MD Company Solves The DIY Wedding Bar Problem

Chesapeake Bartenders and Events

If you're planning a wedding in Maryland you've probably had this conversation: "We love your bartending services, but we just can't afford $3,000." Courtney Smith, owner of Chesapeake Bartenders and Events, heard that line hundreds of times. After serving 150+ weddings across the DMV, she finally did something about it. She took everything her team does to plan seamless wedding bars and packaged it into a $99 digital guide couples can use themselves. "I got tired of watching couples stress over their wedding bar," Smith says. "They'd find some random calculator online, and I'm thinking, 'That's either way too much or not nearly enough depending on your crowd." The Real Problem: Most couples make the same mistakes: buying wrong quantities, forgetting ice melts faster in summer, not accounting for setup time, choosing glassware that breaks easily. "I've seen couples run out of alcohol at 9 PM because they used a generic calculator," Smith explains. "Or bought $500 worth of liquor they didn't need." What She Built: The DIY Wedding Bar Planning Guide includes interactive calculators that adjust for your actual wedding—time of day, season, guest demographics. It includes a 16-part audio guide and a real wedding case study showing what 155 guests consumed over five hours. The guide answers: - How much does ice melt in July vs November? - Should you buy champagne for toasts? - What's the cost difference between wine bottles and boxes? - How do you set up a bar so guests aren't waiting? Who It's For: Budget-conscious couples, couples whose venues require in-house bartending, or anyone wanting to understand what they're paying for. Smith, who has 20 years of bartending experience and runs three businesses including 1631 Event Venue, says: "Free calculators tell you what to buy. We tell you why, and how to avoid disasters." The guide is available at chesapeakebartenders.com/diy-wedding-bar-planning-guide

Montgomery County

Gaby Arancibia

Washington Metropolitan Area

Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Maryland

 If you're planning a wedding in Maryland you've probably had this conversation: "We love your bartending services, but we just can't afford $3,000...

Milestones Enrichment Center is a premier provider of early

Milestones Enrichment Center - Bethesda

Milestones Enrichment Center is a premier provider of early childhood education and care, dedicated to partnering with families to help children reach their developmental milestones. With three convenient locations in Laurel, Bethesda, and Washington, D.C., the center serves children ranging from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. They offer a nurturing environment designed to help every child thrive through structured learning and play. The center provides a comprehensive range of services, including infant and toddler care, preschool programs, and specialized before- and after-school care. Families can also take advantage of flexible options such as part-time and drop-in child care, as well as engaging summer programs like FunFest and Summer Adventures. Their curriculum focuses on fostering creativity, teamwork, and personal growth through expert guidance from a dedicated professional staff. Celebrating two decades of quality care, Milestones Enrichment Center is a Maryland EXCELS Level 1 (Bethesda) and Level 4(Laurel) participant and the proud winner of the 2025 Best Child Care in South Laurel award. Parents can expect a safe, reliable, and community-focused experience that prioritizes the unique needs of their children while offering the flexibility required by modern family schedules.

Milestones Enrichment Center is a premier provider of early childhood education and care, dedicated to partnering with families to help children...

Elite Estate Antiques 

Elite Estate Antiques specializes in the buying, selling, appraisal, and consignment of fine art, antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, and home décor. We offer professional appraisal services and source unique items from estates, private collections, auctions, and individual sellers. Our inventory includes artwork, decorative accessories, antique furniture, military collectibles, silver, porcelain, and other quality estate items.

Elite Estate Antiques specializes in the buying, selling, appraisal, and consignment of fine art, antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, and...

Afternoon Tea in Pike & Rose 🫖🥐🥯

Tea Room at Hello Betty

Delight in a curated selection of premium teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and artful pastries—each crafted to be savored slowly and shared generously. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply elevating your afternoon, our tea service is an invitation to pause, sip, and indulge in something beautifully refined.

Delight in a curated selection of premium teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and artful pastries—each crafted to be savored...

Your Kids Can Have An AWESOME FUN Summer!

Summer At Sandy Spring

Summer At Sandy Spring is a great Summer Day camp offering equal parts fun and uniqueness. For over thirty years, we have provided families with a safe, engaging, and active summer camp experience for children three years old to fourteen. With the sprawling Sandy Spring Friends School campus, we offer summer experiences for your children that will provide lifelong memories and friendships. Your children will have opportunities to explore Adventure Park, swim in our man-made pond, partake in our weekly theme weeks, enjoy daily hot lunches, and so much more! Some of our exciting activities: Adventure Challenge • Archery • Archery Tag • Art Bonanza • Bubble Soccer • Computer Programming • Dance/Poms • Fishing • Flight Science • Karate • Lego Robotics • Outdoor Living Skills • Painting • Paper Maché • Photography • Rock Climbing • STEAMers • Theater • Video Production and much more! Phone number: 301-774-7455 ext.167

Montgomery Village

Summer At Sandy Spring is a great Summer Day camp offering equal parts fun and uniqueness. For over thirty years, we have provided families with a...

Montgomery County Police are seeking the public's help in locating a missing Silver Spring man.Nikola Ralev, 30, is missing from the 14400 block of Astrodome Drive in the Aspen Hill area. He was last seen on June 17 around 3 a.m. He is a white man, about 5'10" tall, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.Police and family are concerned for Ralev's physical and mental well-being.Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.»PHOTO: Nikola Ralev has been reported missing, courtesy of MCPD

Montgomery County Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a missing Silver Spring man.

Nikola Ralev, 30, is missing from the 14400 block of Astrodome Drive in the Aspen Hill area. He was last seen on June 17 around 3 a.m. He is a white man, about 5’10” tall, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.Police and family are concerned for Ralev’s physical and mental well-being.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.»PHOTO: Nikola Ralev has been reported missing, courtesy of MCPD

Montgomery County Police say Nikola Ralev was last seen June 17.

Police Need Help Finding Silver Spring Man

Crime & Safety

Kensington

Potomac

Fairfax County

Michael O'Connell

McLean

Virginia

Wheaton

Takoma Park

District of Columbia

Georgetown

District Of Columbia

Silver Spring

Arlington County

Arlington

Rosslyn

Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn

Clarendon

Kensington Armory, 3710 Mitchell St, Kensington MD 20895

Join us at MAA's Paint the Town Art Exhibit and Sale,&nbsp;one of the DC region’s largest and longest-running art shows, September 5-7, 2026, at the Historic Armory in Kensington, Maryland. More than 500 original artworks and prints/cards created by local artists. The event includes art demonstrations and a Plein Air paint out for adults and children.&nbsp;Free and open to the public.&nbsp;
Hours: Sat, 9/5 11am - 8pm Sun, 9/6 11 am - 5pm Mon, 9/7 10am - 5pm

Local Event: MAA Paint the Town Art Exhibit and Sale

MAA Paint the Town Art Exhibit and Sale

Join us at MAA's Paint the Town Art Exhibit and Sale, one of the DC region’s largest and longest-running art shows, September...

Glen Echo Park

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents a FREE showcase of music, dance, and storytelling from around the world on Saturday, September 6 from 12pm - 6pm. This event features performances by artists sharing traditions from a variety of cultures. This festival is part of Labor Day Weekend events at the Park. Also happening during Labor Day Weekend, is the 55th Annual Labor Day Art Show. The show will be held in the historic Spanish Ballroom from Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, 2026 from 12pm - 6pm, with an opening reception from 7pm - 9pm on Friday, September 4.

Food &amp; Beverages:&nbsp;&nbsp;Praline Café,&nbsp;Saté (Indonesian Food),&nbsp;Fly Pizza Learn More: https://glenechopark.org/globalrhythms

Local Event: Global Rhythms

Global Rhythms

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents a FREE showcase of music, dance, and storytelling from around the...

ON St. Elmo

This monthly show has been selling out for over a year! Come see why!&nbsp;We are thrilled to announce your headliner for this show is
DLO
D.Lo, is from Baltimore MD and she is known for her quick wit and comebacks, she is a spitfire on the mic. She has broadened her span of experience by performing clubs all over the country with the likes of Mark Normand, Sam Morrill, Roy Wood, Rich Voss, Yamaneika Saunders, Flame Monroe, Jackie Fabulous, Damon Williams, Just Nesh, Sam Jay, Gina Yashere, Pierre, Michael Rappaport and various others. More recently she was named Best of the Fest at the NE Black Comedy Festival in Portland Oregon.
Featuring
PHIL MIKE
Phil Mike is a Washington DC-based comic who’s performed on many of the top stages in the region. He entertains wide arrays of audiences with his relatable, honest takes on life. He’s opened for Alingon Mitra, Andy Haynes and Eliot Chang.
ALEX TYMINSKI
Alex Tyminski is a comedian, producer, and content creator based in Washington DC. Born in and adopted from Beirut, Lebanon and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. Alex performs and hosts regularly throughout the DMV, with appearances at Room 808, The DC Comedy Loft, DC Improv, The Port Comedy Club in Baltimore, and Don’t Tell Comedy shows across DC, Virginia, and Maryland. She has performed with national headliners including Aaron Chen, Jourdain Fisher, and Lea’h Sampson.
PETE BERGEN
He may look and sound gruff but he is a big bear of a sweetheart. You’ll love his take on his own sorted history and observations in general. He has opened for and performed with some great folks like Patton Oswalt, Rory Scovel, Kelsey Cook, Annie Lederman, Bobcat Goldthwait, David Koechner, Chris Katan and at some great venues like the DC Improv (DC), Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (VA), Nick’s Comedy Stop (Ma) Magooby’s Joke House (MD), Church Of Satire (PA) and The Drafthouse Comedy Theater (DC). He also has over 18 years in recovery and is in demand for 12 step conventions all over. Pete can also be seen as a contributor on local panel shows “Like It Or Not” and “The Final 5”, both on Fox 5 DC, offering up humorous takes on the days events. instagram- @peteybergen

Local Event: On St Elmo Comedy Bunker 18: D. Lo

On St Elmo Comedy Bunker 18: D. Lo

This monthly show has been selling out for over a year! Come see why! We are thrilled to announce your headliner for this show...

Cyd Rowley Jewelry & Studio

Learn how to use gold leaf to transform your jewelry or decorative items in this comprehensive hands-on workshop. We will cover everything from materials and application methods to finishing and recommended suppliers.&nbsp; Sign up on line to master creative ways to enrich and refine your pieces with gold leaf.

Local Event: Gold Leaf Techniques: A One-Day Workshop

Gold Leaf Techniques: A One-Day Workshop

Learn how to use gold leaf to transform your jewelry or decorative items in this comprehensive hands-on workshop. We will cover...

The Nathaniel H. Pickett II Foundation will host Jog N Jam for Mental Health on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Chesapeake &amp; Ohio Canal National Historical Park – Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion in Potomac, Maryland (GPS: 38.9725215, -77.2001899). The free community wellness event will promote mental health awareness, healthy lifestyles, and access to mental wellness information and resources.
Registration and check-in begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by a guided yoga stretch and a 9:00 a.m. run start. Participants may walk or jog 10K, 5K, or 2.5K routes, making the event welcoming to a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Under the theme “Bigger. Better. Free!”, this year’s Jog N Jam will combine movement, music, and community engagement through live music, freestyle dancing, instructor-led line dancing, and family-friendly activities. More than a fitness event, Jog N Jam is designed to encourage open conversations about mental health while highlighting the connection between physical activity, social connection, and emotional well-being. The event also advances the Foundation’s ongoing “Growing Minds” initiative, which empowers individuals and communities through education, awareness, and engagement.
Community members must register in advance through Eventbrite and are encouraged to invite family, friends, and colleagues to participate.

Local Event: The Jog and Jam for Mental Health

The Jog and Jam for Mental Health

The Nathaniel H. Pickett II Foundation will host Jog N Jam for Mental Health on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Chesapeake &...

🌱 Patch AM: What Monday’s Red Line reopening...

Spotted on the Bethesda calendar: MAA Paint the Town Art Exhibit and Sale

🌱 Patch AM: What Monday’s Red Line reopening means for your Bethesda commute

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Across Maryland

5-Year-Old Killed | Trump Beheading Threat |...

This week's top headlines include a decision on redistricting, a cop accused of child sex abuse and the latest on the cyclospora outbreak.

5-Year-Old Killed | Trump Beheading Threat | Hospitals Hit By Cyberattack: MD Top News

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Skip The Bounce House And The Street’s Annual...

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🌱 Patch AM: How a zoning shortcut could speed a...

Also check out MAA Paint the Town Art Exhibit and Sale on the Bethesda Patch calendar

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This Eatery Serves MD's Most Iconic Hot Dog,...

A Glen Burnie institution was selected as Maryland’s entry on a list of 50 iconic hot dogs worth a road trip.

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'Pharmageddon' Could Close Pharmacies: What To...

Pharmacists in several states are participating in a “Pharmageddon” protest of working conditions at CVS, Walgreens and other pharmacies.

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National Edition

Crime & Safety

Police Need Help Finding Silver Spring Man

Montgomery County Police say Nikola Ralev was last seen June 17.

Deb Belt, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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Police Need Help Finding Silver Spring Man

Montgomery County Police say Nikola Ralev was last seen June 17.

Deb Belt, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles-module-scss-module__AKw7-a__Badge" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Deb Belt, Patch Staff