Part 1. Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist
For any bride, her wedding day look is obviously a high priority, and it has an enormous effect on her overall mood, not to mention the heirloom photography collection. What’s a bride to do?
Hire an experienced, talented makeup artist who is specifically experienced with wedding hair and makeup and be sure to mention the photography start time, aiming for the bride to be completely styled an hour before show-time. Getting dressed takes longer than you think (and so do makeup artists, who rightfully so want you to look your stunning best). Your part is to allow them the time needed for this enjoyable service.
An experienced artist knows to respect the schedule you have already created for your special day, including to begin with the Bride, then her maid of honor, then mom so everyone is ready for photos before being needed. Your experienced artist already knows how to create looks that last all day, so a couple of hours difference shouldn’t matter one bit, except to your calm peace of mind. Caution
Hiring an artist with little WEDDING experience.
Hair and Make-up by Tiara's on Location. Dress by Luly Yang Couture.
If reception touch ups are needed, ask how long this typically takes. If a second outfit and style-change is pre-planned, it works beautifully. I have never seen a reception freshen-up take more than a few minutes. I have, however, witnesses a very experienced “fashion-shoot” artist take a bride away from her wedding for a full 30 minutes, leaving guests murmuring, a confused coordinator, and a special guest artist perform only for the groom. How bad could her makeup have been?! Some artists have shined year after beautiful year. Tiara Whitney of Tiara’s on location is a favorite hair and makeup artist who works intuitively, efficiently, with humor and has a way with “getting the look” a variety of clients dream of. Tiara knows her stuff! I’ve worked with Tiara for years, both on wedding and fashion sessions and am always, every single time, impressed with her professionalism and artistry.
Result
Experienced artists understand that a wedding day schedule has an enormous effect on how a bride and groom experience the day, however good they might look. And stress looks good on no one! Not only does running over-time have a direct impact on the number of opportunities a wedding party and photographer can enjoy together, but it causes undo stress on the party and anxiety for the coordinator who is urging other vendors to make up for lost time. Ever heard of the domino effect? And personally, I would prefer not to take responsibility in the public-eye for an artist running over time nor for being solely burdened to “getting to the church on time”. Hey, we all have our pride! I want to look good too. Running behind making ME look inconsiderate, urging timeliness rather than creatively instigating the pre-ceremony, fabulous photography experience you and your party deserve. (more…)
We are so pleased to be awarded Asuka Album of the Week for the gorgeous event hosted by Monica Khurana and Vik Duggal. Check it out, and this is only the mini album! If you want your event to look this good, choose Janel Schlitt of Occasions LLC as Monica and Vik did.
For more images, keep your eyes out for the winter Bridal magazines. (No I can’t tell which one! Not yet anyway.)
Karlee and Paul wanted wedding photography clearly depicting that “our wedding location is Seattle, Washington”. We considered the modern downtown library by Rem Koolhaas, and a fabulous rooftop view from Sodo, Pioneer Square. Ultimately “the classics” represented these two best. We began our pre-wedding urban excursion at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, then rode in a classic British Bentley to the Olympic Sculpture Park, and finally arriving at the adorable, lodge-like Edgewater Hotel. (No they didn’t fish from their room!)
We had so much fun (and accomplished so much for the families and wedding party) during this pre-wedding playful session that during the rest of the day we were able to capture the natural flow of events. I much prefer working this way. No one enjoys hurrying through photographs during the reception. Besides, the candid moments during the cocktail hour are often when the light is most beautiful. Karlee and Paul wanted images that illustrated their love for each other and family. Sometimes other flows work better, so plans are customized from couple to couple, event to event. Planning is Teamwork. Teamwork. Teamwork. Thanks to Karlee and Paul for the great experience, and for your creative exploration of the possibilities.
Novelty Hill Januik Winery was the perfect setting for Miko and Lance’s wedding. A mix of elegance, modernism, and color in both the venue and the menu. I would recommend this wedding location as one of my top picks for nearly anyone. The setting can be changed dramatically by chosen details. From casual to elegant, low key reception to ruckus dance party. It’s possible those who seek formal and/or classic will prefer the gorgeous Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Otherwise, I love this dramatic location with it’s inside/outside flexibility, access to a large dressing suite with huge windows for natural light, enormous doorways, contemporary architecture (which my architect husband has me fully appreciating), geographic landscaping, colorful fixtures… Go see it yourself and enjoy a picnic on the grounds or take a bottle or a few cases of local wine home with you. Cheers.
If you are curious, here are some of Miko and Lance’s highly regarded vendors. True to their thoughtful natures, the quotes reflect thoughts they wanted to share. Janet Klinger Photography (in case you were wondering!)
Dress: Luly Yang Couture (“Ashley is a great, great help”)
Coordinator: Emily Pollock from Novelty Hill Januik. (“She was Awesome!”)
Location: Novelty Hill Januik “Thrilled”
Hair Stylist: Monroe at Gene Juarez downtown Seattle (“She is phenomenal when it comes to updos”) Aravinda- Eco Florist 206-853-3425
Officiant: Amy Epp from Seattle Mennonite Church
Ceremony Music: The Seattle Style Strings 206-621-8394
Accommodations: Willows Lodge (Granted, you don’t SEE shots here, but I personally enjoy the feel of this lodge.)
Voting has started for King 5 Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington”. Why not help let everyone know YOUR choice of the best Wedding Vendors. Naturally we would be HONORED to have your vote! It only takes a minute to vote! (more…)
Monica Khurana and Vikrant Duggal put on a 4th of July extravaganza. Not only was theirs an above average wedding, it soars above even my (formerly) favorite Indian weddings, many of which are lush and exotic.
No white or blue to be found, but red was present in a thousand folds. Gold folds too. Between the attire and the draping, this lush event was one of my favorites to date. “Honored to be a part” feels trite. I was blown away. Above all, Monica and Vikrant handled this multiple-ceremony celebration with elegance and grace (and stamina too).
Behind every great event is a great team. Naturally Monica’s wisdom lead her to Janel of Occasions LLC- a fabulous event planner. She took care of hundreds of details on the day-of. Even before that, Janel and Monica were often seen attached at the hip pre-planning this event. Janel makes herself available, from her core being. The fact that she cares so much comes shining through. I’ve raved about Janel again and again, and after each event we participate in I only have more to rave about. Monica and Vikrant chose to commend her during their reception thank yous. “Our friend” came affectionately from their lips describing the culmination of their journey together.
Everyone of the vendors were carefully chosen to fit this grand day. If you care to, see the list below their sneek-preview images.
Thanks to Janel Schlitt for providing this list of choice A vendors, and for introducing me to Monica and Vikrant.
To see the list (more…)
Melissa Petersson and Richard Rinehart had a gorgeous ceremony at Blake Island’s Tillicum Village. This truly unique wedding embraced numerous cultures, most obviously Native American. From totem poles, to eagle feathers collected by Melissa and carried by the flowergirl, each moment presented something new to photograph.
The festivities began early morning with an hour long Argosy Cruise, and ended late night on another cruise rocked by the ceremonial beat of native drum, dance and song. What an honor and privledge to be apart of this cross-cultural, cross-generational and cross-the-water spectacular wedding.
Congratulations Melissa and Richard. May your life remain as colorful as your wedding day.
These two beautiful people light up the earth with their smiles! Here are a few spreads from their wedding album.
Thanks you two for choosing me as your photographer. Such a fun event! See you soon.
Trish and Kevin tied the knot down south, in Laguna Niguel California, and topped off their beautiful outdoor ceremony with a fun beach portrait ceremony (dare we call it a “Trash the Dress”? I’m quite sure the dress did not suffer from its flirtation with the Pacific.)
Honored and humbled to win the Seattle Bride Magazine “Best of” contest in 2008, I would be grateful and thrilled to receive your vote for 2009.
This award has meant so much to me in a city with over 800 photographers! February 15, 2009 is the final morning for voting. At least 50% of the ballot must be completed in order for your vote to count.
Thank you so much for your continuing support. I really appreciate it!
When our beloved Studio Manager Kelsey announced her engagement this spring, the studio became romance-central. We wish every client an incredible day, and I couldn’t have anything less for our own amazing Kelsey. From the 3 hour engagement session to the final personalized postage stamps, Kelsey got the full Deluxe treatment. Of course her own charm, fun fiance Gabe, excellant taste and choice of location rounded out the perfect day. The wonderfully charming “A Country Location” has always been a favorite spot of mine. Picture perfect place, picture perfect bride!
Naturally this is a favorite wedding for all of us here at the studio. Each of us had some part in the planning, celebrating, brain-storming, and photographing or album creation.
Tonight the gorgeous Sculpture Park benefited immensely from the creative direction of Melissa Bryan of Lush Parties & Events. While the Park may stand alone, Melissa is true to her tagline: life more fabulous. Here are photos of the AT&T awards event she designed. Melissa made my job easy. Thanks Melissa!
Kelsey was associate shooter adding creativity all her own. Thanks Kelsey!
To see or purchase photos from the AT&T awards ceremony itself, visit our events section. It will be available after 2/20/08.
Kelsey caught this great shot and the food shot below.
Talk about a huge success. Not only has Luly Yang Couture taken Seattle by storm, and thrown a world-wide net around her captives, but I– the jean wearing, boot stomping momma from Phinney Ridge have been spell-bound and taken captive. Why should I care about fashion so much, living the active lifestyle my 3 year old requires? Because Luly makes ME look good. I’m not referring to stepping-out for my Valentine dinner with sweet hubby Tim. (hint hint) I’m talking about when my portfolio features her gowns. After 23 years of being a pro-photographer I now give credit where due. All I have to say is that if you’re donning a Luly Yang creation, hiring me is all the more important to help save the dignity for your bridal party and family who would otherwise look woefully drab next to you.
Gorgeous as Luly Yang’s gowns are, they look even more so because David Galliett of Rented Elegance helped create this sapphire inspired ambiance.
Bella Signature Design takes care of clients from conceptual planning, through event design, to detailed day-of coordination. Check out her modern “invisible” chairs. This is my first event with Daniela, and like all great relationships, her effect is lasting!
Event lighting has become todays elite wedding accessory. Even the best photographer can only do so much in a dark venue when it comes to candid photography. Your “posed candids” will look fabulous regardless. But for premium lighting of candid moments, subtle or dramatic lighting enhancements are worth the effort. Take a look at the Bride Ideas fabulous fashion show, produced by Terri Morgan of TCM. The great lighting and effects are a PNTA specialty- I used only a simple fill flash.
Granted, the fact that Flora Nova’s flowers were gorgeous, the dresses well chosen, the TCM models from adorable to glamorous all contribute to the sophistication of the images. You too can have the glamor. Hire these great vendors! –Especially ME to be your photographer!
Photographing Vera Wang’s Fall 2008 collection I witnessed the talents of Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events who planned this fashion-infused champagne brunch. This man is pure elegance. Aside from the obvious impeccable attention to detail, his calm in-charge demeanor would put the most demanding mother of the bride at ease. Judging from the ambiance created in each space, it’s clear Bryan Rafanelli is equally in-touch with the bride and grooms individuality, encouraging a bold or gentle emergence, as best suits. I would recommend Rafanelli in a heartbeat.
Erwin Schinnerl, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. Erica Ann Arkin, Vice President of Bridal and Maids, Vera Wang, New York, in the background.
I want to look good too. Running behind making ME look inconsiderate, urging timeliness rather than creatively instigating the pre-ceremony, fabulous photography experience you and your party deserve.
