TATTOO OR TABOO?

I was on the phone with a friend the other day and we were talking about tattoos and brides.   She told me that she had just gotten a tattoo for her 60th birthday- WOW!   It got me to thinking about some of the brides I have worked with who have them and started me wondering how YOU feel about them.   

I remember one bride I had many years ago. She was an exquisite beauty!  She had dark red hair and alabaster skin.   She was from a well- healed family on the Main Line of Philadelphia.   And she had tattoos covering most of her body!  Her mother was visibly upset by this, but trying to be supportive of her daughter whom she loved desperately.  The bride fell in love with a lace, strapless Christos gown.   She looked amazing in it.   Mom was not so sure.   We wound up making a long sleeved version of the gown- at great expense.   The bride looked stunning on her big day and the mother was happy that the guests could not see the tattooed "sleeves" under the dress.   

Well, times have changed and tattoos are all the rage- everybody has them!   Blogs like Offbeat Bride, Broke Ass Bride and Green Wedding Shoes often have photos of real weddings where the bride has her tattoos proudly peeking out of her gown.   Of course, if you want to hide them, you can have your make up artist do that for you.   I, personally, have had brides who wanted to showcase their skin sans the art they wear on a daily basis.   How do you feel?   Will you be sporting a tattoo on your wedding day?   I would REALLY love your feedback.              

WILL YOU LOVE, HONOR AND RESPECT...

When choosing the professionals that are going to help you plan the most important and emotionally charged day of your life, there are many things you need to consider. Today, I am going to try and guide you down the path to choosing vendors that will ensure you have a perfect wedding day. Some of the same qualities that you looked for in choosing a mate, you should also look for when choosing your vendors. These qualities are TRUST, RESPECT AND OPEN COMMUNICATION. You must also realize that you are buying products, though emotional in nature, you are still in the marketplace and the professionals you are seeking are in business. Every bride is on a budget of some sort. And, there are wonderful professionals for every budget. Respecting the fact that these professionals make their living in this industry is important for you to remember. There are many ways to save money, to cut costs in one area in order to use it somewhere else and ways that your wedding vendors will be happy to add in something, cut the cost of something or help you to tailor your budget and not lose the integrity of your big day. So, before you cancel someone out as "too expensive" or "I don't need that" or " I have a friend who can do that cheaper", think about the fact that hiring a professional is the REAL cost effective and surest way of having a day that is flawless and wonderful.

What should you look for in your wedding vendors? There are so many websites to "guide you" to choices. There are hundreds of wedding pros in all facets of your wedding needs. How will you know if you have chosen the right one, the best one for you, an ethical and honest one? Here are five things to look for when meeting with prospective vendors. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Dicicco Photography 1. Are they caring and available? Your wedding should be a priority to someone you hire. They should be interested in you, your wedding, how you met, your family dynamic and your vision and budgetary boundaries. 2. Do they listen? You should hire people who hear you, who listen to you, who understand what your wedding means to you. 3. Do you "click"? You should feel a connection to the people you hire for your wedding. Photographers and planners, especially, should be people that you like! 4. How prompt are they? When you call or email a vendor with a question or a thought, it should be addressed in a timely fashion. You should not have to wait days to hear back from them. 5. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And, make sure the professional you are meeting with asks questions too. No one should assume they "know what you are thinking". If they aren't asking questions, they aren't listening.

Here are some other things to be aware of when you begin hiring the people who will be making your wedding day a flawless one. **Know your budget going in. Be realistic about what you have to spend and how much wiggle room there is. Meeting with vendors who are out of your reach is a waste of everyone's time and can be very upsetting and frustrating to you. **Understand that this is a business. Be respectful about discounts. This is how these people pay their bills. Just like your doctor, a plumber- and you, this is a job. So, don't ask for things that are unreasonable to ask. **Be upbeat and friendly. Bossy behavior and aggressive demands are not the best course toward a happy day. Remember that you have put your trust in these people. And, though this is a huge event in your life, you would not want someone to treat you badly in your business life. It is true that you catch more flies with honey! **Be flexible. Be ready and willing to compromise on things and be aware of what is readily available, such as seasonal flowers, limited bars and shorter time slots for photographers and videographers. **Be aware! Have a trial hair and makeup session before you finalize the deal. Do a tasting, so that you know how your meal will be presented. Go to an open house at a venue or caterer, so that you can taste the food and see the set up before you commit. Look at the photographer's work. They all have books, web sites and blogs. Just make sure that what you see is really their work- especially on line. Get referrals. Find past clients that have worked with the people you are considering. See how their day turned out. **Read the contracts! Don't assume anything. Make sure you understand exactly what they will do, how they work and what they expect in return. **Plan for emergencies. Mother nature, an unexpected disaster, all kinds of things can happen. Have a plan B and get wedding insurance. **Trust your vendors.

Once you have contracted with the people who will bring your dream wedding to life, trust that decision. You have chosen these people intelligently. So, let them do their job and allow them to guide you in the right direction. **Hire a planner. I know, it isn't in the budget, you are doing it yourself, your mother is helping you. A planner can save you money along the way, can steer you to the best vendors for your dream and your budget, can fend off many emergencies before they occur and be your advocate during the process of hiring vendors. A good planner will also be able to facilitate your day from start to finish and that is something that you, the bride, can not do yourself. From choosing colors and flowers and linens, erecting a tent in hurricane season, to getting you down the aisle in style and presenting a feast to die for, your wedding professionals are there to help you. If you use your head, as well as your heart and you apply the three basic concepts of Trust, Respect and Open Communication, you will have the perfect wedding. There are many seasoned and wonderful people in this industry. There are also bad ones. Use these tips and you are sure to weed out the garbage and find the gems!
And, as always, let me know how I can help you to have a Beautiful Day!

PAIGE AND MICHAEL: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Saturday, December 3, 2011- WHAT A DAY!!! The sun was shining and so was the face of this exquisite bride!! Paige and Michael said their "I Do's" at the Cathedral Basilica in Philadelphia and then celebrated in style at The Union League. It was a spectacular day! I took so many photos that is was hard to decide which ones to post. I also have the first sneak peek of the amazingly wonderful and talented Sarah DiCicco's professional photos.

But, this photo, taken just before the groom sprayed all of us with champagne, really speaks to the day- it sparkled with the love and the beauty that all weddings should have!!! And, this photo of the girls "hiding" the bride as the last of the guests arrive gave me a chuckle!

These are Sarah's photos. Paige is so lovely and Michael a fittingly handsome prince for this princess. Together they are destined to make a beautiful and rich life together full of many more memories like these. They are blessed with a great love and respect for each other, amazing family to surround them,
wonderful friends and this day, that just kept bursting with love and celebration.

After the ceremony the wedding party went to the Art Museum for photos while there was still good light. I love this shot that Sarah took of the couple.

Then, it was off to The Union League for some fun photos of the group outside and the couple in the lights of the city.
Yes, there were sparklers and champagne and lots of smiles. These images were not staged. The smiles are real and the natural ease of Sarah's talent to capture the essence of the couple's love is breathtaking!
The city lights pale next to the brightness of these two beautiful people! I can't say enough about how special they are. From early in the morning until the wee hours, the bride smiled from ear to ear. And,Sarah captured all of Paige's radiance and goodness.
This is one of my favorite photos of the day! I have to send a special thanks to Sarah! She was amazing to work with and helped me to smooth out some little issues in the day- Sarah, you know what I mean!!!



The ladies of the wedding party were expertly made up by the talents of Face the Occasion. Working with Jill and Kelly is always a pleasure! And, they had beautiful faces to start with here, so it made their job that much more fun. The house was full of Christmas- the smell of pine, carols on the stereo and the incredible tree- that we used as a photo op for the bride's dad and the girls to gather. Dressing Paige was great to watch. As I usually help to dress the bride, it was hard to step aside and let the girls and her mom do it. But, it was ok. These photos are priceless! All that Vera Wang organza needed to be fluffed just right!
The Union League did a fabulous job! There wasn't a glitch in the service! Every detail was just as we had requested and Michelle, Brian and the staff were amazing!


I have to tell you about the fabulous Petah Bashano! He created a winter wonderland for Paige and Michael! The cocktail hour was very festive in red and green,with lots of candlelight and Paige's snowflake theme. But, inside the ballroom was a splendid vision in white and gold! Trees with "snowballs" and votives hanging from the branches, gold linens, and chargers that captured the light. The backdrop to the bandstand was a winter tree- bare, but beautiful. When Paige walked through the doors to the reveal, she was thrilled! It was awesome!

The flowers, which look purple in this photo, were actually rich shades of red. And, the little flower girl's basket was white satin with crystals around the rim. She was so excited to be a fairy princess! Every detail, from the red dresses, to the snowflake ice sculpture, to the cake that was dripping with "ice" and crystal snowflakes, this wedding had every element to make it the perfect day!



The Sid Miller Band had everyone on the dance floor all night! The chairs were empty except during dinner. I had to switch things up several times during the evening, and every time, the band was right there with me to make the change or add a request. I love working with pros like this!

Thanks to Sid and his band for helping me make this a memorable day for this special pair.


The couple danced to All I Want For Christmas Is You. And, I love this shot of Paige's gorgeous mom in red! What a wonderful lady and how smashing she looked!


I could go on about this wedding for days! It was great fun, a very rewarding job and I can't say enough about the team!!! A resounding THANK YOU goes out to The Union League, Petah Bashano Event Design, Sarah DiCicco Photography, Video One Productions, The Sid Miller band, Wertz Motor Coach and King Limo, The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory and The Sofitel and Ritz Carlton for taking such good care of the guests.




This was one of those weddings that I will never forget!! Thank you Paige and Michael and Chere and Steve for letting me be a part of this exquisite and special day in your lives!!!

For more about this wedding check out Philadelphia Weddings.

Photos: Courtesy Sarah DiCicco Potography

CAPTIVATING COSMETICS

Do you have uneven or nonexistent eyebrows. a crooked mouth or thin lips? Would like to look like you have model's lashes, but don't want to fuss over them? Maybe you have a scar or a birthmark you don't want to show in your wedding photos. Well, Mandy Sauler can help you have perfect features on your wedding day. See if this permanent cosmetic process is right for you.

MANDY SAULER, PERMANENT COSMETICS & MICROPIGMENTATION ARTIST, REVOLUTIONIZES THE CAMOUFLAGING OF SURGICAL SCARS, HAIR LOSS AND MORE WITH INTRADERMAL PIGMENTATION

Tattooing Services from Sauler’s Captivating Cosmetics Include Areola Restoration, Scar Camouflage, Cleft Lip Correction, plus Enhancements for Lips, Eyes, Brows, Birthmarks & Age Spots

EXTON, PA (July 21, 2011) – Mandy Sauler, founder of Captivating Cosmetics at www.captivatingcosmetics.com, leverages the science of micropigmentation which is revolutionizing the corrective surgery and beauty industries. Through a state-of-the-art technique, also known as permanent cosmetics or cosmetic tattooing, Sauler applies micro insertions of color pigments into the dermal layer of the skin to camouflage various skin irregularities and enhance physical features.

“I began my career 16 years ago as a professional tattooist and quickly learned that as a fine line artist I could use my natural abilities to serve the needs of more critical skin corrections and enhancements,” shared Sauler. “My career in permanent cosmetics has given me the greatest reward by helping my clients to look and feel better about their appearance.”

Permanent cosmetics and intradermal pigmentation is medically proven and specifically designed to be completely safe. It is used for areola restoration, cleft lip repair, hairline enhancement, scar and stretch mark camouflage, and vitiligo. Cosmetic tattooing hides the scar from where hair follicles are removed in a hair transplant procedure and minuscule amounts of color pigmentation can disguise the appearance of acne scars and other marks on the skin’s surface.

“Micropigmentation has allowed me to help women undergoing various breast surgeries by using areola tattooing in lieu of nipple reconstruction,” explained Sauler. “I also use permanent cosmetics to create a natural, hairline stroke eyebrow for Alopecia sufferers. Plus, ophthalmologists recommend the procedure for those who are allergic to conventional makeup and for those wearing contact lenses.”

In the world of beauty, permanent cosmetics is used to enhance the shape, color and appearance of eyes and lips. Intradermal pigmentation for lip liner and color can add fullness and various shades to the lip, along with helping to prevent lipstick from bleeding into the surrounding skin. The permanent shaping and filling of eyebrows is also made possible along with eyeliner through the implantation of pigments in the lash line. Additional shadowing of color can be added for a softer or more defined line.

About Mandy Sauler, Founder, Captivating Cosmetics

Mandy Sauler launched Captivating Cosmetics in 2005. She studied micropigmentation at the Florida College of Natural Health and has a Board Certification from the American Academy of Micropigmentation. Sauler is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and has additional certifications in Pain Control, Safety Effectiveness and Bloodborne Pathogen.

A pioneer in permanent cosmetics, Sauler continually seeks out new advances in technology, procedures and products. Her 16-year tenure in tattooing and micropigmentation has afforded her experience with a broad range of ethnicities, skin tones, ages and skin types.

She is a licensed provider in both Pennsylvania and New York and has offices in Downingtown, Exton, Philadelphia, and Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania and New York City, New York. Sauler also teaches intradermal micropigmentation through an intense training program from her practice in Downingtown, PA.

Information about Mandy Sauler and her services from Captivating Cosmetics are available online at www.captivatingcosmetics.com.

This procedure is great if you have thin lips, asymmetrical lips or just want to have those luscious, full red lips all day at your wedding. These photos are just a few of the ways that Mandy can improve your mouth and let you leave that lipstick at home. No matter how many kisses you give, your lips will remain perfect all day.






Just look how this before and after changes the shape of the lip. Here, a "lipliner" look gives this mouth contour and definition.

If you are like me, you may have sporadic or non- existent brows. I have a scar over my one eye, which creates a space. Your brows frame your face and open up your eyes- things that matter in all those close up candids on your special day. Having natural hair strokes or powder fill brows can give you a finished look.

If you have sparse lashes or can't get that perfect line on your eyes, then, this procedure can give you a permanent line and fuller lashes. This can be done by enhancing the base and between your lashes or create a pencil look that never goes away. You can add to the line with your own color at any time or create that smoky eye for your wedding photos.

There are also procedures to camouflage scars and birthmarks, as well as to assist with the aftermath of breast reconstruction surgery and Alopecia. Here we have someone whose face if transformed by adding a defined brow and camouflaging spots. Look how her blue eyes pop after the procedure.





























Mandy works with a doctor at all times at Couture Laser and Skin, in a safe and sterile environment. She has certifications in pain control, safety effectiveness and bloodborn pathogens. Mandy's results speak for themselves. Maybe you have concerns about the risks or want to know the cost. You can contact Mandy at any of these locations and at her office in Downingtown to find out more about this process. If you want to look your very best on your wedding day, let Mandy show you how.

GLAMOUR ME FABULOUS

Genevieve Scoleri is one of the best! She can transform any bride into a movie star! Genevieve is a professional make up artist and licensed cosmetologist.who understands how important your day is to you. She shares my commitment to making you a princess for your wedding and she will work with you to make that happen. I love talking about people I can rely on and Genevieve is one of those people.