Are you overwhelmed with all of the logistics of planning your big day? Join the club! We’ve done our best to provide all types of local resources for wedding venues, attire, photographers, flowers, music and everything in between. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. We hope this directory helps the day be stress-free and all about you.
Read the whole issue at issuu.com.
Photographers
Photo by Lily Brundin
Ask The Photography Expert: Lily Brundin
What is your story?
I’m Lily, and I’m a couples photographer here in North Dakota!
I started shooting during my junior year of college, taking Photoshop classes and I basically just wanted my own work to practice on. I borrowed my boyfriend, Shawn’s $300 DSLR and basically held it hostage. I was in love.
I started shooting a lot of portraits, and quite a bit of fashion… both are things I love shooting, but when I got a taste of shooting love—there was absolutely no turning back.
What are some trends that you are noticing in wedding photography lately?
Film! Whether it’s an editing style or actual film, I’m obsessed!
What should someone look for in a wedding photographer?
First, make sure you love their editing style and can picture yourself in their work. Also, definitely choose someone whose personality you vibe with! You spend a lot of time with this person, make sure you trust them fully and that they put you at ease!
Standard wedding photography safety measures:
BACKUPS. Backup cameras for the day of and backups of all of their files on multiple formats in multiple places.
Flowers
Photo provided by Shotwell Floral & Greenhouse
Ask The Floral Expert: Shotwell Floral & Greenhouse
What are some trends that you are noticing with floral?
Cascading bouquets that take on an updated, free-flowing, garden-inspired feel that incorporates flowing foliage and an array of blooms that may be all white, shades of color or a palette of multiple colors, flowers and berries. We also see a blend of dried pods and grasses that mix in beautifully to create an organic feel. Tablescapes, arches and backdrops including bridal bouquets are very lush and full with a larger-than-life presence and are very poplular. The English garden look with an easy breezy flair is continuing to be a favorite as well as well as all varieties of eucalyptus foliage.
What should someone look for in a florist?
A florist who is willing to sit and listen to the bride and groom’s thoughts, ideas and dreams and help make that a reality for their wedding day—one who will help create and assist in pulling together their ideas with the florist’s knowledge of flowers, colors, longevity and their availability.
What’s the most important thing to know when picking out flowers for a wedding?
It’s always good to initially find the ‘style and design’ that the Bride likes. Sometimes this is most easily discovered by a process of looking through websites or observing flowers at weddings. Many times it is a process of elimination of what you don’t like. The color of flowers or color of the bridal party’s attire is always a big component in the choices.
Also, a favorite flower(s) plays a huge role in creating the bouquets.
Can you give a little bit of advice when it comes to picking out the right floral arrangements?
A florist who is willing to sit and listen to the bride and groom’s thoughts, ideas and dreams and help make that a reality for their wedding day—one who will help create and assist in pulling together their ideas with the florist’s knowledge of flowers, colors, longevity and their availability.
Do you have any other tips for wedding planning that you’d like to share?
Timeline is very important, as is the season in which you will be getting married because it plays a large part in flower availability.
Hair & Nails
Photo provided by Hillary Ehlen (Pictured here is Paige Holdman who worked with beauty expert Sara Lien on her big day.)
Ask the Beauty Expert: Sara J. Lien, Adae Salon
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Sara J Lien. I graduated from the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis in 2008. Since then, I’ve gone on to become a Master Hairstylist and Makeup Artist. Multidimensional color, blondes and extensions (SJL) are my jam. Brides will always hold a special place in my heart. My bridal work has been featured in multiple magazines, including Vogue. I work with the most talented group of women at Adae Salon. I’m currently not accepting new clients, as my books are full of the most amazing clients a stylist could ask for. I’m a wife to Matthew and a Mom to two perfect boys—Gino (4) and Jack (3).
What is unique about what you offer?
When it comes to brides, I’m all in. From the pre-wedding prep of getting my clients their dream hair to the day of full-service glam—I’m all in. I’m not just there to make them look flawless, I’m there to make sure their day is perfect. I buckle shoes. I apply body lotion. I spruce up the groom’s hair. When you hire me, I don’t take it lightly. I am a part of one of their biggest days! I also bring years of experience which I think translates into a really good vibe. I’m never stressed. I don’t do trials. I like to show up and let the day happen organically. That’s when I do my best work!
What wedding services do you offer?
Hair and makeup.
What are some things brides should consider when deciding on their wedding look?
I always tell my brides you need to look like YOU, but enhanced. When you feel your prettiest, what does that look like? If you’re not pulling your hair up to feel your best, why would we do that on your wedding day?
What’s the difference between “bridal makeup” and “everyday makeup”?
Honestly nothing. Bridal makeup can be everyday makeup and everyday makeup can be bridal makeup. It’s about what MY bride wants. I think there are no “rules” when it comes to bridal glam. Some of my brides want super natural makeup and some of my brides want full glam! The difference to me is maybe the prep and application. I take my time with prepping my bride’s skin. I use eye masks, hydrating serums, etc. When applying, I usually layer cream products, then powder to make sure everything has staying power. I also have a secret body glow that I put on all of my brides.
Should clients bring inspirational photos? If so, how should they go about selecting those?
Inspo photos are always helpful! Instagram and Pinterest are always great options.
What are some wedding hair trends you’ve been seeing lately?
The bridal bun will never go out of style. She’s chic and here to stay forever. Lately, I’ve seen lots of party ponytails, loose waves and tucked behind the ears.
How does a bride go about picking the right hair and makeup artist for the wedding? What should they ask and consider?
If you already have a stylist that you’ve been seeing for a long time, start there. If not, start looking at Instagram. I
think wedding photographers are the best place to start. Find brides on their pages with hair and makeup that you like. They always tag the glam squad so you’ll be able to find them and message them! If the stylist is booked, then ask them for recommendations. The beauty industry has really come a long way—the competition aspect is gone for the most part and the community vibes are strong.