Wedding Planning with Pinterest: Who to follow?

This week I've been posting all about Pinterest.  Today, I want to talk about how to use Pinterest to find inspiration.  It's SO easy.  So, you're already using the "Pin It" button to pull inspiring images from all over the web.  Maybe you're an advanced (read: addicted) user and you've got the iPhone App.  In any case, you're using Pinterest to keep your inspiration organized.  So, what else can you do?  Follow people!  Not just your bff, mom, and grandma are using Pinterest!  Tastemakers, designers, bloggers (and just about everyone) is as well.  So, here are some suggestions to get you started!

Top 10 People to Follow on Pinterest 

(for wedding inspiration)

1. Courtney Spencer: Owner of Merriment Events™. Blogging at the merriment blog. www.themerrimentblog.com.  Courney has a lot of great boards, including "Rustic Elegant," full of pins to inspire brides with outdoor or garden weddings.

2. Style Me Pretty: Bringing chic, stylish weddings to the masses.  I love their "Wedding Cocktails" board with tons of signature cocktail ideas and recipes!

3. The Perfect Palette: A wedding blog dedicated to exploring color palette possibilities + a place to find fun + creative color ideas! With over 24,000 followers, 112 Boards, and 6,000 "Pins," you are bound to be inspired!

4. BRIDEfinds:  Wedding enthusiast -- by job & hobby.  

5.Green Wedding Shoes / Jen: Editor + Creative Director of Green Wedding Shoes. 

6. Martha Stewart Weddings:  Ideas, inspiration, and the inside scoop from the editors of Martha Stewart Weddings.

7.  Gayle McConnell: I especially love her "beach wedding," board.

Local Favorites

8. Bayside Bride: The Annapolis Wedding Inspiration Guide & Vendor Resource. 

9. Stephanie Bradshaw's "Weddings & Parties" board.  Bradshaw is a Charm City resident and creative director at bradshawstyling.com.  She is also a lifestyle blogger.

10. Katie McDonough Kutil: owner/designer of Petal & Print - custom fabric flowers and papery delights.

I should also mention, if you'd like to follow me on Pinterest, you can find me there! 

Happy Pinning!

Get Started and Organized with Pinterest

As I recently posted, Pinterest is a great tool for planning a wedding.  And like most things on the web, it is what you make of it.  (For basic information on how to use Pinterest, visit their help page here).

1. Create Pinboards with clear labels.  (Just as you would use tabs in a binder).  You can create an infinite number of boards, so get as specific as you need.  Examples: Bridesmaids dresses, Bouquets, Invitations.  You can then start pinning images from around the web (or already on Pinterest) to your boards.  You may want to create a "miscellaneous" board for pins that don't quite fit elsewhere.  You can always move pins off of that board in the future.

2. Install the "Pin It" button.  You can find details and instructions here.  It takes 2 seconds.  This will allow you to pull images from virtually any website.  This is a great tool when visiting wedding blogs for inspiration.    You no longer have to bookmark everything!  Pinterest will take the image (linking back to the website it came from automatically) and pin it to any board you'd like.  

Visit Roost to learn how to pin politely.

3.  Be sure to label your pins clearly.  Labeling is important for you and other pinners (including your friends) to find these pins in searches.  To get more into the intricacy of pinning and pinning etiquette, see this and that.  As you use Pinterest more, you'll see why this is important. 

4. Get creative!  Pins are just that, pins.  They can be removed, rearranged, re-pinned, etc.  So, feel free to pin "crazy" ideas.  Its all about inspiration!  Pins don't have to fit your budget, wedding theme, or any other limitation.  Anything you like is "pin worthy," so pin away!

Check back tomorrow for more Pinteresting tips!  Happy Pinning!

Get on [a Pinterest] Board!

If you're planning a wedding and you're not using Pinterest.  Get on board!  Seriously.  I assume that everyone has been using this fab inspirational/organizational/social website, but have discovered that many of you still haven't heard the good word!

So, huh, what's Pinterest?  Its a handy website (and iphone App) for collecting and sharing images/things you find interesting on the web.  You can label those images called "pins" onto different boards or pin-boards.  So instead of collecting images from magazines and trying to organize them in binder or scrapbooks, you can do it all online.  Better yet, you can share them with friends!

Much like Facebook or Twitter.  You can "follow" people and they can "follow" you.  The Pinterest homepage features a Pin Feed which allows you to see the recently added pins by those you follow.  You can then "like" (think Facebook), comment on, or re-pin those pins to your own boards.  You can even "tag" someone on a pin.  Come across the perfect bridesmaids dresses on Pinterest?  You can let your maid of honor know right away by "tagging" her in a pin comment or label.

So, scoot on over to Pinterest to "request" an invitation.  But, be warned, its addictive and you may lose track of time regularly!  For tips on how to use Pinterest in your wedding planning, check back tomorrow.  More to come...

Happy Pinning!

Bridal Show Season- How to prepare?

Baltimore Bride Magazine's Aisle Style

Now that you have decided which bridal shows to attend this season, make sure you are prepared to get the most out of your time (and money).  Here are some tips to help make bridal shows a piece of cake:

1. Have an empty tote.  Be sure to have a bag to carry all of the informational brochures, business cards, information packets, etc you will want to take home.  If you are attending a big show, you will be amazed by the amount of literature you'll be carrying around.

2.  Have a notebook and pen.  Of course, a lot of information will be provided by the vendor in promotional materials.  But you may want to make notes about particular vendors you liked, specific services they provide, price quotes, or questions you had answered.  If you're an overachiever, bring a fine point Sharpie- that way you can write on any surface, including glossy promotional literature.

3. Have calling cards.  Either your business cards, personal calling cards, or self-printed labels with your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.  Most vendors will already have this information when you register to attend, but if there is a particular vendor you are interested in, be sure they receive one.  Vendors may offer discounts or giveaways to brides they meet at particular events.

4. Have a check book.  For the most part, you'll just be learning about vendors.  But, you never know what you may find- the perfect photographer with limited availability.  There are only 52 weekends in a year and vendors can fill up fast.  Also, some vendors have "show only specials."  In order to receive a discounted rate, you must make a deposit during the show.  Don't be afraid to ask vendors if they have any show promotions.

5. Have a camera.  Be ready to take photos of fashion shows, wedding vignettes, cakes, etc.  Inspiration abound, you'll want to be able to review later.  Also, take photos of the booths of any vendors you were particularly interested in.  It will be an easy visual reminder of conversations or thoughts you may have had.  At the end of the day it may be difficult to keep things clear after collecting so many business cards, a booth photo should provide you with basic information, such as the vendor's name.

6. Have comfortable shoes.   Ladies, I'm not kidding.  You're going to be standing and walking for hours, carrying a bunch of brochures, catalogs, and magazines - don't miss out by distracting foot pain or having to leave early.  Most door prizes or raffles are announced later in the show and you must be present to win.

7. Have an entourage.  Bring people who have opinions you trust.  Consider people who have a sense of style or taste you admire, people who are good with negotiations or making financial decisions, and people who are good with keeping your needs in mind.  I mention that last one as we all have friends and family who are good at deciding what they'd like, make sure your posse includes someone who not only knows you well but can advocate on your behalf.

8. Have a good time.  Wedding shows are full of great food, beautiful decor, and fun music.  Take a moment to enjoy the time with your friends and family.  Some shows will have a dance floor, don't hesitate to bust a move!  And remember if you're feeling overwhelmed, just step out and take a moment to yourself.

Bridal Show Season- Which to attend?

The beginning of the new year- days are shorter, defrosting your windshield is a daily occurrence, the gym is suddenly crowded, and everyone is hosting a bridal show.  That's right, its bridal show season!  Of course, you can't hit them all, so how do you decide?  Well first, here is a run down of some of the upcoming bridal shows in the Baltimore area:

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Bridal Show. Jan 7th. Stevensville, MD.
Great Bridal Expo. Jan 7th. Baltimore, MD.

Timonium Bridal Expo.  Jan 7th & 8th.  Timonium, MD.

Delmarva Bridal Showcase.  Jan 8th.  Salisbury, MD.
Baltimore Museum of Industry's Annual Bridal Show. Jan 10th. Baltimore, MD.
Here Comes The Bride... and Groom Wedding Expo. Jan 15th. Linthicum Heights, MD.

Eastern Shore Bridal Extravaganza.  Jan 15th.  Easton, MD.
Turf Valley's Bridal Extravaganza.  Jan 20th.  Ellicott City, MD.  

Baltimore Bride Magazine's Aisle Style.  Jan 29th.  Pikesville, MD.

Embassy Suites Hunt Valley Bridal Show.  Jan 29th.  Hunt Valley, MD.

Baltimore Bridal Show. February 4th & 5th. Baltimore, MD.
Winter Bridal Showcase.  Feb 19th.  Towson, MD.

So now that you realize its not physically possible to attend all the upcoming events in the Baltimore area (nor would you want to feel like a "bridezilla" for doing so), its time to make some decisions.  

Things to consider:

Location Location Location

If your venue is hosting a bridal show, you'll want to attend.  You will be able to spend more time in the space and experience a large event at your venue.  Also, most venues have relationships with specific vendors, especially caterers, so you will further get to know your vendors.  

You should attend a show in the area of your wedding.  For example, planning a wedding on the Eastern Shore?  You'll want to attend a bridal show across the bay.  Although many vendors provide services throughout the area, attending a show local to your venue will provide you an opportunity to meet local vendors whom you may not otherwise have the chance.

Do Your Homework

Remember, this is not only a way for you to discover new vendors, but also a way to do some one stop shopping.  Most event websites will list the vendors who will be exhibiting.  Think of the vendors you'd like to talk to and see which event will have the more of your perspective vendors.

Think about the sections of your planning left to do.  Have you planned the bridal party's attire? - Will this event have a fashion show?  Still considering a theme or color scheme? - Will this event have vignettes to inspire you?  And don't be afraid to contact the event host to get further details.

Size of Event (and You)

Maybe its just my background in psychology, but personality is something to consider (and not just yours, think of the family members and friends who may be tagging along).  Are you going to be excited or overwhelmed by a huge event?  Are you happy to push through crowds to find what you want?  Do you do better in intimate settings?  Would you rather have more individualized attention and compromise on the number of vendors?  It may seem inconsequential, but it can make a difference.  Sensory overload can be a real problem!

Use Your Friends

Have any newlywed friends?  Ask which shows they attended and what their experiences were.  Social media is another great way to get some advice.  Ask Facebook friends for some feedback and suggestions.  

Interviews with Baltimore Wedding Vendors

Over the past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to interview some great Baltimore wedding vendors.  I got the inside scoop on their businesses, plus some fantastic advice that every bride needs.  I wanted to make sure you guys (my awesome readers) didn't miss the opportunity to get the 411!  So, read up!  (Interviews are linked in purple).

Tara Parekh Photography

 Early this year, I had the chance to interview Tara Parekh of Tara Parekh Photography.  You don't want to miss this interview!  Tara gives us lots of tips on choosing a photographer and getting great wedding photos.

Balance Boudoir

I had a great two-part interview with Balance Boudoir Photography.  Rissa Miller, professional photographer, and Ashlee Riddle, hair stylist and owner of Up Do’s for I Do’s, tell us all about what they do at Balance Boudoir Photography.  Plus they gave us lots of tips for making the photo shoot experience comfortable and fun!

Julianne Smith, The Garter Girl

I loved talking to The Garter Girl, Julianne Smith, because her garters are handmade and a lot of what she does is custom.  Not to mention beautiful and eco-friendly!  Smith is also one of the editors of United With Love, a wedding blog for the D.C. area. 

Maria Louise High

In my interview with Maria Louise High, owner of Little Blue Studio, we talked about her lovely handmade fabric flowers.  The perfect accessory for the wedding day (or rehearsal dinner, or well, any day)!


I'm not sure if this "counts," but I did write a bit about my creative process , if you would like some insight into Alexandra Webb Jewelry (me)!  Of course, I am always posting about my custom bridal jewelry.

Garnish Boutique

I also got to sit down with my friend, Mia Antalics, owner of Garnish Boutique.  We talked about her business, trends in bridesmaids attire and tips for brides. 

Madeleine Homes, La Papillon Spa

I took a trip to La Papillon Spa in Lutherville to interview Madeleine Homes, spa owner, make-up artist, and "eyebrow whisperer."  We talked about all of the wonderful services she provides to brides and their maids.  In Part 2 of the interview, Homes gave us some great ideas on how to prepare for your wedding day and working with a make-up artist.

 Felicity C Weddings

I also got to interview Felicity Carmody of Felicity C Weddings.  She explains the role of a wedding planner and all of the ways she can help in the planning process (plus make the day of the wedding much easier for everyone involved).  In Part 2 of the interview, Carmody gives us some wedding planning tips, plus her favorite Baltimore wedding vendors!

Are you a Baltimore area wedding vendor?  Would you like to offer my readers some advice?  Please email alexawebb@gmail.com. 

Not So Charming Price Tags- Getting Married in Charm City

According to the Knot.com Baltimore is number 14 out of the 20 most expensive areas to get married!  Worse yet, our neighbors- Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland are number 11!  The Knot surveyed 19,000 couples married in 2010.  You can read the full report here.  But don't pack up that wedding gown and take the ceremony on the road just yet!  Here are some tips to save some money:

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1.  Choose your date wisely.  Many venues off discounts for “off-months.”  Also, chose any day other than Saturday, and you automatically save money!  Consider having a day-time event or a cocktail ceremony instead of dinner.  Serving guests lunch or hor d'oeuvres is a considerable price difference.  If an evening ceremony is a “must,” consider a buffet.
 
2.  Limit the professional photography.  Look at your photographers smaller packages and make a list of your “must have” shots.  Then think about limiting your time with the photographer to save more money.  For example, do you really need professional shots of you getting ready?  The photographer could arrive just before the ceremony.  And cut the cake early so that the photographer can leave.  You can always supply your guests with disposable cameras for candid photos.  Now that most everyone is using a digital camera, you are likely to be bombarded with candids from guests via email and facebook.  

 
3.  Consider a pre-owned dress.  Designer wedding gowns can cost a small fortune these days.  Often you can find near-perfect condition gowns for less than half the cost of a new dress.  Once you find a style you like, scour upscale consignment stores and the internet.  Sites like preownedweddingdresses.com and ebay.com have a great selection and often the dresses were never worn!

 
4.  DIY the flowers.  Enlist some creative friends and family members to help you with your bouquet and centerpieces.  There are many step-by-step instructions online to help you.  The more simple the arrangement the better.  You can buy flowers in bulk from your local flower market, costco.com or theflowerexchange.com.  Remember it never hurts to ask if a vendor can do better on a price.  You’ll be surprised how often people are willing to work with you.  Try to stay flexible, compromise on things that are less important to save your money for what counts.  Weddings are a celebration and should be a testament to the relationships in your lives, not your wealth.

A trip to Alfred Angelo

I recently went to the Alfred Angelo store in Springfield, VA.  Thought I would share the experience with you and offer up some tips.  Alfred Angelo offers reasonably priced bridesmaids dresses in a wide range of colors, styles and sizes.  A sure way to please your maids! 

Alfred Angelo offers several different types of fabrics, depending on the style of dress.  In chiffon they offer 55 beautiful shades.  I felt like the quality was on par with the prices. 

We made an appointment to try on bridesmaids dresses.  Although we were assigned one employee to help us during the whole experience, we would recommend checking out the selection on dresses online prior to arrival.  It can be overwhelming.  Not all styles come in all fabrics, so things can get confusing fast.  At one point we had a dressing room stocked with dresses of all colors, sizes and shapes to try.

Obviously it was difficult enough to organize seven girls opinions, but when we started trying things on...  So, definitely know what fabric you want ahead of time.  And if possible, limit yourself to a certain number of styles. 

All in all we were pleased with the dresses and selection.  The bride choose the color and let the maids choose the style.  Everyone was able to find something that was flattering for their body type.

Hot Time, Summer In Charm City

I recently did a post on rainy day weddings.  But, there is more to consider when it comes to Baltimore weather.  Our notorious heat and humidity!  Last summer, on the hottest day of the year, my mother got married- outside!  I was the maid of honor, holding the bride's bouquet and my own, squinting from the bright sun and watching beads of sweat drop from my nose to my chest.  Not a hand free to wipe the sweat from my brow!  In the photographs I look like I had been hiking in the rain forest.  My hair, that I had taken careful time to straighten, was frizzed out at the ends and slick at the roots.  I ended up to be pulling it back.  And my make-up? Long gone!

 

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No one wants to talk about sweat, but we all do it!  Some more than others.  And if you are the bride, you are likely going to sweat.  You will be wearing a dress that can weigh up to 20lbs!  Not to mention the layers of tulle, your corset, etc.  Further more, being the center of attention and being pulled in multiple directions can lead to stress-sweat.

Here is a photo (source) of a bride before and after her ceremony.  I think she looks great in both, but clearly sweat was a factor.

So what can you do?
1. Stay hydrated.  Have a bottle of water with you as much as possible.

2. Have a friend act as your "beauty police."  You're attention shouldn't be on the shine level of your forehead, but your friends can.  She can let you know if you are starting to shine and give you some oil absorbing wipes to keep you looking fresh.

3. Take a break.  If you feel overwhelmed and overheated, try to take a time out.  Excuse yourself and take a few moments in front of a fan.  I've even heard of using mini ice packs (someone suggested sticking them in your bra), but i think sticking a cool pack on your neck for a few minutes could work wonders.

4.  Use the proper make-up.  Use mattifying moisturizer, water-proof mascara and eyeliner (they are usually the first to start to run when sweating), and light or powdery foundation.  And always have blotting papers on hand.

5.  Know your venue.  Where will you be getting ready?  Is it air conditioned?  Will there be fans?  My friend told me a story about a summer-time wedding in hot Charlottesville, VA where each of the bridesmaids brought huge floor fans to get ready with.  You want to keep everyone cool from the start!

6. A quick list of items to keep you cool:
- icepacks
- cool washcloth
- misters
- water bottles
- fans and mini fans
- blotting papers
- parasols

Wedding Photos You Don't Want to Miss

Its important to think about what you want your photographer to shoot before the wedding.  Your day will go by so quickly, make sure you know what photos are "must-haves."  Brides.com has a great list of 50 shots you don't want your photographer to miss.  Here are a few more I think are important as well:
A shot of the dress before the bride puts it on.

Also, the bride's shoes.  

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The bride looking at herself in her gown in the mirror.

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Father giving the groom advice.

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Can you think of any important shots to include in the list?

Interview with Tara Parekh Photography

One thing I love about my blog is the great wedding photography.  Images of family and loved ones coming together to celebrate love.  Photographs are so important, they immortalize your wedding day for you and generations to come.  However, you only get one chance to get it right.  So I asked my friend, photographer Tara Parekh, to give us some advice on the daunting task of choosing a photographer and capturing meaningful photos.

How to choose a photographer? Personality is one thing to consider.  "Look for someone that has an easy-going personality, can handle pressure well, and someone who has the ability to make you and your guests feel comfortable in front of a camera."

Clearly experience is another factor, "You will want to ask the photographer about his/her experience.  How many weddings have they photographed?  A general rule of thumb is once a photographer has photographed about 10 weddings, he/she is experienced.  But be aware that even if a photographer tells you he/she is experienced, it is important to view the photographer's portfolio to verify that the work actually reflects the experience.  As a bride, you can also ask to see a sample of a full wedding.  This will help you know what to expect from the photographer.  Many photographers showcase a full wedding on their web sites, so be sure to take a good look."

Consider the photographer's feedback from previous weddings.  "Ask for references.  Most photographers are able to refer you to previous clients.  Remember that a little investigation never hurts.  See what people are saying on the photographer's blog site and Facebook fan page, and make sure that the work you see on their blog site matches the work you see on their web site. Most work posted on a photographer's blog site is up-to-date, and should give you a good sense of the photographer's style."

And what about the bottom line?  "Additionally, it is also important that you review the photography contract.  Ask questions so that you understand all of the details, such as the services offered, the pricing, how the photos will be edited (do you receive images in color, black&white, or both) and the terms of delivery."

What should you consider during the planning stages in regards to photography?
Consider the venue.  "As a photographer, I would advise you to look for a venue that has good lighting and beautiful background environments.  Having both an indoor and outdoor option in case of inclement weather is also a great idea.  Before your wedding, make sure to ask your venue if there are any restrictions for the photographer. Sometimes photographs are not permitted in specific areas of a church, or during specific moments of the ceremony.   It is important for you to relay this information to your photographer before the big day." 

Make sure you incorporate photography into the wedding day time line.  "Allocating enough time for bride and groom photographs in addition to all of the group photographs is critical.  Many times couples rush through the bride and groom photographs, not realizing until after the wedding that they missed out on getting the most important images of the day.   A good way to make sure you have enough time is to have a family member or friend in charge of gathering individuals for group photographs.  If you can get the group photographs finished in a timely manner, you will have more time for better, more creative images of the couple.  If you still feeling like you did not budget enough time, think about hiring the photographer to take bride and groom portraits either before or after the wedding."

But don't forget... "The best advice I can give you is to not get caught up in wedding planning.  Have fun and enjoy your wedding day because it will go by quickly."

As a photographer, what do you enjoy most about working with brides?
"When everything is over, the cake cut, the last dance has ended, and I have finished editing the photographs, I never get tired of the response I receive from a bride when she looks at her photographs for the first time.  Although the day is only a distant memory for the bride and groom, the photographs bring back great recollections for the couple.  I enjoy the excitement in their voices as they tell me about their favorite images or thank me for capturing their day." 

Your favorite wedding?  "It is difficult to pick one wedding as my favorite wedding because every wedding I have photographed has been quite unique.  I have seen weddings with the guest list of over 1,000 people, accordion players, men on horses, Maryland crabs for dinner, and weddings in spectacular locations like India and Maine.  Overall, my favorite weddings are those that have a great atmosphere.  When the guests are excited, the couple can't be happier, and the party is on, the photographs just come naturally.  It is a great pleasure to be a part of such an event."

Be sure to check out Tara Parekh's blog for more amazing images, including a post on her favorite wedding images from 2010.  You can also find more of her work on flickr.

Thanks for all the advice Tara!

Interview with Garnish Boutique

I had the chance to sit down with Mia Antalics, owner of Garnish Boutique, which was just named "Best Bridesmaids Dresses 2010" by Baltimore Magazine.  

 

Mia started Garnish Boutique back in 2006.  Growing up in Baltimore she found that it was really hard to find cute cocktail dresses.  When she was a bridemaid in some of her friends weddings she found that there was no place to go to find modern bridemaids dresses.  She saw a need for her community and decided to give something back: an adorable bridesmaids boutique featuring modern cocktail-inspired dresses!

Mia believes her boutique is different (and Baltimore Magazine agrees) because of the personalized service her brides and maids receive.  Garnish has appointment based hours, that way each bride gets one-on-one personal time with Mia.  In addition, all the dresses at Garnish are made-to-order (not ready to wear), so each bride and maid can get a "pseudo-custom look."

The designers Mia has chosen to carry at Garnish all share a similar "essence" in quality and style.  Keeping the dresses at a high caliber, Mia chooses to work with designers that use quality fabrics and modern cocktail-inspired cuts.  Mia explains,  "the dresses are more versatile so the maids can get more wear out of them."  They can be worn by bridemaids or women attending a wedding or party.  Check out some of Garnish's designers: Jenny Yoo, Siri, and Thread.

What trends are you seeing?  This past year Mia has seen more ruffles, jewel tones such as emeralds and eggplants, sleeves, collars, and softer fabrics, such as chiffon.

Mia loves working with brides because no one bride is the same; every customer is unique.  She feels that makes every day a new day with its own sets of challenges.  And that's what keeps it exciting!

Mia recently planned a wedding in Maryland, so I asked her what advice she would give other brides.  Don't be afraid to ask what a vendor can do for you.  "Use your vendors."  Clients would be surprised at what a vendor can do!

I also asked Mia if there was a vendor she would recommend and why?  She immediately said The Floral Studio (also one of my favorite vendors)!  Shawn Nocher (owner of The Floral Studio) is an incredible florist!  She did Mia's wedding and added so many amazing details, including goldfish swimming in tall vases (see photo below).  People still talk about that detail, Mia explains. 

Photograph by  A Bryan Photo

Interview with La Papillon Spa - Part 2

In my interview with Madeleine Homes, owner of La Papillon Spa, I got the chance to ask her for some advice for brides.

"What questions should a bride ask when choosing a make-up artist?"  The consultation is really important, this is after all one of the most important days in a woman's life.  Not to mention the photographs will last forever.  You want to know what you are going to look like ahead of time.

Homes suggests bringing photographs of yourself that you really like or clippings from magazines of looks you like.  Also, bring along some clippings of things you don't want.  Anything to help you describe what you want to look like on your day.  Another suggestion is to mention the color-theme of the wedding, the style (i.e., will you be on the beach or in a formal church ceremony?), and what your personality is like, so that can shine through.  Also, be sure to tell your make-up artist if you are planning to get a spray tan.

"Do you have any advice to give to brides planning a wedding in Maryland?"  Exfoliation!  Your skin is your canvas, be sure to get it into shape months before your wedding.  Just like you start exercising to get your body into shape, its about getting different facets aligned to have your best skin, brows, etc.  Have your brows waxed a few days before.  Drink lots of water.  Exfoliate, including your lips!

As I mentioned in my last post, Homes sent me home with some of Kate Sommerville's ExfoliKate and I'm in love!

"What do you enjoy most about working with brides?"  Getting an intimate peek at the most important day of their lives.  Its an honor, really. 

"Is there any other advice you'd like to give?"  Even the calmest people, when getting married, can lose it.  Take a step back, a deep breath and absorb your day.  Savor the moment.  And steal away for 5 minutes with your new husband at the wedding reception.

Thanks so much for all the advice and letting us take a look into your fabulous spa!