Big Barn Wedding

Last night I photographed a wedding that I cannot even put into words!  With the help of Andrea from Cloud Nine Events, Katherine Lee and Donnie had an amazing fairytale barn wedding (horse and all).  Since there are so many pictures that I need to go through before I debut this amazing wedding, I will give you a couple of teasers until then.  Check back Tuesday as I hope to have more up on the blog!

Getting ready for an exciting wedding…

This Saturday I have the honor of photographing a very exciting wedding!  I cannot wait to see all of the extra little details!  Below are some pictures from the bride and groom’s engagement session.  Look for a post on their wedding around Sunday.

The Smart Bride Blog’s Beauty Expert

ALL ABOUT THE BRUSHES

When it comes to applying make up like a professional, using the right tools can make all the difference.  Don’t cheat yourself out of a makeup brush: the correct brush puts makeup on the right way. When you use makeup brushes, you take your look to the next level: a high quality professional makeup brush makes a difference in the way your makeup goes on and stays on.  High-quality brushes can help you achieve a smooth, even look.  It’s a difference you can see!

Here are a few make up artist tips and techniques you can use every day using some of the basic brushes.

A Powder Brush is a full, fluffy brush designed to evenly distribute powder to the face. Sweep brush across pressed powder or dip into loose powder; tap gently to remove excess and apply to the face from forehead to chin using long, light strokes.

A Cheek Brush is used to accentuate bone structure or add a healthy blush to cheeks. Use the tip of this soft, angled brush to apply color to the apples of the cheeks and stroke upward along cheekbones, stopping just below the temples, then blend. This brush is also a great tool to use for applying bronzer. Apply across the bridge of your nose, temples, cheekbones and shoulders for a gorgeous, healthy looking glow.

An Eye Definer Brush has bristles that are tapered and rounded at the end to shape and define eyes and blend color evenly. Sweep color softly across the eyelid and then lightly above the crease for a natural, yet polished look.

An Eye Crease Brush has long, thin, pointed bristles and is used with midtone and darker shades of eye color to add depth to eyes. Begin by placing the brush at the outer corner of the eye and then sweep inward following the natural crease. This brush can also be used to create a smoky eye look. Using the brush tip, sweep softly along lower lashes from the outer corner inward.

An Eyeliner Brush is used to line eyes and enhance sparse brows with eye color. This flat, angled, short-bristle brush makes it easy to apply a thin line of color along top and bottom lashes. It’s also a great tool to use for blending your eyebrow pencil.

Use an Eyebrow Brush to brush brows in the opposite direction from which they grow to remove any excess foundation. Gently brush back, following their natural shape and direction, as a finishing touch to your makeup application.

A Mineral Powder Brush actually has specialty brushes that evenly distribute the natural minerals.

NOTE:   Brushes are a great investment!  Be sure to protect your investment by taking the time to care for them.  Brushes over time can harbor lots of dirt and bacteria, but frequent washing of your makeup brushes can keep them – and your face – clean and healthy.  Additionally a weekly cleaning extends the life of your brushes.

2010 Wedding Trends

What’s hot for 2010?

Wedding trends come and go and here is what is hot for 2010!

1.     Colors

Bold and Bright!  2010 is the year to bring out the color!  Bold has risen above the white and pastels even for spring and summer weddings.  Bold colors for every season are in for 2010.  Lavender has given way to deep plums and bright purples.  No matter what the season, don’t be afraid to go bold!

2.     Back to the Basics

We could say that part of this trend is due to the economy, but the fact is, it’s no less expensive to hold your wedding at a private home than it is to rent a reception location.  What you do get from a private residence or facility like home, is the romantic and comfortable feel of home for not only you but your guests as well.  Couples are finding it important to remember their guests during their wedding and they want them to feel comfortable, welcome and relaxed.  Over the top is out and the personalization and warmth felt by the guests is in!

3.     Buttercream makes a comeback

Fondant is quickly becoming an old fad.  Buttercream is becoming the favorite.  With a higher quality of buttercream, variation of flavor, and the increased option of “organic”, it has quickly passed fondant.  A less expensive alternative to fondant and a more pleasing taste makes it 2010’s choice.  With the new support systems and great pastry chefs, the integrity and look doesn’t have to be overlooked by using buttercream.

4.     Favors

A special thank you as an appreciation for your guests attendance is even more important in our economic times.  But not just any favor!  Unique and personal favors are in.  Favors that feature local favor, art or pictures are a great way to thank your guests and let them know you appreciate their love and support.

5.     Going Green

Going green and showing your support to our planet is an ever growing trend.  Couples and guests alike enjoy the feeling of incorporating “green” into the wedding.  Not just with favors, but with food, decor and natural flowers as well.

6.     Flowers

Real flowers are still the trend in today’s wedding.  The look, the feel, the fragance just can’t be beat!  But more importantly the trend for 2010 is natural landscaping.  Centerpieces and decor are structured to appear as if they include more natural elements and have a landscaping feel.

7.     HD Video

Technology continues to grow and with the popularity of HD TV, it only makes sense to purchase your wedding video in HD.  If you haven’t upgraded to HD yet, talk to your videographer and make arrangements to shoot in HD anyway.  Have them include not only the HD Blu Ray for when you do upgrade, but also a standard DVD for you to view now.

8.  Gowns

Gowns are flowing and light in 2010.  Off the shoulder is replacing the strapless dress to add another dimension to 2010 dresses.

9.   Veils

Veils are back in 2010.  Smaller veils are with the most popular leaning towards the birdcage.

10.  Dances that WOW!

With the popularity of Ballroom Dancing brought to us by “Dancing with the Stars”  it is becoming increasingly popular for couples to have a very special dance that will wow their guests.  But it doesn’t have to stop with the bride and groom, get your bridal party involved and really give your guests something to remember.

No matter what you decide in your wedding, remember one thing, it’s your wedding.  Fill your wedding day with memories that will last a lifetime and don’t forget to make your guests apart of those memories.

Andrea/Cloud Nine Events

More examples from the “what to wear” list

Here are more examples for the boys to make their engagement pictures a little more fun and interesting….
* Do wear a collared shirt
* Do bring a fun hat