Interview with NYC Jewelry Designer Michelle Zimmerman | Delicate Raymond

Are you in search of that "perfect" bridesmaids gift? Or maybe you are looking for just the right necklace or bracelet to help accent your beautiful dress on your wedding day?  Than look no further than NYC's Delicate Raymond, bringing you, as the name suggests, delicate, elegant handmade collections for any occasion! Each piece can be worn by itself, or simply paired with one of your own favorite pieces! We love the Monogram Collection and since this week we are talking about everything monogram this was a perfect.

As seen in several fashion and bridal magazines such as Instyle, Redbook, Glamour and Our Brides, and being worn by several celebrities including Mischa Barton, Carrie Underwood, Marcia Cross and Tori Spelling, Lela New York, interviews Delicate Raymond.

1. What is Delicate Raymond? And what services do you provide for the bride and groom?
Delicate Raymond Jewelry is famous for our custom designed Monogrammed jewelry. We allow the customer to choose coin size, chain style, and length, allowing her to "design" the necklace she has been searching for.With the recent launch of Delicate Raymond's bridal jewelry line, we are bringing the customization to brides for their most important day. We offer a selection of simple, timeless styles that can be coordinated with the bridal color party.

2. Any insider tips for the bride when looking for that perfect wedding jewelry?
I personally prefer pieces that are light and delicate, allowing me to wear a simple necklace, or to layer up with vintage pieces and diamonds.


3. Any bridal fashion trends you see happening in weddings and in fashion?
I have noticed that brides are favoring longer necklace styles to layer with more simple dress designs, that compliment a variety of necklines.

4. Do you have a favorite piece that you want to share?
I never step out of the house without my 30" Vintage Monogram Necklace, hand engraved with an "M" of course, for Michelle. I layer it with the 17" Panama Rosary in White Pearls.


5. How do you stay motivated, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the idea that accessories are supposed to "romanticize" your wardrobe. Delicate pieces that are hardly there, that can be layered up at a moments notice for a Glamourous "Golden" look.

Lela Tip: They recently launched a dedicated Bridal Boutique section on the website. All the jewelry selections can be color customized to match the bridal color party. How cool is that?!

xo

Interview with Coup de Coeur Shopping Concierge | NYC Wedding Shopping Concierge

Can't find that perfect dress? Stressed out about the whole process, not sure what looks best on you? Well now there is Coup de Coeur Shopping Concierge, Manhattan’s premier shopping service, announces their expansion into the bridal industry, providing brides with a ‘front row’ shopping experience of New York’s top bridal designers and ateliers.

Named one of the Best Personal Shoppers in New York City by Page Six, Lela, interviews Coup de Coeur.

1. What is Coup de Coeur Shopping Concierge? And what services do you provide for the bride and groom?

Coup de Coeur is a stylish firm providing a variety of shopping based services. We are Manhattan’s first ‘shopping concierge’. Our main focus is high-end, personalized shopping tours for private clients. Our tours give clients the convenience and luxury of having their own personal shopper. After an initial consultation, we develop a targeted shopping list with a focused itinerary.

Brides-to-be (and their wedding parties) can expect a well-organized and executed shopping experience with VIP access to private showrooms, designer ateliers and bridal salons.

2. Any insider tips for the bride to be aware of or avoid when looking for that perfect wedding dress?

We suggest that the bride take into consideration her body type first and foremost. The right style and cut of the dress can bring out the best in their shape. The next important factor in choosing a dress is to choose a fabric and style that evokes the time of day, venue, destination and season. The bride’s dress sets the scene for the tone of the wedding, or vise-versa. You wouldn’t want to be in 80 degree weather in a corseted ball gown at an outdoor wedding! Also, don’t let your ‘dream dress’ work against you, sometimes what a girl imagined isn’t what flatters a woman.

3. Any bridal fashion trends you see happening in weddings?

Brides are leaving the ‘princess’ look and searching for a more unique and fashion forward gown. Designer trends and runway style evening dresses are more current.

4. Do you have a favorite shopping story that you want to share?

When most people think of brides-to-be, they imagine a 20 or 30 something girl getting married for the first time. Well, our last client was a 50 something woman getting married for the first time! She was very career focused and is very successful, so true love came to her a bit later in the game. With her, it was all about finding something elegant and appropriate. Although she had a generous budget for her dress and could afford our highest-end designer partners, ‘the one’ ending up being from a cool downtown bridal atelier and from a small up-and-coming designer. Why? Because this one fit and flattered her the most!


5. How do you stay motivated, what inspires you?

Our motivation is from helping real women find their perfect dress and alleviating their stress to find the best option for their budget, style and personality. It is truly FUN to share the experience with our clients and make them feel confident on their special day!

A little more about Coup de Coeur:
Founders Lucia Marcelle Tait and Amanda Doll Sheppard provide brides-to-be with a customized experience that focuses on their personal style, wedding plans and budget to discover their ideal dress.
Clients can expect VIP attention and special perks while shopping in private designer showrooms including Marchesa, Badgley Mischka and Angel Sanchez, bridal ateliers like Gabriella, Lovely Bride and Mark Ingram and a diverse array of stores from Carolina Herrera to J. Crew.

xo

Ovando floral boutique - A New location in New York's Upper East Side & special interview with Lela

Ovando, Manhattan’s premiere floral boutique known for its distinctive arrangements and window displays, has opened a second retail location on the Upper East Side at 19 East 65th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues. The space is triple the size of its West Village shop, 1000 sq. feet to be exact.

Ovando's clients range from retail, wedding, corporate and real estate to the hotel and food service industries; they provide high-end weekly and monthly installations and custom design environments for corporate and social events as well as make deliveries to individuals ordered for special occasions.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Sandra de Ovando, the creative force behind Ovando, and here is how it went:

1. What inspires you to create your beautiful designs?
Natural forms of color and structure, almost anything in it’s pure and natural state of being.

2. What services do you provide?
Ovando is a full service floral business providing in-store purchases, daily deliveries, weekly installations and maintenance for residences, corporations, fashion houses, and boutique hotels. Ovando also specializes in events, parties, and weddings- overseeing every detail from flowers, lighting, and linens to table settings.

3. What makes Ovando unique?
Being simple not simplistic.
Our belief that colors, shapes, and texture of flowers and plants are truly where beauty lies. So our designs and compositions are meant to accentuate these basic but one of kind properties. This design philosophy makes Ovando unique and sets us apart from the rest.

4. Could you please explain your process?
Ovando’s design principles are rooted in modern Mexican architecture. Artistic values are always considered when arranging the freshest and boldest flowers, unusual plants, striking cacti and carefully chosen accessories.  Keeping in touch with these principles assures the integrity and consistency of our work.

5. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when choosing their floral
Designer?
Choose a florist that you trust because that allows your floral designer do what they do best when it comes to creating a custom look for you.
Pay attention to seasonal flowers as they are the largest and the most beautiful in their time of year.
Be aware of how to plan your budget wisely. Allocate dollars to where your guests spend the most time such as the centerpiece during dinner.

6. Could you share with us your favorite floral design that you created?
The window box

7. What are the latest trends in floral design?
Using traditional flowers such as carnations, lilies and roses presented in a more interesting yet sophisticated and modern design.

Thank you Sandra for the wonderful interview!

xo

Interview with a Celebrity Makeup artist, Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

Hello everyone!
I had the opportunity to interview the awesome Brandy Gomez-Duplessis, a celebrity makeup artist making her new home here in the NYC! Lucky me. Here is how it went:

1. What wedding services do you provide? I offer traditional makeup, airbrush makeup, brow shaping and eye lash extensions. Brides can also hire me for a one time application, half day where I follow them to the church and give them one more touch up before walking down the aisle, and full day where I stay with my bride until all her professional pictures are done including her cake cutting. It’s like having a personal makeup artist for the day.

2. What makes Brandy Gomez-Duplessis makeup artistry unique? (Smiling) I have been told by my past brides, who I have become close to, the same thing of what makes me unique. I calm them and make them all feel very special. To have a celebrity makeup artist on their wedding day to give them a glamxurious look, is amazing. Plus, I personally noticed that most of my brides are girly like me (laughing).

3. Could you please explain your process? I’m an energy person and an artist so I get to know my brides first. I look at pictures of them, their dresses, their flowers, their bridesmaid’s dresses. I talk about how they will wear their hair, what time of day they are getting married, where they are getting married. I ask questions about their skin which is very important and then I find out how they have always dreamed about looking. After all that, I prep the clients face based on their skin type and I start the makeup application. At the end, I apply everything on a face chart because a lot of time brides book my makeup services a year in advance, that way I don’t forget what was applied. So on the day of the wedding, I have the brides colors packed in ready for when I arrive.

4. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when hiring their makeup artist? I always share with my brides to definitely communicate with the makeup artist. Brides should have a consultation so both parties will be on the same page. Bring pictures on the consultation of themselves with makeup on, and of what look they have in mind. With many trends out, they will all not work on everyone. Smokey eyes cannot be worn the same way, so this is why a consultation is needed. If a bride is going to tan or has any skin problems, it can be discussed at the consultation. This can affect the makeup on the wedding day. I understand we are still in a recession, but you do get what you pay for. Also to be safe you should have your makeup artist fill out a contract to lock in your wedding date and time to ensure no double booking.

5.  Can you work with all skin types? Including Sensitive skin? Yes, I have been blessed that my talent has allowed me to work with all ages, all races and all skin types. As long as my client communicates any issues she has like sensitive skin, than I am able to adjust.

6. What are the latest trends in make up? I try not to follow any makeup trends because the client may not be able to wear what’s trendy. That trendy looks does not always work for the everyday average women. I like to select colors and items that will compliment my bride. A bride that’s 25 cannot wear the same amount of colors a bride that is 50 getting married for the second time. I do find that my modern brides like bolder eye shadow colors and lipstick colors. One trend I can say that will always be around is lashes; strip lashes and individual lashes.

7. What was your favorite celebrity to work with? My favorite celebrity that I applied makeup on has been Kim Kardashian. Kim has amazing skin and she can wear any makeup look you put on her. Plus she’s a girly girl. She loves being pampered and loves makeup just as much as I do (laughing). When I do makeup on a client that is very receptive about getting their makeup done by me, it makes my job fun.

8.  What musts should a bride have for her wedding makeup? Any tips? Brides should make sure that their makeup artist apply waterproof mascara for when they cry during their vows, loose powder to set their foundation, and use a cream eyeliner so their eyeliner does not smear or smudge when they perspire. 

Thanks Brandy for the great tips!!!

Here is her info:
Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

917.438.9156 

brandy@bgdmakeupartistry.com

www.bgdmakeupartistry.com

www.twitter.com/BGDmakeupartist
www.insidethelifeofamakeupartist.blogspot.com

Interview with a New York makeup artist Lauren Napier Weddings

I met Lauren awhile back and was happy to be able to get a quick interview with amazing NYC Makeup artist.

Enjoy!

1. What services do you provide?

My services are strictly makeup services! I feel like you should always 

do you your job at 100% not 50% makeup and 50% hair! I am 100% a makeup artist!

2. What makes Lauren Napier Weddings unique?

My servce are unique because I practice restraint! I love makeup - but I do not think that a bride should be slatherd in products. 

I feel that a bride should look like the most elegant version of herself. I am able to help brides achieve this look by using nourishing

skincare products as a base, fresh and clean foundation products and cheery toned colors that boost the skin's natural highlights 

and radiance. 

3. Could you please explain your process?

I recommend a bridal consultation prior to any bride booking her wedding day makeup. 

The Lauren Napier Weddings consultation includes a complete makeup trial in a full service salon this also includes  a complete custom lash application.

I take a digital before and after image for the bride's review, as well as create a product list for my records that will be used as a guide on the day of her wedding. 

On the wedding day I arrive prepared and my brides are confident in my skills. Most brides compliment the process and feel a great sense of ease amongst all 

of their other wedding day jitters. 

4. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when hiring their make up artist.

I can give 2 pieces of advice:

1.  "You always get what you pay for!" Invest in your makeup artist. For most women, their wedding day is the most photograped day of their lives. Why would she want to look her best?

 and 

2. Never wax your brows the morning of your wedding!

 

5. Can you work with all skin types? Including Sensitive skin?

I can work with all skin types. I love the challenge of ethnic skin - it keeps me on my toes! A sensetive skin's needs are more complex. In this case I recommend 

that she see a dermatoligist at least 6 months prior to her wedding. A medical expert can provide her with the medications or skin care system that will 

reduce sensetivities. 

6. What are the latest trends in make up?

The latest trend in makeup are bold and bright. As spring and summer approach more bold neons and bronze will appear. I adore a bold lip! 

To view more of Lauren's amazing work visit Lauren Napier Weddings.

Thanks Lauren!

Interview with a Wedding Pro - Poppies & Posies

I had the pleasure of recently meeting up with the Sierra and Juliet from Poppies & Posies at an industry event and wanted to share their wonderful design aesthetic with you guys. They have a beautiful vintage/organic feeling to their designs and I was lucky enough to get a quick interview from them. This is how it went:

What makes Poppies & Posies unique?

We're a small boutique company, so we really pride ourselves on personal attention. We never book more than one wedding or event per day/weekend to ensure that we are both a part of the entire process from creating the design to set up.

What services do you provide?

We provide floral and event design for weddings, benefits/galas, corporate events/stores, and private clients. We like to think of ourselves as designers of environments. Although most of our work is floral design, we also design full tablescapes and events so that there is a cohesiveness.

What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when looking for a florist?
There is a big difference in quality of flowers depending on where you go. You may pay a bit more to have high quality flowers, but it will really show in the bouquets and arrangements.

Which flowers do you like working with?

We are always trying to think outside of the box when we're creating design concepts for our clients. We love using big impact flowers such as peonies and dahlias paired with more delicate florals like sweet pea and lily of the valley. There is always an unexpected element in our floral designs such as acorns, berries, fiddle heads, thistle, or citrus. We like to have fun with it!

Do you have a favorite wedding?

We both walk away from almost every wedding we do feeling like that is what we'd want for our own weddings, but our favorite would probably be from this past December. We donated bouquets for a wedding where the bride and groom couldn't afford to get married. Seeing how happy the flowers made everyone and how grateful they were was really rewarding. They also gave us complete creative freedom, so that was super fun!

What are the latest trends in floral design?
Right now there is a big trend to do florals that have an organic, garden-esque look to them. Which is great for us because that is what we love doing the most!

Any cool projects you girls are working on?
We're working on a floral and event design concept for a jewish/indian wedding this fall. The couple wants to pay homage to each of their cultural backgrounds, but in a subtle way that will also express their individual styles. We're stringing marigolds to create a chuppah-esque structure and we're using decadent copper tiles as a foundation for each centerpiece. The bridal bouquet is going to be the feature floral element for the wedding. We're pairing green succulents with deep aubergine hued dahlias and crespida... amazing!

Poppies & Posies floral and event design is available for consultations in the New York metro area.

To see more of Sierra & Juliet's fabulous work visit their website at www.poppiesandposiesevents.com or follow their up to date blog at www.poppiesandposiesevents.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Interview with a Wedding Pro - Candice Dowling Coppola

I had the amazing opportunity to recently work with New England/Connecticut Wedding and Event Planner, Candice Dowling Coppola from Jubilee Events on a wonderful Glam Wedding photoshoot (picts hopefully coming soon). She's fabulous in incorporating original vintage inspired ideas to her amazing weddings and events.

I had the chance to interview her and wanted to share it with you guys. Enjoy!

1. What makes Jubilee Events unique?

Our staff is what sets Jubilee Events apart from any other company. We bring a wide variety of talents and creativity to each event we do! I also think we provide an experience for our couples that can’t be found elsewhere.

2. What services do you provide?

Our services really are endless – we provide full event management, design, and coordination. Our services are truly a great mixture and balance of creativity and information.

3. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when looking for an event planner?

When looking for an event planner it’s really important to ask for a portfolio of their work and check references (from past brides or even vendors). Overall, I encourage couples to hire someone that they really like, get along well with, whose style they admire, and someone they are completely comfortable with.

4. Any trends you see happening in weddings?

There are so many! Old is new, new is old. Right now we’re really seeing a lot of romantic elements – romantic colors, fabrics, draping, details, flowers…. It’s endless. There is a lot of femininity back in the style of weddings, from the gowns to the invitations. A lot of feminine touches.

5. Do you have a favorite wedding?

I do! My own. You can see it in BRIDES magazine on newsstands at the end of this month!

6. How do you stay motivated, what inspires you?

Coffee keeps me motivated and inspires me. I’m most inspired by things that are unrelated to weddings. A swatch of fabric, a chair, a bowl of soup… the list is endless. I recommend to my clients and my blog readers to allow yourself to be inspired by ideas that are not related to weddings!

** All photography by Carla Ten Eyck http://www.carlateneyck ** Headshot by Raw Photo Design http://www.rawphotodesign.com

Thanks Candice! xoxoxooo

Amazing New Jersey wedding Cake Designer serving New York weddings and NJ!

Photos by Eat Cake Be Merry

I love introducing new designers, especially new cake designers with such pretty details and yummy flavors!
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Eat Cake Be Merry, a NJ cake designer who offers not only cake but cupcakes, and cookies for all occasions. Serving New Jersey and New York. Here is our conversation:

1. What makes eat cake be merry unique?
EatCakeBeMerry offers a freshness for the modern bride that is looking for clean details, bright colors, and sophistication of design. We customize all our cakes so we can make it extra special for the couple on their wedding day.

2. What services do you provide?
We offer three services within our company: EatCake, EatCupcakes, and EatCookies. These provide a variety of options for all the events that surround your wedding, such as the reception, rehearsal dinner, bridal showers, and guest favors.

3. What can you advise brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when looking for a cake artist?
Look for a cake artist that is skilled with the features that you want on your cake. For example, if you are looking to for a lot of intricate piping , you should choose a designer who you know specializes in that technique rather than a designer whose strength is in sculpting cars.

4. What style or ingredients and flavors do you like to work with?
I really enjoy combining classic cake flavors, like vanilla and chocolate, with fresh fruit fillings. It's also a treat for me when couples are looking for more unique flavors, such as green tea buttercream.

5. Do you have a favorite cake that you have created?
With all the heart that goes into each cake, its hard to choose a favorite!

6. What are the latest trends in cake design?
Well, couples are definitely moving towards graphic patterns and vibrant colors. Cakes are really becoming a creative expressions of the bride and groom for their special day.

Thanks Liz for sharing!

You can contact Eat Cake Be Merry at eatcakebemerry@gmail.com

or view their online cake gallery at Eat Cake Be Merry

Interview with NYC photographer Julie Skarratt

Yesterday, I met up with Julie, an amazing photographer who I met a few weeks ago.
I was lucky enough to have her shoot my portrait along with a sneak peek into Lela New York's new studio. She is totally fabulous, shooting for Town and Country as well as Weddings and celebs alike.

Below is a quick interview with her where she shares insider info on weddings and photography.

1. What makes Julie Skarratt Photography unique?
As a former model I look to make photos that are beautiful, elegant and fun, that capture the spirit of Celebration.

2. What services do you provide?
The day of the wedding starts with the bride getting ready and ends when the party is over. Depending on the size and location of the wedding I bring additional photographer when needed. After the wedding my real work begins. Editing the images and organizing them for the couple can take up to 2 weeks. I make a slide show that can be viewed on line and then 4x6 proof prints for the bride and groom. After the couple have seen their photos we usually schedule an appointment a few months later to make the final leather bound album.

3. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when looking for a photographer?
When looking for a photographer ask your friends for recommendations. Think about what your budget is so that you can discuss this upfront. Many people are surprised at how expensive getting married can become. At the end of the day you have your husband and your photos. If you are having an indoor wedding at night make sure that your photographer shows you some night photos. Out door photos are beautiful and do not often require flash but after dark a flash is often necessary for family photos and other moments.

4. How do you stay motivated, what inspires you?
I love to blog and put up photos that I take for fun. When I meet someone inspiring I love to share them with my friends. Movies inspire me and I always have a big pile of magazines to see what is visually happening in the media. Travel is my favorite thing so tell me you are getting married in India and my bags are packed. I am going back in January 2010 to shoot my second wedding there.

5. Do you have a favorite wedding?
The last wedding I shot is always my most favorite one. I fall in love every weekend and can not wait to get back to my studio to download the images and to relive the event and to find my favorite photos so I can make a slide show.

6. What can you advice brides to do or not to do the day of their wedding, in order to create that perfect picture?
The secret to a perfect photo is to be happy. Let go of the stress, give all the jobs to your friends so you don't have to think about anything. Trust your wedding planner and let them take care of all the little details and if you don't have a planner keep everything as simple as you can. Plan to make time for photos. Daylight is a photographers best friend. If you are getting married at night think about doing some photos before the wedding. If it rains remember it is impossible to untie a wet knot and umbrellas make a great accessory!

7. How has working with celebrity editorials help or influence your wedding photos?
Working with celebrities is always exciting because we all feel like we know the person even if we have never met them before. Expectations are always very high regardless of the Bride and Groom however with celebrities I also have a responsibility to capture images that they are excited to share with the public. Every one wants their wedding to be the best and to have photos that capture it all. Always being ready for anything and anticipating what will happen next are what I enjoy the most about being a wedding photographer.

You can see more of Julie's work on her website: www.julieskarratt.com

Interview with New York Weddings Photographer Tracy from Maia Studio

I wanted to share this amazing New York wedding photographer Tracy Toler from Maia Studio.
I had the pleasure of asking her a few questions on her fashion forward photography.

1. What makes Maia Studio unique?
Maia Studio is a boutique wedding photography studio that caters to each clients needs. I am Tracy Toler, the main photographer. I come from a fashion photography background where I have been published in several fashion magazines. My fashion background works in my favor for wedding photography. It gives me an editorial edge in my shooting. My wedding photography style can be described as a combination of documentary and editorial lifestyle photography.

2. What services do you provide?
Digital Wedding photography services and album design.

3. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when looking for a photographer?
Make sure that you just don't like a photographer's work, but also the albums they offer. At the end of the day, you are only going to have your images and the album...so make sure you love the kind they offer! There are a lot of poorly made albums on the market that may not stand the test of time, so look for names like Queensberry, Cypress, Leather Craftsmen, etc.

4. How do you stay motivated, what inspires you?
My motivation is looking through all the latest fashion and bridal editorials. I like to keep up with trends in photography and fashion!

5. Do you have a favorite wedding?
Not really. There is something amazing about every wedding. I always have a "favorite" part of each wedding I shoot. Sometimes it is the bride's shoes or a special song that a guest sang for the couple. There is something really unique and special about every wedding!


To see more of Tracy's photography and Maia Studio visit the online gallery website.

xoxxo

-Lela