Mrs. April: How This BOLI Incorporated Her Dogs Into Her Wedding

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Christine O’Mara-Fagan about why she planned her wedding early, and how she incorporated her dogs into her wedding.

When Christine O’Mara-Fagan and her husband Patrick got engaged on Christmas Eve in 2020, it was just the two of them in their living room – and their two dogs. And it was just the way Christine wanted it!

Getting a Jump on Planning

After getting engaged, they knew they’d have to get moving on planning their 2022 wedding. Christine explains that with everyone postponing and rescheduling weddings in 2020, she wanted to make sure she was able to get a date for when they wanted. “We decided to start kind of early so we had our pick of different vendors,” she says. They booked a majority of their main vendors in the first few months of 2021 for their Sept. 23, 2022 wedding.
The venue was the most important vendor for Christine and Patrick. “We were looking for something that was either rustic or industrial,” says Christine. And when they walked into The Loft at Bridgeview, they fell in love. “It was the second venue we went to, and once we looked at it, we canceled all of our other appointments.” They loved the open feel of The Loft’s ballroom, and felt it really met the vibe they were looking for.

Christine says since they started looking pretty far in advance, they didn’t have any trouble booking their vendors. The hardest part about the planning, she says, was narrowing down who to book. Of course, she used the Brides of Long Island group to read tons of reviews and make her list. “That’s the way I operate. I like to have a lot of options.”

MORE: 5 Reasons to Have a Long Engagement

Incorporating Their Fur Babies

Christine and Patrick are very attached to their dogs. They were with them when they got engaged – so it’s no surprise they were there at the reception for photos! Christine says their pet sitter brought the pups to the venue, where they took a bunch of photos, which was super important to them. In fact, Christine says her guests didn’t see the dogs come in. “When everyone saw the photos after, they were so surprised!”

In addition to spending some time with their fur babies on their wedding day, they incorporated other important aspects of their lives subtly throughout the day. That included adding places they’ve traveled on each of the guests’ tables, as well as the food truck, Fire Engine Foods. Patrick is a firefighter, so Christine says the fire truck food truck was the perfect way to end their day.

It was important to Christine and Patrick to have a laid back and fun wedding. “We wanted to do stuff that makes us feel like us!” This is why, Christine says, all of the guys wore sneakers and the girls could choose whatever dress they wanted.

MORE: Offering the trifecta of terrific wedding day services, the team at Studio 27 is one any couple would love on their special day!

A Studio 27 Event To Remember

Christine says she has Studio 27, a BOLI preferred vendor, to thank for how smooth the day went. She used Studio 27 for photography, videography, as well as their DJ. “I think having Studio 27 do so much of the wedding, they all just worked together seamlessly,” she says. She adds that they were all just so great to work with too. In fact, she adds that as they were packing up for the night, she remembered she wanted to take some nighttime photos by themselves by the Loft’s Ferris wheel. She says they didn’t even hesitate and got everyone outside for the photos.

Studio 27 wasn’t the only vendor Christine says went above and beyond. Her hair stylist, Nikki Lee of Ink & Ivy, a BOLI preferred vendor, and makeup artist, Christina Kay, of Beauty by Christina Kay, were fantastic. Christine says she doesn’t normally get her hair and makeup done, so it was important to find artists that she could feel comfortable and look natural. She did a bunch of trials before choosing Nikki and Christina, and she was beyond pleased. Christine says both were easy to work with – in fact, she used Christina for her engagement shoot too!

MORE: 22 of the Best Hair and Makeup Artists on Long Island

Do What You Want

As with most BOLIs who have graduated, Christine encourages all brides and couples to do what they want to do. She says she felt some of her ideas were ‘unconventional,’ but she was happy that she went with her gut and did them because “that’s what made us happy at the end of the day.”

She also recommends taking some time for you and your new spouse at some point. Be it in the bridal suite or somewhere quiet. She says it’s important to get that alone time in the middle of a crazy, busy day.

And, of course, she says to use the BOLI page for advice and reviews! She used it a lot to plan her wedding, and she looks forward to helping other brides in the future.

Vendors:
Venue: The Loft at Bridgeview
Photographer/Videography: Studio 27, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ: Studio 27 Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Florist: Verbena Designs
Hair: Nikki Lee – Ink & Ivy, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Makeup: Beauty by Christina Kay
Officiant: Church of Ancient Ways, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Dress: Sayville Bridal, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Cake: The Sweet Peace
Photobooth: Long Island Mirror Booth, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Tuxedos: Rico’s
Exit Station: Fire Engine Foods

Owner Alicia LaGala will retire the store

For many Brides of Long Island, the search for a perfect gown began and ended at local mainstay Fantasia Bridal – a 5,000 square foot space filled with popular designer gowns and passionate, professional consultants.

After nearly 20 years of watching countless brides say “yes” to the dress, owner Alicia LaGala has made the bittersweet decision to retire Fantasia Bridal. But not to worry – she’ll be using her vast expertise and talents to help the next generation of brides in an exciting and comprehensive way. And though Fantasia Bridal is retiring, all orders will be fulfilled.

Alicia’s history with Fantasia Bridal began in 2004, first as a presser, then consultant, and finally manager. But the store itself has been around a lot longer. “It was there years before me, before I even got there” Alicia said. “It was started by a Long Island family music band named ‘Fantasia’ that got into bridal and became Fantasia Bridal. I just had their grandchildren come up from Florida and purchase gowns!”

• MORE: 6 Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose?

After three years, Alicia purchased the store and it quickly became an integral part of her life. “I feel like I spent my adult years with Fantasia.”

Alicia treasures the relationships she’s made in the almost 20 years she’s spent at Fantasia’s helm. “A lot of good has come out of Fantasia,” she reminisced. “People in the community and their families have become friends of mine. We’ve been able to give back and we’re really lucky to have a great community.”  

“I’ll be transitioning to Raymond St. James [a BOLI Preferred Vendor], going into styling and concentrating on aspects of the whole wedding and the whole vision. I really want to slow down and understand everybody’s day. Fantasia is retiring, but I’m looking forward to joyfully continuing my work – with both my current clients and future brides. Our staff of many years will be going to the new location,” she said.

• MORE: When Should You Choose Your Dress? BOLI’s Ultimate Dress Timeline

She’s excited for this next chapter with the brides who walk through her doors. “I want to go back to knowing all my customers, and being involved in their day,” she described. “So yes I’ll be selling bridal gowns, but also styling. I’ve been doing this for so long that I really enjoy being a part of my customer’s whole day.”  

Since Fantasia Bridal will be retiring soon, Alicia is ready to sell remaining stock – at incredible prices. “I would like to sell everything that’s in the store,” she said. “So it’s really first come, first served. Our last day is May 31. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Raymond St. James!”

• MORE: Grab your gown, then grab some swag

Creative Director Damian Ramos of Genesis Events creates the wedding day party you envision.

You may not realize it at first, but so much of your wedding day vibe is determined by your DJ – from music choice, to booth set ups, and even fun details like lighting effects, your DJ is responsible for creating an ideal celebratory atmosphere.

Damian Ramos of BOLI Preferred Vendor Genesis Events understands his company’s important role in your day. That’s why they collaborate with every couple for a fully customized experience, so that it matches the wedding day you’ve always pictured – whether it’s sophisticated and chic, or epic and outrageous. 

• MORE: 39 Questions to Ask When Choosing a DJ

“I saw an underserved portion of the market.”

When presented with an unfulfilling alternative, Damian recognized his true passion in life. “I realized after doing a college internship that I wasn’t interested in office jobs,” he remembered. “I would throw parties for friends in college, and I was putting more attention into that than actual schoolwork. I had an uncle in the field, doing weddings in Queens and some in Long Island, and he brought me into the industry. We started the company in 2009.”

Filling a noticeable gap powered his business motivations. “I saw an underserved portion of the market, which was younger brides that didn’t want your ‘traditional’ weddings. They wanted a more high-energy kind of wedding. As a minority-owned company, we understand the importance of having access to a culturally authentic wedding experience.”

“We don’t outsource anything, we do everything in-house.”

Genesis Events’ offerings include personable and professional DJs and MCs, of course. But that just scratches the surface of what they can bring to your party. “We offer live musicians like sax players, percussionists, violinists, and acoustic guitars. And then everything that goes with dance music – lighting, dance floors, and photobooths.”

Most importantly, they offer customized set ups that seamlessly integrate with your theme. “We don’t outsource anything, we do everything in-house,” Damian explained. “We custom-build the DJ set ups and façades, we have customized DJ booths with the bride and groom’s names on them, we tailor everything to the decor. So if your theme is rustic, we have a rustic style booth. If it’s black-tie, we have a sleek all black booth. We specifically tailor everything for each event, so that the set ups are never the same.” 

• MORE: 21 Perfect Songs for Parent Dances

“We’ll usually have a margarita and plan the wedding.”

When a client books with Genesis Events, Damian’s team begins the planning process with an in-depth questionnaire. “There’s two big parts of it,” he described. “What they want to avoid, what they’ve seen that they don’t like. Then after that, I’ll ask for genres, maybe songs they already know they want for the ceremony or the cocktail hour – all the good stuff.”

Next, Damian and his team will meet you in person to discuss specifics – with a little twist. “We’ll sit down and play songs, where things will start and where things will end, where we’ll cue songs from at certain points. We’ll usually have a margarita and plan the wedding. It’s a fun little weekday night. I want clients to be in the same mood they’ll be in for the wedding. I always say, you’re looking for something different from your DJ than your accountant!” 

“There were two very different families together on the dance floor.”

With almost two decades in the industry, a few special experiences stand out in Damian’s mind. “There was one wedding where the dad booked everything for them, and he was very serious,’ Damian remembered. “He didn’t want anyone to bother him. Even on our paperwork it said ‘don’t bother dad.’ So during the wedding, the music’s going, and I start to hang out with dad a little bit. He had a few drinks, he loosened up, and eventually he’s doing backspins on the dance floor. I grabbed his legs and I was spinning him around! His daughter came up to me and said ‘I’ve never seen him like that, that’s amazing.’”

A second memory involved uniting two very different cultures. “We get a lot of weddings that are mixed, and they’re polar opposites. One of our first was where the couple was from Bangladesh and the Dominican Republic. Very opposite in terms of music and culture. And they were concerned because they didn’t want it to feel like two different weddings. So I said ‘okay, we’re going to play the music a little quicker, and stick to the high energy versions of the songs.’ There was a little Bollywood, a little Merengue. And there were two very different families together on the dance floor – the Bangladesh side doing the Merengue, and the Domincans super into Bollywood. It was really cool.”

• MORE: How to Create the Perfect Wedding Playlists

“You want the ‘wants’ to be worth it.”

While Damian understands that budget is a major consideration for most brides, he stresses another factor that should take priority when selecting your vendors. “Chemistry with your vendor is so important, because you’re going to be spending this important day with them. It should be your number one concern – chemistry with the vendor themselves.”

He continued, “At the end of the day, this is all a ‘want,’ not a ‘need.’ And you want the ‘wants’ to be worth it. Obviously you have to have a realistic budget, but it’s better for you to go all in and really get exactly what you want, as opposed to spending less and having it not even be close to what you want. Why even spend the money at that point?”

• MORE: Have you checked out the BOLI Store?

From when to shop, when to decide and when to take it home, here is a guide to help navigate wedding dress shopping.

Choosing a wedding dress can be just as important as choosing your wedding venue. Some brides have envisioned what dress they want to wear as they walk down the aisle, while others are at a loss. Whichever bride you are, you should keep in mind a timeline of when to start shopping for a dress and when to take it home. Here is BOLI’s ultimate dress timeline to help you along the way.

When to Research: Any Time

Any time! When it comes to wedding dress shopping, you should definitely head to bridal salons with some sort of idea of what you want in a dress. And in order to get ideas, research is key. You should be researching dresses whenever you can. If you have a long engagement, you have plenty of time to research and get ideas of what you like and what you don’t like in a wedding gown. (And let’s face it, you don’t even have to be engaged to start researching gowns!)

MORE: 6 of the Most Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose? 

When to Shop: 12-18 Months

Ideally, you want to start dress shopping 12-18 months ahead of your wedding date. If you think it will take a while to choose, definitely start closer to the 18-month mark. But if you are pretty sure where you want to go and what dress you want, start closer to the 12-month mark.

It’s important to remember when dress shopping to try on different styles. Just because you have your heart set on a ballgown, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try an A-line or even a mermaid cut. You want to give yourself different options.

MORE: 6 Things to Wear When Dress Shopping

When to Say Yes to the Dress: 9-12 Months

You should be saying yes to the dress around the nine-12-month mark. However, as you start making appointments and trying on dresses, definitely ask your salon. Some designers, styles, etc. may take longer to come in, so you want to make sure you give yourself enough time for the gown to come and get altered in time for the big day.

If you plan to lose weight, make sure to let your salon know, as they can then guide you on what size to order. And remember, wedding gown sizes are different from your regular clothes! Don’t let that number discourage you.

When to Alter: 4-8 Weeks

Once your dress comes in, your bridal salon should call you in to try it on. Then, at about the four-eight-week mark, you should be getting it altered for the big day. Again, if you plan to keep losing weight, keep this in mind during the initial fittings. Your final fitting should be about two weeks before your wedding date.

When to Take It Home

If you are getting your wedding gown altered at your bridal salon, it should stay there until it’s ready for you. So, figure you can take it home a few days before your wedding. Your salon will tell you how you should store it ahead of the big day.

If you plan to get your gown altered at another location, you can take it home as soon as it comes in. Just remember to store it the way the salon recommends. And make sure it’s in a safe place – away from pets, where it could get damaged, and away from your future spouse, of course.

And remember BOLIs, you are beautiful just the way you are. Keep this in mind as you start your wedding dress search. You will find the one! We promise.

MORE: What you feel when you find THE dress

Stumped on what to get the little ones in your bridal party? Here are a few gift ideas for your flower girl and ring bearer

They’re upping the “cute” factor of your wedding by epic proportions! Your flower girl and ring bearer have very important jobs for such little hands, so you’ll want to show your gratitude with a special gift they’ll love. 

We get it, though – picking gifts for children can be challenging sometimes (are kids still into like, Teletubbies or whatever?) You’ve scored gifts for the rest of your bridal party, but you’re still stuck on what to get your junior members. We’re here to help you out with these 5 great gift ideas for your flower girl and ring bearer:

• MORE: Gifts Your Groomsmen Will Love

1. A gift that relates to their hobbies and interests

You’ve never seen a kid so into Bluey, so brighten their day with some fun merch from the series! Think about what your ring bearer or flower girl can’t stop talking about, and get them a gift that ties in with their interests – whether that’s a new football, a fancy tutu for dance class, an arts and crafts kit, or stuffed dinosaur for the future paleontologist. Go the extra mile with some themed gift wrap!

2. A personalized gift

You’re hooking up the bridesmaids with classy personalized wine glasses, so don’t forget about your flower girl and ring bearer! Okay, maybe you *shouldn’t* go with a wine glass for the littles, but remember how excited you used to get when you’d find keychains with your name on it? You can personalize almost anything – water bottles, lunch boxes, backpacks, pencil cases, you name it. Bonus points if it’s something they can take to school and show off to their friends!

3. A gift for their future

Have your flower girl or ring bearer’s parents set up savings for their children, either as a 529 plan or a more general investment account? Consider making a contribution! It will be a gift that keeps on giving, especially as they get older and decide what paths they’d like to pursue. 

• MORE: What Should You Get Your Parents? Here Are Some Gift Ideas

4. A gift to commemorate the day

There are plenty of meaningful keepsakes that will remind your flower girl or ring bearer of the special part they had in your wedding, whether that’s a piece of jewelry, inscribed religious texts, or even an engraved figurine. As they grow up, they’ll always be able to look at your gift and remember how much fun they had on your big day.

5. A gift of an unforgettable experience

Depending on your flower girl or ring bearer’s age, consider gifting them an awesome experience. A Yankees or Islanders game, a Broadway show, or a trip to a theme park would make you the talk of their playground. And if you accompany them, you’ll get some quality bonding time – and that’s a gift that’s always priceless! 

• MORE: Outfit your flower girl with some BOLI style!

Owner Michael Lopacki discusses why he loves wedding photography, and how he guarantees to make your day stress-free.

When you first meet with Michael Lopacki, owner of Michael John Photography, a BOLI preferred vendor, he wants to know all about you. He wants to know about your plan for your wedding day, why you fell in love with your venue, and what you’re excited about. “I really get to know my brides first,” says Michael. And that’s how he rolls – always putting his brides first above everything else.

How It All Began

Michael says he got started in wedding photography when his friend asked if he could be her assistant for the day. He picked up a camera on the job, and the studio she worked for liked him and hired him. In 2019, Michael decided to start Michael John Photography. He felt it was time to really connect with his clients. “Coming from a high-volume studio, things get lost in the mix,” he says. “When you’re the head of the company, you get very close to your clients. You know so much about that. It becomes a lifelong friendship.” Over the span of his career, Michael says he has likely shot 1,000 weddings.

Ever since his daughter was born, Michael says his favorite part of weddings has to be the father-daughter dance. He explains that those moments now hold a special place in his heart, as he often imagines what it will be like to one day dance with his own daughter at her wedding.

Getting To Know You

Michael likes to meet with brides face to face – though the pandemic did change the way those initial meetings go. A Zoom call is best, as Michael really wants to learn all about you! “I think it’s important that we vibe with each other,” says Michael. “I want to make sure I can provide to them what they’re looking for.” Once he learns about you and your big day, he can explain what sort of timeline you would have on your wedding day. “It’s super important to know that a wedding photographer knows how to control your day,” says Michael.

Michael John Photography offers a variety of packages, and all of them include an engagement shoot.

MORE: 40 Questions To Ask Your Photographer

 

It’s About Having Fun

Ultimately, Michael says he wants his brides to relax and have fun on their wedding day. “That’s the most important part. It’s a wedding, this is not work,” says Michael. “I don’t want my clients doing any work. I want them to have fun, laugh and have the best time of their lives. That’s really what it’s all about for me.”

Michael says he really likes moment-based photography – which helps with the having fun part! “I love to capture someone in the act.” Of course, he says, he makes sure to get all of the formal shots. But, even during those formal poses, Michael likes to bring out your natural effect, make you smile and enjoy yourselves. “It makes it more of a candid approach.”

Favorite Places on Long Island

If you’re at a loss of where to take your engagement photos, Michael has just the spots for you! And in true Michael fashion, he wants to learn what kind of person you are so he can suggest the perfect location. Beach person? He might suggest a beach on the North Shore – something that’s a little quieter. He also likes to take couples to Planting Fields Arboretum in Nassau County or Peconic Herb Garden in Calverton.

But what about wedding venues? The Vanderbilt Museum is one of his favorite places to shoot. “It’s just beautiful. It can be winter or summer, it just always stands out. But his favorite wedding venue is Flowerfield. “That’s where I got married, so I’m very biased.”

MORE: 11 Places to Take Engagement Photos on Long Island

“It’s Going To Be Smooth Sailing”

Saying brides are nervous on their wedding day is an understatement at times. But Michael ensures that if you leave it to the professionals, everything will be taken care of. “We know how to help figure things out for you guys. We don’t want you to worry,” says Michael. He adds that no matter how big the bridal party is or how many locations you plan to take photos, he’s going to plan it all out for you. “We’ll figure it all out prior to the wedding day, and then it’s going to be smooth sailing.”

If you haven’t figured it out yet, Michael John Photography is here to cater to your every need on your wedding day. “My clients always come first for me,” says Michael. “I want to make sure they have the best time of their lives. And that it’s a stress-free environment.”

And by limiting the amount of weddings he shoots throughout the year, Michael can ensure that his clients get the best from him. “I feel like it’s a much more close-knit kind of approach to ensure the best quality for my clients.

After the big day, Michael says he loves to stay in touch with his couples. “We always become friends. We’re just in each other’s lives. It becomes a lifelong thing for me.”

MORE: 16 Must-Have Photos with Your Bridesmaids

Speaking with a couples therapist doesn’t necessarily mean your relationship is in trouble.

It’s something that may be considered taboo, as oftentimes when couples seek counseling, it’s a sign of bad things to come. But that is not necessarily true. The stress that goes on in your lives during wedding planning can be a lot for two people, and will definitely test your relationship. Speaking with a couples therapist could help strengthen the bond between you and your future spouse at a time when you both really need it. But is there a way to talk to your fiancé about couples counseling without causing a fight? Below are some tips on how to talk to your fiancé about couples counseling.

How to Initiate the Conversation

This could be tricky. But the right wording can go a long way. You know your significant other best, so you will know when the time is right to bring up counseling. Perhaps a quiet moment when you’re both just relaxing. Or maybe when you’re taking a drive. Remember to stay calm, especially if your significant other gets defensive. Make sure to talk about your feelings, or how you’re feeling about something specific. Say something like, “I feel like we’ve been a bit disconnected due to the craziness of the wedding planning. I feel like speaking with a couples counselor could get us back on the right track, and help us to refocus on us and our relationship.” The key is to make sure you’re not pointing fingers. And focus on strengthening your relationship.

MORE: 7 Ways to Save For Your Wedding

Finding a Therapist

Finding a therapist could be hard, but there are plenty of resources out there. You could just do a search on your health insurance’s website for a therapist near you. You could also use the search bar in the Brides of Long Island Facebook group to see if there are any recommendations. Ask a close relative or friend who you trust to see if they know anyone. Or just search Google. If there’s something specific you want to work on in your relationship, search for those keywords when you look for a therapist. Make sure to check their credentials. See if there are any online reviews you can read (just as you would with any doctor!)

Upon your consultation or first session, interview your therapist! Ask them questions to see if they are the right fit. After a few sessions, check in with your fiancé. Make sure that you both feel comfortable with the therapist before you go to another session. If either of you is uncomfortable with the therapist, take the time to search for another one together.

Laying Ground Rules

Before you see a couples counselor with your fiancé, discuss what you expect. Lay some ground rules. For example, if your therapist gives you ‘homework,’ make sure you’re both committed to do it. Another thing to bring up would be to not interrupt each other during the sessions. Really take the time to listen to your partner and hear them. Don’t get defensive. And take it seriously. If you or your partner is opening up about their feelings, it’s important that you both listen to each other without judgment.

MORE: Why I’m not changing my last name

Applying It in Real Life

After your sessions, make sure to apply what you’ve talked about in real life. Perhaps your fiancé says they’d like to do more activities together or start a hobby with you. Do it! Or at least try it! The whole point of therapy is to work on your relationship together to make it stronger.

There is a lot of give and take in relationships, and seeing a couples therapist before you walk down the aisle and say ‘I do’ could help you to understand each other even more. It might seem scary, but remember, just because you’re seeing a couples therapist doesn’t mean that your relationship is in trouble. Sometimes it’s good to check in with each other and have a third impartial party offer ways to stay a strong, committed couple. And if you are having some relationship issues, a therapist will be able to help you work through them.

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Alexandria Azevedo about all of the do-it-yourself things she did for her wedding.

Alexandria Azevedo says her wedding planning, as well as her wedding day, all went smoothly with no issues. And as a special moment, Alexandria, and her husband Tiago, planned something fun during their first dance that wowed their guests.

High School Sweethearts

Alexandria and Tiago dated when they were in high school. And as some young couples do, they broke up when she went to college. Years later, when she came home, they rekindled their relationship, and in October of 2020, Tiago proposed at Breakwater Beach in East Hampton. “He told me we were going to the wineries. But then he stopped at the beach to take a photo of his car,” she says. “I literally had no idea!”

Two Years of Planning With No Issues

Alexandria says because they knew they were getting married in 2022, they didn’t really start their wedding planning until February of 2021, which allowed them to really bask in their engagement for a few months. But even though they knew they had two years, she says she did her research. “I knew from BOLI that vendors were booking up years in advance due to COVID,” she says. “So, I contacted a bunch of vendors early to make sure they had our date.”
To her and Tiago, the venue was the most important vendor. They were interested in a rustic look for their wedding. She says they looked at a couple venues and decided on Swan Lake Caterers, a BOLI preferred vendor. And, she says, “Everything sort of fell into place after finding the venue.”

According to Alexandria, Swan Lake had a package with the photographer and DJ, so they booked the whole package. “I had looked at reviews of the vendors, and it seemed like a good idea to just go with that.” After that, she says other vendors, like the videographer, all seemed to have their date, which was Sept. 10, 2022. She does say a few hair and makeup people were booked, but other than that, there were no issues booking vendors.

“Everything was spot on. We were confused as to why nothing went wrong,” she says. “But everything went great [during planning]. We were very lucky.”

MORE: 6 of the Most Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose? 

A Little DIY

Alexandria says she made all of the rustic wooden signs they put up throughout the venue. Their theme was “It was always you.” She adds that she had white roses for everything. “I bought artificial roses. Our centerpieces had white roses and greenery with candles.” She says the arch also had white roses and greenery. “I only wanted my girls in the cabernet color, so they would stand out among all of the white.”

But Alexandria didn’t stop at just making the centerpieces and signs! “I made my bouquet and my sister’s bouquet too.” She stopped herself at making the arch, though, and purchased it on Esty. “Honestly, I probably could have made it if I had the time!”

She says by using all of the DIY things she made, she saved some money. “And I ended up having other brides get the stuff from me, so they were able to use it for their weddings.”

MORE: 9 Wedding DIY Ideas That Any BOLI Can Tackle

A Fantastic Day

When the big day came, Alexandria says Swan Lake Caterers was fantastic. She says the bridal attendant always made sure she and Tiago had drinks in their hand, as well as made sure they both ate. In fact, when it came to food, she says her parents weren’t actually able to try all of the appetizers. “Charlie, the main cook there, came out with a full tray of appetizers and gave them all of the food they never tried.” She says everyone at Swan Lake made sure it was the perfect day.

Alexandria adds that their photographer and DJ were also great. Capture the Moment Studios, a BOLI preferred vendor, made sure to get every shot on her shot list. While High Voltage Entertainment, a BOLI preferred vendor, kept the party going the whole night.

That Wow Moment

Alexandria says she and Tiago choreographed their first dance. “And at the end, he lifted me up and did a spin!” She says her guests were very impressed and surprised by their fancy footwork.

After the wedding, Alexandria and Tiago headed down to Key West for a few days before taking a western Caribbean cruise for seven nights.

Soak It All In

Throughout the planning process, Alexandria says she found the BOLI page helpful. “I pretty much used it to find everything.” She says it really helped her narrow down her vendors.

So now that she’s graduated, what advice does Alexandria have for other BOLIs? “Definitely do your research,” she says. “And on the day of your wedding, just soak it all in.”

She adds that if anything goes wrong, it’s important to just let it go. And to just enjoy the day with your husband, because that’s what you’re really there for.

MORE: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Vendors:
Venue: Swan Lake Caterers, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Capture the Moment Studios, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Videography: Lasting Moments Film & Photo
DJ: High Voltage Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Hair: Nicole Piazza
Makeup: Total Glam NY, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Officiant: Church of Ancient Ways – Long Island Officiants, a BOLI Preferred Vendor 
Invitations: Minted
Dress: North Fork Bridal Shoppe, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Frank and Sons Bakery
Tuxedos: Stacy Solow Custom Clothing
Party Bus: Sir Oliver Limousine

Jeanine LeClair and the passionate artists of Genie Artistry value connection, communication, and inclusivity.

Every bride wants to look their best on the big day, but the idea of “best” is beautifully different for everyone that walks down the aisle. Some want a look that’s big and bold, some want sleek and elegant, and others want just a little bit of glam to highlight their gorgeous features. 

It’s a fact that Jeanine LeClair, owner and lead artist of Genie Artistry (a BOLI Preferred Vendor) understands explicitly. Armed with a vast knowledge of not only makeup and hair but also lighting and photography techniques, she honors the importance of communication in creating every bride’s ideal wedding day style. 

• MORE: 6 Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose?

“There’s really nothing like it.” – Jeanine LeClair, Genie Artistry

Jeanine’s expertise comes from over a decade of learning. “I’ve worked in almost every area of my field for the past 12 years,” she said. “I started working in salons, then I went into retail cosmetics. I even dabbled in production and editorial styling.”

Soon she discovered a specific calling. “Eventually, I fell in love with bridal events. I love being a part of someone’s special day and bringing their bridal vision to life. There’s really nothing like it.”

After working under other bridal hair and makeup artists, she decided it was time to strike out on her own. “The desire to have more of a connection with my clients and do things my way pushed me to finally become a business owner.” 

“It’s about making one look and feel their very best, inside and out.” – Jeanine LeClair, Genie Artistry

Jeanine and the Genie Artistry team pride themselves on listening to every client, and crafting hair and makeup that matches exactly what they envision. “We add the perfect amount of glam based on a client’s individual style and comfort level,” she described. “It can be changed and tweaked to fit everyone’s needs. It’s about making one look and feel their very best, inside and out.”

In order to perfectly execute each bride’s desired look, Genie Artistry books only one wedding per day for their team members. “Weddings are a big deal, they take a lot of work,” Jeanine explained. “We want to give our clients the absolute best service and our undivided attention. We can’t do that when we’re getting distracted by our next job.”

“Makeup and hair can change so much when you’re looking through a lens.” – Jeanine LeClair, Genie Artistry

While you’ll want your wedding day glam to be flawless in real time, it’s also vital to consider a few other factors. “It’s important to know how your hair and makeup is going to last throughout the day, and how it’s going to photograph,” Jeanine emphasized. “You need to know what products are going to work, and how to manipulate shade and light.”

In order to expand her skillset, Jeanine began working with boudoir photographer and fellow BOLI Preferred Vendor Seaweed and Diamonds. “I started doing makeup for Samantha’s shoots, and she started to teach me about the camera. I’ve actually gotten to take some pictures. Makeup and hair can change so much when you’re looking through a lens. So when I’m working on a bride, I’ll pull the photographer aside and say ‘let’s get a test shot before you start, just to make sure that everything looks exactly the way that we want it to.’”

• MORE: “You Can Be a Supermodel Too” with Seaweed and Diamonds Boudoir Photography

 “I wanted to be able to cater to everyone.” – Jeanine LeClair, Genie Artistry

As a former bride herself, Jeanine recognizes the kind of stress that a non-responsive hair and makeup artist can cause. “I know there’s nothing that will send a bride over the edge faster than a vendor they can’t get in touch with,” she sympathized. “I really try to make myself available from the very first inquiry to the last dance, and then beyond that. I love having a connection with a client that lasts.” 

Also crucial to the Genie Artistry brand? Inclusivity. “Nothing broke my heart more than when I’d go to a wedding and see a bridesmaid who had a separate artist for themselves,” Jeanine recalled. “I wanted to be able to cater to everyone – that was a big thing for me. Every person that I have on my team has worked with me for a long time. They’re trusted, talented, trained, and very confident working on clients of all ages, races, and identities. We’re constantly working on our skills and making sure that we can service everyone” 

“I’m there to do anything I can to make things just a little bit better.” – Jeanine LeClair, Genie Artistry

When asked about a favorite wedding memory, Jeanine began to chuckle. “I have a few, but one from this year really sticks out.”

She continued by recounting the story of a mother-of-the-bride who worried about a wardrobe conundrum. “She was so stressed out about boob tape,” Jeanine remembered. “And I said that it’s a topic of conversation at every wedding, how you’re going to do the boob tape and fit into the dress. The mother said ‘oh, you know how to do boob tape? Will you come back to my house and help?’ At first I thought she was joking, but no. So I went back to their house and helped the bride into her boob tape. And the mother was so thankful, she even said ‘you’re coming to Thanksgiving, right?’”

“They were so appreciative of that little gesture that took maybe 20 minutes. So it’s not just about doing makeup or hair. It’s definitely more than just putting some lipstick on. I’m there to do anything I can to make things just a little bit better.” 

“Don’t let anybody get into your head.” – Jeanine LeClair, Genie Artistry

As you prepare to take your own walk down the aisle, take Jeanine’s key words of advice to heart. “Do whatever you want to do,” she offered. “Don’t let anybody get into your head. Don’t worry about what other people want, or about pleasing one person or another person. It’s about you marrying the love of your life.”

She also advised being prepared for the inevitable. “Something’s going to go wrong. It may be small, it may be bigger. But nobody’s going to know except you. So don’t let it get to you. Just enjoy everything you’ve worked so hard for because in the end, you’re not going to remember that little detail.”

• MORE: Pick up your getting ready outfit here!

 

 

The big day is almost here! Don’t forget these “to-dos” on your last minute wedding checklist

That wedding day countdown is nearing the single digits, and you’re only *slightly* freaking out – there seems to be an endless amount to accomplish in a very short period of time. But don’t worry BOLI, you’ve got this! To help keep you organized and focused, here are 11 things you should consider adding to your last minute wedding checklist:

• MORE: 4 Things You Should Do the Night Before the Wedding (and 4 Things You Shouldn’t)

1. Get your marriage license

Between dress fittings, vendor meetings, and bachelorette parties, it may be very easy to forget this (literally) essential wedding day must-have. If you haven’t gotten the legal paperwork squared away yet, be sure to make an appointment at your town clerk’s office soon. 

2. Make final payments to your vendors

If you’ve been on any type of payment plan with your vendors, make your final payments now. You don’t want to worry about remembering cash, checks, or Venmo payments when you’re in the middle of hair and makeup. Be sure to get receipts for any payments you’ve made, and leave copies with your bridal party or a trusted friend to keep with them on the wedding day – just in case.

3. Finalize your timeline

Ever heard that phrase “if you fail to plan, plan to fail?” Well, we wouldn’t go THAT far in regards to your wedding, but we can guarantee that things will be a lot less stressful if you create a timeline – even if it’s a bit loose. Schedule arrival and departure times for everyone (including yourself), photography times (especially if you’re doing a “first look,” or if you want to attend cocktail hour), and any other incidentals of your day (like if you have bridesmaids meeting vendors for pickup). Which brings us to our next reminder…

4. Confirm details with your wedding day team

Your vendors are total pros, so they’re used to keeping on tight schedules and ensuring all the details are in place. But for your own sake (and just to make sure everyone’s on the same page), confirm all your wedding day details. Double check that your DJ has the playlists, the photographer has the correct timeline, the florist has the right drop-off address, and the venue has the updated seating chart. 

5. Purchase and wrap any bridal party, parent, or spouse gifts

 If you planned to get your girls an incredible thank you gift, now’s the time! Grab the gifts you’d like to get for your support system, and schedule a few hours for gift wrapping.

• MORE: Bridesmaids Gifts They’ll Actually Love

6. Decide on favors

Whether you’re looking for cute takeaways (like shot glasses, candles, or bottle openers) or you’re going the charitable donation route, solidify those plans now. If you’ve decided on a donation, make (or order!) signs or inserts that indicate what charity you’ve chosen and why.

7. Box up any decorations, and coordinate drop-off and pick-up times with your venue

You’re a DIY queen and have created TONS of cute decor for your wedding. Box it all up and coordinate when you can drop it off and pick it up from your venue. Be sure to include pack lists with each box – that will help to confirm you’ve gotten everything back! 

8. Assemble hotel bags

If you have a full hotel block, you may want to consider a welcome gift or hotel bag for your out-of-town guests. Take a day or two to organize and assemble their haul, recruiting help from your fiancé and bridal party if needed. But only if you want to – welcome bags can be ditched since most hotels have water, snacks, and common medications readily available for guests.

• MORE: 8 Trends for 2023 Weddings (and 6 Trends That Are Out!)

9. Prep tip envelopes

Your vendors have been AMAZING – don’t forget to tip! Get a package of envelopes and label them for each vendor, then entrust them to your MOH or another trusted member of your team. Don’t know what to tip? Check out BOLI’s Ultimate Tipping Guide!

10. Put together an emergency kit

Whether it’s a pair of spare contacts, some bobby pins and hairspray, or even a few tampons, gather items you might need at the last minute! Or ask one of your bridesmaids to put something together for you.

11. Commit to being present and in the moment

Once your day has arrived, you have one job: enjoy all of your hard work and celebrate marrying someone you love! Be sure to take a few moments with your new spouse and just be present. You’ll cherish having those moments in your memory forever. 

• MORE: One more last minute wedding checklist item – grab some BOLI gear!