Teddy the Min Pin needs Major Ear Surgery

This is Teddy the min pin. He is in foster care with Internet Miniature Pinscher Service in Delaware. He has had ear issues ever since he came to IMPS a year ago, and it has been determined, after much investigation, that he needs major ear surgery. The cost of this surgery will be $2000, with a rescue discount. We have started a ChipIn page for Teddy. There used to be other Min Pin rescues in the Mid Atlantic area but they have gone under, so now IMPS is the only one, and we get every request for rescue. Our funds are very limited, and even when someone does adopt Teddy, we will not be able to recoup all these costs. Please consider chipping in $5 if you can. If you cannot chip in right now, please share the link with your friends and family and all dog lovers. Thanks!

We've Moved!

Hi Friends! I've moved the blog! Please check out the blog on my new website: www.bellwetherevents.com and thank you for all the support! xoxo, Janice

Glen Echo Park Carousel

I don't care if you have to beg, plead or bribe to get your way - if your wedding is at Glen Echo Park, you've got to get onto that Carousel!

Photo courtesy of Flutter Photo. Do not use without permission.

The Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park

Back in April, a year's worth of work finally came to life. I love working at Glen Echo Park and I think the Spanish Ballroom is a spectacular space to hold a wedding. In April, we used the ballroom for both the ceremony and after a quick flip, dinner and dancing. The use of pipe and drape from Fabrications allowed us to do this.

Photos courtesy of Flutter Photo. Do not use without permission.

 

RIP Maurice Sendak

Part One:

           

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Grim Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 1
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Part Two:

           

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Grim Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 2
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

       

Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park Wedding

Here is the short film (courtesy of Zinnia Films) from my 4/14 wedding at Glen Echo Park. We used the Spanish Ballroom for the ceremony and reception.

Bryce Harper debuts with the Nationals

If you are any kind of DC sports fan or baseball fan; and this doesn't totally excite you, then you need to check to see if you still have a pulse!

Overheard at Saturday's Wedding

Groom to Videographer: I am so glad you are here because I have no memory of [our first] dance. (about an hour after the first dance)

Backstory: Thirty days before the event, I mentioned to my clients that they should consider getting a videographer, since they had some older family members who could not travel to the wedding. As well, as I always say, videos aren't necessarily for you, but they are definitely for posterity. My clients contracted with one of my favorite videographers just two weeks before their wedding. And immediately at the wedding, they recognized the value of their investment.

Hire a videographer!!

And check out this photo from Flutter Photo of the aforementioned first dance:

Shellie & Bryan - Blue Sky Films

One of my first few Bellwether Events weddings. I did 2 more for this family after Shellie and Bryan's event. I love these families!


Shellie and Bryan from Blue Sky Films on Vimeo.

Kaitlin and Mason - January 2011 Wedding Video

Courtesy of Thomas Bowen Films!

Kaitlin & Mason from Thomas Bowen Films on Vimeo.

Another great Wedding Ceremony Reading

Excerpt from the Goodridge v The Massachusetts Department of Public Health ruling (written by Judge Margaret Marshall) that first legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts:

Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations....Without question, civil marriage enhances the "welfare of the community." It is a "social institution of the highest importance." ...

Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Civil marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family.... Because it fulfils yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, civil marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life's momentous acts of self-definition.

Decatur House - Tented Wedding Reception

As promised, I am back with more photos from Laurie Bracewell. Here is the wonderful wedding reception in the tent of the Decatur House in Washington DC. We were able to pull off this room flip with ease because the client used some pipe & drape to section off a part of the tent during the ceremony, so that the tables could be fully set before the ceremony even began.


Photos made by Laurie Bracewell, please do not use without permission.

Decatur House: Tented Wedding Ceremony

Big thanks to Laurie Bracewell for sharing these great photos of Lisa and Bernards's September 2011 wedding. Their ceremony was in the tent, the cocktail reception was in the Carriage House while the tent was flipped, the dinner was back in the tent, and then dancing was back in the Carriage House. Here are the ceremony photos. Check back tomorrow for reception photos!


Photographs made by Laurie Bracewelll. Do not use without permission.

An Asymmetrical Bridal Bouquet

I simply adore this color-blocked and asymmetrical bridal bouquet. This was used in a photo shoot but I would love to see it in a wedding. Created by Greenworks.

Photos courtesy of Allison & Chris Britton Photography. Do not use without permission.

Woodend Wedding: the extras

I hope you don't think I am beating this wedding to death. It was so fun and the photographs are so beautiful. Sidra Forman did a great job with the florals (and pumpkins!). The two trees off the portico are perfect for escort cards (bonus = you save on renting a table & linen). And I adore the portrait in front of the cases of birds. People have very strong opinions about those birds!

Photos made by Stephen Voss. Do not use without permission.

The Metro (Washington DC)

If you have a chance, take some photos in a Metro station.

Photos courtesy of Stephen Voss. Do not use without permission.

Janice in action

Big thanks to Stephen Voss Photography - I don't think I've been in this many photos from one wedding. It's kind of fun!

70,000 Bouncey Balls

Down a street in San Francisco

Wheat Thins Sponsortunity

I was crying-laughing last night

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Wheat Thins Sponsortunity
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Woodend Mansion: The Hemlock Grove

Woodend Mansion, part of the Audubon Society, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a popular place to get married. One reason is the beautiful Hemlock Grove, that offers an ideal spot for an outdoor ceremony.

Photos courtesy of Stephen Voss Photography. Do not use without permission.

Strathmore: The Mansion

Strathmore Mansion is a totally different look than Strathmore Music Center, but beautiful and awesome events can be held at either location! This particular Maryland wedding was an intimate gathering for 55 guests, but I have also done a wedding of 200 at Strathmore Mansion - of course the ceremony was at a church and there were a number of tents involved!

Photos courtesy of Joy Lyn Photography. Do not use without permission.

Strathmore Music Center

This winter wedding was at the Strathmore Music Center in Maryland. They held their ceremony in an atypical spot - a balcony over the lobby. The reception with all the lighting looks amazing! You have to do lighting at Strathmore!

All photos courtesy of Mary Kate McKenna. Do not use without permission.

Nationals Park Wedding - The extras

This couple was pretty laid back, but still fun and quite eclectic. Here are some of the fun extra details of their wedding.

A stacked "cake" of cheese.


They have their own personal muppets who attended the wedding in appropriate attire.


Please note the fireworks on the Jumbotron as the ceremony ended.


Petal's Edge Floral Design created these pomanders for the escort card table.


Did I forget to mention the guests of honor, the Racing Presidents?!!


All photos courtesy of Ralph Alswang Photography. Please do not use without permission.

Nationals Park Wedding - Pennant Flags

I actually made these pennant flags! I think they are totally awesome and perfect for a wedding at a baseball stadium! I created them as a surprise to the bride & groom - and they loved them! I paired the flags with yellow pom poms for the guests to use before and after the ceremony. Overall I think the paraphernalia was a big hit and looked good too.

All photos courtesy of Ralph Alswang Photography. Do not use without permission.

Nationals Park Wedding - Batting Practice

Batting Practice anyone? I must admit, I was surprised at how much the guests were into taking BP at this Nationals Park wedding. We did it during cocktail hour and the pitcher never got a break! Batter up!

Photos courtesy of Ralph Alswang Photography. Do not use without permission.

The Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC

Looks good, right? Lighting is so important. Please get as much of it as you can afford.

Photos courtesy of Deb Lindsey Photography. Do not use without permission.