BlushPretty: Make-up Artistry Weblog

a helping hand

I had a lovely trial run with a couple of brides-to-be today.

Not only was it an absolute pleasure to meet these brides today, but it was also really, really, fun. I spent time with them figuring what would work best with their wedding day style, suggesting what they could do while they were in town (they are from NYC) and just getting to know them. They were the friendliest and kindest ladies I could ever wish to meet.  And in fact all of my brides, past and present, are friendly. In the end, my team and I are honoured that they chose us! It also reminds me of the real reason I jumped ship from the cold, concrete, corporate world and started my own small business.

That reason would be: helping people on a truly personal level.

I love being helpful. I love solving problems. I love making things easier for people. I love knowing that every little thing I can do for a bride and her bridal party on the day of her wedding and in the months leading up to it is making their dream wedding come to fruition. I like being there.

If you happen to be a bride already booked with BlushPretty (whether it is me or one of my amazing team members!), or if you are considering booking with BlushPretty, always know that we are here to help. We can answer your beauty questions. We can recommend a great hair stylist, a spa to get a facial, a nail salon to get the perfect french manicure. We can give you some ideas about where to find a great hair piece and websites to surf to find inspiration.

If you're already booked with us, you know this is true. I send "check-in" emails; I answer your emails and questions promptly; I've confirmed, repeated and confirmed again that my team and I are flexible when it comes to timing, the size of your bridal party, or a change in locations! Whatever makes it easier for you ...

I guess what I am trying to say is that we are really looking forward to our 2010 and 2011 wedding season!

Thanks for choosing BlushPretty!

-bp-

my hair just grows really fast ... seriously

Ever wonder how Betty Bride's hair goes from Betty Boop short to Bettie Page long by the time her wedding rolls around?

Probably not, because every knows about extensions. :P

Still, some brides are a tiny bit hesitant about growing their hair overnight. Many think that "extensions" involve sewing or gluing hair in, which in all fairness sounds time-consuming, cumbersome, and painful. They also are acutely aware about extensions not being their real hair and don't want to be fake.

But there is nothing wrong about bringing in a little "fake" on your wedding day. Extensions are a "good" lie.

The easiest way to get long hair overnight, without the pain, are CLIP IN extensions.  No, not one of those hair claws that has long curly hair attached to it (gosh, no), but something along the lines of Jessica Simpson's HairDo line or Racquel Welch's signature line (or any non-celebrity endorsed brand that does the same thing).

Something like the HairDo line, which are made of synthetic hair, have pieces that are already curled and styled making it super easy and super fast to get your wedding day hair. You or your artist can style your real hair around the extensions to match.

wedding ring magazine + a blushpretty bride

Another one of my beautiful brides has been featured in a wedding magazine!

I recently had the chance to meet the talented Irina Fortey of Irina Photography for my photoshoot for Crave Toronto. I knew from the moment she walked into the studio that I had worked with Irina on a wedding - but I just couldn't place her, the wedding, or the bride (often times, if I am not booked for the whole day, I'm leaving as the photographer is arriving - not much time to really get to know each other!).

But ... after several times of me blurting out "I know we've worked with the same bride ... I know it" ... we started throwing names and dates at each other ... it was Lesley from August 2010. (Don't you love the satisfaction you feel when you figure something out!)

And then Irina hit me with the good good:

Lesley's wedding was featured in The Wedding Ring, a Canadian based wedding magazine. 

Irina had submitted the photos to the mag and with Lesley and Vince's wedding being super chic - OF COURSE it would makes it way into the magazine for a full spread! On page 12 - to be exact.

I remember how chill and relaxed Lesley was; during both her trial (when she had her engagement photos) and on her big day. She was a pleasant and easy-going bride - not to mention beautiful and talented (she made her bouquet and her bridesmaid's bouquets).

I adored the hairstyle Lesley picked for her big day.  It was a classic updo, smooth and sleek on the sides and top with a big beautiful round bun in the back.  And when I say big - I mean big.  She dressed it up with a pretty headband and veil.  She was definitely a princess bride!

I wish Lesley and Vince all the best.  How lucky are they to have their wedding remembered for years to come in a magazine?  I also want to thank Irina for submitting the photos and for letting me know about the feature.

I wonder which one of my brides will become magazine celebrities in 2010?

-bp-

it's my party and I'll cry if i want to

You've got your checklist checked off.

From your gown to your seating arrangement to who's going to pick up grandma from the airport. Check, check and check. You've read all the reviews on your vendors, filed your contracts and receipts in proper order and you are all set.

Sounds about right ... right?

And then Betty Bridesmaid calls and says: "What about hair and makeup for me and the girls? I know you booked with the best hair and makeup person in the world for all of us - but that's just a little too pricey for me, she and her. We've already spent x, y, and z.  We're on a budget!

(fair enough - everyone is on a budget)

This is not uncommon. Trust me. I've worked with many a bride who have gone back and forth and forth and back about which girl is getting what done; about the cost; about reducing rates; about maybe getting a more affordable stylist for them, but the best hair and makeup and hair person in the world for her.

Definitely not uncommon.  And frustrating, I bet. It's your party and you will spend what you damn well please ... errrrr ... but maybe you should consider that Betty Bridesmaid still has a whopping student loan to pay.

In the end, you wear the white gown and you make the final call.  But if you are trying to make it easy (and affordable) for all involved then here are some tips on keeping the attitudes of your bridal party just as pretty as their makeup and hair:

beauty + the bride

Brides want everything to be perfect; that's a no-brainer!

I wanted to write up a little teaser about a couple of thingamajiggies I am in the processing of lining up for brides (current and future) in the GTA (and surrounding area or if you happen to be visiting the city at all the right times) that can help them get aisle-walking, white dress wearing, gorgeously glowing, picture perfect.

Here's a sneak peek:

Seaflora: I'm teaming up with my girl Raman and Seaflora in mid-March for a mini-spa experience. Learn the benefits of Seaflora's skincare line while getting your hands and feet pampered. (I should mention that this event is free).

RMS Beauty: Let's play! In early April come hang out with me for some beauty demos and quick makeup apps (no not for your iPhone) using range of colours from RMS Beauty. See what the 411 is on the living luminizer and the lip2cheek products - a bridal must-have! (And this is event is free too!)

Vida Skin Studio: I'm collaborating (once again) with Raman of Vida Skin Studio to get your complexion in tip top shape before the wedding. Let's just say skin treatments are involved plus FULL SIZE products (notice the plural) for DIY at home maintenance. Your skin will never look better.

The Blush Boutique Bridal Sale: Ready to start thinking about thank you gifts for your bridal party? Expect to hear more about a big sale at The Blush Boutique on bridal sets and goodies that you'll want to keep instead of gift. If you want to hear more about any of these events or The Blush Boutique sale, please email me at beautymail@blushpretty.com.

- bp -