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. 

Interview with Felicity C Weddings (Part 2)

In case you missed it, you can find part 1 of this interview here.  We're learning more about professional wedding planning with Felicity Carmody, wedding planner and owner of Felicity C Weddings.  In a nutshell, Felicity, as a wedding planner, offers couples a stress-free wedding.  As she puts it, "Wedding planning is not what you expect.  No matter how many weddings you have been to or been a part of, there are so many logistics and decisions to be made that you don't realize until it is your own turn.  In my opinion, the process can feel like you are producing the Oscars.  Aside from the logistics, there are so many emotions, people and expectations involved- it can make for a tricky line to walk to please everyone.   I am a neutral professional coming in to be an advocate and resource for my clients in order to safeguard my clients' vision.  Every wedding is so exciting for me, my passion is planning events.  The number one comment I hear from incoming clients is that they have a hard time 'trying to remember what they need to remember' as the big day approaches.  I offer peace of mind that all their hard work is in good hands and they can enjoy their big day."  

Lindsay MacDonald Weddings

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing brides planning a wedding?

"The biggest challenge facing brides today is the overwhelming amount of bridal information out there.  What started as resources are now making some brides feel competitive or even insecure about their big day.  Don't get me wrong, I love to pour over bridal blogs and magazines but I don't like when brides feel like they have to live up to a standard.  I've had brides say that they either can't do this or they HAVE to have that because 'they saw it at their friend's wedding.'  I've seen brides unable to make decisions on details small to big because they keep seeing more ideas daily and it gets really hard to edit everything down to a cohesive & beautiful focus."

"On the flip side, a lot of brides are realizing that there are less rules which is very freeing.  One of my favorite ideas, cupcakes instead of cake, was unheard of even 5 years ago and is now at thousands of weddings each year.  Your wedding style is like the names you give your children- it should be unique to you, you have to love it because YOU have to live with it and everyone else can do it their own way."

Lindsay MacDonald Weddings

Have you had to be more creative in the planning process because of the economic recession?  If so, how? 

"Couples have always had budgets to stick to but the recession has definitely encouraged creative thinking.  Vendors have a larger responsibility now to really understand the vision of their client, to advise within their budget and overall to be a huge part of helping couples edit their vision.  Likewise, clients have a responsibility to be realistic in what they want, what they can afford and what they can 'DIY'.  That is why having a planner is such an advantage, we can read between the lines to find what clients are really seeking and utilize some 'industry tricks'.  For example, if a bride has her heart set a having a wedding cake, bakers can re-size cakes by width or height to reduce cost and then couples can supplement with a sheet cake.  Overall, making sure each detail has been researched and is necessary to the vision is key to budgeting a fabulous wedding."

Jacqueline Schlossman Photodocumentary

What advice would you offer a bride planning her wedding with out a professional wedding planner?

"Planning can become a full time job and it is essential to stay organized.  Stay focused on what you and your beloved envision for your big day and stand your ground with vendors.  Planning a wedding is a lot like buying a car or a house, arm yourself with what you like, what you don't like and be aware that you will receive a lot of unsolicited advice.  Lastly, trust your instincts and think about the guest experience."

Jacqueline Schlossman Photodocumentary

Do you have a favorite Baltimore or Maryland venue?  Vendor?

"This is hard because I love something special about each venue!  I have my favorite vendors on my website but to name just a few, I really enjoyed working with Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace as a venue, Rev. Laura Cannon of Divine Transformation as an officiant, Sascha's Catering in Mt. Vernon and the ReadyLuck collective of photographers.  I love vendors who are as passionate as they are talented and I'm very grateful to have the pleasure of working with so many great Baltimore professionals."

Thank you so much to Felicity C Weddings for all of the valuable information!  We all feel like we can approach wedding planning a little easier now, whether it be seeking out a planner, getting a "day of coordination," or trying it on our own!  

You can find out more about Felicity C Weddings on her website.  Initial consultations are free!  Better yet, Felicity is offering my readers a special discount!  Contact Felicity by the end of this year (12/31/11) and references Inspired Details: A Blog for Baltimore Brides and receive a 15% discount on any package. 

Interview with Felicity C Weddings (Part 1)

I was so excited when Felicity Carmody, wedding planner and owner of Felicity C Weddings, agreed to an interview!  First of all, Felicity has been planning events since high school!  She also spent years doing corporate event planning and eventually found her niche in wedding planning.  She started her own company in 2009 and has been planning weddings ever since.  I couldn't wait to ask my many questions about the planning process and the planner-client relationship!  

Can you tell my readers some of the reasons why hiring a wedding planner is so important?

- A stress-free wedding day: "Day of coordination (DOC) is my most popular package and for good reason.  Even if couples have time, energy and a desire to plan their wedding by themselves, no couple wants to carry the stress of all the details on the actual wedding day.  My DOC package essentially ensures peace of mind that every detail was accounted for and my day of timeline ensures that the family, wedding party and all the vendors are on the same page."

- Ideas and personalization:  "And since ideally I come in a few months ahead of the wedding, there is also the added bonus of having an industry perspective as part of my job is to stay current with wedding trends and ideas.  I love personalizing each wedding, from hiring a bagpiper to honor the groom's heritage, having a snowball cocktail hour or creating an interactive guestbook."

- Budgeting help and vendor liaison: "For couples on a tight budget, with very busy schedules, planning from afar or are just overwhelmed by the wedding industry, a wedding planner is a key resource throughout the planning process.  From budget tracking to vendor meetings, planners are client advocates in many areas and help move the planning along."

Procopio Photography

What can or should a bride expect from her wedding planner?

"The package determines the expectations the bride should have for her planner.  I offer day of coordination, partial and full planning packages, all of which vary in the amount of assistance I give to my clients.  Beyond package specifics, the planner is expected to be a professional, organized and experienced wedding resource for the bride throughout the planning process.  Couples hire planners for various reasons, its important that both planners and couples clearly communicate their expectations from the beginning."

Sparkle Photography

How soon in the planning process should a bride come to you?

"As soon as couples realize that they need a planner, they should contact me for a free introductory meeting.  I have taken on DOC clients 3 weeks before the wedding but please remember that there is no such thing as 'too far ahead of time' in wedding planning!  A lot of clients don't think that they need a DOC if they have a site coordinator, but their role is completely different from mine.  As obvious as this sounds, the responsibility of a site coordinator is to coordinate the site, NOT the wedding.  Basically, they ensure that the site completes the contracted responsibilities- that the venue is clean and operating well, the staff is competent and on schedule, the site resources (chairs, tables, lighting, temperature) are available, etc.  It is rare that the site coordinator has contact with every other vendor before the wedding, creates a full vendor timeline or is available to the couple the whole day.  Even if brides are unsure of what they need or what I offer, that intro meeting allows me to understand the vision of the wedding.  I can let the bride know what my style is and what I bring to the table."

CLAIR PRUITT PHOTOGRAPHY

Part 2 of my interview will post tomorrow, including great information about how to work within your budget and advice for planning your own wedding.  Felicity is based in Delaware, but 70 - 80% of her weddings are in Maryland and Baltimore.  "I am from Ellicott City so I know & love Maryland, not to mention that I'm only an hour from downtown.  I have amazing relationships with MD vendors which have really benefited my clients."

You can find out more about Felicity C Weddings on her website.  Initial consultations are free!  Better yet, Felicity is offering my readers a special discount!  Contact Felicity by the end of this year (12/31/11) and references Inspired Details: A Blog for Baltimore Brides and receive a 15% discount on any package.  

Interview with Balance Boudoir - Part 2

In case you missed it, you can find Part 1 of this interview here.  This is the second half of my interview with the girls over at Balance Boudoir Photography.  Rissa Miller, professional photographer, and Ashlee Riddle, hair stylist and owner of Up Do’s for I Do’s, have teamed up to bring you the ultimate boudoir photography experience.

What is a boudoir shoot like?
"As far as the process of a shoot, all studios are different, but at balance boudoir, a shoot is somewhat structured and lots of fun. You’ll start with getting your hair and make-up professionally done by a stylist from our partners, Up Do’s for I Do’s– the ultimate in supermodel pampering. Then you change into your lingerie and our all-girl team will instruct you though the shoot. We can meet you at your place, or a chic hotel/B&B – or you can come to our studio. At the shoot, we can supplies props, jewelry and fun wardrobe accessories like fans, feathers or gloves – but we don’t provide shoes or lingerie..."

What kinds of packages do you offer?
"We have packages for all budgets and styles. Our simplest package is an a la carte shoot with one look and one style of hair & make-up by Up Do’s for I Do’s; our most popular is the pin-up calendar that includes 12 changes of wardrobe and 3 changes of hair & make-up by Up Do’s for I Do’s. We also have packages with coffee table books, folios, leather-bound flush mount albums, canvas wraps and playing cards."

 

And what do most brides-to-be choose to do?
"It varies widely. Most brides do a look with their veil and a set of pretty white, cream or soft blue lingerie. But we’ve seen black lace, red satin, football jerseys, skimpy bikinis and Army camo, to name a few! Many girls choose to pose with something that reflects their fiance’s interests – like a guitar, uniform or playing cards. All sorts of things can be turned into sweet nothings at a boudoir shoot! Really, your imagination is the limit!"

But, what if I don't look like a model?
"Ha ha – even models don’t really look like models! They have a lot of help from stylists, wardrobe, lighting experts, flattering poses and computers. And so will you. With incredible hair and make-up styling by Up Do’s for I Do’s, articulate posing directions and expert lighting from the girls at balance boudoir and your own well-fitted and flattering wardrobe every woman can be made into a super model. Oh – a great pair of high heels helps too. And if those things don’t make the picture a homerun already, a little “digital surgery” on the computer by our graphic designer can clean up any flaw."

What if I'm shy?
"Most girls feel shy when they arrive for their shoot. There’s nothing more vulnerable than being undressed – and then photographed! But have faith, any good photography team can put you at ease and help you to recognize and celebrate your own beauty! At balance boudoir, we have all been on the other side of the camera, so we know how it feels and we completely get it. We are experts at lighting and posing, so we know how to make you look good and will show you images along the way to put your mind at ease. Seeing yourself as a strong, beautiful woman can take practice – but it’s in there! And if you still need a little more help at the shoot, we have a bottle of white wine waiting."

Do you also do other types of photography that a bride-to-be might be interested in?
"In addition to boudoir, balance and Up Do’s for I Do’s also offers “glam the dress” shoots. Basically, “glam the dress” is our fashion-fantasy spin on “trash the dress.” At a glam shoot, the girls from Up Do’s for I Do’s give the bride a fun fashion look of hair and make-up – perhaps it mimicks her wedding style – or maybe it’s more couture and edgy.. Accessories, flowers and cool locations round out the process to complete the fantasy. It’s a high end answer to trash the dress for any bride who adores her wedding dress and wants to celebrate all that silk, satin and hand beading. Some brides go goth or punk; some go earthy, others go bold with color. Usually we talk before hand and create a plan for the shoot. It’s a lot of fun! We’ve done glam shoots before the wedding day and created displays for receptions. We’ve also done them after – even once as a seven year anniversary gift, where a bride made her wedding dress sexy with fishnets and red heels for her husband!"

 You can see more of Balance Boudoir Photography on their website or Facebook page.

Interview with Balance Boudoir- Part 1

 I'm very fortunate that I got to interview the ladies at Balance Boudoir Photography!  I met Rissa Miller and Ashley Riddle at A Wedding Soiree a few months ago.  Miller, a professional photographer and Riddle, a hair stylist and owner of Up Do’s for I Do’s, team up to bring you the ultimate boudoir photography experience.  Simply put, they bring sexy back and in a classy way! 

A good way to understand the mindset of Balance Boudoir Photography is to hear about Miller's first boudoir photo shoot:

"My first boudoir shoot was over ten years ago when a friend from an exercise class asked me to shoot some sexy photos of her to give as a gift to her fiancé. We shot them on black and white film in her apartment. She had her hair and make-up professionally done first and she did three looks: one in a corset and garters, one in a plain black bra and panty set with her guy’s shirt and another in a tight guy’s undershirt with plain cotton briefs. We both had a blast and the resulting photos looked amazing.. What struck me though wasn’t just how artistic and gorgeous the pictures were, but how empowered my friend was by the images. She had so much more confidence. She even showed them to her mom, sister and female co-workers."

There are many reasons for brides-to-be and women to enjoy boudoir photography-
1. To have the experience!  "Boudoir photography is far from a just a new fad. The female form is the original subject of artists from the beginning of recorded time and was among the first subjects for photographers in the 1800s. Boudoir photographs are simply an extension of that history and is an art form every woman should experience for herself.
2.  You will feel gorgeous!  "Most ladies go into their shoots thinking it’s primarily a gift for their significant other. But they almost always come out realizing it was also a great gift to themselves. Women who have a boudoir shoot done take a huge step forward in personal strength. They feel better in their bodies and have more respect for themselves as women."
3. Pre-wedding is a perfect time: "For new brides, it’s a great way to document a very special time in life when you are transition from being an “I” to a “we.” Many brides have strict fitness, diet, and /or skin care regimes leading up to the Big Day and a shoot is a perfect way to show off all that hard work. And after all that – it is still a great wedding or anniversary gift for your fiancé or husband!"

My next post will get into more specifics about what the girls at Balance Boudoir Photography do.  They also help alleviate any fears you may have about your looks or shyness.

The Chaos of My Creative Process

I woke up early this morning, had some caffeine, got out my iPod and sat down in my studio.  Time to be creative.  I'm fortunate that when I find myself stressed or suffering with insomnia (for some reason, an issue this week), I can always do my favorite thing- make jewelry.  When I work on my designs I tend to get into a creative space in my mind, very little disrupts me.  My dogs jump around, bark at my neighbors leaving for work, but I pay no attention.  People who have witnessed this call it my "zone," as I will often have conversations, or at the very least respond to what they are saying, with little recollection of it later.  Best not to ask me important things if I have a pair of pliers in my hands...its like trying to talk to a sleepwalker!

I love designing.  I rarely sketch before I work, although sometimes its necessary for my custom work.  Often I sit down in front of what must look like an absolute disaster to everyone else.  Spools of wire, tools, tiny beads, little bags of gemstones scattered about in what seems like no rhyme or reason.  It looks as though a tornado hit my studio- all the time.  But, somehow I tend to know (generally) where things are and have a method to my madness.  I like to work with the materials- the gemstones, strands of pearls, and shiny chains, feel them in my hands and visualize what they could be.

When I get in a fresh shipment of materials, I'm giddy.  Like a kid in a candy store running his hands through barrels of candies, I rip open packages, touching everything, and start imagining the possibilities.  And going to a gem show, well, just imagine a bride at a Vera Wang sample sale.  I'm ready to throw down for some concave cut AAA grade green amethyst. 

How I became a jewelry designer is still a mystery to me.  Growing up in my parents' fabrics and crafts stores I spent many an afternoon making some of the ugliest jewelry you have ever seen.  Not to mention the quilts I made for my dolls, which at best could be described as "darling" or a similar term adults use to describe train-wrecks of creativity children show them with pride.  But, I began making jewelry as an adult, and although it was a rocky start (I would be ashamed if anyone ever sees the piles of jewelry I made in the "early days"), I pursued my hobby with passion.  Eventually people began to buy my pieces.  I had someone stop me in a bar and literally purchase jewelry off of my wrist. So, here I am, making jewelry with that same passion, and hopefully creating pieces that people will love for many years.  Gifts, symbols of love and affections, little pieces of myself, making the world a little happier.  Back to the studio I go...

www.alexandrawebbjewelry.com

Inspired Designer: Maria Louise High

I had the chance to meet Maria Louise High, local Baltimorean, designer extraordinaire, and owner of Little Blue Studio.  High makes beautiful fabric flower jewelry and accessories, perfect for brides!

 

I asked her some questions- When and how did you get into making jewelry and accessories?

"I studied painting in school, but with two active boys and living in two different places, I had to switch to a medium that was a little more adaptable to what's going on in my life right now.  I sort of fell into the jewelry on a friend's request, but the background for what I am now doing has really been there lifelong.  My mother loved to work with fabric and I enjoyed watching her.  I also had a lot of access to some of her really incredible jewelry pieces growing up.  My father's uncle was a jeweler/lapidary in Philadelphia.  So those exposures sort of meshed together into what I am doing now."

What items do you offer brides?  "Everything from head to toe!  Appliques , headbands and hairpins, sashes and brooches are most of my custom work. I have also done necklaces and cuffs on occassion." 
So, you do custom work, tell me about that...  "My custom work varies greatly.  Some pieces are what I categorize as made-to-order and just revamped as far as color or size without needing samples.  These are usually completed in about a week.  Full custom work takes longer.  We usually start with discussing colors and I will send samples of fabric and/or beading.  That, plus fabric searching, can add a few weeks to the order."

What is your most popular item/style for brides?  "I am surprised at the number of brides choosing to go with color for their own pieces, even bolder hues.  I think it's fabulous to stretch away from monotone white or ivory.  Brides who come to me are choosing gowns with simpler lines and details so they can finish the look on their own in a very personal way.  Probably my most-wanted bridal pieces are the double-bloom brooch for bridesmaids and hairpins for the bride."

 What do you enjoy most about working with brides?  "The brides who come to me are very knowledgable and easy to work with.  They set the frame for the look they want while giving me reign over the details which makes it really pleasurable to do custom work."

Is there anything else you think my readers should know about you and what you do?  "My pieces can be worn by anyone; only about half of my customers are brides.  The brooches and necklaces are surprisingly unfussy, which enables women to add a feminine touch to casual or professional outfits...not just special occasion ones."

You can find Maria Louise High at her Etsy shop or her facebook page.  She will also be an artist featured at my "Meet the Etsy Artist (a trunk show)"  event on Saturday, April 23, 2 - 5pm at Alexandra Webb.

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

Inspired Designer: The Garter Girl

I had the great opportunity to interview Julianne Smith, the creative genius behind The Garter Girl.  Smith makes her amazing garters just down the road in Washington, D.C.  She makes traditional, modern, eco-friendly and custom garters.

I had the opportunity to ask her: Why and when did you start your business?

"
I designed my first wedding garter in 2005 for my good friend, Brooke. She wanted the perfect wedding garter to fit her personality, but I couldn’t find it. So, I made it myself! After Brooke’s wedding, I started my stylish wedding garter design company."

So, what makes your garters unique?  

"My wedding garter designs are all about embracing the wedding garter tradition with a little style. This usually means usually using simple and stylish elements to make garters that are fresh and modern. Custom wedding garters are by far the most popular thing that I design. Most brides want a garter that is unique to them and their personality."

What is your most popular style garter?

"
Custom wedding garter designs are very popular, as many brides want a garter that matches them and their personality. From my stylish wedding garter collection this one  and this one  are the most popular."

What do you enjoy most about working with brides?

"
I like designing and creating something just for the bride that suits their style and their personality."

Do you have any advice to give to brides planning a wedding in the Baltimore/D.C. area?


"My best wedding advice is to have fun and to enjoy the process!"

 Thanks Julianne!

 

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!