From the first time we met Keisha, all we could talk about was how lovely she was! Then we met Ryan, and it made sense that two genuinely kind people would find each other. For their big day, Keisha and Ryan were focused on their guest experience- everything they planned was with their loved ones in mind! By creating an overall experience for their guests, they created a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere for their big day!Photo by Dos ImageryPhoto by Dos ImageryPhoto by Dos ImageryPhoto by Dos ImageryPhoto by Dos Imagery The bride and groom played an active role in the design and execution of some of the focal items for their wedding. The bridal shoulder necklace worn by the bride was jointly designed by the bride and her mother, and executed by Tameika Fletcher- Birmingham of Bead Cafe. They also collaborated with The Brown Box and Bead Cafe in designing and executing the custom build cake stand.Photo by Dos ImageryPhoto by Dos ImageryPhoto by Dos Imagery(more…)
As a follow up to our feature on Bridal Makeup Advice we decided to feature Real Drew Manor Brides and their experiences with Wedding Day Makeup. There are so many talented Makeup Artists in Trinidad it can be hard to decide who to use for your big day- we turned to our beautiful brides who have all tackled that decision to get feedback on their Makeup Artist and share some photos from their big day with you! Minimalistic to full coverage, there’s a right fit for everyone!
Real Drew Manor Wedding- August 10th, 2013
Jessie & Chris
Photo by Julie Charlett Photography Photo by Julie Charlett Photography Photo by Julie Charlett Photography “Choosing Sarah as my makeup artist for my wedding was one of my easier decisions in the entire process. Sarah D’Abadie is the consummate of make-up artists and was my obvious choice to book her for my wedding. She was actually among the first people I called after setting the date, right between the Priest, the Church and Drew Manor for the venue. Sarah is very professional but at the same time, so easy to work with! She has such a serene and calming way about her, it made the entire process of getting ready a joy” -Jess(more…)
Kerron & Nikki knew exactly what they wanted for their big day, they had a picture in their mind and took a hands-on approach to planning. Working directly with their wedding planner, Tricia Ng-A-Mann and specialty vendors to create all they had envisioned. From a true foodie experience with a French Style plated service for their guests, to live entertainment by a String Quartet- every detail of this magical wedding had a piece of the bride and groom.
Photo by Kreativ Wedding From the Bride & Groom.. For our wedding we wanted a rustic, chic and vintage feel- emphasizing the outdoor setting of Drew Manor creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Woodland Fairytale. The ceremony was fairly simple as the garden doesn’t require many additions and we purposely planned for a short ceremony so that guests could quickly move onto the more social part of the day!
Photo by Kreativ WeddingPhoto by Kreativ WeddingPhoto by Kreativ WeddingPhoto by Kreativ WeddingPhoto by Kreativ WeddingPhoto by Kreativ Wedding(more…)
Inspired by our latest floral training in Wedding Design, at Flower School in New York we wanted to put our skills to the test and show our clients whatThe Flower Bar at Drew Manor could offer. It began with a sketch, and discussions with the team on what we would like to showcase for the first shoot of our Inspiration Series. We wanted an ethereal and romantic feeling- adorning our custom wooden cabana with fresh florals was the perfect start! Paired with showing a fully set dinner table, a variety of centerpiece options and all the beautiful details a set table deserves! Topping it off with a large scale arrangement, that would be perfect for a Ceremony or Entrance Piece.
We started this blog with the hope of becoming a wedding resource for all brides, today we will be featuring advice from top Makeup Artist Nina Alcantara. While all the pieces for your wedding are important, how you look and feel on your big day is at the top of the list. Selecting a makeup artist is not just about the makeup application but also the personality of your makeup artist and chemistry you have with that person. You want someone you’re going to feel comfortable around, who will add to the celebratory mood of your big day!
We looked to top makeup artist Nina Alcantara for advice on Wedding Day Makeup Artistry and Finding The Right Fit For You, as well as a Q&A about The Cost. Nina has been a professional makeup artist for over 7 years, is the founder of The Power of Beauty, and lead make up artist on the feature film ‘Bazodee.’ Nina has built her reputation in the makeup world by inspiring the beauty industry to elevate their businesses and sharing her international resources with local talent by hosting ‘Five Star Beauty Workshop’ with Celebrity Makeup Artist Monifa Mortis.
From Nina…
Makeup is extremely important for a bride on her wedding day. It’s a fantastical day that she has envisioned for many years, perhaps dreaming about this day from childhood. It’s the day that she would look and feel the happiest, and most beautiful and in love. It would be captured in peoples memories and photographs for years and years to come. More so, it is the day that her other half will be completely enchanted with her ethereal beauty.
The job of doing a brides make up is an honor, she is trusting the artist with her dream, her vision and their professional expertise. As a makeup artist who has been fortunate to share such an important day with over 100 brides I can give this advice for all the bride-to-be’s out there:
1. Find the right makeup artist for you. This means choosing someone who not only does great make up but also can offer great service (punctual, hygienic, attentive and personable) as well as, an artist who can listen to your vision and communicate well with you. Remember you will be sharing your wedding day or at least part of it with your glam squad so be sure you genuinely like the person and want them around to feed into a positive happy environment. As for the vision, I’ll be honest, the brides version doesn’t alway work out but that’s why there is an expert and a trial which takes me to point 2.
2. Always do a trial! This is not the time to penny pinch, whether your trial is included in the package or a separate fee it is crucial that you do a trial. Even if your long time makeup artist is your choice for the big day you should do a trial to ensure you are both on the same page and that the look is meshing well with the overall styling (hair and dress). I’ve had brides who envisioned a particular look but it isn’t their best look and during the trial they are able to see that they may prefer something else. It’s during the trial that we are able to make alterations to ensure she gets the best look for the big day.
The trial is also a great opportunity to test the longevity of the make up. Choose to do your trial on an occasion that is day to night and may include eating, drinking and dancing. This way you can communicate with your makeup artist on what can be improved. You may need different skin prep to avoid oiliness, and even have your artist prepare a touch up kit to help maintain or slightly alter the look throughout the night.
3. Avoid trendy and go for something classic. Ask yourself, is the look timeless?
4. Schedule your time wisely. Makeup can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Always allow extra time for late bridesmaids, touch ups and hiccups. Be sure to consult with your hair and makeup team to optimize your time for this.
Tip: Situate your artist in a well lit area with little distractions so makeup can be focused on and perfected.
Photo by Julie Charlett PhotographyPhoto by Julie Charlett Photography Photo by Julie Charlett PhotographyPhoto by Gregory Paul Photography
Q&A with Nina on- The Cost of Wedding Day Makeup:
Why is wedding makeup more expensive than regular make up? Wedding makeup costs more because quite often it is a more extensive service. First, it is an on location service, second, it may require more time (makeup artists often block out a time period for a bride rather that just the regular hour for makeup incase of any hiccups with the flow of the day that interrupt the brides timing or distractions during the makeup application).
Some makeup artists prefer to stay with the bride until she is dressed and ready to go, this ensures that eating, drinking, crying, and accidental smudges can be dealt with and makeup retouched to perfection. Brides also have the option for a full 8 hour day booking. (more…)
For anyone who has had the pleasure of being around Sarala and Kevan, they know this is what true love looks and feels like. Their playful mannerisms, consideration for one another and kind nature made working with them a dream. Sarala knew exactly what she wanted for her and Kevan’s special day, and exactly what she didn’t want, which are equally important. Her distinct style and exquisite taste influenced all aspects of their wedding, and led her to choose non-traditional decor and colours for their traditional Hindu Ceremony. Gary Jordan Photography and Cinematography was there every step of the way to capture this beautiful wedding!
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography From the bride… Every girl has the dream of the perfect fairytale wedding, in my case this was easy because I got my fairytale when I met Kevan. He is everything you would expect a Prince Charming to be. We knew we wanted a traditional Hindu Wedding, which in itself would be loud, colourful and festive, our intention was to create a serene, classy and calming backdrop where the Wedding Ceremony would be the focal point. Being a huge fan of neutral tones, selecting our colour scheme was easy- cream, white, gold and blush were the perfect colours to set the atmosphere we wanted! Allowing the setting to be calm and relaxed, guests were able to take in the natural beauty around them during the Wedding Ceremony!Photo by Gary Jordan Photography Photo by Gary Jordan Photography The Mandap was the key element for our wedding, it was always a dream of mine to get married over water, and my dream came true with the positioning of our Mandap at the edge of the Drew Manor pool! Adorned with white draping, chandeliers and fresh florals at every corner, sitting in large gold vases our Ceremony was picture perfect! This theme was carried through out the wedding decor, with fresh florals greeting guests at every corner.Photo by Gary Jordan Photography In House Photography by Chad Lue Choy Photo by Gary Jordan Photography Photo by Gary Jordan Photography Photo by Gary Jordan Photography Advice from the bride.. Focus on each other and surround yourself with friends who will love and support you! With this we were really lucky, the love and happiness we shared on our special day was because of the hard work our friends did behind the scenes to support us. Photo by Gary Jordan PhotographyPhoto by Gary Jordan Photography(more…)
Shelly and Khalid are one of those couples that when you meet them you can see that they are the perfect match, their personalities complement each other impeccably and their love is infectious! They wanted an intimate wedding, where everyone felt included, seating themselves and their bridal party in the middle of their guests allowed for this intimacy to create a feeling that carried throughout the entire wedding. With Tricia Ng-A-Mann, of Events by Tricia on board for day- of- coordination, the day ran seamlessly. The bride’s vision was brought to life by Pristine Weddings and Events Service – Janelle Carimbocas- David and photographed beautifully by Nadil Khan Photography!
Photo by Nadil Khan Photography Photo by Nadil Khan PhotographyPhoto by Nadil Khan Photography Photo by Nadil Khan Photography Photo by Nadil Khan Photography Photo by Nadil Khan Photography Photo by Nadil Khan Photography Photo by Nadil Khan Photography Photo by Nadil Khan Photography (more…)
It was an absolute pleasure working with Stephanie and Devon on their special day! From the very first site visit with both moms, to their tasting with Earth Chef, one thing was certain- this couple was putting together an incredible experience for their loved ones! Wedding Planner, Laura Darwentwas there every step of the way ensuring all went off without a hitch and Laura Ferreria Studios captured every precious moment of this momentous occasion!
From beginning to end, this stunning wedding was filled with personal touches of the bride and groom. From the music selection to delectable food stations that any foodie would swoon over, it was an incredible evening, definitely one for the books at Drew Manor!
Photo by Laura Ferreria StudiosPhoto by Laura Ferreria StudiosPhoto by Laura Ferreria Studios Advice from The Bride… Take time during the day to pause and take it all in. Weddings are hectic and busy, but looking back on little moments will always bring a smile to your face! While your getting ready, take a few minutes to watch and listen to everything going on around you with your friends and family!
Photo by Laura Ferreria StudiosPhoto by Laura Ferreria StudiosPhoto by Laura Ferreria StudiosPhoto by Laura Ferreria StudiosPhoto by Laura Ferreria Studios From the Bride… One of the most memorable parts of our wedding was the walk down the aisle with both of my parents by my side. Walking with them, and seeing Devon with the biggest smile on his face! Our wedding marked the beginning of our lives together, after living in separate countries, and doing long distance for majority of our relationship. Seeing him at the end of the aisle was probably the happiest moment of my life… so far!
Photo by Laura Ferreria StudiosPhoto by Laura Ferreria Studios Photo by Laura Ferreria Studios Photo by Laura Ferreria Studios Photo by Laura Ferreria Studios We added meaningful details to the wedding, with the help of our friends and family. The bridesmaid’s bouquets and groomsmen boutonnieres were made by one of my dear friends and bridesmaids as a gift. The dress for our flower girl (my niece) was made by my sister. Guests’ favors were jars of pepper sauce, jams and kuchela homemade by my parents and mother-in-law.
Photo by Laura Ferreria Studios Photo by Laura Ferreria Studios (more…)
The Heart and Soul of Drew Manor are the relationships we build with our clients who entrust their special days to us and vendors who ensure every event goes off without a hitch! On this blog we will be featuring Real Drew Manor Weddings, Wedding and Event Inspiration, Trends, Advice from our Trusted Vendors and anything that inspires us!
Everyday we find inspiration from our surroundings, and strive to raise the bar for Weddings & Events hosted at Drew Manor! We wish for this blog to be informative, inspirational and a place to highlight some of the fantastic events that we host!
For this first post, we welcome you to our blog and highlight some of our favorite photo locations at Drew Manor for Formal Wedding Portraits!
TOP TEN PHOTO LOCATIONS AT DREW MANOR:
Photo Location 1- The Trellis
Photo by Yaisa Tangwell Photography
Photo Location 2- Bamboo Patch, The Field
Photo by Francis Chu Foon
Photo Location 3- The Gazebo in The Ceremony Garden
Photo by Dos Imagery
Photo by Dos Imagery
Photo by Dos Imagery
Photo by Dos Imagery
Photo by Dos Imagery
Photo by Dos Imagery
Photo by Dos Imagery
Photo by Dos Imagery (more…)
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Nadil Khan Photography
Photo by Nadil Khan Photography
Photo by Nadil Khan Photography
Photo by Nadil Khan Photography
Photo by Nadil Khan Photography
