaid DressesEllie’s Bridal Boutique - Contact: Ellie’s Bridal | Bridal JewelryDiamond Connects - Contact: Diamond Connects |Bridesmaid JewelryRene Kauder – Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot - Contact: Rene Kauder

The Bride’s Look:

Bridal Gown – Victoria-Nicole/1106

Shoes – Kate Spade

Engagement Ring: custom made 14k white gold Halo diamond engagement ring with center stone Radiant fancy yellow 1.21 carat total weight  VS2 clarity & 0.37 carat total weight white diamond side stones Retails: $11,622

Bracelet: custom made 18k white gold deco-inspired diamond bracelet 4.81 carat total weight  Retail: $13,300

Earrings: custom made 18kt white deco-inspired drop earrings 5.24 total weight Retail: $9,672

The Bridesmaid’s Look:

Bridesmaids – Jim Hjelm Occasions 1)   JH5125 2)   JH5185 3)   JH5363

Necklace – Somervell Necklace $59.00

Earings – Nancy Studs $24.00

Bracelet – Christina Link Bracelet $49.00


More Posts from The DC Ladies' Wedding Week:

*check out all of the wonderful photo’s through out the above posts

Source: http://www.thedcladies.com/dc-ladies-weddi...

The DC Ladies Recap: The Long and Short of Wedding Planning

The other day Kellie dished out some guidelines for where to start in the overwhelming world of wedding planning. What we didn't mention was how the length of your engagement may affect how you approach your planning. Luckily, Margo has this topic covered. We have Margo's recap below; the full article is here. Margo is the owner of The Bright Occassions, a local boutique wedding planning company.

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Long Engagements

  • Enjoy being engaged, but stay away from wedding magazines or blogs!
  • Budget and save.
  • Set a general wedding date and planning start date.
  • Do not ask your bridal party before you start planning.
  • Use your time wisely.
  • DIY projects.

When couples first get engaged, they are often bombarded with questions from family and friends.  One of the advantages of a longer engagement is that you can take your time before answering all of their questions.  If you know your engagement length will be well over a year, avoid jumping into planning, reading wedding magazines or browsing blogs/Pinterest for ideas.  Take a few months to enjoy being an engaged couple before you start to overwhelm yourself with all of the options and planning.

Short Engagements

  • Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner.
  • Start with the Who, Where, When, and How.
  • Know what you need to do first, enlist help.
  • Discard the unnecessary.
  • Limit your options, and move on once a decision is made.
  • Consider the untraditional.

If you are planning a wedding in 6 months or less, there will be a lot of decisions to make and not a ton of time.  Having a Wedding Planner can help in a lot of ways!  Perhaps the biggest way, is that as a professional they are not planning a wedding for the first time, they can move quickly providing the appropriate venue and vendor options that are available your date and budget.  In addition, they can help manage your time, provide design solutions, as well as contact and negotiate with vendors on your behalf.

From Fashion Week to Bridal Attire: 2013 Trends

We were completely honored when Chris Laich asked us to guest-write a post for his [awesome] blog. Chris Laich Music Services provides elegant DJ services and live musicians for weddings and corporate events in the Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas, and is Washington’s most critically acclaimed wedding DJ. He has even been listed as one of the hottest wedding DJs in the country by Modern Bride Magazine as well as the top wedding DJ in the area by Washingtonian magazine.

Chris Laich Music Services

Thanks again for inviting us on your blog, Chris! In case you missed it, here is our post again:

Bridal Attire Fashion and Advice from DC Area Experts – Part 3 with Ellie’s Bridal Boutique

We often find that fashion follows fashion, and that includes everything from Hollywood red carpet to ready-to-wear to bridal attire. We found some of the top trends for 2013 to show you how your favorite runway looks will translate to the pages of your favorite wedding magazine.

Florals

Blue by Enzoani DILLON – Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)
Blue by Enzoani DILLON – Ellie's Bridal Boutique (Alexandria, VA)

Without a doubt, floral prints were one of the top trends seen at New York’s Fashion Week earlier this year.This trend is fun and feminine in any fashion setting so it’s not a surprise to see florals emerging in everything bridal, giving a romantic, fairy-tale spin to a look that is still light enough for any spring garden.

For bridal gowns, bold floral patterns add an artful flare when used in place of traditional lace patterns. Proven popular with brides, Blue by Enzoani's Dillon gown (pictured right) is a perfect example of this. Looks like this trend is here to stay!

How Floral trends translate to Bridal Attire – via Ellie's Bridal Blog
How Floral trends translate to Bridal Attire – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Far left:Elle Magazine features floral runway designs from New York’s Fashion Week Center left: Zara’s newest collection features a casual Piqué Floral BlazerCenter right: After Six bridesmaid style 6600 Far right: Dessy Collection bridesmaid style 2833

Pleated Waist

Who ever guessed that pleats would find its way back into our hearts? But one click onto Forever 21’s “New Arrivals” page shows us options to make pleated shirts and skirts cute and wearable again. Above we illustrate how this return styles easily translates into classic bridesmaid and bridal styles. Despite popular belief, these styles are incredibly flattering for most figure types.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #pleats #pleated waist skirt – via Ellie's Bridal Blog
How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #pleats #pleated waist skirt – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Left:Forever 21 Sheer Pleated Waist Top Center: Alfred Sung bridesmaid style D524 Right: Justin Alexander Signature style 9688

Bold Ruffles

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #ruffles – via Ellie's Bridal Blog
How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #ruffles – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

InStyle’s ruffles trend overview

We’ve seen ruffles before, but as Instyle notes, “these stiff, austere waves are more modern than the floppier furls of past seasons.” Ruffles of past seasons were soft and flowy, moving with every step and swing. The larger, bolder ruffles of 2013 are more carefully constructed and placed with the greatest attention. Gowns with this design in mind are intentionally chic and in vogue, perfect for the fashion-forward bride.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #ruffles – via Ellie's Bridal Blog
How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #ruffles – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Left: Alfred Sung bridesmaid style D544 Center: Dessy Collection bridesmaid style 2867 Right: Allure Romance style 2605

Metallics

Metallics are in for Spring 2013. Shiny textures & iridescent fabrics were seen all over Fashion Week’s runways earlier this year. To keep the elegance of bridal wear alive, the metallics of bridesmaids dresses are typically more subtle than on most runways. Iridescent and luminescent chiffons offer a soft metallic sparkle that radiates the most romantic aura and should be admired up close. He magical look and feel of these fabrics will be most appreciated as your bridal party graces down the aisle past the gazing eyes of your guests. Certain colors offered in Dupioni, Peau de soie, and Silky taffeta fabrics offer a more vibrant metallic shine that is more eye-catching and modern for bolder bridal parties.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #metallics – via Ellie's Bridal Blog
How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #metallics – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Top left:Fashion Magazine features Metallics on 2013 runways Far right: Jim Hjelm Occasions bridemaids style 5151 in Dupioni Bottom row: Justin Alexander Spring 2013 Signature Collection

Knowing that today’s brides are looking to strike that perfect balance between modern trends, individuality, and timeless style, top bridal designers knew that incorporating the metallic trend into wedding gowns would be a bit more challenging. Stylish brides will love the use of neutral, non-traditional colors and both textured and crystal beaded embroidery used to achieve a glamorous bridal look that gives it nod to modern runway fashion.

Brides may also choose to use shiny shoes and accessories to complement a more traditional bridal gown and keep up with the metallic trend.

Peekaboo

InStyle loves how adventurous the Peekaboo look is. The most daring of brides may want to stun their crowd with this provocative style, though most brides prefer to adhere to more understated appearances for their Big Day. Typically in bridal, you will find the peekaboo in a much more refined way that still shows off the thinly veiled “reveal-and-conceal” dramatic look the style was intended for. Keyhole and illusion detailing across the back is the most popular way this fashion trend finds its way into the elegant tastes of wedding attire.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #peekaboo – via Ellie's Bridal Blog
How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #peekaboo – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Left: InStyle’s peekaboo overview Right: Fada from Blue by Enzoani

Lace, Lace, Lace

It’s all about lace! While never out of fashion, we have seen a sharp and steady increase in the popularity of lace since the timelessness and grace of Kate Middleton awed the world on her wedding day just two years ago. Lace gowns are being paired with nearly every other fashion trend out there (see above). With more lace options than ever, lace-loving brides every silhouette and neckline imaginable. Lace-loving brides, this is the ideal time to find your gown. We are also seeing lace displayed on a growing number of bridesmaid designs.

How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #lace – via Ellie's Bridal Blog
How fashion trends translate to Bridal Attire #lace – via Ellie's Bridal Blog

Far left: Taylor Swift at CMT’s Artist of the Year awards Center left: Allure Romance style 2604 Center right: Stacy Keibler at Screen Actors Guild Awards Far right: Allure Romance 2610

I really could go on forever with this post! It really was a restraint to keep from adding a dozen more photos to the above post... showing gowns with combinations of some of the above trend... highlighting more trends with more photos... You'll just have to make an appointment with us to come in and see the rest!

Wedding Veil Regrets

About 2 out of 10 brides come in to our boutique unsure if they would like a veil or not. If you do not think you want a veil, we suggest just to try one on anyway. You never know how you will feel until you try one on and see yourself in the mirror with a wedding gown and the veil for the first time. We find that more than half of the time, brides who said they did not want one change their mind. There is something about the veil and a wedding gown that makes each bride feel like it is really happening to them, they are getting married!!!

 

We found one blogger was torn and decided not to have a veil and now regrets it. She wishes she had changed her mind and now brings up some excellent points and stunning photos that you could have if you choose to have a veil too. We have to say, she found some great photos!

Thank you to our wonderful Ellie's Brides and their amazing photographers who shared these breath taking photographs with us.

What are your thoughts on veils? Comment below and let us know what you think!

 

Bridal Inspirations from the Oscars

Fashion certainly inspires fashion. So whether you are shopping ready-to-wear in the mall, awed by the Hollywood glamour, or flipping through your favorite wedding magazine, today's fashion trends are universal. We weren't surprised to see lace patterns, feather-like ruffles, and simple elegance grace the red carpets last night and be reminded of our very own bridal gowns. Which style would you have picked for your red carpet debut?

Update: Great minds think alike! Local Wedding Planner, Margo from Bright Occasions, elaborated more on this topic and these dresses here. Definitely check it out!

Why We Choose Stella York

Glamorous. Sexy. Extravagant. A Stella York wedding dress is more than just a designer label. It’s an indelible mind-set — with each creation a perfect complement to a bride’s attitude, style and spirit.

That's what Stella York is all about. Previously known as Ella Bridals, Stella York is an Australian-based company that never fails to bring in fresh designs that are not only merely beautiful but a statement of your spirit. Their light weight and comfort ensure that you will feel free enough to let your personality truly shine it's best on your wedding day. We also love Stella York because their mission fits our own: quality of fabric, fit, and finish at a competitive price. Here at Ellie's Bridal Boutique, we truly believe that it is possible to find a high quality gown for under $1500, and Stella York is proof of that.

Stella York is designed for the bride looking to find the magic that only she could create on her wedding day. She's a bride full of spirited dreams and an energy that radiates around her. See what we mean and view our gallery below to share the magic these three Ellie's brides experienced with their Stella York gowns this past year.

Needless to say, we are so excited to have Stella York Trunk Show at Ellie's Bridal Boutique! Make your appointment today for March 9-10, 2013 to view Stella York's newest bridal collection and enjoy 10% OFF* the purchase of any Stella York gown.

Many of the featured wedding gowns will be in out store for ONE WEEKEND ONLY !  Spaces are limited, so don't miss out by waiting to book your appointment for this exclusive event!

Appointments are required to attend this event. Call 703-683-VOWS(8697) to book your appointment today & RSVP on our Facebook Invitation.

*Purchases must be made March 9th or 10th to qualify for the discount.

Featured Weddings: Lisa's Destination wedding in Greece, Jenny's Old Amusement Park wedding, Jeorjina's Grand Caymen wedding

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Jen & Jim!!

Jen in @Mikaella Bridal -- Ever After Visuals Mother-Daughter Photography Team (09/10/11)

 Jen's bridal party was in full Ellie's Bridal attire with her light and fun Mikaella wedding gown and accompanied by bridesmaids dressed in Jim Hjelm Occasions. In fact, the bridesmaid pictured immediately to the left of Jen (photo below) also bought her bridal gown at Ellie's! Coincidentally, her name is Mikaella and she was also married in a Mikaella wedding gown.

Jen in @Mikaella Bridal -- Ever After Visuals Mother-Daughter Photography Team (09/10/11)

Before Jen was officially set on her gown, there was one test it had to pass first. And with that, she got down and boogied right in the middle of the store while wearing our sample. After her dance was complete she stood up straight and declared, "Okay, this is it!" We definitely had a few good laughs that day.

Jen in @Mikaella Bridal -- Ever After Visuals Mother-Daughter Photography Team (09/10/11)

You too can create such a lovely wedding by taking advantage of nature's beauty. Take a look to see how they had such romantic shots in the evening under an enchanted tree and romantic photos by a lovely, dreamy lake. Jen & Jim chose a location that not only had nature's beauty but architectural beauty to help give them different looks throughout their day.

Jen in @Mikaella Bridal -- Ever After Visuals Mother-Daughter Photography Team (09/10/11)

Congratulations on the first year of their 'new' adventure. Here's to many, many more years to come! We sincerely hope that your first year of marriage has been everything you hoped for, and more.

For Your Wedding Day, Stay on Campus

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Still looking for the perfect venue? Have you considered a nearby University or college? Or even the one you graduated from? Using your Alma Mater as your venue can add a personal touch and can save you some money as well!

For Example, the University of Maryland, College Park, offers many spaces for both the ceremony and reception. Their most popular area to hold a ceremony is The Memorial Chapel. The Memorial Chapel has two spaces available for rent, The Main Chapel which is larger to accommodate a bigger guest list and The West Chapel for a more intimate setting with a smaller guest list.

The Chapel gives HUGE discounts to couples affiliated with the college or military couples! Although anyone in the general public can get married there no matter what your religious affiliation!

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Green couples everywhere, find a college in your area that is doing their part to help the planet and book them for your totally Green wedding day!

Beyond the ceremony, most Universities and colleges have gorgeous spaces available for the reception!

At the University of Maryland the Adele H. Stamp Student Union has several rooms available, one being the Grand Ballroom which as a Beauty and the Beast-esque feel to it with it's high ceilings, chandeliers and wood floors.

A few more perks of having your wedding on campus are:

- Parking services

- Shuttle buses

- Guest Accommodation

Many college campuses will offer valet services when you book an event with them and big, public universities usually have shuttle buses going all over the place. In the summer most of the dorm rooms sit empty and unused so if you need to provide accommodations for your guests, you might want to consider having your wedding on campus.

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Where will yours be?