Get A Move On

PHOTO BY Christine Olson Photography (www.christineolsonphotography.com)

Wedding videography? Yes, please! Get the lowdown on moving pictures from local videographer Elizabeth Welch, of Fielding Films (fieldingfilms.blogspot.com). Elizabeth owns the company with her husband, Landon, and below she shares her top three tips for a vivacious vid. 


And check out one of her company's love-ly videos here. Swoon!


1. MEET CUTE
The best part of planning your wedding is your personality and style get to shine! The choice you make in hiring a videographer should be no different. Explore your options and find the right videographer who has a similar style to you. Meet with a few different people and see if your personalities mix well. It is important to work with someone who makes you feel relaxed and completely comfortable.


2. FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH
You and your fiance should decide how much having a videographer means to both of you. Having your wedding filmed gives you the opportunity to relive those memories you and your fiance have made on your special day. A picture tells a thousand words, but a video tells the story. Find a videographer who fits your budget and who is willing to give you exactly what you want! Remember, they cater to you — not the other way around!


3. EASY DOES IT
Relax! Seriously, take a deep breath. The engagement process and wedding day can be overwhelming and stressful at times, but remember to enjoy the process because it will all be gone soon. If you stay relaxed, this will show in your videos and you will be able to remember how happy you and your fiance were on the most important day of your lives. Enjoy the time you get to spend planning your wedding day — a day you have dreamed about your whole life. And smile! This is the fun part. 

Wax On

PHOTO COURTESY WixyWax

Does it get more annoying than unwanted body hair? We submit that it does not. But when it comes to your wedding, don't let that hair wear you down. Be free, brides! Be free. 

Here to help you in your cause of freedom is Lana Nielson of WixyWax, a waxing studio in Provo. Her three tips are so great, they'll make the hair stand up on your arms. (Until you're free of it, that is. :)

Wax on, Lana!

1. BARE IN MIND

Decide to be fresh and free. You don't have to be tied to the daily shave on your wedding day — body waxing buys you long-lasting silky smooth skin. Shaving irritation is known to be more common in tropical climates, and salt or chlorinated water can bring on a shaving rash. Thinking forward into your honeymoon, consider leg, bikini and underarm waxing for both confidence and healthy skin.

2. CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES

Know your wax choices. Choose a salon that is dedicated to waxing only. This will ensure your esthetician loves to wax and knows the most efficient pain-free techniques. It also means they will have a good knowledge of waxing chemistry and use both hard and soft waxes (especially important with Brazilian waxing). Know that you have the right to ask about their policy on double dipping (make sure a clean stick is used for every dip into the wax pot). Last of all, beware of the "15-minute Brazilian" wax hype. The pace should be up to you — fast or slow. You deserve to receive answers about skin care and learn some skin prep without being rushed.

3. NOW, NOW

Schedule now. Repeat waxing leads to thinner and thinner hair growth, so you've everything to gain by starting early. If you're already getting close to your wedding, no worries! A specialist will have a plan for that, too. Hitch the man, ditch the razor.

For more information, check out www.wixywax.com.

Eye-Catching

EYELASHES BY Extensions by Lindy (www.extensionsbylindy.com)

PHOTO BY Photography by McKenzie (www.photographybymckenzie.com)

PHOTO FUN FACT Our dear McKenzie is the model. 
Her very talented husband/partner, Greg, shot this session.

  

Want to look the part? Be a looker? Have a look-see? (Catch my vision?)

Then eyelash extensions are a sight to be seen! (I know. I need to be stopped.) Not only are they magically mesmerizing, but mascara need not apply. Can we get a hallelujah?

In any case, Lindy Hughes, of Extensions By Lindy, shares three reasons you should become a lash-full bride.

1. PURE BEAUTY
Eyelash extensions give the look of mascara without the clumps and patience that come along with it. Who wants to worry about running mascara on their big day? Eyelash extensions stay in place, are hassle free and seem to be the closest thing to natural-looking eyelashes you can get.
 

2. PHOTO FINISH
I have heard on NUMEROUS occasions that photographers just love when their brides have eyelash extensions. They say it makes eyes pop and eyelashes stand out — making for a perfect picture. After your wedding, pictures will be some of your only memories, so splurge and look great with eyelash extensions!
 

3. HONEYMOON
No matter where you go or what you do, you'll want to be looking your best. Eyelash extensions will allow you to just get up and go! Planning on heading to the Caribbean? Hawaii? Somewhere tropical? Even better! Your eyelash extensions are allowed to get wet. Plus, your honey will enjoy waking up to your already beautiful (and makeup-free!) face.

For more information visit www.extensionsbylindy.com or you can contact Lindy at (702) 533-4105 or extensionsbylindy@gmail.com.

BEFORE

                               AFTER                                

Have It Made (Up)

PHOTO BY Bryant Livingston Photography (www.blphoto.com)

You can't make this stuff up.

So naturally, we asked a glam expert to give you the honest truth when it comes to wedding makeup. Here are three must-knows from Sarah Logan, of the Aesthetic Science Institute (skin care schools, NY).

1. PLAN ACCORDING TO LIGHTING, VENUE AND SEASON.
Take time to stop and think about if the event/photos will be taking place indoors or out. And think about what time of day. Indoor photos will be taken with flash, so it’s important to use powder to combat shine and to also be sure foundation is matched well. If outdoors, soften makeup a bit as it can easily look too heavy or harsh in the sunlight.
 

Also, adjust your makeup look for more formal locations and later times in the evening. When considering these factors, you will want to use more color and definition over simply adding more makeup.

Anticipate your skin’s history, and treat it accordingly depending on changes your skin may experience in the climate or weather that’s expected at the venue. If you are going to be outdoors in a hot, humid climate, stop makeup melt with long-wear products and lots of powder reapplications.

2. BUILD UP FROM A GOOD FOUNDATION.

Be sure your foundation is the right color and formulation for your skin. You may feel like you should use a heavy cream or stick foundation since you’re being photographed, but heavier formulas will look caked on and are more likely to leave a line of demarcation around the neck and hairline that’s tougher to blend away. Just stick with the liquid or powder that works for you, and be sure it’s properly matched to your color. No one wants to look washed out, but it can also age you a bit if your base is too dark for you. Color correcting concealers, like green or yellow for redness, and peach or yellow for under eye circles, are a much better choice than simply layering on more makeup. Remember that redness will be easily picked up in photographs, so take care to balance that out, and stay away from more pink-based foundations.

Avoid the glitter and shine and keep skin more on the matte side. Radiance-enhancing or shimmery foundations make faces look too slick for photos, so if you must, only keep the sheen on cheekbones and the Cupid's bow for highlighting purposes. Always finish the t-zone with powder, which is especially important to balance any highlighting applied.

3. DEFINE AND FLATTER EYES.
Keep in mind that darker eye shadows and heavy liner make eyes look smaller. A matte or pearl shadow formula will be universally flattering and especially in warm, earthy tones. To keep eyes looking big and bright, highlight the inner corners and brow bone with an off-white, light pink or pale gold shadow or crayon.

The older you are, the more important it is to stay fast to the no shimmer rule, as it tends to bring attention to fine lines. Black eyeliner can also look too harsh for older women (same goes for liquid liner) and fair blondes are more suited for eyeliner and mascara in the brown tones.

Don’t forget to make sure brows are properly framing the face — everyone looks better and younger with defined brows. Fill the arches with powder or if using a pencil, blend with a brush. Brow color and size are important considerations here; so don’t forget to use a light hand and blend.

Piece of Cake

CAKE BY Wedding Cakes by Dawna (www.utahcakes.com)
PHOTO BY Bryant Livingston Photography (www.blphoto.com)

Dawna, of Wedding Cakes by Dawna, is one of Utah Valley's wedding cake queens. Below, she shares three tips for brides who want to have their cake (and eat it, too). Take it away, Dawna!

1. TRUE COLORS Color swatches are important if a bride is planning on putting color on her cake. The cake decorator will try to match her color swatch as close as possible, but in some cases it may be slightly different. 

2. SUMMER LOVIN' In summer weddings, we see a lot of brides place lights under the table cloth. This does help light up the cake area, but it can attract bugs (gnats) that can stick to the icing. Also for summer weddings, don't place your wedding cake in direct sunlight. This can cause buttercream frosting to melt and fondant icing to get soft.

3. LEVEL WITH ME Take the time to level your cake table if it's on a grassy surface. This will keep your cake from looking like it is leaning.

It's Your Party

RECEPTION CENTER White Willow in Provo (www.whitewillowweddings.com)
PHOTO BY Jon Woodbury Photography (www.jonwoodbury.com)

Becky, of White Willow loveliness, graciously offered to share the following three tips to make your reception a rousing success. Take it away, Becky!

1. OUT WITH THE STRESS Make your wedding day stress-free for both the couple and family members. Have every detail planned, and let a professional carry out the plan. That way you can focus on family and guests — and most importantly your wedding day!

2. IN WITH THE MEALS Don't skip meals on your wedding day. It will be a long and busy day, and you do not want to feel sick because you have not eaten. Get a good night's rest the night before your wedding day. Pack early for your honeymoon, and then add your personal items the day of your wedding.

3. IN WITH THE PUNCTUALITY AND PREPARATION Ask all family and wedding party to arrive 10 minutes early for pictures at the reception so your photographer can use the time taking pictures and not waiting for latecomers. Have the photographer scope out the best locations for pictures of large groups and couple shots before the reception so they are effective with their time and you get the perfect settings in all your pictures.

If We Were A Movie

PHOTO BY Pointe Digital (www.pointedigital.com)

Doug Larson, of Pointe Digital, was gracious enough to share three vows of videography. Say "I do" to them right here, right now. Take it away, Doug!

1. VOW TO HAVE A VIDEO So many times the video gets cut because of your budget. The sad thing is, once your wedding is over, there is no going back. The two things you can take with you after the wedding are your photography and videography. Sure, you'll keep the dress, but you won't hang it up the living room for 50 years. You'll save the top of the cake and eat it after one year. You might even have your flowers put in a sealed case to preserve them. These things are all important — and so is the video. The biggest regret of recently married brides is that they didn't hire a videographer. We hear over and over again from newlyweds that they wish they would have budgeted for a video. Even if you don't hire us, there are plenty of good videographers right here in Utah. We even have a professional organization you can visit online at www.UPVA.org.

2. VOW TO FIND ONE YOU LOVE When hiring a videographer, make sure you like his or her style and are comfortable with their personality. Sometimes, videographers are chosen strictly by price. When you think about it, that's probably not the best way to do it. You can usually find several videographers in the price range you are comfortable with.

3. VOW TO HAVE FUN Once your wedding day arrives, all the planning, the coordinating and the rehearsals are over. And if something doesn't go exactly as planned, don't sweat it — you are marrying the love of your life and everything else will take care of itself. You are getting married, enjoy it. Besides, when you are having fun, your photos and video will be fun, too.

Petal to the Metal

FLOWERS BY Blossom Sweet (blossomsweet.blogspot.com)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Blossom Sweet (www.blossomsweet.com)

Melissa Nickle, owner of Provo-based Blossom Sweet (which, by the way, was named one of the top three event florists in the state for 2010), was kind enough to offer the following three petal pointers for you gorgeous brides. Take it away Melissa!

1. BLOG LOVE This has been said time and time again, but choose a florist with a regularly updated blog and portfolio. A noteworthy blog will be regularly updated, fun to read, informative and visually splendid. You can place confidence in vendors who demonstrate expertise in the blogging arena.

2. COLOR LOVE To ensure the look of your wedding is visually cohesive, choose your color palette wisely. If you have four or five shades you are set on incorporating, choose just one or two of those to be your main hues. The remaining colors can serve as accents.

3. PHOTO LOVE Hire a photographer who excels in capturing details. Other than the blushing bride herself, flowers are what make a wedding beautiful. It breaks my heart when clients invest time, money and energy into making sure their flowers are stunning, only to get their photos back and find there are no great photos of them! When you invest in the details, invest in a photographer who will do them justice in capturing superb images. DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS!

Photo Love

BRIDE AND GROOM Stacee & Tyler WEDDING DATE Jan. 8, 2010
PHOTO BY Jessie Alexis Photography (www.jessiealexisphotography.com)

Jessie Evans, of Jessie Alexis Photography fame, graciously offered to divulge three picture perfect pointers that will help you "click" with your wedding photographer. Take it away Jessie!

With the vast number of photographers available today, choosing one to document your wedding day can be the most overwhelming planning decision. By using these three steps, you'll be able to avoid the pitfall of pitiful wedding photos.

1. STYLE Start by visiting numerous photography Web sites, blogs and even wedding planning Web sites to figure out which style of photography most appeals to you. Be it photojournalist, traditional, vintage or classic, make sure you've done your research and know what it is you like. Once you have it narrowed down to a few photographers whose photographic style appeals to you, move on to step two.

2. PERSONALITY Before signing a contract and putting down money, set up meetings with potential photographers. Remember, this is the person that is going to be by your side on one of the most important days of your life. If they take amazing pictures but annoy you to no end, that is going to translate into your photographs. If you don't feel like you can be yourself around them, or they just can't quite catch the vision of your wedding, you're going to end up with a stack of photographs you hate, no matter how well composed they might be. Once you've found a photographer you love, move on to step three.

3. COST Again, before you sign that contract, make sure you're aware of what you're getting. While it is nice to have your photos on a disk, a lot of times those photos never make it off the computer and onto the walls of your home. Does the photographer offer prints or albums with your package? Or are you just paying a lot of money for the photographer to show up? Or, on the flip side, are you just getting a great deal because the photographer is inexperienced and wanting to use your wedding to build their portfolio? Either way, make sure you're comfortable with what you're paying for.