Bartering your way into a great wedding… Can you really have a $40,000.00 wedding for $3000.00? Well that is exactly what Jennifer Mae Fletke and Chris Watters of Santa Monica California did according to an article that CNN published this morning. The couple took a look at the economy and decided that they realistically could not afford the wedding that they really wanted. So they decided they would trade their talents with other local vendors for their services. They admitted it was a lot of hard work and they were told no numerous times. Please take some time and read their story and maybe it will aspire you to so the same. Happy Planning…
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Barterering for a wedding?
Monday, April 13th, 2009Happy Easter
Sunday, April 12th, 2009
Happy Easter everyone!! May you have a blessed day and enjoy time with family and friends! Safe travels for all those traveling.
Rainbow Shades ~ Makeup Artist
Saturday, April 11th, 2009
Today I would like to introduce Patricia Nahikian of Rainbow Shades. Patricia began her makeup training at age 8 when she landed her first community theatre role and was taught to do her own makeup. By the time she was 14 she was a regular at the theater either doing her own makeup or someone else’s. More professional experience came at age 17 while working in Professional Summer Stock Theatre. In college she received traditional training as a Theatre Major and, among other things, worked with special effects, color theory and prosthetics. Since then she has kept busy working with specialty character makeup, commercial photography and film but her favorite remains teaching women of all ages how to look their very best. Now Patti is a single mother of two, a Reiki Master and owner of Rainbow Shades. She has combined her love of color, makeup and her concern for healthy skin and created her own line of healthy cosmetics. She can custom blend any color under the sun! At her Home Studio, she takes appointments for makeup, color analysis, and Reiki.
Q: Why do you think formal training specifically in makeup is important?
A: There are many people out there calling themselves makeup artists; from the home based cosmetic retail business owners to cosmetologists to department store makeup counter ladies. Most of them have been trained to sell makeup. Even those who have graduated from cosmetology school or facial specialty school have had very limited makeup training in their schooling. It is just not required for licensure and therefore considered unimportant; yet, they can call themselves makeup artists because it is not regulated by any state boards.
Formal makeup artistry training includes education in ingredients (and how they work with skin), color and lighting theory, special effects, camera ready techniques, camouflage theory, correction and specialty work. It also includes training in communicable diseases and sterilizing practices.
Because it is not regulated, it is imperative to NOT BE SHY when choosing an artist for a special occasion. ASK where they received their training. ASK about their experience. ASK to see their portfolio. ASK for references!
Q: Well, then, what about your training and experience?
A: I’m glad you asked. As it stated in my bio, I have been working with makeup all of my life! This is what I do, full time and it is my passion. Not only have I been trained formally but I continue to learn by taking specialty classes in everything from the chemistry of ingredients to the health benefits of essential oils and the energy of color! I am a perpetual student and I continually pass on my knowledge to my clients. As a Bridal Makeup Artist, I have worked on brides of all cultures and all skin conditions (including scleroderma, port wine stains, and vitiligo). It is my experience in this area that has led me to create a wedding package from which I rarely deviate. It is why my satisfaction rate is so high.
Q: Is wedding makeup really so different than other types of application.
A: It really is! Most importantly, it belongs to the bride. She has to feel at home in her face. It’s not the time to try new styles and fancy trends. It also has to have the elements of camera ready makeup combined with the staying power of theatre makeup and still be invisible to everyone attending the wedding.
Q: Do you have any beauty tips you can share with my blog readers right now?
A: Absolutely!
• LIPS. Lip moisturizer and vitamin enriched balm. Not only will you keep them kissable, you will keep them in perfect condition for lip color.
• DO NOT change your skin care routine, try new foods, or schedule hair removal or spa treatments (except for manicures and pedicures) the week preceding your wedding. Unknown allergies and/or irritations are bound to attack and leave red marks or blotchy skin and may not heal in time. By the same token, excess drinking of alcoholic beverages, especially the night before the wedding, can cause puffy and swollen skin and circles under the eyes that can’t be erased by makeup.
• DO NOT sunbathe or use a tanning bed during the 2 weeks preceding your wedding. Unintentional burning will cause unsightly peeling and there is a risk of uneven tanning. Also, the makeup you chose may not look the same if your skin is shades darker than when you tried it on the first time.
• SKIN. Keep it moisturized and in top shape. Don’t be afraid to splurge on a quality moisturizer. Besides makeup, it is the only other product in your routine that stays on your face all day. It serves as a barrier between your skin and the rest of the world and is there to protect it. Choose one with a sunscreen for the best anti-aging results.
Healthy, glowing skin is key to looking picture perfect on your wedding day. For a complexion that is radiant, the time to start the ideal routine is at least 3 months before wedding date. I always advise 6 months before.
As a licensed Aesthetician, I can determine the bride’s skin type and condition and can recommend the proper treatment to maintain healthy looking skin. I can advise her on how to prevent and/or correct any skin care concerns she may have.
When I got married this past October I had Patricia apply my makeup. It was flawless and stayed in place all day. I highly suggest her to anyone that is looking for a make up artist for any special event. And anyone that contacts her and mentions this blog posting will receive her $300 package for $225.
Patricia Nahikian :: Email // Patti@Rainbow-Shades.com Office // 616.881.3901
Guest Blogged on Modern Photography!
Thursday, April 9th, 2009Last Friday I had the opportunity to sit down with Brandon Mulnix of Modern Photography based out of Lowell Michigan. As I looked over his portfolio I was impressed with the amount of emotions that he captures in his photography. You can practically feel the love that is felt between the bridal couple in each and every photo. He also has a very team approach when it comes to all too wedding planning and the vendors associated with the event. He as well as I believe that if we all work together we can conquer any problem that occurs during the event and solve it well before the couple ever has to deal with it. Brandon is also the president of the West Michigan Wedding Association and strives to make West Michigan wedding professionals known as the best in Michigan. With that being said, I was very honored to guest blog today on his blog on Basis Wedding Planning 101. In the following weeks, I will be go more in depth on planning ideas; budgeting; timelines; and vendor selections. Please check out the link Basis Wedding Planning 101 and please let us know what you think and if there is any certain topic you would like to see… Happy Planning!
The Planner’s Emergency Kit!
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
Have you ever wonder what’s this mystery emergency kit all of us planners carry? I know that many brides wonder because I have been asked many times. So that is why I have decided to blog that very topic for all those curious minds. As every planner has a different planning style every planner carries something different in their emergency kit. So I have decided to share what I carry in mine… Most would think there are only “girlie” things in it like hairspray, lotions, tide sticks, bobby pins, and double stick tape for those bridesmaid gowns that just don’t want to stay in place. But my emergency case also contains extension cords, duct tape, a wire stripper, a phonebook, a set of screwdrivers/wrenches, and even jumper cables for those rare cases where the limo decides not to start. It is important that your planner be ready for whatever comes their way to ensure you have a seamless day! So never be afraid to ask any potential planner exactly what they carry so you have the assurance that you are going to be taken care of on your special day.
Local Find!
Thursday, March 12th, 2009 
Cloud 10
Natural Bath & Body
1608 Lincoln Road Suite A
Allegan Michigan 49010
269.978.3131
So a couple of weeks ago I was out and about with my mother – law looking for the perfect little table that I could place in my front half bath. As usual I was looking within local shops here in Allegan and I came across this little store that I hadn’t known opened. Cloud 10 is a shop filled with natural bath & body lotions and oils; incenses; and the item that caught my eye, soy candles! Their 100% soy candles are all hand poured and burn so cleanly that you don’t have the black soot on your candle holder. The other plus with soy candles is that their tealight candles burn for 8 to 10 hours! The only unfortunate thing about soy candles is that they cannot be formed into free standing votives or pillars. But I found a solution to that problem. I’m going to give the store the actual votive holders that need to be filled. Cloud 10 also is willing to make custom colors to match your event color scheme. But the true reason I am blogging about them is because they are so easy to work with. I have an upcoming event in May and I wanted pale yellow candles that are non-scented. I have priced them out with my many wholesalers and Cloud 10 gave me the best price. This is a win/win situation. I’m getting the best priced possible for my bride and I’m buying locally! The store is just starting out so they don’t have an official website yet, but you can check them out on Merchant Circle: http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Cloud.10.269-978-3131 This little gem is my best find yet!
Alisha Giles Cakes
Monday, March 9th, 2009
H & K Photograghy
With many couples the wedding cake tasting is one of their favorite meetings that they attend during the process of planning their wedding. And West Michigan is very blessed to have so many great cake designers. And today I would like to highlight one of my personal favorite. Alisha Giles Cakes is based out of Alisha’s Saugatuck Michigan home. Her cakes are by far one of the best cakes that I have had the pleasure of tasting at the many weddings that I have been a part of. The cake itself is always moist and her hazelnut frosting is to die for. I just used her for my first wedding of 2009 season this past January and there was not a cupcake left at the end of the evening!!! Alisha’s price starts at $2.00 per slice and go up from there. And her cupcake prices start at $0.50 per cupcake. She has one of the best pricing in West Michigan especially when you look at the design and taste her exceptional cakes.
From the first phone consult till she delivers the cake to the reception, Alisha has the ability to make her clients feel like there is no cake more important then theirs. Her warm personality and fun loving nature are projected in every cake that she designs. If you are interest in learning more about her and her cakes, please see her contact information below. And if you like a personal reference on her designs, please contact me.
Alisha Giles
Office :: 269-751-2360
Email :: stpetersccd@yahoo.com
My find of the week!
Sunday, March 8th, 2009
So I love just jumping online and trying to find some great deals that I can share with my couples. Well today I found one that we can put a “green” spin on. Overlays and chair covers add a touch of class to any reception venue. And today I found a site that you can actually buy at a cheaper price verses renting. But how can we throw a green spin on this. Well with today’s brides chatting on multiple forums together such as “The Knot”, I suggest that you find two or three other brides with similar color schemes and buy them together. And then after the weddings, post the items back on the forums to be used by another bride. All the linens on this website received high praise from other clients. And they are machine washable.
http://www.efavormart.com
Budgetting!
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Amy Carroll Photography
In today’s economic situation, everyone needs to cut back a bit. It’s a lot harder though when you are planning a wedding. So with that, today I decided that I would talk about budgeting. I truly believe that every couple needs to set a realist budget for their wedding. As an event planner when I meet with my couple for the first time we do talk budgeting. I feel that it’s important for a couple to have ideas of what they can spend well in advance to meeting with me. One website that many of my brides us is http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget to help them develop a budget. But why is it important that a budget tentatively developed before meeting with a planner? Well the reasoning behind this thought is that way I can recommend vendors in their correct price range. Also if you have a budget in place you can determine what is truly important to you and what’s not. Say you love flowers for example but your budget does not allow you to have exactly what you want. Well if a budget is in place then we can take a look at what areas we can cut back in to get you the flowers that you want. Also another idea is to work with your vendors. If you plan your wedding in the “off season” or on a Friday evening, many vendors offer a better package price. In addition look at renting verses buying. This will save you money and space! Many rental vendors offer everything from cool looking vases to candle holders. Also many brides are sharing cost these days on items that can be used on multiple weddings.
In the next few days I will be posting other ideas on budget saving ideas!
Pomanders
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009With the wedding season fast approaching I have been very fortunate to help of many couples design the look and feel of their wedding. Whether I was hired as their event planner or as their florist, I put forth the same effort in helping them design the perfect ambience for their day. But I am also very away of budgets and flowers should be able to be used in multiply places. This wedding season I am working with two particular couples that I love their style. And both weddings have one thing in common… Pomanders!
Pomanders are one of the many styles that today’s brides have decided to go with. One of the reasons is because they can easily be used at the ceremony and then reused at the reception venue. My first wedding that I have the honor of being part of we will be hanging multiple pomanders from an arch and also having the main aisle being lined with them. We are using many different sizes to give the look more depth. After the ceremony these will be moved into the reception site to be used as the table centerpieces. We are taking the pomanders and placing them on various sized cylinder vases with some of them filled with bear grass and the others with Granny Smith Apples…
My second wedding that I get to be part of is with a very modern couple that knows exactly what look they were going for in their design. They came into their first meeting with clear visions of very large pomanders in a bold purple color. They are lining their main aisle with basketball sized pomanders on Sheppard hooks with a thick layer of rose petals on the ground. This ceremony will be stunning! After the ceremony, we will be transporting these over to the reception venue and they will be placed on very tall cylinder vases that will be have silver and purple twigs submerged in water. Their reception is going to have a very bold and modern look that will leave their guest talking
But there are different ways to show off your pomanders then placing them on vases. I personally love when you take mini pomanders and they are hung from candle holders or large pomanders that are hung on trees. But also I love when they are placed in a large martini glass and a pomander is made to look like an olive… How awesome is that for a bar! Another really cute idea is having your flower girls carry a pomander instead of a basket. It just adds another touch of modern elegance to your day.
So I have given you a lot to think about when it comes to pomanders. I would love to hear your ideas and some new and unique ideas to show off this design.