Author Archives: Alison

Real Jewish Weddings {Newport Beach, CA}

Ashley and Harrison’s big day dazzled their supportive and excited friends and family. Yes, the decor and details were all out modern glam, but their smiles and love for each other sparkled and never stopped shining. That’s how you really know the sign of a successful wedding day!

The crisp, clean white details in Ashley and Harrison’s wedding day designs were sophisticated with a touch of whimsy thanks to varied high and low arrangements. Sprinkles of metallics in their chiavari chairs and floral arrangements modernized the palette to round out the entire look.

Can’t stop loving up on Ashley’s ten-mile smile and the way that Harrison look at his bride. Could he love her any more?! What a joyous Jewish wedding in Newport Beach, California!

Mazel tov, Ashley and Harrison!

Newport Beach Jewish Wedding

AH2

AH3

AH4

AH5

AH6

AH7

AH8

AH08

AH9

AH10

AH11

AH12

AH13

AH14

AH15

AH16

AH17

AH18

AH19

AH20

AH21

AH22

AH23

AH25

Photographer:  Allison Maginn Photography
Event Planner & Designer: A Good Affair Wedding and Event Production
Equipment Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: Elevated Pulse Productions
Band: Jordan Music Entertainment
Hair Stylist: Lasting Look by Amanda Davison
Floral Designer: M’s Flowers
Draping: The Finishing Touch Wedding Design
Cinema and Video: Robles Video Productions
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Temple Bat Yahm

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Real Jewish Weddings {Atlanta, GA}

Tristin and Joshua’s true fairytale wedding was nothing short romantic with its soft, feminine hues of blush, gold, and cream and the flowery details that acted like little bursts of tangible love for all their guests to enjoy. Tristin and her girls got ready together and the excitement radiates through Blume Photography’s photos. Getting ready images are some of my favorites — even though they typically don’t highlight the aesthetics of the wedding, they definitely paint the picture of the overall day with the bride and all of her loved ones helping her prepare for her biggest day ever! Brides spend months making sure the dress, makeup, hair, and accessories are perfect, so putting all of those elements together on the day of the wedding is thrillingly satisfying!

Tristin and Joshua’s first look was adorable, as he patiently waited for his bride to reveal herself. They clearly had a fun time with their friends during group shots as the excitement built before the walk down the aisle.

Ceremony and reception details were stunning and elaborate with reminders of classic and traditional details, created in a style that’s fresh and rejuvenated. Serious eye candy points go to the smooth cake, a five tiered treat wrapped in gold and blush pink ribbon at each base that tied together the entire design by Sashay Creative Events.

A grand exit with rose petals and a dazzling vintage car is not a shabby way to end the first night as Mr. and Mrs.

Mazel tov, Tristin and Joshua!

Atlanta Georgia Jewish Wedding

TJ2

TJ3

TJ4

TJ5

TJ6

TJ7

TJ8

TJ9

TJ10

TJ11

TJ12

TJ13

TJ14

TJ15

TJ16

TJ17

TJ18

TJ19

TJ20

TJ21

TJ22

TJ24

TJ25

TJ26

TJ28

TJ29

TJ30

TJ31

TJ33

TJ35

TJ36

TJ37

Photographer:  Blume Photography LLC
Cake Designer: For Goodness Cakes
Event Planner: Sashay Creative Events
Venue: The Biltmore Ballrooms

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

From the Expert: 3 Beauty Areas You Can Focus On to Prepare For Your Wedding

From-The-Expert

Renata Rensky, lead artist of Bridal Beauty by Renata, shares her expertise about locking in a wedding makeup artist and areas of your body to pay attention to so that you’re prepped and ready for the wedding!

A woman’s wedding day is one of the most important days in her entire life! Every bride dreams of feeling gorgeous on their special day, but there are some crucial steps to take in order to make that dream a reality!

If you’re going to go this route, it’s an absolute necessity to schedule an appointment at least two months in advance. The reason for this is that you need to determine ahead of time whether the wedding makeup is well-suited for your skin. A nasty allergic reaction is definitely one accessory you don’t want to be sporting as you walk down the aisle!

The day that you meet with your makeup artist, you should bring pictures of makeup looks and hairstyles that you like. However, it’s also a good idea to stay open-minded to any recommendations that your makeup artist might have. An experienced and knowledgeable makeup artist can help you choose the right products based on your coloring and desired look.

Keep in mind that makeup always looks different in person than it does on camera, particularly foundation. Therefore, it’s essential to do a test run and take plenty of pictures. No one wants to look washed out in their wedding photos! Those pictures will stick around long after you say “I do,” so make sure that your makeup looks great on film prior to the big day.
Choose products that will last the entire event so that you feel beautiful all day (and night) long! That means you should carefully select high-quality, long-wear foundation, eye shadow, blush, and lipstick.

These are all things that your makeup artist will advise you, but what about the things you can do on your own leading up to the big day? Yes, you have homework, too!

Face:
For flawless skin in person and on camera, forgo the sunscreen. SPF creams can cause your face to look chalky on camera.

If you struggle with skin issues, such as acne, wrinkles or discoloration, get the blushing bride glow by consulting an esthetician or dermatologist. It’s a good idea to do this at least six months before the wedding so that your skin can heal from any treatments in time for the special day. You could also look into getting a professional peel.

Using a gentle exfoliate can help clear up annoying skin blemishes. It’s best to choose one that utilizes round polyurethane beads rather than those made with apricots or nuts. Harsh scrubs can irritate the skin and enlarge pores.

For soft and smooth lips, use lip balm made with natural ingredients like Vitamin E.

skin1

Body:
There are a few things that you can do to get your body looking perfect for your wedding day. First and foremost, make sure to drink plenty of water every single day. Water helps to keep skin hydrated. Of course it’s important to also watch your diet and avoid salty foods which can cause you to bloat. We want to make sure you fit into that stunning gown!

As far as spray tanning or facial waxing is concerned, it’s vital that you test them out prior to the week of the wedding. It’s wise to start spray tanning a few months before the wedding so that you can determine the perfect skin tone. Face waxing, especially eyebrows and the upper lip, should be done at least two weeks before the wedding to avoid redness.

skin2

Hair:
Hair can become damaged easily due to the effects of harsh weather and pollution. Prior to the wedding, you can get your hair looking healthy and shiny by visiting your local salon for some hair treatments. There are also many wonderful gloss and shine products on the market that will keep your hair looking perfect as you shake it on the dance floor with your new hubby.

Make sure to do a few trial runs with your selected hairstyle so that it looks just the way you want on your special day.

skin3

Follow these tips, consult a makeup artist, and have an amazing wedding. Then, on your honeymoon, relax and don’t worry about a thing!

renataSince she was 10 years old, Renata has been fascinated by the way makeup can transform a woman’s face. Her passion and talent was evidenced in her European childhood as she crafted such transformations on a daily basis for the women in her neighborhood. Through this early commitment, she demonstrated the sort of artistry and eye for detail that became the building blocks of a successful career in the United States. Her intuitive use of color, mastery of technique and ability to tap into the needs of her clients has distinguished her as a team player and invaluable asset on any creative projects. Whether accentuating one’s natural beauty or creating more dramatic and character-specific looks, Renata brings her creativity, inimitable enthusiasm, and cooperative spirit to each and every job. She believes makeup is a powerful mode of expression and is truly grateful to participate in a process which not only celebrates the inner and outer beauty of the individual, but honors a greater artistic vision. Check out Renata’s site to learn more about her and make sure to “like” her on Facebook.

{Real Jewish Weddings} Knoxville, TN

Anna and Jared’s Jewish wedding at Heska Amuna Synagogue in Knoxville, TN was a gorgeous spring day. Since the weather was so cooperative, Anna and Jared got to enjoy lots of outdoor time in sparkling, romantic light. Even their Bedeken was outside in the courtyard, which is unique and so beautiful. The Chuppah was elaborate, with a white silk canopy and spring flowers on the front corners. After the ceremony, Anna and Jared’s reception was at The Foundry, and everyone had a blast during the Hora with music by Dor L’Dor band!

Mazel tov, Anna and Jared!

Knoxville, Tennessee Jewish Weddings

AJ1

AJ3

AJ4

AJ6

AJ7

AJ8

AJ10

AJ11

AJ12

AJ13

AJ14

AJ15

AJ16

AJ17

AJ18

AJ19

AJ20

AJ020

AJ21

AJ22

AJ23

AJ24

AJ25

Photographer:  JoPhoto
Musicians: Dor L’Dor Band
Ceremony Venue: Heska Amuna Synagogue
DJ: Music in Motion Mobile Entertainment
Reception Venue: The Foundry

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Engagement Session on the Santa Monica Pier

I’m so excited to share Vicky and Chad’s engagement session on The Wedding Yentas today! They are an adorable couple who look like a lot of fun. They’re also a JDate success story and soon-to-be married, so it’s even more of a privilege to showcase their engagement session because, as most of you know, JDate couples hold a special place in my heart since Mr. Yenta and I are JDate alumni.

Chad and Vicky have been featured on JDate’s collection of Success Stories and here’s an excerpt from their feature:

Vicky and Chad were never in any hurry to get married, and decided very early on to make a “10-year plan.” It grew into a joke with the two saying, “Only 6 years left in the 10-year plan!” But it allowed them to grow and mature at their own pace. During the first five years of their relationship, Vicky and Chad bought a home and adopted a perfect five-pound puppy who has since become the princess of their household.

To celebrate their five-year anniversary, Chad set up a weekend trip to Monterey, CA where they biked the famous 17-Mile Drive and explored the Monterey Aquarium. Before dinner one night, Chad got down on one knee and asked Vicky to marry him. Chad was really nervous, but he shouldn’t have been. It was an easy answer for Vicky: “Yes!”

This cute couple went to the Santa Monica Pier for their engagement photos which was colorful and vibrant in front of Love Janet Photography‘s camera!

Santa Monica Pier Engagement Shoot

VC2

VC3

VC4

VC5

VC6

VC7

VC8

VC9

VC10

VC11

VC12

VC14

VC15

VC16

VC17

VC18

VC19

VC20

Photographer: Love Janet Photography
Editorial Partner: Two Bright Lights