The Knot magazine hosts an annual bash to treat existing advertisers and entice potential new ones. Attendees range from event planners and photographers to floral designers, caterers and entertainers.  For those of you who might not have guessed, this can be a pretty challenging audience to impress. This year, I had the honor of planning this great event and needless to say, it was both nerve wracking and exciting to plan an event for some of Baltimore + DC’s top industry professionals.  This year, the event took place at The Engineer’s Club – a gorgeous venue in Mt. Vernon that presented it’s own set of unique challenges.  We decided to use all four fabulous spaces on the first level, which meant coming up with a design and purpose for each room.  The rooms are all rather large, so it made sense to only have people occupy one or two rooms at a time.  Soon, the idea of a progressive evening was born, and incorporating the four seasons to reflect the different personalities of the four different spaces.  A statuesque model in each room modeled gorgeous seasonal attire provided by Love Couture Bridal.  Each model held a sign that let guests know which room they were in.  Seasonal sips and bites were served in each room (courtesy of MK Catering) to match the ambience.  Please enjoy all the lovely pictures by David Hartcorn Photography!

As guests valeted at the mansion, handsome gentlemen clad in sharp suits were on hand escorting ladies inside to check in – only identifiable by their boutonniere’s “Mr. Right” and “Mr. GQ.”

The first room (Spring in Versailles) welcomed guests with a signature cocktail, Spring Fling.  Before pictures were snapped in front of The Knot’s step and repeat, complete with blue carpet runway ladies had a chance to get dolled up with a finishing touch at the “Lips + Lashes Beauty Bar.”  A cake gallery courtesy of Charm City Cakes was on display atop a plexi video bar that was showing the film ‘Marie Antoinette’ – let them eat cake!  DJ Jaime of E2 Events was spinning cool tunes a la Amy Winehouse in a hip white tufted leather DJ booth.  White leather lounge seating, LED cocktail tables, crystal lamps and ghost chairs set the scene.  One of my favorite hors d’ouevres was passed – dried apricots with a goat cheese mousse filling and crushed pistachios.

Our featured presentation occurred in the third room, Autumn takes Stage.  Blue Sky 5, a  six pc. vintage jazz band was front and center.  Cabaret style seating allowed guests to relax, chat and enjoy the band. Da Vinci, who provided all of the amazing florals, specialty furniture and lighting also custom made these black crystal lamps just for the event, per my request.  Aren’t they amazing?!

As guests exited they hopped in the Shutterbooth for some fun snapshots complete with props.  On the way out, guests passed through ‘Winter in the Library’ where they could pick up mini desserts and some signature swag, courtesy of The Knot.

A HUGE thank you to all of our great vendors who participated, my wonderful staff, as well as Susana Diharce from The Knot for pulling off a truly extraordinary event!