Hi Jose. I am so happy to share your story with my brides. Why don’t you start by telling them a little about yourself.
Hi Judy, thanks for asking. I am the proud father of two wonderful teenagers and the husband to the best person in the whole wide world. I’ve always had an interest in photography but it wasn’t until last decade, that I began a serious study of photography beginning with a photography course and earning a photography degree. I have also taken numerous workshops with the best wedding photographers and artists in the world. Now I am a published and international award-winning photographer.

How do you identify your primary photographic style?
That’s a great question, Judy. Most brides have trouble putting what they want into words, but they know what they want when they see images from other people’s weddings. I always suggest they look at my website where they will see that I have been classically trained and have incorporated modern elements into the classical style. So, I would say that my style is classically modern.

Please describe any special techniques you like to use.
I like to shoot from different angles. What this provides are images that are not your standard wedding package images. If you think about it, you usually only see wedding photographers standing up to take pictures. That provides for only one angle of an image. I like to shoot from the floor, above my head and at an angle so I can provide the bride with many wonderfully classically composed and interesting images of their special day capturing multiple points of view. Each wedding is different therefore each wedding album is different, too.

How does lighting figure into your technique?
Photography has often been described as “painting with light.” Light will make or break an image so, of course, lighting techniques are extremely important in producing savory wedding images. One of the benefits of my classical training is I understand how to play with light when creating an image. That’s one of the reasons why my brides always love the images I take of them.

Do you have a media preference? Digital vs. film?
I began shooting as a child with film cameras. In fact, my first camera was a Kodak Instamatic 100. However, as times progress so must the artist. I now shoot digital. It provides more options during post processing while at the same time using digital allows me to minimize the investment required by the bride.

How many photographers do you work with?
I am very capable of shooting an entire wedding by myself. However, I often bring my wife with me as a second shooter/assistant. She provides an additional angle so the bride has a greater variety of savory images from which to choose when she is designing her album. Plus, bringing my wife along allows us to spend time together and share the love that is a part of each and every wedding.

What kind of equipment do you typically use?
My wife and I both use digital professional quality cameras with professional lenses and multiple CF cards to ensure that we do not miss any special moment. We both have back-up cameras in case the primary camera fails. We would never go to an event with only one camera and lens as we know we only have one opportunity to capture the moment.

In what format are the initial proofs offered?
Proofs are offered in two ways. First all images are edited and processed and then they are placed on an online lab website for proofing (viewing) and ordering. Secondly the proofs are also printed in a 5×5 inch format and enclosed within a proof album.

Do you retain the copyright for the photos?
Yes, I retain the copyright of the images and will provide limited copyright permission to use images for Facebook or personal electronic use only. If a bride wants full copyright permission of the images, then I am happy to provide that for an additional fee.

Do you reserve the right to publish the photos?
Typically, I like to ask permission to use the images of the bride and groom on my blog or Facebook page. After all, isn’t it fun to come back from an event and you open up your Facebook page and see that you have been tagged in many pictures? My clients have reported back to me that they really enjoyed the extra thrill.

Will images be available for viewing on an online gallery?
Yes, images are uploaded to an online lab website, where brides, family, and friends can log into a password protected gallery. Once inside the gallery, gift prints may be ordered.

Is retouching available?
I always want a bride to look their best so we edit and process all images before a bride sees them. If specific additional retouching is requested, I can provide that as well. However, I have found additional retouching is very infrequently requested because I take the time up front to edit and process all the images before a bride ever sees them.

What kind of albums do you offer?
I have been designing wedding albums for several years and have tested quite a few album companies. I have found that the best album company for my brides is provided by Pictobooks which has a large range of high quality wedding albums to please any bride.

What is the best way for brides to contact you?
The best way for brides to contact me is to go to my website, www.RafaelPhotography.me and first view the images I have there. I also encourage brides to look at other photographers’ work and compare the quality and style to what I will offer.

Are there any parting thoughts you would like to share?
The bonus for the bride comes when they have a one on one consultation with me and they see how we consistently go above and beyond for the investment that the bride makes. I believe Julie and I offer one of the best values in wedding photography in Chester County. To reach me, brides may call me directly at 484-883-4477. I look forward to discussing how Julie and I will capture the wonderful memories of their special day.

Thank you Jose!
I am happy to recommend you to all brides looking for a photographer to capture the memories of their wedding day!

If you have used Rafael Fine Art Photography, I encourage you to post your comments below.

I will be at the event as the local Wedding Planner and Stella & Dot Independent Jewelry Stylist. I will be giving away a fabulous door prize from Stella & Dot Jewelry. There will also be additional door prizes from Bucca di Peppo. Bridal jewelry for you and your bridal party will be available for purchase.

Reservations are required and space is limited. Please call 610-524-9939 and ask for Kristin Eichengreen to reserve your space.

Come out, try on jewelry, and experience lunch at Nirvana restaurant. I look forward to meeting you!

I will be representing my wedding planning business and my Stella & Dot jewelry and handbag business. Stop by and say hello. I look forward to meeting with my readers!

As wedding season heats up, and wedding day approaches, many brides are looking for skin care and makeup advice. Brides are asking, “What are the best colors to use?” And a pressing question that I hear constantly is, “How do I get my makeup to last the entire day and into the night?”

I had the opportunity to speak with Melissa Purvis, a Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics. I asked her questions on how you can look picture-perfect on your wedding day.

Photo by of Brian Tropiano Photography

How soon before the wedding should a bride begin preparing her skin?
A bride should prep her skin at least one month before her portrait and/or her wedding day. She should stay consistent with her cleansing and moisturizing routines so her skin is not stressed, She wants it to look smooth and flawless for her wedding photos. I recommend exfoliating 1-2 times per week to exfoliate dead skin cells and to wash away dirt and impurities that build up on the skin. Hydrating is also important to maintain the skin’s moisture balance.

Are you seeing fashion trends in wedding makeup?
I strongly believe that wedding makeup should stay away from trends and go with a natural look that enhances the bride’s beauty.


What do you recommend for a bride with a fair complexion so that she doesn’t look washed out in her photos?
A bride with a fair complexion will need a little extra color so she doesn’t look washed out. Consider putting the focus on one area of the face only, perhaps the lips. Also, use just a little more cheek color than usual so the cheeks look rosy with a natural glow.

What type of makeup and foundation photograph the best?
A bride should choose a matte foundation, a matching concealer and mineral powder for a finished look. I like to define the eyes with a smoky liner applied lightly along the upper and lower lashes. For eye color, I choose soft, neutral shades. The bride should be sure to wear waterproof mascara for the sentimental moments. A shiny lip is always pretty. I apply a creme lipstick followed by a shiny lip gloss. For longer wear, I apply a lip liner all over the lips before the lipstick. Brides need to keep in mind that more makeup is not necessarily better.

What colors should a bride choose for her makeup?
Choosing a color palette is as important as choosing a dress. A bride shouldn’t try a new look the day of the wedding. She should go for a natural look that enhances her beauty. The goal is to make sure the makeup stands the test of time, so that when she looks back on her portraits, she’ll always look pretty.


Are there different color combinations that you recommend for different brides?
I recommend different color combinations for brides with different hair and eye colors and skin tones. These combinations can be found on my website. Brides should click on the Virtual Makeover to find their perfect combination of colors.


Are there certain “hot” colors for brides getting married this summer?
The “hot” colors include using a highlighter under the brow bone, and on the inside half of the lid, that have a little more “pop” without being over done. Colors like honey spice, lemongrass and blue metal work well as an alternative to just ivory and beige tones.

Should makeup vary based on time of day?
For evening weddings, I apply a little more makeup. Brides should lighten up for a daytime wedding. To make lip color last longer, the tip is to color in the entire lip with the lip liner in a shade that compliments their lip color. This makes the lips more kiss-proof. By using a soft cheek color and plenty of mineral powder, their look will last all day and into the night. Brides should put lip color, lip liner, powder and Mary Kay Beauty Blotters Oil-Absorbing Tissues in their purse, and use as needed before photos throughout the wedding.

We’ve talked about the brides, but what about the bridesmaids? Should bridesmaids wear makeup to complement their gowns?
It’s a good idea for the bridesmaids to not only wear makeup that complements their gowns, but nail color as well. The key is to enhance their overall appearance without looking heavy or overdone.


How long does a make up application take for a bride, her bridal party, and mothers of the bride?
It takes about one half hour to 45 minutes per application. The bride takes a little longer than the bridesmaids and the mothers.

I constantly get the question, “What should get done first, hair or makeup?” What is your advice?
Brides should get their hair done before their makeup to avoid coating their makeup with stray hairspray. I recommend that brides get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water so their eyes look bright and their skin looks beautiful in their photos.

How far in advance should brides contact you for a makeup consultation?
Brides should contact me, at the very latest, one month before the wedding to begin a skin care regimen and do foundation and color matching.

What is the best way for brides to reach you for more information on your products and services?
The best way to reach me is via text at 484.356.4755, email at melissapurvis@verizon.net, or through my personal website: www.marykay.com/mpurvis9. Plus I have a special offer. I’m giving the bride 20% off her skin care and glamour purchases and 10% off the bridesmaid’s purchases. By visiting my website, they can see everything I have to offer.

Share your thoughts on your wedding day makeup application.

Helping brides learn how to save money while planning their wedding is my passion. But saving money doesn’t stop with the bride. The bridesmaid, who needs to look beautiful on wedding day, also has her share of expenses. I recently connected with Stephanie and Kathryn, owners of Bridesmaid Trade. I was so excited about their desire to help bridesmaids, that I had to interview them and share their story with you.

What is Bridesmaid Trade and how did it come about?
Bridesmaid Trade is an online store where women can sell, buy, or rent bridesmaids dresses. Our goal is to provide women a way to bring down the cost of being a bridesmaid! The idea of Bridesmaid Trade came about when Kathryn (now a co-founder of Bridesmaid Trade) participated in multiple weddings in a year and was dismayed to find so few options for re-using her once-worn bridesmaids dresses! Thousands of women buy new bridesmaids dresses for weddings, wear them once, dry-clean them, and leave them hanging in perfect condition in their closets for years. Bridesmaid Trade provides a way for bridesmaids to sell their dresses to other wedding parties online. It saves money for all parties and it’s good for the environment (since the dress is used again). It’s a win-win solution.

How many dresses can you inventory at one time?
There is no limit to how many dresses a bridesmaid can sell through our website.

How current must the dresses be?
Right now, we don’t place any restrictions on how current dresses need to be. However, we have found that dresses from the past 2-3 years sell best on our website. So if you recently participated in a wedding, the best time to sell it is now!

To give you an idea of what the dresses look like, Stephanie and Kathryn provided pictures of dresses that were Bridesmaid Trade best sellers.

David’s Bridal’s ballgown style dress #8567 has been one of their more popular resale dresses. The side rouching and brooch addition add a little sparkle to a more formal gown. In general, David’s Bridal is their most popular resale brand.

This twobirds bridesmaid dress also had a very short shelf life!

The Silk Tricotine “Sophia” dress in Stem from J.Crew has remained one of their top rentals.

Can you describe the process for buying a dress through Bridesmaid Trade?
Buying a dress through Bridesmaid Trade is as easy as shopping on a regular website. Just look through our selection of dresses at https://bridesmaidtrade.com/dresses and click on “Add to cart” for each dress that you would like to purchase. After adding all the dresses you would like to purchase, checkout using a credit card. Once we receive your order, we will contact the seller and have her ship the dress to you within 3 business days. You will receive a tracking number to track your package. Once you receive the dress, you have 48 hours to report any issues you find with the dress but in our experience, almost no customers report any problems as nearly all dresses arrive in perfect condition.

Can you describe the process for selling a dress through Bridesmaid Trade?
Selling a dress through Bridesmaid Trade is as easy as creating a Craigslist post! After creating an account on Bridesmaid Trade, just fill out a form with a short dress description and the price for which you would like to sell the dress. Upload two pictures of the dress and you’re done!

Is there a fee?
There is no fee to create a post on Bridesmaid Trade to sell your dress. When the post to sell a dress is created, Bridesmaid Trade adds a $15 fee to the price proposed by the seller. The buyer will pay the seller’s price, plus the $15. This fee is only paid when the dress sells.

What type of savings do bridesmaids usually see?
Bridesmaids who sell their dress get back about 45 percent of what they paid for the dress. On a $200 dress, that is $90! Bridesmaids who buy their dresses usually save about 50%. For example, you can buy a $200 dress for $100 on our website. The balance- about 5-10%- goes to Bridesmaid Trade to support our website maintenance and customer service.

Are multiple dresses of the same style available for an entire bridal party?
Often, multiple dresses of the same style are available from an entire bridal party. For example, the Nina dress from Jenny Yoo in beautiful Terracotta shatung silk is available in sizes 6 (two dresses) and 4 (four dresses). Click here to see a sample dress: https://bridesmaidtrade.com/dress/jenny-yoo-nina-dress-style-s372-terracotta-0. We also encourage bridal parties to post their dresses together, as we often get requests from brides looking for sets of bridesmaids dresses. When multiple dresses from the same bridal party are posted, the Bridesmaid Trade team can “link” them together so the set can be viewed in its entirety.

How fast is the shipping process?
From the time of purchase, shipping usually takes 7-10 business days. However, if it is an urgent request, we can usually accommodate overnight shipping for a fee (usually $10-$15).

What is the best way for buyers and sellers to contact you?
Buyers and sellers can contact us at sales@bridesmaidtrade.com. We love hearing from our customers and will try to help in whatever way we can.

What additional information would you like bridesmaids to know about your site?
We really believe that a wedding should be about the celebration, with as little undue stress as possible for all participants. Our hope for Bridesmaid Trade is that it helps wedding parties reduce costs and waste and focus on what’s really important. We’re also strongly committed to customer satisfaction. We will gladly help facilitate the posting process, and can even help search for a dress not in our inventory. We strive to be a great resource for budget-savvy, eco-friendly, fashion-forward brides and bridesmaids. We encourage folks to check out the website and our blog as well (www.bridesmaidtrade.com/blog) which features DIY tips, wedding fashion trends, and collaborations with other “bridesmaid bloggers”.

If you’d like to connect with Bridesmaid Trade, here are their social media links:
www.facebook.com/bridesmaidtrade
www.twitter.com/bridesmaidtrade

They also shot a cool promotional video around JP that was recently featured on the fashion blog Racked! Check it out: http://ny.racked.com/archives/2011/06/20/watch_a_bad_bridesmaid_dress_take_a_spin_around_town.php#more

Saving money is so important these days. I encourage you to check out Bridesmaid Trade. I welcome your comments.

Give yourself extra time for all of your pre-ceremony activities. Whatever time you factor in for hair, makeup, dressing, photos, eating, etc. — add more time. Things always take longer than expected.

What about the time it takes getting to your ceremony site? Many brides forget to factor in the possibilities of road detours, unexpected traffic or construction. Do yourself a favor and give yourself extra travel time.

Also remember, it takes time to get all your bridesmaids into the limo. And you have to carefully get into the car while wearing your gorgeous gown. Allow extra time for limo photos, arranging dresses, and gathering bouquets.

You can never have too much time on your wedding day. If you don’t rush you will be able to smile and relax and calmly enjoy your special day.

Photo courtesy of Sunmanco Photography and Art.

I would  love for you to share your  “getting ready” advice with other brides.

Don’t worry if you can’t afford an expensive gown and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding dress. You will look beautiful in your selection. Here are some cost saving options to consider.

You can go to Filene’s Basement, Running of the Brides. If you’re lucky you could find a $2,000 dress for a few hundred dollars.

You can shop designer sample sales. Visit the designer websites to see their sales calendar. You should also get on the mailing lists at different bridal gown salons. You’ll receive e-mails announcing designer sample sales. Markdowns on dresses, headpieces, veils, and shoes can be significantly discounted from the original prices and are definitely worth the look.

There are still other options for you to consider. You can purchase a formal dress that isn’t a traditional bridal gown in a department store or boutique clothing store. You can also look for a dress at a consignment store and have it altered, or borrow a wedding dress.

One of my favorite options is to consider supporting Brides Against Breast Cancer. Wedding dresses are $99 to $799. The organization travels to different cities all over the country. Visit their website at www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org. Their calendar is posted on line. They also have discounted designer gowns valued at up to $20,000 that are discounted 20-75%.

Have fun, expand your search, and keep your options open. Someday soon all eyes will be on you as you walk down the aisle in your beautiful wedding gown.

Photography courtesy of Brian Tropiano Photography.

If you have a tip on how to save money buying the wedding gown of your dreams, share it with other brides by leaving a comment below.