Image: Mindy Danelle Photography

We are excited to announce that we have now partnered with Junebug Weddings!

Check us out on Junebug

Junebug is an exclusive invitation only resource that represents the best the wedding industry has to offer. We are honored to be a part of this community.

A bit about Junebug: “At Junebug Weddings, we're here to demystify the wedding planning process with inspiration, information, and resources. We publish content to empower couples to create a celebration worthy of their unique love—inclusive of all genders, cultures, religions, and styles. Through this work, we also connect couples to talented vendors who can turn their visions into reality.”

 Image: Abby Julieann Photography

When planning your wedding or event, one of the most important decisions you'll make is who to hire for hair and makeup. With so many independent hair and makeup artists around your choices can be overwhelming. Here are our top reasons why we feel choosing a hair and makeup team over multiple independent artists can save a lot of headaches. 

1. Experience

When you work with an established company you can rest assured that you are getting artists who have Experience working weddings and aren’t just hobby artists. You want to make sure that you are working with a company that specializes in weddings. Everyday styling and wedding styling are very different. Many stylists and makeup artists who work in a salon do not have much opportunity to do special events or wedding looks. When you choose a company that specializes in weddings you can be sure that your artists will have the experience you are looking for.   

2. Reliability 

When you book a company, you can be confident that your hair and makeup will be done on time and to your satisfaction. This is because companies have a team of artists who work together, which means that they can more easily accommodate any changes to your schedule. Additionally, companies have a backup plan in case of an artist's illness or other unforeseen event. They also have a reputation to uphold. It is scary how often we get last minute calls because someone’s artist has backed out. If you went with an independent solo artist, you may be in the lurch. A company with a long-standing reputation is less likely to need to cancel due to sickness or emergencies as they have the team and the connections to be able to come up with alternate plans.  

3. Convenience  

When you book a company, you only make one contact for all your hair and makeup needs. There’s only one contract to sign and one person to pay. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you're planning a large event. Having everything in one spot alleviates stress and worry. 

Signs you are working with a professional/reputable company:  

• They have a professional website with contact information clearly identified.  

• They have a professional email address, not just a Gmail or other generic email.  

• They use contracts and their terms are clearly outlined.  

• They have upfront pricing and fees.  

• They have a clear cancellation policy. 

• They have positive online reviews.  

• They get back to you promptly and do not leave you waiting for days or weeks to receive a contract or proposal. 

• They have an easy payment system. 

• They have awards and/or have been published in the media. 

Whether you decide to book a company or independent artists, remember to book your services well in advance, especially for popular events, like weddings. There are only so many weekends in a year and most brides are looking to book their events during the wedding season.  

About Alea Beauty 

Alea Beauty is a luxury hair, makeup, and airbrush spray tanning service that specializes in styling for weddings, lifestyle, and special events. We believe in an authentic, effortless, and inclusive approach to beauty, and our talented team of professional hair and makeup artists strive to continuously create custom looks that best complement our clients’ natural beauty. 

About The Founder  

Carla Welechuk Kowski has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years, working as a beauty educator for Chanel, a celebrity personal travel artist, a corporate and personal stylist for Microsoft, and the senior lead artist and general manager for Salon Maison in Seattle, Washington, and in Orange County, California. She’s also served in various other scopes of the wedding industry, including as a wedding and event designer in the early 2000s. In 2018, Carla founded Alea Beauty LLC to offer a more personal and specialized beauty service. Since establishing new roots in Ohio, Alea Beauty has expanded to three more locations across the U.S., in California, Arizona and Massachusetts. She added Glow by Alea Beauty, a spray tanning service, in 2021. In 2022 Carla launched Kowski Creative LLC, a creative coaching and women's entrepreneur mentorship program to help empower fellow business owners and future Creative-preneurs. 

Los Angeles May, 25, 2023 - Alea Beauty, a renowned name in the beauty industry, is delighted to announce its recent accolade at the prestigious Luxlife Magazine Global Wedding Awards. Recognized by the esteemed publication, Alea Beauty has been awarded the highly coveted title of Best Nationwide Wedding Hair and Makeup Company, USA, solidifying its position as a trailblazer and industry leader in providing exceptional bridal beauty services.

The Luxlife Magazine Global Wedding Awards celebrate businesses that excel in the wedding industry, embodying excellence, innovation, and a commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for couples on their special day. Outshining fierce competition, Alea Beauty showcased their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to their craft, earning them this prestigious recognition.

"We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Luxlife Magazine Global Wedding Award for Best Nationwide Hair and Makeup Company," exclaimed Carla Welechuk Kowski, the founder and creative director of Alea Beauty. "This achievement is a testament to the relentless hard work, creativity, and expertise of our talented team. We are passionately devoted to helping brides look and feel their absolute best on their wedding day, and this award is a validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence."

Alea Beauty has garnered an outstanding reputation for providing flawless hair and makeup services to brides across the country. With a team of highly skilled professionals and an impeccable attention to detail, Alea Beauty has transformed countless brides into radiant visions on their wedding day. Their ability to create personalized looks that enhance each bride's natural beauty while honoring their individual style preferences has made them the preferred choice among discerning brides-to-be.

The Luxlife Magazine Global Wedding Award serves as a testament to Alea Beauty's unwavering dedication to delivering the highest standards of customer service, professionalism, and creative artistry. Alea Beauty's commitment to staying ahead of the latest trends and techniques in the ever-evolving beauty industry has solidified their reputation as an authority in the field.

As the recipient of the Best Nationwide Hair and Makeup Company award, Alea Beauty continues to surpass expectations, ensuring that every bride receives a bespoke experience that is both stress-free and memorable. Their meticulous attention to detail, flawless execution, and genuine passion for their craft set them apart from the competition.

Alea Beauty would like to express sincere gratitude to Luxlife Magazine for this prestigious honor and extend their heartfelt appreciation to their valued clients, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in achieving this remarkable milestone.

For more information about Alea Beauty and their extensive range of bridal beauty services, please visit their official website at www.aleabeauty.co.

About Alea Beauty:

Alea Beauty is a leading nationwide hair and makeup company specializing in bridal beauty services. With a team of highly skilled professionals, Alea Beauty creates flawless looks that enhance each bride's natural beauty while reflecting their individual style preferences. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Alea Beauty ensures that every bride receives an unforgettable and stress-free experience on their special day.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Contact:

Name: Janelle Atencio-McCathron

Title: Social Media Manager

Email: info@aleabeauty.co

Phone: 866-922-1550

Note: Please refer to the official Luxlife Magazine Global Wedding Awards website at https://www.lux-review.com/issues/global-wedding-awards-2023/ for further details on the award.

Image: Pexels

By: Chris Haymon

Adultingdigest.com

After the excitement of your wedding day, you may find yourself with a significant amount of gift money from your generous friends and family. It's important to allocate these funds responsibly to ensure a strong financial foundation for your future together. This article will guide you through several ways to spend your wedding gift funds wisely, from paying off student loans to starting your own business.

Pay Off Student Loans for a Fresh Start

One of the best ways to use your wedding gift money is to pay off any outstanding student loans. By eliminating this debt, you'll be able to start your married life with a clean slate and more financial freedom. Plus, paying off your loans early can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over time.

Create a Savings Account for a Brighter Future

Creating a savings account and depositing some of your wedding gift funds into it can help you build a secure financial future. Having an emergency fund is essential for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs. It's recommended to aim for at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in your emergency fund.

Avoid Impulse Purchases to Stay Out of Debt

It may be tempting to splurge on luxury items or extravagant vacations with your wedding gift money, but doing so could lead to unnecessary debt. Instead, prioritize your financial goals and allocate your funds accordingly. This might mean putting money toward a down payment on a house or investing in your retirement.

Donate to Help Those in Need

If you're financially secure and want to give back, consider donating a portion of your wedding gift money to a charitable cause. Not only will this help those in need, but it can also provide you with a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your marriage.

Save for a Home and Keep an Eye on Home Listings

Owning a home is a significant financial goal for many couples. To achieve this, it's essential to start saving for a down payment as soon as possible. Allocate some of your wedding gift funds toward this goal, and regularly check local real estate listings to stay informed of home prices in your desired area. This will help you determine how much you need to save to afford a home that meets your needs.

Plan for Your Golden Years by Saving for Retirement

It's never too early to start saving for retirement. By setting aside some of your wedding gift money for this purpose, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a comfortable and secure retirement. Consider contributing to an individual retirement account (IRA) or increasing your contributions to your employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Invest in Your Future by Starting Your Own Business

If you've always dreamed of being your own boss, using your wedding gift funds to start your own business could be the perfect opportunity. Starting a business can provide you with financial independence, flexibility, and personal fulfillment. 

When considering the legal structure of your new venture, look into how to start an LLC in Ohio, as well as the benefits of doing so. An LLC can offer personal asset protection, tax advantages, and streamlined management. Just remember to do plenty of research to ensure this is the right structure for you.

Allocating your wedding gift funds responsibly is crucial for building a strong financial foundation for your future together. By paying off student loans, establishing a savings account, avoiding impulse purchases, donating to charity, saving for a home, planning for retirement, and investing in your own business, you'll be well on your way to achieving your financial goals as a married couple. Remember to prioritize your needs and make thoughtful decisions to ensure a successful and prosperous life together.

On your wedding day, trust Alea Beauty on-location luxury beauty services for all your makeup needs. 

 
 
 
Happy Spring and welcome to what we in the wedding business call “Busy Season”! 

Spring weddings hold a special place in many people’s hearts, mine included. It’s a time of renewal and love is in the air. Once upon a time, I myself was planning a May wedding, which turned into an October wedding (Thanks Covid!), but that’s a story for another post!  

There's just something about the soft pastel colors, fresh flowers, and mild weather that make a spring wedding feel like a fairy tale come to life. The flowers are in bloom, and everything just seems to come to life. One of my favorite aspects of spring weddings is the abundance of flowers. Seeing the bride walk down the aisle with a bouquet of cheerful tulips, fragrant peonies or delicate cherry blossoms is truly beautiful.  I always recommend choosing flowers that are in season to save on costs and ensure that they're at their freshest and most vibrant. 

If you are planning a spring wedding, there are a few things that I recommend you keep in mind to make your big day a success. Of course, everyone is different and at the end of the day, you do you, but here’s a few tips for planning a wedding that celebrates spring in all its glory: 

1. Choosing the perfect location 

The first thing you need to consider when planning a spring wedding is the location. You want to find a venue that is suitable for the season and the local climate of your wedding, and that will allow you to take advantage of the natural beauty of spring. This might mean finding a venue with a garden, a park, or an outdoor space that can accommodate your guests. I always encourage you to choose a location that embraces the season's beauty. Whether it's a garden or an outdoor space with plenty of greenery, incorporating natural elements into the venue can create a magical atmosphere for the big day. 

2. Choosing your colors 

Spring is a season of renewal and growth, and your wedding colors should reflect this. Consider using pastel colors like pink, lavender, and light blue to create a soft and romantic atmosphere. You might also consider incorporating floral prints and patterns into your decor to bring the outside in. 

3. Choosing your flowers 

Spring is the season of flowers, so it is the perfect time to incorporate them into your wedding. You might choose to use flowers like tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms, which are all in season during the spring months. Turn to your florist for the best options in your area. You might also consider incorporating wildflowers or other native blooms into your decor to create a more natural and organic look. 

4. Planning for unpredictable weather 

Of course, the unpredictable weather can be a challenge when planning a spring wedding. However, with a backup plan in place, such as a tent or an indoor venue, there's no need to worry. And let's be honest, a light spring rain can be romantic and create a unique and memorable experience. 

5. Choosing the menu 

Spring is a season of fresh produce, so it is a wonderful time to incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your menu. You might consider serving lighter fare like salads, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruit, as well as lighter meats like chicken or fish or going completely vegetarian. You might also consider incorporating fresh herbs and spices into your dishes to create a fresh and flavorful meal. 

6. Choosing Your Beauty Team 

As someone who loves weddings and specializes in wedding beauty, I always get excited about hair and makeup for spring weddings. 

For hair, I love the idea of soft waves, a simple low bun with a few subtle face framing pieces or a fun and flirty high bun with texture. Adding a floral hairpiece, floral embellished veil or incorporating fresh flowers into your look can create a stunning and romantic feel that complements the season's beauty. 

When it comes to makeup, I always recommend keeping things fresh and radiant. While trends are always changing, fresh natural makeup is always in style. A natural look with a hint of blush and a subtle pop of color on the lips can create a youthful and glowing appearance that's perfect for a spring wedding. And a touch of shimmery highlighter or glitter can add a touch of whimsy and magic to the overall look. 

Of course, finding the right hair and makeup artist is crucial to achieving the perfect wedding look.  Each beauty team is going to have their own flair and it’s important to find a team that matches your style and vibe. At Alea Beauty we specialize in a natural yet elevated look that is perfect for spring! 

7. Incorporating spring elements into your decor 

Finally, you will want to incorporate spring elements into your decor to create a cohesive and beautiful look. This might mean using fresh floral arrangements, incorporating greenery and foliage, or using natural materials like wood and stone. You might also consider using candles or other lighting elements to create a soft and romantic atmosphere. 

Ultimately, I feel a spring wedding is all about embracing the season's natural beauty and incorporating it into every aspect of your big day. From the venue to the flowers to the hair and makeup, let the magic of spring shine through and create a memorable and enchanting experience for you and your guests. 

About Alea Beauty 

Alea Beauty is a luxury hair, makeup, and airbrush spray tanning service that specializes in styling for weddings, lifestyle, and special events. We believe in an authentic, effortless, and inclusive approach to beauty, and our talented team of professional hair and makeup artists strive to continuously create custom looks that best complement our clients’ natural beauty. 

About The Founder  

Carla Welechuk Kowski has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years, working as a beauty educator for Chanel, a celebrity personal travel artist, a corporate and personal stylist for Microsoft, and the senior lead artist and general manager for Salon Maison in Seattle, Washington, and in Orange County, California. She’s also served in various other scopes of the wedding industry, including as a wedding and event designer in the early 2000s. In 2018, Carla founded Alea Beauty LLC to offer a more personal and specialized beauty service. Since establishing new roots in Ohio, Alea Beauty has expanded to three more locations across the U.S., in California, Arizona and Massachusetts. She added Glow by Alea Beauty, a spray tanning service, in 2021. In 2022 Carla launched Kowski Creative LLC, a creative coaching and women's entrepreneur mentorship program to help empower fellow business owners and future Creative-preneurs.