Wedding Wednesday: Artist Kit Essentials

As a freelance makeup artist, I do bridal work more than anything else. For that reason, my kit and the products inside are more geared toward just that.

While this list is not finite or the end all be all, they are just some of the things I can't live without when doing bridal work.

Wedding Wednesday: The Haughtons

This past April I had the pleasure of working with one of my favorite brides who is also a very dear friend to me. I know when you think of weddings you normally only think about the bride, but this couple is amazing, individually and collectively, so I can't mention one without the other. Kiara and Malik are amazing people, amazing friends, and amazing partners to one another.

Last week I learned that their April wedding at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. was featured on ESSENCE in the Bridal Bliss stories. It so beautifully captures some of the best moments from the day.

It's not very often that I get to paint a face and attend the wedding. This by far was one of the most amazing weddings I have ever attended and the love could truly be felt.

Here are some of my favorite photos from their amazing day.

PhotoArt by Lu

To see the full story and get the scoop on their love story click here.

Wedding Wednesday: 2011 Wedding Color Trends

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Here are the top wedding color choices as noted by Your Wedding Company.

Turquoise

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Coral

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Black & White

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Yellow

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Fuschia

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Deep Red

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Chartruese

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Slate Grey

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Purple

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Latte

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Wedding Wednesday: Choosing Your Color Scheme

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The colors you choose for that day set the style and tone for the entire event. You can use color in your bridesmaid's dresses, decorations, cake, favors, flowers, accessories, table linens and even invitations. Choose colors you love but also consider the following:

1. Where is the wedding reception? Choose colors that complement the setting. Consider the carpeting, drapery, decor, etc.
2. What mood do you want to create? Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more romantic atmosphere.
3. What time of year will you get married? The seasons can influence your color choices. Spring and Summer weddings tend to have lighter colors, while Fall and Winter colors tend to be darker.

Although much has been written on how colors can affect moods, colors mean different things in different cultures, so avoid focusing on them too much. The following tools can help you choose a coordinated color scheme.

For more tips read here.

Wedding Wednesday: Makeup Tips via Bobbi Brown (Lips and Cheeks)

makeup artist Bobbi Brown

More bridal makeup tips from celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown, the queen of clean. Here are tips for bridal makeup on cheeks and lips.

Wedding Wednesday: Makeup Tips via Bobbi Brown

makeup artist Bobbi Brown

Here are some makeup tips to keep in mind for your big day from celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown. Bobbi Brown is the queen of clean when it comes to makeup and believes that you should just be an even more beautiful version of your authentic self on your big day.

Here are some face tips to keep in mind.

1. Flash photography emphasizes pink tones, so be sure to even out skin with a yellow-tone foundation.
2. Set foundation and concealer with a sheer finish loose powder to make them longer-lasting and to ensure skin looks matte in pictures.
3. If your gown has an open neckline, be sure to warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of bronzing powder.

Hope these tips were helpful!

Wedding Wednesday: Brides Across America

Brides Across America was born on a realization that our country needs to do more to support our troops and their families. Bringing bridal and military together is a marriage made in heaven! Bridal salons are uniting across America to donate and giving away wedding gowns to qualified military brides.


The wedding industry is making a difference and giving brides to be the opportunity to find the wedding gown of their dreams as well as alleviating financial stress of purchasing a wedding gown.

Each store will be preparing a select number of gown to give away. Most of the gowns are samples and overstocks and are worth approximately $500 to $3000. Dresses range in sizes from 4-22 and will be given away on a first-come, first serve basis as long as you qualify.

Brides Across America is dedicated to make military brides dreams come true while, anxiously waiting the arrival of thier loved one from overseas. For locations and dates click here.

Wedding Wednesday: Jenny Yoo Trunk Show (Love Couture Bridal)

Wedding Wednesday: Most Popular Cake Flavors

According to an article in New York Magazine the top ten most popular cake flavors are:



1.Chocolate devil’s food cake and vanilla buttercream

2.Chocolate devil’s food cake, vanilla buttercream, and raspberries

3.Yellow butter cake and chocolate buttercream and/or chocolate ganache

4.Lemon cake, lemon curd, and vanilla buttercream

5.Chocolate devil’s food cake, chocolate ganache, and praline buttercream

6.White cake, lemon buttercream, and raspberries

7.Hazelnut-almond cake, chocolate ganache, and raspberries

8.Coconut cake and lime buttercream

9.Banana cake and chocolate buttercream

10.Chocolate-almond cake, chocolate ganache, and mocha buttercream

Wedding Wednesday: Unique Table Setting Idea

At first thought you wouldn't think that there is a classy or elegant way to incorporate shot glasses into the decor of your wedding. I came across this photo and thought this would be an amazing yet sophisticated way to not only incorporate shot glasses, but flowers and even a parting gift for your guest. 

How many times have you attended a wedding and received a parting gift that you would never use ever again? I think if I received a beautiful shot glass its something that I would forever remember and most definitely use.

You can find ornate shot glasses, get them personalized with the date of your wedding or even do a DIY with your bridesmaids. Place them on the table around a larger centerpiece, or put one at each place setting. Insert a beautiful rose (or flower of your choice) and you're done!

Would you use this idea for your own wedding? Have you seen it done before? Share your thoughts or experience. Let me know!

*peace love & couture*

Couture Lounge Bridal

At the request of one of my readers I will be adding a bridal section to the blog. I am obsessed with all things bridal, but thought I wouldn't be a good person to blog about it seeing as though I have never been married. But then again, so what. You asked and I'm going to do it. Now I can live my bridal dreams out through my blog.

I will post makeup pictures and tips, bridal gowns, shoes, design tips, bridesmaid dresses, you name it I'm going to blog it. I hope you all enjoy! Jamesa this one is for you! *wink*

For my first official bridal post I ask the question: Would you do your own makeup on your wedding day? Why or why not?

*peace love & couture*



Bridal Makeup Tips via Suresh Beauty

Suresh

I know so many women that are getting married within the next year and make up for that big day is very important. I came across some things to keep in mind while looking at Suresh Beauty's website and thought I would share with many bride to bes.

"Your make up has to withstand long hours of wear and tear, sweat, tears and possibly rain. Application is vital to a truly beautiful look." I highly suggest makeup trials. Make sure the makeup lasts for hours. Take pictures inside as well as outside to see how your face shows in pictures.




Here are some tips Suresh has to offer:

Face
-clean flawless skin is key
-focus on concealing dark spots and smoothing out uneven areas

Eyes
-shades of cream, gold, cocoa and bronze bring out the best in all eye colors
-delicate false lashes help create the look of refreshed eyes and rejuvenated skin

Cheeks
-add extra blush to make up for all the hugs and kisses
-shades of mauve and rose are universally flattering

Lips
-forego rich color for a light breezy gloss or sheer lipstick
-staying true to natural lip color is always best.


I hope these tips are helpful as you keep make up in mind for your big day. For more make up tips and tricks follow @SureshBeauty on twitter!

*peace love & couture*

Bridal News: Vera Wang for David's Bridal

Attention to all my budget conscious but couture at heart brides! Vera Wang now has a line for David's Bridal! *Jumps for joy* I'm surprised that it has taken this long. She's given brides everything else they need for the day from fragrances, shoes and accessories. Now you can complete your bridal ensemble with the most important part, the gown!

The dresses are finally up on the David’s Bridal website, after being announced last year in April. Beginning February 11, the dresses will be available for special order at all David’s boutiques, though initially only a select 150 stores will have the gowns on hand to try on. Call your local store to see if they will be carrying the gowns on hand to try.

At first glance the gowns look absolutely amazing and gorgeous. However I didn't expect anything else from a Vera Wang line. The crazy thing is I told myself in high school that I didn't care what man was going to be standing next to me when I finally decide to get married, and I didn't care about anything other aspect of the wedding (although we know that's a lie) but I wanted a Vera Wang gown. This makes my dream just a little bit more real and obtainable.

The dresses cost between $600 and $1400, and will be offered in sizes 0-14. Starting midyear, bridesmaid dresses and shoes will be introduced, and certain styles will become available in up to size 26. Lace, tulle, organza and chiffon are among the fabrics of choice; colors include soft white, ivory, champagne and blush.

*peace love & couture*

Tutorial Tuesday: DIY Bridal Look

A friend of mine just got engaged over the holidays so we're all excited to plan her nuptials! I've got make up (as always) and weddings on the brain. I know not every bride may have it in her budget to afford an artist on that special day or just may not trust anyone else to touch her face.

For those who want to do their own make up I think this tutorial is a wonderful look for a wedding day. Youtuber lilpumpkinpie05 came up with this "DIY Bridal Tutorial"

*Peace Love & Couture*

Here Comes The Nordstrom Bride!



photo source: Chicago Tribune

 Finally, after 109 years of business, the famed retailer Nordstrom will finally open an instore bridal boutique. Next Wednesday, December first, the introductory bridal boutique will open on the 3rd floor of the North Michigan Avenue store. Until now  you could get your engagement gifts, rings, bridesmaids dresses, all the clothes for your honeymoon, the perfect wedding shoe, but what about the dress? Now all that has changed. You can read the full article here.

BRIDE WARS IN THEATERS THIS FRIDAY

I can't wait until this Friday so I can finally see Bride Wars. For whatever reason (maybe the fact that everyone on earth is getting married these days) I have been obsessing over weddings. Dresses, venues, photographers, hair and make up. Anything that you can imagine is a part of the day...I'm thinking about it. And I don't even have a man!!!! Thank God my best friend is getting married in June and I can help her plan her big day to the love of her life.

I think the concept of the movie is absolutely hilarious...yet serious at the same time. My best friend and I were approached not too long ago with the idea of getting married on the same day (by a silly man of course). To their surprise we freaked out and let out a few explitives saying that it would be a cold day in hell before we got married on the same day. Honestly we can't even get married in the same year. I need her while I'm planning and she's going to need me. Its a time to be selfish and share the spotlight with your honey...

As far as the movie is concerned, I'm expecting wonderful fashion, great make up, and great hair. And of course I'm expecting a montage of the main characters trying on wedding gowns. Now if that won't be an inspiration to summer brides as well as a boost for the bridal industry (as if it needed one).