A. My name is Sandi Foraci, and I’m photographer in Southern Md. I’d be happy to give you some suggestions. There are several great places to do bridal portraits in DC. The Capitol is a great location, because a permit is not required. There is a beautiful waterfall out front, the monument, plus several secluded areas with trees and benches on the grounds. The Smithsonian Gardens is also a great place. Just a few blocks from the Capitol, they do a wonderful job of keeping the grounds looking good all year round. Senate Park (Across from Union Station) is another location you might try. There are lines of trees, an outdoor waterfall, and a view of the Capitol from behind. Hope you find this information helpful!

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A. You may wish to start by contacting your reception site facility to see if portable fireplaces are permitted. Since they are portable it could be considered a fire hazard and you may have issues that would require additional insurance. If they do allow portable fireplaces, ask them if they have any companies they use or recommend. If not, start with rental companies listed in our Vendor Directory. They can point you in the right direction. Good luck!

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A. Try Good Shepard United Methodist Church on Smallwood Drive in Waldorf or Calvary Gospel Church on Berry Road in Waldorf.

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A. I'm sorry. We know of no such place! If you find one, please let us know and we'll help spread the word. Our advice if you cannot find one is to start early in the planning process and find places online that offer samples or has no minimum quantity purchases so you can see the items in person to decide if you want to purchase more. The key is to allowing yourself plenty of time to do your shopping.

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A. Tipping this person is optional, but if you want to recognize someone who's gone above and beyond the call of duty, go ahead and tip. For a wedding consultant who has worked with you for the whole process, give 10 percent of that person's fee as your tip. For a day-of coordinator or a coordinator employed by someone else (like a hotel), $50 is fair.

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A. There are many reception site locations that offer alternate locations for the ceremony. You can then hire an officiant to perform the ceremony for you. Find a list of reception site facilities in our Vendor Directory or view a copy of our recent magazine and view the reception site grid which will let you know if they offer a separate area for a ceremony.

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A. You'll find that professional decorators work independently the day of the wedding, needing no input from the couple. Once you hire a decorator, you will meet with that person to hash out the details of what you want. On the day of your wedding, that person and their staff will decorate the site for you based on the plans you made. You might find that your decorator is already familiar with your wedding location, which is very helpful while making plans. If not, plan a visit to the facility together so you can work out the details in person. You'll find many great decorators in our Vendor Directory.

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A. Either white or black would work, it just depends on your preference. (We even found brown tuxedos at one website we checked.) You can coordinate their attire with the bridesmaids' by choosing ties and vests or cummerbunds in pink, latte or brown, your wedding colors. You'll also find vests in interesting fabrics and patterns at many tuxedo rental companies, which will add a little flair to the guys' outfits.

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A. If you're not expecting your guests to dance, this can work because you're essentially providing background music for dinner and mingling. If there's a sound system at your location that you can use, you're in luck. If not, check our Vendor Directory under Rentals to find one to rent. On the day of your wedding, have someone monitor the music so that you or your groom don't have to do it. Don't forget the other benefits of a DJ, though -- they also provide emcee services and keep things moving during the reception -- and some are willing to play music you bring them.

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A. Try Historic St. Mary's City -- they have large grounds, a tent you can rent, and many beautiful location options for your ceremony. Find their contact information in our Vendor Directory.

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