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.

Terri Eaves, owner of Bash, offers clients a unique blend of experience in art and event planning. With a decade of experience, she has built strong relationships and a solid presence within the event industry. Vendors and clients praise her sense of design, calm demeanor and seamless events. [divider_line]

Photo by Eli Turner

How do you describe your “style”?
My style is clean and edited. You’ll see a lot of straight lines, subtle modern touches and some unique elements (think aerial trapeze artist during pre-ceremony cocktails).

How does your art background influence your work and ultimately benefit your clients?
I think clients really benefit from my art background. Many planners have a non-creative background, and while there is nothing wrong with that, I bring a little something extra to the table. Having majored in art with an emphasis in Graphic Design and minor in Studio Art, I look at design in a different way. I look at typography, color matching and blank space with a different eye than those who aren’t artists. While I graduated a while ago, many things have stuck with me and I use my eye and experience when talking to and working with clients.

I worked at Gap for 10 years (it was my first job in high school). Through the years I went from sales associate to lead key and accessories merchandiser. I did a lot of visual merchandising. Gap is not the company it used to be known for style-wise, but that job surely helped me in being able to coordinate fabrics and colors and keep up with the latest trends. This directly relates to working with clients and being able to design an aesthetically-pleasing event.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
The amazing clients that hire me keep me passionate. When you connect with a client on a personal level and learn about them and their families, it really puts a special emphasis on the work you do for them. I am so grateful when a client loves an idea I’ve proposed or is blown away by how easy it was to plan their wedding.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
I think we’ll start seeing a lot more hotel weddings. Classic and formal statements like black tie, floor length gowns and lush florals. I think we’ll be seeing less DIY and backyard inspired affairs.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
I always ask my clients to trust their vendors! We are the professionals and are here to make their lives easier and their weddings amazing.

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
I love trying new restaurants with my husband, playing with my 2-year-old daughter and online shopping at J. Crew!

How can we find you online?
WEB: www.bashdc.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/bashdc
TWITTER: @bashdc
PINTEREST: @bashdc
INSTAGRAM: @bashdc

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

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