Gift alert: Lisa Leonard Designs

I have been a long time fan of Lisa Leonard Designs. Lisa and I met back when I was a little high schooler and it has been so fun to see her business grow and her style develop over the years. She has a great blog- full of inspiration for the everyday and showcasing her adorable jewelry designs. I have a few of her pieces and I wear them all the time. Literally- look at my wrist at every wedding and you'll see a bracelets that she designed for me. It says "joyful" and reminds me of my purpose and motivation for every day of my life.

Today, she posted THE cutest necklace. It would be such a great gift for an engagement party or bridal shower. 

Oh, I just love it!

You can find lots of other goodness on Lisa's site. One of my brides had custom necklaces made as a gift for each of her bridesmaids. My sister in law gifted us with a personalized silver spoon for my son. I even had Lisa custom make a decal that I attached to an iphone case for my husband. Endless options. 

In perfect timing, Hostess with the Mostess is giving away one of Lisa's designs! Click here to enter the giveaway.

Wedding Day Makeup Tips

No matter what her style, no matter what her budget, every bride wants to look amazing on her wedding day. One of the best ways to ensure that you look your best on your big day is to hire professional hair and makeup stylists that you trust.

Today, I am excited to introduce you to Amanda Peck, a very talented makeup artist out of Orange County. Amanda and I actually were good friends in Jr. High and I was so thrilled to hear that she decided to pursue professional makeup artistry because she has always had such a great artistic eye. Over the past couple of years, Amanda has been at the top of my recommendation list to my brides and today she has offered to share some of her insight and tips with our readers.

*Please tell us a little bit about yourself and why you like doing wedding makeup:

My name is Amanda Peck and I am a professional makeup artist based in Orange County. Makeup has been a passionate practice of mine over the past nine years. It brings me so much joy being able to make a bride feel and look her best on her wedding day.

*How far in advance should brides book a makeup artist? 

Brides should start looking for a makeup artist 3 to 5 months prior to their big day.

*Many brides feel like they can do their own makeup- whether it is to save money or because they want to look like they normally do. Why is it worth it to pay for a makeup artist? 

Even if you are a pro in your daily makeup, booking a professional artist is a must. Your daily makeup will not hold up for hours of photography, bright lights, hugging and tears. Trained artists apply makeup differently.  I use a combination of tricks involving contouring and highlighting which makes my brides appear stunning  in an intimate close-up shot as well as for the guests that are seated far from the altar.

*What is the benefit of having a trail run? When should it be scheduled?

I can’t stress enough the importance of a trial run. The makeup artist you decide to use for your wedding needs to be someone you’re comfortable with and whose results fit your personality and style of wedding. The only way to insure that is to consult an artist or two. I always recommend scheduling your trial on the same day as your engagement photo session. That way you can see exactly what the makeup will look like in professional photography.

*How heavy should the makeup be?

Your wedding day makeup should be about 40% heavier than your typical wear. Even if you are wanting a natural look, full coverage is still necessary for photography and to last through the ceremony and reception. 

*How much time should brides allot for their makeup application on the wedding day?

I alway tell my brides to block out a full 2 hours for makeup application. That amount of time allows for a non-rushed application, false lashes and a 30 minute buffer zone just in case.

*What should brides look for in a makeup artist as they are deciding between companies? 

One of the most important things a bride should look for when researching makeup artists is his/her past work. If you can’t find any photos of previous brides or professional photoshoots, I would recommend looking elsewhere. Check as to  whether or not the artist charges a travel fee, if they offer discounts for large parties, and if their costs fit within your budget. 

*Any tips for brides who decide to do their own makeup? 

If you decide to do your own makeup, I recommend finding a full coverage foundation, a bolder lip color than what you would normally wear and waterproof mascara. The photographer is a great person to consult with to see whether or not the makeup will provide enough coverage.

*Do you have any favorite wedding day makeup/beauty items?

My favorite wedding day items include a lipstick/gloss to match the color you and your artist decided on, translucent powder for touch ups, mints (no gum!), and tissue.  I provide all of these items for every bride I work with as a complimentary touch-up kit.

*Any other tips or insight you would like to share?

Two things I highly recommend:
First, false lashes. They make all the difference in photographs. It’s an extra touch of glamour that can be applied as natural or as dramatic as you desire.

Secondly, I highly recommend treating your bridal party to a makeup and/or hair session the day of the wedding. What could be a better way to thank your bridal party than providing them with a morning of pampering? It de-stresses everyone and is truly a bonding experience.

Thanks so much for your insight Amanda! Be sure to check out her website and blog , and you can also get a peak at her studio and graphic art here. 

Big Paper Source Sale This Week!

If you have read my blog for a while, you probably know about my love for Paper Source. I get lost in the store for hours and always leave inspired and with more than I planned on purchasing.

GOOD NEWS!!!! For all of you paper lovers out there, Paper Source is giving us 20% off of everything- that is right: EVERYTHING! Can you believe that? Now through July 4th, you can get 20% off of your entire purchase online with this code: 20OFF

If you have not discovered the deliciousness that is Paper Source, there is no better time than now. If you are looking for invitations, escort cards, guest books, gift cards, craft goods or random office supplies, hop on over to their site and have fun! Also, they have a fun blog you can read too.

Happy last day of June! (WHAT??)

Huge Wedding Dress Sale this weekend in San Diego

Encore Bridal, along with the Bridal Bar San Diego, is hosting a huge bridal gown sale this weekend in San Diego- if you are looking for a dress and are local, you have to check it out!

Couture dresses will be discounted 40%-70% off retail- some are designer samples and some are from Encore Bridal's stock of consignment and resale dresses. The sale will include dresses by Melissa Sweet, Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Christos and more. It is friday-sunday at the Omni Hotel  in Downtown. 

For more info, please visit Encore Bridal's blog. 

Encore Bridal also has a store that you can visit in Los Angeles. It is a wonderful option for brides who are looking for a designer dress for a lower price. 

Good luck with the sale Julie! We hope that everything goes well!  

Megan and Dom's engagement photos

We are so excited for Megan and Dom's wedding this August at the Ole Hansen Beach Club! Darcie and Megan have been friends since they were little and I have known Megan since freshman year of high school. Megan's mom, Tara, is also a wonderful florist that we love to work with (you can see some of her work on her blog).

We are also excited for their wedding because we get to work with Gabriel and Carlie of Gabriel Ryan Photographers. Here are some amazing engagement photos they took of Megan and Dom:

To see more, check out Gabriel and Carlie's blog.

Dress Envy

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Kristin asked me if I was going to cut out little sombreros with my Cricut- I wish I had a cartridge for that- it would be awesome!

Nothing cinco de mayo themed here today though.... instead, prepare yourself to be jealous.

One of my favorite Orange County photographers, Boutwell Studio, just posted photos from her wedding this past weekend and my jaw dropped. This dress has to be one of my most favorite wedding dresses ever. And I have seen a lot.

Beautiful bride + Stunning Monique Lhuillier Dress= One awestruck Courtney that wants to get married to her husband all over again just to wear that dress.

Oversized balloons too? Seriously? Just gorgeous. 

Thanks for sharing Chenin. The pictures are stunning!

Another blog to add to the list

I am so excited! One of my favorite event designers, Tara Guerard of Soiree, has just launched a blog!

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Tara's seminar at The Special Event this year and was blown away by her amazing work and her sweet southern personality. She mentioned at the seminar that she would be launching a blog soon and I have been eagerly anticipating it ever since.

Be sure to check out Tara Guerard's Bon Bon Blog. You are sure to be inspired! While you are at, swing by the Soiree website and check out the gallery. Tara does countless things well: included on the list are details, tents and lounge furniture. I purchased her book, Southern Weddings, a couple of years ago and it quickly became one of my favorite wedding inspiration books.

Here are some of my favorite photos of her work, taken from the Soiree website:

At TSE, she gave us a sneak peak at weddings that will be featured in her next book and we are all in for a treat!

Congrats Tara- we are looking forward to the inspiration and awe we know your blog will provide!

Crazy week

It is wednesday. It feels like friday and monday all at the same time. 

It is a very exciting, but also a very busy week over here. We have two wonderful weddings lined up this weekend: I will be at the Fullerton Arboretum and Darcie will be at Vibiana. Both weddings are going to be amazing and- I cannot give away too many details, but both are going to have a very exciting element to them. I'll fill you in on monday. I know- I am horrible, right? 

While I leave you hanging, I thought I'd share a fun photo from this week. 

From l-r Jesi, me, Ryel, Angel,Erin, Kristin, pesto (or basil?) &  Melody. We kicked the boys out. 

I love this group of incredible ladies! We had our 3rd Orange County Wedding Industry Prayer & Worship Night on monday and it was such a sweet time. It is so nice to connect with peers who share my passions and to encourage one another as we begin our busy wedding season. Thanks for being involved ladies! 

If you are a so cal wedding professional and would like to come to our next get together, let me know. We would love to have you!

I'll make you jealous: Melody brought deeelicious cupcakes. If you have not checked out her blog, you must. But only if you have some sweets close by because, trust me, you'll want some! 

**Giveaway!!** Pleated Poppy Bridal Pins

My sister-in-law Lindsey and I have been brainstorming some fun ideas lately. You may have found her product line, The Pleated Poppy, through my blog before, but if you have not- please check it out. She hand designs such cute things!

We have been talking for a while about creating some Pleated Poppy wedding items and over Christmas vacation we sat down and had an idea session. I am so excited about what is to come! For one of my amazing March weddings, we have a couple really darling things in the works and I am constantly trying to find new inspiration for my other brides. If you are a client of mine and are interested in talking about using some cute fabric flowers in your wedding decor- let's talk! Even if you are not a client of mine, contact me or Lindsey to talk through some ideas if you are interested. She can custom make posies out of your wedding colors/fabric/decor, etc. 

Lindsey just posted her first official Bridal item: cute, simple, sweet and gorgeous Bridal Posies! They can be worn in your hair or pinned on a dress or sweater. I love em. Check them out here.

*****

To kick off the bridal line, Lindsey is going to be giving away the above hairpiece to one of my readers. Woo~hoo!

 So, here is what you have to do to enter: Check out Lindsey's blog  and shop, come back here and leave a comment sharing how you would use fabric flowers at a wedding or event. Or just tell us what you love! 

A winner will be randomly selected next monday, the 16th- President's Day! You will have until noon that day (pst) to enter. Browse and comment away!

Joyful Joyful #4: Keeping it in the Family

My brother and his family built their dream home a few years back. Every time I visit, I either want to steal it or move in. The house itself is lovely- the floorplan is very open and wonderful, but what takes it beyond amazing is my sister-in-law Lindsey's knack for decor.

I have posted before about her adorable flower pins & other handmade goods and today, I am going to pass on some of her Christmas decorating ideas. You are sure to be inspired!

 

Lindsay has amazing flea market finds that she has refurbished over the years. What she is great at is re-purposing them for holidays and parties. This is a huge Christmas decoration tip: Use what you have!  By throwing in a few ornaments, you've just made your everyday decor Christmas-y. She did this above in the lantern and below in her birdcages (which I would like to steal, by the way).

 

How adorable are those? I have to mention that she made all of those polka dot ornaments by sticking on glue dots and rolling in glitter.

She sticks them here, she sticks them there....

 

  

I could sit in front of her fireplace for days.

For more details and inspiration, be sure to check out her blog. While you are there, click on the link to her shop, The Pleated Poppy: lots of great stocking stuffers!

You are going to be so sick of me by the end of this post...

If you have been following my blog at all over the past couple of years, you know how much I love Jasmine Star. I had the privilege of coordinating the first wedding she ever shot and it has been so wonderful to see our friendship grow as we have worked together over the past couple of years. I am so proud of how much she has accomplished and how stinkin awesome she is at capturing couples- the love, the emotion the goofiness. If you have not seen her work, give yourself an hour or two to devour her blog and amazing website. Brides: if you have not booked your photographer yet, I highly, highly recommend Jasmine.

Being the lovely lady that she is, she offered to take new pictures of me & Darcie for my website (an update is finally in the works!). We had so much fun prancing around the Orange Circle last week. Here are a few of my favorites:

To see more, click here.

I also want to thank my good friend Jenetta, one of my favorite SD photographers, came to my rescue a few weeks ago and shot a new headshot for me. I had to get them taken for a magazine I will be in and gave her about a days notice. Being the amazing woman she is, she stepped right in and I love the way it turned out! You can see it in my profile information over on the right side of the page. Thanks Jenetta! You are the best!

Okay, now that you are sick of looking at pictures of me, I promise I won't talk about myself for a while :)