This week my friend Laura Nadeau at Laura Nadeau & Co (formerly Bubble & Lo) opened her beautiful battery park apartment to a group of inspiring women within the events related industry for the “Fabulous Females” group. I am so excited to be part of this group and start friendships and relationships with these women. I encourage all my readers to check out the work and websites of the Fab Females as they are all so qualified and most of all SMART. Every woman in the room was so passionate and knowledgeable about her craft.

Laura Nadeau – Laura Nadeau & Co – Makeup Artist lauranadeau.com

Lauren Slusher- Lauren Slusher Photography-for the not so typical bride and groom Laurenslusherphotography.com

Katie Lyman- Katie Lyman Photography – katielymanphotography.com

Sharon Ryan- Owner of Soho 548 Loft – soho548.com

Allison Tray – Owner of Tres Belle Medispa -tresbelleyou.com

Soraya Jollon- Soraya Weddings & Celebrations- fellow event planner sorayajollon.com

Alexandra Kowalski- Bride’s Head Revisited- Bridal Accessories bridesheadrevisted.net

Leyda Cordova- Rock Melon Videography rockmelon.net

And of course me! Tracey Goldstein- Polka Dot Events- Event Planner & Designer pdotevents.com

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I spent mine meeting with new clients and checking out some venues…..I’ll touch on that later in the week. But for today I’d like to put the spotlight on the fun-loving makeup artist of Laura Nadeau of Lo and Co. Not only should you check out her website, but Laura also has a blog “The Down Lo” all about her experiences in make up and the bridal industry. Go on the site to also enter to win a FREE MAKEUP LESSON worth $275!! I asked Laura to give some advice to all the Polka Dotted Blog reading brides for their upcoming weddings…

LAURA NADEAU AT BUBBLE & LO

Getting ready can be half the fun of your wedding or a big night out. Whether you get ready with one friend or a suite filled with bridesmaids and family members, here are some things to keep in mind:

Set the Mood

Don’t forget music. You’d be surprised by how many nice hotels only have a crappy clock radio, so check ahead of time. Music can help you relax or help to get the party started. Ask for a room with good natural lighting, it will be much better for hair, makeup and photography.

Snacks

Plan for food that will give you energy on your long day. Bite size, easy to eat food is great when you are beautifying. A mimosa or two can be fine as long as you match each drink with a glass of water. It easy to become dehydrated during the stress of your wedding day.

Timing

Don’t underestimate the time it takes to get ready. To ease your stress, create a schedule for the day. Decide what time you want to walk out the door and count back from that. I recommend allowing at least 30 minutes to get dressed. Have your accessories organized, your shoes broken in and padded (if necessary) and your bag ready to go and your veil or wrap wrinkle free. Your bag should include a pressed powder to keep your t-zone matte and your lip color.

Must-Haves

Sunglasses (think white or a pair that will complement your look) breath mints, double-sided tape, scissors, pressed powder, shoe pads, tissue, body lotion, SHOUT wipes, deodorant, safety pins, medications, list of vendor phone numbers, and payment for vendors in envelopes and ready to go.

Bridesmaids

Ask bridesmaids to bring a choice of lip colors if you have an artist doing their makeup. They may have their makeup done, but they need to have something to touch up with. Confirm timing with them and if they are notoriously late, pad the timing a little. Have bridesmaids get dressed before the bride – takes a while for a group of woman to get dressed and then they will be ready to help the bride dress and get out the door on time.

Most Important!

SMILE, SMILE, SMILE, and laugh. Everywhere you turn there will be a camera and everyone (I mean everyone) looks beautiful when they are smiling and laughing. Also, smiling and laughing will relax you.