Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Bridal Hair Inspired by the Oscars

My favorite part of the Oscars is the red carpet.  I love the all the glamour and the glitz of the night.  Any reason to put on a fabulous dress and get all dolled up is a good night for me. What I pay attention to the most, are not the gowns but the hair!! A pretty dress can be made a stunning look when put together the right way.  Many brides use these red carpets events as inspiration for their wedding day look. So here are some of my favorites for the night to help you get some inspiration for your look.

Viola Davis looked naturally beautiful.  The short cut is stunning on her and I love the color.  It is daring to color your hair right before your wedding so you should try it out at least 4 weeks before your wedding to make sure the color is right.
Photo Credit: TheYBF

Jennifer Lopez looked stunning! I love her high bun.  I love a high bun period!! I think it's always a classic and sexy look.  Depending on your veil of choice this may be difficult to have but that's what consultations are for!!

Photo Credit: Yahoo Movies
Octavia Spencer looked amazing with a low chignon and teardrop earrings.  This hairstyle is an easy choice to make.  Your hair will look great all day long with the sleek bang and neat bun.  Congratulations on your win Ms.Spencer!!

Photo Credit: Yahoo Movies

Penelope Cruz had a Old Hollywood glam look and it worked well.  This is a great look for bride wearing a classic ballroom dress.

Photo Credit: Yahoo Movies

Mya Rudolph wore a stunning side do.  It was not a ponytail if you are wondering.  This is feminine, sexy and everything you to complete your wedding day look.

Photo Credit: CelebrityGossip.Net

It is a good idea to bring inspiration and ideas to your hair consultation.  Notice I said consultation because you must have a consultation with your hair stylist before your wedding day.  If you have your veil, bring it with you and be sure to show a picture of your dress.  You hair style of choice should compliment dress.


Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!
Deniesha Joseph

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Save the Dates - Do you really need them?

Photo courtesy of LePenn Designs


I get asked this question a lot from my clients. My answer always depends on a couple of things. 
  1. Is your wedding a destination wedding?
  2. What day of the week will your wedding take place? Is it a Thursday, Friday or Sunday?
  3. Is your wedding on a holiday weekend? 
If you answered yes to any of these questions than yes you should send out save the dates. 


Photo courtesy of LePenn Designs
Destinationweddings need one year to 9 months notice. Your save the date should include your destination, your dates of travel, accommodations and a wedding website where they can check in for updated information. If you are using a travel agent to handle the reservations, you should include this information as well. The key is to share all the information you can so your guests are well informed.   

If your wedding will take place on a day of the week that  may require your guests to take a day off from work or leave work early to attend, you should give them 6 months notice.  This is especially for wedding takes place on a Thursday or Friday.  Valentine's Day is on a Thursday next  year so if you are considering this date advanced noticed will be helpful. 

Holiday weekends are usually when people take vacations. 4th of July, Memorial Day and Labor day are the most popular ones. There is also President's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve. You should give your guests at least 9 months notice for these dates.   


Photo courtesy of LePenn Designs
Now if you would just like to send them because you like them, by all means send out save the dates. However, if you are looking for ways to save money, this can be an item you can scratch off your list if you didn't answer yes to any of the above questions.  



Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!



Deniesha Joseph

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Inspiration Board - Trinidad Carnival 2012

It is that time of the year again!! Trinidad carnival is in full swing and I am not there!! As usual, I feel a little sting in my heart for missing out on the fun and festivities. Missing being with my mother and eating her good cooking, the parties, the people and of course carnival!! Well when you have lemons, make lemonade! Here's my Trinidad Carnival Inspiration Board!! Maybe next year, I'll be blogging from there!! Oh Bacchanal!!


Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!
Deniesha Joseph DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Happy "Belated" Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day weddings can be very popular.  Next year, the most romantic day of year is on a Thursday.  Thursday weddings are usually not a popular choice but Valentine's Day maybe the exception.  If you are considering having a V-Day themed wedding, you should book soon.  Here's some inspiration to get you started.  


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Whitney Houston

This past weekend we lost one of music's legends, Ms. Whitney Houston. Like many, I grew up listening to Whitney’s music. We all have our favorites and attempted to sing along with her. I remember singing "The Greatest Love of All" for my first grade assembly, "One Moment In Time" for 5th grade graduation and "When You Believe" for my high school graduation. I still remember her rendition of the Nation Anthem at the Super Bowl and I still say no one has ever did it better!! Today I dedicate this post to Ms. Whitney Houston. A legend with a voice of an angel and has now become one of God’s Angels. My thoughts and prays goes out to her love ones. May she rest in Peace.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

How to Hire a Wedding Photographer



I was meeting with one of my clients and she said "I feel like everyone with a camera is a photographer these days, I'm going to need some help here". So here I am with help for her and for all the brides out there with this issue.  The market is saturated with wedding photographers or photographers period.  It can be overwhelming trying to find a photographer when there are so many to choose from.  Here are some tips on how to pick the right one for you. 

1) Start with a recommended photographer
If you have hired a wedding planner, then we will have many recommendations for you so you don't have to worry.  If you have not hired a wedding planner, most likely the recommendations you will receive will come from vendors you already hired.  Most venues have a list of vendors they like to work with and they will be happy to give you the recommendations.  You can also ask other vendors you have hired or you can ask a former bride you may know.  You start with recommendations because these photographers can be trusted.  The referral comes from a trusted source that has worked with the photographer, seen their work or has used them for their own wedding.  

2) Look at their work
After you have comb through these recommendation or photographers you've found yourself, you should look at their work. Almost everyone has blog or facebook page and their most recent work will be located there.  After you've done some preliminary screening, you have to meet them in person!! You want to meet this person who will be with on your wedding day for about 10 hours to make sure there is some kind of chemistry.  If you are comfortable with them, you will be comfortable in front of the camera and then you will have great pictures!!!

3) Hire a professional 
Everyone has to start somewhere.  I too once had my first wedding so this is a tough one for me because someone gave me a chance.  However, they took a chance on someone that has been studying, researching, learning and practicing within the wedding industry for some time before I opened my own business.  I had a portfolio and letters of recommendations for those who have mentored me.  This is what you are looking for in a photographer.  They should have worked with another photographer as an assistant and have proof of their work.  You should also ask to see a sample album.  The finish product is the most important element.  No one cares about beautiful pictures if you don't have beautiful album to display them.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Celebrate Your Culture.... Food Trucks



Food is one of the easiest ways to infuse your culture on your wedding day. One of my favorite trends is the to-go snack for weddings. Surprise your guests with a familiar treat with a to-go treat from your culture.

In Trinidad, one of the favorite after party meals is "bake and shark". This a shark fillet in a golden brown friend pastry with lettuce, tomato and any condiment your heart desires. I like mine with pepper sauce aka hot sauce, tamarind sauce, lettuce and tomato.

You can hire a vendor to serve your guests on the way out. Your to-go treat can be sweet or savory. Whatever you choose, I'm sure your guests will appreciate a snack for the ride home after they have been dancing the night away!!

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713