Leslie Bost from ONE Happenings nominated as Best Wedding Planner!

05.14.12

Dear All,

I am sooo excited to share with you today that I have been nominated by readers of Cabo Social magazine as the Best Wedding Planner at Best of Cabo Awards 2011!

This is a great honor for me and confirmation for the work we have accomplished with my team in the past years, and a great encouragement for our future weddings and events.

And while the nomination is already an award for me, I would love to be The best Wedding Planner in Los Cabos. Here I would need your help and vote!

If you like my work, please cast your vote for me at this link:
Best Wedding Planner – Leslie Bost (ONE Happenings)
http://www.cabo-social.com/best-of-cabo-2012-services-best-for-locals-final-vote

Thank you so much! I appreciate your vote and support, Leslie

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How to choose the right make-up artist and hairstylist for your wedding?

04.06.12

In my “How to” series I have already wrote about “How to choose the right photographer”.  So now that you have the best wedding planner (me of course, *giggles*), and the best photographer, let’s help you choose the best make-up artist and hairstylist.

Chelsea having her make up done. Photo by Cary Pennington

So, how indeed to choose the right make up artist?  If you have a favorite make up artist close to your home, you might decide to bring her/him along.  But this decision can be costly, and not necessary, as we have excellent (and renowned) make up artists here in Los Cabos, with a great portfolio.

Of course, choosing the make up artist for a destination wedding is not so simple, as you might not have the chance to meet him or her until a day or so before the wedding.  But choosing the right make-up artist and hairstylist might be one of the most important decisions when planning your wedding.  He or she will be responsible for your look, and the way you feel on your wedding day.  And believe me, I know – you need to feel and look the most beautiful woman in the world!  This glow is something that will be visible on your wedding photographs and video until the end of time!

I can tell you from personal experience, feeling comfortable with your hair and make-up will allow you to enjoy your special day. Here are couple of tips on how to pick the perfect person for you:

 

 

How to choose my hair and make-up artist?  If you plan on bringing along your personal make-up artist and hairstylist from your hometown, make sure he communicates with your wedding planner – she will be able to give him insider tips he/she will need to consider when doing your hair and make-up.  Los Cabos can be windy in some months, so tall hair-dos won’t last long in such occasions; Los Cabos is also a very hot destination – the artist will need to make sure that the make up doesn’t melt, or to provide on-the-spot solutions to fix make up simply.  If you are seeking to hire a local make-up artist and hair stylist, ask your wedding planner for couple of suggestions.  Personally, I know and have worked with several local make-up artists and stylists, and because through the planning process I get to know my brides well, I can recommend you a stylist that will fit your personality and desires best.

What is their experience?  Review the portfolio of their work so far, they might have them available on-line or in a more in-depth portfolio that they can send you via email.  Through it you will be able to see their style, techniques, and learn more about the stylist herself/himself.

Agree for a trial hair and make up.  Don’t wait for the last day, afford yourself a trial day.  It is the best (and the only) way to see what kind of hairstyle and make-up you’d like to have on on your wedding day, that fits best to the wedding dress, and which accentuates your best features.  The best part is that you can try several make-up and hairstyles – which you have probably always wanted, but never had the chance to do so.  TIP: Bring along your best friends to the trial.  They know you best, and they’ll be your best feedback and critical eye.  Sometimes a make-up or a hairstyle will look really good, but if they don’t fit your personality, you might not feel comfortable wearing it after a while.  And bring pictures of what you like! This will help the make-up artist get an idea of what you like.

Will the same person that does my trial also be doing my wedding?  Really important question!  If you connect well with the person who did your trial hair-do and make-up, make sure that they will be there on your wedding day.  You don’t want any surprises at the last minute.

Will the stylist remember exactly what we did on the trial date?  Don’t forget to ask this question.  Can you get photos of make-up and hairstyle from the trial?  Can the stylist provide them or should you ask your friend or a photographer for couple of photographs?  TIP: Don’t forget to write down the names and colors of products you used at the trial.  You might want to try recreating the make-up at home.

Do they speak English?  Most of the make-up artists and hairstylists speak English in Baja, but it’s never too much too ask.  You need to be able to understand each other.

Neysa Berman of Blanc Salon, applying the make up.

Communication, availability and consultations?  Ask your hair and make up stylist if they are available for any consultations while you are going to be at home, getting ready for the wedding.  With Skype and other on-line tools it is easy and cost free to stay in touch with the team who will be doing your wedding.  You can get consults from your artists regarding the make up, show her/him your new dress or ask any other question you might have.  At the end, it is your wedding and you should feel comfortable and happy with the team and your D-day look.

How much time will your stylist be available for you on your wedding day?  How many hours earlier will they come?  Should they stay after the wedding has begun?  My personal suggestion would be to keep your stylist with you at least until after the reception, when you are doing the wedding photo shoot.  They will be able to assist the photographers and fix your make up and hair to be picture perfect!  You don’t want shiny skin or flowing hair when it is not needed.  Later on your bridesmaids or wedding planner can help you with small retouches to keep your look fresh and beautiful at all times.

EXTRA tip for my brides: Please make sure your make-up feels natural the day of your wedding. Of course you want to look your best, but DO NOT over do the make-up. There is no need for extra dark make-up. You want to look made up, but not dramatic. Ask my good photographer friend Amy Bennett what happens when eyes are way to dark? Poor Amy has spent countless hours trying to correct the problem in some of her shots. You need to look like yourself! In the end, you want the man at the end of the aisle to recognize you right?

My favorite Cabo hair & make-up artist?  Neysa Berman of Blanc Salon is my preferred vendor in Cabo.  She is talented, evolved, professional and my favorite part?  She actually will be doing your make-up and hair the day of!

These are my tips on hiring the make-up artists and stylist.  What do you think? Let me know if you have any additional questions, and I will add them to the list and provide the answers for you.

If you are currently planning your wedding in Los Cabos, and are searching for the right make-up artist and hair stylist, contact me, and I’d be glad to provide with the names of the artists and stylists I have worked with and I trust.  You can leave a comment below or contact me at leslie@onehappenings.com or by phone: 619.955.69.68.

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ONE Happenings Selected by Grace Ormonde Wedding as a Preferred Wedding Planner in Mexico

03.28.12

It is with great pleasure and honor today to share with you that ONE Happenings Weddings & Events has been selected by Grace Ormonde Wedding as their Preferred Wedding Planner in Mexico.

I am sooooo honored to be part of the Platinum List! Not only because it is every wedding planners dream to be featured in Grace Ormonde Weddings, but also because it is an achievement, which confirms that our dedication, passion and love for planning and organizing each and every ONE Happenings wedding or event, has been noticed and praised through this acknowledgment. With this, above all, I would love to give a big thank you to all of my lovely brides, our partners and wedding providers, for helping us create memorable weddings and events. Thank You!

Most of the you, our brides, our partners and our wedding vendors are probably familiar with Grace Ormonde Weddings. Grace Ormonde is The Luxury Wedding Source, which informs, assists and inspires us all while planning your/our weddings or special events.

In the printed magazine or on The Grace Ormonde Wedding Style (link to the website) on-line you can find ideas, inspirations, and resources for your special day, be it if you are looking for bridal fashion; wedding gowns, evening wear, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride gowns with the latest fashion and top designer creations; health and beauty products, wedding registry items, real weddings, featured weddings, wedding and/or honeymoon destinations, and wedding vendors, … Whether you are planning a destination wedding or getting married near home, they have it all.

I am excited and proud that ONE Happenings Weddings & Events is among the world’s most acknowledged wedding vendors on the Grace Ormonde Platinum List 2012!

Thank You again, this accolade just makes me even more enthusiastic and inspired for my upcoming 2012 weddings and events. Until next time, greetings from sunny Cabo San Lucas. If you are dreaming of a destination wedding, contact me at leslie@onehappenings.com or phone 6199556958. I would love to help you make your dream wedding come true.

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My Inspiration

02.02.12

My Inspiration…A post dedicated to my husband and all couples looking to feel inspired by marriage.

Time flies when you are having fun. Today is my 4th wedding anniversary!  It seems like just yesterday I was getting my hair and makeup done, putting on my dress and getting ready to walk down that aisle to the love of my life.

The day I got married everything changed for me. Not just because I was about to become a ‘Mrs.’ but also because I found my calling, my inspiration. Believe it or not I used to sit behind a desk and work on finance spreadsheets. Though I had fun, it wasn’t my cup of tea. And if you must know we were one of those couples that “NEVER” wanted to get married. We simply did not understand why people got married. Funny to think that now I help people get married!

 pictures by Lunaphoto

 

February 2nd, 2008 - I became inspired.

Inspired because I joined my life with my best friend in a ceremony that expressed to those we love on a gorgeous beach at sunset,  our favorite time of day, that we pledged our life to each other. Inspired because I knew that I wanted everyone to feel the way I felt at that very moment: pure joy, butterflies and unconditional love. The idea of a wedding took on a different meaning, it became akin to writing in the sky how much you loved someone with a form of communication higher than words. To join two lives. And to do all this with people who make your existence known and convert it into life.

On our honeymoon, I couldn’t stop thinking about all of the details, friends that joined us and how much fun we had. I wanted to recreate it all, I wanted to have our 10 year anniversary just to have an excuse to do it all over again, and then, it clicked… Why not help other people feel this way? I was very involved in the planning process of my wedding and every detail, every moment was so much fun for me that really, it was a natural evolution.

Fast forward a few years and here I am recreating what I felt through my ‘One Happening’  that for me, will transcend the moment.

My advice for my clients and future clients on their wedding day?

1. Get a good night sleep the night before the wedding.

2. Have your MOH or Mom make you your favorite breakfast the day of. You might not get a lot to eat and you don’t want to pass out during the ceremony.

3. When walking down the aisle look at your future husband/wife and let the moment crystalize, be grateful for the amazing journey you are about to embark upon.

4. Don’t forget to hold hands with your husband during the night.

5. Take moments to steal away in your mind and revel in it all. After months of planning, you are now married.

6. Remember – at the end of your wedding day, you’ll be married, and that’s really all that matters.

7. Be inspired by your special day. It is a representation of you and your fiancé!

8. Hire a good coordinator for the event, it´s their job to sweat the little things and yours to bask in the moment.

9. Enjoy no matter what and don¹t let ANYTHING ruin your day. Whatever happens those who love you will be so happy nothing will bring them down and those who don’t will never be satisfied.

10. Don’t listen to advice! Ok, only half kidding here…The above is only my suggestions ultimately everyone will give you advice and you need to take only what feels right for you both.

 

Special thanks to Lazy Gourmet Catering! Specifically Paty Armenta and Tracy Dunlop. Also to Elena Damy for amazing flowers! Susan Biali for flamenco, Oxten for lighting and everyone that joined us!

 

Lastly, happy anniversary to my amazing husband. 

 

 

 

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How to choose the right Photographer

12.14.11

 

A picture says a million words right? I have always wanted to take good pictures and though I would love to think otherwise, I’m a pretty bad photographer. However, us Mexicans LOVE to take pictures, so I always have a camera in my bag. My husband thinks I am crazy but you never know what moment you need to capture forever! When it came to my wedding, my priority was finding the person who would capture my dream day. It is the best money I spent on the whole wedding. Thank you Lunaphoto!

That said, having the best pictures the day of your wedding should be a priority for every bride. So when it comes to choosing vendors for your wedding, the single most important vendor to choose and book ASAP is your photographer (besides a wedding planner of course ☺ ) . Photographers get booked months, even a year or more in advance. The photographer you choose will display your wedding day in memories that you will cherish always.

Capturing the moment

I interviewed some photographer friends (some that do it for the LOVE of photography and some that went to the best schools and have learned the best techniques) and based on my planning experience here are the key elements you should look for when choosing your wedding photographer. Enjoy!

Personality: Have a conversation with the photographer to make sure your personalities match, because you are going to be with this person even more (in some cases) than with your fiancé on the day of. This person will set the mood in a lot of ways so you must connect. You must trust your photographer to do a great job such that you can relinquish control to them. His or her personality will allow you to feel comfortable with yourself, especially if you don’t enjoy being the center of attention and there’s nothing worse than an indecisive wedding photographer who doesn’t know how to direct a crowd, a wedding party and your mother-in-law.

Equipment: You are not a camera expert, neither am I. But at least make sure they have back up cameras and an extensive amount of lenses. This will allow for different type of shots, angles and quality. At the very least, make sure they know their equipment!

Do they have a second shooter? Shooting a wedding is hard work – it’s a long day of what can be very physical labor. This is particularly important for a wedding of more than 50 people. This will allow pictures and moments to be taken from different angles and perspectives. Make sure you find out who the second shooter is and how long they have worked together.

Post production:  What is the back-end? Do they give you a CD? Blog publication with your pictures? Sneak peek? A website with pictures for your friends and family to view and purchase? What is their delivery time frame?

Do your R-E-S-E-A-R-C-H!! Brides have access to wedding photography like never before through blogs and websites. You can educate yourself going into a wedding now, because you can actually compare styles, prices, talent and more. Back in the day when my parents got married the Internet was not available so there was no way to compare styles. Use these tools and get inspired.

The full picture (no pun intended): Make sure you ask to see a whole wedding. One thing is seeing 10 great shots of one wedding and the other is seeing it start to finish.

Location is irrelevant…for a photographer: If the photographer is from New York coming to Mexico for your destination wedding, it does not matter if they have never been to where you will marry. The important thing is that all of the above elements are set in stone and you love their style and approach. A good photographer can get amazing pictures anywhere. Obviously look for options in the city that you choose. Cabo has some amazing photographers and this will be helpful to your overall budget.

Photojournalist? What is that?  I can’t stand how now a days every photographer is a ‘photojournalist’. This is such a catch phrase and great for marketing, but some photographers do not seem to really know what it means, at least not through their work. The idea of photojournalism is to create images in order to tell a story. When it is done right it is amazing. No one wants the traditional posed picture anymore (not for the full event anyway). But remember that it is important to have some portrait shots for picture frames. You want a family picture!. Ideally you want a combination of both (candid and portraits) and if you go for a full photojournalism type of photographer, be certain that their work really speaks the word.

Price: Yes, this is important for your budget. But I assure you, if you love their work, every penny will be worth it.

Please, Sign a contract! Make sure the contract states expected services, time frame or schedule, fees, cancellation policy, and all aspects of your package (album, prints, website, etc) written in detail.

Lastly…

Ask questions: Questions like What is you your approach to photographing weddings? What does your work offer that is unique and personal to me? Will you be helping me in the selection of the final pictures? How long will you be with us on the day of the wedding? Do you like to use color photos, black and whites or a mixture? Do you have a digital camera and retouch the photos to make them black and white, or do you use film?

Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with your photographer as well as confident in their ability to capture your key moments. You’re going to remember the wedding day through their eyes, heart and talent.

Special thanks to Amy Bennett,  Sara Richardson & Megan Sharp for their wisdom and experience in the matter.

Some of my favorite photographer worldwide: Lunaphoto, Scott Andrew, Metrophoto. For Cabo suggestions, send me an email and I will match one to your style.

 

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