Monthly Archives: May 2012

Ketubah.com Plays: Name That Ketubah!

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Alison in Featured, From the Expert, Inside Scoop, Jewish Traditions

Ketubah.com is probably one of the first places a couple browses while searching for their perfect Ketubah. Ketubah.com has a fabulous selection of all different kinds of art that speaks to many individual tastes and affiliations. You can literally search by color, theme, price range, artist… and the available texts can provide meaning for anything from an anniversary to an interfaith wedding to a orthodox wedding. You can even submit your own text if you have something else up your sleeve. Sizes and paper stock are flexible and you can even have it rush shipped if the Ketubah is a last minute detail you just remembered — oops!

Ketubah.com customers are pleased with their purchases which is always fabulous to know, but what’s even more interesting is learning about the people at Ketubah.com who work so hard to provide these beautiful and meaningful works of art! Who are the pros and what do they think about the Ketubah choices on the site?

Three members of the Ketubah.com staff offered to share some interesting insight on some of their personal favorites about Ketubah selections.

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Kevin, Director of Product Development and Marketing

Q: What is your favorite style of art?
A: My favorite style of art is abstract. I love the work of Jackson Pollack because that kind of vibrancy really speaks to me. The Ketubah design Abstractions by Laya Crust speaks to me in the same way. Although the design is made up of Hebrew lettering, it is so abstract that at first glance it looks like a wonderfully vibrant design.

Q: What colors strike your fancy?
A. I like sedate color palettes. Lots of earthy tones and muted colours. I like the blues, reds, and browns of Abstractions by Laya Crust and Fall Bouquet by Naomi Broudo.

Q: What’s the idea location to hang a Ketubah?
A: Although I don’t currently have a Ketubah, my favorite place would be in the living room. My living room is a place of gathering for family and friends, the place I spend most of my time in the house. Because the Ketubah is not just a work of art but a reminder of our commitment, I’d like to display it where it is most visible to me.

Q: If you could choose a Ketubah for any celebrity, who would it be?
A: I would choose Harmony Colorful by Ruth Rudin for Jesse Eisenberg. He’s pretty quirky and a bit out there and I’d think he’d appreciate the whimsy and retro feel of this design.

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Tani, Marketing Manager and Customer Service
Q: What is your favorite style of art?
A: Impressionism, I like bright and bold colors and outdoor landscapes.

Q: What is your favorite color combo or palette?
A: Turquoise and magenta such as Stained Glass Champagne by Lee Loebman.

Q: What would be the perfect place to hang a Ketubah in the house?
A: In the living room. I think the bright colors would add a nice touch to the décor in addition to reminding my husband and I of our commitment to each other on a regular basis.

Q: If you could recommend a Ketubah for a celebrity, who would it be?
A: I love Seth Rogen! He is hilarious and I would love to find out more about his ketubah style. My recommendation would be Symphony by Adam Rhine.

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Shira, Customer Service Manager

Q: What is your favorite style of art?
A: I love Post-Impressionist art such as Firefly by Judith Joseph.

Q: What is your favorite color combo or palette?
A: Blues and greys such as Take a Bow — Sky by Michelle Rummel.

Q: What is your favorite place to hang a Ketubah in the house?
A: In the living room, so anyone who comes in can admire it.

Q: If you could choose a Ketubah for a celebrity, who would it be?
A: I would choose a Ketubah for Zach Braff. I used to love watching him on “Scrubs.” He is so funny and also down to earth. I know he loves his family and chooses to be near them when he is not abroad. I would choose the Ketubah Seaside by Rachel Deitsch for Braff. It shows both home and water (the ocean he crosses to work in London now) which are the things that are important to him, but at the same time [the piece] is whimsical and fun.

*** This post was sponsored by Ketubah.com, a proud partner of The Wedding Yentas. ***

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Real Jewish Weddings | Moorpark, CA

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Feast your eyes on Rebecca and Joshua’s wedding that dazzles with deep warmth and a special glow. The bride is two words: Stun. Ning. Wow. Dear Brides Magazine, please put Rebecca on the cover of your next issue. Love, The Wedding Yentas. There, now that that’s been made clear, let’s dish about the details. Big love for the purples: the plums and lilacs and lavenders all blend together in a flirtatious pop for this on-the-board late summer/early fall Jewish wedding. Rustic inspiration makes total sense at this pristine outdoor venue, nestled in a remote and quiet pocket of Southern California. The couple and their guests enjoyed the many traditional and festive Jewish wedding milestones, like a ketubah signing and celebratory chair lifts. Grand exits are not as common these days as most newlyweds like to close out their party and really, who can blame them?, but the classic sparkler au revoir to Rebecca and Joshua makes for a brilliant scene and as they head off into their new husband-and-wife life, they literally sparkle!

Mazel tov, Rebecca and Joshua!

moorpark-jewish-weddings

Photographer: Chelsea Elizabeth Photography
Venue: Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch
Hair Stylist: Rebecca Loniero
Caterer: Command Performance
Floral Designer: Belle of the Ball Designs
Videography: Cinevent Productions
Cake Designer: Skiff’s Cakes
DJ: Gold Dust Entertainment
Makeup Artist: Kiss the Bride Makeup
Officiant: Rabbi Craig Wyckoff
Ketubah: Judaic Connection

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Tales From The Veil: The Registry Rally

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Alison in Tales from the Veil

Ali is newly engaged and was proposed to at her dream location: the empty stage of a Broadway theatre! The 20-something-year-old actress met her soon-to-be husband while working on a show together, and they love to spend time seeing theatre, taking in a baseball game, and playing pop culture trivia. Ali also nannies for several families in the Los Angeles area, looks forward to Disneyland trips, and enjoys a good deli lunch. She is enjoying the journey of planning her wedding and learning about the details that go into the big day. In order to successfully achieve her vision, Ali is using resources like The Wedding Yentas, family and friends who’ve been-there-done-that, and bridal magazines. The wedding is scheduled for this October in Southern California and so far, so good!.

I had a fear of registering. Don’t ask me why. I mean, why would anyone be afraid of making a dream wish-list of things that people are going to actually buy as presents? I don’t know why, but I did. I knew the basic rules of registering: register at three different stores, that offer three different price points. But where?

When it was time to start registering (save-the-dates were going out soon, and showers were getting organized, so we had to get on it), I happened to be in New York, staying with my Michael’s (my fiance) parents. I grew up in California, which, needless to say, has an incredibly different mindset than New York, and Michael and I have experienced these differences over the course of our relationship. The coastal cultural differences were apparent, especially when it came to shopping.

Michael and I were discussing places to register when his mom chimed in, “You have to go to Bloomingdale’s!” Immediately I got nervous. Now, I’d never shopped at Bloomingldale’s before, and as a native Calfornian, I had always been under the impression that it was a super high-end store and I don’t typically shop in high-end stores. Don’t get me wrong, I have good taste, but as an actress and nanny, I usually find myself shopping in places where I can get a pair of jeans for under $100.

I shared these feelings with Michael’s mom, but she used her knowledge and experience to alleviate my concerns. “First of all,” she said, “a registry is a dream list. Why not aspire for the best, and see if people will get it for you?” True. Also, Michael’s grandmother had been an employee at Bloomingdale’s for years, so his family was well aware of the incredible sales and available prices Bloomie’s offered all year long. I was still somewhat hesitant, considering that hoity-toity prejudgment I had in my mind about Bloomingdale’s. I thought my family would scoff at me for even having the expectation that guests would spend that kind of money to buy me something from that store. However, knowing that a large majority of Michael’s guest list would be from New York, and Bloomingdales was a regular stop on shopping trips for East Coasters, we agreed and gave it a shot and Michael and I went to Bloomingdale’s to register.

As soon as I got there, my nerves worsened. Everything was so elegant. It looked like anything I touched would break and I’d have to pay for it with a month’s worth of salary. I was scared, but I sat down with the registry consultant and filled out the paperwork. Michael took the iconic scanner gun, and we set out to look around the department for things we would like.

I couldn’t stop thinking about how I was happy with the kitchen items I already had at home. Why ask people to buy me new versions of what I already had? We wandered for probably 30 minutes, unsure of what to scan for that first item. And the first item we chose to add to the registry? A wine decanter! What?! Not China or flatware or luggage or frames — a wine decanter! It was a charity scan, just so we could have something on our list. Then, we wandered into kitchen electronics and suddenly, my whole world changed. The skies opened up, the couds went away, the sun shone through. It was at once all very clear to me: I wanted to register for one of everything, and I think I did. And let me tell you, when you get on a roll, and you start feeling comfortable about wanting expensive things, and you can’t stop! At some point Michael finally had to pull me away from the crock pots because we had a plane to catch!

When we finally got back to California, we went to the Bloomingdale’s near our home. As soon as we walked in, I felt comfortable for the first time, wondering why I had been so nervous about choosing a store with which to registry. I compared their prices to stores that my family and I typically shop at and found that their prices were all the same. We met our new California registry consultant, and hit it off right away. She walked us around and of my “I’m gonna break it” fears to rest when she stood on top of a China mug. Yes, she actually stood on top of it. She showed us what items were worth the price and what weren’t. Her tour ended with an invitation to the Bloomingdale’s Bridal Brunch. Shopping and brunch? Yes please.

On Bridal Brunch day, and we were welcomed with open arms to the top floor of Bloomingdale’s where tables, chairs, and a continental breakfast were gloriously waiting for us. After some eating and small talk, registry consultants facilitated a presentation where vendors explained their products and why all of us brides and grooms should register for them. I was proud of myself for realizing that I knew most of what they were sharing because I’d done my research. After all that worrying, it was then that I realized I was a pro.

Once we solidified our Bloomingdale’s registry, we also created registries with Macy’s and Bed Bath & Beyond in order to provide a courtesy to all of our wedding guests. Each store offers great varieties and price points and we are glad to make the shopping experience convenient for our friends and family, so they feel comfortable browsing at their store of choice. Unlike tasting the dinner menu at our venue or creating a music playlist with our entertainment, registering was one of the wedding planning steps I never thought much about, which is why I panicked. Looking back, though, I know how simple it really was and I am totally comfortable with the choices we made.

Plus, I can’t wait to play with our new kitchen toys! Homemade cookies from the countertop mixer anyone?

From the Expert: Choosing A Makeup Artist

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Alison in Featured, From the Expert, Inside Scoop

We love when awesome wedding vendors spoil us with their words of wisdom! Today is one of those days. Not a bad way to dive into Monday, right? Susie Chhuor of Susie Chhuor Professional Hair and Makeup Team weighs in on something that may be seem foreign to many brides: How do you pick a makeup artist and what can you expect will happen to your face? Read on for more details from Susie about the prettying of your punim!

Your wedding day is quickly approaching, and all the details are in check: venue, flowers, cake, DJ, photographer, dress, invitations, favors, shoes, etc. Hair and makeup are also among the list of important decisions to make, but they are probably one of the last things on your mind. With so many options, choosing the perfect bridal hair and makeup stylist may seem just as daunting and stressful as deciding on all the other details. However, once you have selected the perfect makeup artist, your mind will be at ease knowing that you will look your absolute best for the wedding day. Here, we will simplify the process for you by suggesting a few helpful tips.

There are a few options when it comes to looking for a makeup artist. As one of the more traditional modes, you may want to seek out referrals from friends, family, or other previous brides whom you know. Since they have already seen the makeup artist’s work or have experienced it first hand, they would be rather reliable sources for referrals. Another option, as one of the more popular modes, is simply the Internet. With the various wedding websites these days, researching for makeup artists becomes much easier since you are usually able to view the artist’s portfolio and information made readily available online. Moreover, many sites also allow you to see testimonials and reviews from previous brides. In a way, this too is a form of “referral.” After all, a bride wouldn’t recommend someone if she didn’t believe in the makeup artist’s work.

As you do your research and browsing, remember to consider the following factors:

1. How experienced is the makeup artist? More specifically, is he/she experienced in bridal hair and makeup?

By viewing portfolios, you can sense the makeup artist’s quality of work and experience. The photos should look clean, professional, and cover a wide range of looks. That way, you know that the makeup artist is flexible in his or her style to meet the needs of yours. You should definitely like what you see in the artist’s portfolio. Also, be sure that the makeup artist has pictures of his/her bridal work. Bridal styling is often quite different from other types of makeup in terms of skill, look, and application. The makeup needs to be meticulously done, so that it looks good both in person and on camera. Thus, be sure that your artist has done a fair share of weddings, including cultural and ethnic weddings (if that pertains to you). You can also take into account the number of years of experience, education and training, and previous employment that the makeup artist has on the resume.

2. Does the makeup artist provide hair services as well?

Unless you do not mind having two different people working on you for the wedding day, having a makeup artist who also does hair alleviates some of the stress on the day of. You will not have to worry about scheduling two different stylists or maybe even commuting to two different places. Also, having one artist who provides both services will ensure that your look is cohesive and share the same quality.

3. Where would you like to get ready?

Consider having the makeup artist come to your location whether it’s a hotel, the venue, or at home. With the morning of the wedding day usually being hectic, avoid the stress of traveling to get your hair and makeup done if the artist is available to come to you. Many freelance and local artists offer this convenience as part of their services for a small fee. If you prefer to get ready at a salon or studio, be sure to check it out beforehand to see if you like the atmosphere.

4. Can he/she accommodate your bridal party size?

Many brides who have several people in their bridal party often enjoy the convenience of makeup artists who work with an assistant or team. With additional hands, everyone in the bridal party can be finished within a reasonable time frame. If the artist happens to work alone, plan the details accordingly with him/her to allow for ample time to get ready.

5. How long do you need the makeup artist for?

Think about whether you would like to the artist to be around for the entire day or just for a few hours to get you ready. Having the artist stay with you may cost a little more as he/she will be ready to do frequent touch-ups or look changes throughout the entire event. Some makeup artists have services in which they will come back later in the day to do touch-ups or change your look for an additional fee. If the makeup artist will not be with you for the entire day, ask if a touch-up kit will be provided so that you may have that on hand for later to do your own touch-ups.

6. What types of makeup does the artist offer?

With an array of makeup products and techniques that are out there, find a makeup artist who is able to carry out what you need. For example, you may want a tattoo or scar to be covered up, so be sure that the artist is able to do so. See whether the artist offers airbrush or uses conventional makeup. Learn about the benefits of either option and ask the makeup artist what would be better to suit your particular face skin tone, texture, and color.

7. What is your budget for hair and makeup?

Rates for bridal hair and makeup can vary greatly from artist to artist, so be sure to research thoroughly and make comparisons. Have a range in mind that you are willing to spend; however, do not try to compromise quality work for affordability. You will be looking back your wedding day photos years from now, so you would want to remember how beautiful you looked on your wedding day.

8. Are you comfortable talking to and being around the makeup artist?

Lastly, as an aspect that can easily be overlooked, the person you choose should make you feel relaxed and comfortable. You should be able to easily communicate your visions and concerns to the makeup artist without much hesitation. Since you will be spending a lot of time with your makeup artist on the day of the wedding and maybe on occasions leading up to the event, you will want to choose someone whose personality meshes well with yours. This will make the experience all the more special and fun!

Once you have narrowed down your options after much research and consideration, contact the makeup artist or agency to arrange a consultation and/or trial. At the trial, bring magazine clippings or online printouts for looks that you like and want to try. Feel free to bring a close friend or family member to give you honest opinions. Also, don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts and desires. Good makeup artists will always listen to your suggestions and concerns in effort to create the look that you want. At the end, if you are satisfied with the trial, book soon after to reserve the wedding date.

Good luck and happy searching!

Like what you read? Get in touch with Susie Chhuor Professional Hair and Makeup team today! Become a fan on Facebook or visit the web site for more information.

A Mother’s Tale: Shopping For The Right MOB Dress

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Alison in Planning, Tales from the Veil

As the mother of the groom four years ago, Ellen had a great experience. Her son and daughter-in-law helped to keep her involved in all aspects of the wedding planning, and she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As the mother of the bride, she is using her organizational skills to help her daughter plan the wedding of her dreams. Now that both she and her daughter have found their dresses, and all of the vendors have been booked, she patiently awaits the day when both of her children will be married to the loves of their lives……and taken care of. Whew!!

Finding the perfect dress for your daughter’s (or son’s) wedding can sometimes be quite challenging. In my case, I was able to find the dress for my son’s wedding with relative ease. I’m not quite sure if it was because I was four years younger or perhaps fifteen pounds lighter.

Either way, I went to one bridal shop, saw exactly what I was looking for, ordered it in my size, and three months later, discovered that it fit me perfectly on the first fitting. Job done; spectacular wedding over!

On my son's wedding day, I wore this turquoise Alfred Angelo 2-piece gown.

As Mother of the Groom, with the happy couple (the bride is The Wedding Yenta!) and my daughter who's now the bride-to-be!

This time around, my daughter is getting married, and it has not been so easy. I spent hours scouring the internet by Googling MOB dresses, and what came up consistently disappointed me. The floor length dresses I looked at were either: 1) way too frumpy, looking like dresses for the grandmother of the bride instead of the mother, or 2) far too youthful-looking. Now I pride myself on having a pretty youthful outlook on life in general, but I certainly don’t want to be one of those moms whose attempts to be fashionable have her looking like her daughter’s best friend instead of her mother.

My daughter and I have a great time together, and we’re very close, but the fact is, I’m her mother not her friend… and I’m 62, not 26! Where were the dresses that looked age-appropriate, yet fashionable and in good taste?

My daughter and I always have a fun time together and wedding planning is no different!

I started hitting some of the retail department stores like Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus, and I actually found a couple of dresses that fit the bill only to discover that they would have maybe one dress in that style or color in all of my area, and it was three sizes too big. The store’s seamstress assured me that taking in that much material would destroy the integrity of the dress. Back to the drawing board — or the shopping board in my case.

Finally, I realized what I needed to do. I gathered information from my extensive search and discovered a common thread. Most of the dresses that I was drawn to were from the same bridal company. And, coincidentally (or maybe not), it was the same company that had made the dress that I’d worn to my son’s wedding. BINGO! I realized that they had a company store about 45 minutes from where I live. I was able to make an appointment online (I love the Internet!), and when I walked in, there were several dresses for me to choose from. Some were too frumpy, and some were, in fact, too youthful. But there were also some very lovely dresses that were appropriate for me. I got to choose my color (the beauty of bridal salons as opposed to department stores or boutiques), and bam! I’d found the dress.

It will be ready in eight weeks, and with any luck, it’ll be right after the first fitting. Or maybe not. There are those extra fifteen pounds. I’d better get busy losing them… only six months to go!