Interview with a New York makeup artist Lauren Napier Weddings

I met Lauren awhile back and was happy to be able to get a quick interview with amazing NYC Makeup artist.

Enjoy!

1. What services do you provide?

My services are strictly makeup services! I feel like you should always 

do you your job at 100% not 50% makeup and 50% hair! I am 100% a makeup artist!

2. What makes Lauren Napier Weddings unique?

My servce are unique because I practice restraint! I love makeup - but I do not think that a bride should be slatherd in products. 

I feel that a bride should look like the most elegant version of herself. I am able to help brides achieve this look by using nourishing

skincare products as a base, fresh and clean foundation products and cheery toned colors that boost the skin's natural highlights 

and radiance. 

3. Could you please explain your process?

I recommend a bridal consultation prior to any bride booking her wedding day makeup. 

The Lauren Napier Weddings consultation includes a complete makeup trial in a full service salon this also includes  a complete custom lash application.

I take a digital before and after image for the bride's review, as well as create a product list for my records that will be used as a guide on the day of her wedding. 

On the wedding day I arrive prepared and my brides are confident in my skills. Most brides compliment the process and feel a great sense of ease amongst all 

of their other wedding day jitters. 

4. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when hiring their make up artist.

I can give 2 pieces of advice:

1.  "You always get what you pay for!" Invest in your makeup artist. For most women, their wedding day is the most photograped day of their lives. Why would she want to look her best?

 and 

2. Never wax your brows the morning of your wedding!

 

5. Can you work with all skin types? Including Sensitive skin?

I can work with all skin types. I love the challenge of ethnic skin - it keeps me on my toes! A sensetive skin's needs are more complex. In this case I recommend 

that she see a dermatoligist at least 6 months prior to her wedding. A medical expert can provide her with the medications or skin care system that will 

reduce sensetivities. 

6. What are the latest trends in make up?

The latest trend in makeup are bold and bright. As spring and summer approach more bold neons and bronze will appear. I adore a bold lip! 

To view more of Lauren's amazing work visit Lauren Napier Weddings.

Thanks Lauren!

My Search for the perfect Wedding Hair accessory

This bride is on the hunt for the perfect wedding hair accessory. Not sure if I want a pretty ivory flower hair pin or a crystal hair pin, but I'm LOVING these awesome designs that I found on Etsy. Check these wedding hair accessories!

Organza and Crystal Flower by Mikiye

Rhinestone Hair comb by Romancing the Bling

Bridal Hair Flower Accessories by Mikiye

Rhinestone Flower with Pearls Comb by JMGJewelDesign

Ivory Feather Flower with Crystal Accessory by Brendas Bridal Veils

Wedding Dress Time! - This New York wedding bride starts shopping

Dresses I HEART.

Loving the romantic soft ruffles look!

Picture from Oscar de la Renta

Picture from Vera Wang

Pictures from The Knot, Amsale, Vera Wang.

Ok, now the NYC beach wedding planning begins...

Picture from The Montauk Yacht Club

Hi!

I already started my wedding planning but wanted to share what I've been up to. (I won't be giving out my final choices till the end since it might ruin the surprise for my friends and family) Well, maybe not the very end :)

First off in planning, location, location, location!

Since me and my "fiancé" :) met on a beach, got engaged on a beach, I think getting married or at least holding the reception at a beach would be ideal! Plus I'm looking for a September date, we met in September. (didn't realize how romantic I am, and sometimes a bit corny LOL!)

On my search for the perfect New York beach reception or venue I found these:

Gurney's Inn Resort, Spa and Conference Center

Photography by: Persona Grata Photography

I loved Gurney's Montauk, NY location! It has beautiful sandy beach views and you can have a true beach ceremony and even a bon fire at night. It's more of a relaxed beach wedding and seems like it would be a fun time for all my guests!

The next place I found was Land's End.

I didn't get to actually visit the site but it did have a beach and also a casual laid back feel. They were located in Sayville, Long Island.

Next stop was the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club

I loved the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club's venue and location! The style was more me and the beach was amazing! Only problem is that they only rent the space out and you have to add and rent everything else. Including all plates and silverware, linens and probably chairs. That might be a good thing, you do have a blank canvas to work with and can create something unique just for you. But, for me I don't know, I don't have that much time. My wedding is being planned for September that's only 6 months away. Plus, I believe they still have people from the club walking around during your wedding, not sure if I like that. But definitely a contender.

Next, The Montauk Yacht Club.

Didn't get to visit all of these, but from their website, the place looks amazing, and the wedding coordinator I spoke to is so helpful and sweet. Love this one too!

Another option was The Crescent Beach Club.

Once again Bill, the wedding coordinator and owner, was so nice and helpful.

What I liked about this is that you get a true "water sunset". Meaning during cocktail hour, the sun will set on the ocean. Love that!

Then, my search took me to The Atlantica in the Hamptons, but I found out they were closed.

However, the chef from the Atlantica moved to a brand new hotel located directly on Longbeach, NY called,

The Allegria Hotel.

I went to go see this location, and it really is impressive in person. LOVED, the mix of beach and modern elements they incorporated in their design. And even though I fell in love with the idea of having a semi-destination wedding, it was amazing that it was just built last September, the month we met, and in Long Beach, where we met! So needless to say this was one of the top contenders :)

Let me know what you guys think? This one is the hardest decision.

More New York wedding planning coming soon!

xo

Aaaaah, I'm engaged :) and planning a New York Wedding!

Hi!

I wasn't sure if I was going to share my engagement story and wedding planning but so many have asked for details and asked me to share that I was like, ok!

YES, I'm engaged and super excited, more so than I thought I would be.

Now I know how my brides feel.

SO, this is my story of how I went from being someone's "girlfriend" to someone's "fiancé" and planning my New York wedding.

I'll try and make it short and sweet.

This February we decided to take a trip to Maui, for our yearly winter get away. And on the way I was already suspect but wasn't sure if he would dare to bring the ring onto the airplane and through security. Well turns out he was suspect too! Cause he played an awful trick on me.

The first day we got there, we, of course, were really jet lagged and only had enough energy to go to a local restaurant where he told me that he had a "gift for me". So I totally went there and thought that "oh, I guess this is the proposal, kinda of lame" and, was also thinking,

"man, I wish he kept it a surprise." I know how awful of me.

Well the joke was on me when he told me to close my eyes and he revealed a jewelry box. When he didn't say those magic words, I went ahead and opened the box. And, it was a pair of earrings!

AAHH! Cruel, but he said he needed to throw me off.

Still gotta get him back for that.

The real proposal took place the next day, after a beautiful sunset dinner cruise and whale tour. It was amazing by the way, Maui is generally amazing! I highly recommend going for your honeymoon, or a vaca. It truly is paradise.

After our dinner cruise, we strolled on the beach and sat down to watch the sunset, when he dropped to his knee and popped the question! Of course you know I said yes! I still can't believe he had the ring with him during the whole cruise, that's what got me.

I loved that he proposed on the beach, since we met on the beach while surfing in Long Beach, NY. (yes, people surf in NY). And I love that he proposed in Maui at the beginning cause I didn't stop smiling for the rest of the trip!

DETAILS: I loved where we stayed, The Westin Resort and Spa. West Maui is small and we got to enjoy the island by renting a car. If you go you should definitely rent a car and drive around and just enjoy all the beautiful scenery. There are a lot of things you can do on your own and that is what we like to do, but, if you are more of a tour person there are a lot of those too.

Well, can you say beach wedding! I already started my planning and will share soon!

First thing is first, location, location. I have to find a place in NY that is our style and still be on the beach. Check back soon for updates.

Do you have an engagement story you would like to share or know a great beach location or venue in NY that would be great for my wedding? Just comment.

Talk Soon!