I had a big city day yesterday, and I loved every minute of the day.  I have been with my husband since I was 19 years old. I had become so used to riding with him whenever we went to the city, I never learned how to get around. For years, if I had an event in the city, I would make him or some of the city designers go with me. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I hate having directions and finding the road is closed. Let's just say it unsettles me.

  For the last couple of years I have been venturing out on my own with a lot of trepidation and fear. Early this year, I got a Garmin. Having the Garmin feels like someone set me free. I love running around in the city now. I love hearing the Garmin say "recalculating." I buzzed around yesterday like a pro.

  My first adventure of the day was the Sunset Room.  The very new event venue was having an open house to show off their new extraordinary space.  To put it mildly, I loved this space. I would follow any bride into this room to design her flowers. Floor to ceiling windows that overlook the water at the National Harbor. A truly beautiful space: easy to access in a perfect location. This venue is going to set the industry on fire.  The space can handle 400 people for a reception and 600 for cocktail. With its proximity to shopping, dinning and, of course, the Gaylord, it is perfect for a destination wedding. I can't express how much I loved this space. Brides, please take me there.

  Just to keep it clear, I did not design the flowers in the picture above; several florists were presenting. I just wanted you to see the size of this space. The below picture is the view from the room.

  Here are my designs, I teamed with Design Cuisine for the open house. Any collaboration with Design is amazing. I work with Kelly and Seana  and if you need a caterer, I would highly suggest calling them. Our tables are always amazing.

This piece went to the event as well, but I did not get a picture. It was placed on a silver linen with hot pink napkins. The chairs had black cushions. I am sure it looked stunning.  We also created the following bouquets.

  Here is another display created by kelly from Design Cuisine. Kelly found this old stove while shopping in Loudoun County. She had it cleaned and painted and added it as a prop to their inventory. Very clever.

Seeing that all was well at this event, I raced across town to the Hay Adams to meet my bride Alexandra and her wedding planner Lisa Schulz.  Lisa owns The Posh Planner.

I have always wanted to work at the Hay Adams. It seems every time a bride has called, I have been booked, so I am very much looking forward to this event. The Hay Adams is total elegance. The service is remarkable and the staff lovely. I worked with Alison yesterday; she is the Director of Catering. She would be your contact person when planning an event. You will love working with her.

Here, my beautiful bride is in the process of making some of those very important wedding decisions: like which type of cake.

The person closest to us in the picture is Kendall of Kendall's cakes. The other young lady is Alison from the Hay Adams. I have been dying to meet the famous Kendall. We were both featured in the newest issue of the Washingtonian's Bride and Groom.

The reception will be taking place on the rooftop terrace of the Hay Adams. The terrace boasts incredible views of the city and one very important house.

Just down the street is the Decatur House. The wedding will take place in the courtyard. Guests can walk from the Decatur to the Hay Adams for the reception.  The Decatur House is a favorite venue in the city for weddings and events. I am so excited about working at this venue, and I actually have several additional ones that I am looking forward to. One very special one in May.

Weddings often happen in this courtyard but the venue also offers an incredible indoor option as well.

I had a great day yesterday.  I am thrilled about designing in new spaces. The sky is the limit in the big city.

Holly