Wedding Worthy Miracle Make Up - Feature Fancy Face Cosmetics

Photo: Fancy Face Cosmetics - on Facebook

From the time we are little girls, most of us dream of what our wedding day will be like.  Who we will marry, what we will wear, an outdoor ceremony, a big ballroom reception dancing the night away, the flowers and of course.... we can not help but imagine, what we will look like on our big day, our wedding day! 

Creating a flawless look for our wedding day often times takes weeks/months of preparation.  We hit the gym, eat right, get facials, tan, whiten our teeth and so on. Just as important as all of these preparations is the cosmetics we chose for our big day.  Today, I want to feature a company that produces wedding-worthy "miracle makeup".  Trust me girls, this is makeup you absolutely must have for your big day!

Chicago Based Fancy Face Cosmetics



Fancy Face Cosmetics has created sweat proof cosmetics which are perfect for your wedding day.  Let's face it, (pun intended) hair and make up usually begin very early in the day. Many of my brides are in hair and make up around 9 or 10 am.  You want a make up that will last ALL. DAY. LONG. Fancy Face Cosmetics definitely do!  No matter what the season, or unpredictable Chicagoland weather, your face will stay flawless, and fancy all day long.

I love their heavily pigmented eye shadows!  They last all day and night with the same striking color as when you first put them on.  One little pod will last you forever too since a little bit goes a long way! Start light and work your way to the amount you're looking for!

Photo: Fancy Face Cosmetics

The colors are wonderful too as you can purchase colors to match your bridesmaids dresses and gift these to the girls as bridesmaids gifts!! Just don't forget the waterproof mascera too!

Whether you want a natural look or you're going for wedding drama... Fancy Face Cosmetics has a vast variety of colors and you can find a color palate to match your needs. 

Photo: Fancy Face Cosmetics

The product line does not stop at eyes alone... make sure you pick up their newest sweat proof mineral based loose powder to finish off your look!

Photo: Fancy Face Cosmetics

Chicagoland based, founder and president, Nicole Khayat founded Fancy Face Cosmetics after a lifetime love of the fashion and beauty industry.  As a former cheerleader and 2011's Mrs. Illinois International, Nicole knows how important it is to always "put your best face forward".  This is no exception on your wedding day.   Although the cosmetics line was created with cheerleaders, dancers and ice skaters in mind... the make up has been used by brides all over Chicagoland.  The make up is designed to keep you looking fresh and flawless for hours, picks up beautifully in photographs and creates a look that can be seen while you are on the altar.  Best part... it stays even though those tear jerking moments!

Fancy Face President, and 2011 Mrs. Illinois International, Nicole Khayat



President Nicole Khayat and Vice President Amanda Ray work hard to market and promote their brand... and it's taking the cosmetic's world by storm!  You can purchase these fabulous fancy products on their website at http://fancyfacecosmetics.com/.  While you are there... be sure to check out their blog! It's fabulous and covers lifestyle topics as well as fashion and beauty topics!

Remember, your wedding day is the most important day of your life... make sure you keep it Fancy!

xoxo,

Johanna



Budget Bride: Ways to Save on Your Wedding Day

The terrible "B" word... and no, I don't mean Bridezilla.... I mean budget.  It is a very uncomfortable conversation for anyone involved in the wedding planning process to have.  For this reason alone, the first email I usually get from a bride or groom inquires cost before anything else.  It is the same reason why I devote one entire meeting to budget discussion alone.  You need to be very realistic with your wedding budget ... whether your budget is $5,000 or $50,000 staying true to your budget is the most important aspect in starting your life together off on the right foot.

Here I will share with you my advice on getting the biggest bang for your bridal buck.  If there is one thing I understand, both as a bride and as a planner ... it's the importance of a budget.

1. Hire a planner.  No matter what your budget, you can afford to hire a planner, even if it is only for partial planning packages.  I, for example have packages for consultation hours and day of services.  These are very reasonably priced and will put you in the right direction and save you money in the long run.  I have said it a hundred times and will say it a hundred more... planners have built relationships with vendors they continue to bring business to.  For that, the vendors often times provide a discount to those planners - which gets passed on to you. 10% here, 20% there... adds up to you getting the best vendors for the best deal and often times your planner's fee is paid for and then some in the discounts you receive working with their vendors.

2. Mind your Calendar.  Fridays and Sundays are often time much less than a Saturday wedding.  The biggest discount you will see will be from your caterer or banquet hall... but other vendors often time have lower prices for these days as well... such as limo companies.  Note, where this does not apply will be the Sunday of a holiday weekend (such as Memorial or Labor day... these are often times treated as Saturdays).  In many areas, November - April are considered "off season times" and may offer a bigger discount.  Be mindful that days like Valentine's day are not among these dates and are a busy time for all florists... plan to pay an extra pretty penny for a Valentine's wedding.... in all aspects!

3. Be a Lady who Lunches or Brunches.  Day time weddings/receptions cost far less than a dinner reception.  Having an early morning garden ceremony followed by an elegant lunch will not only be special and remembered.... but you will save major dollars.   Savings will include your location, meal, bar tab, and other vendors who would offer a discount since this is an "extra time" for them where they may not often be hired.

4. Chose a Banquet Hall.  Opting to have your reception at a furnished banquet hall can save you major dollars versus a chic hotel or a blank canvas modern venue.   Selecting a space that already has tables, chairs and other furnishings cuts down your cost on rentals significantly.  Keep in mind however when you select your banquet hall the overall decor and or chair furnishings.  If you need to bring in chairs or covers or pay money to drape the walls or up light the room excessively... you may not be saving much money.

5. Lower the Bar.  By cutting down the bar to say beer, wine and soft drinks you will cut your alcohol budget by more than half.  Worried about guests who prefer a mixed drink, talk to your bartender about featuring one fabulous signature cocktail.  Many venues will be more than happy to pass these as you will in turn be passing less appetizers during the cocktail hour. This is also a great way to keep guests comfortable as the drinks will come to them instead of them having to wait in line at the bar.

6. Save In-Season.  If you adore peonies... plan on a May wedding or plan to pay.  Know your flowers and the seasons they grow and you will save a bundle on your bouquet.   Even the priciest flowers are less expensive when they are in season. 

There are other ways to cut your floral budget.  Adding branches and greenery will boost your arrangements for less cost.  Keep in mind that an arrangement with several varieties will cost much more than a design featuring only 2 or 3.  Most cost effective is to go clean and chic and feature one type of flower.  (Create drama by doing the same varietal in monochromatic coloring with offset shades).

7.  Cut your Guest List.  Talk to parents honestly and explain that their long lost bestie from high school simply can not make the list since some of YOUR friends needed to be cut.  Think in terms of longevity... will this person be a part of my life forever.  When was the last time I saw this person.  Change plus one to plus none.  Limit guests of guests to only significant others, engaged or married. Host an adults only reception.

8. Skim Down your Bridal Party.  You are not obligated to have 10 bridesmaids... no matter how many friends you have.  Consider the expense of each attendant to you.  Gifts, flowers, transportation, etc.  Give close friends wedding honors in other ways.  Readings, ushers and usherettes, toasts, program attendant, etc.

9.  Stash the Stationary.  Keep wedding invites simple and to one piece of paper and direct guests to your wedding website for additional information such as directions.  Skip formal save the dates and send out an evite directing guests to the wedding website.  Skip menu cards, unless allowing guests an option at dinner.  Opt for table assignments on a pretty chalkboard and skip individual place cards.

10.  Plan Ahead.  The average engagement lasts 13 months.  Use this time to plan wisely and purchase items on sale.  Glittery candles and lights post holidays, heart shaped glassware after Valentine's day, pastel items after Easter. Buy purchasing items post season... you'll likely save up to 70%.

11. Cut the Cake.  Serve cupcakes.  Or have a small display cake for cutting and have servers cut and serve sheet cake in the back.  No one will be the wiser.

12. Ditch the Jones'.  Instead of keeping up with them.  Think about what is really important to YOU and STICK TO IT.  Put down the bridal magazines and just do what you can afford.  Don't worry about your best friend, cousin or co-worker and what they are doing.  There is a big difference between wanting a wedding and wanting a marriage.

Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for so many things.  This is one of my favorite holidays.  It's a time to be humbled, to take a moment or an entire day and be with the people you love and think of those you love you can not for whatever reason be with.  It is a time to reflect on your life, it's blessings and the challenges you have pulled through and become a stronger person because of those moments.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for my husband first and foremost.  He is my strength and through ups and downs we come out stronger together... thank you, Eric for making me a better person each and every day.  I am thankful for my family ... who love and support me unconditionally.  I am thankful for friends, both near and far for reminding me that sometimes family is the one you make for yourself.  I am thankful for my health...to live each day with the ability to get up and do what I love.  I am thankful to my brides and my readers for believing and supporting me... you are helping me live my dreams and that I am extremely thankful for.  I am thankful to vendors who are amazing and talented and make my job easier.

Finally, I am thankful for those who are skeptical and who are not believers in me.  You challenge me to make you a believer and more importantly, make me appreciate those who do believe in me...


I hope all of my family, friends, brides and grooms and my readers have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.  May you love much, laugh often and eat well... today and every day!!

Rules of Engagement: Mission Impossible, Your First Holiday Season Together!

Your first holiday season as newly weds can be a tricky one.  With the bird scheduled to land in less than a week, and no doubt turkey plans are more than likely well under way... I thought I would share some words of advice to all you bloggettes out there who may be feeling a bit "stuck in the middle".

No doubt you are starting to feel the pressures as a newlywed... your parents expect your undivided attention, as does his.  Maybe things are even more complicated if you have extended families due to second marriages or other interesting additions.  Let's not forget, as you begin your new life together and create your own nuclear family... what about time for yourselves?  All the "where to spend the holidays stress" can be enough to dim anyone's lights.

Here are my tips on how to get through the holidays without hurting anyone's feelings while keeping your sanity in tact!

1. Prepare for the emotions that come with this new transition of roles as husband and wife. Things are different now.  While for the most part, that different is a wonderful, blissful feeling... it can also make you feel void from your old role as a single gal.  The holidays are a time that will highlight your new martial status, not only for the two of you ... but also for everyone close to you... including parents.  Your parents may feel hurt, or brushed off by the new traditions that you create for the two of you that will undoubtedly shake the traditions they have created and celebrated over the years. Understand, that this will wear off in time and everything will feel "normal"
in time and the new traditions will be embraced.

The stress of the holidays can bring out the worst in everyone. People love holidays for all of their joy and traditions and the time that they get to spend with family.  Also remember though, that the holidays are a time of reflection and make voids feel deeper.  Loved ones may miss others they spent holidays with before.  Sometimes, even surrounded by love the holidays can make people feel lonely.  Do not take any hurtful words said during the holidays personally, especially in your first year as a married couple as the change rocks the sleigh for everyone.  Tread holiday emotions lightly... and learn to forgive and forget.

2. Prepare for hurt feelings a head of time.  Discuss a game plan for holidays in advance if possible.  It may be too late for Thanksgiving, but not for Christmas.  Think about what is special to both of you as traditions with your families and work up your plan from there.  You will be better armed going into the discussion that way.  "Mom, your Christmas breakfast has always been my favorite part of the holiday season for me since we were little. That's why I want Brian to experience that with our family and we will do dinner with his family".  While mom probably will still want you around for dinner and miss you when you are gone... you've flattered her, kept your favorite tradition alive and still allowed time for both sets of family.

3. Stick together.  You are a team now... and your family (you and your husband) are the immediate family with both sets of families as extensions which make you stronger.  Embrace the WE in your new marital status. It's not HIS family or MY family, it's OUR family.  Work together and stand behind eachother as the discussions get tense.  When in doubt, use phrases like "This is what works best for us" or "This is a decision that we made together with our families in mind"

4. Find a time somewhere in the chaos to celebrate a holiday tradition just the two of you.  Whatever that tradition be, no matter how big or small it is important that as a married couple now you begin to create your own holiday traditions together.  These do not have to be on the holiday itself, but any time that you two can take a moment to spend together.  It is important, especially your first year married that you set a tone for your holiday traditions and embrace the wonderful blessing that you two together have many many years of holiday traditions together and that you have committed to creating this life together, as husband and wife.



High Tea... Fit for a Queen

So, this is a blog that is long overdue... but, I found these fun pictures on my computer and as the age old saying goes, "better late than never"!  As the Royal Wedding took over the media circuit... I of course was quick to jump on the Royal Wedding Band-Carriage! The glamorous Drake Hotel in Chicago threw a party fit for a queen and I made sure to get tickets!  So I grabbed my mother-in-law, an over-the-top strand of  pearls, and a pretty feathered hat to honor Kate and off we went... mimosas in hand! 

The Drake Hotel high tea in the Palm Court

Yours truly

 The yummy tea sandwiches and breads

 Too cute servers... timeless

My darling mother-in-law... tea in hand

Somehow... we scored a private screen...

 A lovely Vera, accessorised with a lace coat... last minute since the dress was a complete secret!

 There is nothing more elegant to set the tone than a harpist for your big day!

 A crown adorn menu

 The breathtaking Palm Court at the Drake Hotel Chicago

 The wedding cake... adorably accented with little bubbles and ruffles

 Stunning!

 It really was a day fit for a queen!

If you have never experienced high tea at the Drake hotel... I highly recommend it... it was a wonderful afternoon and a Chicago tradition for all "Ladies in Pearls"! 

Rules of Engagement: Making Your Wedding Registry Personal!

This is one avenue I really never thought I would be involved with a couple when I started planning weddings and blogging.  However... I find I am asked questions pertaining to the gift registry quite often.  That said, I thought a blog on all things wedding registry might be helpful to couples out there who find themselves a little "trigger shy" when it comes to that little laser gun.

Where to register? What to register for? Do I really need all these gifts? I already have everything I need? Do I have to register for china? How many place settings? The questions go on and on.... Let me off you some of my "rules of engagement" when it comes to this topic.

The first point I want to make is... be true to yourself ... and your future self!  Many women who marry in their early or mid-twenties may not be "Stepford Wives" and see themselves as homemakers.  Maybe you never will channel your inner "Bree Van de Kamp"... but perhaps you will.  Just because you do not see yourself throwing lavish dinner parties 5 nights a week does not mean you should pass right by the fine china and linens.  What about holidays? Special celebrations with friends? The night you announce you're expecting your first child together to your parents and in laws?  If you never, ever see yourself entertaining in your home... skip fine china. If you will entertain but do not have the storage space for Wedgwood china, service for 12... skip fine china and register for two sets of "everyday" china... and opt for a bit nicer more elegant set for your "fancier" entertaining.  Live in an apartment or town home with no room for 12 people let alone storage for service for 12... opt for service for 6 or 8... just make sure that you continue the pattern throughout your registry... with linens, stemware, etc.

Now is the time to register for things that suit your style as a couple and ditch your single styles... his huge college beer mug and your pink sparkly plastic plates should be traded in for more refined homegoods that suit both of you... as a couple.  The old fashioned view that the "woman makes the home" still holds true to a certain extent... but Lenox Butterfly may not be the best choice for you and your husband to be. 

Do the registry together!  Have fun... enjoy the day dream of all your new things and using them together in your new life.  If it gets stressful or becomes taunting... just put the gun down!  You can do the registry over a few days.  Best not to rush and get trigger happy just to get it all done right away.  Listen to each other and talk it out!  This is a great time to practice those compromise skills!

Make it personal... monogram towels and bedding are popular for a reason.  A lot of couples opt to personalize a master bedroom or give a hotel feel to a guest bedroom by showing off their new family monogram.

Keep it fun!! A few novelty items thrown in are sure to get purchased right away... and lightens up the rest of the serious gifts... and will be the perfect gift for that crazy cousin to get for you!

Register in Range... make sure you do not only have "top of the line" gifts with expensive price tags on your registry.  This is simply bad taste.  The best registries have a variety of styles, items and price points for guests to be able to comfortably purchase gifts they know you'll love and ones they can feel good about giving.

If you only take one thing away from this blog... and only remember one tip... make it this one! Never, ever forget to send a "thank you".  An easy way to make sure you are timely with your thank you cards... address the envelopes before the shower or wedding! You will only have to write out the cards, seal them and send them after the big day!  The earlier you send them the better... but it's never to late to send a note of thanks to anyone who was generous to you!

Candice & Peter - Engaged!

Hello Bloggettes!

I just wanted to post a quick little blog about one of my lovely couples, the bride happens to be my gorgeous sister!  All the weddings and events I work on are special for each bride but... I am so excited to see this one coming to life for my baby sister!

My favorite thing about engagement photos is their ability to allow a couple to relax and enjoy gazing at each other and take a minute off of wedding planning. In the stress and chaos of planning a wedding, this is simply a time to just be together and allow someone to capture on film your passion and love for each other. Timothy Whaley Photograhy did an amazing job capturing their love and style as a couple! Enjoy!