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.

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.

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. Minted even has an extensive collection of save the date cards and holiday photo cards. 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

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!

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!

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?

DIY Hydrangea Centerpieces :: Simple & Stylish

A recent client meeting inspired me to write this post about DIY centerpieces. In today's economy, brides all across the nation are looking for ways to save $$ in all areas of their budget. One area that can easily cause brides to go over budget is flowers, especially centerpieces. My mission this afternoon was to create a simple, yet stylish centerpiece for under $15. Mission Accomplished. I purchased this 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square vase at Michaels for $9.99 and then purchased two stems of blue hydrangea blooms for $4.33 at my local grocery store (Giant Eagle for all the Pittsburgh brides out there). Total cost with tax = $15.18/centerpiece. A few tips for making these centerpieces at home:

• Carefully unpackage hydrangea blooms and keep refrigerated until ready to use

• Remove leaves from hydrangea stems and cut stems until they are just barely touching the bottom of the vase

• Be sure to properly clean the vase before inserting the flowers into cold water

• Criss-cross stems & then tie together {directly underneath the bottom of the blooms} with a rubber band to ensure that the flowers stay put in the vase

Total time it took me to prep and design each centerpiece was under 5 minutes. Hydrangeas are available in a variety of shades - purple, pink, blue, white, and can even be artificially tinted in the color of your choice. These centerpieces would be perfect for an outdoor spring/summer wedding or bridal shower.

Personalized Tip :: Place a blue beta fish in each centerpiece for an added twist. At the end of the event, send the centerpieces home with your guests. These would be the perfect 'thank you' to all the little ones attending your wedding!

Photos courtesy of Simply Perfect Weddings.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Tip :: Purchase Edible Favors

Our second tip in our weekly Green blogging series is to purchase edible favors instead of the usual "trinket" favors {coasters, wine stoppers, candles, etc...}. Too often I see guests forget their favors at their tables, or worse, throw their favors away on the way out the door. For this reason alone, I prefer edible favors. Edible favors can range from personalized candy to chocolate covered pretzels to tea packets. Beau Coup has a nice selection of edible favors to choose from. These types of favors are also a great DIY project!

As an alternative to individual edible favors, I also like the idea of having a candy buffet {as seen pictured above}, ice cream bar, or even coffee bar. These types of "favors" are a nice gesture as they allow guests to choose from a variety of options.

I recently blogged about skipping favors altogether and donating to a charity instead {this may be my favorite option}. You can check out that blog here. Whichever type of favor you choose, remember to also think about the packaging that goes along with it. Even though guests will consume edible favors, they can't consume the packaging. Choose recycled packaging if you can, or choose items with minimal packaging.

Photo courtesy of Paul Meyer Photography.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

What girl doesn't need a chocolate fix every now and then? These mini ice cream sandwiches are the perfect treat for a hot summer day (like today!) and can even be served for dessert at your bridal shower.

{This recipe makes 8 servings}

Ingredients

• 1 box (1.75-quart) mint-chocolate-chip ice cream
• 16 mint wafer candies, such as Nestle After Eight Thin Mints

Directions

Fold down one long side of the box and cut the ice cream into squares that are the size of the candies.

Sandwich ice cream between two pieces of candy and press together gently. Insert small wooden sticks into the ice cream. Freeze, covered, for about 1 hour to harden. Soften a bit before eating.

Enjoy!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Parents.com

Venue Spotlight :: Soldiers & Sailors Museum

We are quite lucky here in Pittsburgh to have some amazing wedding venues to choose from. One venue that I have yet to work at, but recently had the opportunity to visit, is the Soldiers & Sailors Museum located in the heart of Oakland. Many of the museums here in Pittsburgh have rental spaces for events; however, this museum space may be one of my favorites. Soldiers & Sailors has several event rental spaces to choose from, so whether you are having a large lavish affair with 300 guests, or are opting for something a little more intimate, Soldiers & Sailors can accommodate your needs. You even have the option to hold your ceremony on the patio of the museum {as seen pictured above}. If you're looking for a venue with rich architecture and character, then this is one venue you will definitely want to check out!

For event rental information and pricing, visit the Soldiers & Sailors event rental section of their website, here.

New Wedding Movie :: The Proposal

Is it just me or does it seem that as each year passes, the number of wedding related movies increases?! The next wedding flick debuting this summer is "The Proposal", a movie about a high-powered exec {Sandra Bullock} who faces deportation back to Canada if she is unable to get her green card. This dilemma forces her to "propose" to her tormented assistant {Ryan Reynolds} who agrees to tag along for the ride, but only with a few conditions of his own...To read more about the plot, click here. "The Proposal" starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds is set to hit theaters on June 19th. I've seen the trailer for the movie and can actually say that I'm looking forward to seeing this one!

New Blog Series :: Eco-Friendly Wedding Tips

It's no surprise that Green is "in". Infact, you would have to be living underneath a rock to not know that people are becoming more environmentally aware and are choosing products that are eco-friendly versus products that are not. Over the last few weeks I have been compiling a list of simple ways that brides can "Go Green" and make their weddings a bit more eco-friendly. This list inspired me to start a new blog series, Eco-Friendly Wedding Tips. Each week I will feature one of the items on my "Go Green" list.

Our first tip :: Ditch the inner envelope in your invitation suite! Not only is this cost-effective, but it also saves the environment. If you think about it, what purpose does the inner envelope really serve? Sure, it may make your invitation seem a bit more traditional and formal, but is anyone really going to judge if you omit the inner envelope?! Probably not.

If you have an eco-friendly wedding idea that you would to share with us, or have featured on our blog, comment below or email me at: sumer{at}simplyperfectwedding.net