August 2010 – Dolce Films Blog

Harvest Moon Over River Farm

Garden Soiree at River Farm — Left to Right: Bill & Anne Holland (Holland Photo Arts), Stephen Bob (Love Life Images), Haynal Papp (Dolce Studio Films). And "No." It isn't a Black & White party! Who took this fabulous photo? Jamie Sears (Simply Chic Events).

The last Thursday of August, under a beautiful moonrise, River Farm‘s outdoor terrace twinkled with fairy lights and hummed with the buzz of happy guests. The garden soiree was hosted by Love Life Images to launch the expansion of their services under three reinvented auspices: Love, Love Life and Life. Each department now focuses the lens on specific stages and events in a family’s life. Love captures engagements and weddings, Life captures portraits and family photos and Love Life is a hybrid of both, if you will. If you’ve never seen their gorgeous work, you must visit Love Life Images and see what they’re all about! Founded by the fabulous Jennifer Dominick (who photographed my BFF’s wedding and the images are spectacular) and the divine Mary Gardella, the studio also includes Associates Stephen Bob and Joe Wang. Talented, friendly, informed and insightful both in personality and in imagery, this team is a creative force to be reckoned with. If you haven’t heard of them ’til now, I hope you enjoy this introduction!

The party was great and highlights included a terrace divided into 3 distinct spaces each representing the 3 aspects of the studio. Separated by swaths of white sheers undulating gracefully in the evening breeze, each space sampled a different menu of appetizers and had its own Signature Drink. A popular fave was the Lynchburg Lemonade, an homage to the sultry south of late August if there ever was one: freshly squeezed lemon over crushed ice with Bourbon and a sprig of mint. Divine. I spent most of the evening Stage Right at the dessert table, where I chatted with friends while scarfing down rows of Kendall’s Cakes‘ divine Petit Fours, my fave being the hazelnut creme meringues. Although more popular were her brownies and cupcakes, (which didn’t bother me at all)! I must say, those were the silkiest brownies I’ve ever had.

Thank you Love Life Images!

If you’d like to view a film of a wedding at River Farm, check out our Gallery page and watch the Kendall & Spencer sample, top row, middle. If you’re interested in having your event hosted at River Farm, contact Janet Daniels at rentals@ahs.org or 703-768-5700 ext.114.

Lotus Lounge Fabo Party

P1040901 — Haynal Papp (Dolce Studio Films) & 1 of the 3 hosts, Jamie Sears (Simply Chic Events)

Last night I attended a fabulous party for vendors in the wedding industry hosted annually for the past 3 years by the loveliest trio: Laura Weatherly of Engaging Affairs, Jamie Sears of Simply Chic Events and Pam Barefoot of A Trendy Wedding. As we have come to expect, they chose a hot nightspot for the crowd and the drinks included a pink Buddhatini in reference to the theme of the locale: Lotus Lounge. The place was bedecked in beautiful hot pink flowers and the menu of treats included strawberry milk with heart-shaped sugar cookies and mini ice cream cones with strawberry ice cream. I was definitely in the pink, with plenty of familiar faces to reconnect with outside of the busy environs of a wedding shoot. Everyone whose work represents the best of what our city has

P1040903 — Host Laura Weatherly (Engaging Affairs) & Haynal Papp (Dolce Studio Films)

to offer brides was there. It was especially nice to reconnect with make-up artist Kim Giammaria (whose son just left for West Point), photographer Michael Bonfigli (who had just finished a 40 mile cycle before the party) and photographer Andrea Jacobson (who is balancing 2 sweet loves in her life right now: cupcakes and her boyfriend of one year!). I also had the chance to chat with coordinator Terri Eaves of Bash and to hear all about the wonderful trip to Ireland she’ll be taking in the next few weeks together with the ladies from Engaged! Magazine and a host of DC coordinators. Have a blast ladies! No river dancing themed weddings once you get back, please!

WonderWomen at Crave DC

If you enjoy hearing about inspiring and inspired women in business, this is the blog post for you! Last night I attended the Crave DC pre-launch party and met some hot DC women who are all about manifesting their own destiny via the entrepreneurial spirit.

Upon entering the Beacon Bar & Grill, I right away bumped into some women I already know working in DC’s special events industry: Katie Martin and Heidi Kellet. If you haven’t already heard of them, they’re each impressive. Katie Martin owns Elegance & Simplicity and is the area’s expert in Green weddings. She’s written 2 books, heads up a magazine and is a social networking wizard. Heidi owns and operates The Dandelion Patch, a fantastic resource for anyone in need of beautiful design and high-end product. At the registration table I was greeted by Wendy Mcallister, the vibrant personality who invited me to be featured in Crave’s newest book covering the DC scene. Crave’s tagline is “An Urban Girl’s Manifesto,” and it is. If you want to meet the Who’s Who of female-led business in the nation’s capitol, hold onto your pocketbooks because the book will be launched late this summer and will be available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Here’s a sneak peak too. Continue reading “WonderWomen at Crave DC”