A New Approach to Weddings
We believe in the power of a great party.
A dance party with a bold, contemporary, playful vibe. A dinner party with a chic, layered vibe. A great party helps you slow down, indulge in a tasty cocktail, jam to the music, and laugh with your whole body.
And since your wedding may be the most fabulous party you ever throw (with a meaningful ceremony incorporated, of course), its vibes should be off-the-charts incredible.
So those are exactly the kind of weddings we plan.
“From the band that gave us the best music, to the loveliest makeup artist on the planet, to outrageously gorgeous flowers, to a warm candlelit dinner party vibe,
to exquisite paper, along with multiple religious elements that were all full of meaning and intentionality, and SO much more, [Sara] totally ‘got’ us.”
— Talia
Our Services
One totally you wedding, coming right up! We offer both Full Wedding Planning & Design and Partial Wedding Planning & Design so that you can find the right fit. Regardless of which you choose, we will deliver the same personalized approach and collaborative experience Bella Notte is known for. That always includes planning the feel and flow of your wedding based on your tastes; designing a stunning event that prioritizes guest experience; and managing the wedding day events.
Full Planning & Design is comprehensive, with our team taking care of every detail for you. Partial Planning & Design clients are more hands-on taking responsibility for some of the easier tasks, like collecting invitation responses, while our team takes care of the more complex work.
Our Process
Prioritize — Your personality should be the core of your wedding, so it’s the core of our planning process. We’ll deep dive into your preferences, style, and how you want to feel on your wedding day before deciding on priorities, creating a realistic budget, and booking core vendors.
Prep — We’ll discuss flow and logistics, craft a stunning event design, and book the remaining vendors 6 – 8 months before your wedding. Timelines, floor plans, seating charts, and budgets will be fine-tuned as the plan to transform your wedding day vision into reality is set.
Party — It’s party time! While you’re sipping champagne and celebrating with family and friends, our team will be making final confirmations, orchestrating the rehearsal, running point for all of the vendors, and making wedding weekend magic. Cheers to your beautiful night!
Sound just right? Get the Bella Notte Experience
“Artistic vision + details + organization + vendor relationships + true expertise + magic = Sara”
— Catharine
Meet your Creative Director
A lot of people call their leader fearless, but in the case of Sara Bauleke (she/her), it’s actually true. The daughter of an entrepreneur and a minister, Sara was raised with a make-it-happen attitude and an unusually vast knowledge of weddings. You could say she was born to be a wedding planner, but Sara calls the career choice an accident, it having nothing to do with her public policy degrees from Occidental College and Georgetown University. Accidental or not, though, wedding design and planning is a natural fit for her innate creativity, immaculate attention to detail, and the kind of chill you can only find in a West Coast girl. Sara is a straight-shooter who you can always turn to for a no-bullshit answer, a witty quip, an opinion (too many?) on politics, and a stellar wine recommendation. And with more than 20 years of experience, and a reputation for throwing the best damn parties in DC, she’s exactly the kind of person you want planning your wedding.
Party with Bella Notte
Because, yes, we care about giving you a beautiful night. But what we really care about is the beautiful life you’re building with your partner. And, in our experience, starting with a fun-as-hell planning experience and fabulous wedding often leads to many pinch-me-my-life-is-so-incredible days after.