As a general rule, Saturdays at SMP are pretty amazing. Especially when you add in a meet and greet with some fabulous new sponsors, like Erica Does Makeup and John Arcara Photography. Because spending our day getting to know two inspiring vendors? Beyond amazing. So grab that cup of coffee, cozy on up and let's get this party started, shall we?
When it comes to looking oh-so-pretty on your Big Day, look no further than Erica Does Makeup, a fab team of stylists and makeup artists with the skills to turn your everyday look into a total bridal masterpiece. I'm talking some serious magazine worthy looks, lovelies. And now that they've joined our SMP family? We couldn't be more thrilled. So head on over to their website to say hello... and don't forget to check out the special offer below before you go!
SMP New York Welcomes Our Advertisers + A SPECIAL OFFER!
From Erica Does Makeup... After receiving her Bachelors Degree in Information Science in 2005, Erica realized it was not the direction her life was meant to take. For most of her life, she had always loved makeup and the creativity the field inspired in her. So she went for her dream. It came as no surprise when she was recruited by an industry leader where she remained for nearly six years. After much consideration, she left the company due to her high demand in the bridal industry. Her dream was more than she had, or ever could, imagine for herself.
In 2011, Erica Does Makeup expanded and is now offering hair services and several makeup artists. Erica and her team currently serve all of NYC, Long Island, Rockland and Westchester County. The team makes trips to your home for personal consultations. As skilled professionals in their industry, they can offer constructive and helpful advice on how to look and feel your best on the most important day of your life.
Free makeup trials if you book your trial before 8/25/2013! Just mention SMP when contacting Erica!
Photography: Henry Rivera + Angel Project + Marisa Levin for Heyn + Amanda Picone + Mark Kopko Photography
Beautiful photography makes our hearts sing. Sing in ways that are pretty much indescribable. So when we first met the talented husband and wife team at John Arcara Photography, well... we basically had a virtual dance party. Because these two photogs really know how to snap a pretty picture, and the proof is in their amazing portfolio. So make a beeline for their website to soak in all of the pretty. It's sooo good.
In 2011, Erica Does Makeup expanded and is now offering hair services and several makeup artists. Erica and her team currently serve all of NYC, Long Island, Rockland and Westchester County. The team makes trips to your home for personal consultations. As skilled professionals in their industry, they can offer constructive and helpful advice on how to look and feel your best on the most important day of your life.
Free makeup trials if you book your trial before 8/25/2013! Just mention SMP when contacting Erica!
Photography: Henry Rivera + Angel Project + Marisa Levin for Heyn + Amanda Picone + Mark Kopko Photography
Beautiful photography makes our hearts sing. Sing in ways that are pretty much indescribable. So when we first met the talented husband and wife team at John Arcara Photography, well... we basically had a virtual dance party. Because these two photogs really know how to snap a pretty picture, and the proof is in their amazing portfolio. So make a beeline for their website to soak in all of the pretty. It's sooo good.
From John Arcara Photography... We are John + Lovina Arcara, a husband & wife in love with each other, our daughters, & photography! As a second generation photography studio we take great pride in delivering playful and contemporary images through our photojournalistic style. Our sexy, spontaneous photographs are featured in various magazines, newspapers and wedding blogs and we have been voted Best of The Knot every year by our awesome couples since 2006! Whether it’s a local or destination affair, we are ready to bring you our fun, urban and chic approach to documenting weddings.
About John...
I’m a rare breed of photographer who can truly say I did not quit my day job to get into photography. In fact, I’ve never held a position that hasn’t pertained to cameras and photography in some way. At age 13 I remember asking my dad for money to go to the movies, and he handed me a camera and said, “You gotta earn it.” I get my work ethics from my dad who was a master at what he did, and I get to carry the torch to the next generation. To this day it’s an honor whenever I get to photograph a bride or groom whose parents’ wedding was shot by my father, because, lets be honest, what other photographer can say that! We are blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the beginning of your marriage and to document the biggest day of your lives… and that is an heirloom Lovina and I hope to pass on to our daughters, who already own many cameras and are really good at talking pictures of each other.
Now on to education. I attended International Center of Photography in NYC where I studied Fashion Photography & Photojournalism. I figured, I already spent years training for & shooting weddings, so I wanted to go to school for something that would make it really exciting & different. After schooling I took a position assisting some of the worlds most famous fashion photographers. Working for Patrick Demarchalier taught me more about creating a beautiful story using photography instead of words. And being in a punk rock band during my teens and twenties and singing on stage also gave me an edge, as well. Music gives me radical vision of imaging and a mega-watt energetic personality that I use to direct the wedding day like no one else can. However none of this was certain until I met my wife. Lovina really keeps me and this entire operation grounded and running smoothly. She is the brains and brawn of John Arcara Photography.
About Lovina...
John and I met back in 2000 through friends while I was attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City studying Marketing and Advertising. Don’t let him tell you that he picked me up at a guido dance club, it’s simply is NOT true! I was always the creative one among my three older siblings. Back in the days of film I was always the one insisting on taking pictures during family vacations and parties. My love for photography and art has been there ever since I can remember, but it never occurred to me to make it a career until I met John. We were one of the first husband and wife photography teams in the area. We started shooting weddings together when we were just dating and it has been a fascinating experience. I cherish the connection I have with our brides because I never tire of talking about weddings! I am calmest while looking through the back of my camera and creating images that define all the efforts she has put into creating her day. I can’t get enough of the beautiful chaos a wedding day is and I love adding a girly spin to the details of the day. Its an amazing feeling to capture a couple in love; and show our fabulous brides how beautiful they really are.
Being from a marketing background, I created a new brand for us as John Arcara Photography and the rest is history. We proudly offer only the finest, most high-end products, and luxurious yet approachable service. Because no matter what the budget is, our brides deserve the best.
I am a photographer, studio manager and full time mom. When not shooting John & I are usually found chasing around our beautiful daughters, Molly & Lilly.
Welcome to the family, Erica Does Makeup and John Arcara Photography! We are so happy to have you! xoxo
About John...
I’m a rare breed of photographer who can truly say I did not quit my day job to get into photography. In fact, I’ve never held a position that hasn’t pertained to cameras and photography in some way. At age 13 I remember asking my dad for money to go to the movies, and he handed me a camera and said, “You gotta earn it.” I get my work ethics from my dad who was a master at what he did, and I get to carry the torch to the next generation. To this day it’s an honor whenever I get to photograph a bride or groom whose parents’ wedding was shot by my father, because, lets be honest, what other photographer can say that! We are blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the beginning of your marriage and to document the biggest day of your lives… and that is an heirloom Lovina and I hope to pass on to our daughters, who already own many cameras and are really good at talking pictures of each other.
Now on to education. I attended International Center of Photography in NYC where I studied Fashion Photography & Photojournalism. I figured, I already spent years training for & shooting weddings, so I wanted to go to school for something that would make it really exciting & different. After schooling I took a position assisting some of the worlds most famous fashion photographers. Working for Patrick Demarchalier taught me more about creating a beautiful story using photography instead of words. And being in a punk rock band during my teens and twenties and singing on stage also gave me an edge, as well. Music gives me radical vision of imaging and a mega-watt energetic personality that I use to direct the wedding day like no one else can. However none of this was certain until I met my wife. Lovina really keeps me and this entire operation grounded and running smoothly. She is the brains and brawn of John Arcara Photography.
About Lovina...
John and I met back in 2000 through friends while I was attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City studying Marketing and Advertising. Don’t let him tell you that he picked me up at a guido dance club, it’s simply is NOT true! I was always the creative one among my three older siblings. Back in the days of film I was always the one insisting on taking pictures during family vacations and parties. My love for photography and art has been there ever since I can remember, but it never occurred to me to make it a career until I met John. We were one of the first husband and wife photography teams in the area. We started shooting weddings together when we were just dating and it has been a fascinating experience. I cherish the connection I have with our brides because I never tire of talking about weddings! I am calmest while looking through the back of my camera and creating images that define all the efforts she has put into creating her day. I can’t get enough of the beautiful chaos a wedding day is and I love adding a girly spin to the details of the day. Its an amazing feeling to capture a couple in love; and show our fabulous brides how beautiful they really are.
Being from a marketing background, I created a new brand for us as John Arcara Photography and the rest is history. We proudly offer only the finest, most high-end products, and luxurious yet approachable service. Because no matter what the budget is, our brides deserve the best.
I am a photographer, studio manager and full time mom. When not shooting John & I are usually found chasing around our beautiful daughters, Molly & Lilly.
Welcome to the family, Erica Does Makeup and John Arcara Photography! We are so happy to have you! xoxo
