Bella Blush

Sweet, sexy, sassy and over the top luxurious - ACA 2011 vendor Bella Blush - a concierge of unbelievable underpinnings - bring to our brides-to-be everything underneath for the big day!

The Concept

Bella Blush is a unique lingerie boutique offering an evolved shopping experience and a carefully curated lingerie collection that embodies glamour, sophistication, and femininity from around the world to the discerning modern woman. Each lingerie designer label carried is carefully selected to ensure a commitment to quality craftsmanship, proper fit, and fashion-forward design. Finally, women no longer have to choose between fit, style, and fashion.

The Founder

Sheena D. Franklin is the Founder and CEO of Bella Blush. Having worked as a lingerie consultant/bra fitting specialist in an upscale retailer while in grad school, she gained first hand knowledge of what her clients wanted and needed - from helping them upgrade their lingerie wardrobe to helping brides shine on their big day. Sheena’s inspiration lies in the belief that today’s women should pay homage to the feminine ideal of the past, while embracing the modern woman's feminine sensibility. Her motto - “fine lingerie is like a work of art on a woman's body - decadent femininity - something worth celebrating everyday.”

 

Bridal Lingerie

Similar to selecting your everyday lingerie, for your wedding you should select pieces that properly fit and are comfortable to wear. Remember this is the time when you can be a little sassy and let your personality shine through whether it’s choosing lingerie for your gown, wedding night, or honeymoon. Plus, you can wear them time and time again and begin to build a breathtaking lingerie collection. 

See all Bella Blush has to offer at our March 13th event - get your tickets today at www.achicaffairdc.com 

Christian Siriano - the newest addition to our Expert Panel!

A Chic Affair 2011 just got a whole lot more fierce! We are excited to welcome Project Runway Season 4 Winner & Fan Favorite, Christian Siriano to our Expert Panel ! With a new bridal line and a show this Thursday at New York Fashion Week - we are sure he will have plenty to dish about to our brides to be!

Siriano began designing at thirteen years old, attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, and studied fashion in London where he interned with industry legends Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. When he moved to New York City, Christian became the youngest winner and fan favorite of Bravo's "Project Runway." He quickly became a rising star in the fashion industry, with his clothing sold in Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and specialty stores around the world. 

Christian shows a full collection every season at New York Fashion Week, and his designs have appeared in the most respected fashion magazines around the world. His celebrity clients include stars of film (Rosario Dawson, Whoopi Goldberg, Alexis Bledel, Mena Suvari, Vanessa Williams, Maggie Grace); television (Christina Hendricks, Becki Newton, Heidi Klum, Miranda Cosgrove, Emmy Rossum); music (Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Pink, Estelle, Sia, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Fantasia, Thalia); and fashion (Victoria Beckham, Leigh Lezark, Brooklyn Decker, Veronica Webb, Tavi Gevinson, Melania Trump, Amber Rose, Alessandra Ambrosio); among many others. 

Oprah Winfrey calls his designs "works of art." Tim Gunn calls him "a prodigy" and "the next great American fashion designer." Christian currently designs several ongoing collections of shoes and bags for Payless ShoeSource, including elaborate show pieces seen on his runways each season, and affordable variations for thousands of Payless stores around the country. The release of Christian's book "Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self" saw him embark on a national book tour in 2009, and he created a full makeup line for Victoria's Secret as well as design partnerships with LG, Starbucks, and Puma. 


Get your tickets now at www.achicaffairdc.com and don't miss your chance to hear about all things stylish and fabulous for the big day!

Say Hello to Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey

In 2010 we were lucky enough to welcome Rodney Bailey and his team into the ACA family - and we couldn't be more thrilled that they are returning as a sponsor in 2011 ! Read on for more about a vendor who is widely considered the best in the biz...


Rodney Bailey of Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey is a photojournalist in the purest sense.  He does not manipulate his surroundings, orchestrate his subjects nor distract the moments he is capturing.  He has documented weddings for 21 years in this unobtrusive (and now, trendy) approach and is one of the most sought after wedding photographers in Washington DC. Washingtonian Magazine has voted Rodney Bailey the top wedding photojournalist since 1999, an impressive 13 year stint for this 40 year old. Rodney's philosophy is simple: "Let Our Passion Tell Your Story"

Though weddings still remain his passion, Rodney is also commissioned for corporate, fashion, political and commercial photography projects. Recent clients include the Library of Congress, Disney, Gentleman's Quarterly, Vogue and O Magazine.  He was also honored to document Oprah Winfrey's "Live Your Best Life Tour."

Recent Professional Highlights:

·         Voted Top Wedding Photojournalist by Washingtonian Magazine (1999-2011)
·          Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine's Top Photographer of Washington DC (2005-2007)
·         The Knot magazine's 'Best of Weddings' (2008 & 2009) - "Flawless is how one bride described Rodney Bailey"
·         Voted Best Wedding Photojournalist by Northern Virginia Magazine (2006-2008)
·         Exclusive Photographer for Oprah Winfrey's Live Your Best Life Tour, Washington DC
·         Exclusive Photographer for BH Publishing's Wedding Planning & Management text book published in 2007
·         Contributing Photographer for London bridal magazine editor Carole Hamilton's coffee book, Beautiful Weddings, published in 2008
·         Exclusive Photographer for Carole Hamilton's second coffee book, Wedding Style, published  in 2009


Let Our Passion Tell Your Story.

That has been our philosophy since 1999.  Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey is passionate about capturing the reality of your wedding day so that you can enjoy and have the time of your life.
Others say it, but we mean it and follow through on that promise to you! That is why we've been voted Washington DC's top wedding photojournalist for 13 consecutive years and trusted by hundreds of happy couples to document the most significant celebration of their lives. 

DC Magazine is our Regional Media Partner!

A Chic Affair announces our exciting partnership with DC Magazine - THE authority on all things luxe here locally and around the country. Under the Modern Luxury umbrella DC Magazine is one of 13 city-regional publications that bring readers all over the country the newest, hottest, hippest and most luxurious people, places and things in their area. Look for A Chic Affair in the March/April issue and buy your tickets to see them and all our other fabulous vendors onsite at A Chic Affair 2011, March 13th!

Love in motion with Suburban Video

One of our most anticipated additions to this year's ACA line up is the award winning Washington DC wedding staple Suburban Video! For over 25 years of these International award-winning staff has been brining your love to life onscreen. Innovative, industry-leading and driven by passion for their craft and inspired by their couples’ visions and new concepts, they are known for their superior personal service. Suburban Video offers custom packages and a la carte options such as multiple cameras, true HD on Blu-ray, highlight films, movie trailers, love stories, same-day edits, photo-video montages, projection, web casting your film, and much more.  Please contact Tom Trainor for additional information: tom@suburbanvideo.com, 301-315-6300, www.suburbanvideo.com or better yet - pick up your tickets and visit them at A Chic Affair on March 13th - look below for links to some amazing projects!

The love story of Vikram and Ritu: http://www.suburbanvideo.com/video/ritu-vikram-love-story.html
The Wedding of Elana and Jeremy: http://www.suburbanvideo.com/video/elana-and-jeremy.html

The real deal from Real Doll MakeUp!

We are so pleased to have Real Doll MakeUp onboard to put the faces on our fabulous models in this year's ACA Fashion show! Below Real Doll's founder, Lauren Jaber gives you a sneak peek at tips and trends to get you model gorgeous for your big day!

Lauren loves making brides look even more beautiful on their wedding day. For inspiration, she keeps a keen eye on celebrity bridal makeup styles and thumbs through Vera Wang, La Sposa, J Crew, and other bridal collections.

“The most commonly requested “wanting to look like myself, but a little more” look is accomplished with a trend or two (or three!)” says Lauren.

This Top 10 report written by Lauren for you, is pulled straight from the runways and the real world, and is tried and true among ladies of the DC, VA, MD area.

10. Filled in brows

Why this works: They will frame your face and make your eyes stand out more. Pick a shadow color similar to your natural hair color, and fill in gently with an angled eyeliner brush.

9. Wash of color eye shadows

Why this works:  It’s fun and whimsical when applied with a light hand & in a pastel tone. And complimentary colors will make the color of your eyes pop.

8. Highlighting the inner corners of your eyes

Why this works:  A shimmery ivory or white softly applied on the inner corners makes you look wide awake and the whites of your eyes stand out.

7. Blushing Cheeks

Why this works:  You never want to look washed out.  Apply a bright pink blush with a light hand, and layer the color on. Colors rarely look the same on your cheeks as they do in a compact, so don’t be afraid to experiment. To make it last longer, be sure to add a primer underneath your makeup.

6. Soft Pink/Nude Lips

Why this works:  It’s pretty and ultra girly. Ditch the darker tones and go nude! Add nude liner & shimmery gloss to complete the look. These colors past the test of time, so you'll never regret your color choice in pictures

5. Sun-kissed Skin

Why this works:  A healthy looking bronze is a must against your white or ivory dress. Opt for a bronzer with no shimmer.

4. Soft Eyes

Why this works:  It’s romantic, yet appropriately sultry for your wedding day. To make your eyes stand out and last, yet remain soft, apply a thin line of gel liner, then blend a similar shadow on top.

3. Matte eye shadows in nude colors

 Why this works:  Best paired with false lashes and a dewy skin, your eyes will still be defined. The result is a look that is understated.

2. False Lashes

 Why this works:  False Lashes do what mascara just can't. The results are pretty in person and in pictures!  I’m positive there is a pair for every girl out there from Natural to Dramatic and everything in between. Try a couple to see what fits your personality best, but warning, you may become addicted! If your a lash virgin, visit my facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/realdollmakeup ) and take a look at real brides that are wearing the false lashes, you'll be amazed!

 1. Dewy Skin

Why this works: Its fresh and innocent, just make sure to shine in the right areas! The t-zone needs to stay semi-matte. An illuminating lotion under your foundation is the easiest way to achieve this look yourself.

Get your tickets now at www.achicaffairdc.com to see Lauren's work come to life! See you there!

Welcome!

We are live for 2011! A new year for A Chic Affair -  with a new site, new sponsors, new resources - and it promises to be the most inspiring yet. 

We are looking forward to bringing you all new content though our blog leading up to this year's event. New vendor profiles, real weddings, tips, tricks, trends and sneak previews from this years collection. Our  annual celebration continues to present a distinctive and well-edited collection of personally-selected resources for the discriminating modern bride seeking a wedding reflective of A Chic Affair's contemporary and refined aesthetic. With the innovative artistry of each year's unique collection of partners, A Chic Affairs elevates the art of getting married to an extraordinary and inspired affair in itself and has become every modern bride's must-attend event before the big event. 

We look forward to welcoming you, as you join our celebration of the art of getting married.