The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

Sara Muchnick is one of the experienced “weddingistas” at Engaging Affairs. Her work has been featured in numerous local and national magazines, and she was honored with the coveted ISES Capital Award for “Best Wedding of the Year” in 2010.

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Photograph by Jennifer Lust

How do you describe your “style”?
The best part about what I do is that I don’t think I fit one style or another. There are some planners who are very traditional, others are incredibly modern and still some that put together a lot of shabby chic and DIY-looking receptions. My style really comes from using the personalities of my brides and grooms and making them shine in their own specific style. I get to do everything mentioned above and more. That’s what makes my job so exciting and different every day. My style gets to be as different as each couple I work with.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
New challenges and the constant new experiences each couple presents me with keeps me passionate about weddings. Currently I’m working on a DC wedding with a hint of Louisville, an enchanted forest for 400 and a casual 80 person wedding in the woods followed by an upscale BBQ and a reception that will be one epic celebration.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
One trend I’m seeing is the “marriage” of a romantic, traditional look done in a more contemporary way. Also dessert bars are back and more interesting than ever!

What are some “not-so-obvious” ways that a wedding planner can save couples money?
For me, the most obvious “not-so-obvious” way a planner can save a client money is to make sure the options they present are reasonably within the bride and groom’s budget. I constantly remind my couples that your guests don’t know what options you had and why you chose what you did. If you can go with a more basic linen that allows you to add more detail elsewhere on the table, it’s worth it. What you see in a magazine is not always necessary to achieve the look you want.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
Your wedding should not be about what all the magazines and TV shows tell you it should be about. It should be about who you are as a couple. I want your guests to walk into the room and say, “This is so Meredith and Chris!”

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
Traveling with my husband. Laughing with girlfriends. Spending time with family, and food shopping. I know it’s crazy but it is my stress release!

How can we find you online?
WEB: engagingaffairs.com
BLOG: bridalbubblyblog.com
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/engagingaffairs
TWITTER: @bridalbubbly
PINTEREST: pinterest.com/lauraweatherly/

Great stuff Sara!

Have a question for Sara? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.