Friday, July 30, 2010

Filene's Basement Running of the Brides: What an experience!

Some of you may already know that I'm not much of a morning person so it had to be something pretty special to get me out of bed at 4:30am today and trek on over to Filene's Basement. I have to say that the experience of the Running of the Brides counts as something pretty special.

Here is the site that greeted me when I arrived!





I kept walking looking for people I know but the line continued down the block and around the corner.




And still it kept going.



Finally a familiar face in Susan Gildersleeve.





Later I meet up with Becky and her team - notice the fun parrothead hats everyone is wearing.



After a great deal of waiting, chanting, pushing, shoving and tension, it's finally our turn to run. Well, walk really. They let us in in small bunches through a single door one at a time and escorts along the walkway repeatedly told us to walk and to stay to the right side of the corridor. At last, we were inside the store. Please forgive the poorly lit photos. Somebody forgot she had a flash on the disposable camera she took inside the store.




You'll notice the clothes racks are bare - that's because all of the gowns were grabbed and carried away within minutes. Nonetheless, Team Becky succeeded in finding a great place to camp out and try gowns on while gathering a large assortment in white, ivory, antique and blush.








Team Becky, as it turns out, was successful in finding the perfect gown. Here is Becky, victorious at the cashier's station. Favorite quote of the day as spoken by the cashier, "Did you find everything okay?" Um . . . she obviously has a sense of humor!




Here is Team Becky complete with Parrothead hats, beautiful wedding gown and an "I survived the Running of the Brides" T-shirt.


And last but not least, a photo of Becky proudly displaying her phenomenal purchase! Best wishes to Becky for a beautiful wedding day and a long and happy marriage!


Friday, July 23, 2010

Welcome back Cynthia


When I started with the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax nearly 4 years ago, Cynthia Park was the Sales and Catering Coordinator and did an excellent job keeping up with all of the details in a busy sales office. After having two beautiful baby girls, Cynthia has decided to return to the HGI family to resume duties including managing guest room blocks, tracking event payments and creating personalized group reservation pages aka POGs for our clients. Please join me in welcoming Cynthia back to the team!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Blown Away: The Windy Wedding of Shannon and Zack, May 8, 2010

What lovely, sweet couple! I really enjoyed working with Shannon and Zack and their family. The day of May 8th broke sunny but high winds resulted in a few minor adjustments to the ceremony decor.

Here you can see Shannon looking out the window from her dressing room.



Meanwhile, the Zack and the guys were relaxing at the bar.




Shannon and Zack opted for a first sighting photo shoot prior to the ceremony. Here you watch as they see one another for the first time in their wedding attire.





Zack and the guys found a little time to soak in the sun before the ceremony.


Shannon's father checked in on her to see if she was ready!



Shannon's sister gives her the okay and then it was time.








After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour including this yummy cheese display while Shannon and Zack took a few more photos.




Meanwhile, everything was in place. These beautiful escort cards featured fresh blooms making the room feel like the spring day it was.



Shannon made her own table numbers featuring the floral motif.


The cake table featured both a traditional wedding cake and a grooms cake.



The guests signed on the portraits mat and could enjoy a fun collage Shannon had put together.



For a really fun twist, the centerpieces featured live fish!


After formal introductions, Zack and Shannon shared their first dance and then began their buffet banquet.




After dinner, the crowd got up and danced!



Shannon and Zack cut their cake and then tossed the bouquet and garter.










Shannon and Zack departed under the shimmer of sparklers!



Best wishes to Shannon and Zack for a long and happy marriage!