By Marcinho Savant, Senior Event Designer: savvyplanners.com, LLC

This is a difficult topic.  When clients actually to more harm than good, how can we handle that?

Hello, Angel-Puddins!!

As you’re thinking of getting married and hiring professionals to assure your needs and requirements are met, please consider the following.

If we, or any true wedding or event professional, are hired by you to create, design and manage your event, please allow us to do our best job for you.  Here are some things to avoid, when working with professionals working on your wedding.

1.  Do not permit loads of people to get involved in your planning.

We know that there can be MANY people that wish to offer their ideas and thoughts to your wedding planning.  They, SURELY, have your best interests at heart.  However, “design by committee” is confusing, counterproductive and inefficient at its core.  Our policy is that, while we appreciate and consider the input of others, we work for the Brides, Grooms or the signer of the agreement.  It is THEY that we must please.  We’re happy to work WITH family and friends on certain matters, however, we work FOR the persons signing the agreement.  You are hiring us for our experience, expertise and knowledge.  It is our task, duty and privilege to assure your greatest success.  Let us do our best job for you.

2.  Let us fully represent your desires to your vendors.  We speak the “same language”.

Our agreement clearly states that clients are to limit their questions or concerns to us, exclusively.  It is our reponsibility to properly represent your questions and concerns to the vendors you select.  To feel that you might be better able to ‘negotiate’ or arrange special considerations than we are is a mistake.  Our sole purpose is to work WITH vendors to meet all a client’s desires.  We are SHAMELESS and UNAFRAID to ask for the things that a client wants or needs.  Our years of vendor negotiation have prepared us to know just what to say, how to say it for the greatest efficacy and results.  We will go to bat for our clients as often as necessary and until there are simply NO MORE options or routes to pursue.  Please allow us to do our very best for you.

3.  Help us Minimize any Confusion

We are experienced in securing the very best benefits, perks, considerations and extras for our clients.  We begin the relationships with each vendor with your needs in the forefront.  We nurture that relationship to your advantage, every step of the way, for the months and years it takes to put your event together.  If we, whom you’ve hired to protect your interests, are not the single point of contact and go-between on your behalf, there are historical demonstrations of how things get confused, misconstrued and misdirected by too many ‘sources’ of discussion and conversation.  We’re HERE, solely, to represent your needs, desires and wants.  Let us show you that you’re in good hands.

I recognize that there are some people that simply MUST feel that they are in charge of things and feel uneasy if they do not assume a directorial role.  THIS is counter-intuitive when working with professionals.  Our purpose is to assure that the client is fully satisfied, is heard and has their requests honored fully.  Clients choose to invest in wedding and event professionals, for the purpose of making their lives easier.  To take AWAY the stress that is inherent in wedding and event planning.  It takes three to 4oo hours to plan a wedding properly.  We do this day in and day out.  Let us perform for you and exceed your expectations!  Our pledge to EVERY one of our clients is that they, as a result of hiring our professionals, will only have to show up, be GORGEOUS, participate in, enjoy and REMEMBER their day, because there isn’t anything left to chance.  Let us bear the burden of the stresses and challenges of managing your event. 

Just some, lovingly, suggested thoughts based on our years of experience and caring for our clients’ needs!  Experience the savvyplanners.com difference! 

“Be Stress and Worry Free!  Be Savvy!”

Here’s the third in the series. How do you not horrify the kids!?

The Fairy-Wedding-Father™: Pre+Teens

by savvyplanners.co

Previous in Series

The Fairy-Wedding-Father™ Teaser by savvyplanners.co

Our Personal International Celebrity Makeup Diva: Michele Bell!

Boudoir Photography has gained popularity in recent years.   Some “nearly-weds” are still a bit hazy on what Boudoir is, and some aren’t sure if they’d be comfortable taking the plunge in a racy Boudoir photo shoot.

So today, I have introduced a photographer with whom I have had the sheer pleasure of working with exclusively (inspired by these gorgeous Boudoir shots from Critsey Rowe).   I thought I’d clear the air and fill you in on the ins and outs of Boudoir!

What is Boudoir Photography?

It is the art of visually capturing the inner and outer beauty of regular folks in a sensuous and classy way.

Why would I schedule a Boudoir session?

There are a few things to remember when considering a boudoir shoot…

1. Boudoir photographs make a wonderful wedding day, Valentine’s Day, or Anniversary gift for your husband or wife!

2. If you are planning your wedding, you’ve likely been working hard on getting your bod into tip top shape. Capture your pre-marriage or pre-baby body in all of its glory with boudoir photos! You can look back on these when you are old and grey, and remind your husband or wife how hot you looked when you said “I Do”!

Where do these Boudoir photo sessions take place?

Most reputable boudoir photographers will conduct your shoot wherever you feel most comfortable. Typically, this would be in the privacy of your own home.   Some alternatives: your best friend’s house (for some moral support!) or a hotel room (to help unleash your inner sexpot!)

Of course, Hair and Makeup Artist Michele Bell could be on hand to alleviate your stress with her most perfectionistic artistry to enhance your outer appeal and reveal your sexy inner self.

So people, what are your thoughts on Boudoir??

I’m a pretty shy girl, and am not always comfortable in front of a camera. But after seeing how beautiful boudoir photos can be, when the time comes and I’m ready to tie-the-knot, I think I’ll be stripping down for a boudoir session! Although a few glasses of champagne and Chambord, pre-shoot, will definitely be in order.

Beautifully Yours~

Michele Bell
International Hair and Makeup Artist
www.bridestobeny.com

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Editors Note:  savvyplanners.com could not recommend anyone more highly than CRITSEY ROWE for Boudoir photography.  We have had excellent photographers in our master vendor list for years, which now includes Ms. Rowe,  that are outstanding at shooting the Boudoir photography for men.  We will be happy to book either Ms. Rowe, our other photographers or our own Make Up Diva: MICHELE BELL to create Boudoir shots beyond compare.  Just ask us how.

By MARCINHO SAVANT

T’is the season for question popping, happy acceptances and nervous britches!  YES!  It’s the engagement season!

It’s fairly common knowledge that the greatest number of marriage proposals occur during the major holidays (starting near Christmas, through New Years Day and into Saint Valentine’s Day.

If you’re fairly stealthy in the wrapping of the ring box in an off-sized container, you might even be able to delay the wonderful impact of the surprise a few seconds more!

So now you’ve got the ring.  You’ve got the intended.  You’ve asked for their hand and spoken with the ‘rents…  what’s next?

Well if you’re the recipient of this special ring, take a deep breath, show your happiness to the ring presenter and get ready to start one of the greatest times of your life… working with a professional and designing your wedding!

It’s your day, BOTH of you, and an important first step is to locate a designer who will not only share their expertise and insider knowledge with you.  They should be extending vendor discounts and support from day one.

The FIRST panic will be about what to do next and here is some of our expert advice for couples on creating their wedding budget.  This is usually only shared with contracted clients but here you are!

“All Weddings Lead to Bankruptcy!” Here’s Help.

Take a look at that post and I’m pretty certain you’ll feel some instant relief knowing that the process is not carved in stone and destined to lead you into harm’s way.

With an expert on your team, to keep you out of the potholes and traps, planning YOUR wedding will be an honor for us and a PLEASURABLE and relaxed experience for you!

Are YOU ready for the zone!?

Our Personal International Celebrity Makeup Diva: Michele Bell!

A wedding is no doubt one of the greatest highlights of a woman’s life. Whether it is a small event or a grand affair, the bride is usually the main attraction. That can account for why she is always so particular with how she would like to look or why she changes her mind so often in between the space of the makeup trial and the actual wedding day.

What really happens is that the bride just wants to look beautiful for herself, her groom and her guests. She also wants to feel comfortable with her makeup as a wedding day is quite a long day for her. She wants to look in the mirror when she is finished, recognise herself, be awed at her beauty and be pleased with the makeup application.

Having said all of that, the one look that pleases almost all brides is a traditional bridal look. If you are a bride who’s doing her makeup herself, a makeup artist or a makeup artist who’s doing her own face for her wedding, this is how to achieve this look.

Face

1. To clean and toned skin, apply a hydrating cream, lotion or gel (depending on the skin type) with a foundation brush.
2. Prep the skin with a silky primer. This gives the skin a smooth finish as well as makes the foundation last longer.
3. Use a matte liquid foundation and apply to the face with the same foundation brush. Make sure the foundation is the same colour of the skin, because flash photography would show it up if it is not. Apply right into the hairline, blend up by the ears, over and under the eyes and under the jaw line. Blend, blend and blend well.
4. Apply a matte concealer as needed under the eyes, around the nose and mouth and blend with the ring finger. The natural warmth of the finger causes the product to blend into the skin easily.
5. Apply a light dusting of finishing powder all over the face.

Eyes

1. Use matte and slightly pearlescent shadows for the eyes. Shimmery colours do not stand up well under flash photography.
2. Use a flesh coloured eye shadow all over the eyelids.
3. With a fluffy blending brush, apply a light brown colour that is darker than the flesh colour into the crease and blend well into the first colour.
4. Intensify the outer corners only with a dark matte grey. Use a pointed brush to precisely place the colour.
5. Blend this same colour along the bottom lashes.
6. Get waterproof gel eyeliner in a dark brown or black brown colour and apply a very thin line close to the top lashes.
7. Curl lashes, if you need to and apply two coats of waterproof (again, in case of waterworks) to top and bottom lashes. Comb out gently with a lash comb.
8. Groom brows with a brow pencil and then set with brow powder. It is okay to go a little stronger with colour here as brows tend to disappear when photographed. Ensure, however, that they still look natural in real life.

Cheeks

1. Smile and apply a dusting of a rosy blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend out well towards the temples.
2. Repeat so that the blush does not disappear during the course of the day. Another way to set the blush is to apply a gel blush right after the foundation and then apply a powder blush after the finishing powder.

Lips

1. Prime lips with a soothing lip balm.
2. Use a natural colour lip liner all over the lips, lining first then filling in the entire lip.
3. Dust some finishing powder lightly over the lips.
4. Add a rosy lip gel. This should not be glossy as it would reflect badly when photographed. Spray the entire face with a fixing spray and you’re finished!

Beautifully Yours~

Michele Bell
International Hair and Makeup Artist
www.bridestobeny.com

Our Personal International Celebrity Makeup Diva: Michele Bell!

Bridal makeup is all about the bride. Today, many brides opt for a makeup look that is modern, a little fun and, as always, makes her feel and look gorgeous. This is especially true for women who are used to wearing makeup everyday and want something a little different. The bride would always be the guide for the exact colours but the look below is flattering on those modern brides that are a little bit daring and works with almost any colour scheme.

Face

1. Prep the skin as always with a satiny primer so that the skin looks flawless. Use a foundation brush to apply it.
2. Use a concealer on the under eye area and above the eyes. Blend well with the ring finger. Apply lightly first and reapply as needed.
3. Use a liquid foundation that has full coverage to hide any imperfections in the skin. Apply with a foundation brush or a blender sponge for a flawless finish. Be careful around the under eye area so as not to disturb the concealer. Blend well into the hair line, ears and below the jaw line.
4. Mattify the skin with loose powder, using a powder puff. Dust off any excess with a clean powder brush.

Eyes

1. With a fluffy brush, apply a lightly pearlescent vanilla or pale gold shade to the brow bone and blend downwards onto the mobile eyelid, particularly down into the inner corner.
2. At the outer corner of the eyes, apply a satiny taupe colour or a medium grey tone. Blend well inwards, focusing the majority of the colour on the outer edge.
3. To the middle of the eyes blend in a rose blush tone with the previous colours. There should be no harsh lines to this look, so take the time to blend well.
4. Intensify the outer corners only with a dark matte grey. Use a pointed brush to precisely place the colour.
5. Blend the matte dark grey along the upper lash line with an angled brush.
6. Add more of the vanilla tone right under the arch of the eyebrow and to the inner corner of the eye.
7. Use the dark grey and smudge on the lower lashes with it. Make sure the colour connects to the grey used at the outer corner of the eye.
8. Line the upper lash line with black waterproof eyeliner.
9. Add two coats of waterproof mascara to bottom and lower lashes. Comb out gently with a lash comb.

Cheeks

1. Contour the cheeks and face with a tone of foundation slightly darker than what was used before. Use the same foundation brush for expert blending. Put the contours under the cheek bones and around the edge of face to make a natural oval face.
2. On the apples of the cheeks use the same rose tone that was used on the eyes. Blend outwards and backwards towards the temples. Using the same rose tone unifies the entire look.

Lips

1. A soothing base like cocoa butter should be applied to the lips first.
2. Blot a little powder onto the lips.
3. Use a lip liner in a natural colour all over the lips. This will encourage the lip colour to last longer.
4. Then use a little spatula and take out some the same rose colour and apply to the back of the hand.
5. To the same area squeeze out a dot of a clear lip tar and mix with the blush colour to create a custom lip colour. A lip tar is similar to a lip gloss but dries to a satin finish.
6. Apply the colour to the lips with a lip brush. Spritz a finishing spray onto the face and today’s bride is all done!

Beautifully Yours~

Michele Bell
International Hair and Makeup Artist
www.bridestobeny.com

Our Personal International Celebrity Makeup Diva: Michele Bell!

The beehive is back with a vengeance this coming season and it has been present on many runways, therefore this hairdo has really started to grow on stylists and brides alike it would seem. The fact that this 50′s big hairdo has made a comeback may be mainly due to the vintage-oriented beauty and fashion nowadays.

We have to pay tribute to tradition and old times after all, right? What we are seeing is a return to the classics and a unification of the outdated with the new. And for all us lovers of old school cool making what used to be considered obsolete hot and fashionable again is all too exciting.

So with the beehive back let’s remember to keep it as simple as possible. Of course, you can always go for a sophisticated look with curls or plaits blended in it, but make sure you give it a sleek note, even when it is meant to be messy.

This hairdo generally fits any type of face, as long as it is not too long, because the beehive is elongated not only will it add height but it is just the right thing for plumper faces, because it adds a few inches in length to them and thus makes them appear longer than they really are. With their volume, beehives add elegance and distinction to any discerning bride; therefore we have all the reasons in the world to be happy that they are back and sizzling hot.

Plus, this is a good thing from a practical point of view, because instead of wearing our locks loose this spring and summer and getting all hot and sweaty underneath this hairdo leaves our neck and shoulders space to breathe.

Beautifully Yours~

Michele Bell
International Hair and Makeup Artist
www.bridestobeny.com

Edison, NJ —  America’s first GLBTI-specific wedding and event planning company, savvyplanners.com,  is honored to have been included in the newest, must-have, book on do-it-yourself  Gay and Lesbian weddings.  The company is listed in the book’s included GLBT Weddings resource guide.  By all indications, savvyplanners.com is the only full service wedding and event planning firm listed in its pages.

“The NEW Essential Guide to Gay and Lesbian Weddings” (ISBN-13: 9781593501211;  Alyson Books- 2009), by Tess Ayers and Paul Brown, is flying off the shelves and several photographs of our happy client couples’ events are pictured inside.

Many months ago, the company was contacted for images of weddings it had produced.  After numerous telephone calls, emails and referrals, photos and releases had been sent to the couples in agreement with being so publicly visible.

“I was so happy to be working on this with Paul Brown.  He and Ms. Ayers are the preeminent advisers for do it yourself weddings for our community”,  said senior event coordinator and gay and lesbian wedding expert, Marcinho Savant.

Added Client Care Director, Irma Rabinowitz, “We absolutely recognize that in these challenging financial times, some couples are not willing or able to hire professionals.  It is great to be listed in a book that will make their wedding planning simpler and more affordable.  We know that some people cannot afford to hire experts so it is great that couples won’t have to be without good advice and help”.

The company spokesperson added that even if people are unable to hire savvyplanners.com for their event, the company’s travel department would happily offer its expertise and booking services for gay-friendly honeymoon locations, free of charge.  Clients only pay the cost of their accommodations and travel.  The company will not charge the client to book reservations for them.

“I looked up the word essential and the definition fit Ms. Ayers and Mr.Brown’s book and savvyplanners.com well.  ‘Of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary’.   To have been included in such a vital release and listed as a GLBT Wedding resource inside it is a proud and thrilling mention!  It is an honor”, Savant said.

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About savvyplanners.com: The company was formed in late 2003 and launched in 2004 with its sole mission being to protect the integrity, dignity,  honor  and importance of gay and lesbian weddings and events from vendor biases, apathy or bigotry.  The company is preparing to enter its sixth year of constant operation.