Category: Advice for Couples
Ok, you just got engaged…well first, congratulations!!!
Second, good luck with the planning process because you’ve
got your work cut out for you. But not to worry because it’s not ALL stressful… some of it will be a blast. Today we’re going to talk about one of the super fun aspects to wedding planning… shopping! More specifically, dress shopping!
So the way I understand it, some girls plan their wedding from the time they’re five until they walk down the aisle, others have never even thought about it, and some of us fallsomewhere in the middle. Me? I’ve thought about it to some degree: I know I want it out of the country, I know I want awesome music all night long, and I know it will probably be really colorful. But beyond that, I don’t know much, including what style dress is most flattering to my body type.
In fact, until now I really only knew one or two of the traditional styles and shapes of wedding dresses.
I’ve schooled myself in wedding dresses and styles, so today I’m going to share what I’ve learned with you lovely ladies…
Body shapes and suggested dress shapes
Hour Glass:
Curvy in all the right places, bust and booty
Sheath, A-line, ball gown, dropped waistline, mermaid
One shoulder, strapless, scoop necklines
Apple:
Smaller shoulders and hips
Empire or ball gown dresses
Strapless or sweetheart necklines
Pear:
Hips are larger than the bust and the waist gradually slopes out to the hips
Empire, A-line, ball gown
Strapless, halter, circular necklines
Rectangle:
Just a tiny bit of curve at the hips, mostly straight torso, shoulders that align with hips
Sheath, empire, mermaid, A-line, ball gown
Portrait or strapless neckline.
Inverted Triangle:
Athletic and strong, wider shoulders and bust with tighter torso and hips
Sheath, empire, ball gown, A-line
Halter, strapless, one shoulder necklines
So this is in no way, the end all be all solution for every women out there, but it’s a decent place to start…so get out there, invite your girlfriends to join you and start trying on dresses!!! Here are some beauties that I’ve had the honor capturing that I wanted to share as inspiration…
xo
Let’s be honest here, I go to a lot of weddings, I mean ALOT and I’m getting to the point where I can say with some confidence that there isn’t much I haven’t seen. So today we’re going to chat about one of my favorite parts of the day, the first dance and the dances with your parents. This is often the point when I begin to cry for the 4th or 5th of the day, sometimes out of raw emotion, sometimes out of empathy for plethora of emotions parents feel when their children get married but most of the time out of pure joy and laughter for the excitement and happiness pouring out of everyone involved!
The point of this long winded description of the inner workings of my mind, is that to get up in a room full of people you love and be the center of attention while dancing can be super un-nerving when really it should be a blast! I’ve seen some fabulous dances from swing, to the dance from pulp fiction to totally choreographed mash ups and boy do I have some big dreams about what will go down at my wedding! So if you can’t dance, or at least not well or if you can but want to be better or your want to look like you won last seasons “Dancing with the Stars” then you have to know how to get there and I’ve found the perfect person for you!
Anxious about hitting the dance floor on your big day? Panic no more — local dance and social coaching biz, The 8Count, helps you build confidence and look awesome busting a move. Founder Annemarie “Ree” Estess coaches adult dancers through basic moves derived from funk, latin, and social dance forms. Zero dance experience required.
Whether you’re seeking personalized coaching for your first dance, or want your bridal party to learn fun steps to keep the reception rollin’, The 8Count has moves for you.
“Annemarie is the absolute best! She helped my fiancé and I get ready for our wedding day, by getting us comfortable on the dance floor together and preparing us for our first dance. She made us feel at ease from the first minute, and we both genuinely had so much fun with her […] Based on where we were starting from, I thought we would need much more lesson time than we ended up needing – and I feel more comfortable dancing than I ever could have hoped for, esp. in only ~3 hours of lessons – all because she is such a great teacher!” – Jen N.
Original First Dance Package: Take the guesswork out of your first dance with custom choreography and private instruction. The 8Count will help you select and cut your music (no 6-minute first dances allowed!) and choreograph a routine befitting of your style and dance level. (Rate: starting at $400)
Bridal Party Package: Your bridal party will learn doable dance moves to the beats of Motown, Rock, Top 40, and more. With these steps in their back pockets, they’ll keep the dance party rocking long after the bouquet gets thrown.
(Rate: starting at $40 / person. Min 6 people)
Bachelorette Parties: Get the perfect combo of sexy and classy as you dance with your closest ladies. Learn flirty moves that’ll turn up the heat on the dance floor…and then some.
(Rate: starting at $40 / person. Minimum 6 people)
Groomsmen Bootcamp: Get the guys feeling less antsy with this lesson in dance floor survival moves. They’ll learn basic footwork, upper body work, and upbeat steps to help them break the ice — and break it down — all night long.
(Rate: starting at $40 / person. Minimum 3 people)
Meet AnneMarie:
photo by: Suzy Clements Photographs
Annemarie “Ree” Estess has been teaching dance fundamentals for over a decade. She specializes in helping clients utilize the social value of dance, recognizing that it is one of the most engaging ways to connect with people, let loose, and enjoy the present.
She performed with and directed dance companies while studying at Stanford University, where she earned her B.A. in Human Biology and her M.A. in Sociology.
In her free time, it’s typical to find her living it up on the dance floor with friends, trying to teach herself guitar, and reading, writing, and speaking on the topic of social connection.
Advice for growing up…
I don’t know about you, but the more I think about buying my first family home with my boo, to raise our future schmoos in, the more I freak out and wonder how we’ll be able to compete in this crazy real estate market. It seems like every day the average price of a home in the Bay Area climbs drastically… meaning so does the down payment needed to qualify, and the big income needed to carry the monthly payments.
So what do I do when these fears start to creep in? I talk to my amazing friend Mary Macpherson, who just happens to be one of the top Real Estate agents in our glorious city, not to mention one of the warmest, most motivated, inspiring people I know. When my wailing starts, she smiles, gives me a hug, and tells me that with proper planning, determination, and guidance from people like her, we will find our way into “our” home. :)
Mary Macpherson | Paragon Real Estate Group
Tips on Buying Your First Home:
1. Ask your friends for advice. Your friends and family who have bought in your area undoubtedly have some war stories to share. Ask them who their agent was, and if they would recommend that person.
2. Visit open houses, not only to look at homes, but to ‘interview’ prospective agents. Agents who work open houses are there for one of two reasons: they are the actual listing agents for those homes and are there to sell them, or they are agents in the same brokerage as the listing agents and have asked them to work their open houses to meet buyers and sellers. For new agents, open houses are typically their best ‘prospecting’ tool, until they develop a referral base of their own. Spend time in the open houses, and ask the agents about how they work with buyers to help them find their homes. Don’t dismiss “new” agents – some of these agents are the hardest working in the business, and will give incredible customer service. What’s key is the brokerage they work for – some are far better than others, offering wonderful support, training, tools and management. You’ll glean a lot of information from visiting open houses and seeing who the true professionals are.
3. Interview agents. Even though the seller typically pays the buyer’s agent’s commission, this agent is still working for you and with you, hand in hand, through one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of your life. Interview at least three agents, check references, ask for their recent success stories. What can they do for you that will give you an edge? Agents get paid big bucks, and you don’t want to just receive weekly mass emails with new listings. You can check that yourself with the zillion and one online real estate search portals. Are these people connected to off-market listings? Will they go the extra mile?
4. Once you decide on an agent, COMMIT 100% to them. Let them be your man on the street. Give them all the information you can, and be open to their suggestions. My clients who are the most successful in their house hunting ventures are the ones who regard me as their trusted advisor and ally.
5. Be ready to pull the trigger. Get all of your financial documents in order, and get pre-approved. The San Francisco market moves faster than most can handle, and the early bird almost always catches the worm. Don’t be afraid to write “pre-emptive” offers – those offers that are presented before an actual offer date. But remember that pre-emptive offers need to be compelling enough for the seller to forego other offers that might come in on the offer date. Coming in at full price isn’t compelling. Ask your agent for comparable sales in the area (if you’ve vetted your agent well, they’ll do this for you instinctively).
6. Put yourself in the sellers’ shoes. When you finally sit down to write an offer on the home of your dreams, remember that the #1 rule in negotiation is to think like the other side. Find out why the seller is selling. What will help your offer? Price is obvious, but are there terms that will help? Do they need extra time to move? Do they want to buy something else? Make sure your offer reflects your understanding of their needs and wants, and then put it in a written letter as well. There’s nothing that speaks to a seller more than a buyer who is committed to closing and sincere in their love of their home, and someone who is empathetic to their plight.
7. Due your due diligence. Just because the market is competitive (when isn’t it?), it doesn’t mean you have to throw away your rights. If you’re buying a car, you’d kick the tires. If you’re spending hundreds of thousands, or even millions, then you better be sure the house isn’t a money pit. Don’t be afraid to ask for a credit, price reduction, explanation, etc., if something turns up during your inspection period that is cause for concern.
8. Buy with your heart – and your head. I have two questions I ask my buyers before we write an offer: 1) Will you be truly happy when I hand you the keys to your new home? And 2) If you, like many transient San Franciscans, have to call me in 5-10 years to sell your home, is this a wise investment? Take the time with your agent to think about why you want this home (don’t let the manic market drive you to do something you’ll regret) and talk about why the home is or isn’t a good investment (above all, location, location, location).
9. Be prepared for the ups and downs of an escrow. Since the 2008 mortgage meltdown, lenders are asking for everything from your 6th grade report card (ok, that line was borrowed from a loan agent friend of mine) to your 1992 tax returns. Well, not really, but it certainly can feel like it.
10. Enjoy! You’ve come a long way from meeting agents, looking at open homes, to gathering tax returns and signing documents. Try to plan a week off from work right after you move in. Don’t schedule any big remodeling jobs yet, if you can. Get a feel for your new home. Live in it and get to know it better. Then, go to town to get it just the way you want. You deserve it!
About the Author
Mary Macpherson
About the Author
Mary Macpherson
Mary`s tenacity and commitment to her clients have put her in the top 5% of all agents in San Francisco – an honor that has earned her placement in the city`s Top Agent Network (www.topagentnetwork.com). She has bought, sold and invested in San Francisco real estate for many years and puts her extensive knowledge of neighborhoods, property values, and market trends to work for her clients. She offers boundless enthusiasm, a tireless work ethic and an absolute commitment to protecting their interests—in what is typically one of the largest, most complicated and most emotional financial transactions of their lives.
For her Buyers, Mary promises she will make every effort to find them the home they will love and enjoy for years to come; aggressively negotiate the best attainable price and terms on their behalf; make the process as smooth, understandable and stress-free as possible; and manage the transaction so that they are fully aware of the condition and circumstances of the home they purchase. As a longtime homeowner in San Francisco, Mary is committed to helping others realize the same dream: owning a home in this beautiful city.
For her Sellers, Mary offers hard work and expertise; the most comprehensive marketing plan in the business; aggressively negotiate the highest possible sales price; and transaction management skills to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible, with a minimum of time, effort and stress on her clients` part.
Mary`s family lives near Fisherman`s Wharf and her children attend local schools.
Mary Macpherson | Paragon Real Estate Group
1400 Van Ness Ave | San Francisco, CA 94109
Cell: 415.846.4685 | Fax: 415.701.2671
DRE# 1839976
www.MaryMacphersonSF.com
Member, Top Agent Network (SF’s Top 5%): www.topagentnetwork.com
With the holidays basically at our door step I figured now was as good a time as any to share some fun tips I’ve learned over the years to help you get the most bang for your buck with your next family portrait. The way I see it, is if you’re going to take the time and spend the money to have a professional photographer do your family portraits (SEARS doesn’t count! J/K…kinda) then make sure you do your homework before hand so that you love your images for years to come!
I used my good friends the Smiths as examples for a lot of the tips because they do a great job brainstorming, being creative and color coordinating (not matching…very different). These days there are so many resources out there to help you come up with fun, silly, adorable memories so use them.
Your clothes represent your style and personality so make sure that comes into play when your choosing you and your families outfits. I don’t recommend “matching” as much as I encourage coordinating (see the image above). But like I said this is all a personal preference and my goal is to help you create your personal memories…so do what feels right to you!
Wear your favorite color! You want to look like yourself in your photos so let your personality shine through! Slightly darker shades will ensure that the focus is on your face, not on the bright shades in the photos. But be careful of large or bold patterns, they can be distracting, as can text on shirts.
Wear something that flatters the part of your body you love the most. If body conscious, try wearing shirts with sleeves instead of tank tops and tube tops. Avoid clothes that are too tight, show panty lines, etc.
Girls, accentuating your waist with an accent belt or A-line shirt/dress can be very flattering.
You want your pictures to appear timeless, so try not to be too trendy.
Layers can be flattering on both girls and guys.
Wear something you are OK with getting dirty (you never know!)
Makeup looks best when natural, especially when it comes to foundation and bronzer. It’s best to accentuate your eyes and lips with some great eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick.
Avoid clothes that look too casual, fraying, tears, etc.
There are so many fun ideas out there but you can’t depend on your photographer to know what they all are so do your research. You may have heard of this new website called Pinterest? It’s amazing for helping you brainstorm ideas (it can also get overwhelming so be careful not to over do it!).
Ask your friends for fun ideas (we all have that really creative friend…this is a great time to use them!)
I always encourage parents to let their kids bring the thing they are really into that year because it’s all part of making great memories. It doesn’t have to be in every picture either, just a few. Plus it can help be used as great bribery!
I had a stuffed bunny when I was kid and I LOVED her but alas I lost her, and I would love to have a picture of it somewhere. So whether is a bunny, a truck, a crown or guitar bring it, so you can pull out the picture when your kids bring home their first boyfriend or girlfriend and really embarrass them! 
Bring fun props with you, if you’d like. Anything that represents you! I’m always up for any ideas you have to make your session unique!
Props and costumes can be a fun way to break the ice and help get everyone out of the awkward stage of stale smiles and personally I think that fun/funny pictures make the best memories anyways!
Remember this! Maybe you don’t need to family pictures every year once your kids are in their teens and early twenties, but I totally recommend doing it every couple years…it’s memories people…this is your life flashing before your eyes so make sure that when you’re old a grey you have something to look back at to help you remember how good your life was!
I hope this has been helpful and I really, really, really look forward to helping you make some amazing memories with your family this year…it’s never too late to start!
xo,
CJP
