A Valentine Wedding

What: Sue and Don's Wedding

When: February 14, 2009

Where: Cupertino

I had a fantastic experience doing a wedding this past Valentine's for Sue and Don. The bridal party stayed at the Cypress Hotel. Honey and I had been there a couple times for his Christmas company parties, so I was already impressed with the hotel. However, when I met Sue inside their suite, I got even more excited about their modern furniture and warm appeal. Scroll down below for some shots inside the hotel suite.

Although Honey was unable to come with me to help take pictures, I met a cool photographer named John Mateos Ong who provided me with these photos. Click here to check out more of his work and visit his website!

Anyhow, onto the photos!

Getting ready

(Sue's makeup look was completed already. Let me tell you, her eyes are so beautiful and perfect for placing false lashes on)

In the hotel suite



In the hotel suite (I know, nice right?)



The super long train Sue had ordered from the Philippines




Sue and Don's wedding was held at the Santa Clara Mission





Artistic shots with scenic backgrounds

As we were in the hotel room getting ready, I remember how everyone was commenting on how beautiful the day was. So true! I think it was actually supposed to rain on Valentine's Day, but the sun was shining nice and bright. Yay!

Thanks for the photos John!
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I was also able to get a few shots in with my camera when things weren't so busy. Here are a few shots for you during the prep time in the morning.


If you're looking for a hair stylist, please ask about my friend Margaret. She did a fabulous job! Very clean and detailed with what each bridal party member wanted. Here, one of the bridesmaids, K, wanted a Dita Von Teese look. Margaret started her off with the hair, and I finished the look with the makeup application.

Before and After (Almost Betty Boop-ish!)



Maid of Honor's before and after shots (Like a cheetah!)



Maid of Honor in wedding attire (Photo by John)



Close up of Sue's bridal makeup


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Thank God for a beautiful day...and what a great way to remember an anniversary, right on Valentine's Day!


Best wishes Sue and Don!

Playing with Hair

My sister Bubs and I decided to have fun with hair one day. It was great catching up with her and seeing what type of hair-do we'd come up with. Take a look!



Before and After with clean, just washed hair



Some different angled shots for ya


If I were to do this hair style again, I think I'd try to puff the crown portion of the hair up a bit. Anyhow, this was a lot of fun and I can't wait to try other hair styles.

Awesome Photographer Alert!

Who: Manus Chau
Website: www.manuschauphotography.com
Where: Bay Area

While working with Jenny on her wedding day, I was able to observe as Manus and Jennifer worked their photographer magic. Here are some words to describe them during the short time we were together in the morning.

Unobtrusive
Laid back
Team players
Open
Professional

Recently, I saw Manus' blog on the event and was blown away with the quality and depth of the photos. Here are a few:







I'm so impressed! The way Manus and Jennifer captured these special moments makes me wonder how my own wedding pictures would have turned out if I hired this team. Anyhow, check them out if you're looking for a photographer.

For more photos of Jenny and Eric's wedding, click HERE.

Katina and Andy's Wedding!

What: Katina and Andy's Wedding
When: January 17, 2009
Where: Fremont


So this wedding was unlike any that I had done in the past since the bride was someone I had known since she was not even 1 year old! It was great to be a part of her special day...I think the neatest part of it was doing the makeup application in her bedroom where she grew up. As the hour passed, we could slowly hear more and more of her and Andy's family members gathering downstairs for the traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

Here are some photos of the day of courtesy of Sean from michaelswedding.

Prepping



Close ups




Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Liab!


Evening Banquet:






Honey and I with the Newlyweds :)

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Katina and Andy, we wish you the best as you start your new lives together in China. God bless!

Jenny and Eric's Wedding

UPDATE 7.22.09: Check out Jennifer Quen's blog for more photos on this event!

What: Jenny and Eric's Wedding
When: January 24, 2009
Where: Pleasanton

This was one of the most fun experiences I have had as a makeup artist! Jenny really showed her true nature and humility. Even though she was the bride, she kept on checking with others if they were okay, if they wanted anything to drink or eat...I thought that was so endearing. The atmosphere was full of happiness with friends, relatives, photographers, videographers, and a whole bunch of other people coming in and out of the hotel room in preparation for the big day.

My first client was the mother of the bride, Elaine. So cool! Completely relaxed and a really a good sport for trusting me with her makeup look for the day. I enjoyed the conversation with her and see how she has rubbed off so well on her daughter.


Before and After



Action shots!



Next, Jenny sat down for her makeup application. Again, a total pleasure to work with...

Before and After


Action shots:

Flawless skin and a happy smile




Fake lashes! Please consider them if you're a bride...they do wonders!




Lips, products, and cheeks


It was also nice applying makeup for the mother of the groom. Although I do not have photos to show you, she was an absolute sweetheart and really came alive when we started talking about dan-tats and guy-mey-bao's!

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Jenny and Eric, wishing you two a new life together full of love, blessings, happiness, and everything else that comes naturally when you marry your best friend :)







* Thank you Honey for coming with me, supporting me, and helping to take these photos!

Katina's Wedding Day Trial!

It was neat to have Katina come in for a wedding makeup trial. During a trial, it's almost natural that I would ask how the bride and groom met. But this particular case was a bit different...I've know Katina since she was born! :) I used to teach her Sunday School! It was special to hear her story and see how God has blessed her throughout her life.



Katina wanted a very natural look with minimal makeup




Before and After with glasses



Before and After without glasses