Weddingbee Blog

I found some photos if some of you are going with the lanterns and was looking for some visual inspiration…

Which would you prefer?

A) Upbeat pop song like Yeah by Usher, Hey Ya or I Like the Way You Move by Outkast.

B) Oldie but goodie like I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor or Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees.

C) I love the 80’s Strikes Back! Beat It by Michael Jackson or Love Shack by B-52’s.

Bachelor and bachelorette parties in Vegas/strip clubs/etc.

A) You trust your significant other. Let them have a fun boy’s/girl’s night out.

B) Hell no.

per nabigoyangi’s request…hope this helps a little.

i was actually thinking about doing the paper lantern thing too if we had a tent wedding. however since we’re not anymore i have a list of sites where you can purchase really nice ones…there’s a lot of choices in the battery lantern dept as well.

Paper Lantern Store

Party Lights

Pearl River

Asian Ideas (click on home decor if you’re on the homepage)

Cultural Intrigue

I’m choosing grand entrance songs - one for the wedding party and one for the bride and groom. This is what I have for the bride and groom grand entrance so far:

1) Rocky Theme Song (my brother is a huge Rocky fan)
2) Love & Marriage by Frank Sinatra (my brother and I are huge Married With Children fans)
3) I’m a Believer by Smashmouth (I’m a big Shrek fan)
4) Can’t Help Falling in Love by UB40
5) How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) by James Taylor
6) All You Need is Love by the Beatles (Think Love Actually soundtrack)

Which is your favorite? I’m thinking about doing something more mellow for the wedding party entrances like the theme from Forrest Gump and something more upbeat and fun for the bride/groom grand entrance.

About Face Makeup, Inc.
718-832-9676
917-501-8278
aboutfacemakeup.com
During your pre-wedding consultations, Noelle Bonham will create a customized look for you and your bridesmaids, and teach you how to keep your makeup and ‘do perfect till the last dance at the reception. Then on the big day, she’ll travel to you to provide bridal makeup, as well as skin and hair services. Bonham also offers airbrush tans and foundation coverage for skin flaws and tattoos. From $400.BridalGal
Dominique Salon in the Hotel Pierre
2 E. 61st St., nr. Fifth Ave., lower level
212-759-5544
bridalgal.com
With model clients like Lauren Bush and Rachel Hunter, Lilly Rivera has perfected her airbrush makeup technique. She uses a compressor gun filled with makeup to create the appearance of skin so flawless, it can withstand the scrutiny of high-definition and digital photography. Bridal packages are $325 for a trial run and $300 per hour for the day of the wedding. They include a facial, airbrush makeup application, and hairstyling. Packages are also available for the groom and bridal party.

Butterfly Studio
149 Fifth Avenue, nr. 21st St., second fl.
212-253-2100
This Gramercy Park salon specializes in black-tie glamour, offering full in-salon service from $150 and on-location styling for the bridal party from $1,500. Veteran makeup artist Francesca Roman has refined the art of using top-shelf products like Chantecaille foundation and Nars eye shadow; her hand-applied makeup lasts eight to ten hours with touch-ups, and airbrushed makeup lasts ten to twelve hours. Book your appointment three months in advance.Cheek to Chic
212-496-2244
cheektochic.com
A one-woman show, Raychel Wade will come to your wedding to do your makeup. The frequent magazine consultant and cosmetics-counter veteran-she’s been a makeover pro for Nars, Armani, and Bobbi Brown-knows her products and works wonders for brides ($325) and their parties ($150 per person). Trials are $75.Damali NYC

212-604-4441
damalinyc.com
Put your best face forward by having your makeup done by this Bobbi Brown-trained team. For $250 to $350, they’ll ensure that you’re tearproof and photo-ready for the duration of your wedding. Consultations are $80 (part of which goes toward the final cost), and bridal-party members are $125 each. They work solely on location, destination weddings included. James Boehmer
917-940-5587
jmzdan@hotmail.com
Nars artist Boehmer began his career in indie film and theater before graduating to cover shoots, runways, and weddings. Although high-fashion looks are his specialty, he’s perfectly skilled at more low-key jobs as well. He can use an airbrush to make you tanner-or even paler, if that’s what you desire ($300 per person). Book a consultation ($200) two to four months before the wedding.Judith Ann Graham
212-688-3202
judithanngraham.com
A former Miss New York with fifteen years in the beauty business, Graham specializes in camera-friendly, airbrushed makeup that lasts for fourteen hours, and has worked with in-the-spotlight New Yorkers like Donna Hanover and Sidney Biddle Barrows. Make your appointment two to three months in advance; a hair-and-makeup trial costs $250. Full wedding-day services cost $500 for the bride and $125 per service, per person.

Keri Berman
917-566-6426
Keri Berman’s makeup artistry goes above and beyond the usual foundation and color application. After a consultation at Henri Bendel, she custom-blends products for you to purchase. Her services start at $750 for the bride and one other person (it’s $150 for each person after that and $125 per hour to stay for touch-ups), and she’ll travel to the wedding location to do the job.Kimara Ahnert Makeup & Skincare Studio
1113 Madison Ave., at 84th St.
212-452-4252
kimara.com
Ahnert’s studio is the ultimate in luxury-but it’s perennially booked, so plan on making your appointment as early as possible. Her on-location work is from $500, but other staff members will do your face for $300 and up. Trials are $175 with Ahnert, $100 with a staff member.

Laura Geller Makeup Studios
1044 Lexington Ave., near 74th St.
212-570-5477
laurageller.com
Geller and her staff of hairstylists and makeup artists will teach you how to apply your own makeup for your wedding ($125 with a staff member, $250 with Geller herself), or she will do it for you and your bridesmaids at the venue ($1,500 with Laura for the three-person minimum; $300 per person with staff). Trials are $95 to $175. Matthew Nigara
646-298-0890
mdn318@nyc.rr.com
Although Nigara is primarily a runway makeup artist, he still finds the time for wedding work. Bring your dress and a digital camera to a consultation ($200). If it’s a big wedding party, he’ll show up with two assistants (bride plus one person, $1,000; $200 each additional person).Rebecca Restrepo
jim@contactnyc.com
Restrepo was discovered at Henri Bendel’s M.A.C counter, and has since worked with makeup bigwigs Laura Mercier and Kevyn Aucoin and done loads of Neutrogena ads. Consultations are $500; the big day starts at $1,500. Book two months ahead.

Sally Duvall
718-797-3398
sally.xbuild.com
Sally Duvall is known for crafting natural yet glamorous looks for her brides by using as little makeup as possible. As the former assistant to the late Kevyn Aucoin, Duvall has worked with a number of celebrities on print covers and in spreads, and has even done an episode of Sex and the City. (Remember Carrie Bradshaw’s infamous moment as “fashion roadkill”?) Duvall charges an hourly rate of $225; $1,500 for a full eight-hour day.

Stephanie Barr
917-885-6502
stefstarr1@optonline.net
Barr is an airbrush makeup artist who works for the WB11 morning show doing famous faces (Lynda Lopez, Jamie-Lynn DiScala, Fergie), but she also does weddings. Consultations are $250; combination airbrush and traditional makeup application is $350 for the bride, $200 for the mother of the bride, and $125 for each additional person.Trish McEvoy
800A Fifth Ave., near 61st St., Ste. 401
212-758-7790
Six months before their weddings, do-it-yourself brides come to McEvoy’s studio, where they get an hour-long makeup lesson ($450 for McEvoy; $250 for a staff artist) and a kit filled with makeup, makeup planner, and instructions (but no brushes). For a cute way to celebrate your engagement, reserve the space (and McEvoy’s undivided attention) and give your bridal party a makeover with McEvoy’s entire fee donated to charity.

Valery Joseph Salon
1044 Madison Ave., nr. 79th St.
212-517-2333
820 Madison Ave., nr. 68th St.
212-517-7377
valeryjoseph.com
Favored by beauty editors and similarly demanding clientele, this pair of Upper East Side salons distinguishes itself by offering sophisticated wedding-day updos and hair extensions. Makeup and eyebrow specialist Rachel Gangemi will fashion your look using Laura Mercier and M.A.C, with prices starting at $150 for salon work and day rates ranging from $1,500 to 2,500, depending on location and size of the bridal party.

I LOVE how these flowers and candles look but I don’t remember where I found this picture. The knot? Xanga? A florist’s website? Let me know if this is yours!

Cheesy or fun?

I don’t know if this is for real, but it was posted on craigslist in Phili.

***

A Letter to Bridezilla

Reply to: pers-109495710@craigslist.org
Date: 2005-11-07, 1:48PM EST
I was inspired by a bridezilla posting from a few days ago.

This is to my dear friend, Amanda, who I’ve known since the 4th grade.

We grew up in the same neighborhood. We got our first bras together. We went to the same highschool and double dated to the prom. Even though we went to different colleges in diferent states, we remained as close as ever.

A year and a half ago Amanda, you called me on the phone and told me that you just got back from a date with the guy you were going to marry. I was so excited, and that excitement only grew after I met your boyfriend, Adam, and got to know what a great guy he is. I was thrilled when, three months ago, you called me up at 2:30 in the morning to tell me that Adam had just proposed on a secluded beach where you were vacationing. I got tears in my eyes as you told me how happy you were to finally be in love with a person who loves you so much in return, and how wonderful your lives were going to be. And then, you asked me to be maid of honor at your wedding, and we laughed and cried and I told you that I’d be honored to be there on your wedding day, and support you as you’ve supported me for the past 20 years.

Well, it’s been three months now and I don’t know who you are anymore. My cool friend, who I used to be able to laugh, cry, and joke with has turned into a BRIDEZILLA. But instead of stomping all over Tokyo, you’ve chosen to stomp all over me, your best friend. Here are just some of the ways you’ve chosen to make me feel like a complete piece of crap:

1. Choosing a bridesmaids outfit that is particularly unflattering for all of your attendants. Not one of us is a size 4, and you know this, but your sister is going to be 8 months pregnant when you walk down the aisle. Yet you think that pink strapless satin was the way to go. I can deal with it, and your bridesmaids can deal with it, but your sister is going to look like a bottle of Pepto. What kind of a bitch are you? (Oh, and I think it’s great that you went with the “designer” version of the dress that sells for $280. You’re right, it’s going to be SOOOOO much better than the cheaper version of the exact same thing that sells for $110.)

2. Telling me that instead of letting me bring a guest to your wedding (my boyfriend of nearly two years being the person *I* had in mind), you’re going to make me take Adam’s cousin, who is slow and lives in a group home. I’m sure he’s a great guy, and I’m glad that I can babysit for him so you “won’t have to watch him during the wedding,” but did you ever think I may have wanted to dance or have a good time or something?

3. Dragging me around to 11 different bridal stores so you can try on dress after dress after dress that all look EXACTLY THE SAME. Isn’t this what your mother is for? I have a JOB. I have HOBBIES. I do VOLUNTEER WORK. I am too busy to go with you to Harrisburg three weekends in a row in search of “the perfect dress”!!!

4. Telling me not to cut my hair until the wedding because you think if my hair is too short I’ll “stick out.”

5. Telling me and your bridesmaids that we’re getting a day at the spa before the wedding and then telling us that we’re each paying $155 for it!! You’re right, that will REALLY help us “de-stress.”

6. Telling me exactly what kind of favors you want at the wedding, and going with me to get the supplies that *I* ended up paying for, and WATCHING me while I assembled 85 bags of jordan almonds, and then telling me that you weren’t going to use them after all because they “looked cheap.” They weren’t cheap, Princess Cow, and I have the $214 receipt to prove it.

7. And, finally, the final straw: when you called me up this morning and yelled at me on the phone because you found out I hadn’t ordered the shoes I have to wear for your wedding. A wedding that is still six, long months from now.

Amanda, I’ve been really, really nice up until now. I’ve let you walk all over me because I knew that this day was special to you. But I just want to let you know this:

1. I’m never going to order those shoes. I plan on wearing sneakers during your wedding and there’s fuck all you can do about it.
2. I’m going to give Adam’s cousin, my “date,” matches to play with during the reception. Sorry in advance that you won’t get your hall deposit back.
3. In four months, when you give me all your invitations and expect me to assemble and mail them, I’m going to take 10 of ‘em and put them through the shredder. Good luck explaining to your crazy-ass family why some of them didn’t get invited.

And, finally, after you’ve walked up the aisle, and said your “I do’s” I am going to erase your name from my address book and never speak to you again. If a wedding makes you this fucking nuts, I can’t even imagine what having kids will do to you. Best of luck, Adam, you’re going to need it.

Love, Lindsey

My florist redid the sample centerpieces for me with roses and dahlias. What u think?

Me likey. We’re going to coordinate the fabric on the vases with the table linens.

Last night C and I were working on our guest list. We felt like gods with so much power. muhahahaha!

- We have a “DEFINITE” list which are people we have to invite.
- Then we have a “NOT COMING” list which are people we have to send invites to even though we know they’re not coming just out of courtesy.
-Then we have the “MY FAMILY” list which are all of my relatives…i think we had a head count of 50 something for this list.

Then the last list was the “BUBBLE” list. This is a name that C came up with for our maybe’s. This is where we were feeling the power. I’d call out a name and C would say “eh maybe..put him on the bubble list!” “he pissed me off last week, the bubble list!” So far I think we have 80 some definite’s and 27 in the bubble list. Nancy, my youngest sister kept talking smack about his vocal talent on our ride back to Jersey saturday night so C threatened to put her on the bubble list. Can we say power trip?

The Save the Dates are FINALLY going out tomorrow morning. I printed the envelopes this weekend - they came out okay, but not great. I probably should have hired a calliigrapher but didn’t want to spend the money.

I went with the kissing close-up design with a calendar and circled the wedding date with a red sharpie. The cards came out nice and were very cheap (around $1.15 each) because I waited for shutterfly to have a sale. I thought about bringing them to the post-office to get the envelopes hand-canceled, but really, I don’t think it’s necessary for casual STDs.

We still have 14 addresses to get/confirm, but I feel like I crossed a huge item off of my list.

I came across these fantastic favors on WhiteAisle.com. You can provide them with any text you want and they have tons of fonts and ribbon colors from which to choose.

The boxes can have 2 Lindt Truffles - which I admit is a bit chintzy. They also have 3-truffle boxes so I’m going to see if they can use this paper on those chocolates. The minimum order is 25 boxes so I may order half with large lettering (names/date/place) and half with small lettering (wedding vows? words to wedding song?).

My sister also came across these great chocolates from Schacolad - they can write your names and date on the chocolates. But I want the favors to be part of the decor and don’t think I’m up for wrapping 150 little boxes myself!

UPDATE: The nice folks at Schacolad just let me know that they can custom wrap their chocolate favors so if the idea of paper cuts was holding you back, feel free to order from them.