First Five Things to Do Once You’re Engaged

January 9, 2014 Leave a Comment

Congratulations! It’s official, you’re a catch. Now that you’ve got the ring, it’s time to get to work planning the best day of both of your lives. We know that this time is very exciting, but may also be challenging. We’re here to help.

1.       Decide who to tell privately

It may be incredibly tempting to immediately Instagram your new favorite piece of jewelry, but it’s best to take a moment to enjoy yourself. Calling close family and friends before posting any engagement announcements is a good idea. It will save some feelings from being hurt if they find out via a third party (you don’t want your mom to find out you’re engaged a week after it was tweeted). Plus, you get to relive the excitement of it all every time you call someone to spread the news. Both of you should agree on when to really let the cat out of the bag.

2.       Plan on Taking Pictures

You’re in the sweet spot where you’re no longer single and you’re not yet married- take lots of pictures! Talk to your fiancé about setting up a photo shoot to capture your engaged period. You can use these photos for your wedding invites, for your thank you notes, or even as engagement announcements. We’ve got you covered with some photo-taking tips here.

3.       Say Thank You

It may not be traditional, but it is good to give a little thanks to the person that you love (and we’re big fans of thank you notes!). They went out on a limb for you, it’s sweet to extend a gesture their way too. You don’t have to go buying a diamond too, but a nice dinner or something fun they’ve been eyeballing can be a great thank you.

4.       Set your Own Pace

It’s completely fine to just enjoy being engaged for a while. You don’t have to immediately set a date once that ring’s on. If you have some other events going on in your life you want to focus on, go for it! Don’t let anything or anyone pressure you into rushing things. If you want a strict time line, go for it but don’t let anyone push you into setting a date before you’re ready.

5.       Start Saving

Now is as good a time as any to start saving up. If you two don’t have any sort of nest egg or savings, you’ll need it. It may feel like a big step, but opening a joint savings account may be an easy way to save money and earn interest. Even after the wedding, it can be good for married couples to have some sort of savings together for a rainy day (or even a sunny day- hello vacation fund!).

 

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Five Tips for Perfect Engagement Photos

January 2, 2014 Leave a Comment

Did you get swept up in engagement season? Never fear, BHL is here! We know you have a lot to do, and we’re here to help. Now that the question’s been popped, it’s time to show off. Before you run off to take your official engagement photos, check out our top five tips.

 

1. Manage your Mani

Get yourself a quality manicure. We’re talking booking that nail artist you read about in Allure. Your hands will be photographed more heavily now than they ever have been, and you want to make sure they look good. Get your nails done as close to your photoshoot date as possible so you don’t have time to nick them or mess them up beforehand. If you’re still worried about making the mani last, opt for a gel manicure over acrylic. You don’t want to risk breaking off a nail, plus gel manicures will look more natural since they are on your natural nails. We suggest doing a classic french manicure to keep all attention on your ring.

 

2. Shine Bright

Get your teeth whitened! If you don’t have time to try out white strips, head over to your dentist for a quick cleaning or whitening. Even if you’re not insured, many dentists are offering whitening treatments that are affordable and relatively quick. If you have the time and the means, a deep cleaning can work wonders for your smile. You know you’ll be flashing those pearly whites, and you want them to be remembered as white.

 

3. Check the Weather

Dreaming of lovey-dovey photos outside? Do those dreams involve high winds or rain? Check the weather before you head out for pictures. It’ll be hard to make that ring sparkle if it’s gloomy and grey outside. If you scheduled a photographer, you may want to have a backup location just in case it starts to rain. If you’re out here in Southern California with the rest of the BHL team, you know it’s usually beautiful but that can change very quickly. Elsewhere in the country, the weather can be even more fickle.

 

4. Plan With your Partner

Yay- you’re engaged! But just remember, your fiance is too. Go over your plans and visions for the photos so you both know what you’re going into. You may need to have a serious sit down if your vision involves matching/coordinating outfits or any extra special looks. You don’t want to spring any surprises that will leave them feeling silly. Your engagement shoot is a time to celebrate the next step of your relationship- and that means coming to agreements.

 

5. Be your Classic Self

Now is not the time to try highlights or finally get a spray tan. Show off your well-known loveable self looking like no one else but you. These photos are going to last a lifetime, and you want to be able to recognize yourself! If you are a mascara and chapstick kind of girl, stick to it and leave the false lashes for another time. Showcase your favorite features and be comfortable in your skin.

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Three Romantic Places to Propose in Orange County, California

December 26, 2013 Leave a Comment

The holidays not only bring holiday cheer, but a whole lot of love and romance as well. Looking for a romantic place to pop the question to the one you love?  You know, the one that is your main squeeze, your everything, the love of your life?  Then check our fabulous list of places in Orange County, California.

Disneyland: If you are a total Disney fan, and enjoy Disneyland with your loved one, this is the perfect place to propose. There are so many fantastic spots in the Disneyland Resort to choose from. In front of the magic castle, on main street, or maybe choose a ride that is favorite for you both. However, my favorite is at the Blue Bayou, the intimate restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Yes, proposals at restaurants may be very traditional, however this is not your ordinary restaurant. Its inside a ride! A classic Disneyland ride which is a total Disneyland favorite. The Blue Bayou is super romantic and makes for an amazing ambience of nightfall, hanging lanterns, and lovely sounds. Make it a magical time!

Beach:  Southern Orange County is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches. Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Salt Creek Beach, or Newport Beach are all fabulous beach towns with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.  You can not go wrong with any of these lovely beaches. Plan out a date night, go to a restaurant for dinner, and then take a romantic stroll on the beach. Once it is sunset, stop off one of the lifeguard towers and pop the question.

1382889_10151964301423210_91105531_nHiking Trail: If you are a nature person, and you share this with your loved one, a hiking trail is a pretty nice place to express your love. Laguna Beach’s Top of the World Laguna Beach’s Top of the World is a beautiful spot with stunning ocean views. Enjoy a hike surrounded by nature’s best, and end with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Get down on one knee and ask the love of your life to marry you!

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Please share with us your proposal stories, we love to hear them!

 

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Three Ways to Ask For Forever

July 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

When it comes time to propose ladies rest assured that your man is feeling the pressure.  You are the love of his life and he wants to do something special to show you just how much he cares about you.  Whether you are the quiet and intimate or over-the-top type couple , your boyfriend will plan and plot to make it a moment you will remember for the rest of your lives together.  But just in case he needs a little inspiration, here are a few proposal stories that are unique, well thought out and personalized to please the bride-to-be.

A Family Affair

I know for me, there is nothing I love more than to share those special moments in life with the ones I love.  That is why when I heard of this family style proposal it jumped to the top of my favorite list.

The unsuspecting bride-to-be joins her boyfriend for a day at the Huntington Library Botanical Gardens is Pasadena.  Upon entering the grounds, her boyfriend leaves her to “use the restroom.”  Here the plan is set into motion.  Soon after his departure the bride is joined by a friend who gives her a piece of paper.  This is her first clue in a series of clues that lead her around the grounds of the Huntington Library.  The best part… at the end of each clue is a family member to give her the next slip of paper.  By the end of the scavenger hunt she has gathered about 25 of her closest family and friends.  The very last clue leads them to her boyfriend who drops to his knee and asks her to be his wife.

The Scenic Route

We all know (and secretly wish we could be) that couple who is always active.  They love to be outside playing sports, exercising, hiking, you name it.  This next proposal is perfect if you happen to be the “out-doorsy” type.

A boyfriend decides to take his girlfriend on a hike to their favorite spot, just the two of them.  This spot happens to be on a mountain over looking the beautiful Washington landscape.  After an intermediate hike they finally reach the top and the view is absolutely gorgeous.  The girlfriend is stunned when her boyfriend kneels to ask if she will become his wife.  Luckily, a couple hiking near by sees the proposal and snaps some awesome photos.  As a result this couple now has one of the coolest proposal photos I have ever seen.  If this type of proposal suits you, make sure you enlist some help to capture that perfect moment.

A Public Display of Affection

When we find the one we love,  we are so happy that we want to shout it from the rooftops just to make sure everyone knows we have found the one.   Let’s be honest now, some of us secretly want that proposal in front of a crowd or in a public place where hundreds of random people can be witness to your partner’s declaration of love.  Here is a unique take on making a public proposal intimate and romantic.

The bride-to-be meets a colleague in a crowded restaurant for a “business” meeting.  Unbeknownst to her,  the meeting was actually set up by her boyfriend to ensure she was at this specific restaurant.  A little while into the meeting she spots her boyfriend walking up to her table.  “What are you doing here” she asks him.  He looks at her and there (in the middle of the restaurant) he lifts his hand and snaps his fingers.  Immediately the entire restaurant freezes mid meal, laugh and conversation.  It is now just the two of them, alone in a crowded restaurant.  He is able to tell her exactly what she means to him, kneel and propose.  She accepts and with another snap of his fingers the restaurant explodes in applause.

No matter the type of proposal your fiance has in store for you, it is ultimately about celebrating and cementing the fact that you have found in each other the piece you did not know was missing.  On top of a mountain, in a crowd or amongst family and friends, the proposal marks the beginning of the new life you will share together.

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On Location: Your Personal Wedding Stylist

January 31, 2013 Leave a Comment

I adore love stories. Everyday, I get to browse through all the beautiful weddings where love stories are told. All the details are expressed by the stunning photographs. I never get bored of it all.  That is just the beginning of my obsession with all things that have to do with weddings.  I actually enjoy all the pre-wedding details as well. I have to admit, that I get kind of giddy when I hear news of an engagement. I love hearing the proposal story! In celebration of all the recent engagements, I wanted to share what you can do to have the most amazing photo shoot. When it is all done, you will walk away feeling like a million bucks!

Connie Kim is a Wardrobe Stylist and Fashion Consultant at Styled By Connie.  Connie’s love and passion for style, fashion, and high-end design, gives her the inspiration to do engagement and wedding wardrobe styling. She prepares you and your groom to have the most fabulous and amazing photo session.  What exactly is styling? We asked Connie, and she told us, Wardrobe styling is essentially pulling all the looks together, whether it be the outfit itself, shoes, accessories, and focusing on an individual’s fit and comfort with the looks. 

When Connie meets with you, she wants you to have a unforgettable photo shoot. She will discuss what type of overall style and theme you would like your photo session to look like.  She will then create inspiration boards to make sure you see exactly what you are looking for. Connie will personally accompany you in shopping for that perfect wardrobe, or she can do the shopping for you, and deliver it.  Either way, Connie will be with you every step of the way. She can even be at location for the photo session. When Connie is on location she says, I want to make sure the couple’s looks are polished and good to go for the entire session. What’s great about bringing on a stylist is that we handle the details so that you can concentrate on enjoying the moment and simply looking fabulous.  To get that fabulous look to be impeccable, she will work with the hair and make-up artists to make sure the look compliments the style and theme.  Connie will not only make you look fabulous and stylish, she will make you feel like a superstar.

Now, don’t you want to get all dolled up, and have a fantastic photo shoot?  As Connie says,  After all, it’s just a glimpse of what to expect on your big day, so why not take advantage of it?

Get ready to fall in love with some of the most amazing styling your pretty eyes will see.

 

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dangvy & Andy

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Erica & George

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connie and Stew engagment 2

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A Few Great Engagement Photoshoot Locations in Southern California

December 23, 2012 Leave a Comment

If you happen to live in Southern California, there’s no shortage of wonderful places to take your engagement photographs. Typically, couples take advantage of the gorgeous beaches because of the plentiful space and options available. There’s no shortage of beaches in California, meaning there’s no shortage of great shooting locations either. However, that doesn’t mean beaches are the only place to get your engagement photographs done. Let’s take a look at a few locations, some beaches and some not, to give you some ideas if you plan to have your engagement photos done in Southern California.

Laguna Beach, CA

If you’ve never been to Laguna Beach, you’ll want to make it one of your destinations if you are visiting from out of town. It’s a tourist location to be sure but one that even locals in Orange County enjoy visiting thanks to the great beach, plentiful restaurants and overall small beach city charm Laguna Beach is known for. There are literally dozens of great spots to take photographs so if you’re looking for a very versatile beach location where you can go high (cliffs) and low (beach shore) then Laguna Beach might be the place you want to do your shoot. The good news too is that couples can travel to Laguna Beach in the early morning (think 6am) just after sunrise and find ample parking and empty beaches, not to mention some of the best time a photographer could hope for when it comes to lighting.

Union Station, Los Angeles

Union Station, Los Angeles

Union Station, Los Angeles

Union Station is a historical landmark that originally opened up in May of 1939. This rail station is often referred to as the last of the great railway stations to be built in the United States and was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places back in 1980. It’s a very popular spot to have photographs done because of the wonderful architectural design and retro motif. If couples take some time to research this spot, they’ll probably think how familiar the interior of Union Station looks. The reason for that is because dozens of movies have been filmed inside! So if the beach thing isn’t your scene, this is definitely a spot you’ll want to check out that is a historic landmark sure to make for a wonderful setting for engagement photos.

Disneyland

Hey, why not? If Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth and the future bride and groom are both huge Disney fans, Disneyland is absolutely made for a photoshoot. The popular theme park brings together more than a half-dozen different eras (including the future) and settings making it the most diverse photo-shoot setting you could possibly ask for, short of EPCOT park in Orlando, Florida. The staff love to accomodate photographers and there’s literally 20+ historic scenic spots to take photographs. Plus, where else on Earth could you take engagement photos with Mickey Mouse, Princess Aurora and Darth Vader on the same day?

La Jolla, CA

If you are heading to or living in San Diego, La Jolla is a city in the southwest corner of the county that is world reknown for its ritzy lifestyle and breathtaking beaches. There’s a ton of great eating spots (think the 4-star variety) and this is less small beach town and more rich beach resort. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that La Jolla Shores has some of the prettiest spots in Southern California to take pictures from, so if you’ll be heading to San Diego, this might be the spot for you.

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Eiffel Tower Proposal

November 17, 2012 Leave a Comment

Recently I took a trip with my husband to Paris, France! One of the most romantic cities in the world!

One of my favorite sites was the Eiffel tower. This is the tallest building in Paris, and is the symbol of France. When I got close to it, I was so drawn to it, and could not believe how tall it was! I stood under it, and it was massive!

As we took the long elevator ride up the tower,  I wondered how many proposal’s have taken place here?  I thought how cliche  it is and not so special, as so many people have done it.

When you get to the top, I see how romantic it can be, as the whole city beneath you, and you are all alone on top of the world! Well not exactly, there are about thousand other people too. It didn’t matter, as it was a wonderful view with a wonderful person.  We watched the sunset drop behind the city, and shared a kiss. I did see how so many have chosen this spot to propose.

If you  plan to propose…make a trip to Paris, France and do it on the Eiffel Tower. Yeah, many have done it, but now I see why.  So romantic!

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