The Observatory – Dolce Films Blog

Kate & Josh: A Wedding at Congressional Country Club

We have been shooting at Congressional Country Club for many years and always love working there! Aside from hosting three U.S. Opens and a PGA Championship, the gorgeous facilities and sprawling grounds have also embraced many a couple for whom we filmed their special day. It’s an honor for us to film at a site that has seen many of our nation’s most distinguished politicians discuss policy on its fairways and greens since it was first opened in 1924. On Kate & Josh’s big day this past June 25, we captured the event together with Andrea Jacobson from The Observatory. We love working with Andrea and her team and we highly recommend T.O. to prospective couples! Please enjoy a glimpse of this special site and sweet couple in these photos Andrea has shared with us.

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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!

Happy Anniversary Bride & Groom!

Originally posted October 20, 2009

Working in special events is always special, so it’s hard to argue that any event can preempt that experience and be ‘more special’. That said, it’s always nice to attend a work related special event where we’re not actually working with camera in hand! A couple of weeks ago I attended Washingtonian’s one year anniversary party for their oh-so-fabulous new magazine, Washingtonian Bride & Groom.

To say it was a collection of some of the most talented people working in the wedding industry is an understatement. It was also a collection of some of our favorite people to work with, so it was a real pleasure to be there. Washingtonian featured some fun images of the party on their website and I’ve included a couple of shots here. Congratulations to the staff at Bride & Groom for their excellence in work and for celebrating their first year anniversary! Well done!

: Haynal Papp (Dolce Studio FIlms) & Andrea Jacobson (The Observatory)

Ray Bialek (Bialek's Music), Haynal Papp (Dolce Studio Films) and Ed Witles (The Elegant DJ).

Social Double Header

Originally posted September 16, 2009

Last night I donned my pencil skirt and heels and hit the town to attend not one, but TWO industry parties! First I attended the ISES 2009-2010 Launch Party at The W Hotel on 15th St. in DC. Afterwards, I jetted over to The Knot Wedding Network’s Industry Networking Event at The Historical Society of Washington DC, a few blocks away near Mount Vernon Square. Other than feeling very “Sex & the City” in my social prowess, I also had a great time connecting with the people who share in the experience of working special events.

: Left to right: Lisa Schulz, Jamie Sears, Stephanie Ascari, Haynal Papp, Terri Eaves

It’s a rare thing to be able to chat breezily with coordinators, photographers, florists, site managers and caterers. All of us are in high-speed work mode at events and can rarely discuss more than the schedule or logistics. Last night we were able to connect, reminisce and make future plans. It was fun!

A special shout out to some of the people who make our workday easier:

Coordinators: Jamie Sears at Simply Chic Events, Terri Eaves at Bash, Vicky Choy at Event Accomplished, Lisa Schulz at The Posh Planner

Photographers: Andrea Jacobson of The Observatory, Stephanie Ascari of Cleverly Candid, Sandi Foraci of Sandi Foraci Photography, Greg Gibson of Greg Gibson Photography and Amie Otto of Amie Otto Photography

Event Sites: Alison Okobi of The Hay-Adams and Susan Gruskin of The St. Regis

Entertainment: Chris Laich of Chris Laich Music Services

It was great seeing you last night!

: left to right: Haynal Papp, Greg Gibson, Chris Laich

: left to right: Haynal Papp, Andrea Jacobson, Amie Otto, Vicky Choy