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  1. Catering & Design
  2. Event Design & Decor

'Washingtonian' Adds Reem Acra Fashion Show to Sold-Out Bridal Expo

Adele Chapin
January 24, 2012

On Sunday, Washingtonian Bride & Groom hosted 450 brides, bridesmaids, and, yes, a few grooms at the Mandarin Oriental for the magazine’s fourth-annual Unveiled bridal showcase. The sold-out, ticketed event offered brides-to-be an opportunity to interact with more than 40 of the magazine's recommended wedding vendors and attend panel discussions for wedding planning tips. And this year’s expo boasted an exclusive runway show of 21 gowns from Reem Acra’s fall 2012 collection, with an appearance from the designer herself.

Not only did the vendors create elaborate exhibits in the hotel's grand ballroom, Oriental ballroom, and atrium spaces, the Washingtonian's event planners also were inspired by the theme “Timeless” to create a classic look for the overall event befitting Washingtonian Bride & Groom.

“We try to transform this publication into an event,” said Washingtonian event manager Eleni Savopoulos, who worked with director of marketing and events Rebecca Schwartz and special events coordinator Katharine Ragsdale to plan this year’s Unveiled. “We want the brides and grooms to be inspired when they attend our event. We’re going over the top.”

In the Oriental ballroom, decor included glassware dangling from the ceiling on ribbons, a pianist performing on a raised platform, and a white lacquered bar where bartenders served champagne punch and gin rickeys. As guests picked up Washingtonian Bride & Groom-emblazoned swag bags, they walked by a white 1933 Rolls Royce from Linder & Associates parked in the ballroom. Inside the grand ballroom, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom’s mirrored and white runway dominated the space, with Versailles resin chairs for the audience provided by DC Rental. Across from the runway, the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel set up a mini boutique with Reem Acra dresses, a spot where the designer greeted guests after the 25-minute fashion show.

As guests interacted with vendors ranging from event planners to florists to videographers during the four-hour event, they could nibble on snacks like mini Georgetown Cupcakes or serve themselves treats from Ridgewells gourmet popcorn bar into bags that read “So glad he popped the question.”

Sa Mg 4228png
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Wrist bands at the check-in desk incorporated the Washingtonian Bride & Groom logo.
Wrist bands at the check-in desk incorporated the Washingtonian Bride & Groom logo.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Performers on stilts interacted with the champagne glass installation suspended from the ceiling with ribbons.
Performers on stilts interacted with the champagne glass installation suspended from the ceiling with ribbons.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel presented a runway show from celebrity wedding gown designer Reem Acra's fall 2012 collection.
The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel presented a runway show from celebrity wedding gown designer Reem Acra's fall 2012 collection.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Set up near the runway, the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel's mini-boutique held gowns from Reem Acra, Vera Wang, and Oscar de la Renta.
Set up near the runway, the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel's mini-boutique held gowns from Reem Acra, Vera Wang, and Oscar de la Renta.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Representatives from Georgetown Cupcake passed out mini and full-size cupcakes.
Representatives from Georgetown Cupcake passed out mini and full-size cupcakes.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Bill Bowen of Suburban Video, Susan Lacz of Ridgewells Catering, Kate Harlan from Simply Chic Events, and Chris Laich of Chris Laich Music Services offered wedding planning tips at the first of two panel discussions moderated by Washingtonian Bride & Groom editors.
Bill Bowen of Suburban Video, Susan Lacz of Ridgewells Catering, Kate Harlan from Simply Chic Events, and Chris Laich of Chris Laich Music Services offered wedding planning tips at the first of two panel discussions moderated by Washingtonian Bride & Groom editors.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Wedding planning company Events in the City incorporated a dress made out of Pantone samples into its exhibit decor.
Wedding planning company Events in the City incorporated a dress made out of Pantone samples into its exhibit decor.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
A tree sculpture covered with white flowers from Edge Floral held numbers for the afternoon's door prizes, which included a $1,000 gift certificate for a Reem Acra dress at the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel and a five-day honeymoon package from Perfect Honeymoons & Holidays Travel.
A tree sculpture covered with white flowers from Edge Floral held numbers for the afternoon's door prizes, which included a $1,000 gift certificate for a Reem Acra dress at the Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel and a five-day honeymoon package from Perfect Honeymoons & Holidays Travel.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
In the Grand Ballroom, a table setting from A. Dominick Events included details like fruit and scented candles.
In the Grand Ballroom, a table setting from A. Dominick Events included details like fruit and scented candles.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
At Chicka Chicka Boom Boom's exhibit, a flower girl perched on a banquette tossed floral petals at guests.
At Chicka Chicka Boom Boom's exhibit, a flower girl perched on a banquette tossed floral petals at guests.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Guests walked by a white Rolls Royce before entering the event.
Guests walked by a white Rolls Royce before entering the event.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
A band from Bialek's Music performed throughout the afternoon near the runway, playing hits from top 40 singers like Katy Perry.
A band from Bialek's Music performed throughout the afternoon near the runway, playing hits from top 40 singers like Katy Perry.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Guests dished up yogurt-covered raisins and apple pie-flavored popcorn at the gourmet popcorn bar from Ridgewells.
Guests dished up yogurt-covered raisins and apple pie-flavored popcorn at the gourmet popcorn bar from Ridgewells.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
Waiters carried trays of beet salad hors d'oeuvres.
Waiters carried trays of beet salad hors d'oeuvres.
Photo: Tony Brown/Imijphoto.com
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