Bella Bridal Showcase- April 16th

The weather outside was frightful...wind, pouring rain, tornado watches...Dorothy and Toto flying by....well, ok maybe they didn't fly by but the weather conditions were less than stellar for our showcase but that didn't stop us from having fun!

Despite the horrible weather conditions the show still went on. We welcomed the drenched brides that came with open arms...and a towel. :)

All the brides that came were each handed a reusable Bella Mia tote with some goodies in it as well as the chance to sample goodies provided by all of our vendors. Everyone had a chance to play in the photobooth provided by NoVa Photobooth and was able to take home a strip of photos. Bobbies Bridal, CurvyGirls Bridal, and Blush Bridal all provided the latest in Bridal fashions for everyone to view. Golds Gym was on hand to talk about ways you can get fit before your big day. We had a financial advisor and Realtor on hand to talk about the ever important finances that every newlywed couple will face, as well as some other fun events. And of course...we had some very happy winners of our prizes.

The weather is not stopping us from planning our next showcase which will be in September. Stay tuned for more information on the location, date, and time of our next event and join us in hoping and wishing for perfect weather for our next one...I think we deserve it. :)

Happy planning :)

Tammy

2011 Bella Bridal Showcase
April 16th, 2011
10am - 4pm
Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax
3950 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax Va 22033

Please join us for a fun day of chatting with vendors, informative workshops, and viewing the latest in wedding fashions from Blush Bridal, Curvy Girls Bridal, and Bobbies Bridal.
You will also have a chance to win one the many prizes that we have to give away including a $500 Bachelorette party transportation package from RAMJAY Inc, a $500 Dell gift card, a 6 month membership to Gold's gym, and many more.

You can visit our website at:

www.bellamiaweddingsandevents.com

You will find more information there including the link to register. All registered Brides will receive a swag bag and The Knot magazine.

Cost is $10 in advanced and $15 at the door.

Any questions please call 703.627.3114.

Warm weather, the Sun and a Bridal showcase!!

Are you ready for the warmer weather like I am? Spring can't come fast enough...

I can't wait to hear the birds chirping, the buzzing of the bees, and the squeals of the children playing.

Until then....I sit here typing with frozen hands while sipping my coffee and dreaming of the warm days to come.

At least I have a big project to keep me occupied....the 2011 Bella Bridal Showcase!!

If you are getting married and are feeling a little overwhelmed with things to do then mark your calendar for Saturday April 16th 2011 from 10am-4pm.

The showcase will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn located in Fairfax Va. and will feature different vendors that will help make your wedding planning a breeze.

Please watch our blog and facebook page for more information on the showcase.
Until then....don't worry! The Sun will come out and warm us up eventually. :)

Join us for some Tail Waggin' FUN!!

Bella Mia in conjunction with The Happy Woof is proud to announce our 1st ever "Tail Waggin" Tail Gate Party.

Please bring your furry friend into The Happy Woof on Saturday February 5th from 1-4pm for some TAIL Gate fun!

Your pup will be able to sample raw food and treats from Chow Now and Max and Ruffy's.

Also we are offering a photo session for you and your pet. For only $40 you will receive 1-8x10 and 8 wallets. Reservations are needed and a non-refundable $10 deposit is due at the time of making the reservation.

Prizes and Goody Bags to the first 50 attendees.

Please see our website for more information and to register:
www.bellamiaweddingsandevents.com

A Great Day at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center!

Hello Fans of Bella Mia...
I wanted to send a quick note about my experience at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. My site visit was coordinated by Portia, Senior Sales Manager. Portia definitely has a knack for sales, she was outgoing, fun, and presented a number of ideas about how the site could be used to accommodate various events. The facility is wonderful! The outdoor area surrounding the property is well-maintained and picturesque. Additionally, the ballroom features gorgeous chandeliers that grasp your attention as soon as you walk in the room. The guest rooms feature a contemporary design that I loved and the view allows you to see for miles. So of course, the question on your mind is, "How's the food?" We experienced the sushi, lamb kabobs, and the grilled chicken sandwich with fresh mozzarella and raspberry pesto...one word, "delicious"! This is an event location that should definitely be on your radar and Portia [703-845-2613] is great to work with. Thanks for your time Portia!

Cheers,
Anita

Warning: Don't read if you are hungry! :-)

As much as I love my job and what I do...I'm not going to lie, sometimes it's really hard.

We did an intimate dinner for our clients this past weekend where we brought in a Chef...(who rocked by the way...) to prepare a 4 course meal for our clients and their guests.

The meal was out of this world good.....at least it looked that way! ;-) Our clients confirmed it too! All that's left are the pictures.....enjoy!!

So...I started this new thing....

....if you go to Facebook and "like" Bella Mia Weddings and Events you will be able to read all about our 30 days of being Thankful.

While I have to be perfectly honest with you, I am thankful ALL 365 days out of the year, but November seems like the perfect time to share 30 of the bazillions of reasons why I am Thankful!

One other thing I would like to share with you...besides what I am Thankful for... ;-)......is a Thanksgiving decorating tip.

Whether you are having a Thanksgiving day dinner made for the masses or you are having a small little intimate gathering...you want to make the table inviting. You can do that by setting the table with matching linens, a centerpiece, place cards, candles, and so on.

Of course browns, oranges, and golds work very well this time of the year. I tend to stay away from the busier tablecloths and napkins (like the plaids, and prints). I like things a little more streamlined in color...maybe a nice shimmery brown table cloth with gold napkins to match in the same fabric. Or you could do a creamy table cloth with darker napkins. Whichever you do, keep in mind that no matter how careful you or your guests are, there is always something bound to spill. To add a little pop into your table you can add a low centerpiece that is proportionate to your table size. Remember to keep it rather low though so your guests don't have to dodge the centerpiece just to talk to the person across the table.
Another nice touch that I like to add is decorative napkin rings that fit the occasion. I have a set of 10 squirrel napkin rings from Pottery Barn that I like to use...not because I like squirrels but because they are a cute conversation piece and unique.
I also like to use place cards even though we have a fairly small family. Place cards just add that little touch to an exquisite table without over doing it.
Of course we can't forget about the actual serving pieces!! Your sweet potatoes can be a decoration in it's own if it is served in a coordinating bowl. You can choose to use serving dishes that have more of a pattern to them or you can use all of the same color. No matter what you use though, the colors in your foods will make the table pop!!
Happy Decorating! :)
xoxo,
Tammy