from Hello to Hitched

Web Surfing Wednesday

Thinking about having a candy bar at your wedding or bridal shower, but not sure where to start? We're loving the packages available through Candy Bar DC! They have all kinds of cool options, from just renting their fun apothecary jars and dishes and going DIY, or having them map out and provide a themed candy bar for your event. They have tons of sweets to choose from, from classics like button candy and swirled lollipops to adorable candy sushi served on a platter. Check it out!

When placing your order, be sure to mention the code word "sweets" for 10% off your order! What a sweet deal!

[Photos via Candy Bar DC]

'Five Year Engagement' Screening Giveaway!

We interrupt our week of market posts to share a fun little giveaway with you lovelies! We've got free passes to the special sneak preview of the new film 'Five Year Engagement' on Tuesday April 24th at the AMC Georgetown!

We've been waiting anxiously for this hilarious film to hit theatres, and we can't wait to share the fun with our brides-to-be! All you have to do is leave a comment below telling us an engagement story-- it could be your own, a funny or creative one that you've heard from someone else, or your dream proposal... regardless, we want to hear from you! We'll choose a winner later this week!

'Love Is In The Air' Promo @ Hitched!

The Hitched gals love you just as much as we love springtime-- so pop on over for a visit and enjoy 10% off any bridal gown until March 31st, just because!

To make an appointment, just give us a call [202.333.6162] or shoot us an email [appointments@hitchedsalon.com]. We can't wait to see you soon!

[photo source]

"Upon A Star" Contest LAUNCH!

Ready to win a wedding gown?! Well, today marks the start of a contest that just might make that dream come true! Along with designer Jorge Manuel, we're thrilled to announce the launch of the 2012 "Upon A Star" Wedding Gown Giveaway! From today until March 17th, submit your entry for the chance to win a custom-made, couture wedding gown by designer Jorge Manuel!

Visit Jorge Manuel's website for the official contest rules & application! To enter, you simply need to upload a fun photo of you and your honey, along with a brief explanation of your wedding style and why this year's Eternal Flame gown would fit into your aesthetic.

We're so excited to be a part of this fabulous giveaway, especially since the gown is so spectacular! We truly believe that Eternal Flame is the perfect combination of modern chic and classic elegance, and we can't wait for you to have the chance to wear it down the aisle!

And the excitement doesn't stop with the dress! Here's the rundown of what you'll win:

- A completely free, completely couture Eternal Flame wedding gown

- An overnight stay at the extremely elegant Fairmont Hotel here in DC on Friday, May 18th

- Any bride-to-be in the United States can enter, but you must be able to come to the nation's capital for the big reveal of the gown [and an incredibly fabulous party at Hitched to be thrown in your honor] when the winner is announced on May 18th!

Be sure to check back regularly as we blog about the process of designing and creating the winning gown, behind the scenes at Jorge Manuel. Good luck, gals!

Applications are available at www.jorgemanuelweddings.com and must be submitted online by March 17th, 2012. Finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges by March 26th, at which point voting from the public will begin. Winner will be chosen by a combination of votes by the judges and the general public. Applicants must be getting married between June 30th, 2012 and May 30th, 2013. For official contest rules & details, please visit www.jorgemanuelweddings.com.

Give A Little Love

Yesterday we shared some handmade ways to show love to your Valentine, but if you're short on time this year and want to rely on someone else's creativity to express how smitten you are, here are some fabulous finds!

Give him some trendy man jewelry that will make him look cool while simultaneously boosting his confidence with a bracelet from etsy seller WhatABoyWantsJewelry...

Smother her with hugs and kisses along with these adorable x+o huggie earrings by Lisa Freede...

Let him know that he deserves to be pampered too, with manly bath salts by etsy seller WildRoseHerbs...

Tell her you love her big heart with this funky headband by ban.do...

Confirm that you adore his inner child with a Nintendo-themed iPod dock from etsy seller GeekUnique...

Any other ideas for great Valentine's Day gifts? Send 'em our way!

Web Surfing Wednesday

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and since we're in the business of L-O-V-E, we thought we'd share some super sweet DIY Valentine's from around the web!

This stamped clay heart from The Sweetest Occasion is an adorable way to pass on a sweet and simple message...

Impress your sweetie with your craftiness by folding up this origami heart greeting card from Eat Drink Chic...

Lend 'em some sugar in the form of DIY ombre sugar hearts via Wedding Chicks...

Spice up the old breakfast-in-bed act with these lovely coffee cup wrappers, spotted at Eat Drink Chic...

Let us know what creative tokens of affection you're planning to dish out this Valentine's Day! And if hand-crafted gifts aren't your thing, check back tomorrow for store bought goodies to help express your love.