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- Jon’ette

Flawless Faces by The Makeup Dolls

There is absolutely no point in searching high and low for the perfect wedding gown, veil, shoes and accessories if your beautiful face is not flawless to finish your wedding day look!  I was fortunate enough to get some one-on-one time with The Makeup Dolls to find out how to avoid common mistakes made when selecting wedding day makeup looks and how to use your style and wedding theme as inspiration.

What mistakes do brides typically make when it comes to their wedding day makeup?

There are really two main mistakes.  The first is not wearing enough makeup.  Photography, especially with a flash, has a way of washing out our faces.  Haven’t we all spent time applying makeup that looks perfect in person only to find that in photos it looks like we had barely anything on?  This is the case even more so with professional photos.  Deeper colors should be placed in the crease, more blush must be applied and skip the nude lip all together; opt for more color.

After our trials, we have a mini photo shoot to show brides what their makeup looks like through the lens.  It is often an a-ha moment that enables them to understand the need for more makeup.

The second is not touching up!  Makeup artists can send a bride out the door looking perfect, but it is up to her to maintain the look throughout the day.  Retouching lips and blotting oiliness before photos is a must.  Pale lips and shiny skin are a big let down when the photos arrive.  Put a bridesmaid on beauty patrol; you will thank her for it later.

What are the most important things to consider before choosing the right wedding day makeup look?

Quite possibly the most important thing to consider is selecting a makeup look that takes into account the overall style and/or theme of the wedding.  I believe that an overriding theme will tie into a bride’s gown choice, as well as the style she will choose for her accessories and even hairstyle.

A bride that is drawn to a soft, pretty romantic style will most often benefit by choosing a complementary look of a neutral eye with liner and lots and lots of false lashes, paired with a soft pink cheek and lip.  This look draws equal attention to all features of the face.  Nothing stand out in particular, but rather an overall look of beauty is achieved.  Hair is most often softly curled and can be pulled back or worn down.  Angela

Photo by Meg Perotti

and Lena

Photo by www.mkingphoto.com

are perfect examples of brides that chose this look and it paired perfectly with their venues and overall wedding style.  These brides’ looks are pure romance; soft and perfectly pretty.

For the bride that wants something more on the side of bridal unconventional, a more dramatic look focusing on one feature, either eyes or lips, is the perfect choice. 

Photo by Erica Berger

Eva was a stunning bride who wanted to really play up her eyes.  We chose a truly smoky look with deep colored shadows, heavy liquid liner, lashes and more lashes, of course, all paired with a neutral cheek and lip.  When you look at Eva you notice her stunning eyes.  Look accomplished!

Hair of any style can work well with a more dramatic look.  Eva (above) had a very messy up do that had an almost raked texture on top.

Laura Kudritzki Photography

Jamie (above) chose to build on the dramatic theme of her wedding makeup by adding height to her hair, softly teasing at the crown and pulling back the sides and cascading curls for extra drama.

It is a professional makeup and hair artist’s job to help a bride choose a look with which she is most comfortable,  That may mean breaking the rules – smoky eye with a red lip or neutral eyes and lips.  In the end, the most important thing is for the bride to feel and look her most beautiful on her wedding day!

The Makeup Dolls, Indiana Fischer and Violet Prather, are a makeup and hair artistry team specializing in engagement, bridal, boudoir, maternity and occasion beauty for the San Francisco Bay Area and destination!  Click here to visit them online.

Tags: Makeup Ideas, Makeup Looks, Makeup Tips, Professional Makeup Artist, The Makeup Dolls, Wedding Makeup

I Do, Now What?

You’ve just had the wedding of your dreams, then you wake up the next morning with all this stuff – extra invitations, save-the-dates, favors, table numbers, food, flowers, veil and even your dress.  There are many ways to give these items a second life; here are a few ideas.

The Dress

• Have it reconstructed into a fabulous white dress to be worn on your 1st wedding anniversary or the marriage milestone of your choice.  It can also serve as a great dress for a cocktail party, after being redesigned, of course.
• Have it made into a christening or baptism gown for your future child!  The veil could also be used to add special touches to those items.
• Are you an arts & crafts bride?  Use pieces of the gown to make Christmas stockings to hang over the fireplace in your new home.
• Turn it into a beautiful table linen for your formal dining room.

The Food

• The most popular option is donating it the following day to a shelter.  Choose one close to your heart or one that benefits women and children.
• Hosting a brunch the day after the wedding at a restaurant?  Opt for inviting guests to your parents’ home and serve the leftover food there instead.
• If you created a room block for guests, hotel salespeople might be inclined to give you a small meeting room at little or no cost.
• Did you choose not to invite church friends in order to keep costs to a minimum?  Share details of the wedding and the leftover food the day after with your church family in the congregation hall.
• No co-workers on the guest list?  Do the same thing at work the Monday following the wedding.  Your co-workers will love A) the free food and B) to hear about every detail you can share during lunch hour!

The Flowers

• Use them to add décor to your brunch the day after the wedding.
• Share them with the bride who is getting married right after you or the following day.  Split the cost with her and both of you can enjoy the beautiful flowers for half the price.
• Donate them to a local Senior Center, convalescent home or shelter.
• Allow the catering staff and/or guests to take the flowers home and enjoy them.
• Dry, frame and hang your bouquet in your home.

The Invitations

• Go green and opt for invitations printed on paper made of seeds.  Instead of you and your guests throwing them away after the wedding, you all can add some flowers to your garden.

To stay up to date on the latest in wedding planning trends, tips and advice, click the “Subscribe” button on the top of the page.  Have a question?  Email me info@weddingsbyjonette.com or tweet me!

Tags: Wedding Flowers, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Invitations

Create an Inspired Gift Registry

Wedding gift registries have become extremely predictable and rather boring.  Yes, it’s important and fun for couples to start their lives together with certain items to fill their new home.  However, it’s also important to give meaning to every aspect of your wedding, preferably in a way that creates fun for guests.  Remember, everything should serve a purpose; registries are no exception.

A wonderful way to create an exciting registry is to evoke a personal connection between your guests and the registry by inserting your personality.

Take a moment to think about the fun things you love about your closest friends.

• One might have an immaculately decorated home that makes you feel grown up while there.
• Do you live for summer’s swimming and barbecuing in your best friend’s backyard?
• Another might host a monthly book club that you look forward to attending.

I happen to be a good cook.  My friends love coming to come over when they hear I’m cooking my infamous macaroni and cheese.  If I asked those same friends to go to the grocery store and purchase ingredients for macaroni and cheese, then go home and prepare it themselves, they would be less than enthused.  However, if I asked each of them for $5.00 so that I could visit Whole Foods in order to prepare a home cooked southern dinner, they would not hesitate because coming over to relax and enjoy one of my gifts is exciting to them!  The same idea applies to your registry.

Former clients of mine are huge wine enthusiasts.  Had it been up to their friends and family members, they would have hosted a dinner party every weekend serving some of the best bottles of wine money can buy.  Therefore, they decided to register for wine instead of the same old, same old.  Since I love to take things a step further, we used the wines for which they registered to create a custom guest book.

Sheila Garvey Photography

We purchased a scrapbook in a color that coordinated with their chosen color scheme.

Sheila Garvey Photography

One of the couple’s favorite shots from their engagement shoot was placed on the cover of the scrapbook turned guest book.

Sheila Garvey Photography

Page 1 was a Table of Contents.  It had the wines separated by reds, whites, California wines, etc.

Sheila Garvey Photography

Each page thereafter had a photo of the actual bottle of wine for which the bride and groom were registered.  Almost every guest turned to the photo of the wine they purchased from the registry, then wrote their well wishes.

Sheila Garvey Photography

The guest book was an absolute hit!  Guests gravitated toward the guest book table until the end of the night simply because it was fun.

Whenever the bride and groom opened a bottle wine received from their registry, they turned their guest book to the page of that wine.  They didn’t just share the wine with each other and/or family, they also shared the heartfelt messages.

What do you and your fiance need or love that is a direct reflection of your personalities?  Use that to help develop a registry (and maybe even a guest book) that people have never seen before.

To stay up to date on the latest in wedding planning trends, tips and advice, click the “Subscribe” button on the top of the page.  Have a question?  Email me info@weddingsbyjonette.com or tweet me!

Tags: DIY Guest Books, Wedding Guest Book Ideas

How To Prepare for Gown Shopping

For the bride, one of the most important aspects of the wedding is her gown and how beautiful she’ll look in it.  Bridal gown shopping is very fun and exciting!  However, starting the search for the perfect gown can quickly turn disastrous if unprepared.

I interviewed Melody Klever, the manager of my favorite Bay Area bridal salon, Kay’s Bridal Boutique, and asked her to share expert advice that will prepare any bride-to-be for her gown search.

How long before the wedding date should a bride order her gown and why?

At least 6 months prior to the wedding date is best because it can take up to 4 months to arrive.  Alterations should also be taken into consideration; those can take 6-8 weeks.

Should women wear anything in particular when trying on gowns?

They should definitely wear a strapless bra or bring one with them.  If they don’t own one, they should be prepared to go bra-less while trying on gowns.  It always amazes me how many women walk out of their fitting rooms with bra straps showing.  It’s important to get an accurate idea of how the gown looks on the body.  Bra straps interfere with that vision.

How many people do you suggest women bring with them to try on gowns?

One person, two maximum.  Too many opinions make it very difficult for women to decide.  Think of it this way – brides don’t ask for everyone’s opinion when it comes to planning the rest of the wedding.  Why should choosing a gown be any different?  It shouldn’t be.  Bringing happy, positive people with them is also a plus.  Nothing makes a bride’s excitement and confidence deteriorate like a person who finds something negative about every gown she tries on.

Where should they start?  With such a wide selection, how will they even know what to try on first?

They should start with what looks pretty to them and try it on.  From there, determine which style(s) look best on their body type.

What do you find are the 3 most popular silhouettes and why?

1. Mermaid silhouette because it’s the anti ball gown.
2. Dresses with tufted skirts because it’s different.
3. Anything with ruching in the bodice because it’s flattering and hides small flaws in that area.

On average, how many visits to a bridal salon(s) does a bride make before choosing a gown?

It’s hard to say, but anywhere from 1 – 4 visits depending on the woman.  Many brides come into our boutique and make their decision on the spot.

How many gowns does the average bride try on in one sitting?

Approximately 10.

Melody also had some advice for the moms.  “If you decide to order from a bridal boutique instead of off the rack, give yourselves at least 8 – 12 weeks to receive the gown and have alterations performed, if necessary.”

Kay’s Bridal Boutique is located at 21120 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546.  Call (510) 538 – 2136 to schedule an appointment.  Ask for Nicole.  She’s awesome!

Since I know how much you all love photos, here are some of my former clients who found their dream gown at Kay’s Bridal Boutique:

Dita Photography

Sheila Garvey Photography

Sheila Garvey Photography

Dekker Photography

To stay up to date on the latest in wedding planning trends, tips and advice, click the “Subscribe” button on the top of the page.  Have a question?  Email or tweet me!

Tags: Bridal Couture, Kay's Bridal Boutique, Wedding Gowns

8 Important Questions to Ask of Potential Reception Sites

With almost half of most wedding budgets going toward the reception, the single most important questions to ask potential venues will be these!  Don’t allow the beauty of a reception site to cloud your judgment.  If the answers don’t meet your needs, then continue to search.

1.  What is the maximum capacity? If there are 125 people on your guest list and the maximum capacity is 450, the space is far too big!  Conversely, a space that can only accommodate 100 people won’t be large enough for a 400-person reception.  Don’t allow the catering sales manager to convince you that they can fit more people into one space that your eyes are telling you they cannot!

2.  For outdoor receptions, what is Plan B in case of inclement weather? This is especially important with Mother Nature showing signs of senility recently.  Many sites are breathtaking on the outside, but inside the facility is often an entirely different story.  If the outdoor area cannot be tented in case of rain and the inside looks like it came from the set of a bad 70′s sitcom, keep looking.

3.  Is there a food & beverage minimum? If so and it seems too big for your budget, think again.  Many (not all) sites will allow other services to be purchased through them, making it easier for couples to meet their minimums.  Lighting, specialty linens, chairs, ice sculptures, A/V and valet parking are just a few possibilities.

4. What does each package include? Specialty linens and chairs?  Generic centerpieces?  If so, must you use the package method?  If you’re renting your linens and chairs from a separate company (which is often more cost-effective), then paying for just food and beverage without the extras is a money saver.

5. Can beverages be billed based on consumption? Always remember that a sales manager’s job is to sell!  Hosted bar packages can run $20.00+/guest, sometimes $20.00+/guest per hour!  If 90% of your guests are big drinkers, the package works best.  However, if most of your guests are non-drinkers, then consumption is the way to go.

6. Does the site provide a wedding coordinator? If so, what is their fee?  If an outside planner hasn’t been hired, then this is a great resource for couples!  For those hiring a wedding planner, this is an unnecessary cost!  Ask if that person’s fee can be removed should a contract be signed.

7. What exactly will the site set up? If a wedding planner is not involved, it will be impossible for the bride to set up her own menus, favors, elaborate guest book tables, photos, etc.  If this not common practice for the venue, then either hire a wedding coordinator or continue searching.

8. Lastly, flat-out ask “what extra perks are you willing to throw in?” to receive the business. Mention other venues in the area that are being considered (don’t lie).  This works well for couples spending a down payment on a home for food and beverage!  They may very well decrease or remove the site rental fee or lower the package by a few dollars per guest in order to secure the business.  It adds up!

Update:  I received more suggestions via Tom at Woodrow Hall.

• Remember to ask about their policy on deposits should something changes your plans.  Is all or some of it refundable or transferable?
• Are there other fees that I aren’t listed in their wedding packet or on their website – parking, security, etc.

To stay up to date with my wedding planning tips, trends and advice, subscribe to my blog.  Have a question?  Email info@weddingsbyjonette.com or Tweet me.

Tags: Wedding Receptions, Wedding Vendor Questions

The Perfect Wedding Gift

Year after year, wedding after wedding, my clients are always searching for new gift ideas for the bridal parties, parents and even each other.  While framed photos and jewelry are very nice gifts, canvas art by Geezees is an innovative, unique and heartfelt gift idea that will forever be cherished by those on the receiving end!

Parents love photos.  It enables them to vividly recall fond memories of yesteryear.  Take their wedding photo along with their favorite poem or lyrics from a special song and turn it into canvas art.  They’ll be touched and appreciative of the sentiment.

Did you share an unforgettable girls trip to Mexico with your bridesmaids?  A crazy guys weekend in Vegas reminiscent of The Hangover?  Turn the evidence into canvas art!

Presenting a modernized version of sheet music to your bride or groom is the perfect idea.  Highlight the chorus from the First Dance song or your mate’s favorite song and surprise him or her with it the day of the wedding.

Prefer to commemorate your engagement shoot or wedding day beyond the photo?  Combine announcement, save-the-date or invitation wording with the photo of your choice.  (See above and below)

What I love about canvas art is that it goes beyond weddings.  What’s sweeter than the above canvas?

Give the gift of canvas art by Geezees to your parents, bridal party or mate because sometimes a photo just isn’t enough!

Subscribe to my blog to stay up to date with my wedding planning tips and advice.  Have a question?  Email info@weddingsbyjonette.com or Tweet me.

Tags: Bridal Party Gifts, Canvas Art by Geezees, Parent Gifts, Shower Gift, Wedding Gift

Wedding Belles & Beaus: Esther & Daniel

Last year I planned a lovely December wedding for a very sweet couple, Esther and Daniel.  Although we had more than 3+ months to plan, aside from choosing the venue, this wedding did not get planned until 2 weeks prior to the big day!  The photos below are pages from their wedding album.

Esther & Daniel

Michael Acosta was the brilliant makeup artist behind Esther's look. His work has been displayed on the faces of countless beautiful women including Candace Bushnell!

True to Kenyan tradition, Esther was the center of a Processional prior to the ceremony where family and friends sang and danced all around her.

All of the men were so handsome. I especially love the photo of Daniel with both fathers.

Esther arriving at the fabulous Deer Ridge Vineyards in the Livermore Valley Wine Country.

The spiritual ceremony took place in the Barrel Room. During the Recessional, the newlyweds and their attendants rejoiced as they proceeded down the aisle.

Esther & Daniel with their attendants relaxing post Ceremony at the Vineyard's private cottage.

Such a gorgeous shot of the gown and its details.

(LEFT) Photos of all the fine details. (RIGHT) Don't see any women? That's because Kenyan women encircle the bride and groom to escort them to their reception in the midst of more singing and dancing!

Each set of parents traveled from Kenya with these gifts intended to help the bride and groom properly start their lives as newlyweds.

First Dance

Cutting the cake was the first time Esther & Daniel saw this tasty creation by City of d'Lights.

We did!

A special thank you to all of the talented vendors who helped make this wedding so special:

• Venue – Deer Ridge Vineyards
• Invitations – Invitation Consultants
• Flowers – Anne Mendenhall Flowers
• Photography – Sheila Garvey Photography
• Cake – City of D’Lights
• Transportation – Diamond Life Limousines
• Linens – A Grande Affair Party Rentals
• Makeup – Michael Acosta
• Hair – Designs of Virtue
• …and yours truly, the glue that holds it all together!

Tags: A Grande Affair Party Rentals, Anne Mendenhall Flowers, City of D'Lights, Real Weddings, Sheila Garvey Photography, Wedding Inspiration, Weddings by Jon'ette

Trend Alert: Bridal Couture!

Sheila Garvey Photography

Guests sit on the edge of their seats full of anticipation as the bride makes her grand entrance for one reason.  They want to see her gown and how she looks in it!

Choosing a bridal gown is by far the most fun a bride experiences during the wedding planning process.  I’ve broken my rule and gone gown shopping with many of my clients.  The smiles on their faces could light up the Las Vegas strip!  There are some fantastic designers and boutiques that sell gorgeous gowns!  Who doesn’t want to wear a Vera Wang or Monique Lhuillier?  They have been trend setters in bridal fashion for many years.  However, I believe that two trends will be taking center stage in the very near future!

Eco Couture

People are becoming more conscious about the world in which we live, especially once engaged.  It brings thoughts of the future, bringing children into the world and how that world will treat their children, even environmentally!  Adele Wechsler is the genius behind the Eco Couture Collection, bridal gowns for the bride who cares about the world in which she lives!

The eco-conscious collection infuses elements such as vegetable dyes, remnant fabric, organic hemp and hand cut designs to create eco-friendly options for brides while maintaining the beauty and lavishness of typical couture gowns!  Be it a bride with an eco-conscience or a trend setting bride looking to make a statement that no one in her inner circle would dare to make, Eco Couture by Adele Wechsler is the future!

Custom Couture

For brides not quite ready to make such a bold statement, but still want to be unique on their wedding day, custom-made bridal gowns is the way to go!  Yes, people have their gowns custom-made now, but not often enough!  Opting for this method will ensure that every layer of fabric, lace and detail was made exclusively for you!  Hiring an expert seamstress to make the gown of your dreams is like hiring a wedding planner to bring your wedding day vision to life!  If you can think it (and afford it), then you can wear it!  It sounds like an expensive option, but that isn’t always the case.  The average gown in a local bridal boutique runs in the $1000 – $5000 range, maybe even more.  If you were going to pay that anyway, why not put your money toward something made especially for you?  Another option is hiring a fashion design student.  Student does not equal inability!

The recent season of Project Runway showcased the brilliance of a young designer named April.  She wasn’t even old enough to buy a cocktail, but she could design and sew as well as any of her competitors!  Of course, do your research before hiring a virtual stranger to design your wedding gown, just as you would a band or florist.  In no time at all, you’ll find the designer to make your wedding gown fantasy a reality!

Here are some of my clients that chose to have their gowns custom-made:

Photo by Dekker Photography

The sister of this bride designed and constructed her gown, as well as all of the bridesmaids dresses.  Being a Japan based designer, no one, including the bride, was able to try on their dresses until a day or two before the wedding!  I wouldn’t suggest this, but in our case it worked out perfectly!

Photo by Sheila Garvey Photography

This bride enlisted the help of a trusted and talented friend to create her custom wedding gown!

Photo by Laura Kudritzki Photography

One of my new favorite brides also enlisted the expertise of a trusted friend to create 1 of her 2 wedding gowns!

Subscribe to my blog to stay up to date with my wedding planning tips and advice.  Have a question?  Email me info@weddingsbyjonette.com or Tweet me.

Tags: Adele Wechsler, Custom Bridal Couture, Eco Couture Collection, Eco-Friendly Wedding Gowns

DIY Message in a Bottle Invitations

Many of my clients are still receiving compliments on their gorgeous wedding invitations.  However, the one that keeps on giving is the message in a bottle invitation!  So I decided to show you how to create them on your own!

Message in a bottle invites never get old.  First of all, people don’t like to take the time to make them.  So they’re far less common than you might think.  Also, couples are always going to get married on or near the beach.  After all, there’s no better backdrop than the ocean for a breathtaking wedding ceremony.

What you’ll need:

• Unused pencil:  You’ll use this to tight roll the invitations so they’ll fit inside your bottle.
• Sand:  You can get a bag of sand at Toys R Us or Home Depot for about $5.00.
• Funnel:  Use one from your kitchen, pick up a free one next time you fill up your gas tank or take a piece of paper and make your own.
• Glass bottles:  I love Specialty Bottle.  You need a 10 inches or taller bottle with corks, shipping tubes with caps and bubble wrap.  If they are out of shipping tubes and bubble wrap, you can find them at Paper Mart.
• Mini seashells and mini starfish:  You can find bags of these in bright and neutral colors at Michaels for less than $10.00 each.  For 100 invitations, I’d suggest about $50.00 worth.  Be generous with these; the color adds life to all of the beige that will be inside the bottle!
• Raffia:  You can find a bundle of raffia at Michaels for less than $10.00, maybe even closer to $5.00.  If you’re not making a ton of invitations, one bundle will be enough.  Otherwise, get 2.
• Plain Stationery:  This is for the actual invitations, RSVP cards and return envelopes.  I love Botanical Paperworks.  Their paper and envelopes are all plantable (for Eco-friendly brides) and they have an aged look.  I wouldn’t suggest direction cards, etc.  You aren’t working with a lot of room.  Keep it simple.
• Return address stamp:  Particularly if you choose stationery from Botanical Paperworks, the envelopes will not run through the average home printer with ease.  Visit Paper Source and customize a jazzy stamp with your name(s) and mailing address for the envelopes in which guests will return their RSVP cards.

Step 1: Remember this moment because it’s probably the only time I’ll suggest printing your invitations at home!

Step 2: Place your unused pencil at the long edge of the invitation and roll.  Once the entire invite is wrapped around the pencil, tightly tie a very long strand of raffia around it in a knot.  Then pull out the pencil.

Your invitations should look like this once secured with raffia.

Step 3: Place the RSVP card on top of the envelope and repeat Step 2.

Step 4: Slide the secured RSVP card/envelope combo into the empty glass bottle.  Followed by the invitation.  The key is to make sure that the raffia is long enough to hang over the top of the bottle so that guests have an easy way to pull them out!

Step 5: Use your funnel to add sand.  It’s up to you how much to use, but remember that you’ll pay for postage based on weight.  At least 1/8 cup though.

Step 6: Add mini seashells and mini starfish.  Again, how much you use is up to you.  For seashells that won’t fit into the bottle, crack them in half and use them anyway!  Having trouble fitting everything into the bottle?  Use your pencil to stuff things inside.

Step 7: Secure with a cork.

Finished Product

Step 8: Wrap the bottle in bubble wrap.  You want the layer of bubble wrap to be so thick that it almost won’t fit inside of the tube.  You don’t want it shifting in transit.

Step 9: Secure the tube with plastic caps on each end, then place shipping tape over them.  Make sure the tape is attached to the tube and plastic caps.  If there’s space between the tape and cap, they won’t be shippable.

Step 10: Send to your wedding guests!

Another nice touch is to personalize each invitation.  Instead of saying “You are cordially invited” try “Jane, you are cordially invited” and so on.  It’s a simple way to add that much more attention to detail and let your guests know that you put a lot of thought and time into inviting them to your wedding!

You’ll definitely have extra sand.  Use it for the ceremony!  Fill large, glass vases with sand, more seashells, starfish and candles to line the aisle and/or in other places to tie your theme together.

Have a question?  Email me info@weddingsbyjonette.com or Tweet me.  Subscribe to stay up to date with my wedding planning tips and advice.

Tags: DIY Wedding Invitations, Eco-Friendly Invitations, Green Wedding Invitations, Message in a Bottle Invitations, Wedding Advice