WEDDINGISTAS | A Wedding Blog from Two Connecticut Wedding Planners

Vendor Spotlight: Hair Chateau

 

Images: Michael Maler Photography

Not that our ladies needed much work, but we had some very talented hair and make up artists on hand to keep them looking their best. Leanne Harpin prepared the ladies with flawless make-up.  She incorporated subtle purple cues on the eyes to match the bridesmaids deep purple dresses. They looked absolutely beautiful.  For our bride, she kept the look very light and simple, as to not take away from the drama of the wedding gown.

Our hairstylist Tina Pace from Hair Chateau was an absolute joy to work with as well. For the bridesmaids, she did simple, yet elegant styles.  I was absolutely in love with the side swept hair style that ELizabeth (blonde model) wore. It looked so amazing that I will probably go in asking for the same style one day. For our bride, her hair down was styled down with soft waves. She added some volume up top and added in three crystal hairpins in the back, in lieu of a veil.

If you are looking for an amazing hair stylist for your wedding day (or any day) please contact Tina at 203. 248.3761. She is an absolute sweetheart and Hair Chateau is famous family run salon in Hamden, CT. Also, Leanne is located in Hamden, yet willing to travel! Don't hesitate to contact her at leanneharpin@aol.com.

A big thanks to Leanne Harpin for the artistically stunning make up. You are truly a talented!

Tina, thank you so much for your flexibility, fashion sense and overall beautiful work on our models. It was a great pleasure to work with you!

Vintage Photo Shoot Part II

Yesterday you saw Part I for our vintage Connecticut photo shoot. As promised, we have Part II to share with you today!

Photography: Michael Maler Photography

Videography: Bruno St. Jerome

Florist: Braach''s House of Flowers, South Norwalk

Rentals: Events Party & Tent Rental, Georgetown

Venue: Inn at National Hall, Westport

Stationery: Lassod Moon Designs

Gown: Alfred Angelo

Bridesmaids: Two Birds Bridesmaids

Hair: Tina Pace, Hair Chateau, Hamden

Make-Up: Leanne Harpin, New Haven

Chocolate: Chocopologie, South Norwalk

Coordination and Design: Weddingistas

Vintage Photo Shoot Part I

Weddingistas teamed up with some of the best vendors in Connecticut (and beyond!) to work on an amazing bridal photo shoot. Over the next week, we will be featuring the gorgeous shoot as well as the vendors who helped it come to life. We posted an inspiration board not too long ago that helped to pull our theme together.  It is so fun to see how inspiration can become reality!

Photography: Michael Maler Photography

Videography: Bruno St. Jerome

Florist: Braach's House of Flowers, South Norwalk

Rentals: Events Party & Tent Rental, Georgetown

Venue: Inn at National Hall, Westport

Stationery: Lassod Moon Designs

Gown: Alfred Angelo

Bridesmaids: Two Birds Bridesmaids

Hair: Tina Pace, Hair Chateau, Hamden

Make-Up: Leanne Harpin, New Haven

Coordination and Design: Weddingistas

Chocolate: Chocopologie, South Norwalk

(Fritz Knipschildt provided the yummy gourmet truffles. Knipschildt Chocolatier was voted as 'one of the top 3 chocolates in the world' by Gourmet Magazine. Needless to say, if you're ever in the South Norwalk area it's a must stop... even if it's just for coffee and truffles. It's so conveniently located near Braach's House of Flowers too! It's one of Jenny's favorite places to go.)

And we aren't done yet. Check back soon for part II and be sure to let us know what you think below!

Sunday Sweepstakes: Weddings by Chris Leary Photography

 

 

Here we are, yet another Sunday’s sweepstakes we are thrilled to share with our readers! The fabulously talented Chris Leary of Weddings by Chris Leary Photography in New York is hosting his annual wedding photography contest.  In 2009, Chris requested couples write an essay based on “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” This year, Chris wants every couple to write an essay or send a video link, as to why they would like to win the free wedding photography giveaway but with no specific theme or structure. That means you have free reign to be as creative as possible to win this!

The grand prize includes: 

• 8 hours photography by Chris Leary 
• 8 hours photography by an additional photographer 
• All travel expenses within 150 mile radius of New York, NY (10001) 
• Proofs posted online 
• 1 11×14 signed print 
• 1 copy of all the final images delivered via disc (delivery of the final disc will be within 4 weeks after the wedding)

  

 Images: Weddings by Chris Leary Photography

Value: $3,000.00

Promotional period ends: February 28, 2010

I love Chris’s approach: “We are photojournalists who specialize in weddings.” And specialize they do! Visit his website if you need some convincing!

Please note: This contest is valid for any wedding date starting on March 8, 2010 through March 1, 2011. It’s possible that a winner can be chosen without a firm or set wedding date, but you need to understand that any of Chris Leary’s previously booked weddings take precedence.

To enter or read more about the contest, click here to be brought to Chris’s blog.

The lucky winner will be chosen on March 7, 2010!

Valentine Boudoir Sessions

I think that boudoir sessions are smoking hot. So hot, we included one in our photo shoot that we did with some local Connecticut vendors (keep an eye out for that hot post!). If you aren't familiar with a boudoir session, check out one of our sexiest posts that helps explain what it is all about. You'll also find some great tips on how to relax from our photographer friend, Leah Stafford from Intimate Boudoir.  

But if you are looking for that special, Valentine's Day gift for your hunny, why not consider an intimate boudoir session? Just imagine the look on his face when he opens his gift to find page after page of sultry, sophisticated, sassy pictures of you! Well, if you are in the Connecticut area, you are in luck. Our good friends Mike and Marcie from Michael Maler Photography have a Valentine's Day boudoir session special going on, right now!

Image: Michael Maler Photography

Book before February 1st and receive a one hour private session with Mike and Marcie, professional makeup, and 25 retouched images (we all need a little help, right?). For that perfect gift, you can choose their premium package which includes a personalized photo book. So he can come back to it time and time again. Prices start at $300. They are bound to book up fast, especially with Valentine's Day around the corner, so be sure to contact them soon and be sure to tell them that Weddingistas sent you. You call them at 203-906-5587 or email at mmaler@gmail.com. 

Now what to wear...or not!

Custom Designed Photo-Booth

Weddings are all about personalization, customization, anything and everything that's uniquely you. So, why wouldn't you have an artist design a personal, custom, unique photo-booth (or more like room) for your wedding or special event? It would certainly add another dimension of entertainment.  

 

What is the Custom Designed Photo-Booth?

It’s a mobile photography studio; complete with a custom designed set that provides fun entertainment for your guests. It has a similar, yet modern twist to the old-fashioned, arcade style photo-booths.  It’s expandable for groups of any size and uses studio/stage lighting; which, as you can tell from the photos down below - everyone looks really good!

What does "Custom Designed" mean?

During their consultation, clients are asked a number of questions about their personal styles and tastes. They are also shown pictures of paintings, sculptures, architecture and various other design elements that help to inspire the initial design. Then, Thomas Marlow works with a number of artists to produce the photo-booth set-design that reflects that inspiration.

How does it work?

Guest’s trigger the camera with a wireless remote (in some of the photos pictured, you can see it in their hands), giving them complete creative control. The images are instantly displayed in high-resolution for everyone to see. Afterward, all of the images are uploaded to an on-line gallery for your guests to view and order prints and/or JPEGs.

How much does it cost?

Custom Designed Photo-Booth commissions begin at $2500.00. The basic commission includes the consultation with the bride and groom, design conception, production, delivery, setup, unlimited hours and management at the event and online print-ordering gallery.  If interested, it can be further customized with projectors, instant prints and a variety of props for guests to play with. 

I feel like creating this high quality platform for your photo-booth would inspired your guests to go above and beyond for their poses/photos. Check out some of these great shots, the guests seem to be having a so much fun...

   

   

 Images: Thomas Marlow

I couldn't resist spotlighting this last image - it instantly brings me back to the good ol' boy band days. Which one is your favorite?  

Anyway, if this seems like something that would be perfect for your wedding, contact Thomas Marlow and get yourself started on this very cool project.   

 
  

Trash the Dress... in the rain

Check out this beautiful Trash the Dress (TTD) session by Image Photography & Video with newlyweds, Tina & AJ. Tina was kind enough to share her insights into the decisions she made, implementation of the shoot and her overall opinion on her TTD... 

Why did you decide to opt for a TTD session?

I decided to do a Trash the Dress session while researching a photographer for my wedding. I came across really creative pictures and thought it was a fun idea. I asked my photographer about it and she said she would love to do one, but could never find a bride willing to do it. So I was her first and we had a blast - I loved my photographers! 

How did you pick where to shoot the session?

Recently, my cousin closed a retail store in downtown New Haven.  One Sunday afternoon we went in and began shooting in the empty store. All of a sudden it started to pour outside and we decided to do the rest of the shots in the rain. We definitely got some stares from everyone around us!

Where you worried about damaging your dress?

Not really. On my wedding day, the bottom of my gown was black from the grass. I figured if that came out with just a basic cleaning, the rain wasn't going make it worse.  And I was right, the rain didn't effect the dress at all.

How did your husband feel about being apart of the TTD?

AJ wasn't exactly thrilled about it, but he's pretty laid back and easy to convince to do anything - especially since he knew I was excited to do this.  He wasn't too happy during the shoot either, considering it was a monsoon and 49 degrees out!! We spent what seemed like an hour in the freezing rain and it took hours for us to feel warm again... but we had a blast and it was well worth it!

Would you recommend doing a TTD to other Brides?

I would tell any bride to do it because it makes for great photos/memories.  Trash the Dress sessions are a different way to express yourself - with bold colors, crazy venues, red lipstick, and sneakers! It allows you to be more creative than you're able to be on your wedding day.

 Images: Image Photography & Video

How awesome are these shots in the pouring rain?! Obviously, you can't control the weather. So, if you're dead-set on in having your TTD in the rain... I hope you and your photographers are flexible! 

 

 

Trash The Dress...For Real

 Get ready to have your mind blown! The amazing photographer (and friend of Weddingistas) Michael Maler has done something so amazing, I don't even know where to being. When you hear of a Trash the Dress session, you think of girls rolling around in the grass, getting a little dirty, maybe even jumping in some water. But this couple took it to the extreme and Mike was there to capture it all.

Take a deep breath...are you ready?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images: Mike Maler

She BURNED her DRESS! Can you believe it? This girl has got guts. For more from this shoot check out the mini-site Mike has created here. You can even check out an awesome video from the shoot on the site. It is so out there, but yet so tastefully done. Who knew that liquor, guns and fire would make for such a kick-ass Trash the Dress session?

You can check out more work from Michael Maler Photographer on his website, as well as on his blog.  Don't forget to follow him on Twitter too (@mmaler). I can only image what he has up his sleeves for a project we are working on in a few weeks....(insert evil laughter here).

We want to know what you think! Would you go this far?

Brides Against Breast Cancer

I love to hear when the wedding industry matches up with a charitable cause. In the past, we’ve shared with you some of our favorite charities that you can donate to at your wedding in lieu of a favor. But recently, I was contacted by the fabulous photographer Heather Parker who told me about a great idea of hers called “Not Quite So Trash The Dress”.

Heather is looking for ladies who are interested in donating their wedding gown to charity and/or donating money to Brides Against Breast Cancer (Making Memories). In return, she is giving you a discount on some very cool photos (link to her photos). Think of it as a “Trash the Dress” or “The Day After” session with out really trashing your dress—just one last hurrah before it goes off for a good cause. If you’d rather keep your dress, you can always make a tax deductible donation and still receive the discount.

Now, Heather is located in Chicago, so if you are in that area this is perfect for you. However, she is originally from Boston and is occasionally back in the  New England area for weddings. You can contact her by phone here: 773-295-4292 (Chicago) or 617-297-2457 or email her at hparker@gmail.com. She is also on twitter: @hparker. Be sure to follow her! Below are some of my favorite photos from her!

 

The First Look

From day one I was told that the bride should not see the groom before the wedding. It’s bad luck. That the first time you lay eyes on each other should be when you are walking down the aisle. I still love this idea and the romance behind it. For our ceremony, my husband wanted to be blown away when he saw me walk down the aisle. He didn’t want to know anything about my dress, my hair, my flowers, anything. He just wanted to wait until I turned the corner to walk down the aisle. He’s quite the romantic one! I have to say that it was a very special moment for me as well.

But I have seen and heard more and more brides seeing their soon-to-be husbands prior to the ceremony. I think the biggest reason behind doing so is that you can get a good majority of your pictures out of the way, so that you have more time to spend with your guests at the cocktail hour. I think this is a great idea. I also just like the chance for the bride and the groom to have a few private moments together where they can just take it all in. Trust me, the day flies by before you know it!

If you are considering seeing your fiancé before your ceremony, you should make sure your photographer is there to catch it. The facial expressions are truly priceless. Check out the photos below to see what I mean!

Are you thinking about seeing each other before the ceremony? Leave a comment and tell us why!

Images: Rad Photographer

Images: Karatography

Check out these super sweet images from fellow blogger Erica from Green Shoes Wedding

Images: Kristin Byrum

The facial expressions on both of these grooms are too precious!

Images: Robert and Kathleen Photographers







Image: Raw Photo Design


Images: Kate Ardner