No Black Friday here — it’s all about White Friday. Traci Romano Events is having a massive sample sale this Friday, November 27th from 7-11 am.  All dresses will be $999, Cocktail, Maids and Moms will be $99 and Flower Girl Dresses just $50!

Be sure to call the studio to make your appointment.  You cannot beat these prices and Traci and the girls will take such good care of you.   You cannot go wrong.  Check out the details below or visit Traci Romano’s Blog here!

(Photo:  South African Wine)

Earlier this year, my husband and I spent some time in Cape Town and fell in love with the culture – and the wines.  Wines from South Africa are really delicious.  The different climates around Cape Town make it really great for wine making.

When we got back we found Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc.  If you’re looking for a really good, inexpensive wine, you have to try Two Oceans.  As Two Oceans describes the Sauv Blanc, it’s an “elegant yet crisp wine with ripe gooseberry flavors which is backed by tropical fruits and a hint of grassiness with a lingering aftertaste.  This wine is an ideal companion to line fish, lightly flavored poultry dishes, or as a summer patio wine.”

And if you know anything about Cape Town, you probably know why it’s called Two Oceans, but if you don’t –  on Cape Point, the southern tip of Cape Town, two oceans meet – the Indian and the Atlantic.  And there you go.

Happy tasting!  Let me know what you think of it.

Fall is by far my favorite season.  Not too hot, not too cold (usually).  It’s the perfect season for weddings, and in New England, the changing of the trees is so beautiful and great to take in.  Maybe it’s because of the crazy amounts of rain we had this summer, but whatever the reason, this fall Connecticut has some spectacular colors in the changing of the leaves.  

Sure the traditional yellows, golds, and greens are here, but I’m so struck by the many vibrant shades of red.  From what looks like pink to intense Bordeaux, the red leaves really hit you this season and they are absolutely gorgeous.  If you have the opportunity, head up to Connecticut for a Sunday drive.

Since I’ve been inspired by their colors, I’ve pulled together some really great images that echo the red leaves in New England right now.

(Photo:  Zazzle)

(Photo:  Wedding53)

(Photo:  Leigh Taylor via OneWed)

(Photo:  InStyle Weddings)

(Photo:  Colin Cowe on GetMarried)

(Photo:  Polyvore)

(Photo:  Style Me Pretty)

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Instead of designing your wedding around the Miami art-deco style why not just go there?!  With its sexy beaches and fantastic nightlife, Miami is a great alternative to the Caribbean for your wedding.  It’s relatively easy to access via most airports and there’s no need to worry about changing money.

But Miami offers more than just great weather and cool beaches; Ocean Drive is home to some of the best culinary dishes, culture, shopping and night life in the entire country.  You really can’t go wrong.  And for those of us, I mean you, who like to shop, you’ll no doubt end up finding a great little dress for late in the reception.  The weather plays in your favor year round, but just be aware that high-season in Miami is during the winter months; we northeasterners need to get some sun when it’s freezing up here.  

Depending on your guests, some of the best places to stay are Shore Club, The Setai, and the Delano.  And you can never go wrong with a wedding at the Four Seasons.  It’s simply amazing and your experience there will be second to none.  

Photos: 1st via Telegraph, all others via Four Seasons

Photo:  The Knot

Happy Friday everyone!  I originally had a different post ready to go for today, but given this week’s series of ups and downs, I didn’t think it was appropriate for where we are today.  So bare with me….

For me this week was filled with the death of my in-law’s family dog, Maya, the emotional rollercoaster of a never-ending real estate purchase (8 months and going strong), the complications and scary situations that mother nature brings with pregnancy, and ultimately the unexpected early arrival of my new, healthy nephew, Trey Parker Thomas, last night.

Why am I telling you all this?  Well, because while this week may not have been an easy one, it reminds me that at the end of the day I still have my loving husband (Mike) and awesome dog (Kana, below) and a roof, even if it’s temporary, over my head, and my business.  So I’m thankful.  And I’m thankful for everyone in my life and for all of the great people I’ve met in this awesome industry.   Not everyone is so lucky.

There are ways we can all give back.  And there are certainly ways to incorporate special elements into weddings and events.  I know this isn’t a profound idea, but if you’re a bride, why not lose the favor idea and instead funnel that money into a foundation that really speaks to you and your groom?  Favors generally get chucked to the side anyway.  Think about using that money for something truly meaningful.  Or maybe you just want to honor an issue that’s close to your heart. If you’re using pink as one of your colors, why not tie off bouquets or escort cards with pink ribbon, if breast cancer awareness is something that speaks to you.  It’s not a donation, but it’s symbolic.  Remember, your wedding is a happy day, so keep it upbeat.

If you’re a vendor, how can you help your community?  This post was inspired by Cherin Szul’s amazing runner (ab0ve) she created for Paws for a Cure, which is raising money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  How adorable is this?  Last year I was fortunate enough to help plan the final fundraising gala for “Life After the Storm” here in Connecticut and it felt great. 

After a long babbling post, I hope you’ll look around and see one opportunity to reach out and help.  It doesn’t have to be big.  It doesn’t have to be in the spotlight.  It doesn’t have to involve money.  When it’s all said and done, be thankful for what you have. 

[Four surgeries later, Kana is thankful she has her hair back and can run again! So freakin' cute!]

With so many photographers in the event industry, it’s hard to find the ones who really stand out from the crowd, but Leslie Dumke does.  Leslie and her team produce such great work, you’ll be in love after flipping through just a few images.  She is so much fun to hang out with and just a really cool, down to earth person.  She has a knack for putting couples at ease and her energy is unbelievable.  Leslie Dumke Studio has been featured in loads of publications from Brides (both national and local editions) to Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style to The New York Times.  Here’s a little Q&A with THE Leslie Dumke herself.

[Phone]: 203.458.0545

[Website]: www.lesliedumkestudio.com 

[Blog]:  www.lesliedumkestudio.blogspot.com 

[Tweet]:  www.twitter.com/rydergirl 

What Inspired you to becoming a Wedding Photographer? 

Photography has always been a passion for me.  Family life has always been a passion for me.  Growing up in a family of 5 with 4 cousins down the street, we had such chaos — a whirlwind of fun going on all the time.  In the midst of that chaos, I became the “observer.”   I was always looking at things from different angles and I was always very aware of people’s feelings & expressions.  In college, I studied psychology and I use what I learned on every shoot. I began shooting at age 15 with my new Canon AE:1.  To learn the business of photography, I first went into the commercial world of advertising in New York.  Though the training was something I really valued, I realized the advertising world was not for me.  Everything was just too planned and too perfect. (Fake backdrops, 3 hours of hair and makeup, pressed clothing & the perfect hands holding the perfect product.)  

 So, having always delighted in a person’s unique personality, I began working with kids and covering weddings.  This is about 12 years ago.  I’ve never looked back.  Each subject or event is so different and I love that.  I start with a blank canvas and paint their portrait/story.  My aim is to give my clients a story of their celebration that is beyond their expectations.  I feel honored to be there on such a special occasion.  I want my brides, who become friends, to RAVE about their images and treasure their story for generations.  When a client is thrilled, I am thrilled and that inspires me always to keep doing what I am doing.  I do what I love and love what I do.  It’s a true gift. 

How would you describe your shooting style:

Natural, whimsical, documentary.  Fashion-like, with energy & motion.  Surprising, searching & sensitive.  Classic, creative & genuine. 

Favorite places to shoot:

AM I LUCKY OR WHAT!?  Visualize these:  Gracious stone mansions with sweeping meadows, sunken gardens & 100 year old trees in the distance. Ocean front venues with beaches nearby, feet in the sand & golden sunsets.  Country barns with meadows, horses & old wooden fences. Quiet vineyards that stretch a hilltop with rolling stone walls.  Crisp, cool lakes with antique, sleek wooden boats humming by.  Swanky city lofts & brownstones with the busy city streets moving fast ‘round us. 

What’s one thing couples should know to make their images better on their wedding day?

Hire someone they really click with.  You want to have the same vision, the right energy and amount of involvement and thoughtfulness.   I’d want to know that you can count on your photographer to be there for them from start to finish – during all the planning – go for a team that can “detox” with you when it all gets too darn stressful.  I’ve seen over 250 weddings and have seen everything go down.  I can help with vendor choices, creative art direction and really lend a shoulder if my brides need it.  We’re buddies.  I remember the years when I was shooting more than 30 weddings per year and I was miserable because I felt I couldn’t give each wedding as much time (before and after their event) as I wanted to.  Since I love what I do and want to keeping covering weddings for years to come, I’d never want to become a wedding, “factory” photographer who shows up just to execute the day and who thinks of it as a job, i.e. “get in and get out” because they have a ten hour wedding the next day or because they are so tired from shooting a fourteen hour day the day before.  I show up with three days energy and spend it all! 

Favorite Memory From A Wedding:

This is a hard question.  I have so many wonderful memories.  I won’t list beautiful venues but rather emotions and energy.  My first thought is of  “children, children, children,” because I love it when there are little flower girls and ring bearers running around us throughout the day..  I was actually playing “army” with the two ring bearers last weekend.  The boys ran from vineyards to trees to this gorgeous stonewall, hiding from my weapon which was my 70-200mm long lens.  My second thought is of my brides who really “wear” that dress and feel confidant on their wedding day.  They “work it” and move the dress ‘round.  You can hear the swishing sound, can’t you?  We do more of a fashion shoot than plain old portraits and it’s super fab.  Third, it’s rare that we see a bride and groom who can BOTH dance really well.  Well, this couple I’m thinking of met at a dance competition.  I remember clearly how they took over that dance floor.  I wanted it to go on forever.  As soon as they made their first move everyone’s mouth dropped wide open in disbelief.  I shot regular flash and was sure to throw in a few images using a “rear curtain sync” technique where the couple comes out in clear focus yet the background blurs making it super dreamy.  Finally, I loved covering a wedding in the Hamptons, one at a California vineyard, one on Martha’s Vineyard and one on Block Island where I was storytelling throughout the entire weekend.  Three days of fun.  My team and I were able to cover the rehearsal dinner, the wedding day and the super casual brunch on Sunday.  We became a part of the fabric of the family’s lives, “rode the wave” of celebration for three days and the stories were gorgeous.  There’s something about being their for the whole weekend that adds such depth, besides the amount of photos, it’s about becoming a part of the family, connecting with the guests – it’s emotional and the images show it all! 

If you could be anything else in the world, what would you be?

A writer, a storyteller.  I loved my creative writing courses and doing “morning pages” for the cool book, “The Artist Way.”  Currently I’m thinking about teaching 18-22 year olds the business of doing what you love and being an artist.  I have learned so much over the last decade and have a lot to share.  I see so many artists flailing and flopping around, unsure of how to make a living through their art/creative services.  I’d love to help them out.  My years in advertising, before I began my photography really helped me out when I started my own biz. 

Favorite Drink:  

Not much of a drinker but….My fave “celebration” drink, I call, “shampoo,” is  Veuve Clicquot: Tete de Cuvee.  Crisp & Dry.  My fave “party drink” is a margarita with Cointreau and three FRESH LIME slices.  A sipper.  My fave sober drink: Orangina or those other fancy Italian spritzers.  Water, water, water. 

Images Courtsey of Studio 1923

Brides, take notice.  One of NYC’s best makeup artists is now based in Connecticut, for “the quieter life” and lucky for you because she is now offering her talent to the wedding industry.  Socialites to Celebrities.  TV Shows, Runway Shows and Award Shows.  NYC to Cannes.  DD Nickel has done it all and she’s the creative force behind DD Nickel Makeup now based in New Haven, Connecticut. DD’s still a force in the glamorous world of NYC fashion and media, but her brand extends in to the wedding industry.  Grab your phones and snap up her services now for your big day.   With a bottle of wine, have a little makeover party with your bridesmaids.  Her makeup truly is an art and you just cannot go wrong. 

DD Nickel is definitely Fresh LiME Events’ favorite makeup artist and I could go on and on about how amazing her work is, but I’ll let you hear it from her.   Take a peak at Fresh LiME’s mini-interview with her below.  What’s even cooler is that DD is giving away a free makeover in her New Haven studio to one of our readers.  All you have to do is tell us your biggest makeup blunder!  Just leave it in the comments below and we’ll announce the random winner here on Monday, July 20th

DD Nickel

[Phone]: 203.777.4161

[Web]:  www.ddnickel.com

[Blog]:  ddnickelmakeup.wordpress.com

[Tweet]:  www.twitter.com/ddnickel   

How long have you been a makeup artist?

I’ve been doing makeup for over 18 years.  My first job was at the makeup counter in the mall but makeup didn’t actually become my “career” until about 12 years ago, after I moved to NYC.  I’ve been freelancing doing TV, Celebs, Runways, Theatre and anything else that came up over the years.

What one moment made you realize this is what you wanted to do?

There really wasn’t one specific moment.  My career was sort of a happy accident.  Shortly after I moved to NYC to pursue a degree in physical therapy, I met the renowned makeup artist, Vincent Longo, through a friend and the rest is history.  I freelanced and assisted Vincent as I was going through school and stayed on to work for his cosmetic line after graduation.  People started passing my name around for freelance jobs and POOF!  Instant career as a pro makeup artist.

What is your favorite memory of working as a makeup artist?

Definitely four days spend in Cannes, France for a celebrity charity event.  It definitely ranks as the “best weekend ever!”  …even though I was technically “working.”  I also loved working on a Broadway show called “Wonderful Town.”  I was asked by the talent to create her vintage look for the show.  It’s always so flattering when someone thinks enough of your work to request you.  And who wouldn’t want to “be on Broadway” – even if you’re behind the scenes!?

Biggest trend right now?

To be completely honest, I don’t really follow the trends.  I think that every face is unique and I enjoy creating a look for each person that highlights their individual features.  With that said, I love the 40’s.  Women were so lady-like and always looked glamorous and pulled together.  The strong, red lip and defined eye is a look that we’re seeing a lot on the red carpet and is very reminiscent of that era.

What’s one thing you want brides to know about makeup for their big day?

Particularly for your wedding day, you want your makeup to look “timeless,” not “trendy.”  Trends can look great on the model in the magazine or on your favorite celebrity but may not translate into YOUR perfect “wedding” look.  Steer clear of too much shimmer, dark lips, heavy eyeliner and extreme contouring.  My best advice is to keep your skin sheer and highlight your eyes using a contrasting color.  Lips and cheeks should be one shade darker or lighter than your natural coloring.

What sort of style would you say you have to your makeup?

I would describe my style of makeup artistry as polished and sophisticated with a touch of glamour!

If you could be anything else in the world, what would you be?

Definitely a landscape designer.  I love gardening and consider it a form of painting – just with plants.

What kind of drink are you?

Definitely red wine…I get better with age.  J

Anything else we should know?

Happiness shows on your face, makeup or not!  Even the best makeup artist can’t paint stress and the blue away.  Relax, relish every moment of your special day and leave the beauty “details” to a pro!

Drumroll please…..Today marks a big day for us — we are officially launching the new name – Fresh LiME Events – the new website and the new blog.   Re-naming and re-launching isn’t an easy process, but after a long and windy road, I’m very excited to say that we’re here!   We’ve done it and we couldn’t be happier.  And with that, I welcome you!

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lindsey Maurath and I am the founder + event director at Fresh LiME Events.  Others of you may know me from Lindsey Maurath Events.  Same people, different perspective, different name. After lots of anguish, thinking and then re-thinking, we made the strategic decision to change our name. And we feel really good about it. We’ve worked long and hard on re-defining who we are as a company and what makes us tick. And when we came out at the end, Lindsey Maurath Events just didn’t work. We just love what Fresh LiME Events represents, and I hope you will too.

Travel is huge for me. I thrive from it. And if you ask my husband, he’ll say that I’m constantly planning our next adventure. After spending so much time living and traveling around the world, I have to say that I am most inspired by the people I meet, the places I go, and the experiences I have. Whether it was interacting with my students in Bangkok, roaming around London or having a glass of wine in the middle of the bush on safari in South Africa, each interaction has taught me something different. Life is about all three of these things, and often its the details make the memories stick. So hopefully from this blog you’ll see things that inspire me. Think posts on the most amazing vendors, fabulous locales for weddings and honeymoons, and the details that make events even more phenomenal. Maybe along the way we’ll throw in some bits that we just think are too mind blowing not to share.

Fresh LiME Events represents brides who are young, fun, and chic. We’ll constantly bring you the fab ideas, so your wedding is modern and pushing the envelope. We don’t expect you to think we’re the greatest thing since sliced bread right off the bat, but we do hope you’ll visit back here time and time again to see that we walk the talk.

Since this hasn’t been easy, I just want to close by thanking everyone who’s made this happen –first my husband Mike, the incredibly brilliant Rebecca and Kathryn at Engaging Concepts, Trisha Hay Graphic Design, DD Nickel Makeup and Leslie Dumke Studios.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.