Photo: Edyta Szyszlo

Alright brides and really, all ladies…photo + makeup = forever. Don’t ever forget it! Meet Alifa Wong (owner of A La Arte Beauty in San Francisco). She’s my go-to makeup artist, the only one I recommend professionally and personally. Alifa is going to give you the real talk on makeup, and how it relates to your life and wedding. So be on the lookout for more posts of tips, advice and pep talks from her! From Alifa:

Hello everyone! A wedding involves so much planning and so many little details, and as it should, since it is one of the biggest and most important days in a girl’s life. So when it comes to makeup for this special occasion, it should be a detail that is not overlooked. As with everything else that comes along with the wedding plans, hiring your makeup artist will be one of the most important decisions you will make. Don’t be afraid to ask your artist questions- lots of it. Get to know your artist and let her or him get to know you. Makeup is not just about the colors on the outside, it can also bring out beauty and confidence from the inside. (more…)

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo

This maid-of-honor is going to give it to you straight! Chances are you’re all in different cities/states. You all have different tastes. Luckily, bridesmaid wedding trends have gone casual yet still sophisticated so now there’s an actual chance that you’ll wear your dress again, yay :) Once the bride has decided on her bridesmaid look it’s time to get organized especially if she has decided on a variety of styles. I’m a believer that the maid-of-honor literally becomes the executive assistant to the bride. So how do you communicate the wardrobe the ladies (do this for guys too!) should try, buy, wear? Make a visual board! Do it digitally or physically but do it! Here’s the one I made for my friend’s December 30th winter wedding: warm gray color palette. (more…)

Photos courtesy of Aurna Seth

Let’s great real. Heels hurt! And for some of you…height dilemmas might come into play on your wedding day. What’s a girl to do?! Flats flats flats! I found these ballerina flats in the newest issue of MS Weddings and was delighted to see all the variations. They scream luxury, comfort and will add a punch of girlie glam. Order online or find your nearest bridal shop….your feet will thank you.

Photos courtesy: Natalie J. Watts, Foxtail & Fern, Ruffled, 100 Layer Cake , Meg Perotti

Goodness me, don’t these ladies look magical?! I’ve always been a big fan of flowy wedding hair with a cute hair accessory combo. But add real fluffy florals, and I’m instantly smitten with romance and whimsy. Could be the Eastern European in me?! I’ve seen this look worn more by many European or Australian brides (the key is fluffy and full wreaths) and it really adds a pretty pop. Click more to see one of my all time fav fluffy hair wreaths. Veils…you are so 2010 :)

(more…)

Photos courtesy of Pinterest

Seems like a minor detail right? Definitely not. While it’s not a make or break-it project for your party or wedding, it can make a difference in your event photos. Whether you’re the creative type (haha) or not, this is one easy way to spruce up your table centerpiece from the mundane (and distracting really) paper/photo on a tall metal holder. No matter what your budget, table numbers and cards can be cute, themed and add dimension to your centerpiece. They should be a compliment to the centerpiece not a distraction. There are hundreds of ideas so start at the Pinterest link above and check out my favorite real wedding table number here (Italian house numbers). Feel free to share your ideas!

Photos courtesy of 240 Sweet

It’s no secret that weddings and parties LOVE dessert tables. It’s also no secret that cupcakes, pies, whoopie pies, cake pops and candy have been the most popular items! But watch out! A new sugary puff is in town, and it’s breaking mallow molds all over the country. Add them to your dessert table, serve on own or give them out as party favors but it’s no lie that your guests will love these gourmet marshmallows! Check out the link above for purchase info!

Photos courtesy of Whisker Graphics

Need I say more?! How adorable are these paper bags for a party or wedding favor! I know Whisker Graphics well from their charming and striped Divine Twine. And I’m so excited that they’ve added more packaging goodies for us to all drool over! Be sure to take advantage of this pop-up sale over at 100 Layer Cake to buy all the Whisker Graphics goodies mentioned above.

Photos courtesy of ACME Party Box Company

I first spotted these charming drinking jars at The Collection Event Studio in Sonoma, and I’ve been dreaming about them ever since! Why it’s taken me so long to chat about ACME Party Boxes…well I don’t know, but it’s quite genius! Their mission is to give party-throwers a sustainable, reusable and fair way to throw a party (“Parties good, Trash bad!”) whether it be for kids or adults. I’m in love with their concept and even more in love with their products. You’ll find options for favors, tableware, bunting, linens, lighting and centerpieces all for kids and adult parties! Yay for another Bay Area business doing us proud ;)

Photos courtesy of Johanna Johnson Garland Cape & Glamour Junkie

It feels like 99.9% of wedding dresses are strapless, am I right? And don’t get me wrong, sometimes a strapless neckline is nice. But I know there are several of you out there that love a fabulously designed dress with sleeves. It’s something different, often more flattering but not the easiest to find. So what’s a gal to do? Loving the look of layers on a wedding day. Romantic, frothy and flowy capelets (also under boleros, shrugs, cover-ups) offer some added coverage with a touch of pretty glam! From couture to handmade, you can’t deny a dreamy accessory! Added bonus? Skip that veil because they add creative texture and movement for your wedding day photos!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo

Behind the scenes are the best! You get a sense of how someone lives, works, plays and is. I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the all-in-one space of Sitting in a Tree Events San Francisco’s half, Myka! Super sleek, white, light, airy with hints of feminine pretties! Be sure to get the full scoop at The Collection Event Studio’s blog, Part I (the space) here and Part II (the closet) here. Myka you’re the cutest! I’ve included some of my favorites…. (more…)