wedding style

Friday, July 10, 2015

Real Wedding: Miranda Lyn Archer and Dominic Tassi

"Dominic and I met through my sister. I don’t want to say it was love at first sight, but there was definitely something we both felt the first time we laid eyes on each other. We immediately connected and continued to develop our relationship until finally going on our first date to Seasons 52, where we consequently had our rehearsal dinner.

"We fell in love just a few short weeks later over Mexican food and margaritas in our hometown of Arlington Heights, and I knew he was ‘the one.’ I had surprised Dominic with a long weekend stay at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and he went and surprised me with a proposal the first night of our trip! I was so overjoyed and excited that I don’t even remember exactly everything he said during his proposal, but I know it was absolutely perfect.

"We opted for a hometown affair. A childhood friend of mine and singer-songwriter, Ashley England, sang three hand picked songs for our precessional and recessional. I was escorted down the aisle by my little sister and my Godfather with my late father’s ring tied to my bouquet as a tribute to him. I was so nervous to walk down the aisle without my dad by my side, but having two of my best friends (Dominic and our best friend who officiated) at the end of the aisle made it easier.

"We exchanged self-penned vows and the entire crowd roared with laughter when I vowed to 'in good times and bad, always root for the Cyclones.' After the service, we walked back down the aisle to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are The Best Thing” as newlyweds.

"Sequined taupe tablecloths, lamour taupe napkins, silver glittered chargers and ivory hydrangea, rose, tulip and anemone centerpieces created a neutral glam look in the ballroom’s loft space. Guests had the option of choosing between two signature cocktails, named for our Pitbull-Mix rescues, Jace and Penny. When we were introduced into our reception as husband and wife, I could not believe all of the smiling faces standing and applauding our love to each other. It was so amazing to see all of the people who had traveled states and states to come celebrate us and our new life together.

"The second the dance floor opened, it was FILLED and did not empty until the minute the reception ended. Ever since Dom was little he has always played the piano and aspired after Billy Joel and Elton John, so it was especially awesome when everyone at our reception joined in a circle around us dancing to "Piano Man" -- the final song of the evening. It was such an amazing feeling to be dancing there with my husband and be literally surrounded by all of our closest family and friends. It was such an unforgettable feeling and a memory we will cherish forever." -- Miranda Lyn Tassi

Vendors:

Ceremony + Reception Site: Metropolis Ballroom / Photography + Videography: George Street Photo & Video / Officiant: Friend of Bride and Groom / Wedding Planner: Events by Miranda Lyn / Bride’s Gown: David’s Bridal / Hair: DreamDry Lincoln Park / Makeup: Rebekah Veen / Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN / Formalwear: Macy’s / Stationary: Alisa Bobzien / Floral and Ceremony Backdrop: Kio Kreations / Catering: Elegante Cuisine, Metropolis Ballroom / Ceremony Musicians: Ashley England + Linzy Westman / Reception Entertainment: Matt Stedman Band / Cake: Gladstone Bakery / Rentals: BBJ Table Fashions

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

4 Post-Wedding Thank You Gifts for Mom and Dad

Image by Salvatore Cincotta Photography

Whether they contribute financially or not, parents have a lot to do with how a wedding pans out. From helping with planning to paying for the bar, to listening to you freak out while you shove half a pizza in your face -- your parents have stayed strong and helpful through the whole process. While a nice thank you note might suffice for Aunt Marge, your parents deserve a little more.

1. Frame Their Invitation
Nothing says "I love you" like custom work. Having your invitation or stationery suite framed for your parents is a great way to say thanks for everything that they've done. Their names are probably on it -- yours certainly is. It's a great reminder of both the big day and everything leading up to it.

Look into local framers, like Artful Framer Studios, to see what options are available. Custom frames come in a multitude of colors, textures, materials and designs. Pick one that suits both your invitation and their living room. Every time they look at it, they'll see their little girl/boy standing at the alter on the happiest day of her/his life.

2. Spa Day
It's no shocker that wedding planning is stressful. There's the decision-making, the designing, the seat arranging, the budget reigning, etc. And for every bit of strain you feel, your parents are feeling it, too. They want your wedding to be as perfect as you do. Thank them for taking this journey with you by having a relaxing spa day together. Get massages, have your nails done, maybe get a facial to keep that newlywed glow going. Places like Spa in Your Space even come to you! Look at that -- you even save your parents the stress of driving.

3. Paint the Town Red
Maybe your version of relaxing is more about getting out and having some fun. Be a tourist in your own city for a day and visit all your favorite spots. Head to the Art Institute of Chicago, and swing by the Bean. Maybe have some deep dish pizza and grab some delicious Garrett's Popcorn for the way home. There's no place like sweet home Chicago. Your parents will be thrilled to spend a day with you that doesn't involve tying ribbons around favors.

4. Dance the Night Away
Everyone loves dancing. Even if they say they don't, they probably do -- they're just shy. After all the romance of a wedding, surprise your parents with the gift of dance lessons. Arthur Murray Dance Centers have nine (seriously, nine) locations all over the city and suburbs, and they teach different styles of dance everyday. Your parents can rumba, swing, or fun trot their way to post-wedding fun. They'll enjoy picking up some new steps and spending time together. Plus, they'll be the hippest old people at the next wedding in the family.

Your parents love you and do everything they can to make sure that your day is perfect. Don't forget to say thanks in a truly meaningful way!

What do you plan to give your parents as a thank you gift after your wedding?

Monday, July 6, 2015

How to Find A Makeup Artist for Your Wedding Day

GUEST POST BY DANA SCHUSTER, OWNER OF CLARITY MAKE UP ARTISTRY

One of the most important days of a bride's life is her wedding day. In our minds we have a story that we have carried in our hearts for a very long time. It doesn't matter if the wedding will take place in a big venue or a small ceremony in your backyard; it is a time to celebrate true love.

The pressure is high and every second counts in preparing for your wedding day. A bride wants to feel good and look beautiful on that special day. When your search starts in looking for a makeup artist, there are a couple things to consider:

Personality

You want to be sure that you do a trial with your makeup artist at least 4-6 weeks before the big day. This will not only set the stage so things run smoothly on your wedding day, but also will identify if the makeup artist's personality is the right fit for you. You don't want to spend a lot of up close and personal time with someone if your styles are totally different. A makeup artist should be professional and have excellent communication skills.

Experience and Training

I believe that education is important, as well as experience. Ask your makeup artist to see examples of her prior work. Every makeup artist should shave a look book or portfolio they can share with you. This not only displays their experience, but also their style. Be sure to ask how long they have been a makeup artist and where they got their training.

Technology changes all the time so do the current makeup trends. Ask your makeup artist if she has experience with mature skin and knowledge of color theory. Most bridal parties will have people of all ages and all different skin tones. You may also want to ask if she knows how to work with problem skin. Your makeup artist should be trained in all aspects of artistry. Color correction is very important to know when working with clients for the first time, especially under tight time constraints. Everyone brings something beautiful and unique to the wedding that day. If someone from your bridal party has problem skin or wants to hide a scar, your makeup artist should know how to adjust their techniques to each individual need.

Ask your makeup artist about their products. Do they have makeup for all skin types and do they use camera ready makeup? It is important to use the right product for the right reason. Some makeup might not have the pigment or texture that is right for the bride's big day.

Budget

One of the first questions most brides ask a makeup artist is: "What is the cost for your services?" You may wonder what is it that you are paying for. You are paying for their time, creativity and their use of product. Your makeup artist should be able to tell you the price of the trial and the prices for the actual wedding day. There may be extra costs for lashes, airbrush makeup, or additional makeup services. You can also expect to have a cost for mileage depending on distance from their place of work to yours. Be sure to ask if there are additional costs for mileage.

The amount of time you invest with your search for your makeup artist will surely pay off in the end on your wedding day. You will feel comfortable knowing that you and your makeup artist got everything out of the way in the trial and communicated all your needs up front.

Dana Schuster is a Freelance Makeup Artist with over 10 years experience under her belt working with brides in the Chicagoland area preparing them for their special day. She is also the owner of Clarity Make Up Artistry. She’s worked with MAC, Bobbi Brown and Senna Cosmetics, and is a state-certified makeup artist by Makeup First, LLC. For more information on Clarity Makeup Artistry, email dana@claritymakeupartistry.com or call 630-802-2991.

VENDORS

Photography: Mark Serrano / Makeup + Hair: Dana Schuster, Clarity Makeup Artistry / Designer: C. Rinella Designs / Model: Iryna Kindelevych

Article originally published in VS Chicago