Photos: Jennifer Domenick/Love Life

Sarah and Colin's wedding was held at the W Washington, DC. "We loved the venue's Renaissance-style architecture mixed with its modern decor," says Sarah. The ceremony space was decorated with arrangements of cherry blossom branches and hydrangeas, plus plenty of candles.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds' 100 guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the hotel's roof terrace. At the reception, which took place in the hotel's ballroom, tables were decorated with black linens and centerpieces of green and white blossoms, including roses, viburnum, and hydrangeas. "Black is my favorite color," says the bride. "And I love the shade of green you see everywhere during the spring in DC." As a nod to the city's annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, white cherry blossom branches were also on display.

Each place setting included a menu card printed by the hotel, and a bottle of maple syrup from Brattleboro, VT, where the bride is from. "I wanted a little touch of my hometown at our city wedding," she says. A highlight of the dinner, catered by the hotel, was the crab fritter appetizer. "We thought all of our out-of-town guests should have Maryland crab cakes at least once during their visit, and we loved the hotel's nontraditional spin."

Follow the jump to see more from Sarah and Colin's wedding, visit our Real Weddings page to find other great style ideas, and search our local listings to find wedding vendors near you.

Photo: Jay Premack Photography

"...we felt a rush of exhilaration as we realized the hard part was done—now it was time to party with our friends and family. I ran to embrace my sister, and my husband Chris's best man lifted him up into the air. Everyone was overwhelmed with emotion and so full of joy." —Michael, married October 2 in Chevy Chase, MD. See more photos of Michael and Chris's wedding, and check out more favorite moments in the full slideshow.

Photos: Jay Premack Photography

Michael (top left) and Chris hosted their ceremony and reception at the Woodend Nature Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD. "We chose Woodend because of its natural beauty," says Michael. "It provided a rustic backdrop that complemented the formality of the event." The couple worked with Molly Bartkowski of Simply Vintage Event Management on the wedding details, which included florals by Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Designs. "We described our vision, then gave our florist artistic freedom," says Michael. "We were thrilled with the results." The centerpieces included gloriosa lilies, dusty miller, dahlias, and seeded eucalyptus in hues that complemented the wedding's color scheme of poppy red and slate gray.

Follow the jump to see more from Michael and Chris' wedding, and visit our Real Weddings page to find other great style ideas.

Photos: Egomedia Photography

Kim and Jake met four years ago while playing kickball together in a local league. They wed at Historic London Town and Gardens. "We wanted the wedding to be laid-back and fun, so we used bright colors and preppy details," says Kim. She wore a Mikaella Bridal gown from Annapolis Formal & Tuxedos paired with diamond and pearl earrings that were a wedding-day gift from the groom. "Jake sent them to the hotel where we were getting ready," Kim says. For their first dance, the couple selected "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne; DJ Al Wysong provided the music. "I was so glad that Jake and I decided to see each other before the ceremony," says Kim. "We were able to take all our wedding portraits beforehand, which allowed us to really enjoy each other's company the entire evening." To see all of Kim and Jake's wedding details, check out their full slideshow, and visit our Real Weddings page for more great ideas.—Phillip B. Crook

In the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of Brides Washington, DC, we announced the winners of our first-ever Editor's Choice Awards.

It's a way for the editorial staff and me to officially recognize the amazing, forward-thinking, art-creating, call-returning, trend-making wedding vendors who inspire and delight us every time we craft an issue of our magazine. And, most importantly, we're excited to share this winning list with all of you—it's a great place to start assembling your dream team. —Julie Raimondi

See the full list of winners after the jump.

Photos: The Happy Couple

"Craig and I knew we wanted our wedding to be warm, personal, playful, and most of all, fun," says Ashley, who wore a lace gown by Couture by LK Design and her aunt's veil. The groom sported a J.Crew suit, a blue gingham shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt, and a red tie by Me and Matilda. The 2 p.m. ceremony was held at the Wren Chapel on the campus of the College of William & Mary, in Williamsburg, where Craig attended college. The bride's aunt performed the ceremony.

Afterwards, the couple's 100 guests headed to the Eagles Nest, a historic home, for the reception. As the newlyweds entered the festivities, the guests—some wearing handmade paper crowns—tossed confetti. "Throwing an informal garden party really brought all of our guests closer together," says Ashley. The couple, with help from family and friends, decorated the property with handmade details, including yarn-wrapped hearts they hung from a tree. A wooden directional post was built by the bride's grandfather, known as "Poo-pa." "We were going for a cheerful, vintage look," Ashley says.

Dinner, catered by Creative Cuisines, was served cocktail style and featured Southern favorites like country ham pate and cheddar biscuits. The buttercream-frosted wedding cake, by Cakes by Charlie, was decorated with fresh berries. For all of Ashley and Craig's wedding details, see their full slideshow, and visit our Real Weddings page for more festive celebrations.

In the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of Brides Maryland, we announced the winners of our first-ever Editor's Choice Awards.

It's a way for the editorial staff and me to officially recognize the amazing, forward-thinking, art-creating, call-returning, trend-making wedding vendors who inspire and delight us every time we craft an issue of our magazine. And, most importantly, we're excited to share this winning list with all of you—it's a great place to start assembling your dream team. —Julie Raimondi

See the full list of winners after the jump.

Photos: Courtesy of The Fairmont

On June 18, The Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC, will debut its "Wedding Belles Package," a luxurious weekend for brides-to-be and a guest. The package includes an overnight stay in one of The Fairmont's spacious rooms, as well as complimentary admission to the nearby Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, which features an impressive collection of Russian imperial art and 18th-century French decorative art and furnishings. The museum was founded by American collector and heiress to the Post cereal empire Marjorie Merriweather Post; fashion lovers and history buffs will enjoy the exhibition of her family's collection of bridal gowns dating from 1874 to 1958 that's currently on view at the museum. The Wedding Belles Package is valid through January 1, 2012, giving even the busiest brides enough time to plan a weekend getaway. To learn more and make a reservation, go to fairmont.com/washington or call 800-441-1414. —Louisa Bilbrough

Photo: Laurie Bracewell Photography

Does your wedding day look need the right finishing touches? DC-based headpiece and accessory design house Enchanted Atelier is hosting "Styling Nights" at Hitched in Georgetown. These monthly events will feature an assortment of headpieces, headbands, fascinators, birdcage veils, and belts to choose from, and the talented (and super-sweet!) designer, Liv Hart, will be on-site to answer any questions and help you accessorize your wedding dress. This is a great opportunity to get styling advice from a real expert. And, perhaps best of all, Hitched is offering a 10% discount on the featured accessories during the event. The next Styling Night will take place Thursday, May 19 (there's also one on June 23rd) from 5-8 p.m. Since space is limited, and this month's Styling Night sold out fast, RSVP by calling 202-333-6162 or emailing appointments@hitchedsalon.com to reserve your spot. And don't forget to check out our wedding accessories gallery for more headpiece ideas. —Mary Beth Somich, Brides Washington

Photos: The Black Olive Flickr

The recently opened Inn at the Black Olive is a luxury hotel with a boutique clientele in mind: someone with a taste for fresh Greek cuisine and a desire to live greenly. The Inn is an outgrowth of one of Baltimore's fine dining restaurants, The Black Olive, serving fresh fish and organic local produce prepared from Greek family recipes. The ground floor of the Inn houses an agora gourmet market with specialty imported products, while the top floor boasts a reception space and a rooftop harbor-front balcony. Each of the 12 suites, named for a different Greek grape, has a pipeless hydrotherapy tub, heated floors, organic Turkish cotton towels, and a private balcony. If this hotel doesn't have you saying "Opa!" on your wedding day, nothing will. —Phillip B. Crook

Photo: John Aquino

One of our favorite DC bridal salons, Saks Jandel (located at 5510 Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase), invites you to a Vera Wang trunk show from May 5-7. During the weekend, you will have the exclusive opportunity to view Vera Wang's Spring 2012 collection which hit the bridal market runway just a few short weeks ago. Contact The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel at 301-652-2250 to schedule your appointment. Check out more Vera Wang wedding dresses here, and don't forget to view all of the newest wedding dresses in our Runway Index.—Carly Totten, Brides Washington

Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.

If you're obsessed with the royal wedding (like us!), but weren't blessed with blue blood, check out the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.'s Royal Wedding Experience. Couples who purchase this package will plan their nuptials with an award-winning wedding coordinator, Amal Zaari. The bride-to-be will also receive a custom sapphire and diamond engagement ring like Kate's, as well as a diamond tiara, from D.C. jewelry mecca Tiny Jewel Box. Additionally, all wedding attire will be chosen by a personal Carine Krawiec of Carine's Bridal Atelier, and each guest will take part in an individual shopping session at Saks Fifth Avenue in order to ensure they are properly outfitted for such an occasion. Event designers will be transform the Ritz-Carlton into Westminster Abbey for the ceremony, Kensingston Gardens for the reception, and then Buckingham Palace when it comes time for dinner. As if that weren't enough, the details will be determined according to royal tradition, with a 17-piece orchestra, royal-themed menus, and an operatic soloist. The night will end with an overnight stay in The Royal Wedding Suite, with a rose petal bath, monogrammed bath robes and pillow cases, and a box of Dom Perignon vintage wine personalized with the bride and groom's names and the date of their nuptials. For more information about the opportunity to make your wedding a royal affair, please call The Ritz Carlton, Washington, D.C., at 202-835-0500, or the Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.'s website. For more ideas about planning your Washington, D.C. wedding, visit our local page.—Mary Beth Somich, Brides Washington

Photo: Curvaceous Couture Bridal Collection

At last week's Brides.com/Brides Maryland Networking Party, I met Yukia Harris-Walker, the owner of Curvaceous Couture Bridal Collection, a new dress salon in Columbia, Maryland that exclusively features designer plus size wedding dresses in sizes 12-32. I loved talking to Yukia, who herself struggled to find a wedding dress that fit her size 14/16 frame, and was so impressed with her mission—to help curvy brides find their dream gown in a fun, relaxed environment. The salon carries plus size wedding gowns from such designers as Reem Acra, Enzoani, Ian Stuart, Jasmine, and Pronovias, as well as bridesmaid dresses from Lela Rose, Dessy, and Love by Enzoani. And if you don't live near Columbia, Maryland you're in luck—Curvaceous Couture is planning to open in other cities around the country very soon. Check out Curvaceous Couture Bridal Collection's website and check out our wedding dress gallery to peruse more designer wedding dresses. —Kim Forrest

Photo: Courtesy of National Cherry Blossom Festival

We may have "sprung forward" a few weeks ago, but to me, the true sign of spring is when the cherry blossoms (which were a gift from Japan many years ago) start to bloom in Washington, DC. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 26th through April 20th, and this year, there will be a charitable aspect to the event. Visitors to the cherry blossoms are encouraged to donate to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Red Cross Online Donation Site to provide aid to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. And if you are lucky enough to be marrying during this beautiful time in DC (hosting a cherry blossom-themed wedding, perhaps?) consider making a donation to this important cause in honor of your event. Visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival's website for more information, and don't forget to visit our Washington, DC page for more tips on planning a wedding in the nation's capital.—Kim Forrest, Brides Washington

Photo: Courtesy of Carine's Bridal Atelier

On March 24th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., one of our favorite bridal boutiques, Carine's Bridal Atelier in Georgetown, will be hosting a huge sample sale. The sale will feature designer wedding gowns by such big names as Carolina Herrera, Melissa Sweet, Reem Acra, and Monique Lhuillier at 30 to 75 percent off, with prices starting at just $999. Available wedding dresses will all be in sample sizes 8 and 10, but can be altered to fit smaller sizes. The entire store will be transformed into a dressing room in a matter of minutes, so dress appropriately (we recommend shorts and tank tops or sports bras). And because Carine's knows that dress shopping can be exhausting, they'll provide a sugar rush with cupcakes from Virginia's Fluffy Thoughts Cakes. Visit Carine's Bridal Atelier's website for more information, and don't forget to do a little pre-shopping at our dress gallery.—Carly Totten, Brides Washington