Why hire a professional make-up artist for you wedding?

My Top 5 Reasons

1. Style: With all the attention focused on the dress, it's easy to forget that your greatest accessory is your hair and makeup. DO NOT step into your fabulous dress while sporting your everyday, going to the office look. This is your day! A professional artist can create a look as unique as you are. During the preview session you will discuss the style of your dress, the atmosphere of your location and the overall ambiance of your day. You can combine your ideas with the artist's professional eye to achieve an unforgettable look!

2. Camera Ready: Not only should a bride be breathtaking on her walk down the isle but she should look just as glamorous in the all important pictures. A professional artist will have the experience of working with lighting and the meticulous eye of the camera. They will avoid the "makeup mask" look by using the best products to match your skin perfectly. The end result will be flawless at any angle!

3. An Unbiased Eye: Your uber stylish friend may be great at her own makeup but it doesn't mean she can master yours. A professional makeup artist works on all types of faces, all the time. They will be able to enhance your best features while avoiding the made-up or overdone look. The most important thing is to still look and feel like yourself!

4. Serenity: Whether you like it or not, the hours leading up to your wedding are chaotic! Relatives will stop by your room to visit, last minute decision will need to be made and before you know it you are running short on time to get yourself ready. Hiring a professional will put you at ease by having a set beauty schedule, a specific look already determined and allowing your session to be in private if you are needing some peaceful alone time. Believe me, you will appreciate it!

5. Referee: Do you have a bridesmaid that has a serious obsession with blue eyeshadow and clumpy mascara? Or how about the Plain Jane that doesn't wear a stitch of makeup? A professional can work as the middle man and can relieve the bride from any uncomfortable interventions. Having your makeup artist beautify your girls as well can relieve your worries and give everyone a cohesive look. It also works as a great gift to your ladies!

If you do just one thing this month...

Get yourself on a skin care regimen and stick with it!It is always exciting getting the new latest and greatest skin care products. We instantly take them home and right out of the packaging. We find the perfect spot for them in the medicine cabinet and can hardly wait to wash our face that evening. The problem is, this enthusiasm usually only last for about a week or so. If we don't see instant results it's easy to slack off. The next thing you know you are going to bed with a face full of makeup. Yikes!Great skin takes work! Like with exercise and a healthy diet, consistency is the key to lasting results. Here are a few of my tricks to help stay on track!

1. Set a time to wash your face each evening.The closer it comes to bed time, the lazier we become and are less likely to give my skin the proper care it needs. If you are staying in for the night, wash your face right after dinner, before you settle in on the couch and dive into your Tivo. If you had a night out on the town, start your skin care routine right as you get home and change into your pajamas. When your heels come off, so should the makeup!

2. Put all your skin care products in one place.If the cleanser is in the shower, the toner is in a basket and the lotion is still in your travel bag, it makes the whole routine unappealing. I like to have one drawer designated only for my skin care products. This keeps everything neat and easy to find. Once you use it, place it back in to same spot.Another option is to get a pretty tray for your bathroom counter and place all your products in it. Having everything out and right in front of you makes it easy to grab and to. Also, displaying your products in a way that is esthetically pleasing can bring a sense of pride and motivation to use them.

3. Use quality towels.There is nothing better than patting your face dry with a soft, plush towel. It gives the feel of luxurious spa right in your own home. It’s the simple things that can be quite enjoyable.A fun trick to create a spa experience is to warm your towel. First, wet the towel and ring to remove the excess water. Place it in your microwave for 15-30 seconds. When the towel is at a comfortable temperature, lay down, place the towel across your face and just relax. This is especially great when removing a mask.

4. Keep a skin care journal.This is not only a great way to track your skin’s progress but can also keep you accountable to your routine. It can help remind you when you need to exfoliate, use a mask and get yourself back to your esthetician for maintenance. You will discover a lot about your habits, both good and bad!

An Afternoon with Joan Allen

Recently I had the pleasure of sitting down with the AMAZING photographer Joan Allen. We chatted it up on just about everything including our mutual love for weddings and the joy and inspiration they bring us. As you can see from her stunning work, Joan has a unique gift of bringing life and emotion to every shot. Great job Joan! You have true talent!

Check out more at http://www.joanallenweddings.com/