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Vendor Spotlight: Sara Muchnick Events

We're so thrilled to have our dear friend Sara Muchnick here today for a little Q & A, after having recently launched her fabulous, full service event planning company, Sara Muchnick Events. Welcome, Sara!

Hitched: How did you get started in the wedding industry?

Sara Muchnick: My career in the wedding industry started as an intern in college.  My first experience was with Fandango Events in Baltimore which is now the decor company Chicka Chicka Boom Boom [also known as Chicka]. After that, I interned for Rita Bloom and Tracey Bloom Schwartz at Creative Parties in Bethesda, Maryland.  From there I went north to work with a wedding planner in Philadelphia and finally landed back in the DC area at MD based Sugarplum Tent Company.  The creativity and drive here in the DC area was so much greater than I experienced in other cities.  My time at Sugarplum helped me become a pro at executing outdoor events and making sure to have weather contingency plans.  In 2006 I joined Engaging Affairs and planned with them for the eight years that followed.  My experiences under that company included weddings 1) planned in 8 weeks 2) for as little as 45 guests to well over 500 guests 3) Indian extravaganzas, elephant and all 4) Vietnamese Tea Ceremonies 5) multi ethnic/cultural and religious ceremonies and 6) travels from Connecticut to Miami and the Bahamas as well as many stops in between. I've learned a ton along the way.  The challenge and excitement of creating something new for each client has been truly worth the long hours. Not to mention an honorary degree in psychology should be awarded...

 

After leaving Engaging Affairs in 2013, I officially launched Sara Muchnick Events and I can honestly say it's been a wonderful and unexpected whirlwind since day one.  My associates and I can't wait to see what's to come!

 

 

Hitched: What inspired you to start Sara Muchnick Events?

 

SM: I'm not sure there was anything specific that inspired me to start SME.  I felt I got to a point where if I was ever going to do it, now was the time and I didn't want to wonder "what if".  With the amazing encouragement I had been receiving from past clients, family and friends I decided to take the steps to create a new brand that I felt would appeal to a timeless, sophisticated clientele looking for a luxury experience for the planning and execution of their weddings.

 

 

Hitched: What's your favorite part of the process, or favorite part about working with DC couples?

 

SM: My favorite part of the process is definitely the creative.  I love that this is not my wedding and that each wedding I create fully represents the personality and style of the clients.  Working with families more than once is the best.  Knowing they have the confidence that I can create a different experience is a huge compliment.  My favorite example is of two sisters who got married 16 months apart.  The first wedding was a traditional hotel ballroom celebration with almost 200 guests.  The second was under 100 people in her parents' home.  I worked with the couple, who are very involved in the DC restaurant scene, to create a tasting experience for their guests right down to the basement we designed to look like a restaurant, banquettes and all.  But when it comes to DC couples in particular, the thing I do have a huge respect for is the innate conservatism with which we execute their events.

 

 

Hitched: What are some of the hottest wedding trends we'll be seeing this fall?

 

SM: Trends is a hot button topic for me.  I read about the trends, but they aren't usually at the forefront of my events mainly because trends go out of style.  The last thing I want is for my clients to look back at their pictures in 5 or 10 years and wonder why they ever did what they did.  It's very important for me that we create timeless celebrations that won't seem dated.  Kind of like the 80's bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses.  You all know what I'm talking about.  But, if I had to choose one trend that I like, as pointed out by my associate Keren, it's the use of all types of chairs as opposed to the standard chiavari reception chair.  Whether you mix and match or just do all the same unique seating element, I think an unexpected chair adds weight and interesting personality to an event set up.

 

 

We're so grateful for Sara's wedding expertise, and are incredibly proud to support SME! Stay tuned for upcoming guest posts from Sara, where she'll address tons of your wedding planning questions & much more! 

 

[All photos courtesy Sara Muchnick Events]

Designer of the Day: Amy Kuschel

We've got a special treat for you today, dear readers-- a one-on-one interview with one of our absolute favorite bridal gown designers, Amy Kuschel! 

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Q: Tell us a bit about your career as a designer & how you got started.

Amy Kuschel: It all started shortly after Bill's proposal in 1996. Trying to find the perfect wedding gown  turned into an arduous task!  I thought my needs were simple enough – to look elegant and modern without spending a fortune. In my search I found that I could opt to spend a reasonable amount for something mediocre, or spend an outrageous amount for something fabulous. Being a practical person and an experienced designer, I felt my best bet would be to design my own gown.  A few years later, business plan in hand, Bill and I launched the Amy Kuschel collection.

 

Q: Do you have any style icons, in terms of your personal style?

A: Oh, so many. I've always loved Coco Chanel, Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn...

Q: In general, who or what do you turn to for inspiration?

A: I find inspiration in everything, it's always evolving. For our 2014 collection my focus was on layers of personality... knowing yourself, embracing your layers.  Interesting stories about remarkable women, all of whom have incredible layers to their personalities, played a role in our design process.  We never know exactly where the inspiration will lead.  Once the sketching starts and the fabrics arrive, we start to merchandise our ideas in more specific ways.  Then the patterns are made...the prototypes are sewn - and slowly but surely, the dresses come to life.  The editing and the details are another important part of the design experience.    It's not for the faint of heart!  But it is incredibly rewarding.

Q: If you had to choose a gown from your current collection to wear down the aisle yourself, what would it be and why?

A: That's tough! 

I LOVE lace.  From 2014, I might choose Coretta, as she's very much my style.  She has an ease, a confidence - yet she's simple, practical. Elegant without the fuss.  It makes me think of the quote "real beauty doesn't seek attention".   But make no mistake, she does get their attention.   Coretta  is perfect for an outdoor wedding, which is appealing to me.  Rustic elegance, garden romance, wine country. 

For a little more glamour, I'd choose Monroe. She's dramatic, sexy, and feminine. Her trumpet silhouette just begs for a star quality entrance, while her sheer bateau neckline is alluring yet coy.  I adore a high front neckline.  And these contrasts in personality - I think they make things more interesting and unexpected.  

  I believe that when picking a wedding gown, the one thing you must know to find the perfect dress is yourself.  Stay true to yourself.

Q: We love your latest collection so much! Can you talk bit about the inspiration for the gowns this season?

A: Our 2014 designs are inspired by legends like Beryl Markham, Zora Neale Hurston, Jane Goodall, Rosa Parks, Marilyn Monroe, Harriet Tubman, Coretta Scott King, Amelia Earhart, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Their fabulously complex and layered personalities are what drew us in. Like these women, our brides, too, are layered with character and complexity.

"It's all about being yourself and embracing your personality, balancing our layers. So often, as women, we're lured by the notion of perfection, trying to be someone other than ourselves. It's no wonder that we lose sight of how beautiful we are. We're positively imperfect, maybe a bit quirky, and naturally somewhat complicated – whatever we may be, we can't escape being ourselves. So why not spend the time getting to know yourself, embracing your layers, being the BEST version of YOU. When you're happy being yourself, you naturally radiate beauty... this is the essence of charm, of attraction." 

With a bride's personality in mind, we crafted our 2014 collection using layers of lace, mixing textures and sheers, and accenting and highlighting to create character and personality with each silhouette. Our hope is that brides will find a dress that speaks to the layers of their personality!

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A huge thanks to Amy for sharing her story with all of us! To see her stunning collection in person, give us a call [202.333.6162] or shoot us an email [[email protected]] for an appointment! 

Hitched Featured In RACKED DC

We are so honored to have been featured in Racked DC this week! Check out some of the amazing photographs from their piece about Hitched, and be sure to hop over and see even more eye candy in the full post.

Web Surfing Wednesday

Happy hump day, readers! Be sure to check out the awesome Q&A with designer Johanna Johnson featured on Washingtonian Bride & Groom!

Designer Of The Day: Judd Waddell

It's always such a treat when Judd Waddell is here with us at Hitched, so in anticipation of his upcoming trunk show visit, we thought we'd invite him to stop by the blog today for a fun and candid chat! Welcome, Judd.

Hitched: What inspires you?

Judd Waddell: Right now it's really one of my favorite periods in fashion history-- the transformation from 1920s-1930s, when hemlines started dropping and waistlines were coming up. To me, the couture clothes of the 30s are the most graceful that there ever were, with a little less rigid construction and more things hanging from the shoulders instead of just strapless and accentuated at the waist. Some people have mentioned that my latest collection has a "Hollywood glamour" feel, and while I did name some of the dresses that way, it wasnt just Hollywood that I drew from, but also what was happening in Paris during that time period.

Hitched: Describe the latest collection in three words.

JW: Sheer, layered, geometric.

Hitched: You are so hands on with brides at trunk shows and seem to really enjoy putting a whole look together. Is that your favorite part of the job? If not, what is?

JW: I would say that it's that, equally balanced with creating a new collection. It's like the yin to the yang of making a collection because, in a way, we designers kind of create in vacuums, so working with brides is the hands-on experience of being with the woman who is actually going to be wearing the dress. It's fun for me to see how something I've designed is interpretted by the wearer by what she does with accessories, her hair, and so on. 

Hitched: Anything you can tell us about the gowns you'll be showing in April?

JW: I'm working on it! I feel like-- and other people have said-- that this past collection was a departure for me, maybe a bit less restrained than usual and a little more... refinedly sexy. So I feel like the bigger change was in the collection I am currently showing, and now I am following the path that has been laid down by that collection. 

Hitched: Finish this thought: "When I'm not working, you can find me..."

JW: Working [laughs]. Pretty literally. Even when I try to take a break, I work a lot.

Hitched: Anything else to add?

JW: Hmm. I do like kitties. 

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Isn't he just the greatest? We can't wait to have Judd here for the trunk show next weekend, and we hope to see you there! 

Ask Melissa: FIT Holiday Guide

Melissa & the FIT gals are here to help you stress less this season with our ultimate guide to getting through the holiday festivities while staying FIT & FABULOUS! Follow our favorite tips to stay on track while not missing out on any holiday cheer! 

Tip #1: Avoid the BLOAT!  Our solution is to kick-out all artificial sugars, excess sodium from processed & frozen foods, and stop drinking too much water or caffeine WHILE you are eating.  TIP: drink water BETWEEN meals and fill up on high fiber green salads with extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar to avoid bloating. 

Tip #2: Visualize your goals.  Keep a picture of your dress on hand or has the background on your phone as a reminder to pass on that second glass of wine or another bite of holiday cookies! 

Tip #3: Plan time for exercise.  Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and offset increased holiday eating.  If you know you have a holiday party on Friday, get in at least 30 minutes of cardio four to five times that week. Plan a healthy running date with your sweetie or a friend, or use your lunch break to burn off calories. Either way kick it up during the holidays instead of pushing it off until the new year! 

Tip #4: Ditch the Guilt.  Just because there are tons of holiday treats and yummy snacks in the office doesn’t mean you have to indulge.  We get it--- sometimes it’s hard to say “NO!” when you keep thinking “I want it, I want it, I want it.”  For me, it’s dark chocolate, so pick your vice and then move on!  Another TIP: Plan ahead and bring healthy snack options: raw almonds, raw veggies, fruit, or greek yogurt to help curb those sugar cravings! 

Tip #5: Survive the Holiday Dinner Party.  The worst thing is going to a holiday party hungry, because you will most likely indulge in festive cocktails and the cheese platter!  TIP: Eat before you go!  You will be less tempted if you are not hungry.  Don't expect to be served a well balanced meal, because you may be met with fried appetizers and holiday treats.  If you eat a big salad with protein before you go, you won't overdo it and be able to enjoy showing off your slim new party dress! 

Tip #6: Detox, RETOX!  We get it--- sometimes girls just wanna have fun!  If you over indulge on your night out, start fresh the next morning with a juice.  For a nutrient dense anti-inflammatory drink full of vitamins A, C, and K that will give you digestion aid from any late night carbs, try our favorite morning pick me up: Ginger Kale Juice (ginger, cucumber, kale, lemon, and mint)! 

Tip #7: Healthy Hostess.  Offer to throw your own fabulous party!  This allows you to be in control of healthy options.  For starters, try our White Bean Hummus Dip or our festive Kale Margarita! Let yourself have fun and enjoy the party knowing that you can still dress to impress while sipping on your low cal cocktail :) 

Tip #8: The Gift that keeps on Giving.  Who wants to show up to a party empty handed?  You know the wine and desserts are always plentiful,so bring your own healthy dish as an appetizer.  It will be a thoughtful gift and a way to ensure a healthy option for you to eat!  A favorite recipe for a healthy appetizer is a Mushroom and Farro Salad.  Delish! 

For more tips and recipes, be sure to follow us on our blog the FIT life.

Also checkout Melissa's FitTrition Holiday Workout video to get Toned Abs!

Happy Holidays! 

Love,

Melissa and the FIT team

PS: Don't forget about the 20% discount for all Hitched brides on any package until Dec 31st, 2012!