A Summer Collaboration at The Greenery in New Hampshire

First of all, I can't believe it's already Autumn! Where does the time go? The cold, the rain, the leaves everywhere - it's gorgeous, but I like to reflect on the the Summer and all the beauty it held - it reminds me of sunshine and greenery! So, let me share the details of this warm summer photo shoot I was honored to be a part of.

Back in June, Sarah from Brilliant Event Planning contacted me to invite me to collaborate on an editorial photo shoot set to take place in August at The Greenery in NH, and of course, I was excited to participate.  I just love the idea of creating art in collaboration with other wedding vendors - between all the vendors, so much art is created in many forms. This experience was not only unique in its beauty, but it was also a lot of fun.  I truly have never collaborated with a team so talented. 

It was a really hot day in August, and we had to work with those warm summer conditions. Despite the heat, the whole team worked to put the pieces together in order to prepare for the photo shoot. Between the florists, the decorations, styling the models in their dresses, and preparing the cake, the Despite the August heat, everyone worked to do their part to make for such a successful day. To make the day even better, the models were an absolute pleasure to work with. The collaboration was published on Perfête.com- see link for full article.

The makeup looks I created were based on the colors and style chosen by the team. Take a look for yourself!

Just look at this floral display - these greens and neutrals look so perfect next to her white gown.

I can't get over the flowers...

This train.

This cage is everything.

The calm tones of this decor are so chic and simple, yet so classic.

Look at the way they glow.

Love the way the greens pop in those floral designs - they add the perfect blend of Summer and Fall.

This background makes the photo complete.

Have you ever seen a better looking table scape or lighting?

This gold head piece adds the final touch to her look.

Collaborators handles:

Planner: @brillianteventplanning 

Venue: @thegreenerynh⁠

Floral: @wilddahlia_

Lighting: @griffinandgriffinlighting⁠

Custom Lounge, Bar, escort display and ceremony: @form_creativeservices⁠

Paper: harkcreative.co

⁠Bridal stylist: @la_jolie_bride⁠

Beauty: @Makeovers_by_ligia⁠

Bridal boutique: @everthinebridal⁠

Rings: @hannahflorman⁠

Rentals: @borrowedblu and @peakeventservices⁠

Linens: @latavola and @peakeventservices⁠

Cake: @silverwhiskbakeshop⁠

Models: @asavagesincebirth and @deepfriedlettuce⁠

Dresses: @ruedeseinebridal and @annacampbellbridal⁠

Accessories: @saragabrieldesigns, @hushedcommotion, @a.b.ellie, @twigsandhoney, and @alexandrebirman

COVID-19

Life during the current pandemic has been tough for all of us, and as we are going through a transition to a somewhat of a normal life, I, like all vendors, must implement new procedures to keep myself and my clients safe.  My clients' needs are of utmost importance, and, together, we want to get back to "normal" in the healthiest and safest way possible.

While I'm excited to get back to work and doing what I love, I am also nervous because of the close proximity in which I work. Because of how closely I work with clients, many brides have asked me what precautions will I be taking to minimize the spread of the virus while I apply makeup.

If you, too, are wondering what changes will be made in my services to help protect myself and my clients, please see below.

The Curl Factor

Let's talk about African American Brides in Boston - their makeup and natural hair styles.

Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to work with some brides who decided to wear their natural coils on their wedding day. I love the idea of some fabulous makeup along with some popping curls!  It’s definitely a change in trend - which is always fun to see. Natural hair styles always make a great combination with soft natural makeup or with a bold lip color;  it just depends on the bride's personal style.

In recent trends, I am beginning to notice more brides who don’t want to wear processed hair on their wedding day.  Lately, brides are opting for hairstyles that embrace their natural curls because it makes them feel more like themselves, and that’s totally understandable - and inspiring!  Whether it’s a loose or tight curl, short or long hair, there are many ways to style, and of course they can complete the look with the accessory of their choice, (flowers, elegant cages, etc.)

I loved working with each bride below on their wedding day, and I just have to say that I absolutely loved the results of their entire look, from hair to makeup.  Each bride glowed in her own unique way.

Ally was my first wedding of 2020! She wore a soft makeup look with a red lip. You can see she decided to decorate her curls with a side accessory - I love the way it came out!

Photography: Rachel Rodgers Photography

Just look at Courtney! She chose an updo with a cage, which is always timeless.  She went with a soft and natural look for her makeup, and it was stunning.

Photography: Leah Haydock Photography

Annmarie wore a traditional updo with a soft makeup look. Gorgeous.

Photography: Binita Patel Photography

Samara's look was a classic afro, paired with a flower accessory and a bold lip - a perfect combo!

Photography: John Brewer Photography

This here was was a styled photo shoot.  We styled Samara's hair up with a romantic veil and soft natural makeup.

Photography: Fritzmean Photography

Why is it Important to Prepare before a Photography Session?

If you are investing in a professional photography session, there are many different factors you should spend time focusing on leading up to the days of your session. It's important to budget time and money on the expenses it takes to perfect your photo shoot, because having well groomed hair, eyebrows, and skin will make a huge difference in the way your photos look.

What are some key factors you should keep in mind before being photographed?

Whether you’re the person who loves being photographed, or the person who shies away from the camera, and whether it’s bridal or portrait photography, sometimes you just can't avoid having your picture taken. To help make these times a little easier, there are some important details you should keep in mind. 

Let me explain...

Recently I was having a conversation with a friend of mine, who happens to be a photographer in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area, and most of our conversation was about the importance of preparing before a photography session.

We came to the conclusion that some clients underestimate the importance of self grooming. There’s absolutely no doubt that the better prepared you are, the happier you will be with the outcome of your photos. 

Here are a couple things to think about:

*With HD photography, it’s possible to see every single detail; extra facial hair, etc.  For women: think about hair underneath the chin, mustache, peach fuzz, etc.  Even though makeup can help acne from appearing, sometimes skin issues can still prevail and be visible in photos, leaving the photographer to do additional modifications to the photos. 

*Put your best foot forward. It maximizes the possibility of looking your best.

*Makeup - having your makeup applied professionally. There are professional makeup artists for a reason - they know exactly how to apply makeup to maximize your attractive features. Invest in a professional - their whole job is to make you look and feel beautiful.

*Hair - your hair should be styled professionally - remember that your hair frames your face, which is the main focal point of yourself. Your hair should be neat, smooth, and out of your eyes, etc.

*Wardrobe - choose clothes that fit your body well, that you are comfortable posing in. Decide which color, style, and fit looks and feels best on you and matches the style of the photo shoot. It's important to keep in mind the look you are going for.

*Keep your eyebrows and extra hair professionally groomed (make sure your skin is clean/smooth/and free of extra unwanted hairs) - Make an appointment to be waxed, threaded, microbladed - whatever path you choose for your eyebrows - it's important to make sure they are clean and neat right before a photoshoot.

*Keep it smooth! Get rid of excess skin! (Think microdermabrasion, exfoliating scrubs, etc.) You want your skin to appear smooth and fresh in your photos. Remember that the makeup application process is easier and looks smoother on the skin when it is newly exfoliated. Your skin will appear brighter and you will glow in your photos!

*Drink water! h2o is your best friend! Proper hydration helps keep your skin looking fresh, young, clear, and most importantly moisturized. (Keeping up with your water intake is something you should do at all times, not just right before a photography session!)

*Manicures/Pedicures - nothing feels better than having fresh nails and toes, am I right?  It not only helps your hands and feet to look more appealing, but a clean and crisp set of fingernails and toenails are what other people notice as well.  Oftentimes, your hands or feet will be noticeable in your photos, so you want to make sure to invest in a manicure or pedicure before your session.  Make sure not to wait too long, because you don't want chipped nails to show!

*Get enough sleep the night before. You already know how great it feels to wake up feeling rested after a good 8 hours of sleep, right? And I'm sure you know how it feels to wake up after only a couple hours of sleep. The difference is huge, and it is visible too. You will both look and feel so much more alert, awake, and bright in your photos if you make sure to get to bed early the night before. No one wants to have dark under-eye circles in their pictures!

If you keep these little tips in mind, you can expect great results from your photography session. The time and money is well worth it!

Photography: Page Gordon ccpics.myportfolio.com

Timeless Beauty - An Autumn Wedding

I had the pleasure of working with this bridal party this past September at a gorgeous wedding at Misselwood at Endicott College. It was an outdoor wedding, located on the waterfront, on a perfect Fall day. With all of these elements together, the photos could not have turned out any better.

The bride looked stunning as she opted for an old Hollywood makeup look, how fun! This was a unique look as not too many brides choose the unconventional makeup look. It's always exciting to provide brides with a different look.

Although the bride herself looked beautiful, I couldn’t help it but notice how radiant the bride’s mother looked.  Something about her look just gleamed elegance. Shortly after the wedding, the bride's mother sent me a photo of herself, reflecting on how much she loved her look that day. Receiving messages like this makes me so happy, because as a makeup artist and woman, I’m always happy when I can lift another woman's spirit by transforming them and enhancing their natural beauty.  In Judy’s own words, “makeup on point!”

What a special day this was!

A Massachusetts North Shore Wedding in August

This lovely bride, Stania, got married in August in Beverly, MA. She opted for a simple, yet beautiful wedding on a warm summer day.

As you've read in my previous posts, it's important to have your wedding makeup professionally applied, especially if you plan to get married in the summer. Professional makeup artists will ensure they provide you with the look you want, protecting your look from fading, dripping, or melting from sweat or tears. This is also why it's a good idea to plan a makeup consultation before you big day, so you and your artist can discuss the type of makeup that will best suit your skin and stay on all day and night, no matter the weather or temperature.

As you can see by the fun Stania and her bridesmaids were having, their makeup wasn't something they had to worry about - it lasted throughout the duration of the wedding, and they all looked stunning!

Photo Credit: Fritzmean Photography

Boston Bridal Makeup : White Friday Wedding

Meet Courtney, the fabulous bride who traveled from California to get married in Boston in November 29, 2019 - a perfect Autumn day.

Courtney got ready at a hotel in Cambridge, and got married at city hall following a very small and intimate ceremony.  This was an unusual wedding for me, as it took place on black Friday - so it was fun experiencing something new!

It's always a pleasure when you just click with the bride you're working with, it makes for such a good vibe on the special day - Courtney and I had really good chemistry, and everything ran smoothly for her.  She looked stunning in person, but in pictures, she looked even better. Leah of Leah Haydock Photography did a fantastic job at capturing this wedding.

Courtney was a low key type of girl who, like most brides in Massachusetts, wanted to a soft look with a bit of spunk.  I don’t often come across brides who wear cages, but Courtney certainly rocked this look! It added her a unique and special touch to her ensemble, and when the cage was lifted to reveal her eyes, it was breathtaking.

Here, have a look for yourself!

What do you think of Courtney's look?  I just love the fur coat, drop earrings, white dress, and cage combination!