February 8th, 2010
Allure Magazine has chronicled the Chanel Spring 2010 runway show. The slideshow was great inspiration for some soft bridal updos that take the hair accessory trend to the next level. Instead of white veils and flowers, these looks show you how to incorporate hair jewelry and hair pins into your bridal look. For a bride wanting to choose something a bit more original or vintage, I love these Chanel updos.

From Chanel Runway 2010
This first looks is a nice take on the shabby chic wedding look. I like the flowers in the hair, but it’s a bit messy and soft, which flows with the country theme.

Chanel Runway Look
This next look falls into the “hair jewelry” trend that I like. The barrettes or clips are more jewel encrusted and vintage looking. This could work for an elegant affair or a casual affair, depending on how formal the hairstyle is.

Chanel Runway Hair and Makeup
This final look is a favorite. I love how the barrette extends forward so it can be seen from the front. It’s a great statement piece.

February 8th, 2010
With the Tim Burton version of Alice in Wonderland release fast approaching. The attention on Alice in Wonderland has sparked my interest in Alice wedding themes. The tea party, the pastel and fruity colors and the dream-filled story work perfectly for a wedding.

Paul and Joe Alice In Wonderland Makeup
Furthermore, in the world of beauty, which I never ignore, there are some AMAZING new makeup collections. Thanks to the Primping Parleur for pointing out the new Paul and Joe Beaute Spring Collection. Paul and Joe Cosmetics have the whimsical feel to them that I adore. Their lip glosses are adorable, their lipsticks and other products come in beautiful packaging. Hmm… do I sense a great bridesmaid gift package?

Whimsical Reception

Great Red, Pink and Blue Combination
I think a really simple way to incorporate a whimsical Alice in Wonderland feel to your beauty routine, for your wedding or otherwise is to pair lavender plus coral. The feeling of Alice in Wonderland is sort of bold, but girly, so pairing a purple with a coral can give you that contrast while still maintaining the feminine.
I recommend for the eyes: A light lavender shadow. Line very lightly with a black liner, and add mascara.
Then for the lips and cheeks choose a peach or a coral.
Voila, you’re like a pretty Alice ready for the tea party

lavender eyes, coral lips and cheeks
February 5th, 2010
On Wednesday night, left my office job, to head to downtown Minneapolis. With makeup case in hand and curling irons in tow, I headed to the amazing Photogen Inc. studios. There I was the makeup/hair stylist for the Rockstar Boudoir event. A night of boudoir photo sessions for 7 + HOT ladies.
I loved this event. Not only were all of the ladies gorgeous with bangin’ bodies, but they were all fun. The whole attitude of the evening was of empowerment, and taking photos just because you’re a girl and you can. Many of the ladies will give their hot photos to their boyfriends/husbands. A few ladies just wanted to chronicle themselves looking great. I’m all for getting portraits done, it makes you remember all the beautiful things about yourself. Having the wonderful Eliesa of Photogen Inc. on the other side of the camera, doesn’t hurt, as she is one of Minneapolis’s most accomplished photographers.
I highly recommend boudoir photos whether you’re engaged, married, single or whatever. Just flaunt what you got
A shot from last year’s event :

October 17th, 2009
Engagement photos are fun and exciting, but I always find myself a little sad, because it’s not the actual wedding, and man I just love weddings. But sometimes an engagement session has so much character on its own that it makes you happy right then and there. This engagement shoot from Millie Holloman is just so sweet and authentic. There are shots in the garage around oil cans, tools and manly stuff, and a classic car. New favorite engagement shoot!



October 16th, 2009
Fall bouquets are characterized by deep colors and pastels in the green family. You can see olives, mustards and pale greens. You can also see deep magenta, purple and brown. I love these silk bouquets below because they give you a sense of what some fall bouqets would look like. there’s a lot of roses involved as well as baby’s breath and hydrangeas.
October 16th, 2009
When I first laid eyes on this wedding beauty shot, I was in shock at how beautiful it is. The upturned eyeliner and shading around the corner of the eyes is so exotic and beguiling. It pulled me in right away. So as a groom or a wedding guest I can only imagine how stunning this eye makeup look could be. Granted it’s bold, and not meant for everyone, but if you’re willing to take a chance and walk down the aisle with a confident and bold makeup look – this is THE look you should choose.
What you see here with the makeup.
- Deep outer corner shading of the eyes, with a pointed and upturned shape.
- Likely a matte brown used for the deep shading.
- Possible false lashes.
- Defined and arched brows.
- A very subdued lip with gloss.


Here is the look in color. Very polished yet it pushes the envelope. Love that! For products to use I would choose Lancome’s Color Design cream bronzer, Bobbi Brown’s Gel Eyeliner in Black ink and any matte brown shadow (with an ash tint) for the contouring. Also, try some false lashes!

Photo from the incredible photographer Lilia www.Lilia.com and makeup artistry of Bara Krejcikova
October 14th, 2009
Hello everyone, I’m a blogging machine today, but there’s just such beautiful details out their to be seen! Check out this new color palette that I’m dying over. It’s fresh and new and something I haven’t seen this whole season. Plum plus teal. I love the richness of the deep plum and blood red roses. They contrast beautifully with the teal of the walls and the bouquet. The color teal scares people off because of its sometimes 80’s connotation – which I definitely relate to. But if you pair teal and turquoise with a rich color like deep purple and red, it becomes a whole new color. These images are from the blog of Samantha Meyer, a wonderful Fargo North Dakota photographer.


October 14th, 2009
Candid, photo-journalistic, stylistic, fashion forward, traditional? There are so many photography styles, and for your wedding, you want to know which one best suits you. Nothing could be more disappointing that disliking your wedding day photos. You can’t go back and recapture the day with the angles and tone you want. So do your homework and choose a photographer that mirrors your personal style. I found this killer quiz online from Studio Blue, about how to find your wedding day photography style. Try it out, it might give you some direction as to what you really want to see in your wedding day photo album.

Find Your Photography Style

October 7th, 2009
What a great idea – a pre wedding photo shoot! Many brides are shrugging off the tradition of avoiding the groom until the moment she walks down the aisle. Instead brides are having a “first meeting” with the groom, earlier in the wedding day when photos are captured. This is a practical choice, but it can also be a way to get some great photos of intimate moments.
so why not have a full day pre wedding shoot! The couple below chose to have a shoot just for themselves and look how beautiful the photos turned out! Plus I’m guessing their wedding day was less stressful because they had more time to enjoy the day, rather than focusing on couples photos.
Photos: Courtney Brooke
Blog: Grey Likes Weddings






Technorati Tags: pre wedding photos
October 7th, 2009
I recently attended a wedding, and the reception was held at the couple’s favorite restaurant. Often couples feel like they have to choose a wedding venue. But just because a venue is not traditionally utilized for a wedding doesn’t mean that it can’t be perfect and affordable for your wedding reception. Choosing a restaurant for your reception can be more affordable than choosing a hall, banquet room, mansion or event center. Also – your catering bill will likely be lighter since there is already a staff and food supply built in.
Other benefits:
- Less decoration necessary, as a restaurant has a unique feel already
- More menu items to choose from because of in house food supply
- Access to a pation – if the restaurant has one
- No need for wedding cake – just choose from the restaurant desert menu
