About Our Blog

My blog is for those planning their events and for those who like to attend events. Whether your event is big (weddings, bar/bat mitzvah, anniversary parties, milestone birthdays, etc.) or small (dinner parties, cocktail affairs, etc.) we have something for you.

Come visit my blog for "everything events!" Need tips on how to save on your wedding? Want to know what DC-area galas, festivals, fundraisers are going on? Want to find out about Trunk shows, Bridal shows, Mitzvah shows, Expos, and Venue Open Houses? Need tips on planning your dinner party? Need a Diamond Ring Shopping 101? Want to learn about different DC-area vendors and venues? Recently engaged and need advice on how to get started? Want to get ideas from some Cristina Maria weddings and events? Want to view some inspirational pictures of our favorites things to possibly spark an idea for your event theme? You have come to the right place.

Come and visit often!

Directory of Blog Items

In addition to the blog postings that can be found below, please find these items available in the right hand side column:

*Cristina Maria Special Events Specialities
*Contact us!
*About Me
*Cristina Maria Team
*You're invited to our Special Events
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Please feel free to search through this blog using the "Search Box" feature located at the bottom of our blog.

Thanks for visiting our blog!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Save-the-Date! September 12th, 2009

The save-the-date for the 3rd Annual Turning the Page Gala event I mentioned yesterday went out this morning! Here's your very own copy of the invitation! I hope you can join us!



Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Don't miss THE gala of the fall 2009 season & help a child in OUR area in need

For those of you who are regular readers of my blog, you know that I always like to share everything fun going on with events whether it is tips for your own event or details on fun, local events going on. After all this is the "Everything Events" blog.

Well I have another fun event to share with you. This September is the Third Annual Turning the Page Gala. If you haven't already heard of the absolutely wonderful non-profit organization, I feel privileged to share a little bit of Turning the Page's story, their mission, and their gala with you.

History of Organization and Gala
Turning the Page (TTP) was founded in 1998 in response to the challenges facing the DC public school system. Since that time, TTP has partnered with public elementary and middle schools in Northeast and Southeast DC, working to increase parental involvement in the schools and provide teachers with resources to support their classroom lessons. They have distributed more than 60,000 new books to children, held more than 700 events for families, and worked with more than 300 teachers and their 3,000+ students to introduce arts and science-based educational activities into their classrooms.

2009 marks their 11th year in service to the public school community and our 3rd annual fundraising gala. This year’s event will be held at the Carnegie Institution of Washington and will be an evening for 200 supporters in the DC business and philanthropic community to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2008-2009 school year and also raise funds to support TTP’s programs in 2009-2010. Their fundraising goal for the event this year is $45,000 which will allow them to maintain their programs at current levels despite a difficult funding environment. Their goal is to raise $10,000 from their impressive selection of silent auction items. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the gala and silent auction will support TTP’s programs in their seven partner schools.


Turning the Page 2008-2009: By the Numbers
  • 7 School Partners in Wards 5-8
  • 56 Community Nights which included parent workshops, book giveaways, child mentoring and family dinners;
  • 14 Author visits as part of Community Nights where parents shared an evening talking with local and nationally known children’s authors;
  • 590 parents and their approximately 1,000 children participated in Community Nights;
  • 5,000+ new, high-quality children’s books distributed to families during workshops and through child mentoring;
  • 40 university students devoted more than 1,800 hours reading with and leading educational activities for students during Community Nights;
  • 26 teachers and their more than 440 students participated in a ten week photography and writing program, visiting the Anacostia Community Museum or National Building Museum;
  • 9 teachers and their more than 180 students participated in a 24 week photography and writing program; each student visited 4 museums, took 4 rolls of film and will exhibit their work in the Phillips Collection this summer;
  • 50+ teachers participated in professional development sessions aimed at increasing parental involvement in their schools.

Details of the Gala:


When: Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: Carnegie Institution of Washington

Attire: Black-Tie & Elegant Attire Requested

Featuring: Professional photography by Sara Duke Biscoe Photography, live music by Keith Matthis & Exclusive Report, an open bar with wine and specialty martinis, a silent auction, passed h'or d'oeuvres, and catered sit-down dinner.

Tickets: Please contact me at info@cristinamariaevents.com for ticket information. I will be able to offer you a limited time ticket price at a discounted rate.

Information: To find out more information on the 3rd Annual TTP Gala and the Turning the Page organization please click on the linkable text.

Your Help:
Whether you can attend the gala or not there are others way you can lend a helping hand. TTP always appreciates the support whether you volunteer your time or your money. Every contribution big and small makes a HUGE difference. If you would like to donate today please click here if you are interested in volunteer opportunities and here if you would like to make a financial contribution. Times are tough these days for us all but times area always tough for these children. On behalf of Cristina Maria Special Events and Turning the Page thank you for your help and support!


I'm honored that Cristina Maria Special Events can be a part of such a wonderful event for an organization that really makes a difference right here in our own city. I hope you will be able to be a part of the event too.


Monday, June 22, 2009

Dinner & Magic EVERY SUNDAY!

Life is always filled with endless To Do lists and days that never seem to be long enough. Don't forget to take a break from your busy and time consuming event planning and your To Do lists to enjoy some fun with your loved ones. I always hear from married couples who didn't use a wedding planner, that they didn't feel like they had time to enjoy the engagement because they were busy with work and wedding planning. Take part of one day a week at least to enjoy some fun and laughter whether you are planning an event or not. Don't let time pass you by to enjoy life, laughter, and your loved ones. Remember you are not alone. Balance is something we all work on throughout our lives.

Want to enjoy something different with your fiance/fiancee, family and friends? Looking for something fun and different to do on a Sunday evening? In search of fun, interactive entertainment for your bar/bat mitzvah?

Well I have just the ticket! Any Sunday evening enjoy dinner and magic at Kemble Park Tavern in the Palisades located at 5125 Macarthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016 from 6-8pm. Josh Norris of Interactive Magic will be there performing tableside magic. Make reservations at Kemble Park Tavern today!


Feel free to check out Josh Norris' entertainment schedule for a list of his public appearances.

Have fun!

Happy planning!




WIN His & Hers Hand-Engraved Platinum Wedding Bands!


I would love to help you get your platinum wedding bands for FREE so I have to share with you a contest going on courtesy of OneWed.com and Platinum Guild International.

OneWed will be awarding one lucky couple his & hers hand-engraved platinum wedding bands designed by Kirk Kara valued at over $4,500 in their "POP your Platinum Proposal" contest as a nod to the movie “The Proposal” that dropped last weekend. In “The Proposal” Sandra Bullock's character (Margaret Tate) "proposes" (if you have seen the movie or previews you understand why it is in quotes) to Ryan Reynolds' character (Andrew Paxton).

With Margaret's proposal to Andrew in mind, OneWed thought it’d be fun to ask brides how they would have popped (or did pop) the question to their hubbies-to-be (had they been in their fiance’s shoes). If you are anything like me and most ladies out there, you have given some thought to how you would like to be proposed to or how you would have liked to be proposed to. Here's your chance to use those ideas to win wedding bands!!!!!

To enter, you brides-to-be must tell OneWed in 200 in words or less how you did or would "POP your Platinum Proposal" (in other words how you did or will propose to the love of their life). They are accepting platinum proposal stories from both brides and grooms. Just send in your entry (including your OneWed username) to savvyscoop@onewed.com before midnight on July 15th, and you'll be entered to win these Kirk Kara platinum wedding bands!

Don't forget, you must register on OneWed.com first, and provide your OneWed username along with your Platinum Proposal story! For full contest details, rules, and guidelines, click HERE!

For those of you who are interested in looking at various rings to get an idea of styles and settings check out OneWed's wedding and engagement ring gallery. You can also purchase rings from the site.

Winning this contest... what a way to save! Good luck!

Shine in your moment!



Thursday, June 11, 2009

Verragio & Diana Diamond Ring Trunkshow this weekend!


Recently engaged, soon-to-be engaged, or just like me you just like to look at pretty things? Then don't forget to swing by and visit my friends at Mervis Diamond Importers Verragio Ring Trunk Show this weekend, Saturday & Sunday, June 13-14. There is a reason the Casanova-Curcio women in my family all wear Mervis diamonds. See for yourself.

They will be showcasing Diana and Verragio. These two designers will be flying in with their entire collections and offering special discounts for the day! They'll be showing hundreds of different styles in both platinum and gold, for both men and women.

**TIP** Visiting Ring Trunk Shows is a great way to get an idea of your style and that of your partners for engagement and wedding bands. The associates at Mervis Diamond are so helpful in answering all your questions. I speak from experience. This comes unsolicited. They really are great. Learn from their expertise. Please feel free to contact me as well (info@cristinamariaevents.com) as I am happy to answers your questions as you learn about diamonds and rings styles. Maybe you already know what you like but are having trouble finding it. I am sure both Mervis Diamond and I can help you with all your questions.

Here's the 411 on the Ring Trunk Show:

Where:
  • Tysons Headquarters location --1900 Mervis Way, Tysons Corner, VA 22182
  • Rockville Store location -- 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville MD 20852
When:
  • Saturday, June 13, 10-6
  • Sunday, June 14, 12-5
Hope to see you there!

Shine in your moment!


Free Events in DC


No need for us to break the bank to have fun especially when money is tight. Whether you are saving for your wedding or feeling the squeeze from the recession, we can all enjoy a free thing or two. Check out this blog on information on FREE events in DC.


Enjoy!




Thursday, June 4, 2009

Designer Wedding Dress at Discount Prices ONE Day Only

Filene's Basement Running of the Brides Bridal Event COMING TO DC NEXT MONTH

Filene's Basement is known for its bargains on everything from fashions to home goods, but perhaps the store is most famous for its annual Bridal Gown Events when brides-to-be can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on designer wedding gowns.

When: Jul 31, 2009 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Where: Filene's Basement at Mazza Gallerie (5300 Wisconsin Ave., Washington DC 20015)


Frequently Asked Questions:

How many gowns are there?
There will be 1500-3000 gowns!

How much do they cost?
$249, $499 and $699.

What were the original prices?
$900 to $9,000 plus!

Win A Free Wedding Dress:

WeddingWire and Filene's Basement are giving away gift certificates towards a wedding dress of your choice at the DC Running of the Brides event. Check out the website to enter to win.

Shine in your moment!