Between now and December 28, 2009 lodging rates in Vegas are ranging from $22-$90 a night (depending on the hotel you choose) for you, friends & family!  A great deal for either a destination wedding or honeymoon.  Click here to check it out.

The beginning of 2008 I experienced a very difficult situation, and with that I wiped my tears and moved forward.¬† And in doing so the CBMA studio/office was established, located downtown Cincinnati…OMG was I scared.¬†¬†

Effective this June, a new location in is in the works.¬† Me and my silent business partners are very¬†excited!¬† Especially since it’s only a mile away from the Reading Bridal District!!¬† Talk about excited.

Brides for 2010 are booking their dates already!¬† I’m so thankful, especially when vendors give amazing referrals.¬† Just like the one I got from¬†photographer Rachael Warning.¬† I worked with Rachael¬†last year and thanks to her Whitney B. booked her 2010 wedding date this month.¬†

No I didn’t do her makeup in any of the¬†images above, but Rachael wanted to give a tease as to¬†who I’ll be working with.¬†¬†So I’m thankful for all of her love and support.¬† I look forward in working with Whitney &¬†Ryan and can’t wait to meet her, as you can see she’s very beautiful and I already have some “bridal glowing” ideas.¬† She even has Brigid Horne-Nestor as her wedding planner.

So for those who utilize those wedding plan timelines (posted in wedding magazines, planners and websites) depending on the popularity of the vendor, 9 times out of 10 he/she may already be booked by the time you contact them, so start booking vendors early if you can.

I came across an excellent¬†device that helps you keep all different sized makeup jars organized, plus it’s travel friendly.¬† It’s called The Mineral Case.¬† Which¬†comes in¬†chocolate brown or black.

They even have¬†empty jars of various sizes available to purchase, but it’s also designed to hold products from¬†major cosmetic lines as well, click¬†here to¬†read all of the brands that fit.¬†

April was a month like no other, especially when I first met Angelina for her trial run a few months before.  She has such a beautiful spirit and a joy to work with.  We did more talking than we did makeup.   Plus she was referred to me by makeup artist Ashley Matho!  ..thanks a million Ashley!

Angelina & Jeremy’s¬†wedding took place at¬†Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington¬† following their reception at the Carnegie Visual & Performing Arts Center.¬†¬† And it was a pleasure to work with the amazing Ron Wood of Ron Wood Photography (along with his assistant) again.

 

But there was an emotional moment¬†for me while doing makeup.¬† Because I didn’t bring disposable mascara wands, I had to give¬†Angelina my 1-day old DiorShow Mascara.¬†¬† And boy did that put a big smile on her face!¬† But I did come up with a few mascara tricks (sanitary of course) that doesn’t¬†involve using those big ol’ wands I sometimes cut down.

Need a dress?¬† Would you like something by a designer but can’t afford the cost?¬†

Well Pre Owned Wedding Dresses is a website that allows now married women to re-sell their designer wedding gown for a lesser price.  And no comparison to eBay and consignment shops, this company actually gives you a bit more personal information about the seller and may even show you a photo of the now married individual in it to see how it truly looks on the body.  You can even search their accessory section as well for veils, tiaras, wraps and much more.

They’ve been featured on CNN, CBS Early Show, Cosmopolitan Magazine, The New York Times and more.¬† Go check it out!

 

One of the best products I have in my makeup collection (and girl do I have many) is a product that helps catch loose eyeshadow (especially the mineral ones)¬†from falling on the cheeks, and¬†it’s¬† called Shadow Shields.¬† You basically¬†stick these on¬†under your eyes and¬†begin your eye makeup application.¬† And it catches any spillage.¬†¬†It truly works!

This products has been used by so many leading makeup artists and enthusiasts all over (including myself)… and child I love them!¬† There are many tricks us makeup artists use to help eliminate this problem but sometimes time is of the essence and those tricks can¬†take too long and to deal with.¬† Thanks Michelle!

…. words from¬†wedding officiant Rev. Judy Burroughs

“In today‚Äôs economy everyone is either trying to save money or make money. So here‚Äôs a bit of wedding insider info. Ministers or officiants have set charges for their services to cover advertising and other costs of doing business.

Booking services who charge you (the bride) will book you with whoever is willing to accept the wedding adding $200.00 dollars or more to your fee to perform the wedding. They may have never met the minister-officiant, have no idea of the quality of work or dependability much less licensing.

So when you are looking for a minister-officiant, ask questions. Are you the one performing my ceremony? Are you licensed? Do you have a back-up minister? Do you belong to any professional groups?

Ask for references from recently married friends, planners, venue managers or other wedding professionals you trust. Check online. If the same add appears on every state then they are probably a booking agent.

There are free referral sites like the American Association of Wedding Officiants. They will refer someone who meets your needs without charge. Groups of wedding professionals who work together (Wedding Mafia) can refer a professional because they have seen them in action and know their work.

Have your best day with the right professional.”

For a limited time, Kissable Couture is offering 40% off their new¬†collection “Le Fleur” when you enter promo code: MOM

Consider this luxury for your lips.  Light, moisturizing, non-tacky glosses with a wonderful smell.  

This entire line was created by¬†Keisha Whitaker (the wife of actor Forest Whitaker) and celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson.¬† And all of her Hollywood friends are raving about this!¬† But be careful these glosses give off a high shine giving a juicy pout that’s¬†kissable proof.

…words from ballroom dance instructor Bud Walters “Ballroom Dancing by Bud Walters”

“How many weddings have you been to lately and actually watched the bride & groom do their first dance?¬† The answer, probably, is very few.

Is that because they did what is called,”The high school hold on”?¬† The bride & groom get out on the floor wrap their arms around each others neck and rock back & forth for three minutes… BORING!

Imaging the groom presenting his bride as he walks with her on the floor , capturing the attention of their guests, getting into a nice dance position, and look like they know what they are doing instead of stumbling around.

That’s the beauty of taking a few dance lessons for your first dance and will promote confidence and reduces stress. It’s a little¬†frightening to get up in front of an audience and do a dance.¬† The worst thing is saying “I do” at the alter and thinking , “Oh no, I’ve got to dance later”.¬†

Select your teacher carefully. Don’t sign a contract.¬†¬†Keep your dance simple, no choreography. You should enjoy¬†the¬†moment not be thinking, “What do I do Next”.That only adds to the stress.¬†You should be able to accomplish a¬† slow dance in 2- 3 lessons.or a¬†simple swing in about 5-6 lessons. Keep your song length to about 3to 31/2 minutes long.”