Weddingbee Blog

I ran into some ladies of Victoria’s Secret at the Bridal Show and they were promoting a new line of bridal lingerie that had recently launched.

Now these undies are hilarious - they come with a removable veil and play Here Comes the Bride!

Rock Paper Scissors is a vendor I saw at the Wedding Salon’s Bridal Show. I loved their work because I’m obsessed with boxed invitations!

Part I

I love to find out what make-up products other people use and the best products out there. In case you’re interested, I thought I’d share the make-up I used for my SIL’s wedding.

Obligatory getting ready shots. I did my own hair too.

This is the clearest close-up I have of my make-up. I used a purple eyeshadow to match my dress, and a neutral lip color.

Face

1. Nars Makeup Primer
2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation #5
3. Giorgio Armani Silk Foundation Powder #4
4. Prescriptives Camouflage Cream
5. Shu Uemura Sheer Face Powder in Transluscent
6. NARS Blush in Orgasm
7. MAC Blush Brush (discontinued)
8. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Pink
9. Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush

Eyes

1. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink
2. Shu Uemura Eyeliner Brush 2R
3. Lancome Flextencils Mascara
4. MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Lingering
5. MAC Eyeshadow in Trax
6. MAC Eyeshadow in White Frost (highlight)
7. MAC Eyeshadow in Black Tied
8. MAC eye brushes in 266, 275, and 213 (similar to the 213, the one I have is discontinued)
9. Ardell’s Flare Short Individual Lashes

Lips

1. Stila Lipliner Contour #4
2. Longevite Lip Protectant (a lip gloss from my dermatologist - the only one that doesn’t dry out my lips)
3. MAC Retractable Lip Brush

Hair
1. Conair’s Instant Heat 11/2″ Curling Iron (used at level 10 setting - it goes up to 20)
2. Thermasilk Hairspray

Wow it sure takes a lot of products to put me together. A skill I really want to learn for next time - contouring!

IntDesigner2000 - Pink and green themed Detroit wedding. The bride made these centerpieces herself!

still-dyc - Pink and green themed Philadelphia wedding. She also has a great planning bio.

jmh7905 - Pink and green themed New York wedding.

SJohnson - A military wedding.

MrsMarmor - A Washington wedding.

green_brown_bio

Yellowbio

Not really wedding related, but so shocking I had to share… Us Weekly reports that Britney Spears is pregnant with her second child!

Who would have thought their marriage would have lasted this long?

(source: usweekly)

I attended the Wedding Salon’s bridal event at Gotham Hall with Miss Caterpillar yesterday. Somehow I ended up on the VIP list which means you get an All Clad frying pan in addition to the gift bag! The gift bag alone, valued at over $500, made attending the event worth it. Unfortunately they only give one per couple.

There was a great energetic vibe to the show - different bands played throughout the night, and refreshments and hors’ douvres were served. There were also a good mix of vendors - not the usual photographers galore you see at most shows.

Invitations from Rock Paper Scissors. Absolutely gorgeous and original.

Sample tables set up in collaboration with various wedding planners, floral designers, etc.

This one was gorgeous.

Over-the-top crazy with faberge eggs as favors.

I love this chuppah! Is it wrong to want one even if you’re not Jewish? They’re just so beautiful.

This is a $100,000 dress.

Bernard Maisner Calligraphy - the most intricately formal and detailed calligraphy. He makes it look so easy!

Some samples of his work (click to enlarge)

He was giving out samples so Miss Caterpillar got one.

Prada perfumes was one of the vendors present. They were promoting these engravable perfume bottles as bridesmaids gifts.

We ended the evening with Miss Caterpillar getting her hair done at the Allure Beauty Suite. I thought it looked pretty nice, but it was the kinda do that would easily fall apart - which it did during dinner.

Definitely one of the better bridal shows out there. We even got to meet some weddingbee fans!

Mrs. Bee kindly invited me to the Wedding Salon at Gotham Hall last night, and I happily tagged along. The Wedding Salon is supposed to be the ne plus ultra of wedding planning events — the home of the $100,000 Kleinfeld gown and $500 gift bag. How could I not go?

We arrived around 5pm, and were serenaded by a man in what appeared to be fox hunting breeches and a 4-foot long trumpet. That became annoying in approximately 5 seconds. See? The Wedding Salon IS helpful! Within seconds of arriving, I had already decided I did not want a fox hunter to play horse race starts on a trumpet at my wedding! An excellent start.

Next we checked in, and because of Mrs. Bee’s star status, received VIP bracelets. Sadly our VIP bracelets still only entitled us to a single gift bag. Which, I have to say, Mrs. Bee generously gifted to me! Despite her love for all things gift bag, she GAVE IT TO ME! She didn’t even take me up on my offer to share. Saintly!

We started our rounds. It was crowded. I have seen crowds like this once before. Mr. Caterpillar and I went to Tokyo last August, and got stuck in Tokyo Station during rush hour. 2 million people commute through Tokyo Station every day. I bumped into every single one of them while trying to run against traffic toward a rice ball store. This was similar, except there was a live band singing a cover of Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” and the lighting was lower.

There were about a billion vendors. I stopped at all the honeymoon/travel booths because Mr. Caterpillar has not yet started planning our trip, and I’d like to leave hints around the house as to how I would prefer the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay to a bus travel trip to Niagara Falls.

The center of the hall was devoted to table displays, and it WAS pretty impressive. One of the tables was decorated a la The Firebird. It was like Christmas had exploded all over it — a lot of gilt, a lot of red velvet, and a lot of Faberge-style eggs. No, really. Faberge-style eggs.

I liked all the candlelight and the centerpiece on this table. The flowers are by Chestnuts in the Tuileries.

And I liked the napkin rings on this table. They had funny little flowers tucked into them.

Someone passed by and gave me an hors d’hoeuvre sample. I think it was a slice of steak on a baguette. It was . . . chewy. Someone else came by with a cake sample, but I was still chewing on the steak. I think Mrs. Bee had some though.

Two vendors that stood out: Doyle & Doyle and Bernard Maisner Calligraphy & Fine Stationery.

Doyle & Doyle has an enormous collection of serious antique/estate jewelry. For sale or rent. To rent for a day, you put down 20% of the retail price of the item. When you return it, you’re credited 60% of the rental fee toward a purchase. For week long rentals, you put down 30% of the retail price.

Bernard Maisner does some mean copperplate calligraphy. He wrote my name on an envelope with substantial swirling and whatnot. If I were fancy, I’d have Bernard Maisner do my invitations.

Next, we found the Allure Magazine Beauty Suite. Someone did my hair. It involved lots of hairspray. He wasn’t used to working with people who have an enormous amount of hair, so there was a lot of twisting and groaning. He snapped himself with a rubberband trying to get it around my ponytail twice. Mrs. Bee thought it looked nice. I think I’ll not be doing it for the wedding.

While my head was in the custody of the hair man, Mrs. Bee collected the gift bag. It was possibly the gift bag of all gift bags, barring any sort of movie industry self-congratulatory awards show gift bag. It came with an All-Clad frying pan! As well as loads of make up — MAC lip gloss, Lancome mascara, Essie nailpolish (in my favorite color, Mademoiselle), Amore Pacific skin care scrubs and polishes. It also came with . . . panties. They’re white satin in front with blue and white ribbon ties at the side. The back is completely transparent and is screen printed with “Just Married.” Rhinestones abound. Mr. Caterpillar thought they were frightening. Lots of food also came along — cookies and colored M&Ms, mints, and candy coated almonds. I gave the cookies to Mr. Caterpillar to review. More when he gets back to me.

Oh, and the $100,000 dress from Kleinfeld? Kind of crazy. It had a giant diamond brooch in the center of the bodice, and two asymmetrical diamond straps on the right shoulder. It also had ruching and lace and pickups and ruffles and shirring. So, if you’re the indecisive type, or you just like lots of stuff, this might be the dress for you.

I did my own make-up for my SIL’s wedding because I’m a little picky when it comes to my make-up. Every time I’ve had my make-up done at a department store counter, I end up looking like a clown or just weird. I think Asian and Black make-up is usually a lot harder to get right.

So I thought I’d share my best tips in case you’re planning on doing your own make-up as a bridesmaid or a bride.

1) Exfoliate! Exfoliating regularly will give you a smooth, clean canvas to work with. I personally like Dermalogica’s Skin Prep Scrub, but some people find it a little harsh.

2) Use a primer - it’ll give your skin a good base for your foundation. I use Nars Makeup Primer which is great, but I’ve heard excellent things about Smashbox’ Photo Finish.

3) Use foundation sponges. The cheap ones from drugstores are fine. This was the first time I’d actually used them - they really allow for more even and precise coverage.

4) Don’t forget the concealer. Apply concealer after you’ve applied foundation. I use Prescriptives Camouflage Cream which provides a nice sheer coverage, but I’ve heard good things about Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat, Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage, and Cle de Peau Concealer. Concealer is also great as an eyeshadow base to keep it from creasing.

4) Have a good loose powder. I like Shu Uemura’s Sheer Face Powder because it’s very fine. I also love Laura Mercier’s Setting Powder in Transluscent. Indispensable for setting make-up as you apply it. You can put a generous amount under your eyes to catch eye shadow particles - then simply brush it away.

5) Long lasting foundation and oil blotting paper. I have dry skin so I don’t really need touch-ups throughout the day, but if you have oily skin, I’d recommend using a long-lasting foundation like Revlon’s Colorstay. It really lasts all day and won’t rub off. It’s not just for oily skin of course - this was used on me by my make-up artist at my brother’s wedding.

Don’t forget oil blotting papers to absorb any shine throughout the day. Clean ‘n Clear’s Oil Absorbing Sheets are some of the best around - plus they’re super afforadble!

6) False Eyelashes. These take a little practice but they have a dramatic effect on your eyes. You can really tell the difference in photographs! The ones I wanted from Shu Uemura were sold out when I went to the store. So I bought Style 108 (too short - same length as my lashes) and 128 (too long) from Ardell. I ended up using Ardell’s Duralash flare short length lashes which I use all the time anyway.

7) Waterproof mascara. If you cry at weddings, be sure to wear waterproof mascara so it doesn’t run.

One thing I wanted to do but just didn’t have the time for, was to go get my eyebrows shaped. I suck at shaping my eyebrows. When you get it done by a pro, they’re a lot easier to maintain. I’m gonna go get it done anyway (because I need it!) and I’ll blog about the experience. Hope these tips help!

This is my family. Can you believe there’s a third missing? Hot damn. Plus Esther, Jon, Sarah, Robert, Owen, Josie! Why the heck aren’t you in these photos?!

My Cousins

Family photos taken on the terrace

According to the New York Post, Tobey Maguire proposed to Jennifer Meyer, his girlfriend of three years, with a “big” Tiffany ring this weekend.

Congratulations Spiderman!

(source: usweekly)

Mr. Bee and I flew to Seattle last Friday for his sister’s wedding. The wedding was actually held in Yakima - a small town 150 miles from Seattle where the groom grew up. It was a very scenic, enjoyable 2 1/2 drive through the mountains to get there.

Both the bride and groom are in the navy so the mother of the groom planned the entire wedding. Now honestly I must say that this was definitely the most unorganized, ill prepared wedding I’ve ever attended. Nothing was done - the schedule, centerpieces, alcohol, food preparation… the judge had another wedding scheduled within 30 minutes, 1 groomsman didn’t show up, another didn’t have his tux…

It could have been absolute chaos but luckily our family really pitched in to bring everything together at the last minute. At the end of the day, everyone had a great time and the bride and groom were happy. That’s all that matters.

Now onward with the pictures! Because I was in the wedding I don’t have as many as I usually would.

The venue - Mair-Farm Taki.

There were gorgeous tulips in full bloom everywhere.

The ceremony is held across the bridge and under the gazebo - over 100 feet from the guests. But the officiant is mic’d so the guests can hear everything that’s said.

The venue is a farm - I found this momma cat inside a box with 4 kittens.

This kitty was blinded when she had an adverse reaction to medication during a surgery. She still follows her owner around with no problem and was the friendliest thing ever. (Although we were told she used to run full speed ahead into doors at first.)

My adorable niece and nephew - Miko and Anya.

Here comes the bride…

Flowergirls carrying her train.

My mom was taking these pictures and she’d never used a digital camera before - hence no zoom.

Officially husband and wife!

Anya was the flowergirl in my wedding last year and she wore this dress then. These 2 dresses were purchased separately but they’re coincidentally very similar.

I caught a stolen moment after the wedding.

The bride and groom with the 4 other bridesmaids.

The groomsmen and the ring bearer.

The blushing bride.

Me and mi mama.

It was a very casual barbecue reception - hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken, pork chops, shish kebabs… and I must say that the food was absolutely delicious. Much better than some $200+ sit down dinners I’ve had at other weddings!

The cake.

Bubbles and bells.

My niece/flowergirl Anya and me.

My nephew/ringbearer Miko and me.

The bride’s mother giving a heartflet speech.

The bouquet toss!

This little girl ran, slipped, fell, and caught the bouquet. It was hilarious! It’s at least another 10 years before she’s gonna get married.

The garter toss. Men are always so unenthusiastic about catching the garter whereas women fight over the bouquet.

The first dance.

Father-daughter dance.

The bride and groom had an unexpected bundle of joy after getting engaged last year. Meet baby Kiana.

The wedding made me realize that you can have a nice wedding on a budget. It’s not the font on the menus or the color coordinated favors that makes a wedding special - so long as the couple is happy and the guests have fun - it’ll be an event to remember.

Sales

John Sahag
What: Get 20% off first haircut or color appointment
Where: 425 Madison Ave., 2nd fl (@ 49th St)
Phone: 212-750-7772
When: Offer expires May 6

Invisalign
What: Get $1000 off
Where: Manhattan Dental Spa, 200 Madison Ave (@35th St)
Phone: 212-683-2530
When: April 24 - May 1

Trunk Shows

Henry & Michelle Roth
Where: Kleinfeld, 110 West 20th Street
Phone: 646-633-4300
When: May 9 - May 11 (by appointment only)

Priscilla of Boston
Where: Bergdorf Goodman, 754 5th Avenue
Phone: 212-872-8957
When: May 11-13 (by appointment only)

Carolina Herrera
Where: Kleinfeld, 110 West 20th Street
Phone: 646-633-4300
When: May 12 - May 14 (by appointment only)

Every Tuesday we post listings for upcoming trunk shows and sales in the city. If you know of a trunk show, sample sale, or sale that we’re missing, please send it to us at tips@weddingbee.com. Thanks!

I bought my wedding dress at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier — a full service snazzy dress salon on the east side. I’m very happy with the service that I’ve received to date, but if I had to do it again, I would have shopped around and then ordered my dress from either Pearl’s Place or NetBride.

Pearl’s Place is a brick and mortar bridal salon outside of New Orleans; NetBride, an online-only store based out of Minneapolis. Both retailers offer 25% - 30% off most brands. For example, the US Angels dress I bought for my flower girl retails for $142 at Saks, plus tax. NetBride quoted me a price of $96 and Pearl’s Place, $102… plus shipping, but no tax on both.

NetBride’s shipping rates were a little bit higher, so the prices almost evened out. I ordered from Pearl’s Place because they actually pick up the phone; everything on NetBride is done through email. It made me a bit nervous, but both sites have received raves on The Knot’s message boards. Twenty five percent off on a Monique Lhuillier dress equals big bucks! Live and learn …

If you’re not comfortable ordering online, get a quote from NetBride and bring it over to RK Bridal. They’ll beat the price by 5% with their “no frill” package (i.e. you’re responsible for taking proper measurements). Just make sure to bring the email with the quote with you!

Mr. Firefly uses cheap-o disposable razors for everyday shaving, but he loves the straight edge razor shave at The Art of Shaving. I reminded him yesterday that he might want to make an appointment for the day of the wedding. He looked at me funny and said, “What do you mean, I made an 11am appointment a couple of months ago!”

I was sooo happy!

I’m sure I’m not the only bride, but I sometimes think that Michael views this wedding as a chore. He must pass wedding to collect honeymoon and get me preggers. But little things like this make me realize that perhaps he does care about the big day after all…