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Showing posts with label ct weddings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ct weddings. Show all posts
From the moment Jessica from Tulaloo was recommend to us, we fell in love!  Her ability to be creative is priceless.  Her work has been featured on NBC CT twice and she has been in Style Me Pretty along with WellWed. We decided that since she is one of our newest members, we should find out a little bit more about her.  


Where did you get the name Tulaloo?
I wanted a business name that was relevant to stationery design but also personal to me. Tulaloo is a combination of "Chartula" (a Latin word meaning "little pieces of paper"), and "Loo" - an old nickname.
What is your favorite style of wedding invite?
I love mixing classic design with unexpected details. A traditional invitation suite in ivory and black with a bright pink envelope liner, a romantic invitation with soft florals, paired with geometric patterns and bold solids on the enclosure cards...there are so many ways to inject fun and personal style into your wedding stationery without taking away from the formality of the event.

What is one thing you wish couples understood the importance of when picking invitations?
The invitation really does set the tone for the wedding day. It is guests' very first glimpse of the wedding and couples should choose an invitation that reflects the level of formality and overall style of the ceremony and reception they are planning. A thoughtfully designed invitation will not only inform guests where to be and when, but will also show them what type of celebration to expect. Couples have so many options when planning their weddings now! Elegant and black tie, rustic farmyard, glamorous art deco, earthy and beachside....By choosing an appropriate invitation for your wedding, your guests won't be left wondering how to dress or whether to expect champagne and strawberries or sliders and beer!
Your favorite invite?
This is like trying to choose a favorite child! So much love and care goes in to each wedding we design - they're all like my babies! Recently, I have been very fond of our Rio design in Tulaloo's ready-made Wedding Collection. The confetti is very fun, and it is such a versatile design! Just by switching up colors and fonts, Rio can go from black-tie reception to retro cocktail party.  
What is your favorite part of any wedding? 
Candace Jeffery Photography
I really enjoy customizing wedding stationery to suit a couple's individual style. Whether we're tailoring a design from our ready-made Wedding Collection or creating something brand new just for them through our Custom Design Service, it is always such a joy when we get it just right and the couple exclaims "It is perfect! That is so 'US'!" For most people, a wedding is the largest celebration they will ever host and a great opportunity to show their guests a great time while putting their personal spin on the event.

Your least favorite part of a wedding?
Again, a wedding is, for most people, the single largest event they will ever host. There can be a lot of pressure from friends and family to do things a certain way. Wedding style blogs and Pinterest are great for inspiration but can also make a couple feel like every single detail of their day needs to be PERFECT. It makes me so sad when clients come into our studio completely stressed out and overwhelmed by wedding planning. The truth is, at the end of the day as long as you end up married to the person you love, your wedding is a great success. A beautiful party is a wonderful thing and great way to celebrate the start of a marriage, but keeping everything in perspective is important.

Name a few benefits of using a professional instead of DIYing it?
A professional stationer will help you with every aspect of your wedding day stationery - including etiquette for wording and addressing. These can be tricky areas to navigate on your own.
We use professional presses and high quality paper - good print quality and straight cuts are surprisingly difficult to achieve when you DIY.
Most of our invitation packages include full assembly and envelope stuffing. That means that everything arrives to you ready to mail saving you precious time and energy.
Name one of the highlights of your business?
I get to make beautiful things and help people celebrate the special moments in their lives - what is better than that?! I especially love when couples continue their relationship with Tulaloo long after their wedding. Creating the birth announcements for a former wedding client is a special treat!
Lastly, just tell a few fun things about you?  Like what is your favorite ice cream, flower and color! 
My husband always get chocolate ice cream, and I always pick the "weird" flavor. Buttered Popcorn was a recent choice! It was so strange, but in a really good way!
I love flowers and full, overflowing gardens, but I am a terrible gardener. We have a hydrangea bush that has bloomed beautiful blue flowers exactly once in the last 10 years.
Blue is my favorite color, especially the really rich shades. Our dining room is a deep ocean blue and it makes me so happy!
Jessica Creter

Owner/Designer ~ Tulaloo Stationery Studio

website | facebook | Engaged Connecticut

Tulaloo: A Paper Goddess!

From the moment Jessica from Tulaloo was recommend to us, we fell in love!  Her ability to be creative is priceless.  Her work has been featured on NBC CT twice and she has been in Style Me Pretty along with WellWed. We decided that since she is one of our newest members, we should find out a little bit more about her.  


Where did you get the name Tulaloo?
I wanted a business name that was relevant to stationery design but also personal to me. Tulaloo is a combination of "Chartula" (a Latin word meaning "little pieces of paper"), and "Loo" - an old nickname.
What is your favorite style of wedding invite?
I love mixing classic design with unexpected details. A traditional invitation suite in ivory and black with a bright pink envelope liner, a romantic invitation with soft florals, paired with geometric patterns and bold solids on the enclosure cards...there are so many ways to inject fun and personal style into your wedding stationery without taking away from the formality of the event.

What is one thing you wish couples understood the importance of when picking invitations?
The invitation really does set the tone for the wedding day. It is guests' very first glimpse of the wedding and couples should choose an invitation that reflects the level of formality and overall style of the ceremony and reception they are planning. A thoughtfully designed invitation will not only inform guests where to be and when, but will also show them what type of celebration to expect. Couples have so many options when planning their weddings now! Elegant and black tie, rustic farmyard, glamorous art deco, earthy and beachside....By choosing an appropriate invitation for your wedding, your guests won't be left wondering how to dress or whether to expect champagne and strawberries or sliders and beer!
Your favorite invite?
This is like trying to choose a favorite child! So much love and care goes in to each wedding we design - they're all like my babies! Recently, I have been very fond of our Rio design in Tulaloo's ready-made Wedding Collection. The confetti is very fun, and it is such a versatile design! Just by switching up colors and fonts, Rio can go from black-tie reception to retro cocktail party.  
What is your favorite part of any wedding? 
Candace Jeffery Photography
I really enjoy customizing wedding stationery to suit a couple's individual style. Whether we're tailoring a design from our ready-made Wedding Collection or creating something brand new just for them through our Custom Design Service, it is always such a joy when we get it just right and the couple exclaims "It is perfect! That is so 'US'!" For most people, a wedding is the largest celebration they will ever host and a great opportunity to show their guests a great time while putting their personal spin on the event.

Your least favorite part of a wedding?
Again, a wedding is, for most people, the single largest event they will ever host. There can be a lot of pressure from friends and family to do things a certain way. Wedding style blogs and Pinterest are great for inspiration but can also make a couple feel like every single detail of their day needs to be PERFECT. It makes me so sad when clients come into our studio completely stressed out and overwhelmed by wedding planning. The truth is, at the end of the day as long as you end up married to the person you love, your wedding is a great success. A beautiful party is a wonderful thing and great way to celebrate the start of a marriage, but keeping everything in perspective is important.

Name a few benefits of using a professional instead of DIYing it?
A professional stationer will help you with every aspect of your wedding day stationery - including etiquette for wording and addressing. These can be tricky areas to navigate on your own.
We use professional presses and high quality paper - good print quality and straight cuts are surprisingly difficult to achieve when you DIY.
Most of our invitation packages include full assembly and envelope stuffing. That means that everything arrives to you ready to mail saving you precious time and energy.
Name one of the highlights of your business?
I get to make beautiful things and help people celebrate the special moments in their lives - what is better than that?! I especially love when couples continue their relationship with Tulaloo long after their wedding. Creating the birth announcements for a former wedding client is a special treat!
Lastly, just tell a few fun things about you?  Like what is your favorite ice cream, flower and color! 
My husband always get chocolate ice cream, and I always pick the "weird" flavor. Buttered Popcorn was a recent choice! It was so strange, but in a really good way!
I love flowers and full, overflowing gardens, but I am a terrible gardener. We have a hydrangea bush that has bloomed beautiful blue flowers exactly once in the last 10 years.
Blue is my favorite color, especially the really rich shades. Our dining room is a deep ocean blue and it makes me so happy!
Jessica Creter

Owner/Designer ~ Tulaloo Stationery Studio

website | facebook | Engaged Connecticut

We are excited to announce that Engaged Connecticut is opening a brand new office in West Hartford.  

ESTOccasions will have offices in our Engaged Connecticut space.  Our other members will be located there from time to time.  We plan on having open house weekends, a launch party of course and so much more. 

Engaged Connecticut is a resource for anyone in the process of planning their wedding or event. Our vendors are invested in ethical business practices while continuing to provide a high level of quality to their customers and to other vendors.

Stay tuned and thank you all for your support! 

p.s.  we are adding in a just a few more members and as soon as our websites gets updated we will share.  

West Hartford Offices

We are excited to announce that Engaged Connecticut is opening a brand new office in West Hartford.  

ESTOccasions will have offices in our Engaged Connecticut space.  Our other members will be located there from time to time.  We plan on having open house weekends, a launch party of course and so much more. 

Engaged Connecticut is a resource for anyone in the process of planning their wedding or event. Our vendors are invested in ethical business practices while continuing to provide a high level of quality to their customers and to other vendors.

Stay tuned and thank you all for your support! 

p.s.  we are adding in a just a few more members and as soon as our websites gets updated we will share.  


A few years ago we had the pleasure of meeting Adriana, the owner, the founder and the mastermind behind The Beauty Bar. Her talent to make any woman shine, feel comfortable and look their best is priceless. From the everyday looks to the stunning wedding looks, her and her crew have you covered. The salon is located in Southington and on wedding day they will travel to you! We asked Adriana about her passion, her tips and her loves and hates in this business. Enjoy!!
When did you realize this was your passion?
When I was 12, I would spend my allowance on lip smackers and hair products and I would experiment new trends and updos on my friends.
What is your own best personal make up tip?
Drink TONS of H20 and Skin care is EVERYTHING! I love a fresh face makeup look. Fluffy lashes, lush lips, Glow-y skin. And a great contoured face. Its just timeless, relevant and yet beautiful. You NEVER want anyone to say "WOW her makeup looks beautiful" You want them to think " Wow! she looks beautiful she's glowing"
When brides come in for trials, what should they bring with them?
Pictures, pictures, pictures. AND if they dont have any idea what they want to do then a picture of their dress along with any inspiration boards are always a FAVE of mine. It gives me a sense of who they are. I also usually ask every bride how they do their own makeup daily. If they tell me they use a ton of mascara and eye liner then that tells me they like their eyes played up and it gives me a starting point.
Your favorite make-up product?
Lipgloss. Lush lips scream sexy.

What is one thing you wish women would stop doing make up wise or hair wise or both?
OH BOY! Where do I begin!?!? 
{ Makeup }
  • Liquid liner should NEVER, EVER go on the bottom lash line.
  • A red lip and yellow teeth should never meet.
  • A dark lipliner and light lip stick should never happen, EVER. It came and went in the 90's and will NEVER make a comeback.
  • A black smokey eye with a bright red lip really shouldn't be put together. Its too much to look at and people dont know where to look first.
{ Hair }
  • If you don't have curly hair please don't attempt to scrunch it with gel/mouse/hairspray ... its not curly. Now it just looks wet all day.
  • Use professional shampoo & conditioner when you get your hair professionally colored. And buy from only professional salons. If you spend $200 for an amazing color application and then use Pantene at home your defeating the purpose. Its like washing your silk dress in TIDE.
  • Even if you hair is fine, still use conditioner. You don't want thirsty hair.
Is there a shade of color your hair hasn't been?
Black, green, blue.
Do you miss your brides after the wedding date?
Yes! I love when I hear from them and when I get to play a part in baby bump shoots, a family shoots etc. I feel like a huge part in their lives after their big day.


What is your favorite thing to do on wedding day?
That moment when the bride looks at herself in the mirror after hair and makeup is complete and her dress is on I like to look at her mother .. because that face tells it all! And of course the {WINK} I get from the photog after they take their few pics and look at them. It means I did my job right.
Air brushing, why you love it?
Full coverage with a light weight feel. Its a veil of full coverage foundation. You can blush naturally right through it. And not ONE MOLECULE of makeup moves. and of course its water resistant
Favorite shade of lipstick?
Daily: HUE- MAC
Bold Pink: Girl about town- MAC
Bold Red: Russian Red - MAC
Fall Color: Heroine - MAC
Favorite shade of eye shadow?
MY NEW FAVE! Stila - Kitten! You'll thank me later!
The one thing all women should do before leaving the house??
Mascara it up ladies! And sashay out that door.

-- 
Kisses, Love & Stilettos!
Adriana
The Beauty Bar

The Beauty Bar

A few years ago we had the pleasure of meeting Adriana, the owner, the founder and the mastermind behind The Beauty Bar. Her talent to make any woman shine, feel comfortable and look their best is priceless. From the everyday looks to the stunning wedding looks, her and her crew have you covered. The salon is located in Southington and on wedding day they will travel to you! We asked Adriana about her passion, her tips and her loves and hates in this business. Enjoy!!
When did you realize this was your passion?
When I was 12, I would spend my allowance on lip smackers and hair products and I would experiment new trends and updos on my friends.
What is your own best personal make up tip?
Drink TONS of H20 and Skin care is EVERYTHING! I love a fresh face makeup look. Fluffy lashes, lush lips, Glow-y skin. And a great contoured face. Its just timeless, relevant and yet beautiful. You NEVER want anyone to say "WOW her makeup looks beautiful" You want them to think " Wow! she looks beautiful she's glowing"
When brides come in for trials, what should they bring with them?
Pictures, pictures, pictures. AND if they dont have any idea what they want to do then a picture of their dress along with any inspiration boards are always a FAVE of mine. It gives me a sense of who they are. I also usually ask every bride how they do their own makeup daily. If they tell me they use a ton of mascara and eye liner then that tells me they like their eyes played up and it gives me a starting point.
Your favorite make-up product?
Lipgloss. Lush lips scream sexy.

What is one thing you wish women would stop doing make up wise or hair wise or both?
OH BOY! Where do I begin!?!? 
{ Makeup }
  • Liquid liner should NEVER, EVER go on the bottom lash line.
  • A red lip and yellow teeth should never meet.
  • A dark lipliner and light lip stick should never happen, EVER. It came and went in the 90's and will NEVER make a comeback.
  • A black smokey eye with a bright red lip really shouldn't be put together. Its too much to look at and people dont know where to look first.
{ Hair }
  • If you don't have curly hair please don't attempt to scrunch it with gel/mouse/hairspray ... its not curly. Now it just looks wet all day.
  • Use professional shampoo & conditioner when you get your hair professionally colored. And buy from only professional salons. If you spend $200 for an amazing color application and then use Pantene at home your defeating the purpose. Its like washing your silk dress in TIDE.
  • Even if you hair is fine, still use conditioner. You don't want thirsty hair.
Is there a shade of color your hair hasn't been?
Black, green, blue.
Do you miss your brides after the wedding date?
Yes! I love when I hear from them and when I get to play a part in baby bump shoots, a family shoots etc. I feel like a huge part in their lives after their big day.


What is your favorite thing to do on wedding day?
That moment when the bride looks at herself in the mirror after hair and makeup is complete and her dress is on I like to look at her mother .. because that face tells it all! And of course the {WINK} I get from the photog after they take their few pics and look at them. It means I did my job right.
Air brushing, why you love it?
Full coverage with a light weight feel. Its a veil of full coverage foundation. You can blush naturally right through it. And not ONE MOLECULE of makeup moves. and of course its water resistant
Favorite shade of lipstick?
Daily: HUE- MAC
Bold Pink: Girl about town- MAC
Bold Red: Russian Red - MAC
Fall Color: Heroine - MAC
Favorite shade of eye shadow?
MY NEW FAVE! Stila - Kitten! You'll thank me later!
The one thing all women should do before leaving the house??
Mascara it up ladies! And sashay out that door.

-- 
Kisses, Love & Stilettos!
Adriana
The Beauty Bar

www.sethkaye.com
www.epicfilmmakers.com





the Reasons, the Myths and the Excuses
Cinematographer Chapter





"At the end of your wedding day all your left with is your memories. Having a cinematic wedding film produced is an investment that will last forever." - Epic Filmmakers

the Reasons
  1. They will capture moments that you can never get back again.  
    • You will see your father walk you down the aisle
    • You will be able to hear your vows to each other.                                                   (Our all time favorite vows ever http://vimeo.com/45652480)
    • A chance to see how your family and friends looked that day.
    • Life can be unpredictable & what a wonderful thing to see be able to look back to see friends & family who are no longer with us, enjoying your day. 
    • It is a wonderful chance to see how everyone spent the day getting ready for the big moment. 
    • Speeches, Laughter, Private Moments, Tears and the Joy of the day!  All things you don't want to miss. 
Dad's Speech Photograph by Epic Filmmakers
the Myths
  1. Don't worry, my friend has an Ipad and has agreed to film our ceremony and parts of the reception. 
    • The truth is that an Ipad or cellphone or even a camcorder quality won't be the same. 
    • A professional will make sure they pick up the right sounds, like your vows clearly and not all ambient noise.  They may even pick the moment, that your father tells you that you look beautiful while holding back tears.  
    • Friends & Family are wonderful and they should spend the day celebrating and not working for you. 
    • While there are great apps available to edit an Ipad or phone video isn't that easy.
the Excuses
  1. I didn't know they cost this much and I can't figure out why. 
    • The truth is that a great one may cost as much or more than your photographer.  They are providing a different service but just as memorable and important as a photographer.
    • They spend an entire day with you and then edit down your entire day into movie, that is not only entertaining but minus all the moments that aren't meaningful.  To edit a full day into a preview or a movie takes time and skill. You can just put together 8 or more hours worth of film into 6 minutes and hope it looks good. 
    • When you are realistic about the cost of certain vendors, you can budget for them more accordingly. 


There are pros and cons to all vendors.  The thing is that you as a couple need to ask yourselves is how do you want to remember one of the most important days of your lives. 

"Every EPIC love story makes it to the BIG SCREEN."




Reasons, Myths & Excuses Cinematographer Chapter

www.sethkaye.com
www.epicfilmmakers.com





the Reasons, the Myths and the Excuses
Cinematographer Chapter





"At the end of your wedding day all your left with is your memories. Having a cinematic wedding film produced is an investment that will last forever." - Epic Filmmakers

the Reasons
  1. They will capture moments that you can never get back again.  
    • You will see your father walk you down the aisle
    • You will be able to hear your vows to each other.                                                   (Our all time favorite vows ever http://vimeo.com/45652480)
    • A chance to see how your family and friends looked that day.
    • Life can be unpredictable & what a wonderful thing to see be able to look back to see friends & family who are no longer with us, enjoying your day. 
    • It is a wonderful chance to see how everyone spent the day getting ready for the big moment. 
    • Speeches, Laughter, Private Moments, Tears and the Joy of the day!  All things you don't want to miss. 
Dad's Speech Photograph by Epic Filmmakers
the Myths
  1. Don't worry, my friend has an Ipad and has agreed to film our ceremony and parts of the reception. 
    • The truth is that an Ipad or cellphone or even a camcorder quality won't be the same. 
    • A professional will make sure they pick up the right sounds, like your vows clearly and not all ambient noise.  They may even pick the moment, that your father tells you that you look beautiful while holding back tears.  
    • Friends & Family are wonderful and they should spend the day celebrating and not working for you. 
    • While there are great apps available to edit an Ipad or phone video isn't that easy.
the Excuses
  1. I didn't know they cost this much and I can't figure out why. 
    • The truth is that a great one may cost as much or more than your photographer.  They are providing a different service but just as memorable and important as a photographer.
    • They spend an entire day with you and then edit down your entire day into movie, that is not only entertaining but minus all the moments that aren't meaningful.  To edit a full day into a preview or a movie takes time and skill. You can just put together 8 or more hours worth of film into 6 minutes and hope it looks good. 
    • When you are realistic about the cost of certain vendors, you can budget for them more accordingly. 


There are pros and cons to all vendors.  The thing is that you as a couple need to ask yourselves is how do you want to remember one of the most important days of your lives. 

"Every EPIC love story makes it to the BIG SCREEN."







We often have the debate, do we or don't we provide a program.  We love programs but we understand the pros and the cons to them.  We felt that we could just list a few talking points on the subject and hope that it is helpful to you.



Every Last Detail
photo by Larrisa
Cleveland Photography
Chalkboard all in One
  • It can be a  budget drain {of course ordering programs is going to take from your budget.  It is a given and if you have to have it, and they are important to you, then do create them}
  • There is always the question of how many to order.  One per person, one per couple.  We have found that you order 75% of how many guests are attending!  The last thing you want to have is a ton of leftovers.
  • How do I make sure everyone gets one?  {Have your wedding party hand them out, or place on every chair or maybe this idea from Every Last Detail and attach one to each chair.  They are cute and a tiny bit different.} 
  • There is always the option of creating ONE noticeable wedding program for everyone to view.  A chalkboard, or printed canvas might be the way to go.  
  • Going for the one program, make sure everyone can have easy access, that it will stand up indoors or outdoors with no issues and do your best to create it a few days before the wedding, if not a month prior.  This should be a #PDIY {Practical Do It Yourself Project} and just make sure you can make changes if you create it months prior. 
  • What do you add, lots of details or a tiny bit of details.  The choice is yours.  We do suggest that you add in the important things, like your names, the date, location and at least a simple deadline.  It is sweet to add in bridal party information, and parents. We also love a program with a personal touch, like how you met, or the proposal story. 
  • Have someone double check the spelling before you order them.  Simple and easy advice to ensuring perfect programs. 
  • You have options and one of the best things you can do for yourself, is leave one of the programs at home.  This way you don't have to worry about bringing one back home. 
  • Drink Station & Programs at an ESTOccasions Wedding. 
  • Make sure your guests have easy access to them.  Don't hide them. 
A program isn't a must but it is a nice bonus to the day.  If you can afford it, create just enough of them and then let it go.  Don't stress about anymore. 








A program for your program



We often have the debate, do we or don't we provide a program.  We love programs but we understand the pros and the cons to them.  We felt that we could just list a few talking points on the subject and hope that it is helpful to you.



Every Last Detail
photo by Larrisa
Cleveland Photography
Chalkboard all in One
  • It can be a  budget drain {of course ordering programs is going to take from your budget.  It is a given and if you have to have it, and they are important to you, then do create them}
  • There is always the question of how many to order.  One per person, one per couple.  We have found that you order 75% of how many guests are attending!  The last thing you want to have is a ton of leftovers.
  • How do I make sure everyone gets one?  {Have your wedding party hand them out, or place on every chair or maybe this idea from Every Last Detail and attach one to each chair.  They are cute and a tiny bit different.} 
  • There is always the option of creating ONE noticeable wedding program for everyone to view.  A chalkboard, or printed canvas might be the way to go.  
  • Going for the one program, make sure everyone can have easy access, that it will stand up indoors or outdoors with no issues and do your best to create it a few days before the wedding, if not a month prior.  This should be a #PDIY {Practical Do It Yourself Project} and just make sure you can make changes if you create it months prior. 
  • What do you add, lots of details or a tiny bit of details.  The choice is yours.  We do suggest that you add in the important things, like your names, the date, location and at least a simple deadline.  It is sweet to add in bridal party information, and parents. We also love a program with a personal touch, like how you met, or the proposal story. 
  • Have someone double check the spelling before you order them.  Simple and easy advice to ensuring perfect programs. 
  • You have options and one of the best things you can do for yourself, is leave one of the programs at home.  This way you don't have to worry about bringing one back home. 
  • Drink Station & Programs at an ESTOccasions Wedding. 
  • Make sure your guests have easy access to them.  Don't hide them. 
A program isn't a must but it is a nice bonus to the day.  If you can afford it, create just enough of them and then let it go.  Don't stress about anymore. 









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