Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

credits (clockwise from top middle): busy little christmas elf, bespoke boutonnieres, cox & cox, she knows, Nice Package, Country Living, East Six Invitations, McCormick

The wedding garter may bring to mind a dainty white loop of ruffled fabric, but today’s brides are adding some snap to that prized piece of elastic.

Gone are the lackluster garters that itch more than they impress, and in their place are handmade items adorned with anything from peacock feathers to the couple’s names stitched into satin. Creating among the best we’ve seen is Julianne Smith, a crafter and designer extraordinaire who left a career in politics and PR to become the “Garter Girl.” After an assignment to find a friend a unique garter left her empty handed, Julianne crafted one herself, and her garter shop was born.

Julianne’s most adventurous creations include a couture French maid garter bedecked with black feathers and a Superman-themed garter for a superhero-loving groom. For the environmentally conscious, her line of garters made from recycled plastic bottles is anything but trashy. And if none of those choices quite fits the bill, she’ll work directly with brides to design a custom garter, like this stunner festooned with a peacock feather and a strip of fabric from a bridesmaid’s dress.  Be sure to check out her blog for answers to common garter-related questions, such as “If I wear it, do I have to toss it?” and “Which leg gets the garter?”

Options like these might kill the garter tossing tradition for good – who wants to part with elasticized prizes like these?

Your beloved proposed. Check. You said yes. Check. You’ve got a sparkly new ring on your finger. Check. Now what?

Realize your wedding checklist is about to get a whole lot longer. So before it does, make the most of your post-engagement bubble of bliss (and free time) and consider an engagement portrait session. Not only does a photo shoot give you and your sweetie a chance to revel in your newly committed romance, but the images can be used for much more than just the traditional newspaper announcement.

Maine-based photographers Jennifer Stone and Patrick McNamara have captured many a smitten couple from behind the lens of a camera. So they’ve answered all the questions about engagement sessions before — How early should we plan? What to wear? Are non-awkward kissing shots even possible? Here, they share their answers to couples’ most common conundrums.

When should couples first start thinking about arranging their engagement portrait session?

JENNIFER: As soon as they book their photographer. I like to do engagement sessions fairly far in advance because my engagement sessions include a guest signing book designed with pictures from their engagement session, so the design and having the album made can take some time.

PATRICK: Ideally, I think couples should start thinking about setting up their E-shoot soon after they book their photographer, which is typically a year or less from their wedding day. When clients book, they are pretty excited about having found a photographer that is a good fit and I like to keep that excitement level peaked by doing the E-shoot right away.

What are the most popular ways couples use engagement photos these days?

JENNIFER: Save the date cards and guest signing albums.

PATRICK: Many clients are producing their own wedding websites but hands down, the most common request is for sharing them on Facebook. Creating slide shows with the images is popular idea as well as digital photo books that many people have their wedding guests sign at the reception. Having an image mounted on a large matte board for guests to sign is always popular and many of my clients will have little framed photos scattered throughout the wedding venue too. I shot a wedding recently at The State Room in Boston, where they blew up three or four E-shoot photos to make poster-size, backlit Dura-trans images, giving the clients total rock star status as the guests filed into the venue.

Should a couple’s engagement portrait photographer also serve as their wedding photographer?

JENNIFER: If it is possible logistically, definitely yes, it’s a great way for them to get to know each other before the wedding day. A lot of my couples are getting married in Maine as a destination wedding so they are planning their wedding long distance and may not be able to get to Maine for an engagement session.

PATRICK: If at all possible, this is a great benefit to both photographer and client. There is no better ice breaker for all parties than the E-shoot. It’s an opportunity to get to know each other and establish a working rapport. As a photographer, I’m also thinking of the technical side too. I’ll study a person’s face and body language to determine if they are comfortable in front of the camera or if I need to loosen them up. Do they need any posing tips or does it come naturally to them? Do they have deep-set eyes that might require flash fill for shadows, do they have wispy hair that catches every puff of wind creating those distracting “fly aways”?

How much should couples budget for their engagement portrait session?

JENNIFER: The cost for engagement sessions can vary greatly between photographers, just like wedding photography, so it’s important to research different photographers and determine your budget. My sessions are $650 and include a guest signing album, as well as one digital file for a save the date card (the rest of the digital files are delivered with the wedding images).

PATRICK: This can vary greatly from photographer to photographer. Some include the E-shoot as part of their package price. I prefer to price all aspects of my packages with the “a la carte” approach, so a client only pays for services that are important to them. I do strive to keep my E-shoot pricing affordable for my wedding clients, as I would prefer to have the opportunity to establish that working rapport.

What advice do you offer couples on choosing a look and location(s) for the shoot?

JENNIFER: I encourage couples to choose a location(s) that is important or has special meaning to them.

PATRICK: I always ask a client if they have a location in mind — someplace special, perhaps where they were engaged. I try to set up the sessions for the late afternoon, early evening. Not only is the light the most dramatic, it’s also around dinner hour and the beaches and coastal paths are more likely to be deserted. Nothing worse than getting into a groove and then losing your mojo while you wait for the family with beach chairs to finish walking through your background.

Advice on wardrobe choices?

JENNIFER: Wardrobe choices will depend on the location for your engagement session and I encourage couples to bring several changes of clothes for a different look. A city session might have a more dressed up look while a beach session will have a more relaxed look. I want the session to reflect them, so they should choose clothing that fits their style and they are comfortable in.

PATRICK: Everyone has at least one favorite outfit, something that they feel they look pretty good in. That is a good starting point; however, I also encourage people to bring change of wardrobe which we can review when we arrive on location. When possible, I prefer to stay away from busy patterns that can be distracting. If I know we are shooting in a vivid, green grass park, I may suggest a color that contrasts nicely and really pops (e.g. a yellow polo shirt against green grass). I tend to have my subjects lean or sit frequently, so loose baggy clothing that bunches around the midsection when seated results in a client that will be less than thrilled with the photos.

What are your tips for natural-looking photos?

JENNIFER: Relax and have fun! My sessions are more lifestyle sessions, so I have couples interacting so I can capture real moments between the two of them.

PATRICK: Before we start, we review what kind of shots they envisioned and I jokingly remind them that we are trying to avoid anything that looks like two bowling pins standing side by side. I really like to find a way to get relaxed, natural body language. If people are nervous or self-conscious, there is something comforting about having them lean or sit on something. Embracing each other is something that every couple finds comfort in. However, when a tall groom leans over to get his head close to the bride’s, it can kill a shot and make him look like he has a broken neck. For me, it’s always important for a groom to keep nice posture, thus allowing his fiance the ability to kind of collapse into his body frame. Finally, I’ve always believed that humor results in the most natural and pleasing smile that you can capture.

Down a lovely side street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the sweet gem Puttin’ on the Glitz which caters to the sophisticated bride looking to embellish her wedding day and wedding party wardrobe with tasteful baubles. Stop in or schedule an appointment with the enchanting owner Assiah Russell and enjoy the process of finding your unique keepsakes.

L&L: Tell us a little about you, your background and the history of Puttin’ on the Glitz.

GLITZ: Puttin’ on the Glitz is the tiniest shop in downtown Portsmouth, a jewel in itself is located on the corner of State and Washington Street, nestled between Strawberry Banke and Prescott Park. We carry jewels for every day and every occasion, hats and fashion accessories.

As a child growing up on a large dairy farm in rural New Hampshire, I would eagerly await the arrival of the Sears Wish Book.  Pouring over the “fashion” photographs, I yearned  to grow up, travel to well-lit and exciting cities and be part of the fashion world.  I studied Fashion Merchandising and modeling in Boston.  I did travel, and ended up making jewelry in  Florence, Italy, and creating a women’s collective in Jamaica making soft jewels from fabrics and beads. Then, as happens with many artists, real life seemed to call, and I spent a decade each working in women’s health and with people living with HIV/AIDS.  Fast forward: on a trip to New York City, I got lost only to find myself in the wholesale jewelry district.  It was then the seed began to sprout. Persuading a vendor to sell me some jewelry, even though I had no business tax ID, I returned home and found an immediate response to my selections.  Sitting atop New York’s Beekman Tower Hotel the following New Year’s Eve, having a libation, I had the idea to start a business, and the name, “Puttin’ on the Glitz” came spilling right out. I sold my distinctive jewels through home parties and out of my summer dining room for the first couple of years. In 2005 I opened the shop on State Street in Portsmouth, NH.

L&L: Describe the range of jewels and accessories that you offer. What is the bulk of your business?

GLITZ: Puttin’ on the Glitz offers a large selection of designer fashion jewelry. Collections are mostly from the US, but include Canada, England, Israel, Germany, Nepal to name a few. There are contemporary pieces and much of it with a nod to a vintage style. In our tiny shop, we offer more than 30 lines of jewelry and accessories.  There are jewels for every day – daily jewels as we call them, as well as jewels for every special occasion. We have a lovely collection of vintage beaded purses from the 1920s to 1970s, travel and overnight bags, and everyday handbags. We carry scarves, gloves, and, in the past two years we’ve added an enormous hat collection.

L&L: Jewelry can sometimes considered be considered a luxury or splurge item on a bride’s budget. How would you reply to this statement?

GLITZ: Jewelry should reflect the soul of the woman wearing it and accessories are the final touch for every bride. It is that which truly shows a woman’s uniqueness and her sense of beauty. While many brides will spend $200 or $250 for custom-designed fresh-water pearls or crystals, we have pieces to fit every budget. Bridal jewelry need not be a budget-buster by any means.

L&L: You have so many beautiful items in your store. What is your favorite part of the shop?

GLITZ: My passion is in helping a woman to find that her own unique sense of style. My business is making women look beautiful. I simply love working with a woman to find just the right piece. Often we will try on six or eight necklaces, and then all of a sudden it becomes quite clear what is just perfect for her. Generally, we both will know it at the same time. I also adore fitting women to hats. Women often say they can’t wear hats.  There is an old adage ‎saying “you don’t look good in a hat is like saying you don’t look good in shoes!” There is a hat for every woman. It just takes a little time and expertise to tease out what style works best for each individual.

L&L: Should a bride schedule an appointment or just stop by to find the perfect piece for their wedding?

GLITZ: Many brides stop in and have a first look, and then book an appointment to come back when we can spend some time together. They will bring in photographs of their gowns, as well as their bridesmaids and mothers. We’ll even schedule a private evening in the shop so they can bring their entire wedding party in to find just the right pieces.

L&L: Do you ever place special orders for your brides if necessary?

GLITZ: We almost always end up doing special orders for brides. We work with an artist, Stephanie Robb, from New York, who specializes in custom designed jewelry. Her work is one-of-a-kind, high-quality craftsmanship, using gold, silver, fresh-water and South Sea pearls, crystals, and natural stones. Generally, we will show some of her work to a bride and it will generate some ideas, twists and turns to create a piece that is unique and suited to the brides own look and gown. Working with Stephanie is also very quick and most affordable. We have been able to accommodate a bride’s special needs in less than two weeks, as in one case, when the bride left her jewels until the last minute!

L&L: How do most of your clients find you?

GLITZ: Clients find us online, at local bridal shows, and through referrals from trades people in the wedding industry. We often will see brides who attended someone else’s wedding as a guest, and loved the brides jewelry.

L&L: What was the most memorable wedding you have worked and why?

GLITZ: Often, a bride is nervous about attending to every little tiny detail. One time, however, a bride came in who was so very relaxed about her wedding, that I still remember her. She was looking for something to wear to her rehearsal dinner. I asked her first what she was wearing, and then when the dinner was, to which she replied that very evening! As it turned out, we found a gorgeous long lariat made of hand-crafted glass leaves, and after the wedding, two of her friends came in and each ordered one for themselves.

L&L: What “must-see” places and eateries do you suggest folks from out of town check out while visiting Maine/coastal New Hampshire?

GLITZ: One simply cannot leave New England without spending at least three days in Portsmouth. The city, set on a river to the sea, is great for strolling, full of art, history, gorgeous architecture, and great eating.  Maine’s seacoast from Portsmouth, NH, all the way up to Southwest and Bass Harbor is among my most favorite places in the world. I could not live without walking Ogunquit Beach several times each summer. Oysters at Robert’s Grill in Kittery, Maine, are always fresh, varied, and a treat. If in Downeast Maine, popovers and tea at the Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park is a favorite after a long walk through the verdant park. The XYZ Restaurant in Manset, Maine, offers the most authentic Mexican fare and margaritas with fresh-squeezed limes.

L&L: Thank you for giving us an inside peek into Puttin’ on the Glitz. If readers want to get in touch with you to inquire about your availability, what is the best way for them to reach you?

GLITZ: We are open daily and you can find us at 150 State Street in Portsmouth, NH. Give us a call at 603.436.5600 or visit us online at www.puttinontheglitzNH.com or on Facebook. Mention this blog post and receive 10% off an entire wedding party jewels!

credits (clockwise from top center): Country Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, emilie inc., Pottery Barn, West Elm, Alexandra Roberts, Sunday Suppers

Brides, watch out. A new rip off is emerging in the wedding world that makes $20 per slice cake cutting fees look like a bargain. A few dishonest practitioners are making a quick buck off of wedding gown cleaning and preservation services, sometimes collecting hundreds of dollars from brides with one hand and ruining their dresses with the other.

We first learned of these dirty deeds last month after chatting with April Randolph, owner of bridal consignment shop Eco-Elegance in Portland, about second-hand wedding dresses. April says she’s been stunned by the number of brides bringing preserved gowns to her shop with hopes of giving them a second life, only to open the boxes to find stains, shoddy work or even no cleaning work at all. “I’ve slicked mud off of a dress” worth more than $6,000, she says. And it gets worse. “Some women open them and it’s not even their dress,” April tells us. Yikes.

She’s also seen gowns that have been wet cleaned and sealed up while they’re still damp, resulting in ugly, permanent water stains. It happened to one woman who came into April’s shop ready to part with her $8,000 Vera Wang gown after four happy years of marriage. When the woman tried to track down the culprits, she learned that both the preservation company and the bridal shop that recommended it had gone out of business, leaving her no recourse.

Other women have found that pre-existing stains weren’t addressed and darkened while their gowns were sealed up, April says. For all of these reasons, she typically accepts only two out of every 10 preserved gowns that come into her store. “My blood pressure goes up when I see a preservation box!” she says.

Luckily, April has some tips for avoiding these situations. Brides typically spend at least $100 for cleaning, another $50 for pressing and easily $200 for a preservation box, so it’s imperative to become an informed consumer.

Find a reputable cleaner/preserver. There are plenty out there. Ask around for recommendations and check cleaners’ ratings from the Better Business Bureau. Inquire whether the work will be done in-house, because some establishments ship gowns overseas for cleaning. Try to speak directly to the person who will be doing the work and get his/her opinion about likely results.

Read the fine print. Before you sign an agreement, make sure you know what’s included and understand the limits of the cleaner/preserver’s services.

Have your dress cleaned ASAP. Delegate this task to your mother, maid of honor or other loved one to make sure your dress is laundered immediately after the wedding, while you’re on your honeymoon. Also make sure stains are pointed out when the dress is dropped off. Wet cleaning is best, but dry cleaning may be necessary for gowns with beading or other embellishments.

Give it a once over. When you pick up your dress, examine it fully before leaving so you can deal with any unexpected results on the spot.

Go natural. The best way to preserve a gown after cleaning is to place it in a breathable cotton garment bag and store it in a cool, dry place (that means no basements or attics). The chemicals in plastic garment bags can damage the fabric, as can metal zippers when they oxidize.

Ban the box. “My recommendation is no more preservation boxes,” April says. That way, you can examine the entire dress before it goes into storage. Plus, gowns need to be refolded every three to four years to prevent permanent creasing. And really, how likely are you to even look at your sealed up gown after your first anniversary?