For a day like no other

Expert interviews: Cherise Gowan of Beauty by Cherise

Posted on March 21, 2025 by jlammerts

All you need to know about great (wedding) hair and makeup!

Cherise and I go back to the first years we both had our businesses, and even back then it was obvious how talented and experienced Cherise is – and also, how much enthusiasm she brings to her craft. If anyone is knowledgeable about all things (wedding) hair and makeup, it’s someone like her!

“How long have you been in business, and what brought you to hair/makeup styling?“
I have been a hair and makeup artist for 20+ years. I am also a “behind-the-chair” hairstylist specializing in color, cuts and extensions. I was very young when I started doing hair and makeup on myself and my friends, and I was blessed to know that this was my calling at a young age. I was born with a disfiguring facial birth defect that was finally surgically corrected when I was 14 years old. The experience of being ridiculed for my appearance in school cemented my goal to make others look at feel beautiful from the inside out. I attended cosmetology school at age 17, received my license and started my business at 18 1/2 years old.

“What is your specific style – natural, elegant, glamorous…? What is your ideal bride/bridesmaid/mother?“
My most requested style is “natural glam.” I strongly believe in accentuating my clients’ natural beauty, all while making them look amazing for their photos.
My ideal brides are the ones who are kind and who are excited to collaborate with me!

“Are you specializing in a particular technique? If so, why – what is unique about it?“
My specialty and what sets me apart from other artists is actually not a particular technique, but my hunger to learn and serve. After all these years I’m still constantly taking classes and learning!

“What is the difference between DIY hair/makeup and professional makeup?“

Professional hair and makeup will be the least expensive part of your wedding day. I believe that if you’re paying so much money for professional photography/videography, you want to look your best! Having done literally thousands of weddings as a longtime hair and makeup artist, I know exactly what to do to make your wedding photos those of your dreams, with the appropriate hair and makeup. I also invest a significant amount of time and money into the best products for my clients.

“What is the difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup?“
I believe there is an artist for everyone, and everyone has his/her own unique style.

“When choosing a stylist, which questions should a bride ask? What are “red flags” to avoid?“
I always suggest doing your research online; also, word of mouth is one of the best tools. Look to your friends’ or family members’ recommendations. Also be sure to ask how much experience the artist has in doing weddings. I always develop (AND strictly follow!) a day-of timeline, hire experienced assistants and, most of all, myself and my team NEVER run late! The last thing you want is to have a hair and makeup artist holding up the flow of the day.

“How much time do you reserve for each service? And do you recommend touch-ups during the wedding day?“
Every artist has his/her own timing. I am VERY experienced, and I use assistants who have been working with me for years, so I can say with confidence that we are like a well-oiled machine. Generally, for the bride I take an hour and a half total for hair and makeup. Bridesmaids take 30 minutes or so for hair and 25-30 minutes for makeup. I have in the past had brides/wedding coordinators really question my timing, but then they are always blown away on the day of the wedding when I finish on time, and usually early!
I do offer touch-ups at an hourly rate. Of course, you hope they aren’t necessary, and that all you really need for touch-ups is some powder and (for sure) lipstick!

“Why is professional hair/makeup so expensive?“

As I mentioned before – hair and makeup will be the least expensive endeavor of your big day.
On that note, I take extensive time beforehand to communicate with the bride; I spend time setting up a contract and formulating a timeline. I also have to coordinate my assistants for the wedding day. In addition to those details, I take much pride in my hair and makeup kits, which means a significant time investment for ordering, restocking and purchasing the best products I can get!
But the most important factor of all is that you are paying for my expertise, experience AND my calm, friendly and understanding demeanor on a day that can be very stressful. I make sure to not be the cause of any sort of stress on your wedding day!

“Anything else you’d like to add?“
I am so happy to meet so many amazing people in my career. And I look forward to many more years!

A little extra about me. I have been married to Patrick for 12 years; I have two daughters – Ireland James (11) and Golden Summer (4). When I’m not at work or having fun with my girls, I am OBSESSED with working out; I have lost 50 pounds over the last four years. What else? Having worked at Starbucks during high school and cosmetology school, I am still a fan of their Iced Americanos, and my favorite food is taco salad. I love to travel; my most-visited travel spots are Newport Beach, San Diego and Ko’olina/Hawaii. I am also a Disney Lover and frequent Disneyland visitor. Country music is another love of mine!
I am very passionate about my clients and my business. I have been doing hair and makeup more than half my life and I am so blessed to have a career where I get to make others feel good about themselves!

Touring wedding venues: the Fairmont Austin

Posted on March 20, 2025 by jlammerts

Are you envisioning a metropolitan hotel wedding with all the convenience available? No matter the size of your group or the time of the year? Then look no further than the Fairmont Austin. I toured it today, and I think that it offers a LOT of great options.

An impressive glass facade surrounds an expansive foyer…

… with an impressive ceiling decor, living trees…

… and an stunning near-lifesize bronze sculpture of three horses.

The foyer opens …

… to a restaurant court designed in the style of Sixth Street, the historic bar and nightlife center of Austin.

One of their restaurants, Garrison, is even Michelin recommended! (and the only thing standing in its way to a coveted Michelin star is a separate entrance, believe it or not…).

As you can see, plenty of options for Rehearsal Dinners and for Send-off Brunch!

On the third and fourth floors, there are several ballrooms with their own foyers and ancillary meeting rooms to choose from, each ballroom with its own foyer (for cocktails), one with a built-in stage, and another one accommodating up to 2,400 guests! It can be partitioned, of course, to suit any large gathering of maybe 400-500 guests. AND it is outfitted for ceiling installations which allows for huge swags and draping!

Further up is the rooftop pool…

… where you can enjoy a resort feeling under palm trees and with music in the center of downtown Austin! This is also the perfect place for outdoor wedding ceremonies – all planned out in detail and ready to go. Adjacent to the pool deck is a restaurant with tropical decor perfect for a casual get-together …

But still, that’s not all! Tucked away behind all that is a glamorous Speakeasy that would be perfect for a Welcome reception…

… with a built-in speaker system, banquettes and booths covered in silver-grey cut velvet.

And – did I forget? There is an incredible bar…. of course!

So, if you are considering your wedding at the Austin Fairmont, you can make it a whole weekend for yourselves and your guests – from a Welcome reception and a Rehearsal Dinner to a spa and pool day with casual dining; then celebrate your Big Day, stay right there in your suite, sleep in and have a relaxed Send-off Brunch the next morning. How does that sound?

Interested? Contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

“When only the best will do…”

Timeless style icons: Grace Kelly

Posted on March 19, 2025 by jlammerts

Who doesn’t know the “Kelly bag” by Hermes? Probably every elegant woman in the world wants one. The waitlist is years long. Resales boom.

But have you ever asked yourself for whom the bag was named?

The bag, named Petit Sac à Courroies, was first designed by Hermes in 1935 – and, believe it or not, it was not a success. But…. that changed dramatically when American actress Grace Kelly …

… had to carry one onscreen in one of her Hitchcock thrillers and came to love it so much that she kept carrying one privately. This was the public breakthrough…

Already a star, with an Academy Award and three Golden Globes to her credit, she was copied by a whole generation of fashionable women – and when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, “Princess Gracia Patricia” became a forever fashion icon.

No matter that she’d be nearly 100 years old by now – her effortless elegance is as stunning today and still serves as inspiration to designers and fashionistas alike (think: Red Carpet….)

And in terms of bridal couture: her dress was clearly an inspiration to Kate Middleton’s…

Expert interviews: florist Marie Krick of Laurel & Vine

Posted on March 17, 2025 by jlammerts

Marie and I have collaborated on numerous wedding projects for more than a decade, some modest in size, and some requiring a whole army of florists for installation. No matter the scope, Marie is always prepared, having everything planned out meticulously ahead of time. But aside from that, she is also flexible and able to change plans in the moment – a vital skill in the events business!

What is your specific strength as a florist?

I am good at thinking on my feet. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that come up on wedding days, and I have always been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick “flower thinking.”

– What is your style? Your approach to your work?

My signature style is “garden with a touch of wild whimsy.” My approach is to stay very organized on the back end. I plan exactly how many stems of each variety will be going into each design months before the wedding. This allows for efficient, elegant, and confident designing.

– What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?

Understanding each variety and its unique needs is key. Some roses need just one day outside of the cooler to open to perfection. Others need four. Some varieties shouldn’t be in the cooler at all. Knowing how to time the care and handling of each flower makes for stunning wedding flowers.

What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?

Low quality florals aren’t given “love.” They aren’t trimmed, misted with water, or kept at the correct temperature and therefore may not hold up on a wedding day. They’re also poorly designed by someone who was most likely rushing or simply didn’t have the knowledge of basic design principles that would enable them to impart the “wow factor.”

Why are wedding flowers so expensive?

Flowers in general are considered a luxury. But most couples want more than just “everyday” flowers. They want special varieties such as garden roses, Icelandic poppies, and butterfly ranunculus. These more “special” varieties usually cost more than flowers you would find in a typical grocery store.

Most couples are also looking for well-designed flowers. This means that they’re hiring a florist for his/her time and expertise beyond just the physical blooms. And if the wedding day includes numerous large flower installations, the florist needs to bring a team to help him/her set it up. That labor gets expensive, especially if your florist (hopefully) is paying a fair wage to his/her employees.

What else would you like to add?

If couples are wanting to get the most “bang” for their buck, I recommend focusing on putting larger and more impressive floral designs where guests will be looking and spending time the most. Think: altar design, bar flowers, sweetheart table, etc. Put the bulk of your budget in these places, and then you can cut back in other areas if needed.

Expert interviews: Nouvelle Vogue bridal salon

Posted on March 13, 2025 by jlammerts

I have collaborated with Saida and Chantal, the charismatic owners of Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon, on many wedding projects and styled photoshoots. These two were the first ones to bring French/European bridal couture to the US two decades ago, and their style, taste and commitment to their brides is simply unmatched. Here are their expert insights in how to choose your wedding dress.

Photo credit: Danny Dong – A Savin of London Dress

Expert interviews: Photographer Kevin Chin

Posted on March 11, 2025 by jlammerts

Another insight into the ground rules for wedding photography from acclaimed San Francisco photographer Kevin Chin with whom I have worked on many weddings – and his photos are always fantastic! Elegant, capturing the atmosphere and the moment AND all the pretty details – a balanced approach to capturing a wedding, and always stunning!

“How did you get into photography? And, in particular, into WEDDING photography? What is it that fascinates you about it?“

Like many people, photography started as a hobby for me. I was always the one taking photos on family vacations and gatherings. I started taking photos of my friends for fun. From there, people started to ask me to shoot their family portraits and weddings. The rest is history. Weddings are the most important day in a person’s life, and I feel privileged and honored to capture their special day. Experiencing the joy and emotions of a wedding day is something that I never get tired of.

“What is your specific style and why?”

I would say I incorporate a mixture of many different styles when shooting a wedding. You need to well-versed in many photography styles to capture all the different elements of a wedding. I am very good at posing my couples to flatter their body characteristics and their style to make them look their best. I’m also good at observing and capturing real candid moments throughout the day. And, of course, I use my creative eye to capture all the pretty details of the wedding day that the couple has chosen, which include the wedding dress, flowers, decor, venue, etc. I also take into account what style of photography my couple is looking for. Some prefer candids and don’t like posing for photos, while others want beautiful posed portraits and want to look like a model. I try to capture a good mixture of everything, but I’m happy to accommodate their preferences.

“How have you evolved as a photographer?”

I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years. I have gone from shooting film to digital. I have always strived to shoot in a classic style that will not look dated over time. During the film days when there weren’t any previews of the photos you were shooting, with practice and experience, I developed a repertoire of poses and key shots that I knew would always work and that every couple would like. These were the “safe shots” or “money shots” that I knew I had mastered and that I could rely on for every wedding. When digital came around, I was able to experiment more because I could see a preview of the images as I was shooting. This gave me the freedom to experiment more which, I feel, made me a more creative photographer. I feel I offer the best of both worlds because I learned the fundamentals of photography with film and became even more creative with digital technology.

“How do you connect with couples?”

My couples tell me that they appreciate my calm demeanor and easygoing personality. This is something that is appreciated on the wedding day because it helps the couple stay calm on their wedding day.

“What is the difference between an experienced professional photographer and laypeople shooting with their cellphone cameras?”

Wedding photography is the one category that couples should invest in wisely because when the wedding is over, all you have left are your wedding photos. You want to make sure you invest in an experienced professional photographer that can capture all the different events of a wedding day. As I mentioned before, a professional photographer should be experienced with capturing flattering portraits, candids that capture authentic moments, and beautiful detail and venue shots.

These different photography styles is what it takes to capture the true essence of the wedding day. You may love the style of your photographer that you are about to choose, but make sure they are experienced on how a wedding day flows. This is important because you want to make sure your photographer doesn’t miss any key moments such as the first kiss, the first dance, etc. Once the moment is over, it’s over. There are no second takes on a wedding day.

“Why is wedding photography expensive?”

You pay for what you get!

“Anything else you want to add?”

Whomever you pick as your photographer, you want to make sure you get along with that person because your photographer will be with starting with you putting on the dress until the last dance. You want to make sure that you like this person and that you vibe with their personality.

NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues

Posted on March 9, 2025 by jlammerts

Thomas Fogarty Winery, Woodside

Thomas Fogarty Winery is the one wedding venue where I have worked by far the most over the last 15 years, and with good reason! Perched high up on a ridge, it’s elegant, it offers everything needed for a wedding, the venue staff is super helpful AND the views are incredible – on clear days from the Bay Bridge to the North to all of Silicon Valley to San Jose in the South. Sunsets – and even the fog rolling in – are sheer beauty.

I am certainly one of Fogarty’s biggest fans! And so I would like to share with you how all this came about – there is backstory to it!

The founder of Thomas Fogarty Winery is actually a famous physician, Dr. Thomas Fogarty Sr., who worked at Stanford University and who made an invention in 1961 that has literally saved countless lives around the world ever since: the Fogarty catheter. This device allows to remove fresh blood clots from arteries without surgery, and it has become a staple of cardiologists everywhere.

Charmed by the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Dr. Fogarty built his family home up on Skyline Boulevard and began acquiring the surrounding land.

By 1977, he had accumulated over 300 acres of land, and in 1978, he planted his first vineyard – with that, Thomas Fogarty Winery was officially founded! Practicing organic and sustainable farming, the winery is now producing mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – and they are fantastic!

With the construction of the architecturally stunning open Pavilion, where the majority of festive dinners are now hosted …

… the winery developed into an elegant event space with a capacity of 200 guests, indoor/outdoor options and beautiful ceremony lawn.

And we all can absolutely not wait to be back there soon, celebrating love and the beauty of the gorgeous setting. You need not take my word for it: watch this video of one of my weddings at Thomas Fogarty Winery!

Intrigued? Contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

“When only the best will do…”

Timeless style icons: Audrey Hepburn

Posted on March 7, 2025 by jlammerts

Another one of these stars who – to the current generation of brides – is largely forgotten.

Born in 1929, she’d be nearly a hundred years old now… so why is she still relevant?

For starters, she was ranked by the American Film Institute as the third-greatest female screen legend from the Classical Hollywood cinema and, as a fashion and style icon, was inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List.

She was an accomplished classical ballet dancer and a stellar talent as an actress.

She was also incredibly beautiful, and for all her beauty, a rulebreaker. She played up her androgynous side at a time when that was not yet fashionable. She wore TROUSERS!! (Scandalous in her time – and an inspiration to a whole generation of rebellious young women). When frills and big dresses were considered the epitome of chic, she went understated.

Inspired for YOUR LBD?

And are you even inspired to wear a hat?! So chic, so feminine!

For her wedding dress, Audrey chose a timeless design playing up her dancer’s figure and fragile elegance – here at her dress fitting.

I am sure that her style still resonates with many brides today – even if they might not have been aware of Audrey the fashion tastemaker.

Here is a classic updo that would be flattering on any bride – with little variation…

… and a simple, elegant, perfectly proportioned dress – that will look stunning even 50 years from now.

Fashion is fleeting – but STYLE is timeless. What is YOUR style?

NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues

Posted on March 3, 2025 by jlammerts

The famed Fairmont San Francisco

Where even to begin?

Iconic landmark. Prestigious historic mansion. Refuge of American presidents and foreign dignitaries. Even: movie set (for “The Rock” with Sean Connery!). The Fairmont San Francisco is all of this – and more. Walk its corridors, and see a whole gallery of the history of the City by the Bay – narrated through visits of the rich and famous, cultural icons and politicians to this incredible hotel.

What better place for an elegant, sophisticated wedding celebration? Especially for an authentic San Francisco flavor, AND for true million-dollar views.

Whether you are just enjoying an intimate elopement dinner in your room in the Fairmont Tower…

… or have your big ceremony and dinner and dancing here, it will be an unforgettable celebration!

The Rooftop Garden is a perfect spot for outdoor ceremonies…

… while the adjacent Pavilion Room with its incredible Art Deco chandelier lends itself to indoor ceremonies.

Photo opportunities in the hotel include the majestic main staircase…

… the lavishly appointed lobby …

… the Rooftop Garden …

… and, of course, the double-height Penthouse Suite where all American presidents stay when they visit San Francisco.

You can, of course, have your whole wedding in this Penthouse Suite – it can accommodate up to 100 guests for a ceremony on the patio, cocktails in the living room, dinner in the dining room and, if you wish, dancing, too! And the best thing? Once your guests have left, you can simply stay and spend the night in one of the most luxurious bedrooms you’ve ever seen!

But we are getting ahead of ourselves… for a bigger wedding party, there are several glamorous ballrooms to choose from for dinner and dancing:

… always with elegant tabletop items like silver chargers and cutlery included.

And once the party is over, just look out over the City, together as a married couple. Nothing beats this romantic moment!

So … now you know why the Fairmont is high up on my personal “Favorites” list! And the best thing: I’ll be back in a few months to create more wedding magic there… can’t wait!

Contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

“When only the best will do…”

Expert interview: Photographer Gavin Farrington

Posted on March 1, 2025 by jlammerts

How to select your perfect wedding photographer

Here is another one of my favorite photographers. Gavin and I go back more than a decade, have collaborated many times on weddings and styled photoshoots, and I admire him tremendously – both his work and the person he is. He lives and breathes photography, and wedding photography in particular… so here is what HE has to say about it all.

“How did you get into photography and, in particular, into WEDDING photography? What is it that fascinates you about it?“

My parents gave me a camera when I was little. A Kodak Instamatic. I loved playing with it, but even as a kid I could tell my pictures didn’t look like the photos I saw in magazines. It wasn’t until high school, where I discovered we had an old defunct darkroom and worked to rebuild it, that I would start to learn photography. But it wouldn’t be until years after college that I would consider photography professionally.

I honestly didn’t expect to love wedding photography. I guess I had a bit of an art-school-snob attitude about it. Only when I worked at a wedding as an assistant photographer that I realized how much I loved observing people, and being part of an intimate day in people’s lives.

http://gavinfarrington.com | IG @gavinfarringtonphotography

“What is your specific style and why?”

The industry jargon is “wedding photojournalist.” Many couples express this by using phrases like ‘authentic, natural, candid, organic, unintrusive, capturing the moment, real, un-posed’, and the like. What matters to me for the finished product is that it connects you to memories that were in the moment, not memories of your photographer posing you, or telling you to do something again.

“How have you evolved as a photographer?”

I started out working with very talented photographers who are brilliant at posing and staging breathtaking shots. It was fun, and I learned a lot about lighting, technicals, etc., but for me it rang hollow when thinking about how a couple might relate to those images 20 or 30 years from now. I often imagine, “if this couple has kids, and in 30 years those kids are home for Thanksgiving and pull out Mom and Dad’s album, are they going to look at those photos and see the people they know and love? Or are they going to see expertly staged photographs?

“How do you connect with couples?”

One way I connect is through stories. Like the time a grandmother hobbled slowly up the walk to stand before her granddaughter – the bride – and say, “I practiced walking with a cane so I could be here.” I cried behind my camera. I like to think that the photos of that moment are an important part of that bride’s memories of her.

“What is the difference between an experienced professional photographer and laypeople shooting with their cellphone cameras?”

Connection, curation, and situational experience.

‘Connection’ in that I am able to operate my camera fully manually without giving it a thought. That gives me the space to pay attention to people, not camera settings. I’m connecting with you from behind my camera.

‘Curation’ because not every single frame is going to be good, and not every single frame should be part of the finished product. You want all the important moments, you don’t want every frame.

‘Situational experience’ is more technical in nature. Weddings are not photo studios. The majority of settings have no shortage of lighting challenges and unexpected moments. Ideal lighting rarely happens. How are you going to get a professional quality image without inserting yourself in the action and being a director all day? After all, it’s your day – not mine.

“Why is wedding photography expensive?”

There are many factors playing into this. I’ll touch on two. First is that the hours spent at the wedding are only a small fraction of the total hours that go into producing your finished product. We need to amortize the hourly cost on your invoice over the total hours it takes to deliver your finished product. Another factor is the cost for all the years spent learning. A photographer who makes it look easy only makes it look easy as a function of their experience. It probably took 6 years before I was making minimum wage after averaging everything over the total hours spent building and running my business.

Thank you, Jutta!

Warmly,

Gavin
Owner & Lead Photographer, Gavin Farrington