Color Combination: Lilac & Sage

This week, I was inspired by a couple of real weddings colored in lilac and green! The brides’ inspiration?

“My main color was Victorian lilac, but I also used sage green in the flowers and favors. I have loved purple since I was little and we had a garden wedding, so I thought it would look good with the background in lots of greens,” said one bride.

Photo credit: Claire Corbin Photography

Photo credit: Claire Corbin Photography

The combination of lilac and sage is an example of mixing a cool color with a more earthy, neutral tone to create a dainty and delicate feeling.

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

I absolutely love the bridesmaid attire shown in the board below. Mixing and matching different hues of your color can create a marvelous effect! And shoes are always a perfect opportunity to be creative and show your style!

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

Cupcakes are a great way to save money (as opposed to the multi-tiered cake), and they are another fantastic way to reinforce your color palette.

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

Photo credit: JCarroll

Photo credit: JCarroll

Not big on lilac? Try plum or deep purple instead … and throw in some gold!

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

I love this vineyard-inspired board by my favorite blog, The Finer Things, by FineStationery.com.

Photo credit: The Finer Things

Photo credit: The Finer Things

Photo credit: Maihar Design

Photo credit: Maihar Design

And lastly, I love it when the bridesmaid dress styles are mixed and matched, adding another layer of interest! And the lace and pearls around the bouquets are lovely!

Photo credit: Sarah K. Chen

Photo credit: Sarah K. Chen

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Filed under: Our Brides & Grooms, Themes and Colors

Interview with Enizio Hair and Makeup Artistry

Enizio On-Site Hair & Makeup Artistry is a luxury hair and makeup company founded by sisters Cynthia Dean and Carol Palacios.  Since opening their business, they have been providing top-notch service to brides and bridal parties from all over.  The Enizio Studio is based in UT, but their talented team will travel anywhere to work on-site for hair and makeup needs.

Photo credit: Enizio.com

Photo credit: Enizio.com

How long have you been in business?
Enizio On-Site was launched January of 2005. Studio Enizio is the expansion of the On-site business and it opened in October of 2008. So I guess, almost 5 years!! Wow time flies!

What inspired you to start your business?
We were inspired to start our business by our Father. When we came to him to tell him we wanted to open a salon, he challenged us to think outside the box and do something different. He promised us we would be successful if we made things more convenient for our clients. He was very wise. We started the On-Site business and were able to build a name, reputation and clientele before we took on any overhead. It made it much easier to open a salon 4 years later.

Tell us why you think your business is successful.
I believe our company is successful first and foremost because of our dedication to the client. We are passionate about what we do but we also understand that its about the client, not us. It’s remembering that someone’s wedding day may be number 6 for us that month, but its the first time for that bride. It’s individualized every time. Success can mean so many different things for so many people, for us, it is about discipline and hard work paying off when our work puts a smile on our client’s face and sometimes a tear. That is the best thank you!

What makes your business unique?
Enizio On-Site is unique for many reasons. The main reason is that our team works on site. Wether the event is a wedding, a corporate event or a personal photo shoot, our team travels to the client. The second reason is that we send out a personal hairdresser and a makeup artist. The person doing your hair is not the one doing your makeup. We have multiple artists on our team making us more available to our clients. It is a stress relief to our clients knowing that their hair and makeup artist come from the same place. Our artists work on our clients simultaneously making our time with them more efficient. We also have the training and experience in many different types of hairdressing and makeup artistry which means our team can create any look and take on any project. The Salon is an expansion of our On-Site business making it one of the only salons in UT that dedicates itself to makeup artistry. We have 4 trained makeup artists on staff. Our Studio also offers exclusivity in top of the line products for hair and makeup.

Is there a particular niche you target?
Enizio is about luxury services with technical and artistic perfection. Because of that, our biggest target client is the one who finds the luxury of hair and makeup to be a top priority on their list. Wether its on an everyday basis or for that one event in their life. Our clients come from very different backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life. They range from 12 to 85. The salon was specifically designed to allow anyone of any age or style to feel comfortable while spending time in our Studio. With the On-Site team, we’re the guest, so we present ourselves in a way that the client will feel comfortable having us in their location.

What is your company’s philosophy when working with wedding couples?
Our philosophy is best put by a quote from Walt Disney “Do things so well and so uniquely that people can’t resist telling others about you”

How do you help couples customize their weddings?
Well, we usually only work with the bride. It’s a rare occasion if we meet the groom :) . But we do work with the bride in trying to understand her wedding, what she is trying to portray through every aspect of her designs. We want to know everything so that the hair and makeup not only goes with the theme, but it is balanced as well. The hair and makeup never talk more than the dress and the bride still looks like herself, which to me is the most important thing.

At what point in the planning process do you typically work with couples?
Hair and Makeup come into play either as early as the engagement or sometimes we meet a bride as late as one week before the wedding. It really just depends on the bride and what she is looking to have done. We are a luxury service and while we believe that professional hair and makeup artists should be a must for any bride, a bride can still get married without hiring a hair or makeup artist. That is why time ranges so much within our particular category in the industry.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business?
Enizio is known most for our Bridal work. Since opening, we have been able to take part in over 400 wedding sessions. Bridal Hair and Makeup is first and foremost our passion and skill. We love it more than anything. There is nothing quite like helping someone see them-self and feel beautiful. For us, it is an honor and a pleasure to work with every single bride. There are so many wonderful things about the hair and makeup industry, weddings are definitely one of the most rewarding!

Photo Credit: Darla Roze

Photo Credit: Darla Roze

Check out some of the bridal work done by the Enizio team …

Photo Credit: Heidi Uhl

Photo Credit: Heidi Uhl

Retrospect Studios

Photo Credit: Retrospect Studios

Photo Credit: Rubberball Studios

Photo Credit: Rubberball Studios

Photo Credit:David Beckstead / Julie Parker

Photo Credit:David Beckstead / Julie Parker

Photo Credit: Heidi Uhl

Photo Credit: Heidi Uhl

Photo Credit: Retrospect Studio

Photo Credit: Retrospect Studio

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Filed under: Our Team, Vendor Interviews

Guestbook Ideas that Keep On Giving

For anyone who doesn’t really see the need for a book of guest signatures after the big day, check out some of my favorite alternative guestbook ideas, which you will actually use when all is said and done.

My favorite, and what I used, is a coffee table book filled with pictures of us throughout the years. I used My Publisher, which was easy, fun, and came out beautifully. Anyone with a computer can create their own personalized book – I just left every other page blank for guests to sign, and now I have a memento of our day, which I’ll actually look at again and again. Mixbook is another great option for picture books.

My Publisher Photo Book

Photo Credit: My Publisher

Or if you want to create a photo guestbook, but would rather fill it with photos of your guests rather than the two of you, enter Adesso Albums. If you order their starter kit, you get an empty guestbook in your choice of 8 colors, a rented Polaroid camera, and film, so guests can snap their own pictures at your event and add them to the book along with their well wishes. You can even personalize the album, order a protective slip case, and buy framed instructions so there is no confusion for guests.

Adesso Wedding Album

Photo Credit: Adesso Albums

Adesso Album Instructions

Photo Credit: Adesso Albums

Staying with the photo theme, you can also create an engravable photo mat, tray or platter – all of which will get lots of use in your new home and will be a constant reminder of the love you shared with your spouse, family and friends on that special day. Check out I Do Engravables for some fun options.

I Do Engravables Platter

Photo Credit: I Do Engravables

Or how about a photo quilt? The You Nique Boutique offers 9 different colors, 5 different photo configurations, 3 photo treatment options (color, black & white, sepia), an optional inscription, and up to 4 fabric markers to display with the quilt at your wedding. Just upload your pics to their website, send them a disc, or mail originals and they’ll take care of the rest.

The You Nique Boutique Photo Quilt

Photo Credit: The You Nique Boutique

Another unique idea I found is from the Guestbook Store. You buy an album page for each guest, which can be left at their seat on top of their place setting, and at the end of the night, you’ll not only have a book full of notes from your family and friends, but also some additional information like where they traveled from and how they know you.

The Guest Book Store Album Page

Photo Credit: Guest Book Store

Wedding guestbooks are meant to be a special reminder of your special day, so get those creative juices flowing and let your book reflect your unique personalities – your guests will appreciate the change of pace and you’ll be thankful to have more than just a few John Hancocks after the day is through.

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Filed under: Our Brides & Grooms, Wedding Details

From Room to Wedding – Part 2

In one of my earlier posts I designed a wedding around an inspirational bedroom from West Elm’s website. I had so much fun with that piece, that I decided to do it again – but this time based on a picture of a living room from Broyhill Furniture’s website.

In these cold, drag days of winter, I was touched by this bright and airy, almost beachy living room – a perfect starting point to turn the vision of a seaside wedding bash into a reality.

http://www.broyhillfurniture.com/Furniture/Room/Slideshow.aspx?roomID=100002

Photo Credit: Broy Hill Furniture

I almost died when I found this adorable bird cake topper on Etsy.com – it mirrors the painting hanging on the wall in the living room perfectly and would be lovely on top of the simple white cake with pale blue and ivory detailing. You and your groom can sip your champagne colored signature drink from these beach-inspired cocktail glasses, while guests sample hors d’oeuvres with shell-topped toothpicks. The white cymbidium orchid centerpiece beautifully compliments the vase of flowers in our living room shot, and looks peaceful against the pale blue linens. Wedding Paper Divas has such an amazing selection of customizable wedding invitations, and this ecru one provokes just the right amount of calm with its flowing blue and tan foliage. Heart-shaped bamboo fans are a nice comfort for guests if the weather is warm during your outdoor ceremony.  Attaching names and table numbers to a starfish is a festive way to help them find their seats. Your bridesmaids will thank you for outfitting them in this versatile dress from JCrew that they’ll be sure to wear again, and you’ll be a vision of understated beauty in your Peter Langner trumpet skirt gown with empire waist.

From Living Room to Wedding

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Filed under: Our Brides & Grooms, Wedding Design/Decor

Wedding Stress Relief

I had a terrible dream last night. In this dream my venue had double booked my wedding date so I had to have a double wedding with a stranger. Then, my photographer didn’t show up until after the ceremony and I didn’t even notice because the other bride’s photographer was taking so many pictures that my eyes started to hurt! Next, I fell asleep at the reception and my dad somehow offended my husband simply by saying he was left-handed (which he is not in reality).

So … that was my dream.  I attribute this dream to the past weekend when I stuffed, sealed, and stamped all of my invitations; made all of the thank you cards and started thinking of gift baskets for the individuals who are going to be staying at the hotel … all while watching a wedding weekend marathon.

Photo Credit: Mun.ca

Photo Credit: Mun.ca

After doing this, I realized that we are less than 100 days away from saying “I do”. Then I realized that if I don’t take a break now … I’m going to OD on wedding planning. I know this blog is for those who are looking for wedding advice, but what about those who just want a peaceful day off without thinking about what is left on that growing to do list?

Photo Credit: 4 Showers

Photo Credit: 4 Showers

Here are some things you can do to help maintain your sanity:

1.  Go see an action movie!! No romantic comedies here please!! This is a sure fire way for you to stop thinking and just watch.

Photo Credit: Thoughts on Films Blog

Photo Credit: Thoughts on Films Blog

2. Avoid shopping malls!! I find that when I am at a shopping mall, I want to shop for the wedding so this is not a distraction.

Photo Credit: Rantings of a Creole Princess Blog

Photo Credit: Rantings of a Creole Princess Blog

3. Go to the spa! Bring a novel or a magazine (not the wedding kind). Get yourself a manicure, pedicure – anything! I’m simply going to get my eyebrows waxed … just being in the spa atmosphere relaxes me!

Photo Credit: Web Blogs CLTV

Photo Credit: Web Blogs CLTV

4. Go for a walk/jog/run/swim – Weather permitting of course… go outside and do something active! A change of scenery always gets my mind off of things!

Photo Credit: Philly Health Info

Photo Credit: Philly Health Info

When you are ready to come back to everything, you will have a fresh set of eyes and you’ll be able to tackle whatever you have left on your list; whether it is a bunch of things or just a few!

Photo Credit: WorkAtHomeMums.com

Photo Credit: WorkAtHomeMums.com

For me, I am delivering bridesmaid dresses this week and with visiting family who want to hear all about the upcoming nuptials, today I plan to make it a no wedding talk day (with the exception of the blog of course).

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Filed under: Bridal Support, Our Brides & Grooms