Preview. Here's a sneak peek at my friend Kristina's ranch wedding in Mendocino County. Her maid of honor (my lovely cousin Jessie) did a great job putting it all together. Complete with punch fountain, pregnant goat, barefoot bartenders, gorgeous gardens and the first dance by a beehive (yes, a real active beehive!), Kristina's wedding was one of the most intimate and special weddings I've ever attended. I'm awaiting more photos from her new husband and will post when I can!
The Hot Toddies. Bernal Hill in San Francisco during sunset is amazing. But what is it about fancy photoshoots that gets people walking towards what is going on, rather than staying out of the shot? Nevertheless the seven of us had a great time. This shoot happened right before the Toddies flew across the pond to tour in jolly old England.
The fabulous photographer Rachel Styler offered her Mission home for the Toddies to get ready. Not only was her home beautiful but she supplied the cheese and wine (which I declined to drink until I had finished everyone's make-up). Super stylist Mary Dyann Kees, who has worked with the best in the fashion industry from New York and beyond, brought suitcases full of corsets, velvet skirts and platform oxfords for a funky tea party costume theme. The Toddies looked hot! Everyone had on lots of eyeliner and false lashes (for the bargain price of $3 from Longs Drugstore). I would say the most challenging thing was finding the right colors to go with Erin's pink hair. She ended up with a teal eyeshadow to match her earrings and a stained pink lip.Blush and foundation are really important for outdoor shoots where the light is pure and bright. If you're considering an outdoor shoot for engagement photos, be sure to powder down the center of your face to keep too much light from reflecting off your face and creating a glare. Also, faces can look too pale or washed out if there isn't enough color on the cheeks and lips, especially if pictures are taken from a distance.
The photos will be used for an upcoming album or publication. I learned a lot from shooting during this time of day and I was so excited to be a part of this fun shoot. Currently The Hot Toddies are on a nationwide tour spreading their fun songs such as "Motorscooter", "Seattle" (which mentions buttcheeks) and "HTML". Check out their music page to find out where they are playing next. Cheers from the Hot Toddies (and me)!
Theresa and Rob. Their May wedding morning began at their home in San Francisco and was captured by the awesome and friendly Cate Corbitt. Hair was designed by Camilla Betteridge, a sweet lil' lady and talented stylist. The morning's atmosphere was calm and endearing with Rob's family shuffling around in their robes and sipping coffee. Getting ready at home with was a great, relaxing experience that allowed every one to run about, check themselves in the mirrors and snack on Chinese buns. The roomy kitchen table gave Camilla and me plenty of space to work and and spread out all of our supplies. Theresa had been planning on doing her make-up herself, but after a last minute referral from her cousin via my cousin Svetlana (thanks Svet!) we met up one week before the wedding and designed her look. Theresa is a minimalist and wanted to look the same in person as in pictures, so we designed a very light handed look. Using long wear, tear-proof eyeliner in black (always black!) and natural looking lashes by Shu Uemura, her soft focus look came together beautifully. I think she looked stellar.
Theresa was a smart lady. She had her own Channel lipstick, pencil and gloss on hand (Rouge Allure #32) and was able to touch up throughout the day. The lipstick color also worked great later that evening when she changed to a traditional red Chinese dress. Her San Francisco City Hall wedding included one maid of honor, Liana, who went for a stone colored eyeshadow, a stronger lip and of course, plenty of blush.
I loved the palette of the flowers against the graphic print of Liana's dress (which was a smart find from Banana Republic!). Theresa's sequined dress was also really special and different. She really was the calmest bride I've ever seen and I was really inspired by the colors and flowers of her wedding.
If you're looking to do your make-up on your own and you want something foolproof and simple, make sure you get matched for the perfect foundation color. You don't want to get your pictures back and realize you were a few shades off. I recommend a foundation stick which offers full coverage and a natural, easy formula to blend. Also consider a bright blush (like Apricot by Bobbi Brown) which will really pop in photographs.
