Look Who Just Flew Into Minneapolis!

The owner's of Bluebird Photobooth had a vision: to create a photo booth as a beautiful piece of furniture to look as though it was intentionally chosen or created for each event.  In their vision the booth should compliment the well thought out details of the wedding decor.  

Every detail of your wedding has been EXTREMELY well researched and planned... why shouldn't your photo booth be?  Unless you are having a carnival themed party, the booth doesn't have to look like it is a carnival item in the corner next to the shabby chic table settings or the elegant victorian setting or the delicate Spanish flags!

Bluebird Photobooth is a photo booth company split between Central California & Minnesota.  The owners are a husband and wife team who love photography and its ability to capture the real person in a real moment.  The photo booth is a perfect way to break the barriers down and allow couples, friends and family members to have fun together and let the truth of themselves be recorded at the same time.

The smiles and expressions captured in a photo booth are truly one of a kind... and so is the Bluebird Photobooth!

****All Smart and Chic Brides receive 50% off (subject to availability).*****

www.bluebirdphotobooth.com

Smart & Chic Bride integrates with Spalon Montage!

With over 650 wedding day hair and makeup requests in just this year alone, Smart and Chic’s Founder, Julie Swenson recognized the need for more talented artists and resources to accommodate the demand and to uphold the high level of customer service that she has provided to brides over the past five years.

Swenson’s long time bridal coordinator, Anita Mack suggested that she approach the highly acclaimed Spalon Montage and within minutes of speaking to CEO, Mitchell Wherley and President, Teresa Jackson, Swenson knew it was the ideal salon group to take over her company. Swenson says, 

“Spalon Montage and Smart and Chic share the same values in the quality of service and connection that we provide to our guests. Spalon has been taking care of brides for over twenty years in their salons. The only thing that has changed is that they will be joining us on site.” 

On site hair and makeup for the bride and bridal party has been a growing trend over the past few years and no company has done it better than Smart and Chic.

From the flexibility and affordability of their service menu, to their highly skilled and licensed artists, to the makeup line they created exclusively for brides, to the many blogs and workshops they offer to prepare the bride for her day, Smart and Chic has truly created a beauty bridal empire.

The amount of brides that prefer on site companies to salons is growing because it eases the hassle of travel and extra coordination of the day. Bridal parties are able to drink mimosas and spend time with their friends and family in the comfort of their own space.  The stress free atmosphere really sets the tone for the day.

With Spalon Montage’s superior customer service and extensive menu of skin, body, hair, and nails services, Swenson saw a great opportunity for her brides and bridal parties to receive pre-wedding day services done at Spalon’s four locations, Chanhassen, Woodbury, Edina and Brainerd.  Swenson will continue to oversee the Smart and Chic Beauty Lounge, a location that has been popular for booking bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and bride get-togethers.

Smart and Chic Beauty Lounge

Spalon Montage will also be taking over the Southern California, Nashville, and New York markets, as well as expanding into Duluth, Brainerd Lakes, Rochester, Western Wisconsin, and Northern Iowa.

S&C Founder Julie Swenson at the S&C launch party 
at Madden's Resort in Brainerd, MN

  Book your events through smartandchicbeauty.com


*Photos courtesy of Spalon Montage.

S&C in Style Me Pretty

If you are the type of woman who is a trend setter, who likes things done with a unique flair, then Style Me Pretty is the wedding site for you!

Style Me Pretty is an exclusive, "top notch" site who's vendors are hand-picked.  This is a site where the creme de la creme are invited to show case their work - No invitation, no entrance!  Smart & Chic Bride had the pleasure of joining SMP last season.  We are in LOVE with their " Little Black Book Blog."  It was a thrill to have a recent photo shoot picked to be an inspiration for the LBB Readers!

The inspiration for our shoot was evolved from the partnership of Smart & Chic Bride, Bethany Lorelle, and Jenny Bedard Photography. We wanted to highlight the whimsical romance and warmth of a late winter wedding in Minnesota. We set out to showcase the exquisite talents of our favorite Twin Cities wedding professionals.

 

Photography: Jenny Bedard Photography / Bridal Gown: Tara LaTour / Clutch: NELLE / Hair Piece & Accessories: Bethany Lorelle / Hair and Makeup: Kira for Smart & Chic Bride / Stationery & Table Decor: Tamara Anderson of Tam Dandy / Jewelry: Retrospect Designs / Flowers: Studio Emme / Cake: Buttercream / Cupcakes: Wuollet’s Bakery / Location: The Gale Mansion / Model: Stephanie Cousins

Minneapolis Bridesmaid Bar Crawl 2011

It's time to pull out those dresses you were told that " you could wear again " - Yet never did -  It's the first annual Minneapolis Bridesmaid Bar Crawl!   A portion of the proceeds go to: Operation Glass Slipper, which is a nonprofit, dedicated to providing free prom gowns and accessories to Twin Cities-area high school girls ( Who would otherwise be unable to attend prom due to cost )

7 Ultralounge

This fun event is on June 17th from 7pm - Midnight.  The crawl is just $20 and includes a raffle ticket and wrist band to get you free cover and drink specials at Seven Ultralounge, Bar 508, Drink, The Local, The Imperial Room, Lyon’s Pub, and Bootleggers *The best specials are from 7-10* .  You will also be pleased to know that you can start your night by receiving a free faux lash application with any service at our very own Smart and Chic Beauty Lounge ( BBC participants only)

S&C Beauty Lounge

This fun event features more than $2000 in prizes, including a Badgley Mischka Couture Nikki Gloss Clutch, and .5 carat diamond earrings! 

Order your tickets in advance (strongly recommended), or pick up at  Seven Ultralounge. 


Learn more about this event at: http://www.bridesmaidbarcrawl.com/tickets 

See you there!

Submit Your Photos for Style Me Pretty Blog

Style Me Pretty is a beautiful wedding site where Vendors are hand picked.  - It's like having a personalized list of the creme de la creme without the expense of a Wedding Planner!

Smart & Chic Bride had the honor of being invited to join SMP last year.  We would love our Brides and favorite Photographers to submit photos of work we've done with them for the SMP " Little Black Book Blog ".  If picked, the Photographer will receive credit,  and you can brag that your wedding was selected for this exclusive spot!  Please submit at least 6 of your pictures to: smartandchicbride@gmail.com  Tittle:  Style Me Pretty Submission.

BYOM 101: Bring Your Own Makeup Class!

For everyone who has a makeup bag with products you bought , yet never use, this class is a dream come true!  Hosted at the Smart and Chic Beauty Lounge in NE Minneapolis, the "BYOM" class is an educational adventure through your own makeup up bag, in the safety of a group!  You will learn which products are "must -haves" and, how to use the ones you loved in the store, but haven't trusted  yourself with at home - You may even throw some out - like the 10 year old turquoise eyeshadow that came in with a quad you thought you might use... "some day!"

The last group had an amazing aha moment:  a great website: http://www.birchbox.com/ was introduced - This is a site for getting samples of high end products, as well as instruction on how to use them for just $10 a month!

The BYOM class is fun!  It will teach you about skin care, makeup, and how to be good to yourself!  The open forum allows participants to discuss challenges without feeling insecure.  You may even walk away with a new friend!  Watch for up coming classes on our facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smart-and-Chic-Beauty-Lounge/157972860885751

I had the pleasure of spending Winter 2011 in St Augustine, Florida - Our nation's oldest city!  This enchanting town was settled in the 1500s by the Spanish, and has an amazing historical society which has kept it pristine.  Sitting on a lovely, dolphin filled bay, just inside the Atlantic, the town is a haven for the romantic - cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, the Fountain of Youth park, and gorgeous beaches nearby, truly something for everyone!

One of the many attractions to the town is the Castillo De San Marco.  A day doesn't go by where a Photographer can't be seen capturing the beauty of this 300+ year old Spanish Fort.  I snapped this photo of a Bride & Groom setting up to have their wedding photos by the fort:

The nature of any small town is that word travels fast - The good fortune of this virtue is that I got the "low - down" on everything & everyone instantly!  I was quickly introduced to a wonderful Photographer who not only has a great eye, but a great personality too!  Rave reviews came from every one about this one, here's the scoop:

Taylor DeMaio, Photographer for  Daisy Mai Photography in Jacksonville, Florida ( Within an hour - North - of St. Augustine ) is an Italian from Long Island.  Taylor ( says with a smile ) " Socializing is not an issue   I feel like I am building lots of great friendships through photography, especially with my brides!! "

Kira:  What sets you apart?

 Taylor:   One thing that I would definitely say sets me apart, is I don't pose and instruct....I direct. I always want to make sure that I capture the interaction and love between each couple. I HATE posed pictures where you can just see the discomfort in the faces of the subjects, yuck!  I try to get couples to laugh, it lightens the mood and brings out genuine smiles.

Shot on St Augustine's Vilano Beach

                                     

Taylor:  I would have to say my favorite location to date was an alley in downtown Jacksonville Florida.  I was doing an engagement session and at the very end we stumbled across this AWESOME spot, It was "picture perfect".  I always like to look back at that session for inspiration! 

Couples can often be nervous about being photographed.  I asked Taylor what advice she'd give them: 

Taylor:  For their wedding day, Take a shot!....Heck take two shots and have a big glass of champagne!  For pictures and poses, PRACTICE YOUR FACES AND EXPRESSION IN THE MIRROR!  I often see pictures of myself and think "wow I pictured myself looking much prettier making that face". It is best to always know what the appropriate smile level is (no veins bulging) and how to look serious without looking angry. In fact, I should start bringing mirrors so my couples can actually see what they look like! :)

The next time you"re in NE Florida and need a Photographer for fashion, baby, wedding, etc, book Taylor DeMaio through Daisy Mai Photography 

Written by Kira for Smart and Chic Bride.