Archive for the ‘Expert Tips’ Category

We’re suckers for gorgeous flowers over here at Real Weddings Magazine.  And we bet we’re not the only ones!

But when we find gorgeous flowers, combined with some bling, it’s like we’ve hit the jackpot.

We recently Audrey from Botanica Floral Designs to offer up some advice on how to add a little something extra to your wedding flowers.  Here’s what she had to say:

“What better way to finish off your bouquet than to add a little embellishment that won’t go unnoticed?  Think about adding one of these elements to the stems of your bouquet:

• your grandmother’s brooch
• a locket with a photo of a passed loved one
• a loved one’s rosary
• material from a loved one’s wedding dress or veil
• a favored necklace or bracelet of a loved one

Flowers by Botanica Floral Designs.

Flowers by Botanica Floral Designs. Photo by Gino Creglia Photography.

In addition to adding a special piece to your bouquet stems, you can also add embellishments into the flowers.

Consider decorative wiring, beading or even beautiful buttons to accent and complement your gown.

These little details will pick up just a bit of shimmer as you walk down the aisle and capture photos.”

Flowers by Botanica Floral Designs.

Flowers by Botanica Floral Designs. Photo by True Love Photo, copyright Real Weddings Magazine.

Thanks Audrey!

Be sure to check Real Weddings Magazines’ Style Files for even more fabulous flowers!

For more information on Audrey and her team at Botanica Floral Designs, visit their Web site or call them at 916-673-8650.

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

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Darling brides, it’s almost time to put on those summer shades.

Celebrity Make-up artist Laura Geller recently returned to QVC for her signature Laura Geller Makeup Studio launching two new products for the channel, including the Soft Touch Bronzer with Brush and Lash Spackle. We recently caught up with her to get a few make-up tips and ideas for the summer season:

DE:  How can we get a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without spending hours in the damaging sun?

LG:  Body and face bronzers that are available are my preference over self tanners. Laura Geller Studio has a few great options including Baked Body Frosting Moisturizing Powder. This could be applied dry for a slight bronzed hue, or applied wet, it transforms into a much more golden color to the body and creates a satiny look. I wanted it to be portable so it can provide instant results wherever you are, so it’s not a liquid, it’s easy to apply, it won’t appear orange and it doesn’t streak. Also, brand new and currently exclusive to QVC is my Soft Touch Air Whipped Bronzer. This is the quickest way to transform milky white skin naturally, as it warms with the heat of your body. It also has no shimmer or sparkle, so it provides more of a matte finish to the bronzed look.

DE:  What are some of the make-up trends we’ll see this summer for both daytime and evening looks?

LG: You’re going to see a lot of peach and coral colors and bronzing is back stronger than ever. There was a time when milky white skin was in, but this year, bronze is really strong so you’re going to see colors that exemplify the summer look – peach, coral, bronze. LASHES are being played up as well, but in a very soft and natural way. The look is not the heavily made-up look, it’s the easy, natural summer beauty look.

Want more? Tune in to QVC to get more great tips and see great products!

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

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Just when we thought Michael Anderson, Wedding Entertainment Director™ at Creative Memories Entertainment had shared all his valuable tricks of the trade, he’s come at a third time with another great tip. This time, he grabs the microphone and discusses..drumroll please…reception introductions!

“You both said ‘I DO,’ the photos are done, now it’s time for the party to begin! We have all been to countless weddings where the wedding party gets introduced with nothing more than their first names and a song in the background, if they’re lucky.

The truth is that this celebration is more like a family reunion for the first time. Although everyone in the room will know who the two of you are, not everyone will know who the wedding party is and why they are so important as to be picked to be in the wedding party.

One way to ensure a great start to your reception and create a lot a fun is to incorporate a custom introduction with the help of your emcee.

A personalized biographical introduction is a great way for your guests to get a glimpse into the memories you have had with the members of your wedding party. You can include information about your relationship to each (relative, friend, how long), where they live, their occupation and /or educational status (i.e. college student, high school student), their relationship status (single/engaged/married), etc. Also feel free to include such information like, what they would be most famous for or most likely voted likely to do in life. The size of your wedding party should determine how much detail you will go into. You don’t want it taking too long or it will lose its appeal. Inside jokes will never come off well as it will leave most of your guests in the dark about the true story behind the story.

If you do choose this style of introduction, it is extremely important that your entertainment vendor fully understands how to do this properly so it won’t be presented poorly. Ask to see video footage of them doing this style of introduction to see what the guests reaction is and how well they present the beginning of your wedding celebration.”

Thanks Mike for the great advice!

Stay tuned to Real Weddings Magazine for more guest bloggers with expert tips!

For more information on Creative Memories Entertainment, visit them at www.creativememoriesdj.com or call 916-344-7000.

Also be sure to check out Mike’s profile on Real Weddings Magazine and check out his blog!

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photo courtesy of Mike Anderson, Creative Memories Entertainment.

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There is nothing like having your own personal hair and make-up team (just ask our cover model finalists!), and for your wedding day, we think it’s one of the essentials so that you can picture perfect.

We recently asked hair and make-up pro Raquel Siders from Image Provocateur and VIP-Cat Make-up Academy (she was on the hair and make-up team for this issue’s Real Weddings Magazine cover model winner Kimmi — pictures featured here),to offer up some advice on finding the right make-up artist for your big day! Here’s her advice:

“If you are planning on hiring a professional make-up artist on your wedding day, find an artist you are comfortable with, one who listens to your needs and one who offers constructive advice. Look at portfolios if available and do a trial run so you can see how you will look on your wedding day.

At the time of the trial run try and have your hair done in the way you’ll be wearing it on your wedding day as different hairstyles influence the way your make-up should be done.

When you decide on the lipstick, lip pencil and perhaps gloss and powder you will be wearing the day of your wedding, ask the make-up artist if it is possible to purchase those particular products for the day of your wedding as touch ups in those particular areas will be required.

If you have a particular color you want to wear on your lips, bring it to the trial run and see if it works with the overall look.

Some make-up artists will ask the bride and the bridal party to bring their own mascara. This is for sanitary reasons only! It is always a good idea to take this precaution.

Make sure when doing your trial run to view make-up in different lights if that is possible because on your wedding day, you’ll be having photos taken in multiple areas. It is ideal to apply make-up in a room with natural light.

And finally, if you feel comfortable with your make-up at the end of your trial run, you should try to book the artist immediately because if you are marrying during a busy season your make-up artist probably won’t be able to hold the date without a commitment.”

Thanks Raquel!

Stay tuned to Real Weddings Magazine for more guest bloggers with expert tips!

For more information on Raquel and her team at Image Provocateur and VIP-Cat Make-up Academy, visit their Blog, Web site or call them at 916-474-5578.

Real Weddings Magazine Winter/Spring 2010 Cover Model Finalist photo shoot photography by Jodi Yorston Photography. For additional credits on dresses and flowers, please see page 60.

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

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We’ve got some more great advice from Michael Anderson, Wedding Entertainment Director™ at Creative Memories Entertainment.

We think Mike’s got some pretty fantastic answers on wedding entertainment…so, Mike, how does a couple find the perfect DJ?

“This is a common question, and I would guess that 90% of brides think to themselves ‘Ok, what am I supposed to ask? I know, how much do you charge?’ Although this is an important question, it may be more important to ask, ‘Are you available for my wedding date?’ Let’s face it, regardless of how cheap or expensive a service is, you are not going to want to book them unless they are going to provide you with the experience and service you want for one of the most important days of your lives.

Below are some great questions to ask to get the ball rolling and find out if the service is right for you.

1. How many years of experience do you have in weddings, and how many weddings do you perform at each year?

2. What will you do to ensure I will have a good time at my wedding?

3. What are some of the unique things you have done in the past for your clients to make their day extra special?

4. Will I get to meet my DJ before I sign a contract and will his name be listed on the contract?

5. Do you have any references of past clients and other wedding professionals who have worked with you?

6. When can we meet to find out more about what you can do for my wedding?

Please keep in mind that you can only learn so much on the phone about a particular company or DJ. It is so important to take the time to meet the DJ in person to make sure their personality, service, and creativity will be a perfect accent to your wedding celebration.”

Thanks Mike!

Stay tuned to Real Weddings Magazine for more guest bloggers with expert tips!

For more information on Creative Memories Entertainment, visit them at www.creativememoriesdj.com or call 916-344-7000.

Also be sure to check out Mike’s profile on Real Weddings Magazine and check out his blog!

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photo courtesy of Mike Anderson, Creative Memories Entertainment.

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