Look for clues in your own backyard!
Click here to read about our couple Stacy and Jeff's Fall Wedding!
Look for clues in your own backyard!
Click here to read about our couple Stacy and Jeff's Fall Wedding!
Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
Trying to find a unique wedding gift for your Groom?
Why not surprise him with his dream car...for a day!
At Gotham Dream Cars, you can rent luxury vehicles for your Groom to cruise around in for a day. Their luxury lines include some of the most exclusive manufacturers in the world such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and more! Want in on the action? Consider renting your dream car for your Wedding Day - and leave together in style.
This is surely a great way to surprise any Groom- just imagine his face when you hand over that set of keys (but be sure to remind him that he has to return it!)
Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
I recently attended a jewelry showcase for one of our favorite wedding professionals, Vandana Jewelry. Vandana has custom created jewelry for several of our Brides and her creations have been featured on the Style Network reality show "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?"
The showcase featured some of the latest trends in jewelry including fun, funky cocktail rings.
I picked up a couple of stylish pieces including a double onyx and sterling silver bracelet and elegant pearl and crystal earrings.
I asked Vandana about her company and if she could share with us all some ways to pick the perfect jewelry for your wedding day. Please read on for her great tips.
Happy Planning,
Priscilla
Vandana Jewelry is elegant and feminine. I started to design and make jewelry over a decade ago and found a passion for creating wearable art. Since then, my focus has evolved into a variety of areas of hand-made jewelry design.
The materials that I use are sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, and gold overlaid on sterling silver. I source only the highest-quality pieces so my clients can enjoy their jewelry's beauty for a lifetime.
Have you ever wished that someone could design jewelry that was uniquely suited to your personality, style, and taste? As a bride, you want a unique piece of jewelry that is yours and yours alone on your special and memorable day.
When selecting jewelry for your wedding day consider the following:
1) Colors that compliment your skin tone: Pearls are great since they can actually compliment just about any skin tone and since they come in a variety of colors it is easy to find a color that works well with you. To compliment olive and darker skin tones, sterling silver and/or clear colored crystals along with pearls work well. For pinkish skin tones we recommend gold tones with colored Swarovski crystals to match your wedding colors if possible.
2) Neckline & Color of your dress: For a sweetheart neckline, maybe consider a longer necklace with a Swarovski crystal teardrop pendant. The size of the pendant can vary. For a straight neckline, choose a shorter necklace with elegant and simple accents. If you have a cream colored dress, cream colored pearls to match work wonderfully. For dresses with crystals and/or sequins, Swarovski crystal pieces accent very nicely with them.
3) Length and size of pieces that work with your body type: For petite frames, choose shorter necklaces and not too heavy or chunky pieces. For medium frames, 18 inch necklaces and matching bracelets work nicely. For large frames, brides can usually pull off a 3 piece set of necklace, earrings & bracelet.
4) A piece that will make you feel that it was especially made for you: When you buy a customized unique piece of jewelry that is a result of a consultation with a designer and really takes into account all the things unique to you, this is a piece that you will treasure for years to come. Every time you put it on not only will it remind you of your special wedding day but the fact that no one else in the world has this unique piece and that it is as special as you are.
For samples of my work, please visit www.vandanajewelry.com. My specialty is in customizing unique one of a kind pieces so feel free to contact me for any special requests.
Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
I had been waiting all year for the National Stationery Show at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. I could not wait to see all of the latest products available and discover the best suppliers out there in order to expand what we offer our clients even more. Finally, the wait was over in May. I spent hours walking aisle after aisle visiting the booths of hundreds of stationery vendors.
The overall biggest trend that was very apparent at the show was customization. No longer will couples settle for cookie cutter invitations. They want their wedding to be their own unique creation and want their invitations to reflect their personal style.
Some other trends that I discovered at the show were:
- Pockets - Pocket invitations are a wonderful way to present your invitations to your guests while keeping all of the enclosure cards together in a nice, neat package. There were some gorgeous options from Marsupial Pouches & Papers which included unique embossed pockets which we are now offering to our clients.
- Exotic Papers - There were many companies at the show that offered amazing, unique papers from around the world that we will be proudly offering to our clients. These included fabulous woven papers that mimic the look of bamboo for tropical destination weddings and butterfly print silk envelopes that would be perfect for Spring bridal showers.
- Adorable Customizable Favor Boxes - I was able to preview the brand new favor boxes that are being offered by one of our suppliers, Do It With More Options. They are all completely customizable and available in 30 colors.
- Personalized Postage - Put a special touch on your invitations by creating your own postage to match the look of your invitations. We can now help you create beautiful postage stamps that coordinate with the look of your wedding or feature a photo of the two of you.
We are very excited to be able to offer the latest products from many of the suppliers at the show to give you even more options for your wedding to be one of a kind.
Give us a call at 973-518-3380 to discuss how we can help you completely personalize your wedding from everything from invitations to programs to favors.
Happy Planning,
Priscilla
Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
Last week we had the pleasure of spending an evening at the Jacqueline Pasquale Spa in Edgewater, NJ. While Leah was on her cross-country adventure, we were treated to a private pampering session where we learned tips to help our brides get ready while they are away for a destination wedding.
Owners Jacqui and Pasquale were gracious hosts, and they rolled out the “red carpet,” treating us to wine and Hor'dourves in a relaxing and inviting environment. There were several stations set up for us to visit to experience different treatments so we could share our experiences with our brides.
One stop was with Juliann who demonstrated the Ultrasonic Microdermabrasion. The technology has been widely used and popularized since the early 1980’s in Europe. We had the demonstrations on our hands where the stainless steel tip of the hand piece was used to increase circulation, improving the skin’s texture. It is safe for all skin types and does not have any side effects. By the end of the process, we all had visible improvements, as our hands looked smoother. For more information, and to learn about Juliann’s skincare products, contact her at 7760-727-0138 or at juliannskincare@yahoo.com. Alan Jordan was also on hand to provide back massages. His services include massage therapy, neuromuscular therapy for chronic stress, prenatal massage and lymphatic breast massage to promote health and wellness care. He also offers package discounts ~ perfect for the bride looking to distress before the wedding. At the end of our treatments, we all felt really relaxed and stress free. You can reach Alan at 551-795-5224 or visit his website at www.alanjordanmassage.com.
We even met wedding and event videographer Dan Hart from R Tank Media. He serves the tri-state area and beyond, and does 1 or 2 camera shoots. He can do a full documentation of the day’s events or a tightly edited 2 hour dramatic keepsake. He offers pre-ceremony and reception coverage, video montage and many more a la carte options. You can also have a choice of high definition blu-ray or DVD quality video. Learn more at www.rtankmedia.com or contact him at 201-408-4835.
One of the big highlights of the evening was receiving a make-up lesson from Jacqui ~ a service she offers to Destination Brides who are looking to do their own make-up. We also received tips on various hairstyles from Laura Koski. Our styles ranged from a complete up-do on Priscilla, to a half up and half down style on Candice, to loose locks with handmade flower pieces on Soroya and Nicole demonstrating both a long and shoulder length style. It was great to see how all the looks would be perfect for a seaside affair.
Make-up was put on to look sun-kissed and natural. Rosy cheeks and pink glossy lips were the look, with some shimmer on the eyes. Priscilla was even treated to eyelash extensions, which made for a very dramatic enhancement. Overall, our looks were glamorous but not overdone and the best part is that we learned to do it ourselves. We had such a great time, and we now feel even more confident about assisting our brides with hair and make-up when we are managing their destination weddings. There’s nothing like learning from such great pros! Thanks again Jacqui, Pasquale, Laura, Juliann, Alan and Dan.
Stay Fabulous,
The Finishing Touch Team
Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
Airbrush Tanning is the safest most effective way to achieve the perfect healthy tan. I ask myself, why isn’t everyone doing this? I have been airbrush tanning my clients for over six years. You have seen my tans at the Oscars, the Grammys, the MTV Video Music Awards, the Tribeca Film Festival, the Sundance Film Festival and the list goes on.
Airbrush tanning can be for everyone. It is all about finding the best places with a staff that is educated on the solutions and the process. Please do your research! The main ingredient in airbrush tanning solution is called DHA. There are many levels of DHA that can be used. This is what makes your body naturally tan itself. This is a perfect treatment for a bride, bridesmaid, someone going to an event, or just someone who enjoys tanning and loves to keep a colorful glow about them. The best places should be able to customize a color specifically to you. What that means is different color choices with the ability to add red, bronzer or DHA to your color to customize it for you.
Many people use tanning beds which are proven to be very dangerous, yet they are as popular as ever. With an airbrush tan you can achieve a bronze color in one session! This would take multiple sessions in a harmful tanning bed! With an airbrush tan you will not experience any burning, danger, or bad side effects such as peeling, irritation or more important Skin Cancer. Instead you will have a healthy natural tan with no bad health repercussion.
Skin Cancer has risen so dramatically because of the dangerous rays of the sun and Tanning Beds. Now there is a wonderful and safe alternative. Go get a custom airbrush tan. It will change your life, it has changed mine. I always wear the highest SPF in the sun but I always have a great tan. No one ever knows it’s fake and won’t know yours is airbrushed on.
Airbrush Tanning is in Fashion! No more wrinkles people. Go get moisturized and tanned at the same time! Now you can be fashionable, sexy, look young, and most important, be healthy!
See me demonstrating an airbrush tan at the link below.
Have A Beautiful and Healthy Day!
With Love,
Jacqui Phillips
Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
Last week, Candice, Priscilla & I headed into the cold of New York City to attend the annual New York International Gift Fair held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The event draws in large volumes of a variety of industry workers, from wedding planners to department store buyers. For those who may be unaware of what a gift fair consists of, thousands of international vendors rent out "booths" to market and sell their various products and services, typically at wholesale price in bulk quantities. Booth categories range from Homemade Crafts to Bath & Bedding to General Gifts. This year, the Javits Center housed over 3,000 exhibitors which were handpicked to serve more than 36,000 buyers.

As event planners, our primary focus was in the General Gifts section as we searched for fun trends in favors, gifts and décor items for our current and future clients. From 9:30am to 4:00pm, the three of us trekked down aisle after aisle, searching for ideas and meeting with some wonderful vendors. For an upcoming wedding, we researched straw baskets and fans, as well as some very cute table centerpiece umbrellas. For another wedding, we found the perfect table lamps to add to our centerpiece design!
We also of course browsed stationery booths for fabric, ribbon and specialty paper to add to our new design division inventory. We found some beautiful new papers that are sure to add a touch of personality to our clients invitations and decor pieces.
Of course as Candice is a crazy purse lover, we must admit that we also scoped out some personal goodies for ourselves and some amazing prices!
We found the gift fair to be a great place to spark design and décor ideas. The fair was full of unique and fun items that you may have never even thought of to incorporate in your event. We must have exclaimed 'oh we should do this!' or 'let's show (bride) this idea!' over and over again. Thankfully we had our notepads and cameras handy.
After a tiring but fun day, we headed home to start sharing some of the awesome new design trends and favor ideas we had found with the team and our clients.
To learn more about the gift show you can visit their website: www.nyigf.com.
Happy Planning!!!
Nicole
Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
What a year! 2008 flew by so quickly and was so full of amazing events, we can hardly believe 2009 is already here.
As we think of all of the wonderful things we have to be thankful for here at The Finishing Touch, we would like to take this opportunity to look back on 2008 and talk about all of the fantastic events and accomplishments. We would also like to let you know about the great things we have coming up in the new year.
2008 brought many changes to The Finishing Touch. We opened a London office to cater to European clients looking to get married in the NY Metro area and US clients planning European destination weddings and honeymoons.
We gained four new team members - Leah Rosensweig, Nicole Spagnoli, Priscilla Leto, and Soroya Campbell.
Another huge milestone that we are very excited about is that we added an Event Decor Design division specializing in creation of unique custom stationery and decor including invitations, programs, menus, seating cards, table numbers, favors, and bridal party gifts.
Photos above by Infnity Photography, Francesco Mastalia Photography, and Ron Holtz Photography
One of our accomplishments for the year, is that we were selected to plan The Knot Magazine's annual North New Jersey Market Party which will be featured in their upcoming January 2009 issue. The Olde Mill Innwas transformed into a chic Rainforest to showcase the event's "Going Green" theme.
Photography by Magique Studios, Cake by Pink Cake Box, Furniture by Jersey Street Furniture Rental, and Floral Design by Santos Florist
Of course, most importantly, there were our fabulous couples and their families. We were so honored to be able to be part of their big day and help them make that day even more special and perfect.
We rang in 2008 with Meghan & Kevin at their New Year's Eve Wedding at The Manor in West Orange, NJ. Then it was off to the Dreams Resortin Cabo San Lucas with Jamie & Jason where we coordinated a gorgeous beach wedding and "Mess the Dress" session with their photographer, Norman Gilbert. Their "Mess the Dress" session was featured in NJ Bride, NJ Monthly, the NY Times, 201 Bride.com, and even on TV.
Up next was a cherry blossom fantasy wedding for Beth & Alex at The Roosevelt Hotel in NYC. Then a beautiful seaside affair for Letty & Jeff in Cape May at the Hotel Alcott.
Photos by Aleksey Photography
With the Spring also came the Bridal Shower, Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner, and Wedding for Rebecca & John. Each event was uniquely personalized for the couple by our Event Design division. Look for their "Match Made in Heaven" wedding at The Knoll Country Club in the January 2009 issue of Contemporary Bride.
Photos by Infinity Photography, Floral Design by Santos Florist
Spring also brought a truly one-of-a-kind wedding for Tiffany & Howie. This very fun, memorable wedding at The Addison Parkwas filled with unique touches and entertainment including a fairy tale horse drawn coach, a living statue, a jazz band, an acapella group, and a magician for the kids. To top all that, the very talented Bride had a music video of herself singing "God Bless This Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts professionally recorded by Pro Video Productions to play during the couples' first dance much to the Groom's surprise. Click here to go to our Facebook page to see the video "Tiffany & Howie's Love Story".
Photos by Artistic Imagery Photography, Floral Design by Diana Gould Ltd., Living Statue from World Gate Entertainment, Horse Drawn Coach from Valentine Carriage
Rose & Mike's chic Pink and Brown wedding at The Venetian kicked off the summer. (More about Rose & Mike's wedding in an upcoming blog entry).
Then began a very busy Fall. Irene & Alex's intimate ceremony was held in Central Park and their sophisticated wedding dinner was held at Le Bernardin. Irene looked beautiful in her Oscar de la Renta gown and, in fact, was the very first Bride to wear this stunning creation that has been featured in countless magazines.
Photos by Francesco Mastalia Photography, Floral Design by The Romantic Garden
Jill & Alan's wedding at the Puck Building was the ultimate New York City wedding. The Puck Building was transformed into a swanky lounge for an all night cocktail party. The talented Bride's gorgeous artwork was used to personalize everything from the invitations to even the cake. To watch a video clip from Bitcon Productions of this amazing wedding , click here.
Photos by Francesco Mastalia Photography, Floral Design by Florisan, Cake by The Painted Cake, Rentals by Jersey Street Furniture Rental
September also included a tented wedding at the romantic Oakside Mansion for Laura & Travis. (More on their wedding in an upcoming blog entry.)
Autumn in all its splendor was featured at Stacy & Jeff's posh affair at The Green Brook Country Club.
Photos by Ron Holtz Photography, Floral Design by The Romantic Garden, Cake by Carlo's Bakery
Mariana & Andrew's wedding was the epitome of New York City style and elegance.
Photos by Grant Govier Photography, Floral Design by Thomas C. Anderson, Cake by Ron Ben-Israel
Jayme & Nick's wedding at the Manor in West Orange showcased the beauty of the Fall season with personal touches like custom pumpkin carvings and mini pumpkin seating card holders.
Whitney & Michael's nature inspired Chocolate Brown and French Blue wedding at the Montclair Golf Club showcased the Groom's Scottish hertiage with kilts, traditional fare and drink, and of course, a bagpiper. (More on their wedding in an upcoming post entry.)
We would like to thank all of the fabulous vendors we work with - the venues, photographers, videographers, hair/makeup stylists, caterers, officiants, musicians, DJs, limo companies, bridal gown and tuxedo shops, floral designers, rental companies - without whom none of these fabulous events would be possible.
We have some very exciting plans for 2009. We have fantastic weddings coming up including a Dominican Republic destination wedding, a New York City destination wedding for one of our London clients, and an "Old Hollywood Glitz and Glamor" styled wedding. Be on the lookout for details on these and many more weddings and events in the upcoming year.
We also look forward to expanding our Decor Division in the future to help even more couples personalize their weddings and make them truly memorable.
Be sure to watch for us in the media in early 2009. Our founder, Candice Benson, will be on an upcoming episode of Get Married on Lifetime. In addition several of our events will be featured in industry print: Rebecca & John's wedding will be featured in the upcoming January issue of Contemporary Bride; Tiffany & Howie's wedding will be in the upcoming issue of NJ Bride which will also feature Candice in an article on top Wedding Consultant secrets; The Knot North New Jersey Market Party will be featured in their upcoming issue out in January ~ with more to come as the year goes on.
Thank you all so much again for your continued support and for allowing us to be a part of your very special day! All the Best in 2009 and Beyond,
The Team at The Finishing Touch
Candice, Leah, Nicole, Priscilla, and Soroya
Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|
On a perfect crisp Fall morning, the bridesmaids all convened at the Nardi residence with hair and makeup done and began to toast Jayme, the Bride. As we greeted the florist, photographers and videographer upon their arrivals, the girls continued to enjoy mimosas and bagels together.
When the time came to get dressed, the bridesmaids slipped on their long espresso brown gowns, along with ivory elbow-length gloves, a gift from the Bride. Jayme then put on her beautiful gown complete with 50 white buttons down the back.
The ladies then made their way to the church in an Escalade, followed by Jayme and her parents in a vintage Rolls Royce. The church was decorated in-season, with autumn mum plants on the altar, white bows on the pews and fall leaves sprinkled down the aisle by the flower girl.
With an all-white bouquet in hand, Jayme was escorted down the aisle by her father, to the Schiller Quartet playing ‘Eleanor Rigby’. The ceremony went beautifully, complete with a unity candle lighting and parent recognition with a single rose. Upon the conclusion, the couple exited down a red carpet, through a sea of bubbles.
While the couple and bridal party took photos at the church, The Finishing Touch was busy decorating the reception site, The Manor in West Orange, New Jersey. With miniature pumpkins as place card holders and carved pumpkins with the couple’s initials, the cocktail lounge truly emulated an Autumn wedding.
Once guests were invited into the Imperial Room, each bridal party couple was introduced by Dash of Class DJ Entertainment to their own song personally picked by the Bride and Groom. Just before the Bride and Groom were announced, a photomontage played, highlighting funny and cute baby pictures of the Bride and Groom. The couple entered to Love Shack and proceeded into their choreographed first dance. An elaborate and fun dance, the couple kept guests’ eyes on them as they danced to ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You’.
Keeping with their Autumn theme, the reception was decorated with brown linens and gorgeous Manzonita tree centerpieces complete with leaves, autumn florals and amber votives from Bill O'Sheas Florist.
Creative pumpkin carvings were illuminated to show designs of a Bride and Groom as well as Jayme and Nick’s names and wedding date.
Dinner consisted of a 4-course meal hand picked by the couple, complete with a Viennese sampler dessert dish, as well as a canoli-filled 4-tiered wedding cake. For a personal touch, the Bride had the cake-topper customized to look like both herself and her Groom!
The night was full of dancing and celebration, with toasts from both the Maid of Honor and Best Man as well as an emotional Father of the Bride.
As they left for the evening, guests were given personalized miniature wine bottles with a personalized thank you from Jayme and Nick.
This very special day was captured by Magique Studios Photography and Classic Video Productions.
Best Wishes,
Nikki, Candice, and Soroya
Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Reblog
(0)
| | Save to del.icio.us
|
|