Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Out of the Office :: Happy 4th of July

I can hardly believe that it is already July...where has 2009 gone?! We've been quite busy around here with weddings this spring and summer and can't wait for the second half of our season to kick off at the end of July! In honor of the 4th of July holiday and to celebrate my own wedding anniversary, we will be out of the office from Thursday, July 2nd until Monday, July 6th. To celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary, my husband is taking me to Chicago for the weekend! I've never been, so I'm super excited to visit!

We wish all of you a very Happy 4th of July weekend! Safe travels and we'll see you next week!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

2009 Wedding Trend :: Balloons at Weddings



The words Balloon and Wedding in the same sentence probably scare you and send flashbacks of the 80's running through your head, but they shouldn't anymore! Balloons are back and they are bigger than ever this season! As seen above, the cover of the Summer 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings is of a bride holding balloons in her wedding gown. Balloons can be used as part of your reception decor, released at the end of your ceremony, or just used as 'props' in your wedding day photos. They are an inexpensive, easy DIY project and can really add a pop of color to any venue.

What do you think?! Would you incorporate balloons into your wedding decor?

Photos 1 & 2 courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings. Photo 3 courtesy of Amy Atlas Events.


Saturday, June 27, 2009

Etsy Find :: Stylish Handmade Clutches



If you follow this blog, then you probably already know about my obsession with Etsy! Incase you are unfamiliar with the wonderful world of Etsy, it's an online store where you can buy and sell all things that are handmade. Definitely a must-see for any bride! Occasionally I will blog about my "Etsy Finds" - things that I stumble upon and absolutely have to share with our readers! Today I wanted to share these stylish handmade clutches from Davie and Chiyo. All of their clutches are handmade with only the finest fabrics from all over the world. I've shared a few of my favorite clutches {seen above} from their collection. Head on over to their Etsy store to see all of the wonderful clutches they have to choose from!

Photos courtesy of Davie & Chiyo.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Minted :: Fresh, Modern Custom Stationery & Invitations

One of my Fall '09 brides recently ordered these ADORABLE Pink Chandelier Invites for her upcoming bridal shower this August. At a recent meeting, she shared these with me and I was instantly in love! Minted is an online stationery company specializing in fresh, modern invitations for all occasions. The quality of the invitations are definitely top notch and their customer service is unparalleled! If you're looking for an online stationery company, Minted is definitely one you need to check out!

Photo courtesy of Minted.com

Friday, June 19, 2009

Makeup Artist Spotlight :: MelissaRoshan

Our next makeup artist in our spotlight series is MelissaRoshan, the owner and creative force behind Makeup By MelissaRoshan. MelissaRoshan is based out of Columbus, Ohio, but also travels to Pittsburgh for on-location makeup clients. Not only is she an amazingly talented makeup artist, she is also one of the nicest and most genuine people I have come across! We hope you enjoy her Q + A session with us below:

1. First off, tell us a little about yourself:

Greetings, my name is MelissaRoshan, and I would like to think I’m about as unique as my name (my first name is actually MelissaRoshan). I am originally from Seattle, Washington.. Fate brought my family to the East Coast seven years ago. I have been a professional model, and make-up artist for a decade now, and I feel so very blessed!

2. How did you get started in makeup artistry?

I started out managing a cosmetics counter in Seattle, Washington. I always had a love for make-up artistry, and decided quickly once I graduated from school, that it was something I wanted to pursue. After growing tired of the demands of retails sales, and realizing there was a certain level of service I wanted to give to my clients, I knew I wanted to freelance on my own.

3. What is your #1 piece of makeup advice for brides on their wedding day?

Less is definitely more. Caking foundation, mascara, and lipliner on, can look un-natural, and ultimately unflattering. The look should be a soft, enhanced version of yourself. I also recommend wearing a perfume you have never worn before. That way, everytime you wear it after your wedding date, you will always be reminded of your special day!

4. What do you like best about your job?

I love the connection I make with the bride, and her bridal party. I am often told that I am more like a girlfriend, rather than a wedding vendor. This is such a honor to hear! I try to combine professionalism, with a down to earth approach for each client.

5. If you weren't a makeup artist, what would you be?

I would definitely say an astronomer. The Universe is unbelievably beautiful, and amazing. To be able to study it’s wonders, would be amazing! I do have to say however, if I were aboard any type of space craft, I would require/demand make-up!!!!

6. What is one thing you absolutely cannot live without?

I cannot live without my Blackberry, especially during wedding season!

7. If you could work with anyone, who would it be?

Sumer Schmitt from Simply Perfect Weddings! {Aww, thanks dear! I promise I did not pay her to say that!}

Please share a few of your favorite photos from your portfolio of work:



For more information about MelissaRoshan and her makeup services, check out her website and blog.

Thanks so much for chatting with us this week! I hope to have the opportunity to work with you again very soon!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Makeup Artist Spotlight :: Julie Marckisotto

Several weeks ago we started a 'Vendor Spotlight' blog series that featured some very talented photographers here in the Pittsburgh area. This week we're continuing with that series and are featuring some of our favorite makeup artists here in Pittsburgh. We are going to focus on 'destination' vendors who will travel to your hotel, home, or any location where you and your bridal party plan to get ready the morning of your wedding day.

Our first makeup artist in our spotlight series is Julie Marckisotto, the talented makeup artist behind Pittsburgh Makeup. Check out her Q + A session with us below:

1. First off, tell us a little about yourself:


I have been married for 13 years and have two great boys, Brent and Lukas…ages 12 and 5. I have worked at countless makeup counters/salons and decided last year to start my own business and opened a Makeup/Facial studio near Murrysville. I mostly travel on the weekends doing makeup for weddings and during the week I do practice sessions, makeup lessons and facials at my studio. I love the freedom that I have now with my schedule, especially because I am also a busy mom! My favorite activities are working out, reading, cooking/baking, tennis, traveling and spending time with my family.


2. How did you get started in makeup artistry?


I have always wanted to be a Makeup Artist! I went to Pgh. Beauty Academy straight out of high school and from there I have always been in this industry in some shape or form. Even when I worked at business-type jobs I always did freelance makeup for weddings on the weekends. As a kid I really enjoyed art and drawing, so I think that I like makeup so much because it truly is an ART that allows me to be creative!

3. What is your #1 piece of makeup advice for brides on their wedding day
?

Hire a professional! It sounds like a shameless plug, but we do know the right touches to make the makeup pop and look flawless in pictures. After all, you will be looking at the pictures forever, so it’s worth the little investment.

4. What do you like best about your job?

That I don’t view it as a job…I’ve always heard – “when you do something that you love you won’t work a day in your life” – that is how I feel! It makes me feel humbled that someone wants me to take part in the most important day of their life!

5. If you weren't a makeup artist, what would you be?

Probably something in the field of forensics. I am a crime show junkie, and would love to work on cold case files now that we have all of the technology that we do. That whole process fascinates me.

6. What is one thing you absolutely cannot live without?

Without a doubt…COFFEE!

7. If you could work with anyone, who would it be?

Probably the Makeup Artist from TLC’s What Not To Wear, Carmindy! I think we share a lot of the same philosophies when it comes to makeup - she concentrates on making the woman look beautiful by working with what she already has…not covering it up or trying to change it.


Please share a few of your favorite photos from your portfolio of work:



For more information about Julie and her makeup services, check out her website and blog.

Thank you Julie for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with us!



Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Eco-Friendly Wedding Tip :: Electronic Invites

Our third tip in our weekly Green blogging series is to opt for electronic invites instead of paper invites. Now, I don't necessarily mean your actual wedding invitations (this is an option - more on that topic later though!), but if you think about it, there are lots of opportunities to 'Go Green' even before you walk down the aisle. Invites for engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and even save-the-dates can all be done electronic!

One of the most popular electronic invitation companies is evite, which many of you are probably familiar with. evite offers bridal shower invites, bachelorette party invites, wedding/engagement invites, and a TON of other invites for a variety of gatherings. A few other companies you may also want to check out are: Pingg, OurWedVite.com, and MyPunchbowl.

I'm anxious to hear your feedback. What do you think? Would you send electronic invites for your pre-wedding celebrations?