Kori's Wedding!

Photo courtesy Michael James Photography

Who: Kori

What: Kori's Wedding Makeup

Where: Castle House and Garden, Bonny Doon, CA

When: Saturday, June 22

I'm so in awe of life's twists and turns and can truly say that I've had the privilege to go through some of those ups and downs with my friend Kori. Kori and I met while teaching in an extremely challenging school. Not only were test scores, district pressures, and student management daily battles, there were also the deeper issues of caring for our kids who so needed it, building positive relationships with them, and helping them to know they were in a safe classroom where they could learn and grow, regardless of what circumstances they were dealing with in their home lives. Did we care about our kids? Absolutely! Was it always easy? Absolutely not.

Our classrooms were right next door to each other, so there were many times of leaning on one another, VENTING, talking and trying to figure difficult situations or students out, collaborating, and just being there when the other was feeling super drained. When you go through such challenging situations with someone, you really see their true character and perseverance come out. You get a glimpse of who they are. Boy am I glad Kori was next door to me for those couple of years! As difficult as those years were, I met a lifelong friend. Someone I trust and know I can depend on if the going gets tough. I now it sounds so cheesy right?  Cheesy... but true!

I couldn't be more happy for Kori as we were able to be a part of her special day. What a genuinely awesome and exciting moment in Kori and Ian's life. Margaret and I were able to help Kori prepare for her wedding day. I cherished this past Saturday, especially during those moments right before the wedding since Margaret had also been at the same school and was a part of our team that final year we were all there. Everyone was busy happy in anticipation for the big day, but I kept on having these flashbacks to the most difficult days we spent together... and I couldn't help but smile thinking about where life had taken us.

Ian you must be a seriously good dude to have caught Kori's attention :) Onto the photos!

Before and After (Just putting on the final touches)

The Makeup Process

Browns filled in,  applying eyelid color, lining false lashes

Eyes closed, eyes open

Attaching real lashes to false lashes with mascara

Smile! Cream blush first, then set with powder blush

Photo courtesy Michael James Photography

Staining lips with a lipliner 

Hair by Margaret

Margaret did a fantastic job with Kori's thick long hair. Good job Mags!

I know right?!? Bet you couldn't tell how tall they were from the earlier photos. Super tall.

Happy Day! Congrats Kori and Ian!!!

Michael James Photography Gallery

A big THANK YOU to Michael James Photography who not only was a groomsman for the big day, but also the photographer! Amazing work, and stellar professionalism. What client doesn't appreciate beautifully captured quality photos back to enjoy... IN LESS THAN A WEEK!?! Michael I wish you and your wife were around when my husband and I got married. I would've wanted you as my photographer!

Of course I have to include some of the beautiful moments and details captured. Pleasepleaseplease, click here to read Michael's blog about this personal event for him. I love how both Kori and Ian's personalities jump out at you through these photos.

MUA for a Studio and Outdoor Photoshoot!

Photo courtesy Francis Tran

What: Makeup Artist for a Studio and Outdoor Photoshoot

When: Saturday, June 8

Where: Santa Clara Studio

Model: Bobbi

So George organizes these really cool photography meetups where photographers of all different levels can come together and take photos either in his studio or outdoors. I always have so much fun at these meetups and it was no different this time. This would be a studio and outdoor shoot with Bobbi. I wasn't able to spend that much time hanging out this time around (bummer!), so I wasn't able to meet all the photographers. Bobbi was great though, very personable and easy to work with! 

Before and After taken with my iphone

Based on the colors of the corsets Bobbi was going to wear, skin tone, and hair color, along with knowing she'd be photographed outdoors, I decided to go with some warm brown tones and neutral lips. I also made sure to load on the blush so it would be captured in the bright outdoor sunlight. It was a really hot day!

Here is a collection of photos taken by some of the photographers at the meetup:

Photo courtesy Francis Tran

Photos courtesy Vinny Arrigali

One of the really neat things about seeing photos show up after the meetup, is how so amazingly different each photographer is. They're working with the same model, outfits, scenes, and lighting, and yet it's so cool to see the photographers' styles and uniqueness come into play once photos are posted.

             Photo courtesy George Ricci                                   Photo courtesy Rey                                          Photo courtesy Love Singal

See what I mean?!? Neat huh? :)

Photo courtesy Chris Icide

Again, thanks for the invite to be a part of this photoshoot George! I couldn't highlight all of the photos from this Studio and Outdoor Photoshoot, so if you would like to see more photos from the photographers, click here!

Catherine's Wedding H&M!

Photo courtesy Faye Bernoulli Photography

Who: Catherine

What: Catherine's Wedding Hair and Makeup

When: Saturday, May 25, 2013

Where: Sunnyvale, CA

So back in 2009, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Pui-Yun and her bridesmaids for her wedding... fast forward to May 2013 and I'm stoked to be able to help out Pui-Yun's then BM, who is now the bride, Catherine! 

Get ready for a long post! :) There were a number of girls needing to get their hair and makeup done before noon. Catherine's hair and makeup would be saved for last. With both Margaret and I working, everyone was able to get finished and wedding ready on time! I also met a fantastic photographer, Faye Bernoulli, whose work is just so beautiful in capturing those special moments and details. In addition to her quality work, she has a super warm and fun personality! Click here for her blog entry about Catherine and Aaron's Wedding. Thanks for providing me with some gorgeous photos to share Faye! And thanks Honey for coming along and helping to support and take photos of the process :)

BM #1: Karen

Faye Bernoulli Photography

Before and After

 Action shots:

Applying eye shadow, liner, and lip color

After Karen's makeup was completed, she scooted over to Margaret's chair to get her hair done.

BM #2: Pui-Yun

Faye Bernoulli Photography

Before and After

From being a bride 5 years ago, to being a mommy, to being a MOH! God is so good :)

Action shots:

Eyeliner and lashes

Mother of the Bride

Faye Bernoulli Photography

I had so much fun with Catherine's mom. I think it was one of my favorite moments to be able to chat with her and hear of her amazing journey through life. From how she met her husband, to how she's been recovering from her stroke a few years back, just simply amazing.

Before and after

Since Catherine's mom normally doesn't wear any makeup at all, it was requested to go really light, yet have some coverage for the special occasion. I went with a flawless face application, very light eyeshadow (since she would be wearing her glasses), slight eyebrow filling, loose powdering of blush, and of course so natural lip color.

Action shots:

Airbrushing, eyeshadow, and lipcolor

Catherine! Our Bride!

Faye Bernoulli Photography

Before and After 

Hair action shots:

Aaahhhh torture! Just kidding :) Yes, I did start with Catherine's hair first before her makeup. A couple reasons for this: 1) I wanted to make sure Catherine's makeup was as fresh as possible and 2) If any of the hair curls relaxed, I would be able to go back and do hair touchups after the makeup was complete.

We changed the side pony just a tad from Catherine's Hair and Makeup Trial:

Trial vs. Wedding Day

We went for a more relaxed look with all the curls going in one direction, versus the earlier hair, which had smaller curls, tighter braids, and curls going in different directions. Trials are really good to have since it gives the client a chance to voice what they want, and it gives me a chance to see how the hair texture and lengths work with different hairstyles. We tweaked things for the best results for Catherine's big day :)

Lots of pins!

Faye Bernoulli Photography

Makeup action shots:

After completing the hair, we moved onto the flawless face application with airbrush kit. I then added blush on Catherine's cheekbones for some healthy color pop.

Brows and multiple brown toned eyeshadows applied

Waiting for eyelash glue to dry

Why were we laughing? I don't remember :) We laughed about a lot of things!

Faye Bernoulli Photography

Staying hydrated is a MUST! It gives the body strength so there's no fainting action happening on the special day, plus it's really good for your skin. 

 

Faye Bernoulli Photography

The end... or rather, The Beginning for Catherine and Aaron! God bless and best wishes to the start of your new lives together!

Faye Bernoulli Photography Gallery:

I just chose a few of my favorite shots to highlight on my blog, many more wonderful photos here!