Guest Bloggers

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Guest Blog: IMONI Events

July 29, 2010 in Angela, Guest Bloggers by Twirl Talk | No comments

Jennifer Thye is the owner and lead consultant of IMONI events, a wedding and event planning company right here in Scottsdale.
Jennifer wanted to share this blog with you all!
*Happy Wedding Planning*
 
Pocket This Style Idea!
  
A funny little trend has been creeping into many wedding and bridesmaid dresses lately:  pockets!  In AZ we have a lot of weddings that give off a more casual vibe, the heat, the outdoor venues, all of it leans a little more toward the casual, and a cute new trend is adding that laid-back touch into the dresses of 2010 weddings, and that’s all these super-cute pocketed dresses!  Let’s take a look at this trend and how to wear it best!
 
Pocketed Wedding Dresses
This trend is not for every event.  If you’re being married in a traditional ceremony in a vaulted cathedral, pockets on your wedding dress just aren’t quite the style you should be looking for.  BUT if you’re being married in a relaxed style, these dresses will fit your event so perfectly. It’s also functional:  lipstick, vows or toast note cards, rings, bobby pins– if you needed to, you have a place to stash this stuff!
 
Pocketed Bridesmaid Dresses
These dresses are just so freaking cute!  These dresses are so perfect for warmer weather fun, and again these pockets are really functional for your girls!  Bridesmaids usually DO need to carry some back-up bride makeup, toast note cards, hair pins, random objects that you, the bride, just don’t know what to do with, and if your girls all have pockets, you have portable walking storage!  Also, just think of the pictures of you and all the girls leaned back, hands in pockets, enjoying the day!

While it’s not for every bride, this trend is super cute and a nice fun touch to modern weddings!

Jennifer Thye – Owner | Lead Consultant
IMONI events
 

Nothing cuter than a little girl in one of these adorable dresses!  She can stow away her flower petals and her hair bow later when she’s coming apart and dropping all her accessories on the dance floor.

Pocketed Flower Girl Dresses

Guest Blog: Regale

July 29, 2010 in Angela, Guest Bloggers by Twirl Talk | No comments

One of my good friends, Alison from Put a Fork In It Catering has taken on a new venue… http://www.sos4weddings.com/.

Discover the charm, distinctiveness and affordability of a “one-of-a-kind” gem  in the heart of North Scottsdale!

Three Picturesque Ceremony sites to choose from. Open, airy and contemporary reception room with over a dozen windows and 2 patios with panoramic views of the city lights!

Regale!  is situated at the base of the McDowell Mountains at Market Street in DC Ranch, offering stunning views just minutes from the valley!

Regale!  can make your wedding planning worry-free with packages to suite your needs.  Let us take the stress out of finding the right wedding vendor for your special day.  We have hand selected the finest wedding professionals in the valley to make sure your wedding is perfect.   

You have found your wedding venue…Regale!  

Below are some shots that were taken at a recent open house. Different ideas for layout, tables, structure, etc. 

There are some great photo-opts for you and your girls with the fabulous city line in the background (these pictures don’t do the venue justice). DC Ranch is such a great location. It’s the perfect venue to truly capture what we all love about Arizona.

If you want to check this place out for yourself (and trust me… you will) check out one of their open houses. Every Monday from 5-8pm. You can tour the facility including scenic ceremony sites and experience a truly unique venue!

Happy Wedding Planning.

xoxo *ange

Guest Blog: Hagerty Photography

July 1, 2010 in Angela, Guest Bloggers by Twirl Talk | No comments

Our guest blog today is from Sarah Hagerty with Hagerty Photography. I actually met Sarah at Twirl Chandler when she came in to get a bridesmaid dress for her friend’s wedding. How fun is that! We had a blast playing dress up!
 
Here is a little on Sarah:
Our photography style is modern elegance with a fashionable flair.  I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ.  I have had formal training, graduating from Northern Arizona University is 2002 with Sociology and Photography.  I have always loved photography!  I really keep up with the trends and draw some of my inspiration from fashion as well as bridal magazines.  Ask any bride or groom we have worked with – I tend to get a bit giddy when in the moment and having fun!  I love gorgeous colors, contrast, and playing with the lighting to make a picture a bit different than the norm.
Check out some of my favorite shots -
 
 
 
And of course the ever so fun bridesmaid shots
 
Check out my blog @ hagertyphotography.net
Thanks Sarah!
 
xoxo *ange
 
 
 

Rehearsal Dinner Location: 5th and Wine in Scottsdale

June 24, 2010 in Angela, Guest Bloggers, Just For Fun by Twirl Talk | No comments

5th and Wine is located in the heart of “Old Town Scottsdale” and is the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner. 5th and Wine, a restaurant and wine lounge, shares the same owners as Humble Pie (located next door to our Scottsdale Twirl) as well as The Living Room located not too far from our Chandler Twirl.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights they have live music… which I have heard first hand and it’s great. They have a private room off the main bar that is perfect for a gathering of close friends and family and can seat 40 guests comfortably.

They also have a fabulous covered patio that can seat 50 guests comfortably!

It is perfect for those amazing Arizona evenings. Their menu is wonderful and has something to please everyone.

What I love about this place is that after a delicious dinner and great wine shared with family and friends, you are right in the middle of Old Town. You and your guests can WALK to another location to continue the fun of the night.

You will definitely want to check this place out. If not for your rehearsal dinner, take your bridesmaids there for a “girls night”. It has a really great atmosphere. Tell them TWIRL sent you! :)

Happy Wedding Planning.

xoxo *ange

Twirl’s Guest: AZ Pro Physiques

June 3, 2010 in Angela, Guest Bloggers by Twirl Talk | No comments

I AM LUCKY!
Being able to do something everyday that I love is truly amazing. Since I was young, I knew that when I “grew up” I didn’t care what I wanted to be, I just wanted to do something that made me happy; and I did it! Hmmmmm, how do I sum up myself in just a few paragraphs???
 
I do wedding photography, maternity, babies, kids, families, headshots, fitness, design work, products and more.
I love location shoots and finding new places to go. People would say I am more of a “creative, new style photographer.” I love trying new things and experimenting with different lighting, angles, etc. I love meeting new people and learning personalities. My goal is always to bring that out in my work.
 
My other passion is for Fitness. Aside from being a photographer, I am also a personal trainer.
Being a personal trainer is the most rewarding position I could ever be a part of. To raise awareness about the healthier things in life, and see changes in someone, is the greatest gift I could be given.
Doing both photography and training, I am able to offer great [training + photography] packages to brides and grooms alike! Please ask me how you can get in shape for your wedding, and also have me as your official photographer! Building relationships with my clients is a key part of my business. Doing a [training + photography] package will ensure your way to a “camera-ready body” and amazing wedding photography.
 
More about photography: www.AngelaDixonPhotography.com
Please check out www.ATeamFit.com for more information on my personal training.
- – Angela Dixon

Twirl’s Guest: BluePrint Affairs

May 13, 2010 in Angela, Guest Bloggers by Twirl Talk | No comments

{blueCorner} How to Survive Bridal Dress Shopping

Shopping may not be on your highest list of priorities in real life. However, your dream has come true and you’re getting married. Dress shopping now seems like something you must do and you might be feeling a bit stressed. A big relief is your new Twirl Chandler in Arizona now offers a bridal collection along with their already thriving bridesmaid dress and tuxedo business. This is your time to find the “perfect” dress, you know, the one that everyone says will speak to you once it’s on. Be choosy but be focused so to keep your eye on the prize, which is to find your princess for-a-day gown.

Plan of Attack

Begin your dress journey at least six months ahead with a plan to find your dress style, schedule your appointment and bring along a notepad with pen. You may have already subscribed to Brides magazine or one of countless bridal magazines in the store. If not, sign up or visit a bridal show to receive some subscriptions as free offers. Rip out pages of your favorite magazines and start to create a packet of your favorite picks and why. Bring these to your first bridal appointment to help the bridal dress consultant find your style. Try to jot down notes after each dress to narrow down the cut, material, and design you truly love. After awhile, every dress will blend together and so will the prices.

Floating on Clouds

A few weeks before your first appointment at Twirl, decide on your “Power Team”, the people who will join you during your appointment. Try to limit your choices to one or two people who will lovingly give you opinions (but be your biggest cheerleaders). This day should be all about you and not a sibling’s dilemma or a parent’s trouble with you. Keep your happiness in mind because you will need a clear head finding your perfect dress and everyone should be in high spirits.

Break Bread

Try to plan your dress shopping for mid-morning. This will give you a chance to make it a girl’s day by visiting your favorite lunch spot after your shopping experience. Use this time to talk about the notes you took about your dresses or about the fabulous new gown you ordered. You’ll know when you find your dress to marry Mr. Right. Now, you’ll need some amazing new accessories but I’m sure you’ve already started dreaming of the picture perfect look. Happy Planning! – - Val

Copyright © 2010 – Valerie Bolitho is the owner of Blueprint Affairs, Wedding & Event Planning. As a wedding planner, she can assist with everything from day-of-event coordination to full wedding planning. With attention to detail and never settling for anything short of your vision, Blueprint Affairs strives for excellence and will truly make your event one to remember. At Blueprint Affairs, Your Vision is Our Blueprint. Visit them online at www.blueprintaffairs.com

A Wonderful Phoenix Vendor: Put A Fork In It

April 15, 2010 in Angela, Guest Bloggers by Twirl Talk | No comments

So I thought it would be nice to change it up a bit for this Thursday. I wanted to introduce to you a fabulous catering company we have a great relationship with: Put A Fork In It. Not only is their food amazing (I know this first hand), but so is their all around service. They are a great “One Stop Shop” when it comes to weddings. Alison, the Catering Manager, is wonderful to work with for all your wedding details: from venues to linens to DJs to florists. Put a Fork In It has wonderful relationships with with many vendors across the greater Phoenix area. They truely take care of you from start to finsh. And I promise you’ll have a lot of fun with them along with way.  :)

What a great wedding season we have had so far for 2010! Great weather and great parties! As I watch every bride and groom try and outdo the last wedding they attended or saw in a magazine, I must again emphasize less is more! Great weddings are ones that keep it simple and classy. Making a good choice on linens and floral pieces can really turn what starts as a standard wedding into a unforgettable one…..but remember, having a good time with your friends and family is what matters most! Don’t waste too much time on long drug-out dinners or endless photo shoots……get a great DJ and have fun! Eye popping colors have been big this spring season….check out these pictures for more ideas for your day! All were planned by Put A Fork In It Catering in Phoenix. Full event planning, food & beverage catering and everything in between. We take care of your day so you don’t have to worry about a thing! Congratulations and Enjoy!!                         Alison – Catering Manager for Put A Fork In It

 

We love Put A Fork In It! Happy Wedding Planning.

xoxo *ange

Twirl Talk Guest: XOXO Bakery

February 18, 2010 in Guest Bloggers by Twirl Talk | No comments

A quick guest blog today from a company we introduced you to awhile back, with their tasty and attractive desserts.  Now…wedding cake filled with gelato! 

The Gelato Spot is excited to introduce to you our new division of sweets: XOXO Bake Shop. We offer gelato/ pastry wedding cakes, gelato (ice cream) bar, or individual custom desserts for your special day. We encourage you to come in to one of our 4 locations for tastings and details for cakes and desserts. Contact Lynette Dollen at 602.430.3012 or lynetted@gelatospot.com for appointments. Here are a couple pictures of our wedding cakes.

Also, stay tuned for our bridal shower desserts and cakes in our next post!

 

A Unique Gift for the Bride

February 4, 2010 in Guest Bloggers, Keri by Twirl Talk | No comments

Hello Twirlers! I’m Michelle Eier, owner/creator of Petal Wishes, which can be found at Twirl’s Scottsdale boutique – and I’m so honored to be a guest blogger today. Now, my specialty isn’t wedding dresses – it’s Petal Wishes… and coming up with ways to make special occasions even more special.

I’ve helped friends plan their weddings, attended more than I can count – and even been the star of the show once – and what I’ve found is that the bride always welcomes some non-wedding distractions that let her feel “normal” for just a few hours. A few fun ways to weave this into the bride’s calendar include:

  •  Hosting an intimate girls-only lunch or mani/pedi party. Make this a gathering of those closest to the bride (say, four or five friends from her inner circle) who just want time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Of course you’re going to talk about the wedding at some point – but if you don’t focus the event on wedding chit chat – it can help the bride refocus her energy for a few hours and forget her massive to-do list.
  • Paint-your-own Pottery. Sure, it’s the stuff children’s parties are made of, but if you can find a studio that has an “adult’s only” night you can gather the bride and a couple of friends and uncork a bottle of wine and create one-of-a-kind pieces for yourselves and the bride’s new home. It’s the perfect opportunity for a little girl talk and low-key fun.
  • Movie night & slumber party. Invite a few close friends to your place, pop up some popcorn, rent your favorite chick flicks and stock up on everything you’ll need for at-home facials, manis and pedis. It’s a night at home that encourages plenty of conversation, reminiscing, dreaming of what may come.

 Planning a wedding is so hectic, that a few stolen moments with her girlfriends will make the bride’s experience even better.

 About Petal Wishes bouquets:

This bouquet replaces the rumpled-ribbon-and-paper-plate bouquets made at most bridal showers. The guests simply think of a wish to share with the bride & groom, write the wish on the blank petals and the Petal Wishes team works to create a beautiful rehearsal bouquet for the bride.

Summer Make-Up by Corinna Cooke

August 3, 2009 in Guest Bloggers by Keri | No comments

Introducing Guest Bloggers for Twirl Talk!  Our first guest is Corinna Cooke, renowned local make-up artist and all around fabulous gal!  We love following her blog and watching her valuable make-up tips on You Tube .

 

SUMMER MAKE-UP…and product discount.  :)

Sometimes it can be tricky to navigate your way through looking fabulous our hot summer days, without looking overly made up. As the mercury starts climbing it’s time to change up your makeup routine, but which direction do you take?  Especially if you have events to attend where you need to look your gorgeous best.

 Today I’m going to tell you all about a couple of my favorite new products for the summer.

The first is a palette by movie makeup artist Julie Hewett, called the Zoe Palette.  This is a gorgeous and easy to use combination of eyeshadows, shimmer and a lip and cheek tint.  The Zoe Palette is Julie’s “Summer Goddess” quad, and is all you need for a delicious summer face. New Image

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Vanilla is a matte bare color that you can use all over the eye, or just under the brow bone.
Dolce is a shimmery opalescent gold dust hue with undertones of pink velvet. So beautiful on your eyes, it wakes them up and brightens them. So very beautiful!
Cleo is a sultry bronze shimmer that you can use over your eyeshadows, blend onto cheekbones, or highlight your lips. (Pressing a little Cleo on top of any lip color brings it to life and makes it divinely summery)
Natural is a very sheer, tawny brown tint that compliments all skin tones. Use it to warm up your skin for a sun kissed look, or use it on your lips for a perfect nude color.

Julie paired the Zoe palette with a gorgeous lipgloss called Chloe. A soft tangerine hue that is beautiful on its own, but can also be modified with lipliners. (Sometimes I use Julie’s Nude Noir lipliner with Chloe to lend it a soft pink hue.)  The Zoe/Chloe combo is perfect for your summer make up look. Use it to enhance what you are already doing, or use it alone.

chloe3

For those of you getting married, or in weddings this summer, it gives you the perfect summer face for all the events leading up to your wedding such as the rehearsal dinner, etc.
I am loving it also for all those beach/poolside/lake/river days where you want to look pretty, but not be wearing a full face of make up. I am also loving just wearing it around town and feeling (and looking) fresh faced.

Julie is in Georgia shooting the new Miley Cyrus movie (The Last Song) at the moment, but she has given me a discount code for all my blog readers!  And because I just love the ladies of Twirl, I am passing it on to you!

Just go my Zo Zo Zoe Fabulous post, or  Ooooh! Kiss Me Quick!s you scroll to the bottom you will see the link to take you into Julie’s website and the discount code to get 20% off anything and everything in her line!

How fabulous is that?

While you’re there, make sure you read Julie’s bio.  You will find half of your favorite movies there! Her story is fantastic, and you’ll see why I love her products so much!  With Zoe and Chloe up your sleeve you’ll be ready for everything that comes your way!  While you’re on her site, check out her other lipglosses for your bridesmaids and take advantage of the discount!

-Corinna Cooke