Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Cleveland Boudoir

The Who: Leah and Jenni of Cleveland Boudoir

The Deets: Cleveland Boudoir has been making its name in the industry for the past 6 years. They recently moved into a brand new boudoir studio in the trendy Tremont neighborhood and just this year have worked with over 300 clients! Their approach to photography is fun and laid back and want their clients to feel like best girlfriends. They believe that every age and shape deserves to feel sexy, beautiful, and confident. Cleveland Boudoir is a girly studio staffed with amazing women who love what they do and are excited to show you why their studio is a great choice for you!

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Lauren Gabrielle Photography

The Who: Lauren Gabrielle, owner and photographer of Lauren Gabrielle Photography

The Deets: Lauren Gabrielle uses a simple, modern and fresh approach to capturing your most precious wedding day memories from a unique and artistic perspective. She focuses on creating images in an editorial and storytelling fashion, preserving memorable moments for her couples.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Dennis Crider Photography

The Who: Dennis Crider, owner and photographer for Dennis Crider Photography

The Deets: Dennis Crider Photography is a boutique studio based around capturing unscripted moments, fun friends, creative brides and those true smiles of endearing love and energetic moments. While his relaxed style is a calming force on wedding days, his images are filled with all the energy and vibrancy that you took months planning for. His style has also been described as easy going, funny, creative and an uncanny ability to blend in and become, in sorts, a "photographic ninja" as moments happen around you when you forgot he was even there. Without a doubt, it's tough to find a photographer that will fit in with everyone, make you comfortable and trust to capture your families moments as they happen. That's why Dennis Crider Photography has excelled so fast in Northeast Ohio, as he thrives on being a master of creating photographs that show show honest personalities, true smiles and capturing those unscripted moments.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Molly Taylor Designs

The Who: Molly Taylor and Bailey Wilson, co-owners and designers at Molly Taylor Designs

The Deets: Molly Taylor Designs is an awesome team of creative floral designers! Molly and Bailey teamed up four years ago, each bringing their own individual style, to create this off-beat floral design studio in the heart of Hudson, Ohio with an expertise in weddings. Tailoring to the bride's vision, they make every affair different and meaningful to each bride and groom. From charming bridal bouquets to stunning wedding decor, each and every detail is hand selected. Art Deco, Garden Whimsical, Formal, Modern, Rustic- whichever your style let them bring it to life!

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Cuff & Veil Wedding Films

The Who: Doug, Cinematographer extraordinaire from Cuff & Veil

The Deets: Cuff & Veil is a boutique cinematography studio that specializes in handcrafted films. They believe that each wedding is comprised of dozens of magical moments. Some make us laugh until we tear up. Others give us goose bumps and make us sigh. That’s why Cuff & Veil makes films. To remind us what really matters in life. They only take a limited number of weddings each year, which allows them to tailor the perfect film for the couple who craves something original.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Carman & Pugh Photography

The Who: Jim and Tara, father-daughter photographers of Carman & Pugh Photography

The Deets: Jim Pugh and Tara Carman are a unique father-daughter photography duo based in Kent, Ohio. Jim and Tara approach weddings with an artistic eye and a love for all things family. With an unobtrusive style and an emphasis on emotionally charged candids as well as creative portraits, their well-rounded style has been honored as The Knot Best of Weddings Pick for several years. They love to laugh and have a good time. They're nostalgic, silly, and a little bit sentimental, and they think being able to photograph your most treasured moments is probably the coolest job ever.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | JRP Solutions Valet, LLC

The Deets: JRP Solutions Valet, LLC is a locally owned and operated valet company servicing Northeast Ohio. We our proud to be contributing to the local economy of Akron and the surrounding area. Our company specializes in providing the highest quality valet service at competitive rates. Solutions Valet hires only the most competent, charismatic, and honest individuals to ensure that the highest level of service will be provided for our patrons and clients.

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Handpicked Wedding Giveaway Extravaganza

We are having what is possibly THE COOLEST giveaway on the planet - 9 of our amazing vendors are joining together for the Handpicked Wedding Giveaway Extravaganza!!

What you'll win:

* Engagement Session from Lauren Gabrielle Photography

* Bespoke Wedding Stationery Services from Baci Designer

* Wedding Styling Services from Baci Designer

* "Coming Attraction" Trailer from Cuff & Veil Wedding Films

* One-hour Entertainment Planning Consultation from Something New Entertainment

* Custom Lighting Design Presentation from Something New Entertainment

* Something New Bride Tee Shirt plus a Copy of Peter Merry's Book "The Best Wedding Reception... EVER!" from Something New Entertainment

* Makeup Trial from MKleinman Artistry

* One Hour Boudoir Session with 3 Outfit Allowances, an In-person Consultation and a Viewing Session from Cleveland Boudoir

* Bridal Bouquet from Molly Taylor Designs

* $20 Gift Certificate to NOTO Boutique

* $200 Off the Purchase of a Wedding Gown from Something White, A Bridal Boutique

** A value of over $3,000 from the area's most talented vendors!!  **

How to win:

* Buy Advance Purchase Tickets to Handpicked | A Different Kind of Bridal Event - it's as simple as that!  Get your tickets here.

* The Deadline for Entry is Sunday, December 1st at 11:59PM - any Advance Purchase Tickets bought after the deadline will not be entered into the giveaway.
* The Winner will be announced on Monday, December 2nd at noon.
* The Winner will be presented with giveaway items at the event.

Giveaway Rules:

* Must be an Advanced Purchase Ticket buyer/ticket giveaway winner
* Must be an attending bride or groom - family members/friends/vendor attendees are ineligible
* Items are not transferrable
* Items are not redeemable for cash/products/additional services/past purchases
* Items are subject to time/availability/booking restrictions
* Each item has additional restrictions which will be provided upon receipt of items

Signature Cocktail | Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule was popular back in the 1950's (you may have seen them in Mad Men!) but in the past year they've become one of the more trendy drinks, and you'll be seeing them as a Handpicked Signature Cocktail! Don't forget- each event ticket gets two free drinks, so you'll be able to try one or two of these throughout the night :o)

Moscow Mule 

Original Recipe from Bon Appetit

{Printer-Friendly Link}

 Ice cubes
1/4 cup vodka
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 cup chilled ginger beer
1 lime wedge

1) Fill tall glass with ice.
2) Add vodka and lime juice, then ginger beer.
3) Stir to mix.
4) Garnish with lime wedge.

Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Totally Cooked

The Who: Sarah and Kristin, Directors of Totally Cooked

The Deets: Totally Cooked takes weddings seriously. Addressing every detail with the utmost attention and care, we work with you to create the wedding you’ve been dreaming of. Our creative Event Coordinators will partner with you to personalize every aspect of your wedding day. From designing the menu and suggesting a service style that best reflects your vision, to working with your wedding design team on the décor, entertainment and rentals, Totally Cooked will make your wedding a flawless expression of you. Consider Totally Cooked to help plan and cater your rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, breakfast and lunch for the bridal party, cocktail hour or brunch the next day.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Something White, A Bridal Boutique

The Who: Rebecca and Karin of Something White

The Deets: Something White, a bridal boutique in Northeast Ohio, offers a curated selection of couture wedding gowns with styles ranging from rustic and whimsical to modern and preppy, plus fabulous jewelry finds, stylish bridesmaid dresses, and more! Something White is also the host of the Boutique Bridal Bazaar, an annual avant-garde bridal fair in the Cleveland area.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Katherine Werre - Wardrobe Consultant, J. Hilburn Men's Clothier

The Who: Katherine Werre, Personal Style Advisor at J.Hilburn

The Deets: Who said that the bride should be the only one to get a custom-made outfit for their wedding day? A wedding is a special moment in a man’s life; it requires him to look his best. He needs to be assured that his garments will fit perfectly and be ready to wear in a timely manner. At J. Hilburn we believe that your wedding is too important to allow for just anybody to handle your attire.

The J. Hilburn experience is different than that from other custom tailors: it begins with a personal consultation with a Style Adviser who gets to know the groom’s preferences and personality, takes measurements and helps him build his custom tuxedo or suit from hundreds of high-end fabric choices with personalized details like fit, collar, cuffs, pockets and more. After meeting you for the initial style consultation, J. Hilburn goes the extra mile by scheduling appointments with your groomsmen for personal fittings.

J. Hilburn is the also perfect gift for your groomsmen. It's a great way to show your gratitude and appreciation. Other great J.Hilburn gift ideas for the guys include cashmere sweaters, handcrafted silver cufflinks, exotic belts, and gift cards to order a custom piece when they want.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Adam Pate, "The Caricature Guy"

The Who: Adam Pate, "The Caricature Guy"

The Deets: Adam draws more caricatures of people per hour than anyone in the world! He can draw 200 people in b/w on paper at a 4 hour event sitting or strolling while people watch, talk and laugh with him! A sketch takes 45-60 seconds. Ask about the extra services offered for weddings!

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Borrow Vintage + Eclectic Rentals LLC

The Who: Ann King, owner/president of Borrow Vintage + Eclectic Rentals LLC

The Deets: BORROW® is a custom rental house for beautiful and unique furniture and accessories. The pieces range from rustic vintage wares to one of a kind up-cycled wood furniture. They love working for clients and providing them with one-of-a-kind options to create a truly spectacular occasion filled with wonderful design. They are dedicated to every planner, event organizer, bride and home stager, on any budget! 

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Sitting Pretty Linens

The Who: Amanda and Jeramy, owners of Sitting Pretty Linens

The Deets: With over 15 years of experience in the chair cover and specialty linen rental field, Sitting Pretty Linens prides themselves on not only their wide selection of products but also the quality of products and services provided. Sitting Pretty Linens is located in Akron and services Akron, Canton, Cleveland and surrounding areas. Sitting Pretty Linens is the premier Northeast Ohio full-service chair cover and specialty linen rental company that would be delighted and honored to take part in your special day! Sitting Pretty Linens offers top-notch customer service from your first call to your final detail, allowing you to relax and enjoy your event with confidence that the full-service staff will deliver. They take the utmost pride in their rental products which are all laundered, pressed and processed on-site by their qualified, professional laundry staff. Sitting Pretty Linens is a family-owned and operated business with an ever-expanding, extensive inventory consisting of chair covers, sashes, table linens, overlays, napkins, napkin rings, charger plates, backdrops and up-lighting. Visit their website to view their fabric and event galleries. Contact them to schedule an appointment to visit their showroom in Akron for a personal consultation. Call today to create YOUR vision with Sitting Pretty Linens!

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Bittersweet's Chocolate and Pastry

The Who: Todd Horvath, Executive Chef {He makes things} and Gwyneddh Jones, General Manager {She makes things work}

The Deets: Bittersweet's is a husband and wife team with the best staff ever, dessert revolutionaries of the highest order, and they pledge to never take ourselves too seriously.  If you're not like anyone else, why should your wedding cake look like anyone else's?  Bittersweet's honors love and commitment in every form and will make sure your cake is as unique as you are!  From a five-tiered showstopper to the kitschy charm of a tray of cupcakes, they pride themselves on giving their brides and grooms exactly what they want.  Let Bittersweet's create something for you . . . unusual, glorious you!

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | MKleinmanArtistry

The Who: Maggie Kleinman, owner/stylist of MKleinmanArtistry

The Deets: MKleinmanArtistry is a mobile makeup artistry service with 8 years of training and experience providing makeup applications for Brides and their parties, Photo/TV/Video/Film, runway, special occasions, false lash application and more. Maggie has been trained by and worked for MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, Laura Mercier and Shu Umura. Maggie’s laid back and outgoing personality puts her clients at ease. Her attention to detail and precise color and product recommendations are two great qualities Maggie displays. She sees each face she touches as a new blank canvas to create on. She truly has a passion for what she does and makes every client feel like they are the most important person on their special day. MKleinmanArtistry was even awarded the Bride's Choice award for 2013 from Wedding Wire for her outstanding work!

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Hayley + Jamie Representing Sola Salons

The Who: Hayley Kane, owner/stylist at Studio H

The Deets:  With 7 years of professional experience, Hayley enjoys working with guests to create a unique style for each individual personality. Through extensive education and training, she has developed the skills necessary to enhance the natural beauty of her guests while teaching them to recreate the same results at home. Hayley is so excited to be a part of Handpicked, and to be able to share her passion of creating beautiful bridal styles!

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...

The Who: Jamie, owner/stylist at Sophia Jaxon

The Deets: Jamie has worked at one of the top 50 salons in the United States for 9 years until she decided to become her own boss. She is trained in Blowpro, the Keratin Complex treatments, and with French Balayage. She was also a Sebastian Advocate for 2 years. Jamie uses an amazingly creative color line, Wella, and have also had many training sessions with Wella educators.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Happy Days Lodge

The Who: Brittany Mullett, Happy Days Lodge Events Coordinator

The Deets: The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a non-profit organization created to engage public support for the park and provide services to enhance public use and enjoyment of the park. The Conservancy aspires to engage the public as advocates, volunteers, and philanthropic supporters to ensure that Cuyahoga Valley National Park achieves its full benefit to the citizens of Northeast Ohio and the nation. Our guest services department strives to enhance your park experience by providing extraordinary spaces and experiences through weddings and special events at both Happy Days Lodge and our Hines Hill Campus.

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Getting to Know Your Handpicked Vendors | Something New Entertainment

The Who: Anna-Jeannine and Justin, the DJ and Lighting Design gurus from Something New Entertainment!

The Deets: Something New Entertainment is a couture entertainment boutique available throughout the Greater Northeast Ohio area and beyond specializing in wedding entertainment. Known for its for highly-individualized services suites including wedding ceremony and reception amplification and accompaniment, entertainment coordination, and Masters of Ceremonies/direction services, as well as a wide variety of professionally designed decor lighting, Ohio-licensed officiant services (other state licensure may be available), and multimedia services, Something New Entertainment's customized blend of production and design services with a personal touch will help you take your event vision from dream to reality through careful planning, receptive brainstorming, elegant design, high-fidelity audio, tasteful vocal and microphone work, and creative direction. Your wedding deserves more than just the "same old;" you deserve Something New!!!

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We Want You to be a Part of Handpicked!

We are still on the lookout for awesome vendors who wish to be a part of this one-of-a-kind event, and if you are interested please let us know!  We are currently accepting vendor applications through Wednesday, November 20th - so shoot us an email at info@handpickedevent.com for more details.

Handpicked Supports Brides Across America

This year, Handpicked is partnering with Brides Across America. A portion of all ticket sales will go to help this wonderful organization. Here is a snippet from Brides Across America about who they are and what they do for brides across the country!!

Brides Across America is a nationwide 501c3 non-profit that provides free wedding gowns to our deserving military brides-making wedding dress dreams come true. Founded in 2007, Brides Across America and its affiliate salons continue to honor our heroes. To date, Brides Across America, in collaboration with bridal salons, designers, and individual donations has been able to donate more than 10,000 wedding gowns. Operation Wedding Gown made headlines when it was featured on NBC's "Making a Difference" with Brian Williams in August 2012.Brides Across America was honored by the Joining Forces program, a national initiative to support and honor America’s service members and their families, which was launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. Brides Across America continues to support wounded warriors, post-traumatic stress, and employment for veterans. Brides Across America is an organization about supporting our heroes through community awareness and leading social responsibility.

For more information, visit www.bridesacrossamerica.com.

Getting to Know Your Handpicked Host | Baci Designer

The Who:  Amanda Cursaro, Stationery and Event Designer.  You might also see Ilario - my hubby and Baci's technology guru, Jami - my sister and blogger extraordinaire, Caitlin - Baci's Assistant Planner, Jennie - Baci's Planning Intern and Kimberly - Baci's Design Intern :o)

The What:  I love making things pretty, it's as simple as that :o)  It all started with my own wedding, six years ago, when my passion for beautiful paper pieces and a personalized wedding style evolved into what is know today as Baci Designer.  I love getting to know my clients on a personal level and creating a wedding design that perfectly reflects them.  I also adore getting to work with so many other talented individuals in the industry!

In my down time (Down time?  What's that, lol!), I enjoy reading lifestyle magazines and watching the latest movie snuggled on the couch with my hubby, our giant cat Morris and our little man, Greyson.

The Why:  Since moving back to Northeast Ohio from Charlotte, North Carolina in 2008, I've felt the local area deserved more - more credit for the presence of truly talented wedding vendors who believe that each wedding should be unique to the couple getting married and not just what is expected of them.  The vendors who aren't "wedding factories", but instead believe in thinking outside of the box for each and every event.  Handpicked is here to showcase those fabulous vendors!

One of my most recent favorite pieces of work:

{Images by Arielle Doneson Photography}