Did you know, the wedding veil predates the wedding dress by hundreds of years? The word veil means to cover, obscure or mask. Furthermore, the bridal veil has been a symbol of purity and modesty for centuries.
Photo by Jose Villa
Brides in ancient Rome wore a veil to cover and protect them from evil spirits. These veils were typically red and painted with flames. By concealing their face, they would hopefully frighten and confuse the spirits prior to the wedding ceremony. These veils were also thought to protect them and keep them from being kidnapped.
Photo by Gertrude & Mabel Photography
One legend of the veil dates back to Isaac and Rebekah’s love story in the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible. Rebekah’s veil, a sign of modesty and respect, was large enough to wrap around her face and body.
Photo by Kate Webber
During the days of arranged marriages, it is believed that the veil was used to keep the bride’s features hidden until the ceremony was completed. If the groom saw her before he paid the bride’s price and did not like what he saw, he could refuse to marry her.
Photo by Sasha Gulish
Today, the veil is still an important part of the bridal attire and one of the oldest traditions to stay true to its origin. Nowadays, many brides still follow the romantic tradition of not being fully seen until her husband lifts the veil during the ceremony.
Today we are pleased to share the beautiful photos from Laura and Jeff’s wedding at Beaulieu Garden in Yountville, CA. Their big day took place on a HOT June day, yet despite the heat, Laura managed to look absolutely stunning and flawless throughout the day. Pat Friday‘s ‘fresh from the garden’ approach to the design of the wedding was full of girly pops of pink { peonies galore! }, lavender and lush hydrangea. Please enjoy the photos below; our favorite moments from the day were Laura and Jeff’s special dances with their Father and Mother. Laura and Jeff were such a lovely couple to work with, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness and laughter.
This month we are getting to know Jillian Schiavi, recent full time(!!) calligrapher and Oakland resident. We think Jillian’s work is stunning and can’t wait to begin working with her! Whether or not she should have been born in France is still undecided, however we are certain that her interests and talents will allow her to thrive in the Bay Area.
Started My Business: I started part-time in 2010 and made the leap to full-time last July, 2013
Located: Oakland, CA – just just relocated from Chicago, IL
~~~
Q: Which industry related tool can you not live without?
A: Yikes! Can I pick two? I’d be lost without my Copic Multiliner pens and my right angle ruler. Cutting paper for various projects and using pens that don’t bleed when the pencil markings underneath are erased are daily occurrences for me.
Q: When you’re not on site at an event, what can we find you doing?
A: You can find me either biking around my new neighborhood, exploring all the local coffee shops, farmers markets, stores, taking breaks to read in the park next to Lake Merritt, practicing yoga, or meeting with friends for dinners and wine and great conversation.
Q: At which venue are you dying to work?
A: I love working with natural elements and transforming outdoor spaces, so moving out here opens up an entirely new world of possibilities for me. Muir Woods and anywhere in wine country would be so much fun to do work.
Q: My go to snack is ________.
A: A peanut butter Larabar and Arbonne chocolate protein shake – those tide me over in the middle of the afternoon when I’m wading through a pile of wedding envelopes or elbow-deep in a new series of illustrations.
Q: What is/are your guilty pleasure(s)?
A: Baked goods. Give me a delicious cinnamon scone, an almond croissant, or even a freshly baked crusty baguette and I’m in heaven. I swear I should have been born in France.
Q: TV wise, what are you watching right now?
A: House of Cards, Nashville, New Girl
Q: I can’t stand ________.
A: People who don’t follow through, and inauthenticity.
Q: Music wise, I am currently listening to ______.
A: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Local Natives. Love!
Q: Favorite thing I currently have hanging in my closet is ______
A: My lululemon athletica Method Wrap – I used to work there, and snatched it up pronto. Things fly out of those stores, so you’ve gotta grab it right when you see it!
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in the Bay Area?
A: So far it’s a toss up between Delfina and Out the Door.
Q: Why are you most excited to be working with the Stacy McCain Event Planning team?
A: I’m thrilled to begin working with the team – it’s evident that the group is made up of organized, creative, fun and engaging ladies, and I can’t wait to collaborate!
~~~
As an introduction gift to the Bay Area and California, Jillian is offering a 10% discount on all wedding lettering services through the end of May to all west coast couples. Please contact Jillian for more information { jillian.schiavi@gmail.com }
As a bride, it’s imperative that you start thinking about your skin care regimen months in advance of your wedding date. Six month in advance, according to Beth Morse, esthetician at SenSpa Wellness Center. We enlisted Beth to create a skin care timeline to help our brides take care of all of their skin care needs in the months leading up to the big day.
First, Beth tells us a little bit about SenSpa:
At SenSpa, located in the lush Presidio, we believe that everyone has wellness within them, and it is our passion to guide every guest to their optimal state of well-being. We know that wellness starts from within the body and we deliver authentic, results-oriented treatments and products to detoxify, release and nourish the mind, body and spirit.
Our staff is an expert in each of their service areas (skincare, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture) and understands how specific treatments work best to contribute to your overall health, well-being, and feelings of contentment. Our staff can coach, counsel, help, heal, and give you the education, understanding, and tools you need to make wellness part of your everyday regimen.
Bridal Skin Care Boot Camp Timeline
Six months before wedding:
~ Facial Treatments: Schedule a 60 minute hydrating facial treatment (like the Super Hydrating Facial) with your esthetician. Let them know your wedding date and have her create an action plan.
~ It is imperative to come in for monthly treatments that are custom-tailored for your skin’s needs.
~ Consult to see if you need: Back Treatments: wearing a backless or strapless dress? Have your esthetician look at your back to see if back treatments need to be a part of your bridal plan.
~ Homecare is going to be key in seeing those results- it’s like working out in between personal training sessions.
~ Peels or treatments that require prep work and/or downtime.
~ Waxing:
~ Brow Boot Camp: if your brows need a little “boot camp” to create the shape you want to have for your big day.
~ Your hair must be ¼ inch to wax (about three weeks after last shaving)
~ Kiss your razor good-bye and get on a monthly waxing rotation. Your hair grows in three cycles so it takes approximately 4-5 waxes to get all the hair on the same cycle.
One month before wedding:
~ Grab your spa-bestie and come in for a full day. This will be the last time before your wedding that you will want any peels or extractions. From here on out its all hydration so if anything needs to get done- today is the day!
~ *skip waxing on this visit but don’t shave!
~ Add in a back treatment or body scrub to get your skin below the chin ready to look its bridal best.
~ If you have tweezers or a comedone extractor at home- give them to a friend to hold until after the wedding.
Two weeks before wedding:
~ Super hydrating face treatment (no crazy peels, no extractions) Focus on pumping up the glow with hydration and antioxidants!
~ Last pre-wedding wax!
Night before the wedding:
~ If you are staying in a hotel (or even at home) cover up any magnifying mirrors. Brides tend to get nervous and pick the night before.
~ If you notice a blemish, cleanse your face and massage a wet ice cube on any “friends” that show up. Put on your finishing products and then hold a cold compress for 10 minutes.
~ DO NOT PICK OR TWEEZE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!
~ Try a hydrating, water-based masque for added glow and radiance.
The BIG day:
~ Hydrated skin supports makeup and helps it to look it’s best. Be sure to tone and moisturize!
~ Although physical sun protection is best for skin health, it causes HD photos and film to have a white reflection. So you’ll want to have a chemical/absorbing sunscreen just for this one day.
Thank you so much for your stellar timeline, Beth! We can’t wait to get back to get back to enjoy another treatment ourselves at SenSpa again soon!
In our experience, not every bride and groom has the desire to ‘cut the cake’ at their wedding. So we put together some of our favorite alternative ‘wedding cakes’ to get those individuals’ creative juices flowing!
Meringue Trifle. Photo by the Cake Blogger Girls
Croquembouche. Photo courtesy Dream French Wedding
Waffle Cake. Photo by Michelle Kim Photography
Donut Tower. Photo by Heather Baird
Rice Krispy Cake. Photo by Jane Z Photography
Pie Cake. Photo by Jose Villa
Lemon ice cream cake with raspberry ripple. Photo by Helena Ljunggren
Mint Oreo Ice Cream Cake. Photo by Heather Baird
And for the grand finale, how about this fabulous ‘cheese cake?!’ Perfect for the couple who prefers savory treats over sweet ones!
Stacy McCain Event Planning 