We couldn’t resist taking this photo, and Liz couldn’t resist adding the pen behind Zach’s ear… but I swear he LOVES typing on the computer and I think he actually knows what the mouse does.  I think it’s hilarious, but then again, I am his mother… hope this picks everyone’s end of the day up!  KP

With tremendous makeup experience and talent Connecticut and Vermont Makeup artist, dd Nickel has the right touch for any bride to create that perfect look for either the glam bride or someone who just wants to enhance their natural glow.  Check out dd in today’s Vendor Spotlight!

d.d. Nickel Makeup Studio
Contact: dd Nickel
Phone: 203.777.4161
Website: www.ddnickel.com
Email: dd@ddnickel.com
myKPW State and Budget:

- CT, $50-80k and $80k+
- VT, $80k+

Number of Years in Business: I have been a professional makeup artist for over 18 yrs…12 years as a freelance artist based out of NYC.  My projects have included Runways, Red Carpets, Broadway, TV, and … lots of beautiful Brides!

Pricing Information: Rates start at $350 for the bride plus two.  Each additional person starts at $50.  Final rates are based on the amount of travel required.  Lashes are complimentary and the bride receives a lipstick or gloss for touch-ups.

What makes me stand out in what I do? I think part of being an exceptional makeup artist is being a good listener, making the ability to interpret my clients needs and desires into a look that works for both them and the camera one of my strong points. I also think the range of my work sets me apart from many artists.  I’m thankful everyday for the wide variety of projects and experiences I’ve had as a professional makeup artist.

What’s the favorite part of my work? I love that every day is different and no two projects and faces are the same!

What do I like to do in my spare time? Walk my rowdy dogs and lazy around with the cats.  I love hunting for antiques and spending time in Vermont which usually includes a good book in the hammock. And I heart gardening…It’s really just painting with plants.  Other than that…cooking, eating, a great glass of wine and good company are my favorite way to end the day!

What charity am I supporting and why? I support the ASPCA!  I have two dogs, two cats and I’d have a hundred more if I could…

d.d. Nickel Makeup Studio is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, a new online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing brides to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

It’s always fun to add a little something extra to your wedding to help enhance your guests’ experience.  We recommend you check out Maine Photo Booth Company and see what they can do for you! KM

Maine Photo Booth Company
Owner: Peter Small
Website: www.mainephotoboothco.com
E-mail: mainephotoboothco@gmail.com
myKPW State and Budget: Maine $25k-50k and $50k-$80k

Maine Photo Booth Company is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, a new online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing brides to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

Gaining popularity among brides, Boudoir Photography is thought to be an intimate yet a fun and playful experience – but what is it really about? Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire based photographer, Liesl from Claris Photography shares with brides (and grooms) her thoughts around the Boudoir concept and what it means to her.  LS

The idea of Boudoir Photography is as old as it is new.  It’s been around for a long time but recently has received much attention.  As it relates to Wedding Photography, it is usually meant to be a photography session the bride participates in prior to the wedding and in turn gives the groom on the wedding day in the form of an album or prints.  This session can be scheduled before or after the wedding but most of the time it is completed several months prior to allow time to order products (i.e. albums and enlargements).  Once in a while, it is scheduled during the “getting ready” phase of the wedding day but this time of the day can be chaotic and it is not always ideal.

I have found it to be one of the most profound and amazing gifts a man could ever receive from his soon-to-be wife based on the comments I heard after the fact.  It has drawn the attention of women of all ages and even couples as a gift to each other.  (I have even had a client who was inspired to do this as a 25th wedding anniversary gift for her husband)

Because of the intimate nature of this type of photography, it is imperative that the client feels a good connection with her photographer.  As a female photographer, I feel this factor helps to ease the tension and allows a stronger trust and comfort level during the session.  When I am first contacted about doing a Boudoir session with a bride, I want to know what style of imagery would she like to produce for this session, At this point I ask for several samples of what she has in mind either torn from a magazine or sent online in an email.  From these examples I will learn what the client had in mind and use my own creativity from there. I usually recommend the client to have a stylist to do hair and makeup prior to the session and then to stay during the shoot to work closely with me during outfit changes to freshen up and/or change the look for variety’s sake.  I work inside and outside, weather permitting, based on the client’s comfort level to produce a range of images in various lighting situations in about a 2 hour time frame.  It can be done at the client’s home, a hotel, my studio, or any location of her choosing depending on the style of the imagery.

This photography session can sometimes take bravery and courage on the part of the bride-to-be but it is truly appreciated on the receiving end.  To give the gift of oneself is intimate and one-of-a-kind.  There is no way to compare this to any other.  I have never heard any complaints from any groom-to-be EVER!  It is worth the effort and time in every way and with careful planning and communication with the photographer is a very fun and adventurous experience.

Check out some of Liesl’s Boudoir work below:

Claris Photography
Phone: 1.800.207.8256
Website: www.clarisphotography.com
Email: liesl@clarisphotography.com
myKPW State and Budget:

- MA, $50-80k and $80k+
- ME, $50-80k
- NH, $50-80k

Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire wedding photographer Claris Photography is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, a new online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

If you are looking for a wedding venue with an authentic New England feel take a look at New Hampshire wedding venue, Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, NH. They have a wonderful facility and multiple outdoor ceremony locations. KM

Alyson’s Orchard
Proprietors: Susan and Robert Jasse
Website: www.alysonsorchard.com
E-mail: info@alysonsorchard.com

myKPW State and Budget: New Hampshire Under $25k

New Hampshire wedding venue Alyson’s Orchard is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, a new online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.