DIY Garters

Wearing a garter is still a popular wedding tradition, whether you toss it or not. But finding one that fits your style, or one that doesn't look it is about to fall apart before you even put it on can be a real task. That is why we are here to help you make one yourself!

Now you might be thinking, "I am not crafty" or "I can't sew." Fear not! This Do-It-Yourself garter project requires no sewing. All you need are some scissors, elastic lace, fabric strips, glue, and embellishments such as beads, sequins, or buttons (optional). Making your own garter is also a great way to incorporate something blue, or even something old (think about using fabric from your grandmother's old wedding gown, or your favorite aunt's vintage clothing.)

 












































Want to give it a try? Click here to download our simple step-by-step instructions. Happy crafting!

The Supreme Court and Gay Marriage

Yesterday, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments in a case seeking to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, the law signed by President Clinton in 1996 that defined marriage as heterosexual, and denied federal benefits to gay couples who are legally married in their states.

As wedding professionals, we are in the business of love, whether that is between a man and a woman, a man and a man, a woman and a woman, or transgendered people. Life is too short, and we all deserve the chance to be happy, truly happy. There are enough obstacles in life, why make this another? Everyone has the right to LOVE EQUALLY. This is America after all, land of the free!

Check out Equally Wed to keep up-to-date on this historic event.

Wedding Day Kicks

Who says wedding shoes have to be uncomfortable white or ivory pumps, or shiny patent leather dress shoes? Get creative and show off your personality! Your wedding shoes could be any number of colors or styles. You could wear flip flops, laid back sneakers, some vintage finds, or even boots. It's your wedding day, so why not kick it up a notch?

Here are some ideas: 

Thank you to Cronin Hill Photography, JEsther Photography, and Elisabeth Millay Photography for the photos!

Right in our Backyard

Last November, we were invited to attend the Lenox Wedding Tour, an event for wedding planners and media to showcase the many beautiful people and places Lenox and the Berkshires has to offer. We found some gorgeous venues that existed right in our backyard!

The first day began with us checking into each of our appointed quarters for the next 3 days. We were lucky enough to stay at the Seven Hills Inn. Our room was charming and cheery, painted a bright soft yellow and decorated with blue and white accents. Our beds were also really comfortable!

From there, we headed to the Cranwell Resort and Spa to meet and mingle with other attendees and to receive mini spa treatments. Mani and pedis here we come! The staff at the Spa were friendly and experienced. They handle weddings, small and large, and is a perfect destination spot.

After our pamper session, we went back to our room to get dolled up for a short tour and dinner at the Wheatleigh. Shuttles from Abbot's picked us up then brought us to the front door. What a gorgeous place! All of the rooms are decorated so tastefully and offered high ceilings and large windows. They also have a room which they call the Treehouse, which sits atop the property in a turret and offers a great view of the landscape.

Once we toured the space, we dined in two beautifully decorated rooms. We sat in an enclosed portico with lofted ceilings, columns, and huge windows. We chatted with the new faces around us while we ate an unbelievable dinner. We were incredibly impressed with the presentation of the food and the service was flawless. The experience was fit for royalty and we were honored to be part of this very special event.

That was the end of day one. Check back later for the rest of the tour, we have much more to tell you about! Thank you to John Seakwood Photography for the pictures.

Wedding Beauty Prep

"There is no definition of beauty, but when you can see someone's spirit coming through, something unexplainable, that's beautiful to me." — Liv Tyler

Everyone wants to look their absolute best on their wedding day, which is why so many people choose to hire a professional makeup artist. But how do you get the most out of your makeup? Here are some great tips from Liz Washer, a makeup artist recognized for her natural touch and eye for color. You can see some of her wedding work here.

Beauty begins with the skin
The better the condition of your skin, the better your makeup will look. However, dramatically  changing your regimen in the weeks before the wedding can create MORE breakouts and other skin reactions. If you want a facial, make sure to do so no later than a week (preferably two) before your wedding – your skin needs the recovery time. Continue using the products your skin is accustomed to, with extra attention to moisturizer, sunscreen, and lip balm. 

Wedding day eve
The day before, gently exfoliate to remove any flakes or dead skin on your face and lips. Sugar mixed with honey, olive oil, or lip balm makes a great lip exfoliator! Avoid the use of overly scratchy ingredients (such as ground walnut shells).

You are what you eat
What you put into your body affects your skin, so drink as much water as possible to keep yourself hydrated and to aid in skin renewal. Nutrition affects the health of your skin, particularly if you have any food allergies or sensitivities, so be sure to consult a doctor well in advance if you have concerns about your diet, or a dermatologist if you have specific questions about skincare, acne, etc.
 
Wax on, wax off
Don’t leave any form of facial depilation – especially waxing – to the last minute (a week beforehand is best). In addition to leaving redness behind, waxing can temporarily create an unnaturally smooth surface, preventing makeup adhesion. If you’re taking medication or using a topical acne treatment, remember that your skin is probably drier and more prone to being damaged by waxing. (If you have specific questions about your eyebrows, contact Liz in advance for recommendations.)

Sun-kissed skin
If you’d like a spray tan for the wedding, it should be done in advance so the color has time to soften and settle so it doesn’t stain. Only use self-tanning products if you are experienced with application and familiar with the product’s durability, as they can also stain your garments (not to mention your palms!) Whatever you do, don’t go too dark or orange – stay within a natural range for your skin tone.
 
Mirror mirror
Avoid using magnifying mirrors – they encourage excessive picking and plucking (and irrational levels of insecurity!)

Got ink?
If you will be having tattoos or any large areas of skin concealed on the wedding day, be sure to shave the area thoroughly on the morning of, including up to an inch of the surrounding skin – this will help the full-coverage makeup to lie flush and blend well. (There is generally no need to shave or wax your face prior to makeup application, but feel free to contact Liz if you have questions about facial hair.)

Sleeping beauty
Get as much sleep as possible, drink lots of water, and if you feel puffy on the morning of, refrigerated cucumber slices will soothe the skin around your eyes.

Questions about timing for your makeup on your wedding day? You can read more about that on Liz's blog, or contact us and we can help you coordinate all of those details so that you can relax! On your wedding day, you want to feel beautiful and pampered, and we want that for you as well.