Category Archives: Planning

Shower, Party, & Honeymoon with mark.!

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Alison in Featured, Inside Scoop, Planning

Get showered with mark.

Party with mark.

Go on a honeymoon with mark.

If you think The Wedding Yentas is encouraging you to cheat on your significant other with someone named Mark, you would be wrong. However, if you think The Wedding Yentas is encouraging you to beautify yourself with affordable and designer-quality makeup, then you would be right. Who is mark. anyway? Not so much a who, but a what, mark. is the name of the beauty line that allows you to look your best without emptying your wallet, and on Monday, Jennifer, a mark. mentor and stylist, was in the house to educate you about some of the best products for your bridal shower, bachelorette party, and honeymoon.

You learned about products, got some tutorials about makeup tricks, and saw “before” photos of our awesome models as they received the royal makeup treatment.

But what about those promised “after” photos? Good things come to those who wait, and you have waited patiently for today!

So, how do you pretty up your face for a bridal shower? Soft, neutral colors are best and as you can see on Kaelia, she looks so fresh and happy with a mark. eye shadow duo called Making Eyes in the shade Cocoa. Kaelia’s blue eyes soak up coppers beautifully! She also used a blush called Good Glowing in Cameo Glo. Lips are shellacked in Gloss Gorgeous which is a stay-on lip stain in the color Pop.

bridal-shower-makeup

When it’s time to party as a bachelorette on the town, you can have lots of fun with dramatic colors on your lids and lips! Don’t be afraid of pewters on your eyes and pinky reds on your lips! This is your chance to show the lonely bachelors out there that you are off the market, and some other guy liked you so he put a ring on it! Brandy is our little ball of fire with a big flair for fun in her Betsy Johnson party dress and mardi gras beads! A Champagne bottle always matches any party outfit, but it’s the mark. products on Brandy that show she’s having a fun bachelorette bash! Shades from the mark. Super Flip Color Kit features 9 eye shadows and 9 lip colors and it’s currently on sale!

bachelorette-party-makeup

Danielle is the honeymoon bride and she’s off to Ibiza, Spain because that’s the location inspiration for the mark. summer series! Wish we could be stowaways in her bag as she navigates this gorgeous island off the Mediterranean. And we know her suitcase is light because she has just the basics of mark. products to look her best while letting her natural beauty soak up the Spanish sun. It doesn’t take much to look pretty with mark., and Danielle is sporting Glowdacious, an illuminating bronzer and Ibiza Sol Marbleized Eye Shadow Stick in Aqua Deep. This was applied from the lash line to the crease of Danielle’s eyes. And mark. is about more than just makeup! Did you know mark. offers top-of-the-line fashion? Danielle is up to date on this summer’s latest trend, the maxi dress, and she wears one here called A Long Story Dress from the mark. Ibiza line.

honeymoon-makeup

Jennifer styled all three models and supported the shoot with extensive product knowledge. She has been a self–proclaimed beauty junkie her whole life with exposure to beauty products from her experience in theatre and television. She got involved with mark. because of its quality makeup with prices that make it accessible for all women to enjoy. As a mark. mentor, she helps build rapport with customers as well as other skilled mark. girls in the field. She received training with Jamie Greenberg, a celebrity makeup artist who works on red carpet events and has mastered the minimalistic glow that all women seek to achieve. mark. is the fastest-growing, trend beauty brand and the #1 online beauty and fashion brand in the U.S. mark. is eco-friendly, offering many products that are refillable and reduces waste with minimal excess packaging on products.

Special thanks to Kim Bayer of Kimberly Bayer Photography, a Southern California wedding, engagement, and boudoir photographer. Her artistic eye and comfort behind the camera made these looks come to digital life.

Big beautiful hugs to the beautiful models, Kaelia, Brandy, and Danielle! You worked it.

Thanks to Yentas everywhere for your loyalty to The Wedding Yentas! On behalf of everyone involved in this special photo shoot, we hope you go out and find your style and stick with it for all your bridal events!

As our gift to you, check back tomorrow for your chance to win mark. products from all of these collections!

Pingback: FEATURED ~ PART II {THE WEDDING YENTAS & MARK.}

Anniversary Traditions: An Epiphany

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Alison in Jewish Traditions, Planning, Real Jewish Weddings

Today, May 25th, is my wedding anniversary and the traditional gift for a third wedding anniversary is leather.

Hmmm. Well, I Googled ideas for leather-themed gifts and my search turned out to be pretty unfruitful. A new leather wallet? Nah, he already has one that’s fine. A leather belt? Not very exciting. A leather bound journal? Please, I didn’t marry Shakespeare. Thanks a lot, Google.

So then I tried to think outside the box. For a split second, my mind did go to some cute-and-sexy leather outfit, but I’m 8 months pregnant and that’s never a good idea even when I’m unpregnant. Then I gave myself a chuckle and thought, well, darn, I’ll just go big and buy him a cow. That’s kind of leather, right? No, no, I was getting silly.

Then I thought to myself, why do I need to follow this tradition at all? Why stick to a rule or follow a guideline when the outcome wouldn’t be personal or sincere? I then thought about all of the traditions we did follow on our wedding day, and felt proud to be Jewish, knowing our wedding day was filled with traditions that were meaningful to us and our marriage ahead.

Prior to the chuppah ceremony, we signed the ketubah with our rabbi, in the presence of our immediate families and witnesses.
jewish-wedding-traditions

During the processional, Bryan and I were escorted by both of our parents as we walked down the aisle.
jewish-wedding-traditions

jewish-wedding-traditions

We stood under the chuppah with both sets of parents, and the mothers wrapped us in Bryan’s tallit, which symbolically brings the bride and groom together. This was one of my favorite moments.
jewish-wedding-traditions

We exchanged rings! We updated the tradition and I gave him a ring (which isn’t mandatory), and he placed my grandma’s solid gold band on my pointer finger per the original custom.
jewish-wedding-traditions

With a hearty stomp, Bryan stepped on the glass as the guests shouted out a spirited “mazel tov!” This is always a crowd favorite when it comes to following Jewish wedding traditions!
jewish-wedding-traditions

When we entered the room for the reception, the guests jumped onto the dance floor and a loud, rambunctious, festive hora took place with family and friends joining hands in dance!
jewish-wedding-traditions

And then we were vaulted into armchairs and lifted by strong men who bounced us around as we laughed and enjoyed the moment. It was so fun to look out and see all of our favorite people.
jewish-wedding-traditions

jewish-wedding-traditions

Before dinner, my grandpa came up to our 10-foot long challah and recited the blessing, the Ha-motzi. As the oldest member of my family, it was touching to have him as part of our series of wedding day traditions.
jewish-wedding-traditions

Taking a walk down wedding memory lane has become its own tradition. Bryan and I relive our big day each year by revisiting our photos and watching our video, and I realize we’ve made our own annual tradition. Sure, many couples probably do this, but I’m not looking to be unique. I’m also not trying to create a mold. We just do what works for us and we know that’s how we’ll live happily ever after. And that’s what I suggest to all brides and grooms: do what works for you as individuals who are becoming a team and focus on what’s actually important to you.

Bryan, I love you. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to be your wife for the past three years. Our wedding day was the most perfect day I’ve had because, yes the flowers were gorgeous, we cleaned up nicely, the weather turned out to be beautiful, the music was jammin’, and the food was delicious, but really, it’s because you were at the other end of the chuppah. And having you at the other end of my life journey is no different — it’s perfection.

Happy 3rd anniversary to you, my love. May we grow old and, well, leathery, together.

*All photos by eight20 photography.

Who Holds Your Wedding Rings?

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Alison in Ask The Yentas, Jewish Traditions, Planning

Sometimes it’s helpful to be a Facebook addict. Yesterday, I noticed that Lauren, who was a recent contributor to Tales from the Veil, posted a status that said she was unsure who should hold the rings during the wedding. Good question! Got me thinking that this question is a common one (I remember asking it while planning my own wedding) and it would be helpful to address it here on The Wedding Yentas. So don’t put yourself through the ringer and stress about the official ring holders! Here’s some food for thought.

(Photo by Beth Kesier Photography)

Pockets. It’s all about pockets. You may have cute little ring bearers, but don’t kid yourself that some kid is going to take ownership of the actual (and, ahem, expensive) rings. So who’s another candidate for possessing the rings? Pick a groomsman; most likely one will have pockets. And hopefully at least one will not be too hungover from the rehearsal dinner the night before. So, pick a responsible groomsman with pockets!

Does this designated groomsman only hold the groom’s ring? Well, unless an equally-responsible bridesmaid also has pockets, both bride and groom rings should probably go to the groomsman. If you are keeping Jewish tradition and accepting a ring that’s not adorned and solid all the way around for the ceremony, don’t forget to give this ring to the Heroic Groomsman as well. Essentially, he’ll be carrying three rings! Yes, so make sure his pockets are deep. And responsible.

After you’ve exchanged your traditional rings, you may want to put on your non-traditional wedding band after the ceremony. That’s what I did and it worked like a charm. I couldn’t wait to skip away from the chuppah and finally wear the diamond band our best man had in his pocket. Like a moth to the flame went my ring to my finger. Ah yes, that’s it. Right there. Hits the spot.

(Photo by Luster Studios)

Once the pretty “every day ring” met its two new neighbors — the engagement ring and my finger — I removed the solid gold band that was used for symbolic purposes during the ceremony and gave it to the best man. So, make sure the groomsman you choose remains responsible (if just for a short while!) after the ceremony so that he can put the traditional ring somewhere safe that was agreed upon prior to the day’s hoopla. Once that open bar is ready for action, no groomsman — no matter how responsible! — can be trusted. So, the traditional ring needs to make it back to a secure home (bridal room, a purse under a chair, the wedding coordinator, etc.).

Bottomline: Just find someone you can count on, will be near the chuppah during the ceremony, and who has the ability to store and transport your bling. Groomsman or grandpa, it doesn’t really matter. Just make sure that in the midst of planning your centerpiece decor and must-have music playlist, you consider this easily-forgotten detail and put a plan in motion. Once you know how to handle the rings, you’re one step closer to ringing in your new, married life!

Earth Day Wedding Day

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Alison in Green Week, Planning

Earth Day is celebrated this Friday and The Wedding Yentas are sending a little earthy love to our planet!

Last summer we posted a Real Wedding that was not only beautiful, but green! The eco-friendly affair took the earth’s comfort and care into account, so on this day leading up to Earth Day, we thought we’d republish the great ideas that the Southern California bride planned with her wedding coordinator, Paola of Just Chic Events. All photos are by Mi Belle Photography.

You can absolutely get inspiration from this gorgeous, green wedding to make your big day a little gentler on the earth.

For example, you might consider decorating with no cut flowers. At this wedding, the centerpieces were florals that could be replanted in another garden after the day was over. If you do want to have cut florals, take a tip from this green bride and use flowers from a previous night’s affair. Ask your florist for extra cuttings or remnants from another client’s event and reuse them in your arrangements or bouquets. The blooms should still be beautiful the next day.

Get glamorous — green! Find nail and hair salons that are eco-friendly and use organic or natural products. You may pay a little more, but you’ll also feel better knowing that you and the earth are getting pampered.

Food stations help cut back on unnecessary waste. Served, plated meals don’t always get eaten. Allowing the guests to select what they want and the amount allows the food to actually be eaten instead of just thrown out. Find and organic caterer and bakery for your entrees and cake. Make sure that your ingredients are fresh and locally grown, as this has a positive effect on the earth and your health.

You can still include classy details in your decor and favors! For example, this bride tied her napkins with a piece of eco-friendly raffia. Table numbers were recycled from a past event that the bride’s mother had held at her house. It would be easy for you to do the same, asking your network of family and friends for similar items. The bride chose to give favors, but they’re the gifts that keep on giving. The wedding favors were from Tree In A Box, offering the gift — and mitzvah! — of planting a tree to help the environment. The boxes were personalized and looked super cute!

These are just some ways you can tie in green details with your overall wedding day. Some people roll their eyes and find it difficult to plan a wedding day with the earth in mind. But with a little thinking outside the box, a passion for our planet, and a detailed explanation of your vision to your wedding vendors, you should have no problem going the extra mile for the earth, just as it has gone for you!

Happy Almost Earth Day!

Flower Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Alison in Planning

Some lucky little girls get a head start on their wedding days. The bride, of course, is the leading lady of any wedding, but if there’s a flower girl involved, then the supporting starlet basks in the glow of the spotlight during the ceremony when she skips down the aisle and steals the chorus of awwwwws from the guests in attendance.

The flower girl is the sweetest darling of the bridal party. Sometimes she cries, sometimes she hams it up — either way, flower girls are adorable and it’s fun for them to play dress up.

And dress up they do! There are so many cute flower girl ensembles these days. From tutus to fairies to mini-me brides, the outfits are unlimited and the cute factor is high.

If you have a flower girl in your wedding, make sure to capture this moment in time because, as we all know, flower girls grow up. And then they are brides.