Beach Wedding

So you want to get married on the beach, a destination wedding maybe? The best things about traveling to your destination are first, inclusive resorts offer extra wedding/honeymoon packages. Second, simple works great… you already have remarkable scenery and lastly, no traveling to your vacation destination after the wedding, you’re already there. Simple decor hung from the white garden chairs really pop.

Teal and aqua fabrics adds to the natural beauty.

Archways, trellises, white voile…simple, easy… whatever you like. Cocktail tables with plain linens or bright colors, it won’t take much to make this the most breathtaking view of your life.

Top it off with a heart castle in the sand and rose petals. A memory you’ll never forget and your pictures will be amazing.

Topiaries

Topiaries are an easy way to create a remarkable centerpiece. You can make them as ornate or simple as you wish. You can change color, theme, style to match whatever event you want. Most importantly, they are relatively inexpensive and not hugely time consuming. Using a plastic floral base, ribbons and balloons, you can make one in about 20 minutes.

Once you practice a few times, with materials that are easily taken apart and rebuilt, so no waste or extra costs, you can start changing up how you make them.

They used a 3ft balloon on top here and wide ribbon tied beneath it. The balloon is weighted and Q60 balloons, in the size you choose are curled through.

Height is added here, just to give a different look. These would mostly like be helium inflated to keep them up better. Otherwise you’d run the risk of them toppling over.

This I love, a colorful twist on the original, using balloons that are not inflated, building a base and letting different color tissue paper pop out at the bottom.

Here are a few variations to try or give you ideas to try and come up with your own.

Q60 balloons, different materials for stems, box “present” bases, double bubble balloons, shaped balloons, wrapped weights and light strand with battery packs are used in the above. I hope you love these as much as I do. Have fun creating!!!

Character themed events…

From a Cinderella wedding to a Mad Hatter tea party Birthday, putting your own twist on classic stories for your themed events… balloon sculptures can help you create an entire theme easily, air filled balloons are a great way to make and unbelievably great piece add a few card board characters and you have something like this… or a balloon archway to transform a room…

How about a Sleeping Beauty Birthday?

Custom cakes can be made for any idea you have or any event you want.

Elaborate centerpieces can be designed and displayed to wow your guests…

Finally, the effect to take the cake, quite literally… Disney interactive wedding cakes, directly licensed by Disney.

Check out the Disney Wedding site for more info.

https://www.disneyweddings.com/ever-after-blog/disney-wedding-cake-projection-mapping

Make your event truly spectacular and ask your event coordinator to help you design the event of your dreams. Anything you can think of can be made to come to life.

Adult Summer Fun

It is time to dive right into an adult pool party! Nothing says summer like staying cool at the pool. We a few ideas to help you throw a successful  adult pool party:

Using  hand-written invitations will keep your guest list down.

Offer your guests  ice-cold cocktails  upon their arrival. This will help put your guests at ease.

Set up candles around the entire outdoor area. Hang strings of lights to create a summer feel. Make sure to place lotions, bottles of sunscreen and towels in the bathroom. That way, your guests can freshen up. Don’t forget the bug spray !

Partydnd.com

Don’t forget  the summer float for the pool! How about floating boom box  for your music?

Set up several mini serving stations so high traffic areas won’t get congested . This will make it easier for your guests to mingle and have fun.  Think fun, bright, creative foods and drinks for your guests. Provide alcoholic beverages  as well as non- alcoholice ones.

Pottery Barn

Kitchen Dreaming

Set up a comfortable  lounge area for your non-swimmers .

Use colorful plastic tableware. That way there will be less dishes to clean  and guests will be safe. No one  wants to see a glass break around a pool.

Try filling up a floating device with ice cold beverages on ice. Let it float.. so guests can grab a drink without  having to get out of the pool.

Dive in to some creative fun with your party!

 

Designing The Perfect Summer Party

 

Summertime has been the time for relaxation and fun for many years. We grow up enjoying summers away from school as a time to enjoy not having the responsibility of school work. No wonder there are still so many adults who look forward to this time of the year and summer entertaining.

Here are some of our ideas for creative summer entertaining.  

Turn a weeknight BBQ dinner into something special.  Tie a sheet up in a tree and invest in a portable projector.  Hooked up to your laptop, you can host your own alfresco outdoor movie night. Turn your backyard into your own private theatre. Setup the hammock, and arrange outdoor furniture.  Throw pillows and blankets on the grass.  Serve some  movie theatre cuisine with a twist ! Think  truffled  popcorn, sliders, and homemade sodas.

 

 

 

Picnic blankets don’t need to be red and white gingham.  Why not bring your oriental outside and patchwork them on the lawn? As long as the weather is fair – bring indoor furniture outside for a special alfresco experience – dining tables, chairs, lamps – etc.  Alternatively, bring the outdoors in by repurposing gardening tools as serving pieces for a summer salad station.  We love using gardening trowels as spoons for an outdoorsylook and feel.  And it goes without saying that the spoils of summer – flowers, foliage, fruits, and vegetables – are a reminder of the season.

 

 

 

Ice Cream has so many flavors and new artisanal vendors these days! Adults and children alike will enjoy a good old-fashioned Ice Cream Social.  Get creative with boozy ice cream creations for grownups like Bourbon Vanilla Milkshakes. Get out your soda glasses!

Keep it simple, but undeniably elegant by incorporating antique elements into your table decor. Crystal glasses and aged golden candle holders sitting on top of a bare picnic table combine to present a rustic, yet graceful setting. Building on this idea, use flowers to add pops of color to your party. Lights…..Use lots of lights!

 

 

Beers, sodas, and wines don’t need to be chilled in ugly coolers.  Presentation is obviously everything – think about what you might have in your home that could be repurposed as coolers. Wheelbarrows, inflatable kiddie pools, bathtubs, canoes, and rowboats are all great coolers when filled with ice and bottled drinks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to expect when you are not expecting….when the RSVP’s have failed you!

First, don’t panic… While you should have a seasoned event professional on staff who would have foreseen this issue, you may not have had such a luxury.  So here’s the facts to any late arrivals and unplanned guests. People may or may not include their plus one on the card when they send it back, circumstances change and you always have friends and family who are habitually late. When planning for your big day you have to include these minor set backs and shrug it off as something that happens and you cannot control.  Make sure to never limit your space. The venue you choose should never be at max capacity to your guests. Cut them a break and leave some wiggle room. You should always have this discussion with your caterer when you are planning out your meal selection and they can guide you and let you know the appropriate amount of “extra” servings to allow for. If you are having seating cards and assigned tables, leave a few tables near the door marked as reserved, these can be used for late arrivals and unexpected guests. Though you didn’t know they were coming, you never want guests to feel that they are a burden and at the 11th hour you don’t want to scramble for seats. Always leave a few seating cards blank for these last minute write ins and have places set like you knew they’d show. If you don’t have an event planner, put SOMEONE ELSE in charge. This is your day and a friend or family member will willingly help out and escort unexpected guests to seats they can fill.

Interview with Amy Lewis and her fab company…Makeup by Amy Lewis

 

 

 

is the owner of the Michigan based  company, Makeup by Amy Lewis, and seriously one of the sweetest and most talented women I know.  In this interview Amy and I discuss how her career started, what makes her unique, and top questions brides should ask their Makeup artists. Go grab yourself a cup of something good and enjoy!

 

 

Tell us something about yourself and your business.

I am a professional makeup artist/business owner of Makeup by Amy
Lewis. I live in Monroe, MI but I am able to travel to all parts of Southeast
Michigan and Northwest Ohio. In the past I have worked for MAC Cosmetics, and
now freelance for cosmetic company Benefit. I graduated from the
University of Toledo with my Bachelor’s degree, which has helped me greatly in
running a successful business.

I take pride in providing the greatest on-site beauty experience for the bride who wants
refreshingly modern, yet naturally classic bridal makeup styling. Working with
brides and the bridal party is such a lovely experience. Being part
of the excitement that morning is an extraordinary feeling and its so
satisfying for me to see a woman transformed into a confident, glowing bride. I
specialize in makeup for Weddings, Photography, & Special Events.

 

How did you decide to become a makeup artist? Who or what inspired you to become involved in
profession?

My fierce passion for makeup began at a young age. I distinctly recall discovering my mom’s makeup bag for
the first time. I began digging through it as if it were a treasure chest,
examining each item with great curiosity and wonder. That eventually led me to
the MAC counter where I would linger and watch the artists working on their
clients, taking note of their techniques and color choices. I made it my goal
to become a glamorous MAC Makeup Artist one day. I went on to make this goal
many years later, and realized my potential to share my talent with people
outside of the realm of retail. My favorite part of being a makeup artist is
not just the transformation, but showing my client the finished look. The look
of absolute amazement in her eyes and the smile on her face are things I will
never stop enjoying. I especially appreciate the honor of a bride including me
in her wedding day and trusting me to make her look incredibly stunning on her
wedding day. Every day I feel very lucky and privileged to have a job I simply
love doing!

 

 

What makes you unique? What separates you from other makeup artists?

I think what makes me unique as a makeup artist is that I work with each of my brides one-on-one.
I enjoy getting to know my clients and their needs, that way we are both on the
same page and everyone is 100% happy. Having offered professional makeup
services for over five years, I’m able to interpret clients’
specifications and preferences to create gorgeous makeup styles.  My goal
is to give you elegant and polished makeup, putting your best face
forward, so you look and feel beautiful!

 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I find inspiration in magazines, beauty blogs, social media, photography,
and the red carpet. It’s also fun to visit Sephora and other cosmetic counters
to explore new products/colors!

 

                                                                                                                         

 

What should brides ask when booking you as their makeup artist?

Many brides’ first question is usually “how much?” While it is important to stick to your
budget, your makeup/hair is absolutely crucial on your wedding day. The
difference between everyday makeup and bridal makeup is there are different
products/techniques involved to allow the makeup to withstand heat, sweat,
tears, and a very long day. Most brides invest quite a bit in their
photographer that all goes to waste if your makeup does not photograph well. I
cannot tell you how many people I’ve met that regret not hiring a professional
makeup artist for their wedding. I even hired a trusted professional for my own
wedding day!

 

 

Some questions you should ask those you are considering to provide makeup for you on
the biggest day of your life:

 

1)    What products/brands are in your kit?
2)    Are you licensed/certified?
3)    Do you provide airbrush makeup or hand-applied makeup?
4)    Will you travel to me?
5)    How much experience do you have doing weddings? What style of
bridal makeup do you like best?

6)    If you have any skin concerns (oily, dry, rosacea, acne) you
should ask for their advice and what they recommend to decrease these issues.

7)    Are you able to accommodate large bridal parties?

 

How can future clients contact you?

I can be reached at 419-704-6981 Monday- Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. You can also email
me anytime at makeupbyamylewis@gmail.com.
If you’d like to read reviews and check out my most recent work, please visit
my page http:www.facebook.com/makeupbyamylewis. My online portfolio can be
viewed at www.promakeupbyamy.carbonmade.com

 

Thanks Amy!
 

 

 

 

 

Pretty Passover Ideas…..

Happy Passover to all of our friends that celebrate!!

Various Venues For The Occasions…

http://Ilovefashionnews.com

Any number of buildings and locations can make a perfect wedding reception venue! Picking which venue will likely be one of the most difficult decisions of your entire planning process. Here are some ideas to help out. Ideally, this process should be started a year prior to the event!

Hotel wedding reception. There are so many different types of hotel that there’s likely to be something for everyone. Having accommodations for you and your guests is a big plus!

Historic wedding reception . This choice offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the use of a stunning building.

http://people.com

Restaurant wedding reception. Food and drink are among the main ingredients for a successful wedding reception! You’re more likely to find a good match if your wedding party is smaller.

Sports or social club wedding reception. Different types of club premises can be perfect for a wedding reception. Many offer a stunning location.

Tented wedding reception. If you have access to spacious gardens or other outdoor space, a tented wedding could be worth considering.

BEAUTIFUL COLOR PALETTES FOR THE EVENT

Gone are the days of unified weddings. Create a color palette for your big day. Include 3-5 different colors and neutrals you would like to incorporate. This makes it a lot easier when coordinating all of your pieces. It is so much easier to find complimentary colors rather than exact matches.