Welcome to the 21st Annual Brock House Wedding Show!

click on images for larger view

Calling all brides - grab your pearls, notebooks and dreams and head to the Brock House for the Wedding Show, Sunday October 23rd, 2011.
This is without doubt one of the best bridal shows in the lower mainland. Why? Well, you are not rushed, seating is limited so you do not feel the crush pf people, the presentations of cakes, videos, flowers is so detailed.

And the fashion show will be sure to spark desire. And of coarse, I will be doing makeup and hair, so this show is a must see!

The Brock House displays their culinary talents as well with some of the most spectacular food and wine, so you get a true feeling of the level of ability when you book your wedding at this venue.
There are great door prices, and tickets are only $35 in advance.

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE http://brockhouseweddingshow.eventbrite.com/
Sunday, October 23, 2011
11:00am-3:00pm and 3:00pm-7:00pm
with two fashion shows at 1:00pm and 5:00pm
Location:
Brock House Restaurant
3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver (Jericho Beach)

See you there!

bridesmaid's style, click in image for larger view

Click image for larger view

Has anyone been watching Idol?

Great entertainment this year, and the best judges yet.

Jennifer Lopez is in a category all by herself. Her clothes are stunning, hair very creatively arranged in such diverse styles. And her makeup is fabulous. She loves to wear long fringy Shu Uemura lashes, and lashes made of mink hairs. Ever notice she emphasises either her eyes or lips, never both at the same time? Loves the gloss.. And personally, I have started to apply MAC Strobe cream on my cheeks before I apply cheek stain - that's how to achieve that natural shimmer or brightness on the apples of the cheeks, without using glitter powder.

Take a few lessons from J. lo.

5 Easy Steps to Keeping Blemishes at Bay

CLEANSE
Your skin is most likely oily, but avoid washing your face several time a day to keep an oil-slick complexion at bay, this can over-dry your skin and trigger more grease production. Stick to cleansing just morning and night with a gentle, soap-free wash like Bioderma Sébium Purifying Foaming Gel, $26. Available at select drugstores across Canada.
DE-CLOG
Grainy scrubs used gently 2 times a week usually work but can irritate active breakouts, so try a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid for tougher, more stubborn cases of acne. The high concentration in NeoStrata Toning Solution Level 2 Daily Treatment, $29, quickly abolishes dead skin cells and unblocks pores. At drugstores.
TREAT
Skin cells do their repair work best while you sleep, so add a spot treatment or serum to your evening routine. Made with proven acnes fighters like salicylic acid, Clearasil Ultra Overnight Serum, $10, will penetrate deep down into your pores, visibly shrinking pimples. At drug and grocery stores.
MOISTURIZE
Be sure to moisturize! Catching sun can make your acne worse, and just because you see excess oil on your skin doesn’t mean it’s well hydrated. Protect your face with a moisturizer that boasts UV filters and leaves a shine-free finish, like Dermalogica Clean Start Welcome Matte SPF 15, $32. At Sephora.
CAMOUFLAGE
To disguise redness and breakouts, use a spot concealer. With foundation look for lightweight textures designed for blemish-prone skin . Test Bare Minerals, a mineralized powder that covers, and heals at the same time. But the correct application brush is key, and don't use too much!

Sephora, the candy store of makeup

For those of you makeup lovers, you know Sephora is now in greater Vancouver. This is the candy store of makeup - they have anything and everything, makeup, hair accessories, and talented makeup artists on staff who love to assist.

So next time you are in one of our local shopping malls, check them out. But choose your time carefully - early moring is usually the best as they are not as busy, and can spend time with you.

Items to look for: Christin Dior Airflash foundation, and the companion brush, Sephora cheek and lip stain, braided hair headbands, ponytail elastics with decorative clips, dry shampoo for days when you just don't have the time to wash your hair.

Vancouver Wedding and Honeymoon Show October 17th, 2010

Come and see me! I will be working this show with my"Destination Wedding Planner Hat" on. So if you are considering a destination Wedding to maybe Mexico, or Jamaica, or anywhere sunny, come by our booth, "All about Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, starting at 10 am.

On October 17th, 2010, the Vancouver Trade & Exhibition Center will be transformed into everything bridal as top wedding and honeymoon professionals showcase the very best in Vancouver's Wedding Industry. In celebration of Vancouver's multicultural flair, the

Vancouver Wedding & Honeymoon Show has also invited some of the best Wedding specialists to lend their expertise and inspire your creative spirit. Fabulous grand prizes, luxurious dresses, culinary creations, delicious décor, and inspiration a plenty. There is truly something for everyone at the Vancouver Wedding & Honeymoon Show

Featured exhibitors include everything from invitation vendors, gown shops, cake-makers, favors, lingerie, shoes, chocolate fountains, jewelry designers, photographers, decorators, musicians, wedding planners, honeymoon destinations and representatives from some of Vancouvers finest venues.

Hair Extension Sale!

My previous blog was all about hair extentions. Well, one of my upcoming brides just emailed me to tell me she went to Abantu and there is a sale. So to any bride wanting longer hair or added fullness on her Wedding Day, go have a look! Sale is on till August 29th.

My thanks to Christine for advising me.

Hair extensions - yes or no?

shorter hair, and viola, long hair!

click on image for larger view

Do you want long, luxurious tresses on your Wedding Day? Or added fullness?
But you know it will never happen naturally - your hair just refuses to grow that long by the wedding day. So what to do you do? Buy hair extensions! Extensions are so common now, about 50% of the brides I work with incorporate into their wedding hairstyle. Cost, or as I call it, investment, ranges from $150 to $200. The hair comes in 14", 16",18 " and 22" lengths, is human hair in all colors and streaks. When snapped into place, can be curled with a hot iron, and used for years, with proper care.

So if you are wanting those long sexy locks go for it!

Say YES to professional Makeup and Hair for your Wedding!

before and after: click on image for larger view

Every bride and bridesmaid wonders - is it worthwhile to invest in a professional makeup artist for the wedding day?

Well the answer is a resounding YES! As a bride you have invested time, effort and money to create your picture perfect day. Why scrimp on the outcome of images?

As a professional, I understand the importance of camera ready makeup, that will last all day and into the night. And as a hairstylist, I can create styles that last, not overdone, but a reflection of you. So go ahead, invest!

A Makeup Lesson with dramatic changes

Working with women and teaching makeup skills is very rewarding. You have maybe been in a rut with your daily makeup routine, or have decided that now is the time to start wearing makeup daily. But not an overwhelming application - just something to liven things up, and maybe present a more polished version of your self.
I recently worked with a great woman, Virginia, who wanted to brush up on her techniques and know what kinds of products to invest in. She emailed me as soon as she got home;

" Thanks so much for my lesson today. I feel like a new woman! I went and bought some of the makeup you suggested. I also bought the face primer. Sephora was out of the Bare Minerals, but they are expecting a shipment on Wednesday, so I’ll pick that up then. I’ve had rave reviews from co-workers and friends on the makeup. Larry, my husband was also very impressed, and that says a lot! "

We also agreed that a new hair style was in order, so she got a hair cut later that week.

Heather & Braden back from Dreams Riviera Cancun

click images for larger view

Heather and Braden are the "soon to be married" couple who won the trip to Dreams Riviera Cancun (just scroll down to see earlier entry).

"Our trip was amazing!
We loved the resort. The staff we so hard working and generous. The hotel was beautiful and the food was delicious!!! The transfers from the airport to the resort were great. American Express met us right away and whisked us away to our van.
We really enjoyed our time by the pool and the beach was very nice. The sand was so fine and the water was so warm, much warmer than in Maui. There was a lot of sea grass that washed up on shore, but nothing that would prevent us from swimming.All in all we were very impressed with the resort. We weren't disappointed in anything.
The resort is nice and small which I think will be perfect for the wedding in December.
Braden and I would like to thank both you and Liz for giving us this opportunity to go on this trip. It really has allowed us to relax a little when it comes to wedding planning. The resort is so beautiful that I don't need to over do it with planning.

Thank you thank you, Heather and Braden"

Dreamgroup Productions presents the 20th annual Brock House Wedding Show!

click image fo larger view

I have been to many bridal shows over the years, and I can tell you none compare to the Wedding Show at the Brock House. Why? Well let me tell you... Firstly the setting is breathtaking - a mansion on the water's edge with the glorious Vancouver ocean and mountains in the background.

This is an intimate venue for a wedding as well as a bridal show.

Dreamgroup Productions work hard at making this an enjoyable yet informative event for brides and grooms. You can savor some delectable hors d'oeuvres, sip some great wine and enjoy a show profiling gowns, dresses, tux's and accessories.

The prizes are great - gift bags to a honeymoon.

Save the date: Sunday October 24th, 2010, 11 to 3 pm, and 3 to 7 pm.

Visit the official Brock House Wedding Show website for details.

Tickets: $45, $45 and $55 for VIP tickets.
I will working with the models for makeup and hair, so be sure to visit with me, and all the local vendors!

Best Beauty Buys

It doesn't matter if you apply just mascara and lip balm, or like false lashes and red lips, we as women like to read all about the latest trends in makeup. And what better way to get ahead of the game than to invest a few dollars in one magazine that tells all.

Every year, "In Style" magazine features a complete in depth, nothing left out edition of makeup and hair.

This handy guide explains all the product that work, from drug store brands and up. Products are tested and used by makeup artists and hair stylist nationwide, put to a vote and placed on the "I can recommend this" list.

From $2 eye liners to $200 flat irons, this is must. On stands now, so be quick!

Ben and Vianne

Now Bride's know the importance of having a complete trial run to "test drive' their wedding day look. When I get together with a bride before the wedding, we try makeup applications, colors, and 2 or 3 hairstyles. I encourage brides to book this in conjunction with engagement photos. If they do, I will change the bridal look to keep it a secret

I had the pleasure of working with Vianne and Ben a few weeks ago. We established Vianne's bridal look, documented with images, then changed it for her engagement photo session with Michael Wachniak. Amazing shots!

And, I have arranged their honeymoon to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora! What a way to start a new like together!

click on image for larger view

Attention All Brides!

Planning your wedding? Then come to the annual spring wedding show at the new Vancouver Trade and Convention Center, this Sunday April 10th, 2010 from 10 am to 5 pm. I will be there talking about destination weddings and honeymoons so be sure to pop by.

For more details, search http://www.vancouverweddingshow.ca/.

Congrats to the happy couple Heather and Braden and little Ethan! Heather and Braden were at the Wedding show at the Bayshore in January. They entered their names, kept their fingers crossed and it worked! They are on their way to a relaxing holiday to Dreams Riviera Cancun in Mexico, including airfare and transfers. With this cool weather in Vancouver now, time in the sun, a cool dip in the pool, and a sip of cold beer sounds about right!

And not only that, they are getting married in this resort in December. I am their destination wedding planner, and have arranged the details for the the wedding with all their family and friends.

You are a deserving couple - have fun!

!

Looking for that perfect beach wedding gown?

Looking for that perfect dress for the beach Wedding? Maybe these tips will help.

Lightweight You’ll be wearing this gown for many hours on what will likely be an active day full of dancing and photo-shoot adventures, so you don’t want heavy fabrics or styles.
Packable Since your gown will be traveling many miles with you, you want a fabric that won’t wrinkle easily and a dress that will fit into a reasonably sized garment bag.
Sleek While some destination brides still want the fairy-tale ballgown, most of you are looking for something more slim-fitting with fewer layers, especially if you’re marrying somewhere warm and tropical.
Versatile Maybe you’ll want to wear this gown again, or it needs to work for both a solemn ceremony and a raucous reception. You want a gown that will translate from setting to setting.
Effortless Once you’re onsite, you don’t want to think about steaming, hoisting, adjusting and generally fretting about your dress. You’re looking for something easy and comfortable.
Simple You’ve most likely picked your locale because of its natural beauty, and you want your dress be naturally beautiful too.

P.S. In my research, I’ve come across something super-cool — several designers who have an entire line dedicated to destination-wedding dresses. Check them out: Alfred Angelo Destiny Collection, Winnie Couture Destination Bridal, Sandals Destination Wedding Dresses, Destinations by Mon Cheri and Maggie Sottero Destinations Collection

Olympians- Welcome to Vancouver!

What an exciting time to be in Vancouver. The 2010 winter Olympics have changed the city landscape, as well as the feelings of the locals.
I was in the down town core on Sunday, February 7th, and I admit, got got up in the fan fare.
I could truly feel the electricity, and loved to see all the kids skating on the rink on Robson, and hearing all the different dialects of the people around me.
The day was so beautiful, I wonder if all our visitors love the mountains, English Bay, Granville Island like I do. I intend to go back downtown over the next 2 weeks to take in some of the festivites.
To all our visitors, welcome!

Wedding Fair Vancouver January 9th and 10th 2010

Be sure to male plans to attend WEDDING FAIR 2010! It all happens January 9th and 10th at the Westin Bayshore in downtown Vancouver.

Tickets are only $20. There will be over 150 exhibitors, so you can see, taste, feel, enter contests - all towards planning your dream wedding.

I will be there at the "All about Honeymoons" booth on the second floor next to the fashion show ramp

Be sure to stop by and add your name to our own contest - a 5 day Honeymoon to one of the best resorts: "Dreams Riviera Cancun" in Mexico.

Check out the Wedding Fair web site for details.

Makeup and Hair in the Caribbean

You have decided to have a Destination Wedding in the Caribbean. What to do with your makeup and hair? I can assure you, it will be windy. Now it's a warm gentle breeze, but it still can create havoc with your hair.

So be easy on your self, and devise a game plan.

Go to MAC and try all the waterproof makeup like paint eyeshadow, primer, waterproof mascara, and powerpoint eye pencils. These products are not only a good investment for your wedding, but great for everyday use.

As for hair, wear it up or off your face. You can pull it all back into a ponytail, slick the top and sides back with TIGI Bed Head wax, (looks like deodorant) and pin some fresh orchids in the back. Now you don't have to worry about limp curls, or strands bowing across your face in photos.

The weather in the Caribbean is positively great, but heat and humidity can cause you to melt, so take the easy route and be prepared!

Photo by Elizabeth Medina, click image for larger view

Consider the Cook Islands for your Honeymoon

As a travel agent, specializing in destination weddings and honeymoons, I am always on the look out for great destinations. From Vancouver, most brides think of Mexico and the Caribbean. Great choices, but have you ever thought of the Cook Islands? The prices are truly affordable from the Vancouver area. The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean.
They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by the Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. It's very laid back here - no buildings taller than a palm tree and no chain hotels or restaurants. You can dive in the clearest water, swim in underground caves, be captivated by the local culture and people and return home truly relaxed. I have met many of the resort owners, and they promise an unforgettable escape. Call me for resorts and prices.

click on images