“The Intimate Event” Showcase ~ Presented By JB Lighting Production ~ Land and Sea Event Planning

Please register for this complimentary showcase at www.theintimateevent.eventbrite.com

Company Launch at Montclair Museum of Art.

Company Launch at Montclair Museum of Art.

 

Let’s Eat Cake!

Let’s Eat Cake

Wedding cakes can certainly range in size, from a small cake that feeds ten people, to a very large cake that will feed hundreds, all depending on the wedding. Modern pastry chefs and cake designers use various ingredients and tools to create a cake that will reflect the personalities of the couple. Marzipan, fondant, gum paste, butter cream  and chocolate are among some of the more popular ingredients used. Along with ranging in size and components, cakes range in price. Cakes are usually priced on a per-person, or per-slice, basis.  Prices usually range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per-person or slice, depending on the Pastry Chef hired to make the cake. Wedding cakes and cake decorating in general have become a certain pop culture symbol in western society; many TV shows like Cake Boss or Amazing Wedding Cakes have become very common and are trending in today’s popular culture.
The contemporary wedding cake has grown out of many traditions. One of the first traditions began in Ancient Rome where bread was broken over the bride’s head to bring good fortune to the couple. In Medieval England cakes were stacked as high as possible for the bride and groom to kiss over, if they successfully kissed over the stack they were guaranteed a prosperous life together. From this the Croquembouche was created. The myth behind this cake tells that a Pastry chef, visiting Medieval England, witnessed their tradition of piling sweet rolls between the bride and groom which they would attempt to kiss over without knocking them all down. The pastry chef then went back to France and piled sweet rolls up into a tower to make the first Croquembouche. The modern croquembouche is still very popular in France however it is common to place the croquembouche tower on a bed of cake and make it one of the top tiers of the wedding cake. This traditional French wedding cake is built from Profiteroles and given a halo of spun sugar.  Traditionally the bride would place a ring inside the couple’s portion of the cake to symbolize the acceptance of the proposal.
During the mid-17th century to the beginning of the 19th century, the “bride’s pie” was served at most weddings. Guests were expected to have a piece out of politeness; it was considered very rude and bad luck not to eat the bride’s pie. One of the traditions of bride’s pie was to place a glass ring in the middle of the dessert and the maiden who found it would be the next to marry, similar to the modern tradition of catching the Flower bouquet. Bride’s pie eventually developed into the bride’s cake. At this point the dessert was no longer in the form of a pie and was sweeter than its predecessor.  The bride cake was traditionally a plum or fruit cake, the myth that eating the pie would bring good luck was still common but the glass ring slowly died out and the catching of the flower bouquet took that meaning.
The action of throwing the bouquet has its roots in the Ancient Greek myth of the Apple of Discord. Fruit cakes were a sign of fertility and prosperity which helped them gain popularity because all married men wanted to have plenty of children. The bride’s cake eventually transformed into the modern wedding cake that we know today.  In the 17th century, two cakes were made, one for the bride and one for the groom. The groom’s cake eventually died out and the bride’s cake turned into the main cake for the event. When the two cakes were served together, the groom’s cake was typically the darker colored, rich fruit cake and generally much smaller than the bride’s cake. The bride’s cake was usually a simple pound cake with white icing because white was a sign of virginity and purity. In the early 19th century, when the bride’s cakes were becoming more popular, sugar was coincidentally becoming easier to obtain. The more refined and whiter sugars were still very expensive therefore only the wealthy families could afford to have a very pure white frosting; this showed the wealth and the social status of the family. When Queen Victoria used white icing on her cake it gained a new title, royal icing.  You just have to wonder where these traditions came from. Do you know what inspired the traditional staples of Weddings today?

Vendor Feature: Danielle Beyer of Beyer Beauty

Our Managing Partner, Carol Nagy, recently sat down to interview one of our very favorite vendors: Makeup Artist, Danielle Beyer. Danielle has worked on several events with Land and Sea Event Planning and her work is exceptional. Check out her story below to see how Danielle got started and what makes her a top vendor in her field.

danielleheadshot

Danielle’s Story

Danielle Beyer, a freelance makeup artist and expert in custom-blended cosmetics, is the owner of  Beyer Beauty. Prior to starting her business, Danielle worked in the retail arena with a focus on personal shopping and bridal consulting. She has participated in the March on Madison Bridal Event, NYC and has attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, where she has continued her education in Color Analysis, Trend Forecasting and Image Consulting.

Danielle has developed her own beauty and consulting business, Beyer Beauty. She has partnered with the internationally-known cosmetic line, Motives by Loren Ridinger. This cosmetic line is suitable for every age, every skin color and every skin condition. Danielle’s business provides advanced beauty application for all occasions, skincare recommendations, wellness solutions, tips and training. Danielle’s attention to detail, friendly disposition, and passion for making other feel beautiful is what makes her the premier makeup artist for any occasion.

L&S: Danielle, we absolutely love your work. In fact, we wish to thank you so much for making us beautiful for our recent headshots. So when did your interest in cosmetics begin?

DB: Growing up I never really wore a lot of makeup, however, I was always fascinated with color and taking really good care of my skin. My interest in starting a business with cosmetics and skincare began in 1998 and  I started to develop my own business in 2000.

L&S: Where do you get your inspiration from?

DB: The people whom I work with inspire me the most–my clients. When you can look at someone’s face, see beauty in it, and help them accentuate their best features — that’s inspiring! I also look to fashion for inspiration in creating certain makeup looks.

L&S: Wow! That’s how we feel about our clients…we want their events to be the best! That’s what inspires us as well. So in your eyes….is all makeup created equal?

DB: No. Looking past the price tag or cute packaging it comes in…if it’s of poor quality it will “sit” on your skin, almost like a mask. That’s why I often hear from many women that they don’t like the way makeup feels on their skin. If it is the right quality, you won’t feel it. It won’t sit on your skin like an extra layer. Also, the colors stay true to the color it looks like in the packaging and won’t fade on your skin.

L&S: That makes a lot of sense. How important is “photo-friendly” makeup? What doe that mean for pictures?

DB: When I think of photo-friendly makeup, I think of high-quality makeup and how it is applied to the skin. This will be the contributing factor to having your makeup last all day and night. It’s important to start with the right foundation as your base and build from there. This is essential, especially when being photographed. You want your makeup to accentuate your skin and make you look luminous. With the right combination of makeup, you will glow but not “shine”; this is photo-friendly at its best.

L&S: What tips would you give someone if they want to modify their look for a more glam finish?

DB: Try picking a feature you would like to stand out. Smokey eyes or a bold lip. Defined cheekbones with a dusting of bronzer or lush lashes by adding some false lashes. Have fun and experiment. The most important thing, though, is being comfortable in your own skin.

L&S: What types of services do you provide makeup for?

DB: Anything from weddings, special events, and photo shoot to fundraisers, fashion shows, and salon days of beauty. I also provide custom consultations for clients for their beauty, skincare and health supplementation needs. I help them find their perfect color palette and create custom formulas for foundation and minerals to exactly match their skin.

L&S: What are the 5 things most people may not know about you?

DB:

1. I’m a vegetarian but you may occasionally find me eating a meatball or hotdog.

2. I’ve always wanted to work at SeaWorld.

3. When I was five I wanted to be an actress/singer/dance/fashion designer; never wanted to be just one thing.

4. I fell off a banana boat in the Caribbean and broke my rib (I seem to have an affliction for “falling”).

5. My most favorite place on earth is the beach.

L&S: Any other tips or advice?

DB: Take good care of your skin. Your skin and health will shine through, no matter  how much makeup you have on. Be true to yourself, never settle, find what makes you happy and run with it:)

Contact Information:

Danielle Beyer

Beyer Beauty

http://www.BeyerBeauty.com

Tel: 732.259.7580

VM: 800-211-1202, ext. 1072

 

2012 Wedding Trends: A Year in Review

We are looking back at 2012 Wedding Trends: A Year in Review

Hey Beautiful People!

As we approach the end of 2012, it’s time to reflect and revisit some of the beautiful designs we’ve experienced this past year. From wedding gowns,  to eclectic table design, we’re looking back at some pretty amazing weddings.  Join us on this journey and let these terrific visuals stimulate you for YOUR next event!!!

A beautiful, sexy shoe in your favorite color under your gown? We saw that in 2012 and we definitely want to see it again in 2013. That trend is a keeper!

Couples found some unique ways to set up their wedding ceremonies and their guests loved it!!

Source: bellethemagazine.com via Land and Sea Event Planning on Pinterest

Chair design played an important role in the overall decor for the recetio.Source: stylemepretty.com via Land and Sea Event Planning on Pinterest

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Who knew that blush pink would be the breakout color for wedding gowns in 2012? If you missed it, check out Jessica Biel’s wedding dress!

 

Some brides left the traditional veils behind and opted for a simple, yet beautiful headpiece accessory.

 

Barnyard weddings made a big splash for 2012–we expect to see more of these in 2013!

Mason jars were at almost every outdoor wedding…have we seen the last of them? Only time will tell!

 

We’ve seen a HUGE push for suspended centerpieces. Check out these hanging branches flanked by table numbers. And whatever you do, don’t forget to include candles….everywhere. We believe there can never be too many….LOVE!

 

Clean, modern, minimal…our city brides LOVE this!

Lounge furniture showed up at a bunch of weddings – and we never saw the same design twice! Grab some custom pillows with your monogram and don’t forget to use LEDs to light up the furniture! POW!

 

Brides want different, so they are considering necklines other than strapless…we are definitely going to see some lovely necklines in lace, off-the-shoulder, spaghetti straps, one-shoulder, and much more! And the back of the dress will become more of a focal point for the more daring brides…we can’t wait to see it all in 2013!

The sweetheart table may be replaced by take a back seat to the old-school head table or dais, which is making  a comeback. We’ll be designing a few, but with a modern twist. For those that do have the sweetheart table, make sure it’s a show-stopper like this one! 

 

Burlap was big in 2012…and will continue to be present in 2013.

Custom signs for the outdoor wedding is one of the fun elements we love! 

 

Buffet vs. Sit Down vs. Stations vs. Cocktail Reception….couples pushed the envelope to entice their guests with eclectic food service at their weddings. Whatever you decide, make it an engaging, yet delicious experience. Food trucks anyone?

Kick-Start Your Business for 2013!

If you’re a small business owner, whose product or service involves using pictures to attract customers, you’ll want to read this.

Our friend and colleague, Feuza Reis is offering a valuable hands-on workshop on January 27, 2013. This is a “can’t miss” opportunity to get found online immediately.

Click this link to sign up for this incredible workshop:

 https://www.fisheyeconnect.com/workshop/2103/are-you-ready-to-get-found-online–book-more-clients-for-2013.aspx

Space is limited – make sure you catch the early bird discounted price by January 5, 2013!

Are you ready to

Get Found Online and Book More Clients

for 2013?

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If you’re ready, then you need to attend this important hands on workshop:
Join Nationally Featured Wedding Photographer , Blogger and SEO consultant, Feuza Reis as she hosts this new and dynamic seminar.
Who can benefit from this valuable seminar:
Photographers
Videographers
Event Planners
Floral Designers
Cake Designers
Artists….
And any small business owner whose website or blog is driven by the use of pictures with great visual content.
 Photographers and most small business owners struggle with SEO because let’s face it, unless you’re a techie, it’s pretty boring and time-consuming. Your time is better is spent booking and working with your clients. So now that you have all those great pictures on your website, let’s get you found online and booking more clients!
 
This workshop will be hands-on and you will leave with an optimized blog and/or website and a custom created keyword list for 2013. Feuza will show you how to optimize your blog posts in future automation, simple SEO basics which will make Google love you. This is not a “get inspired”, take 20 pages of notes workshop and then go home with a huge to do list. Instead, it’s let’s roll up our sleeves today and get this done so that you can go home and do other important things like spend time with your kids. Are you ready?
  • Optimize your website
  • Optimize your blog
  • Install Google Analytics
  • Learn how to read your stats on Google Analytics
  • Create a custom key word list for your business
  • Make a mini marketing plan for 2012
  • Learn basic design and branding rules for your website design with Mary Meghan from Mary Meghan Photography and Design
  • Chance to win prizes like online software managing system plus basic logo design and also some great prizes from Business in a Box

Click on this link to sign up:

https://www.fisheyeconnect.com/workshop/2103/are-you-ready-to-get-found-online–book-more-clients-for-2013.aspx

 
This is the only  NJ Workshop this year! Do not miss this opportunity.

Not Engaged Yet? Plan Your Wedding Anyway!!!

Hello Lovely Brides-To-Be!!!

You’re probably wondering  about that crazy title…let me explain.

So, we are knee-deep in “Engagement Season” right now. So many guys are planning on popping the question between Christmas and New Year’s, right?  And you’re probably wondering if your wonderful beau is one of those guys. Sometimes he’ll give you a hint; but you can’t be too sure until it happens. Well, don’t spoil your holidays stressing and worrying about when it’s going to happen. While you’re waiting for that special moment, you can get busy and be productive by starting your preliminary wedding planning.

 

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Start researching and saving ideas now so that you have a jump start on your planning. The best place to start is with Pinterest.com. Pinterest is a great place to find inspirational pictures of any wedding-related (or non-wedding related) idea. Use the search bar to find great pictures – then pin them to your own inspiration board. Before you know it, you’ll have your own wedding story illustrated in one compact place.

Ceremony and Reception – one of the biggest price tags for your wedding will be your venue and menu. If you’ve been eyeing that gorgeous mansion or castle, find out how much it will cost to get married there. Remember, pricing is usually dependent on a variety of things, including the month you choose.

Don’t get too bogged down with the details…have fun with it! Just think…once you get that rock, you’ll already have a head start!

Three Cool Ways to Dress Up Your Reception Tables!

 


Image courtesy of Karen Tran Florals

One way to really make your wedding unique and add color  is by dressing up your reception tables. This can be done by replacing white or ivory linens with colorful and texturized linens. There are many rental companies out there that carry a large line of linen and napkin choices and can be rented for any event. When designing the look of your table, take into consideration the type of centerpiece you’re going to use. If you’re using flowers with an abundance of color, make sure your linen choice compliments your flowers, and doesn’t overpower them. You can exercise a great deal of creativity, but there’s a delicate balance between delicately placed, eye-popping color and a gaudy, overcrowded tablescape. If you’re not sure, get an opinion from your planner or florist.

Another way to dress up your table is by using chargers. Chargers are wonderful accessories for any tablescape and you can use a muted color like silver, gold or beige…or you can find these in almost any color. Consider the linen and napkin color you’re using first…will it compliment my table? Remember to alternate…for example, if you’re using an purple linen, don’t pile a purple charger on top–it will get lost on the table….break it up by using a silver or gold charger…or consider using a glass beaded charger. Those are wonderful accents that can go with any color linen and napkin.


Menu cards are another great table addition. These can be customized with monograms, colors of your choice, even embellishments like rhinestones and ribbons. A menu card can be tucked into a beautiful napkin fold, and placed on top of your charger. Your table will look like a million bucks with these simple additions. You’ll find that if you cannot afford to spend a lot on flowers, these ideas will help your table go from drab to fab!

Bonus idea: No matter what decor you use, always add candles…lots of candles…pillars and votives…these can be added to any color tablescape and adds dramatic, romantic light to your event!

For more ideas on designing a fabulous wedding reception table, call or email us for a free consultation!

Ciao!

Andrea and Carol

Managing Partners

Land and Sea Event Planning

Color Palette Inspiration: Grey and Yellow

Grey and Yellow are a beautifully calming combination for weddings.

Just check out these gorgeous wedding photos – you can’t resist it!

Tell us what you think!! We’d love to hear from you!

This suit is VERY sexy!

The perfect shade of grey for your bridesmaids dress!

White shoes POP against the grey color palette!!

Don’t forget the wedding accessories!

We’ve FALLEN in Love with Autumn Weddings!

Source: google.com via Andrea on Pinterest

As we’ve just entered the month of October, our thoughts and inspiration turn to all our autumn/fall weddings.

This month is a truly magical month to say “I Do” because the natural beauty of the season is apparent everywhere with the leaves changing colors in such a beautiful way. Make sure to take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage when you’re taking your engagement and wedding photos. The mixture of red, green, yellow, and auburn leaves is gorgeous!!

When it comes to your ceremony and reception decor, unless you’re going for a Halloween theme, don’t go too crazy with the pumpkins…keep the theme Fall with leaves, candles, acorns, etc.

We’ve gathered some fantastic photos to inspire your Fall wedding! Enjoy!

Source: bing.com via Andrea on Pinterest