Mrs. December: This COVID BOLI Took Postponing Her Wedding in Stride

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Leigh Regan explains why she still got married in 2020, and how an extra year of planning allowed her to add so many details on her wedding day.

Just like all COVID couples, when Matt and Leigh Regan got engaged in 2019, they had no idea how the next year of planning for a December 2020 wedding would play out. But careful planning and the decision to postpone turned their wedding day into something even better than they imagined.

An Intimate Gathering

Leigh and Matt met through mutual friends. Their first date was at Sangria 71 in Williston Park, and Leigh says it was the best first date she ever had. Three years later, Matt proposed in June 2019, and within several days, they booked their wedding date for Dec. 11, 2020 at the Inn at New Hyde Park, a BOLI preferred vendor. After booking most of the big vendors – photographer, videographer and DJ – they took a breather. But like many other couples in 2020, once the pandemic hit, Leigh and Matt held their breath as they waited to see what would happen toward the end of the year. “We spoke with Giancarlo at the Inn at New Hyde Park frequently, and by September of 2020, we were worried we wouldn’t be able to have the wedding we envisioned,” Leigh says. Luckily, the Inn at New Hyde Park had Dec. 10, 2021 available – and everything could be transferred over. “Before we officially made the decision to postpone, I called all of my booked vendors,” says Leigh. “And we lucked out, as everyone had that new date available. It was a very seamless transition.”

Despite postponing, Leigh says that they still wanted to get married in 2020. “We weren’t sure how to go about it, but with the pandemic we learned that life is too short,” Leigh explains. “So, the Hempstead Town supervisor married us via Zoom on our living room couch on Dec. 10, 2020, and the next day, we had a small gathering in our backyard with a few close friends and family.” And Leigh says she’s so glad she did it.

MORE: 4 Things You Should Do The Night Before Your Wedding

Extra Time to Plan

Before the pandemic hit, Leigh made sure to book her DJ first – right after the Inn at New Hyde Park. “We’re a fun couple, we love to dance,” says Leigh. “It was important that we had a great DJ and entertainment at our wedding.” And they actually found their DJ at a friend’s wedding. “We were at a wedding right before we got engaged, and we really liked the DJ,” Leigh says. “Matt made sure to make note of SEDJ, so we could book them for our own day.”

But the DJ wasn’t the only recommendation through friends. “We were at that stage of life where all of our friends were getting married, so part of my shopping around was just asking friends for the pros and cons of their vendors.” Ultimately, though, they only booked vendors they felt comfortable with. “We needed people who made us feel like family – and we got that with all of our vendors.”

Even though Leigh had everything booked by the time the pandemic hit, she found herself adding more and more details to her wedding day – as she had a full extra year to plan everything out. “I feel as if we had gotten married on our original date, I don’t think I would have had as many details as I did.”

Some of those details? Their groomsmen changed into fun Christmas blazers for their reception entrance. And Matt wasn’t left out, as he wore a red velvet blazer for the reception. Keeping with the Christmas theme – one of their groomsmen dressed up as Santa, which was a hit.

MORE: How to Best Use the Winter Holidays for Wedding Planning

Better Than She Could Imagine

Even with all of the extra planning, Leigh says her wedding day was better than she ever could have imagined. “There were definitely moments of doubt while planning with the pandemic, but we made it, and it truly was better than we had envisioned.”

Leigh says all of her vendors went above and beyond. “Raquel from Platinum Affairs was such a pleasure to work with,” Leigh says. “I knew I wanted a backdrop behind our sweetheart table, but I couldn’t articulate what that was. Raquel spent hours on the phone with me to hash it out and bring it to life.”

In fact, Leigh says each vendor she worked with made her feel as if it was her wedding was the only one that mattered to them. “Obviously, every wedding is important to them, but they all just made us feel like we were their only couple.”

A special moment for Leigh was when her Uncle John drove her and her parents to the church in his antique Rolls Royce. “My uncle was such a huge part of my wedding, and it stands out because he passed away unexpectedly a year later. When I look back at the photos of Matt and me with the car, I’m so grateful that we did that.”

MORE: 12 Ways to Propose to Your Bridal Party

Enjoy the Stress

Leigh knows it’s an oxymoron when she tells other brides to enjoy the stress. But, she wants all brides to know that even though wedding planning can be stressful, it’s supposed to be fun. And know that everything will work out in the end.

She also urges brides to make sure they’re comfortable with their vendors. “You need to feel comfortable picking up the phone to change your mind however many times you want, without feeling judged or like a bother.” So, meet with those vendors, ask those questions and go with the ones who make you feel like yourself. In the end, Leigh says, “I genuinely felt that our vendors wanted us to have the best day ever.” And it truly was.

Vendors:
Venue: The Inn at New Hyde Park, a BOLI preferred vendor
Photographer: Capture the Moment Studios, a BOLI preferred vendor
Videography: Capture the Moment Studios, a BOLI preferred vendor 
Florist: Pedestals
DJ: SESDJ
Dress: The Bridal World – Justin Alexander, a BOLI preferred vendor
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Styles by Nicole Stew
Makeup: Nicole R. makeup_by_cole_
Transportation: All Star Limousine, a BOLI preferred vendor 
Invitations: Blingvitations
Cake: Dortoni Bakery
Backdrop creation: Platinum Affairs – Raquel

Michael Lopacki, of Michael John Photography, has tips to make sure your wedding day is perfect.

With all of the planning that we do for our wedding, making sure the day goes smoothly is important. And one way to help with that is to create a wedding day timeline. This may seem like a daunting task, but with the help of your photographer, as well as your venue, creating that perfect wedding day timeline will be one of the easiest things you’ll do throughout your planning.

But where do you even begin? Michael Lopacki, of Michael John Photography, a BOLI preferred vendor, has six things to consider when making your wedding day timeline.

Your Ceremony

The first thing that Michael asks his brides is the time of their ceremony and the location. “That’s the most important question because that will determine what kind of timeline we’re looking at,” says Michael. “Your ceremony time is a starting off point and I build out a timeline from there.” For example, if you are having a church ceremony at 2 p.m., Michael suggests starting your ‘getting ready’ photos at 11:30 a.m., leaving you two hours for photos before leaving for your ceremony.

MORE: 40 Questions to Ask Your Photographer

Cocktail Hour

Next, Michael asks about the timing of your cocktail hour. “My ultimate goal is to get all of our photos done before cocktail hour,” Michael explains. “I don’t want any of my brides missing their cocktail hour.”

It’s important to find out how early you can arrive at your venue – no matter if you’re getting married there or off site. That ‘extra’ time at the venue is important to your timeline in terms of photography. “If we’re allowed to arrive two hours before, that’s perfect for photos,” says Michael. “But if we’re only allowed an hour on site, we probably need to find a second location to ensure we get our couples to cocktail hour.”

Of course, if cocktail hour isn’t that important to you, or if you have an extended cocktail hour, this helps with your timeline for the day!

First Look

In terms of timing, your first look goes hand in hand with cocktail hour. For brides that have a first look, there are more opportunities to get the majority of your photos done before the ceremony. “For example, we can do full bridal party and some family shots, as well as the couples alone – or at least some of those – all before their ceremony starts,” says Michael. “All of those shots usually take around 45 minutes or up to an hour, so without a first look, brides might miss their cocktail hour.”

Of course, if you don’t want a first look, that’s OK. Your photographer will factor this into the perfect wedding day timeline for you.

MORE: The Pros & Cons of a First Look vs. Meeting at the Altar

Where are you getting ready?

Another important thing to consider is where you’re getting ready. Are you getting ready at home? A hotel? Or maybe you’re getting ready at the venue. Wherever you’re getting ready, you’ll need to factor in travel time to where you’re ending up. And something to consider after you get ready? Traveling together! Michael suggests doing your first look at the location where you’re getting ready, and then utilizing that party bus with your friends and family to head to your venue, church or off-site location for more photos. “I suggest this to make the day more seamless,” says Michael. “You want the day to be easy going with fun and enjoyment – so enjoy that bus ride!”

Family Photos

Family photos are important on your wedding day. And when creating your timeline, you’ll need to factor in the size of your family, as well as if you’ll want extended family photos. “If it’s a larger family, we would have to build that into the timeline,” says Michael. “Preferably earlier in the day, if we can.”

Michael suggests getting immediate family photos done early – after brides have gotten ready and before the ceremony. “I try to get the solo shots with mom and dad, as well as siblings done before we leave for the church or venue, this way we can fly through group shots at the venue, and it allows for extended family photos, if we want.”

Another fun tip that Michael suggests – get those extended family photos done during your reception! “Sure, people love to make their rounds and do table photos, but a faster and more fun way is to have the family members run out to the dance floor where the bride and groom are,” he says. “I always coordinate this idea with the DJs, so they can announce the table number or families. It’s a fun way to get photos of everyone without wasting too much time.”

Time of Day or Year

If you love the idea of sunset photos, make sure to consider the time of day or even time of year when making your timeline. In the summer months, that sunset is between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the winter months, the sun sets by 4:30 p.m. depending on the time of year.  “I love to shoot in the golden hour!” says Michael. He knows that grabbing those sunset shots might pull brides away from the reception, so he makes sure he’s ready to go before couples head out for the gorgeous shots. “I’ll have them outside for 5-10 minutes max, and then they can head back into the party.”

MORE: Summer Soiree? Fall Fête? A Breakdown of Weddings by Season. 

On average, Michael says getting ready photos take about two hours, and then he suggests at least two hours for bridal party and family photos, as well as portraits with the bride and groom. “Two hours is key because we want to relax,” says Michael. “Taking photos on your wedding day shouldn’t be work. It should be fun and enjoyable.” And when you consider his suggestions in making your timeline – your wedding day will definitely be stress-free.

On your wedding day, all eyes will be on you! Look and feel your best with the help of these talented and passionate professionals – 38 of the best hair and makeup artists on Long Island!

There are so many decisions you’ll have to make when planning your wedding, from venues and bridesmaids dresses to limos and song lists. But perhaps one of the most important choices lies in your hair and makeup team.

Think about it – not only will you be the center of attention all day long (as you should be!), but your wedding day look will be forever immortalized in your amazing pictures. You’ll want stylists that listen to your ideas, inspire you with possibilities, and deliver incredible results. If you’re on the hunt for your perfect glam squad, look no further than 36 of the best hair and makeup artists on Long Island!

PR Creations
Hair and Makeup
PR Creations is Long Island brides’ Glam Team for everything bridal! With over a decade in the industry, Paige Richards and her team bring a luxury experience with attention to every detail on your big day. 

Perfectly Blended Makeup
Hair and Makeup
Founder Vivian Drago and co-owner Gina Ingrao take pride in their artistry, having built their company on the belief that their clients’ needs are of paramount importance. They constantly keep up with new trends, techniques, and products to give their brides a refined and modern look. 

Elle B Makeup
Hair and Makeup
The soft glam. The natural vibe. The elevated face. Look like yourself, but better with the artistry of Elle B Makeup! The team prides themselves on personal relationships, so you’ll instantly feel like you’re working with your best friends.

Make Me Glamorous
Hair and Makeup
The Make Me Glamorous team comes to you – on location! – with over 20 years of experience. From glamming up your bridal squad, your mothers and grandmothers, and of course the bride, Make Me Glamorous will….well, make YOU glamorous!

Victoria Elizabeth
Hair and Make-up
Specializing in all things bridal, Victoria Elizabeth is a luxury hair and make up company that provides on-location services to the Tri-state area and worldwide! Their emphasis on quality, talent, and customization, alongside uncompromising passion, is what sets them apart. They specialize in glamour, bohemian, classic, natural, and “old hollywood” styles.

• MORE: Victoria Elizabeth Continuously Provides the Most Pampered Experience to All Their Clients

North East Bridal
Hair
Specializing in bohemian styles and updos, hair stylist Kristen Marie of North East Bridal (formerly Beauty by Kristen Marie) believes every bride should feel like a princess on their wedding day. And with over a decade of experience in bridal hair, she is sure to deliver a wedding day look you will love!

Ink & Ivy
Hair
Formally known as Hair by Nikki Lee, the team and Ink & Ivy specialize in bohemian styles like messy-chic braids and dreamy romantic waves for an earthy yet refined look. Owner and chief stylist Nikki Lee has collaborated with MTV, Anomalie, and worked directly with designer Pnina Tornai for her Kleinfeld runway show!

Mirror Mirror Hair Boutique
Hair
The staff at Mirror Mirror is in love with weddings, and believes every bride should look and feel like the best versions of themselves on their big day! They specialize in Bridal Sets, Boho Hair/Braids, Hollywood Waves and all Updos, and take every aspect into consideration to make sure your vision comes to life.

Airbrush Makeup by Lisa Marie
Makeup
With over 15 years in the industry, make-up artist Lisa Marie has built a name in Long Island’s wedding circles. She specializes in custom blend airbrush and traditional makeup applications, and has created a process that makes her applications last all day, all night, and sometimes until the day-after wedding brunches!

Kate Ford Beauty
Hair and Makeup
The team at Kate Ford Beauty each has a look they love the most, from traditional/classic styles, to boho/whimsical, all the way to dramatic/full glam and big hair. With a versatile skill set, they can deliver any style you dream of! They connect with their clients and do a detailed consultation to make sure they really understand your vision.

• MORE: When It Comes to Your Wedding Day Look, Kate Ford Beauty has Your Back.

Nicole Spinello Makeup
Hair and Makeup
Nicole Spinello has been working with the beautiful brides of NYC and Long Island for almost 10 years. While she specializes in all things bridal makeup, her team specializes in bridal hair. All you have to do is bring them a picture, and they will make your wedding dreams come to life (for both you AND your bridal party)!

Total Glam NY
Makeup
Total Glam NY’s mission is to make their brides happy, beautiful, and confident on the most important day of their life. To ensure every bride’s satisfaction, each artist handles only 1 client a day. With esthetics being a big focus for Total Glam, even the brides with the most problematic skin can be assured they’ll have flawless makeup.

Sincerely Something Borrowed Inc.
Hair and Makeup
It is so important that you feel comfortable and like yourself on your wedding day, but it is a special occasion after all! That’s why the team at Sincerely Something Borrowed specializes in natural bridal hair and makeup looks. They aim to enhance your natural beauty and make you feel like the best version of yourself!

The Blushing Bridal Suite
Makeup
Dawn Romanello of The Blushing Bridal Suite considers herself the Guru of brides, kind of like Mel Gibson in “What Women Want.” She’s worked in all genres of makeup, including, the ultra natural, the sophisticated and the glamorous, yet she approaches each makeup as the study of the face, enhancing the natural qualities of each individual.

The House of Makeup
Hair and Makeup
The House of Makeup is a beauty concierge service designed to provide the most glam beauty experience to all! Specializing in bridal hair, airbrush makeup, spray tans, hair extensions, and lashes, The House of Makeup is one of the best hair and makeup artists on Long Island, in New York City, Montauk, and international destinations.

Angela’s Hair Design
Hair
Angela Cappuccia of Angela’s Hair Design loves it when a bride says “do whatever you want!” She loves making a bride’s vision come to life and treasures that “first look” in the mirror after her work is complete.  With 12 years in the industry, Angela’s Hair Design will create a style that is unique to you.

Bridal Rush
Hair and Makeup
Able to offer so much to brides under one brand, Jessica and the team at Bridal Rush can create a variety of looks and styles for your big day!  A large, dedicated group of licensed stylists and artists work together to make your wedding day glam convenient and stress-free.

Makeup by Alexandra
Makeup
Alexandra is here to create the look of your dreams! Passionate not only about the artistry of makeup but also about communication, Alexandra’s priority is to make your day as exciting, fun, and stress-free as possible. You’ll be sure to leave her chair feeling like the queen that you are!

Kimberly Dawn Makeup Artistry
Makeup
As a former professional ballerina, Kimberly’s love of costumes, hair, makeup, and tiaras directly translates to her love of all things bridal. Recognizing that each individual Bride has unique taste, preferences, and ideals of beauty, Kimberly will work with you to bring your own personal vision to life!

H2Seven Hair and Makeup Studio
Hair and Makeup
Julieta (more commonly known as Julz) loves to make your bridal skin look flawless – a good “J-Lo Glow,” as she calls it! After being in the beauty industry for 18 years, she’s developed the skills and expertise to deliver a natural yet glam style in both your makeup and hair design.  That’s why she’s one of the best hair and makeup artists on Long Island.

Hair by Nikki Abbruzzese
Hair
The team at Hair by Nikki Abbruzzese makes sure that every bride’s hairstyling journey is an enjoyable and stress-free experience. While they’ve mastered any hairstyle you can imagine, they have a fondness for down styles – waves, half-up, braids, twists, you name it!

• Learn more about the best hair and makeup artists on Long Island here!

Studio Novelle
Hair and Makeup
Every look that Studio Novelle creates is a celebration of their brides’ unique qualities. A true “glam squad” with members that have been a part of the team for over a decade, Studio Novelle believes your hair and makeup style should stand the test of time. 

Genie Artistry
Hair and Makeup
When owner and lead stylist Jeanine LeClair was younger, a close friend gave her a nickname: “Makeup Genie.” Since then she’s been practicing and perfecting her techniques, and she loves bringing a bride’s natural beauty outward, enhancing what is already there!

• MORE: With a Sole Focus on You and Your Day, Genie Artistry Brings All Your Bridal Visions to Life

Valentina Page Hair Studio
Hair
Whether it’s straight and sleek or wavy and vibrant, Valentine Page Hair Studio will deliver your dream wedding day hair! Their staff is comprised of DEVA Curl specialists, Wella elite colorists, and Hothead Hair Extensions certified stylists. 

ARGBEAUTY
Makeup
Alli Gonzalez developed a love for makeup at a very young age, watching YouTube videos to pick up some techniques. Since then she’s refined her skills as owner of ARGBEAUTY, making sure that each bride feels welcome and – most importantly – gorgeous!

Beautè Plans by A+C
Hair and Makeup
Beautè Plans by A+C excels at bringing your dreams and visions to stunning reality. They understand the importance of detail, and specialize in all of the latest trends as well as classic styles and flawless technique. 

Resilient Beauty
Hair and Makeup
Monique at Resilient Beauty believes that planning your wedding day look should be fun and enjoyable! While she specializes in a more natural and boho feel, she can make any of your dream looks happen!

Blush & Mane
Hair and Makeup
Clients frequently call Nicole, owner and stylist of Blush & Mane, “human Xanax” because of her calm and easy going nature! Her team specializes in natural glam – making sure you look and feel like yourself, just a little bit fancier. 

Jesella Beauty
Hair and Makeup
What makes Jesella Beauty one of the best hair and makeup artists on Long Island? Australian-born artist Tamara is here to accentuate your beauty – not change it. She’s here to make you feel beautiful, no matter how you like your makeup done. And as a hairstylist as well, Jesella Beauty provides a one-stop-shop for your wedding day look!

• MORE: Jesella Beauty Brings Out Your Gorgeous Bridal Glow, Naturally

Beauty Mark Spa and Bridal Studio
Hair and Makeup
Love Hollywood glam waves, boho braids, or beachy bends? Then you need the team at Beauty Mark Spa and Bridal Studio! They love perfecting your wedding day vision – and with makeup artists who’ve worked in television and fashion, you know you’ll be working with the utmost professionals.

CK Makeup and Aesthetics
Makeup
As a licensed Esthetician, owner Christine of CK Makeup and Aesthetics understands that skincare and makeup go hand in hand. She’ll work with you on getting a flawless base – your natural skin! – while highlighting your natural features. 

Fluff Me
Hair
Owner Fania has been in the industry for decades, and knows that those small details make a big difference. If the “Modern Wave” and the “Hollywood Wave” had a baby, that’s Fluff Me’s signature style! They’re dedicated to nailing your bridal vision.  

Rebelle with a Gloss
Hair and Makeup
Always fascinated by makeup, owner Jenn decided to shift from the teaching world and start her own bridal beauty company. She loves being a part of your big day, and is truly inspired by all of her beautiful brides!

Makeup by Sophia
Makeup
Long Island native Sophia specializes in an airbrush makeup application that is basically bulletproof! Her motto of “enter as strangers and leave as friends” means she cares deeply for each and every one of her brides. 

Aesthetics Atelier By: Gina Nicole
Hair and Makeup
Wanting to learn skin on a deeper level led owner Gina Nicole to esthetics school in 2016. Since then, she has perfected her skills and specializes in every ethnicity, skin type, and skin tone in order to give the best experience and results.

Bridal by Kimberly
Makeup
Owner Kimberly believes that you deserve the very best on your wedding day: a seamless experience that leaves you feeling relaxed, taken care of, and ready to have the most wonderful day of your life. She specializes in soft, elegant looks for the bride that wants to feel like herself! 

KimMarie Styles
Hair
Love is in the Hair with KimMarie Styles! Owner KimMarie has been in the bridal industry for over three decades, so she’s a master at any style you could ever envision. She prides herself on constant education and providing custom looks. 

Glamouriss Beauty
Hair and Makeup
Owner Marissa ensures that every bride stands at the altar looking and feeling GLAMOURISS! Whether you prefer simple elegance or detailed glam, their team will be able to bring out all of your natural beauty.

Looking to personalize your wedding invitations? BOLI has seven of the best wedding invitation vendors on Long Island!

When it comes to your wedding invitations, you’ll want to make an impression. This is something that will live on your family or friend’s refrigerator or desk for weeks leading up to the big day. But where do you begin? Why not look into using one of the seven best invitation vendors on Long Island? BOLI has handpicked these vendors to help you customize and design the perfect wedding invitation that will wow your guests!

(Photo courtesy of Fairy Tale Affairs)

Fairy Tale Affairs
Massapequa

At Fairy Tale Affairs, your vision for invitations, decor, and so much more is brought to life by mother-daughter duo Tracey and Dezi.

Red Letter Day Invitations & Design 
If out-of-the-box is where your mind is headed, then schedule a free personalized design session with Red Letter Day Invitations & Design. They will come to you, making the creation of your dream wedding invitations a fun experience and adding personal touches to impress your guests.

MORE: The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Your Thank You Cards

The Stationery Bar
Lindenhurst

Work with owner Joy directly to create wedding invitations that share your love story. She makes sure your invites represent you and your style. And don’t forget to ask her to customize your day of stationery, seating charts and wedding day signage!

Inklinations
Great Neck

This husband and wife team has been running Inklinations for over 34 years. After becoming a professional calligrapher, it seemed only natural for Annie Kantor to open a retail invitation shop with her husband Earle. They are ready to work with you to create your perfect wedding invitations.

MORE: How to Make a Small Wedding Guest List

Robedee Design

Stephanie is the creative mind behind Robedee Design, where they create custom wedding invitations that capture your one-of-a-kind style and vision. Bring your ideas, and let their designers do the rest!

Dolce Press
Bohemia

With over 20 years experience in designing invitations, Alexandria at Dolce Press can’t wait create your wedding invitation suite! She will obsess over every little detail of your invitations or stationery to make sure everything is perfect for your big day.

MORE: 8 Trends for 2024 Long Island Weddings

Linen & Pine Designs

Collette at Linen & Pine Designs believes your invitations can set the tone and vibe of the day, which is why she works to ensure yours are unique to your style. From save-the-dates to seating charts and table numbers, Collette is ready to work her magic to make your day perfect.

And remember, planning a wedding can be stressful. These invitation and stationery vendors on Long Island work hard to make creating your wedding suites fun, creative and stress-free!

Tamara DeBlasio of Jesella Beauty believes in accentuating all of your stunning features

When it comes time to walk down the aisle, you will likely want to level up from your everyday look. But while a little extra contour and color is definitely desirable, most brides will still want to recognize themselves when they look in the mirror.

Tamara DeBlasio, owner and lead artist of BOLI Preferred Vendor Jesella Beauty, understands the important balance between executing that special wedding day glam, and enhancing the natural features that make you truly beautiful.

• MORE: 27 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Makeup Artist

“I have an artistic energy, and I love to create things.” – Jesella Beauty

Tamara, of New South Wales, Australia, met her future husband during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The pair later settled in the United States. “I worked for an interior design company in Sydney and had pursued a career in hospitality before that, so I was fully aware of how to provide great customer service,” she remembered. “When I moved to New York 18 years ago, I began working in a financial firm as an executive assistant. Once I had my first daughter, I felt like the job was stale and didn’t give me the creative outlet I craved.”

When Tamara’s second daughter was born, she started searching for a new career path. “I had a few friends that were diving into professional photography, and they suggested that I try my hand in makeup artistry. ’ I was always very focused on my own makeup and fresh looks so it made sense to explore that as a career. I decided to go to school at night to expand on my amateur base and found it really rewarding. From there, I launched my business which is named from a combination of my first and second daughters’ names, Jessica and Ella.”

After making a name for herself as a makeup artist, Tamara decided to expand her services. “I have an artistic energy, and I love to create things. After a couple of years in business, I felt like I could become a one-stop shop for brides and bridal parties. I was always pretty good at working with hair, so I joined several hair training seminars and classes in New York City to perfect the craft before adding hair to my portfolio.”

“It comes down to listening to the bride and what she wants.” – Jesella Beauty

Tamara is known for creating hair and makeup styles that bring out your inherent beauty. “A lot of people come to me for the natural look,” she said. “My thing is that I want to accentuate someone’s natural beauty without altering what they look like. I don’t want my brides to feel like they are not themselves on their special day. I want them to see the finished product and say, ‘Yes! I look like my best self and I feel awesome.” 

However, that doesn’t mean she hasn’t perfected more heightened styles. “Honestly, if you said ‘Let’s go glam!’ I’m ready to go glam. We can work together to be progressive and wild, if that’s what you want. Or we can keep it simple, natural.” 

So how does Tamara decide which direction to go? “It comes down to listening to the bride and truly understanding what she wants,” she explained. “I could tell you what to wear and decide on your makeup look, but at the end of the day, you have to drive the car to be comfortable.  The most important thing I can do is listen, offer guidance based on what I am hearing and we work together from there. It’s truly a collaboration.”

“We talk about what their vision is, and then go from there.” – Jesella Beauty

What happens when you book with Tamara and Jesella Beauty? “I strongly recommend pre-wedding trials, so you will know what to expect on the big day,” she offered. “We will talk about your vision, and go from there.” 

You’ll likely have a chance to show off your professional look, because Tamara does her best to schedule your trial around wedding-related or formal events in your life. “I try to book the trial around something special, like a bridal shower or engagement shoot, so you’re able to get feedback from friends and family if you choose.”  

And if you’re willing to travel, you could save a few bucks in your beauty budget. “I offer discounted trials in my home, so if you’re willing to come to West Islip, it’s very beneficial.” 

“I love customer service.” – Jesella Beauty

As you begin your search for hair and makeup artists, there are a few qualities that Tamara thinks all brides should keep in mind. “Cleanliness, for starters, is the key. It is very important to run a sanitary work station,” she stressed. She also emphasized the significance of professionalism and communication. “I love customer service and I feel like it is in short order these days. But I think it’s something that is so valuable. Treating other people with respect, kindness and understanding where they’re coming from is something that’s very important to me. The bride shouldn’t feel like she can’t speak her mind. You need to feel comfortable, and I want to be remembered for making you feel confident.”

“Enjoy the moment.” – Jesella Beauty

When it comes to planning your big day, Tamara has some key words of advice. “Take care of your body. Hydrate, and start a good skincare regimen,” she recommended. “When you’re not hydrated, your skin is dry and the makeup can look dry. You have to take care of your skin in order for the long-lasting makeup to sit well.”

And, of course, Tamara suggests taking the time to truly appreciate the day. “Enjoy every moment. It all goes so fast and it will not all go perfectly. That’s okay. Be prepared for a surprise or two and make the most of it. Ultimately, enjoy the day you’ve been planning for so long.”

• MORE: 51 Items to Pack in Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit

i

 

 

At a loss of where to begin with planning your honeymoon? These specialists have you covered.

We get it. You’re deep into wedding planning, and the thought of planning your honeymoon – which is supposed to be relaxing after your big day – is giving you anxiety. Well, don’t worry. Brides of Long Island has the best honeymoon specialists on Long Island.

These specialists will make your dream honeymoon come true. Want a relaxing beach vacation? Done. Or something more adventurous? No problem. Looking to explore a new country? Let’s go. These honeymoon specialists on Long Island will plan every detail – and throw in some perks – to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime after your wedding day.

Melissa at Tripguy Travel 
With firsthand experience on exotic vacations from the South Pacific to Europe and across the country, Melissa at Tripguy Travel is the perfect honeymoon specialist to plan your getaway. She knows the best deals and will help you decide on the perfect destination for your once in a lifetime honeymoon.

You and Me By the Sea Travel
With over 30 years experience, Christine at You and Me By the Sea Travel will not only help book your perfect honeymoon, but she’ll curate an itinerary unique to the wants and needs (and wildest dreams) of you and your future spouse. From Disney and Sandals honeymoons to the exotic islands of French Polynesia, Christine is ready to plan the honeymoon of your dreams. And if you are looking to plan a destination wedding, Christine is here to help.

MORE: You and Me by the Sea by the Sea Curates Your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon with Distinctive and Luxurious Flair

Crafty Getaways
Crafty Getaways is a full service travel agency that specializes in honeymoons, destination weddings and bachelorette getaways. Their honeymoon specialists will make sure you’re pampered with amenities, upgrades and much more.

Luxury Travel by Maria
Luxury Travel by Maria believes experiencing new cultures is at the heart of travel, and she can’t wait to plan the perfect honeymoon for you to explore a new destination. And if relaxing after your big day is more your speed, Maria has experience with all kinds of vacations to cater to your every need.

MORE: 5 Beautiful Mini-Moon Destinations That Don’t Require a Passport

Destination Paradise
As a destination bride herself, Tiffani at Destination Paradise knows firsthand how to plan the perfect destination wedding and romantic honeymoon getaway. Her niche? All-inclusive vacations. What more can you ask for when planning your honeymoon?

Ginger Peachy Travel
With over 30 years experience, Ginger Peachy Travel honeymoon specialists are ready to plan the perfect vacation after your wedding day. They work one-on-one with brides to create their dream honeymoon and work with any budget. They also specialize in destination weddings.

MORE: Honeymoon destinations that won’t break the bank

No matter where your dream honeymoon is, our specialists are ready to make those dreams a reality without the hassle of planning yourself. So, dream big, and enjoy yourself as you sip that cocktail or explore a new country with your new spouse.

Christine Earls of You and Me by the Sea recounts the epic experience of planning BOLI Jessica Alfano’s Grecian nuptials

Every bride will have a different vision for their wedding – some want days a little closer to home, and some want to celebrate with the Santorini sky in the background. The latter was true for Bride of Long Island Jessica Afano. 

So when it came time to plan all the exciting details of her destination wedding in Greece, Jessica decided to seek expert guidance from Christine Earls, owner of BOLI Preferred Vendor You and Me by the Sea. 

Matching her visions

Jessica’s epic Santorini vows were born with an extensive consultation. “Jess, [her fiancé] Cameron and I sat down and discussed what their expectations were, and what their visions for their wedding day would be,” Christine remembered. “I had them describe what their absolute perfect day would look like, and as they spoke, the wheels started turning in my head on how to bring it all to fruition.”

While learning about Jessica’s vision was an important aspect of this initial meeting, it was also an opportunity for Christine to explain the marriage process in another country. “There were lots of legalities for her wedding in Greece that she needed to know about, and a lot of different things you have to do in order to be legally married there. So I was able to explain that process and go over their options before we even started to book things.” 

Insider insight

After their meeting, Christine leapt into action. “I work hand-in-hand with local wedding planners in Santorini, and those wedding planners work hand-in-hand with the best professionals in the area – photographers, videographers, everyone,” she explained. “These aren’t fly-by-night vendors, or someone you’d just randomly find on social media, they’re reputable pros that have a proven track record.”

She went on to illustrate how important it is to work with professionals you can trust. “Vendors that have a good working relationship is like its own kind of marriage, and it’s so crucial on your wedding day. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so you want to get it right. Jessica’s not going back to Greece to do this again. You want to know you can trust the people you’re working with to deliver fully when it’s go-time.”

Elevating her experience

Once the basic plans were in place, Christine began to look for ways to make Jessica’s escapades even more meaningful. “What I really enjoyed was being able to elevate the experience for her,” she described. “I wanted to add a few special touches that could bring in even more luxury during this exciting time  – I arranged for champagne in their room, with a small cake to celebrate the start of their new chapter. I had charcuterie delivered. When she checked in, there was a bouquet of flowers waiting for her.”

Christine even enhanced Jessica’s dream lodging. “She wanted to stay in a really nice resort, and I was able to get her a room with an incredible view of the ocean and a private pool, which was even better than what she originally had in mind.”    

It’s all in the details

Jessica’s vision proved to be exceptionally inspiring for Christine. “Jessica wanted the backdrop of her wedding ceremony to be the Mediterranean Sea, on a cliff,” she said. “That whole idea really excited me. I mean, it sounds like a scene in a movie, doesn’t it?”

That excitement spread as she solidified all the details. “Knowing that that was her vision helped to focus my efforts and attention in the right places and with the right people, and it helped to bring in the details that would contribute to that overall look of her day.” 

Why hiring a destination wedding travel agent is key

It goes without saying that destination weddings involve coordinating complicated logistics, and it’s important to have a knowledgeable and experienced professional help you get all the puzzle pieces into place. “Planning a destination wedding is a full-time job,” Christine described. “Wedding planning in general is overwhelming, but destination weddings have their own separate set of challenges on top of everything else. Picking out your flatware over a Zoom meeting is a lot different than doing it in person. Having grandma drive down the block to a catering hall is different than getting her on an international flight. You should be enjoying your time as an engaged couple and not stressing over the thousands of things you have to do in order to pull off a wedding away from home.”

Christine also stressed that proper vetting is essential. “I just got off of a consult call with a woman who got married in the Caribbean, and her wedding day was ruined,” she recounted. “There was a hurricane and everything got rained out, but worse than that is the photographer she hired – someone she found off of Instagram –  did not get one good picture. All of their photos were terrible, out of focus, arms flying everywhere, you name it. A destination wedding travel agent will vet all of your vendors, so you can be confident that everyone knows what they’re doing.” 

Finally, Christine highlighted the often-tricky legal aspects of getting married in a different country – and that sometimes, vital information can be difficult to find. “Each country has their own rules, and it’s important that you understand their rules. Some countries will let you get married as soon as you land, some will only let you get married after you’ve been there for a few days. Even the definition of what a ‘day’ is can be different in each country.” 

“Knowing the ins and outs of these laws is not something you can just Google,” she continued. “You have to know who to talk to, and who is going to give you accurate information. A destination wedding travel agent will know these answers.” 

Vendors

Travel agent: You and Me by the Sea (a BOLI Preferred Vendor)

Greece Wedding planner: Marry Me in Greece

Venue: Andromeda Villas

Photographer: Kapetanakis Studios

Hair and Makeup: Victoria Doris

Dress: North Fork Bridal Shoppe (a BOLI Preferred Vendor)

Alterations and custom veil: Meredith Gill Designs

i

 

 

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Deon Araya about how she kept some Nigerian traditions during her big day.

When Deon Araya met her husband Jason in eighth grade, they never imagined they’d one day be married. In fact, she says they never even dated in middle school or high school, just stayed good friends. Fifteen years later, the pair planned their wedding that honored their cultures in the most elegant night.

A Chance Train Ride

Deon and Jason sort of lost touch as they each went off to different colleges – him in Rhode Island and her upstate. In 2019, Deon took the LIRR home to Freeport. As she struggled with her luggage to cross Sunrise Highway, little did she know that Jason was working across the street from the train station. “When I got home, I had a DM from him on Instagram, asking if it was me running across the highway,” she said. “He had seen the whole thing! But that was how we reconnected.”

They started dating shortly after that encounter. And in January 2022, Jason proposed. “Since it’s very hard to surprise me, Jason prepped our family members with what to say to me leading up to the proposal.” They were supposed to be going out for his mother’s birthday, but when she got to the restaurant, no one was inside. “When I went upstairs, there was a line of rose petals and Jason was waiting at the end with balloons asking ‘Will you marry me?’” After he proposed, the birthday party turned into their engagement party.

MORE: Summer Soiree? Fall Fête? A Breakdown of Weddings by Season. 

Hit the Ground Running

Deon and Jason started planning their wedding immediately after they got engaged. “My parents are old fashioned and told us they wanted us to be married by the following summer.” So by the end of January 2022, they had booked the Watermill, a BOLI preferred vendor, for their Aug. 19, 2023 wedding. “We actually found the Watermill by chance. We were coming back from another venue, and I read a review of the Watermill online. They were able to give us a tour that day, and I knew when we walked in that was where we were going to be married.”

After booking the Watermill, Deon and Jason started looking for a photographer, as photos were the most important to them. When the original photographer they liked was booked on their date, they recommended Heather from Never There Yet Photography, a BOLI preferred vendor. “Heather is just a sweetheart. To me, she was more than just a vendor, she was like a friend on my wedding day – helping to calm my nerves and making me feel so comfortable.” Deon says that Heather also helped her choose the perfect location for their first look. “She pulled out old portfolios of hers to give us ideas. She was just so patient to make sure we were going to get the vision we wanted on our wedding day.”

As for the other vendors, Deon says she turned to BOLI for lots of reviews. “I relied heavily on BOLI to hear other people’s experiences and tips and tricks for the day of.”

MORE: 36 of the Best Photo & Video Vendors on Long Island

A Joint Effort

Deon says that Jason was very involved in planning. “He was at every vendor meeting, and was just so supportive of the whole process,” she says. “Having him by my side, especially during the most stressful parts like the guest list, was such a relief.” She says they decided on color schemes and the vision for the day together. She believes that is what made their wedding day even more special – and successful. Coming from different cultures – she’s Nigerian and Jamaican and he’s Peruvian and Guatemalan – they were the first in their families to have a big wedding, so being on the same page always helped. Deon adds that if they ever disagreed on something, they were always able to find a middle ground. “For example, my husband is very into anime and he wanted to incorporate it somehow in our wedding,” she explains. “So we had a sign on our DJ booth that was from DragonBallZ. I have no idea what that game is about, but it was an easy compromise for us to come to.”

When it came to a theme, Deon says they went for a classy vibe – sort of a Great Gatsby feel. And it was important to incorporate her Nigerian heritage into the day – so they, along with their parents, changed into traditional African attire. “We also got re-introduced and paraded around the room while our guests threw money on us – which is a tradition in African weddings. It’s a blessing for your marriage.”

MORE: The Pros & Cons of a First Look vs. Meeting at the Altar

Special First Looks

In addition to their private first look, Deon also had a first look with her father. “My dad is a very stoic person, not emotional by any means. So, when I saw tears in his eyes as he saw me in my wedding gown, it was something so special.” And when she saw Jason for the first time? “We always live our life like a movie – so to us – it was such a movie moment that I’ll never forget.”

The rest of the day went so smoothly. Deon says she has her bridal attendant Christina and maitre’d Nick to thank for that. “I felt like if anything did go wrong, I never saw it thanks to them!” She says the staff at the Watermill was just fantastic – everything from making sure Deon and Jason had some private time in their bridal suite to ensuring their day was personalized in every way.

In addition to the fabulous service at the Watermill, Deon says her makeup artist Krystal was also amazing and had a calming effect. “We were running very behind. Krystal not only got my makeup done in 40 minutes, but it was the full glam effect that never smudged the entire night!”

Now that Deon feels like she can plan weddings as a side hustle (as most of us graduated BOLIs do), she wants other brides to remember to stay true to themselves. “At times, people can get criticized for how they want to do things, but honestly, you need to do what you want! It’s your day, you’re allowed to be a little selfish.” At the end of the day, though, she says the most important thing is to remember why you’re getting married. “You’re having this wedding because you’re marrying your soulmate – don’t lose sight of that.”

Vendors:
Venue: The Watermill, a BOLI preferred vendor
Photographer: Heather from Never There Yet, a BOLI preferred vendor
DJ: MC Phil and DJ Mclovin from After Hours
Florist: Dana from Feriani Floral Decorators
Hair: Ruth from RuthiesHairCafe
Makeup: Krystal from Luxe Beauty Brow
Invitations: Invitations by Samantha at the Watermill
Dress: Max Bridal, a BOLI preferred vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry
Cake: Dortoni
Transportation: Sir Oliver

Walk the aisle in style with your gown from Bridal Reflections’ sample sale, featuring gorgeous styles at up to 90% off

For many brides, dress shopping is a major highlight of the wedding planning experience. From exploring new styles to that exhilarating feeling when you’ve discovered “the one,” shopping for your gown is a rite of passage you’ll remember well after you’ve said “I do.”

Let’s face it, though – those beautiful wedding gowns can get very pricey, very quickly. But Brides of Long Island are in luck: BOLI Preferred Vendor Bridal Reflections’ incredible sample sale is on the horizon! From Thursday, November 9th through Saturday, November 11th, you can find the dress of your dreams without blowing your budget.

“We typically do our sample sales at least once a year, sometimes twice,” said Brenna Cicciari, social media manager with Bridal Reflections. “We usually have them in the fall and then the spring because those times fall right after bridal fashion week, so we like to clean out some of our inventory to make room for all of the new styles coming in.”  

That doesn’t mean you won’t see some newer styles on the racks. “We’ll have a pretty good selection this year of brand new gowns, so that’s really exciting,” she added. “We’ll have a whole rack dedicated to them.”

What designers can BOLIs expect to find? “A lot of Eve of Milady, Calla Blanche, Enzoani, even some Allure or Paloma Blanca,” she detailed. “Pretty much every designer that we have currently will be featured.” And don’t forget the finishing touch! The sample sale will include veils, headpieces, and other accessories as well. 

It’s no secret that sample sales can be a budget blessing, but Bridal Reflections takes their offerings to a whole new level. “It depends on the gown, but some of them are up to 90% off,” Brenna described. “Our starting price for gowns is $150, and they’ll primarily be in the $150-$350 range. Some of the newer gowns will go above that.”

Besides finding drastically reduced prices, Brenna outlined some of the major benefits of buying your gown at a sample sale. “You’re basically getting the gown right off the rack,” she explained. “You can take it with you that same day. That’s really great for the girls that decide they want two gowns. They might have bought their first ceremony gown with us in the past, and now they’re deciding as it gets closer to the wedding day that they want a second gown. Gowns are usually made to order, so they can take anywhere from 6 to 10 months to come in. The sample sale is a great way around that.” 

Sample sales are beneficial for brides with shorter timelines, too. “If you’re in a pinch, you’re deciding to get married quickly and you don’t have a full year, finding your dress at a sample sale is a great option.”

Ready to start shopping? Don’t forget to make an appointment – and soon! “Appointments are required, and can be made by calling our salon directly,” said Brenna. “The sale is taking place at our Carle Place location, but we do have gowns from all three stores available. We also have an appointment request submission on our website. The earlier the appointment, the more options you’ll have. So I would urge you to book appointments as soon as possible.” 

 

Bridal Reflections Sample Sale

Thursday, November 9th through Saturday, November 11th

Bridal Reflections Carle Place

80 Westbury Ave, Carle Place, NY 

Call (516) 742-7788 to book your appointment

Or click here 

It’s normal to be nervous, but sometimes it could be something more than that.

Most people get the wedding jitters throughout planning. Perhaps you had a dream about an ex or that something went wrong at the wedding. Maybe your future spouse is annoying you during the stressful parts of wedding planning. Or maybe just the thought of spending the rest of your life with one person is making you a little nervous. This is completely normal! If you are getting cold feet, here are some questions to ask yourself before the big day – to figure out if it is just nerves or something more than that.

Why are you getting married?

This is a big question, but it’s an important one. And it’s really an open ended one. Are you getting married because it’s what is expected of you? Because it’s something you’ve always dreamed of? Or is it because you love your significant other and want to build a life together? Or it could be a plethora of other reasons. But if you’re getting cold feet, you need to do some soul searching to really figure out why you’re getting married.

MORE: How to Talk to Your Fiancé About Couples Counseling 

Is he/she THE ONE?

The dating scene can be tough. From bad dates and dating apps to ghosting, it can get rough. If you’ve been dating for a while, and you find someone you really click with, it can be easy to fall into that “lovey-dovey” relationship phase pretty quickly. And when he or she popped the question, you were excited of course, but might have also noticed feeling relieved that your dating days were over. But it’s important to ask yourself: is this person THE ONE for you? Only you can really answer that question, but again, if your Spidey senses are tingling as your wedding date approaches, it’s a question you probably should answer.

Are you getting married too soon?

Another open-ended question. Often couples think, “am I really ready for marriage” – even long after they’re married! And this is completely normal. Marriage can be tough – and that’s just because life happens. Situations change. Even people change. Once you get engaged, people may begin to notice you more. It might make you wonder if maybe there’s other fish in the sea. The question to answer is: are you really looking for something more, or do you just like the attention? Because at the end of the day, the person you have waiting for you at home gives you the same amount of attention and is ready to do it for the rest of your life.

MORE: What to Expect When Moving in With Your Fiancé

Why are we fighting?

All couples fight. Some even say if you don’t fight, something is wrong. (And if you don’t fight – there IS nothing wrong!) But if you find yourself getting irked or annoyed or constantly getting into tiffs with your significant other, think about why. Most likely, it’s because you’re both super stressed about the wedding. But if you feel the fighting is intense or you can’t resolve it quickly, take into account that it could be something more. You could always talk to a therapist or marriage counselor before the big day if the constant fighting is really bothering you.

Did I feel this way before?

If there were moments or concerns throughout your relationship where you felt this way, either about your partner or the situation, this could be a sign of something more than cold feet. When you’re in love or in a relationship, sometimes we accept certain things about our partner. And most of the time, that’s OK. The dirty clothes on the floor? Not really a reason to get nervous about the big day – just really annoying. But maybe your significant other drinks and it gets out of hand sometimes. Remember, red flags can pop up at any time in your relationship, including your engagement and even after you’re married. It’s best to really assess the situation if your gut is trying to tell you something.

MORE: 20 Self-Care Ideas During Wedding Planning

So what can you do about it? How can you really tell if it’s just pre-wedding jitters or something more? Remember, being engaged and planning a wedding can be stressful, and your emotions run high. If you find yourself overwhelmed or questioning things, take a step back. Put the wedding planning on the back burner and focus on yourself, and the reasons you love your partner. Think about the future you are planning – and the life you are getting ready to build together.

If you’re still nervous or worried, let your partner know. Speak to a therapist or a marriage counselor. Take a mini-vacation to clear your head. Keep doing the things you love that normally relax you – the gym, yoga – anything to take your stress down a peg and warm up those cold feet.