Abundant Bliss Ceremonies Rev. Dawn Shedrick Long Island, NY www.abundantblissceremonies.com *dawn@abundantblissceremonies.com (631.435.0106  Rev. Dawn Shedrick I am an Interfaith Minister and Wedding Officiant. I design and perform weddings and other ceremonies on Long Island, NY, in NYC and throughout the NY Tri-State area. I write unique ceremonies that authentically reflect each couple's energy and vision. I believe the two things that differentiate me from my peers are... 1) I specialize in designing ceremonies that weave in unique cultural, ethnic, religious and social customs from around the world. I also love to work with couples to create new rituals or customs to include in their ceremony. 2) I go beyond telling my clients to "enjoy the wedding planning process." I am available to my clients throughout the entire process and am able to provide support to those who may feel overwhelmed by the planning process. I create a safe space for couples to feel validated for any concerns about their wedding, and then clear the way for them to genuinely enjoy the ride! SE: What is your starting price point? Dawn: My fees are based on several factors including the length of the ceremony, amount of time to write and design the ceremony, whether I will be present for the rehearsal dinner and the cost of travel to the ceremony. My average fee is $450. SE: How long have you been in business? Dawn: I have technically been doing weddings for more than 3 years, as I started off by marrying a few close friends. When I realized how much I enjoyed performing ceremonies I decided to establish a formal business and further develop it..hence Abundant Bliss Ceremonies was born in 2009. SE: How many weddings do you do a year? Dawn: I am available to perform approximately 40 weddings a year. SE: What is your favorite part about your job? Dawn: It may sound cliche, but I really do love everything about what I do. I love everything from marketing, to connecting with other vendors to meeting with new couples to conceptualizing and designing the ceremony to...of course...performing the ceremony. I'm also so blessed because many of my couples keep in touch with me and send me updates! How wonderful is THAT! SE: What is the craziest thing you’ve seen at a wedding? Dawn: I can't say that I've seen anything crazy. But almost every groom or partner who started at the altar has gotten nervous/anxious/woozy after seeing their bride start down the aisle. This is when I whisper them through some brief deep-breathing techniques to prevent them from fainting! One of my groom's almost fainted a few months ago, but the best man and I were able to avert it! Thank goodness the bride had a very long aisle to walk down, lol! SE: What is the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their wedding? Dawn: Take time to enjoy each other during the process...romantic dinners, movie nights, plant in your garden, weekend getaways, or just good uninterrupted conversation. It will keep you further grounded in why you've decided to live happily ever after together. And...smile! Advice From the Experts: Makeup Artist 02/22/2010
You asked the questions and our expert makeup artist, LaVelle Johnson, has the answers. Lets meet our expert.  Makeup By LaVelle Atlanta, GA & Indianapolis, IN www.MakeupByLaVelle.com *info@MakeupByLaVelle.com (574-360-8517 I am a professional makeup artist/skincare specialist and have been in the industry for 15 years. I specialize in airbrush makeup and that is especially important for weddings! I do travel for special events. There are a lot of trends in makeup that are really extreme and that I think work great with my facial structure, such as a red lip, or smoky eye. However, I have heard that it is best to go with something more natural or timeless. What do you think? LaVelle: Yes, there are so many trends, but for your wedding day you definitely want something more natural/neutral tones and that will prove to be timeless such as peach/pink tones according to your skin type. You never want to look back ten years later, and wish you would have done something different. It is best to go for a fresh and clean natural look. What should my daily skin care regimen be in the weeks leading up to the wedding? Is there anything special I should be doing? LaVelle: You definitely want to have a daily regimen. I recommend skincare that works with your skin type and start 6 months prior to the wedding. Never get a facial a week before as impurities will come to the surface such as blemishes. You will already have stress leading up, so start early, you can avoid these issues. I've heard a lot of good things about airbrush makeup. Is it really better than regular makeup? LaVelle: I specialize in airbrush makeup. I prefer airbrush foundation because it produces a flawless and timeless look for brides. It is great for photographs, it will last you all day, and will not smudge unless you are ready to take off. I highly recommend it! Just looking for some thoughts and opinions on whether or not I should wear false eyelashes for the wedding. Do they really make a difference? LaVelle: This is a bride's special day, and false eyelashes would be a great addition and I highly recommend. You will be taking lots of photographs, pick the right classic looking lashes and it will complement your look. You will want lashes that are natural and work with the shape of your eye. They really do make a difference! I've been reading to stay away from mineral makeup do to its ingredients & the flash of the photography. I never wear makeup but want to look my best. I’m not sure that Ill be able to handle makeup that is wet so I'm leaning toward powder. Any advice? LaVelle: If you are doing makeup yourself and on a budget, definitely stay away from mineral makeup as it will make your skin appear ghostly on camera. I would go to your local department store and ask the makeup sales associate to show you what is the best flawless makeup is for brides. Ask questions so you feel comfortable about the look and let them show you how to apply. You have many choices of products and you can see what is in your budget if you are not able to hire a professional artist. A great tip, after your foundation is applied complete your look with a translucent powder so it won't alter your foundation color. Since this is your special day, I would highly recommend hiring a professional. You may be able to find someone that fits your budget. My best friend just asked to be in her wedding and I have a long tattoo going down my spine!! What would be best to cover it up? LaVelle: I recommend Mehron Tattoo Cover Up, it is inexpensive and it covers the darkest tattoos, birthmarks and other skin discoloration's. It is a waterproof formula that is easy to apply and will conceal any skin flaw. How can I achieve a rosy/dewy/bronzy cheek that lasts and stands out without seeming too unnatural? LaVelle: Cremeblend Blush by MAC is a great choice. It brings a natural, softly dewy look to the cheek. It gives great depth and dimension to the cheek. It stays and lasts throughout the day. Wedding Vendor Directory Updates! 02/21/2010
We added the following vendors to our directory: Beauty & Fitness o Beauty by Sharon o Kindred Kurves o Makeup By LaVelle Ceremony Sites & Officiants o Abundant Bliss Ceremonies: Rev. Dawn Shedrick o Hummingbird Hall Jamaica Coordinators & Planners o CELEBRATIONS! By Vivian o KEA Event Planners, LLC. o Pure Dymonds Events o Pure In Heart Weddings & Events, LLC. o Weddings by Tracy Gifts & Decor o Creative Outlook Designs o I Do Cake Toppers Photographers & Videographers o Heather Parker Photography o JP Brandano Photography o Photography By O'Neil o Weddings by XPhotography Reception Venues o Hummingbird Hall Jamaica Stationary o Creative Outlook Designs Transportation & Travel o TyLand Travel Featured Stationer: Joi Paper & Gifts 02/17/2010
 Joi Paper is a direct selling organization which markets invitations, stationery, gifts, and business opportunities. Our mission is to provide our clients with quality products and give them options which will allow them to express themselves and their lives through paper. We also provide our business partners with the tools and resources to operate their own flexible business as a Stationery Consultant. Stationery Consultants have an opportunity to share their stories while marketing products that promote a positive self image and tell a fantastic story of heritage, joy, optimism, and innovativeness (JOI). Joi Paper is a niche market stationery business that promotes, honors and communicates a celebration of milestones and events common to all and unique to the ethnic market. SE: How long have you been in business? Joi Paper & Gifts: Joi Paper has been in business for 3 years. We introduced our direct sales program in January 2010. SE: What is your favorite part about your job? Joi Paper & Gifts: I absolutely love the one on one consultants with our clients. Getting to know their wants and needs and assisting them with communicating their vision is both fun and fulfilling. SE: What is the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their wedding? Joi Paper & Gifts: The best advice that I can provide to couples planning a wedding is enjoy every moment and stick to your budget! Featured Bakery: Confectionary Designs 02/10/2010
Confectionary Designs Bogota, NJ www.confectionarydesigns.com * info@confectionarydesigns.com ( 201.655.2302 We are a boutique bakery and each cake and dessert bar we provide is custom designed with the recipient's needs in mind. We are trained pastry chefs and use only the freshest and finest ingredients in our creations. We believe our love for the culinary arts, our desire to please our clients, and our imagination on new designs sets us apart.  SE: What is your starting price point? Confectionary Designs: 7.00 per serving for cakes; 3.50 per cookie for favors SE: How long have you been in business? Confectionary Designs: 2 years SE: How many weddings do you do a year? Confectionary Designs: 24 SE: What is your favorite part about your job? Confectionary Designs: Meeting with brides and grooms to design their dessert - especially love designing groom's cakes as they are often theme oriented. SE: What’s the craziest thing that you’ve even seen at a wedding? Confectionary Designs: Unfortunately we never get to stay at the wedding! We set up the cakes and desserts, make sure they look perfect, and we have to leave! SE: What is the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their wedding? Confectionary Designs: Relax and enjoy the planning process! This is a very special time and they will learn so much about each other during this process. Featured Jeweler: Quintessential Consulting 02/03/2010
Quintessential Consulting Washington, D.C. www.quinsultants.com * naleli.askew@quinsultants.com ( 703.980.9655  Quintessential offers the ultimate in personal jewelry concierge service. We specialize in helping you shop, negotiate and decide on the right piece of jewelry for you or that special person no matter the occasion. So whether you are looking to pop the question, celebrate that 10 year anniversary, say "I am sorry" or "I love myself" Quintessential can help. We know how much it means to feel and look good and we can help while saving you time and money. We are here to enhance your jewelry buying experience. SE: How long have you been in business? Quintessential: I have been in business for 5 years SE: How many weddings do you do a year? Quintessential: On average I work with about 10 engagement clients a year, do at least 5 jewelry show events a year and are looking to make 2010 our greatest year. SE: What is your favorite part about your job? Quintessential: My favorite part of my job is seeing the face of the bride when she is given the perfect engagement ring. I ask for no credit in helping the groom, really wanting the groom to get all the credit :) SE: What is the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their wedding? Quintessential: The best piece of advice would be to make sure that you do it for you! Don't loose yourself in all the things that everyone else wants and ENJOY every minute of that day (it goes by faster then you think)! Featured Boutique: Treasured Moments 01/27/2010
Treasured Moments Sussex, NJ www.treasuredmomentsstationery.com * anna@treasuredmomentsstationery.com ( 973.702.1566  Heart Wine Bottle Stopper I’d like to introduce you to Treasured Moments, which is an online boutique that specializes in Stationery, Favor, Custom Clothing and Gift Items for all celebrated occasions. We specifically cater to Wedding related occasions, Baby Showers, Baptisms, and Birthdays. Knowing that our stationery, favors, custom clothing and gifts are an extremely personal way of sharing in our customers Treasured Moments, we strive to provide them with only the best designs and the greatest quality. We currently carry over 1500 products, which include 500 plus stationery items and 900 plus favor items. We pride ourselves on carrying only high quality, unique and affordable products. We spend a large amount of time researching consumer trends so that we can continue to add great new products to our already extensive line of products. SE: How long have you been in business? Treasured Moments: 1 year SE: How many weddings do you do a year? Treasured Moments: We are averaging 4 orders a day for all occasions. SE: What is your favorite part about your job? Treasured Moments: Our favorite part of Treasured Moments is knowing that we are helping make a special day unique and affordable. Our customer service goes above and beyond to connect our customers with the perfect product in the time they need. SE: What is the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their wedding? Treasured Moments: Be sure your wedding reflects your style. It is one of the only days that completely revolves around you and your loved ones. Featured Makeup Artist: Qubie Girl Makeup 01/20/2010
 Qubie Girl Makeup is a complete on-location bridal makeup service based in Chicago. I try to accommodate any styles or requests at a reasonable rate. I believe a wedding day is the most memorable day of a bride's life, and rightly so she should unforgettably beautiful. My motto is natural; less is more I think it is important to remember that makeup should be used to accent your features, not as a mask to hide behind. SE: What is your starting price point? What is your starting price point?What is your starting price point? Qubie Girl: $85 for brides with free eyelashes. $35 for bridesmaids and moms. SE: How long have you been in business? Qubie Girl: 5 years. SE: What is your favorite part about your job? Qubie Girl: I love everything about it but if I had to choose…. Hmmmm… I love the sense of accomplishment when I finish a face knowing, I put all my skills into each client. Weddings are a particular favorite of mine to do because I love to bring out the inner beauty of the bride with her special glow. SE: What is the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their wedding? Qubie Girl: The best advice I’ll give a bride is plan well! Any skin work (i.e. facials, peels, microderm) should be done at least two weeks before the wedding. Likewise, eyebrow waxing and shaping should be done a few days before the wedding up to one week in advance. Pluck stray hairs the day before and let the skin rest the day of the wedding. I would also advise brides to have a trial makeup and hair consultation. It’s best for both the makeup artist/stylist as well as the brides. With a little planning and preparation, there will be no surprise. Featured Jeweler: Saori C. Jewelry Designs 01/13/2010
 Saori C. Jewelry Designs handcrafts original bridal jewelry from silver, gold, and the finest pearls, and gemstones. Our wedding jewelry collection features necklaces, chokers, pendants, earrings, and bracelets for brides and bridesmaids. Our designs have been featured in several national magazines, including Bridal Guide. Unlike many jewelry designers today who merely assemble cast or bought components, every piece of Saori's fine jewelry is individually hand-crafted, allowing her designs to be of a uniqueness and style not found in those that are mass-produced. As well, we make every piece to order for each client, to ensure that they receive exactly the design that they are looking for. SE: What is your starting price point? Saori C: Earrings start under $100, necklaces start around $200 SE: How long have you been in business? Saori C: Since 1998 SE: What is your favorite part about your job? Saori C: I really enjoy coming up with new designs, but I think that the most enjoyable moments for me are when customers who've purchased our jewelry let us know by mail or by sending us pictures that our designs played a great part in their special day. That's truly a wonderful feeling. SE: What is the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning their wedding? Saori C: Relax! This is going to be the most important day of your life, and it's easy to get so stressed about the details that you forget to enjoy it. Featured Wedding Coordinator: Bridal Company 12/10/2009
Bridal Company provides wedding planning "a la carte." While some brides want someone to plan their wedding from A-Z, others are simply looking for assistance with one or two elements of the planning, and yet others just need someone to be there for on-site, day-of coordination. I am happy to assist brides in whatever capacity they need, no minimums required. Bridal Company provides careful planning for flawless execution. SE: What is your starting price point? A: Pricing is negotiable and will be discussed at the first consultation. SE: How long have you been in business? A: I have been a professional event planner for 3 years, but I have to admit my best experience derived from being the maid of honor twice in 6 months! SE: What is your favorite part about your job? A: Being able to take on the stress-related items associated with wedding planning, allowing the bride and her family to enjoy the special day in its entirety. SE: What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple planning their wedding? A: Enjoy this special time and the planning process, and if you don't, allow me to do the dirty work for you so that you may enjoy your big day! |    ArchivesMarch 2010 CategoriesAll |
