Wear What When

Road Test: Bar Method

Lessons from a session of the ballet-based interval training that’s big with brides.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 25, 2012 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

Photo: Kirk Mastin

Step up to the Bar Method. Black pants not totally required, but strongly suggested.

Among the many fitness options available to folks who are on her way down the aisle is ballet-based interval training—you’ve heard of this. Most options have the word bar or barre in the title.

At the Bar Method (there’s one in South Lake Union in Seattle and one in Redmond), they offer a special bridal package: $150 per month for six months of unlimited classes. It’s a great deal in terms of fees—for those of us who cannot provide proof of an upcoming 250-person celebration, an all-you-can-take 30-day period is $250.

What would it be like to throw yourself into muscle carving and body shaping for 180 days? Bar Method co-owner and instructor Bev Currier says it’s transformative. “We strongly encourage before and after pictures from the brides-to-be,” she says.

Me, I can only tell you what it’s like to throw yourself into the Bar Method for an hour. I visited the SLU studio—an exceedingly tidy Tiffany-blue and modern white chandelier-lit space that feels more like a spa than a gym—to see what all the bride-to-be buzz is about. (Apparently, some gals are even making these training sessions into parties.)

Here’s what I learned:

-That window that faces Westlake Ave? It’s indeed a window into the workout room. You might drive past Whole Foods and then the studio while looking for a parking spot and think to yourself, ’There’s no way we’re working out in that room’ but, yeah, you are. Neighbors with dogs on leashes and kids in carts stroll by. Not oblivious. More like interested, and by turns, impressed, intimidated, or amused. Sure lots of gyms have giant street-facing windows, but here, there’s no spin bike to hide inside of.

-You should probably wear black yoga pants. I wasn’t the only person not wearing calf-length black stretchies and a solid-colored tank top, but I was definitely the only one in short stripped leggings and a day-glo pink screen-printed v-neck tee. I suppose it’s the ballet thing; a uniform feels right, and you will feel a little stupid for not anticipating that.

-Bar Method classes move along at a fast pace, and it begins immediately. One of your first clues is the music: Bruno Mars and electro-dance buzz. Forget what you know about a gentle warm-up and some easy stretching. With the Bar Method, stretching comes at intervals, and getting or staying warm, well, it isn’t a problem.

-You’re an individual here. Throughout the class, as Currier calls out quick clips of instructions, she slips personal posture notes to people around the room. She seems to know the names of all 30 or so women in the class, and maybe even their fitness goals, too. “Emily, bend your knees more.” “When’s the wedding, Sarah?” That last isn’t, like, a random curiosity, it’s a clearly stated motivation tool.

-But you won’t be babied. This isn’t one of those feel-good mind/body things. No one will encourage you to work at your own pace or adjust the instruction if you’re new. This is a serious workout, for people who are serious about challenging—and perhaps changing—their bodies. Instructors are intent on you getting your money’s worth. In fact, they’ll make sure you get your money’s worth, even if, halfway through, you start thinking you’d happily pay double the class rate to quit right then and go get a cheeseburger around the corner.

-You will reflect on Natalie Portman in Black Swan. During the actual barre portion of the class, when at least there is something to hold on to, you will say to yourself, ‘No wonder she went nuts. This sh%# is crazy.’

-Your body will do some weird stuff. Like shake. Sort of violently. It’s supposed to. If it doesn’t, you’re not doing it right. “I love to see that shake,” Currier says as you balance on the balls of our feet (or try to) with knees bent (hopefully at just the right precise angle). “It’s beautiful. That’s how I know you’re changing your body.”

-You will have a lot of respect for the other people in the room. They will be 62 and 23 and 116 pounds and 180 pounds. They will seem like former dancers, they will seem like new moms. As their legs shake furiously and they blow out sharp, flexor-muscle breaths and Currier encourages them with a “This is how you taper your legs,” you will want to tap into their determination and their success.

-Around this time you will stop looking at the clock and worrying about whether or not someone you know is going to happen by those big picture windows. And, as the class ends, you will put the mats and weights away, and you will find yourself wanting to do it again.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details, Health and Beauty Road Test

Introducing Rebecca Cairelli

Vera Wang has competition; she lives in Bellingham, has a gorgeous Australian accent, and can make you the dress of your dreams.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Feb 08, 2012 at 07:30AM 5 Comments

Photo: Sergio Mottolo for Rebecca Cairelli

SLIDESHOW: Rebecca Cairelli Designs

View Slideshow » Photo: Sergio Mottolo for Rebecca Cairelli

SLIDESHOW: Rebecca Cairelli Designs

View Slideshow » Photo: Sergio Mottolo for Rebecca Cairelli
View Slideshow » Photo: Sergio Mottolo for Rebecca Cairelli
View Slideshow » Photo: Sergio Mottolo for Rebecca Cairelli

Perhaps, when flipping through the new issue of Seattle Met Bride & Groom, you noticed a knee-length wedding shift by a dressmaker whose name was not Vera Wang or Elizabeth Fillmore or Monique Lluillier. Her name is Rebecca Cairelli, she lives in Bellingham, and her style couldn’t be better suited for the current bridal market—easy but romantic, sweet but sophisticated, and aware of ready-to-wear fashion silhouettes and traditional bridal shapes but not beholden to either one.

Having held several of her pieces in my hands, I can tell you her work is meticulous, and her fabric choices are impeccable. Event designer Steve Moore, he of the highest taste and greatest standards, introduced me to her work, and that says a lot, too. Birds of a feather flocking together and whatnot …

For the time being, Cairelli’s dresses are available directly from the designer herself. The best way to familiarize yourself with her shapes and ideas is to head to Moore’s Bellingham design studio, or click through our slideshow of wedding day looks and read the following Q&A. The best way to see her full collection and talk to her about custom work is to ring her up and talk to her about an appointment. Can’t say that about Ms. Wang.

WWW: You started making wedding dresses at a very early age; where do you think that came from? Who inspired your earliest notions of romance and grand elegance?
Cairelli: I think it’s just in my blood. I come from a long line of artists. My grandfather was accepted into the same art school as Salvador Dalí in Spain; he is an amazing painter. I have always created. I think though, it started as a need. My Barbie needed to get married and she absolutely needed a dress to do it in. Actually I don’t even think I had a Ken at the time, I’m not sure who it was that she was to marry. But as for first inspirations I think the Givenchy dress Audrey Hepburn wore in Sabrina was, in my eyes, the most fabulous thing I had ever seen—at least at the age of five. I probably watched that movie 100 times while growing up just for that scene.

You’re from Australia but you’re now living in Bellingham; does geography and place play into your perspective as a designer? I know Australia has a really vibrant fashion scene, and Bellingham seems to really support the idea of a small independent artisan. But beyond that, getting into style, are you influenced or informed by your outer environment?
Yes and no. I have lived all over: Australia, Argentina, Singapore, and now the Pacific Northwest, so my outside influence has been very broad. A lot of who I am as a designer today is because of my life, my whole life and all of the experiences that encompass that; geography, my faith, who my parents are, and my husband have all been key in shaping my philosophy to design. But when talking style, Australia has played the major role in my aesthetics. It is an extremely creative culture and with that, artists who are not afraid to push the boundaries of beauty.

You were married yourself not long ago. What was your dress like and how on earth did you manage to distill all your skills and ideas to create your own perfect dress?
Is ironic the right word? Lets just say love was the only perfect thing about that day… oh and maybe the weather. Because of all of the immigration laws my husband Henry and I decided that we would have what they refer to as a ‘spontaneous wedding’. I created my wedding gown ‘Project Runway–style’ the night before. I struggled with deciding on a design, so instead I let our environment dictate the direction. We had a beach wedding down at Ballard’s Golden Gardens. It was super casual. So in the end I walked down the isle in a dove gray high-waisted mermaid skirt with horizontally stripped panel inserts. My top was also gray, billowing over where the skirt met. It was far from perfect, but when I look back I love how well it went with the overall feel of the day.

Your style takes classic, traditional wedding fashion into account, but adds fashion detailing and modern shapes. Is it a conscious decision to keep that balance or is it a natural result of your ideas about what’s beautiful and current? Do you look at current ready-to-wear lines and think about incorporating those silhouettes? If so, who are some of your favorite designers?
I think it is an unconscious decision. I have always been drawn to the unconventional shapes and fashion detailing of ready-to-wear lines, there is a freshness to them that the traditional bridal fare is absolutely missing. But really I think it just lands on personal aesthetics and how I feel when I look at a gown. For me what dictates the balance is movement. How my eyes move across the gown, how the gown itself moves. One of my favorite designers at the moment is Australian Designer Alice McCall. Her clothes are really urban and relaxed. They make me think of flowy dresses.

Okay, Kate Middleton already had her wedding. Who—anyone in the world, really, don’t bother thinking about if they’re actually married or engaged or whatever—would you love to design a wedding gown for?
Hmmmm, this is a tough one. Maybe top model Miranda Kerr. I met her several years back at Australian Fashion week. She is a really genuine person.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Vendors

Seattle Wedding Show

You’re invited to our (booth at the) wedding (show) on January 7 & 8.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Dec 14, 2011 at 05:50AM 0 Comments

All I can reveal is that this image is serving as a major inspiration piece for Seattle Met Bride & Groom’s SWS booth.

About once or twice a year, I get to feeling like I’m the one planning a wedding. Sometimes it’s because of an elaborate feature we’re planning, but more often it’s a party that gets me.

This year, it’s the annual Seattle Wedding Show at the Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday January 7 and 8. You can get your tickets here.

It’s all about the booth at a show like this; we—the florists, the DJs, the caterers, the venues, the cake bakers—all want to create a space that you will inspire you. And inspire conversation. I’ll be there all weekend and we definitely want you to come by and say hi.

This time around we’re working with the crazy-talented Steven Moore (who just got married himself), the great resources at ABC Rentals by Cort, and one of the most popular new vendors in town, Vintage Ambiance.

It’s possible that I’m the pickiest “bride” they’ve worked with all year. We’re throwing around ideas on color and trends, inspiration and innovation, and comforting, welcoming environments. Stuff you’re thinking about, too, huh?

So come by and we’ll compare notes. I’m looking forward to it.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Officiant, Seattle Wedding Flowers, Seattle Wedding Planning, Seattle Wedding Hair and Makeup, Seattle Wedding Invitations, Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Vendors

The Wedding eBay: Bravo Bride

Mini top hats? Diamonds rings? A local entrepreneur launched Bravo Bride to help you buy and sell them.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Nov 16, 2011 at 06:50AM 0 Comments

SLIDESHOW: What you can find on Bravo Bride. Here, a diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

View Slideshow » Illustration:

SLIDESHOW: What you can find on Bravo Bride. Here, a diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

View Slideshow » Illustration:

A cathedral-length veil.

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Six sets of white candle pedestals.

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Vera Wang’s Fiona dress.

Well, why wouldn’t you? The wedding’s over, you’ve got no use for the eight damask linens you had to buy because no one rented the exact shade of gray you were set on. So why not sell them to the next couple?

And, why not buy them?

A local bride, Susan Shapiro, started an online resale marketplace in 2008 after her own wedding. Having searched eBay and Craigslist for wedding items, she realized the opportunity to utilize that type of framework, but focus it on ceremony and reception items, dresses, rings, and other things. There are now over 15,000 preowned items listed on bravobride.com.

We chatted with Shapiro about how the site works, and how it can work for you, and the slideshow illustrates a few key offerings.

WWW: We get excited about local businesses around here because we support shopping at home. But I suppose Bravo Bride is a great way to shop the country via a Seattle entrepreneur. Does Seattle factor in at all? Is there a bigger share of regional sellers or buyers? It would actually be great if so, because then the site could function a bit more like Craigslist; brides and brides-to-be could meet in the real world and do the try-before-buy thing.
Shapiro: California and Texas actually have our biggest share of merchandise with the state of Washington coming in fifth in terms of listing volume. The vases a bride just used at her wedding in Savannah, Georgia might be the ones I want even though I live in Seattle. That was actually a problem I had when trying to use Craigslist for my wedding before I began Bravo Bride. That said, we have definitely had brides meet each other before purchasing merchandise. There is an option on the site that allows users to search by location so brides can meet each other. I recently received an email from a bride whose wedding was called off and through our site, she was able to sell her brand new gown to another bride-to-be in her area. She told me it made her feel so much better about everything and that it was a wonderful way to truly move on from a bad experience, especially now that she had made a new friend.

What kinds of things are most popular on your site? Dresses? Decor?
Dresses are the most popular, followed by wedding decorations, table centerpieces, table linens, and bridesmaids dresses.

What item or sale has been the most surprising?
That is a great question! We had one seller list a miniature mannequin torso dressed in a wedding dress to use as a table top decoration. It was a little creepy and not surprisingly, it didn’t sell. I also had another seller list miniature top hats for dogs to wear at a wedding and those were actually really cute.

What should brides-to-be know about looking for goods on the site?
If brides-to-be are looking for a wedding dress and they can’t meet the seller in person, I recommend trying on the same dress or a similar style at a bridal shop before they make a purchase. With anything on the Internet you have to be very careful when purchasing items online. At Bravo Bride, if you are purchasing an item over $100 we recommend using escrow.com because they are able to protect both the buyer and seller. PayPal does not offer this same type of protection. There is a section on Bravo Bride that provides helpful tips for buyers and sellers and we use an advanced secure messaging system to prevent spamming and scammers from contacting our website users. We also now allow wedding retailers to sell their sample gowns and discounted merchandise our our site, too.

What should recently married brides know in terms of selling items on the site
Almost all items are free to list on Bravo Bride. There is a one time $19.95 fee for wedding dresses and engagement rings. Items remain on Bravo Bride until they are sold and we never take a commission upon sale. This allows our sellers to get the best possible price for their items. Good photographs, especially professional ones from your wedding are very helpful in making your listings stand out. Also, describing your item in detail is also a great way to get an item sold quickly.

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Tags: Receptions, Home Decor, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details

New: Fiori Floral at Nordstrom

The downtown retailer launches a shop-within-a-shop filled with beauty by popular floral designers.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Sep 28, 2011 at 12:00PM 0 Comments

Men’s shoes: Basement level; Designer dresses: Second floor. Artfully arranged flowers: Street level. Fiori Floral is now open inside the downtown Nordstrom.

Talk about one-stop wedding shopping.

Popular Seattle floral designer Miles Johnson and his Fiori Floral can now be found inside the flagship downtown Nordstrom, just west of the Sixth Avenue entrance. What’s next? The in-store cafe offering catering?

While the shop-within-a-shop offers dedicated wedding services to brides shopping at the Wedding Suite up on the third floor, Fiori’s Nordstrom outpost offers everyday arrangements, cut floral, and botanicals to everyday folks like you and me, too.

The flower-filled shop, which also includes card, gifts, and ephemera, opened last week; hours are 9:30 to 6, Monday through Friday and 11 to 6 on Sunday. Weekday deliveries can certainly be arranged.

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Tags: Seattle Floral Vendors, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details, Nordstrom

Urban Unveiled

Save the date for one of the city’s most anticipated wedding events.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Sep 21, 2011 at 07:30AM 1 Comments

The Luly Yang fashion show is a big highlight at Urban Unveiled each year.

Where: Benaroya Hall

What: Dozens of vendors in categories from hair and makeup and stationary to photographers and wedding planners gather inside one of downtown’s grandest meeting places because they want to meet you. Stroll the upper tiers and tuck into side rooms to meet, talk with, and sample the talents of some of Seattle’s top wedding professionals.

And do it all in a timely manner; the Luly Yang fashion show starts at 9. Yang has debuted her collections at Urban Unveiled for the past few years; it’s a great chance to see her most recent designs in action—on the runway, that is. Which is not that different from an aisle. Correct?

Benaroya Hall becomes a top tier wedding show on Wednesday, October 12.

This year’s Urban Unveiled, and this season’s Luly Yang line, is called Diamond, so expect lots of sparkle. I previewed Yang’s newest dresses the other day, and they are just plain stunning.

When: Wednesday, October 12; doors open at 6. Tickets are available through the Urban Unveiled website.

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Tags: Seattle Fashion Show, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Invitations, Seattle Wedding Planning, Luly Yang

Checklist: Bella Bridesmaid, Budget Bride, DIY Bride

Check out Ivy and Aster, save some bucks, create a fantasy flower arrangement.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Sep 07, 2011 at 07:00AM 1 Comments

Three things to put on your calendar for the next couple of weeks:

Where: Marigold and Mint in the Melrose Building

What: Though it’s not billed as a wedding-specific workshop, Marigold and Mint’s fantasy flower fashion class sure looks like a boon for couples who want an otherworldly vibe and at least a little DIY’ing—and, maybe most importantly, a pretty amazing and slightly over-the-top flower girl. (Note: The workshop is open to boys and girls of all ages.) M and M’s flower-farmer owner and her crew will be demonstrating flower cuffs and collars, and playing with color in general. In another’s hands, the words “fantasy flower fashion” could be very scary things. I have full confidence that Katherine Anderson will be doing right by them. And you.

When: Saturday, September 17; there will be three workshops given during three time slots: 11-1, 2-4, and 5-7. The cost is $25 per person and includes all the necessary materials; email info @ marigoldandmint.com or call 206-682-3111 for more information.

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Where: Mt. Baker Community Clubhouse in South Seattle

What: Northwest Budget Bride, a boutique wedding show featuring vendors who won’t break your bank. For example: Calla Bridal, Baked Cakes, Heather Donovan Harpist, and more. The day includes bubbly and bites, makeup sessions, wedding fashion, decor displays, and the opportunity to make some good decisions about vendors for your Big Day.

When: Sunday, September 18 from 11 to 6 (fashion show at 2); tickets are $10. See nwbudgetbride.com for more

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Where: Bella Bridesmaid

What: A trunk show for Ivy & Aster, a popular dress line for brides and bridesmaids that works for gals who go for modern silhouettes, soft, wearable fabrics, and low-key, on-trend color stories. In addition to lots of options for best friends, sisters, and other attendants, the Belltown bridesmaid specialists always keep a couple of non-trad wedding frocks in their shop, but they don’t actually carry either of Ivy & Aster’s collections. Yet. Maybe after having the full line of bridal and bridesmaid dresses—currently not carried anywhere in this state—in the shop for a few days, that’ll change.

When: Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24 during normal business hours; the smart ones will call ahead of time and book an appointment.

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Tags: Seattle Floral Vendors, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Invitations, Seattle Wedding Hair and Makeup

Get Hitched Give Hope ’11

Announcing this year’s wedding event to end all wedding events, and an auction lot featuring yours truly.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Aug 31, 2011 at 07:30AM 0 Comments

Photo: La Vie Photography

A few scenes from last year’s party.

Readers of this blog as well as soon-to-be-married folk know that boutique wedding shows—smallish, self-selected groups of vendors gathered in warm, welcoming environments, maybe with a theme or concept—are the way to go. And you could almost go every weekend if you wanted to. There are lots of opportunities to scout, meet, and hire wedding-day vendors.

But none more special than Get Hitched Give Hope. This boutique wedding show is a fundraising auction, a chance to meet and “hire” (more on that in a minute) top tier vendors, and a party. A really great one. This year’s event will be held on October 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Vendors across categories such as photography, dessert, planning, and beauty have donated their services by rolling them into silent and live auction lots. Drink and appetizers in hand, you’ll stroll through the party chatting with these folks and figuring out who’s right for your big day. And you’ll bid appropriately.

But here’s where the great part comes in.

The vendors don’t take the money the receive from your bid. They essentially lend their talents to your celebration for free, and the money you pledged at the auction goes to help make someone else’s dream come true. Literally. This year’s GHGH charity is the Dream Foundation, the first organization aimed at granting wishes for adults facing life-threatening illnesses.

I’ve seen it three years in a row now: the pomp and party of the night combined with the knowledge that your party will be staffed by really amazing, truly generous people and it’ll completely change the final month’s of someone else’s life, well, it’s pretty darn magical.

And for the third year in a row, I’m part of the auction, too.

Brides in need of a seasoned, professional shopper—or perhaps, an unbiased outside opinion—can bid on an all-day boutique crawl with yours truly. The score includes:

-a sweet ride from Rare Form Limo for you, me, and a couple of your best gals
-a fully stocked champagne bin inside
-a pre-planned shopping trip focused on your needs, whether you’re looking for something special for the honeymoon, party dresses for the pre-wedding ramp up, accessories for the big day, lingerie for the big night, or anything else. In other words: Let me figure out where we need to go and what we need to check out—all you have to do is enjoy the ride.
-a stop off at Report Shoes headquarters where you’ll pick out a perfect pair

It’s just a little thing, all things considered, but I’m happy to be included.

Tickets are on-sale now. I hope to see you there.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Planning, Seattle Wedding Hair and Makeup, Seattle Wedding Invitations, Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Venues, Get Hitched Give Hope, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Vendors

Things to Know about Trophy Cupcakes, Rosanna, From the Gown Up, and Cynderellie’s Closet

Important information if you or someone you know is getting married in Seattle anytime soon.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jun 01, 2011 at 06:45AM 0 Comments

Photo: Courtesy Trophy Cupcakes

Have a good time here, now. Trophy Cupcake’s Party Room is open—and don’t miss the adjacent Party Store.

1. The Trophy Cupcakes location in Wallingford now has a party room directly across the hall from its sweets counter. If you’re looking to gather up to 50 of your favorite people to celebrate certain soon-to-be married folk, you should consider doing so inside the sweet old schoolhouse that is the neighborhood’s center. And if you’re just looking for inspiration, the Party Room can fill that request as well. At an opening party for the L-shaped joint last week, founder Jennifer Shea told me they plan to deck the place out in all manner of on-trend and inventive themes; in an effort to unveil the area’s most sought-after specialty decor, they’ll also host installations by local artisans like Patricia Minish and Curtis Steiner (both of whom were in attendance). Worth stopping by to take a look for sure. And don’t miss the Party Store, adjacent to the celebration space. Cake pedestals, vintage toppers, DIY how-tos, and more make up a party girl’s dream spree. I’m told you should direct questions regarding the Party Room to party (@) trophycupcakes.com

2. It’s that time of year again: the bi-annual Rosanna dishware sale is just a few days away. Many of our city’s top event designers and rental houses stock key pieces from the local designer’s party-ready lines; if you’re looking to DIY certain elements of the big day, or just trick out a pre-wedding party table, head to 6755 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, 98108, on Friday June 3 from 12 to 6 or Saturday June 5 from 9 to 3. And then, of course, you’ll want to keep your mind open to ideas for wedding party gifts, the coming holiday season, and more. All sales final; no checks, cards are only accepted for $50 and over sales, cash makes for the quickest transactions. Shop smart, people.

3. Racks of sample gowns are priced to move tomorrow, June 2, from 6 to 9 in Snohomish. From the Gown Up and Cynderellie’s Closet present past-season wedding dresses starting as low as $99. A portion of sales will go to local charities. The proceedings start at 6 with a fall fashion show; drinks and dessert follow. At 7, the sample gowns start flying off the racks. Where, you ask? The Antheia Ballroom, 213 Ave D, Snohomish, 98290. Call 360-563-9900 for more information.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details, Cupcakes, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle DIY, Seattle Wedding Cake, Rosanna Inc

Vintage Wedding Fair at Ghost Gallery [EDITED]

Got the vintage bug? Meet like-minded wedding vendors at Ghost Gallery this Saturday.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 11, 2011 at 07:15AM 3 Comments

Photo: Laurie Cinotto

Laurie Cinotto, and similarly spirited vintage-loving vendors around town, are geared up to make your sweet, romantic day.

Where: Ghost Gallery, 504 E Denny Way, Seattle (corner of Denny and Summit) 98122

What: When it comes to wedding trends, vintage is a high-speed train barreling down a steep and seemingly bottomless hill, leveling every little wanna-be decor concept that dares to get in its way. It would appear to be unstoppable, no matter what pomp and circumstance Kate and Will hath wrought.

If you’re looking for a way to implement sweet touches from the days of yore into your big day, consider the local gallery/event space’s Vintage Wedding Fair.

Check out reconstructed wedding dresses from Twice Blushed, handmade invites from Goldfinch Press, photography from event founder Rosemary Wagner, handmade elements from Laurie Cinotto, on-the-spot fresh-made mini donuts, and more. Cinotto’s been working on some pretty peachy elements especially for the event; it’s safe to say that all of the carefully curated vintage-loving vendors involved in the fair are equally gung-ho.

When: Saturday, May 14 from 11 12 to 6 (please note: we had the time wrong; the correct time is 12 to 6)

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Tags: Seattle Vintage, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Photography, Laurie Cinotto

Makeup Forever

DIY wedding-day makeup: Kate did it. Should you? Six prominent Seattle makeup artists sound off.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 04, 2011 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

Photo: Kimberly Kay Photography

SLIDESHOW Seattle makeup artists share some of their favorite editorial and real-world wedding looks. Here, makeup artist Shannon Mercil and hair stylist Karen Vogt, both of I Love Blush, get to work.

View Slideshow » Photo: Kimberly Kay Photography

SLIDESHOW Seattle makeup artists share some of their favorite editorial and real-world wedding looks. Here, makeup artist Shannon Mercil and hair stylist Karen Vogt, both of I Love Blush, get to work.

View Slideshow » Photo: Emily Allen, Solace Arts

This Seattle bride’s makeup was created by I Love Blush artist Alysha Abrams; hair by I Love Blush’s Allie LIvengood. I Love Blush’s head blusher, Shannon Mercil reveals her favorite wedding day look for 2011: "The almost Victorian-era look; natural fresh eyes, soft rosy cheeks, and a gently stained natural lip (in various shades from pink and peach to berry). This look is definitely made more modern with a slight glow to the cheek and an emphasis on lashes. When it comes to false lashes I prefer the individuals as they are build-able can be applied just to the edges for a slight flare or built up to create a more ‘doe’ eyed look.

View Slideshow » Photo: Azzura Photography

Makeup for this Seattle bride was created by I Love Blush’s Shannon Mercil. Says Mercil, “In the era of modern and (extremely) unforgiving hi-definition videography and photography, hiring a professional makeup artist is an almost essential wedding day investment. Since not every bride has ‘Kate’ perfect skin. airbrushing is a great skill our professionals and many other makeup artists use to take the illusion of flawless skin to a whole new level.”

View Slideshow » Photo: JKoe Photography

A perfectly blushing Seattle bride; makeup by I Love Blush’s Shannon Mercil. If you’re in a pinch, Mercil says, “For help purchasing great makeup products for your big day visit Alyx Bisler (by appointment only) at the downtown Sephora. He is the store’s personal shopper and can help you with all your wedding day cosmetic needs. He Rocks!.”

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Hair and makeup artist Lindsey Watkins at work on a client. “For brides my favorite eye shape is the classic winged eyeliner at the lash line,” says Watkins. “It’s versatile, meaning a bride can choose a very thin line with or short wing, or she can go bold with a thicker line and longer wing to evoke a mod look. If you really look at your eye shape and where to kick the wing up and how long to make it this eyeliner technique flatters all brides. This type of eyeliner is also great for camouflaging false lashes,”

View Slideshow » Photo: Daniel Usenko

Hair and makeup artist Lindsey Watkins created this wedding-day look. She has these tips for those that want to do their own makeup for the grand event: “I would highly recommend investing most in foundation and a brush with which to apply it. Really take the time to get some samples or buy a few kinds and see how they hold up during the course of an 18 hour day. Brides need to get a lot of mileage out of their makeup on their big day and their skin is the one thing that needs to look most natural and flawless. If you have oily skin consider a powder or silicone based foundation; if you have dry or mature skin consider a more hydrating liquid foundation. I recommend color matching foundations outside in sunlight because that is the most unforgiving light, and always apply with a brush, never your hands or a sponge.”

View Slideshow » Photo: Bambi Cantrell

Lindsey Watkins, the makeup artist responsible for this very pretty face, on how and where to shop for makeup. “Hands down, my favorite place to buy makeup is the MAC (Makeup Art Cosmetics) store at University Village. All the artists there know their products and if you really talk to them about your skin and your skills they can be a wealth of knowledge. U Village gets a little busy on the weekends, so I recommend an early morning weekday visit if you can manage that. Candice is one of my favorite gals there, she’s got a great attitude and is passionate about makeup, that goes a long way in my book.”

View Slideshow » Photo: John Lasseter

Makeup artist Jenny Bowker helped make this bride extra happy. “Be sure that your foundation is your perfect shade and that it not only looks good in person but also in photos,” says the makeup artist. “Try Makeup Forever HD Foundation, it is designed to give you an airbrushed effect at all times. Be sure to also give yourself a healthy dose of blush, which can get washed out in photos. NARS Deep Throat gives every skin tone a soft romantic glow that still has a punch.”

View Slideshow » Photo: Rosemary Jacobsen

Wedding day makeup by Jenny Bowker. When it comes to makeup shopping, Bowker recommends “Marina at Barney’s; she’s incredibly talented and truly helpful, no matter what you are looking for.”

View Slideshow » Photo: Michelle Moore Photography

Another wedding-day look by Jenny Bowker. Says the Seattle makeup artist: “This summer my favorite look for brides is a softly smokey chocolate eye, glowing peach cheeks, and a soft coral or apricot gloss on the lips.”

View Slideshow » Photo: La Vie Photography

Hair and makeup artist Erin Skipley created this look for an editorial shoot for Junebug Weddings. Says the good-looks guru, “Don’t forget the eyelash curler and use a waterproof mascara in the blackest black! If you’re not skilled in eyelash application, consider doing eyelash extensions to increase the length and volume of your lashes.”

View Slideshow » Photo: La Vie Photography

Another editorial wedding look created by hair and makeup artist Erin Skipley. Some free advice from Skipley: “Considering how much is spent on hiring the best photographer, it’s best to hire a professional makeup artist who’s invested thousands of dollars in building a kit. They know what works on camera and what doesn’t.”

View Slideshow » Photo: Stephanie Cristalli

Makeup pro Jenny Verador, the artist behind this bride’s stunning but natural look, says, “I love making the skin look flawless. The key to this is blend, blend, blend! I use either a foundation sponge or a foundation brush to blend the foundation into the skin.”

View Slideshow » Photo: Jessica Valle

A gorgeous Seattle bride; makeup by Jenny Verador.

View Slideshow » Photo: Azzura Photography

Jenny Verador worked with this bride on her wedding day. “If you’re thinking about doing your own makeup,” says the artist, “I recommend picking up a good foundation like Laura Mercier’s from the downtown Seattle counter.”

View Slideshow » Photo: Alex Lim

Says Suresh, the makeup artist who created this editorial bridal look, “I love a delicate smokey lash line—so chic, beautiful and timeless.”

View Slideshow » Photo: Alex Lim

Another view of that delicately smokey eye by Suresh; he recommends that you see Micah at the La Prairie counter at the downtown Nordstrom if you’re shopping for beauty products.

First, let’s get one thing straight: I don’t intend to talk about the royal wedding forever. I mean, I won’t be talking about it forever. Will not. I promise you that. But when I read that the former Miss Middleton did her own makeup for her big (really big) day, I figured we had better talk this one out with some Seattle-based wedding and fashion makeup pros.

Here, six such local professionals not only dish on what they think about DIY makeup (okay, okay, you can totally guess what they’re going to say about that), they also allow for those who are adamant about applying their own eye-liner and generously offer tips on shopping for blush and spreading on foundation. Great gals these are—and one great guy, too!

Also! In the huge and gorgeous slideshow here you’ll see more of each artist’s work and get even more tips on key summer looks and the best wedding day trends.

This Wedding Wednesday is a regular beauty bonanza.

Erin Skipley
‘For the DIY bride, it’s important to invest in good quality products that have low or no SPF and avoid mineral foundations that have a high Mica content (produces glare on the skin). Use a neutral color palette that will accentuate your natural beauty, and avoid trendy colors/metallic textures with a lot of sparkle.’

Skipley, a frequent contributor to SMBG shoots, also offers this list of easy to use makeup kit essentials (I will refrain from commenting on the product names):

Primed and Poreless by Too Faced
Strobe cream by M.A.C.
Fix + by M.A.C.
Diorskin Airflash foundation (apply w/ brush)
Dior Skinflash under eye brightener
NARS bronzer in Laguna
NARS blush in Orgasm or Sex Appeal
Stila all over shimmer duo in Kitten
Stila convertible color in Peony

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Shannon Mercil from I Love Blush
‘If you are having a destination wedding and absolutely have to do the Kate thing, invest in a makeup lesson. (Rumor has is that was Kate had two professional lessons before her Royal Reveal.) For smudge-free eyes one of my favorite tricks is to apply Too Faced cosmetic’s Shadow Insurance before all other eye makeup. This product allows your makeup to stay put ALL night though dancing, sweat and (those much anticipated) tears.’

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Jenny Bowker
‘There are so many factors that go into your wedding day, adding the stress of doing your own makeup can go wrong quickly. If you make a mistake with delicate techniques such as false eyelashes, contouring the face or achieving a golden glow you may find yourself in a panic with no way to fix it. There are also tricky techniques for high def quality makeup that ensure you look perfect in both professional photos and regular old flash shots.’

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Suresh
‘A real pro understands how the camera sees you, not just the human eye. New digital cameras are invasive and expose everything on your face. There is a major difference between “everyday makeup” and “photo-ready makeup.” The makeup techniques I use are tested from the photo sets I work on so my brides look impeccable on their wedding day.’

In offering a tip for those who absolutely have to do what the former commoner is said to have done, the one-name artist has this: ‘Use good makeup brushes and blend products well. A well blended face looks professional and photographs better. Avoid harsh lines around the eye and don’t contour your cheekbone with pink (like Kate did). It’s a major makeup faux pas.’

(To be honest, I wasn’t crazy about those cheekbones myself.)

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Jenny Verador
‘As professionals, our job is to make you look your best. We know what to highlight on the face; for example, a highlighting pen in the inner corner of the eyes, bridge of the nose, and above the cheekbones to give you a fresh and glowing look.’

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Lindsey Watkins
‘I believe that it pays to have a professional do makeup because we can ride that fine line between making sure the bride looks beautiful in person but also reads well in photographs. You never want a bride to look washed out in her photos. Also, a makeup artist knows how to match and blend foundation expertly to the bride’s skin tone and will know what colors overall will compliment the bride’s skin, eye, and hair color.’

Click on the slideshow for more tips and images.

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Tags: Weddings, Seattle Real Weddings, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Photography, The Royal Wedding, Seattle Wedding Hair and Makeup

Behind the Scenes: Seattle Met Bride & Groom and Scout Provisions

Meet the Seattle caterer and event designer behind the stylish bridal dresses and wedding venue dream-making in our current issue.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Feb 23, 2011 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

Slideshow: Behind the scenes at Seattle Met Bride & Groom’s fashion shoot at the Herb Farm in Silverdale with Alan and Jodi Davis of Scout Provisions. Says Alan: ‘I love having the luxury of shopping by wandering. Seeing the selection at the markets expand from kale and chard into scapes, rhubarb, broad beans and the like never grows old. I love the shellfish from around the sound, Taylor Farms’ Virginica oysters and the Varnish clams that can be found near Hansville.’

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Slideshow: Behind the scenes at Seattle Met Bride & Groom’s fashion shoot at the Herb Farm in Silverdale with Alan and Jodi Davis of Scout Provisions. Says Alan: ‘I love having the luxury of shopping by wandering. Seeing the selection at the markets expand from kale and chard into scapes, rhubarb, broad beans and the like never grows old. I love the shellfish from around the sound, Taylor Farms’ Virginica oysters and the Varnish clams that can be found near Hansville.’

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Alan Davis: ‘I was very inspired by the locale. Although it is no longer used commercially as a functional farm, the grounds at the Herb Farm are full of botanical reminders of its former bounty. Different fennel varieties, dill, hyssop, rosemary and others still grow wild there.’

View Slideshow » Illustration:

‘I’ve also been known to indulge in the local cheeses made around here,’ says Scout Provisions chef Alan Davis. ‘For many this affection boarders on substance abuse, I may be in that rank. Port Madison, Mt. Townsend, Kurtwood Farms, and the little jewels from Monteillet Fromagerie near Waitsburg are all cheese makers who’s wares border on the narcotic’.

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Here’s Erin Skipley putting some finishing touches on our gorgeous model, who wears a Luly Yang knee-length gown in the perfect shade of wheat.

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Jodi Davis had a whole armload of quilts to choose from for the photobooth set-up. Most were her grandmothers, as was the taxidermy bird that our ‘groom’ posed with. The image is in the spread.

As art director Samantha Gardner and I approached the shoot date for the fashion pages in the current edition of Seattle Met Bride & Groom (get your free iPad version here) we knew we wanted to create a romantic dreamworld version of the popular farm-to-table setting, and we were lucky enough to have a pretty amazing team assembled to help make it all happen.

Along with photographer Kari Pearson, hair and makeup angel Erin Skipley, a couple of great-looking models, and several rolling racks full of Northwest-luxe wedding day attire, Alan Davis, chef, Scout Provisions and Jodi Davis, event designer, Scout Provisions were vital to the day. Here, we take a look a behind the scenes and talk to the Davis’s about the scene, the setting, and the details that made it all work.

There’s more in the slideshow, so please take a look.

WWW: Alan, you were the chef at Queen City Grill for many years, and you’re a passionate locavore. What was your inspiration for the rustic, gorgeous table spread?
ALAN: I wanted to present food that made you feel that carefree happiness of a summer picnic. I wanted to evoke the pleasure and pride of a well-cooked family dinner. Many of us do not make the time to prepare a Sunday dinner, one traditionally served in the late afternoon, but we all have memories of attending one. Both sets of my grandparents had family gardens and used them in the meals. I think that those kinds of memories are healthy nostalgia.

WWW: As luck would have it, our shoot location was not far from your home. How’s life in Kitsap County?
ALAN: I feel fortunate to enjoy the produce of the area. The Chimicum valley (immortalized in The Egg and I) has great vegetable farms and cheese makers. The farmers markets from Port Orchard to Kingston have a great variety of food vendors that seem to grow each year.

WWW: Take us on a tour of the flavors and ingredients in the picnic table shot.
ALAN: The dishes start around a traditional roasted chicken. The chicken is roasted at high heat with plenty of coarse sea salt and fresh garden herbs. Make sure to let your seasoned bird dry in your refrigerator overnight, and roast at 400-425 degrees for about an hour. I garnished this dish with sautéed baby peppers. In late summer you can find an endless variety from the Yakima valley farms. I also felt that no picnic is complete without grilled corn on the cob. I cut the husked ears of sweet yellow corn down into 2” wheels. Marinate these in good olive oil, coarse salt, coriander seed and a little apple juice, and then it’s straight to the grill. I don’t mind a little color on mine.

A sweet onion and cabbage slaw was dressed simply with extra virgin olive oil, champagne vinegar, salt and fresh cracked pepper. Roasted bread salad with fresh baby tomatoes was served over mixed garden lettuces. A roasted garlic and rosemary dressing lends nice earthy flavors. We had a mixed baby beet, baby carrot and baby turnip salad with a lemon balm and fennel vinaigrette. I love the balance of carmely sweetness and aromatics that this dish brings to a table. The cheese plate was served with pumpernickel crostini and grapes fresh off the vine from the garden at the shoot location.

Lastly, and maybe best-ly, was an amazing selection of fresh baked pies and tarts. I find the most effective way to achieve this portion of the menu is to find the best looking fruits and berries, bring them to the very best baker you know and start begging them to work their magic! I adore the selection that my dear baker friend prepared for this table.*

WWW: Jodi, what inspired the event decor ideas that you brought to the shoot?
JODI: What’s so great about the rural setting is how immediately people feel connected to the surroundings. We love the happy accident, the perfectly imperfect nature of a farm. Incorporating the catty-wompus old red barn and the lush green field really couldn’t have been a better back drop!

WWW: Your ‘day job’ is creative director at Barneys New York downtown; those great windows are largely your doing. What are your key objectives when you design the look and feel of a wedding?
JODI: I always want to incorporate the personalities of the individuals involved with the event. I love to hear from the groom, he’s often left out of design meetings, however, some of the best, most inspired ideas are elements that were mentioned off-hand that we refine and finesse. I have found that props are a must if incorporating a photo booth, it shifts the focus just enough that it shows your guests’ true personalities quicker.* In this shoot the ‘groom’ ran with the taxidermy chicken, I liked that it added levity and fun to the photobooth concept.

WWW: Since you and Alan live near the Herb Farm, this was one day when your commute time was considerably shortened. What do you love about living in the Bremerton area and working in Seattle?
JODI: We have the absolute best of both worlds; on a daily basis I’m fortunate to be surrounded by creative individuals, beautiful merchandise, and all the perks of city life, and then I go home to incredible food that is more often than not grown right in Kitsap County, if not our own back yard. My ferry ride is beautiful; there couldn’t be a better way to commute. It’s always interesting to meet my fellow passenger — I sit with a reporter for the Seattle Times, a UW professor, a graphic designer, not to mention a few fellow Barneys employees. Hopping on the boat affords one a pretty great quality of life.

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Tags: Weddings, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Venues