How do you properly put on your rings?

It's that time of year again, engagement season is upon us. With that sparkly new diamond you want to make sure you take proper care of it from day one, especially when you are showing it to so many people! Just imagine one tiny smudge that could ruin the sparkle and shine. Laura went over to her husband's shop, Measetique Jewels, to demonstrate just how to properly put on your engagement ring, or other rings with gemstones and diamonds.

Just follow these steps and maintain proper cleanings and your rings will keep on sparkling!

-Elise

ps Congratulations to all the newly engaged brides!

LUXE Wedding Showcase Vendor: Mink Artistry

Lights, Camera, Action! Okay, okay, so you might not be on a film set, however, on your wedding day you have to be ready for your close up! How do you avoid those last minute worries of, "What if my face breaks out or we run out of bobby pins for the up-dos!?" It's simple, you hire the professionals. Planning a wedding in Kansas City? Look no further than the artists at Mink Artistry. Katie Snustead, owner, and her team of experts accentuate your natural beauty and make sure that you are camera ready all day long!

Today I had the pleasure of catching up with my friend Katie to learn a bit more about Mink Artistry and why she recommends every bride has an artist complete their bridal hair and makeup.

Q: Why is it important to hire an artist for hair and makeup?
A: To outsource worry! There is a peace of mind for brides when they know that someone else has that covered.

Q: What is one of your favorite parts of helping brides on their wedding day?
A: Watching the stress literally melt away as they [brides] get closer and closer to being ready to go and they realize it's all coming together effortlessly on her part!

Q: Is it important to find an artist with wedding experience?
A: Yes! Your stylist will work well under pressure if things aren't going exactly according to plan if she has some weddings under her belt.

Q: How should brides get their "look" across to their artist?
A: It's crucial to find an artist you communicate well with. We tend to speak our own language. For instance, if you ask your hairstylist for a trim and she cuts off an inch of length! Or if you ask for subtle eye makeup and your artist gives you an  "Old Hollywood" look with winged liner, her version of subtle, you might feel too "costume-y".

Q: How do you avoid the communication mix up?
A: Always, always have a trial run. Do it far enough in advance to have time to come up with Plan B, if needed. This might entail simply having another trial with the same artist, or with another artist on the team, or possibly even a new vendor altogether!

Q: When should brides start booking your team?
A: As with any professional wedding vendor, I recommend scheduling your artist 9-12 months in advance. However, this fall I scheduled 4 weddings for brides who met with the artist they scheduled and they weren't pleased, so they called to book me last minute. Since there was still a few weeks notice I was able to make adjustments to my schedule and accommodate them. 9 to 12 months is best though!

Q: Why do I need that much time to book an artist?
A: You are more likely to secure an "in demand" artist and you'll also have lead time to talk about proper pre-wedding care. Such as when the best time ti get trims and highlights will be, any skin concerns for your daily regimen can also be addressed. In addition, this allows multiple opportunities to build rapport with your artist, which will help her understand your personal style better.

"All of these things will help your artist achieve the perfect look for you!" -Katie Snustead, Mink Artistry

To view more work by Mink Artistry visit 

Mink Artistry

LUXE Wedding Showcase

or find us on Facebook!

-Elise

Bridal Styling: Pantone's Color of the Year 2013

I wonder will we see more destination weddings in Ireland (The Emerald Isle), bridesmaids dressed in Monique Lhuillier's clover green, or fresh floral arrangements filled with shades of green in 2013? Why would I wonder this? Well, it's official, Pantone has announced emerald as their Color of the Year for 2013.

How will you incorporate the shade into your wedding, will it be your shoes or possibly the detail on your cake? We've scoured the Pinterest board for a bit of color fun!

-Elise

Winter Wonderland Wedding

Are you dreaming of a winter wedding wonderland? Full of twinkling stars, sparkling snowfall and a fairy tale evening of winter white? Around the holiday it's easy to get stressed with Christmas plans and finalizing wedding details, so take a moment and relax and maybe you'll be able to cross an item off your ever growing to do list!

Grab your bridesmaids for some old fashioned cookie making! These sweet treats can even double as favors for the rehearsal dinner!

My friend Natalie and I whipped these together the other night and she said "this recipe won me over; easiest dough to work with ever!" And I have to admit they taste good, too.

Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter

1 8oz package of cream cheese

1.5 cups white sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

3.5 cups white flour

1 tsp baking powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 370.

Mix (by hand or stand mixer) butter and cream cheese until well combined.

Add sugar- mix until smooth

Add egg, vanilla and almond extract

Beat well

In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder.

Add to cheese mixture and beat until well mixed.

Divide batter and cover.

Chill in refrigerator.

Roll dough and cut using cookie cutters.

Bake 12 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet.

Tip for cookie cutting: Dip cookie cutters in flour so that the cookies will come out and hold their shapes.

THEIA wedding dress, add a little fur for a festive winter style

Wedding Hair and Makeup with Mink Artistry

If you have been searching through the millions of wedding hairstyles and make up ideas on Pinterest you are not alone. Millions of brides spend their lunch breaks surfing the online pinboard. But how do you know exactly what style will look good on you for your wedding? The time has come to close the Pinterest tab and look for the professional in your area!

Hair stylist and makeup artist, Katie Snustead, owner of Mink Artistry in Kansas City, weighs in on the importance of having a professional bring out your best on your wedding.

"I think it's important to hire an artist for hair and make up for the same reason you hire any wedding professional...to outsource worry! There's a peace of mind for brides that comes with knowing that someone else has 'that' covered and they don't have to worry about it."

To save you some time, we combed through the Pinterest boards to find our favorite wedding style looks!

'Like' Mink Artistry to stay up to date on Katie and her teams work!
You can also contact through the LUXE Wedding Showcase

-Elise

Victoria Nicole Wedding Dress Event

Feminine details have floated into our shop as we have the pleasure of hosting a Victoria Nicole Wedding Dress Event for our Kansas City brides! Take a peek at a few of the line's offerings.

Laura was able to stop and see the collection on her recent trip to New York Bridal Market, while she was there she was even able to meet the designer!

Gowns available for a limited time, make your reservation today, 913.631.3010.