Wed in Mexico

I had the great opportunity of spending time in the Riviera Maya. The water is so turquoise! The weather was great, and the sand was white.

If you are a bride thinking of getting married on the beach, or in a wedding gazebo, you would never have any regrets. I spoke with a few brides just after their ceremonies, and they all said the same thing: getting married on the beach was fabulous! If you are thinking this would be a great option, there are a few things to consider. Know that it will be hot, so choose a gown that packs well and is steamlined in design, choose waterproof makeup, and consider an up do as there is always a bit of a breeze from the ocean.

Plan a beachfront private dinner or cocktail party. Or if your group is small, dine in one of the restaurants where food and drinks are included!

Destination weddings at all inclusive resorts are 40% less expensive than home weddings. You and your guests have such a great time swimming, relaxing, and spending time with each other. If you would like any tips on weather proof makeup, hair, gowns or planning your trip, just email me.

Thinking of a Destination Wedding? Tune into CFUN 1410!

For some couples, planning to wed on white sandy beaches with turquoise waters is the definition of happiness! If you are considering a destination wedding, you will definitely want to tune in Sunday, December 7th from 4 to 5 pm on 1410 CFUN am Talk Radio.
Liz and I, "All About Honeymoons" will be appearing on the show
" Travel Pages" with host Jim Bjorkes from CFUN 1410 Talk Radio.
And when I say appearing, I mean you can see this show on your computer!
This is Jim's first "live" streaming show , and we are happy to be participating.
This 60 minutes is going to be packed with information and exciting quests:
*A Sandals V.P. will be with us to talk about the Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean.
*A "soon to be married" couple, Kris and Rokhsan will be talking about their upcoming wedding in Mexico.
* We will be speaking by phone to the wedding coordinator from the Karisma resorts in Mexico.
So tune in on your radio, or see us live Dec 7th on your computer at http://www.vopenhouse.ca/cfun/index.html

The Lovely Lindsay

Every now and again, I will work with a bride who really touches my heart. Lindsay was one of those brides - a lovely person, a great soul and processes a love of life. She married her sweet heart, Larry this August of 2008. Her images were take by Chris + Lynn Photography, and you almost feel like you were there! It was a pleaure to create her wedding day look. I had to stop by Lindsay's the other day, and her bouquet is still in tact, and she is still talking about her fabulous day and wedding pictures...

Say yes to the 2009 Brock House Wedding Show!

If anyone asks you to attend the 2009 Brock house Wedding Show, say yes! This is a must see show for any bride in the throws of wedding planning. This year's show October, 2008 was as always, informative and elegant with great displays of cakes, photographers, hats and veils, wedding jewelry and more. The chefs at the Brock House create the most wonderful appetizers, along with an assortment of wines. The fashion show included gowns from simple and elegant to the Princess bride. The show is produced by Dreamgroup and they truly outdid themselves this year! And what better venue than the heritage home on the beach, the Brock House.

Hair & Makeup by Total Image, Susan
Gowns by Isabelles Bridal &
Caroline Calvert Couture

Hats & Veils by Alice Hart
http://www.alicehart.com/

Great news - I have expanded my business!

I have added another element to my business! Iam now assisting brides planning destination weddings and honeymoons! I have joined forces with a good friend Liz. Our company is called All About Honeymoons, and I invite you to check it out. Maybe you have dreamed of saying your vows on a white sandy beach, with turquoise water, and friends and family close by. We have exclusive contracts with both Canadian and U.S. carriers, and can plan a 7, 10 or 14 day package for you.

We work with the most beautiful all-inclusive resorts in the world. If you would like to talk to us in person, we will be at the Wedding Fair, November 1st and 2nd at Canada Place. See you there!

Lengthy Locks - real, or not...?

You are a bride, planning your wedding. All is falling into place. Except your hair! It won't grow as fast as you'd like, or the hairstyle you absolutely love requires more length or volume than your hair.

So what do you do? It is true that backcombing, jels, and volumizers can add fullness. You can create the "illusion" of length. But maybe you'd like to take it one step more. Why not consider

extensions! And I am talking about the easy ones - the type you simple clip in. Natural hair extensions can be washed, and curled with a sizzling hot curling iron and integrated into your own hair with a few well placed snaps. The cost averages about $200 and comes in a pack of 7 separate extentions. With proper care, they can last forever, and can be used many times after the wedding.

A bride I worked with this August decided she wanted extensions. She is one of the true stunning beauties, but wanted more fullness and length in her bridal style.

The result - breathtaking. When I finished curling her hair, added the extensions, and integrated then together, we all stood back and said, "Wow"! If you would like more information, email me. Her images show the "before" with her own beautiful naturally curly locks, and the "after" with the added extension's.

10 Tips for Wedding Day Makeup & Hair Preparation

Planning your wedding is a full time job. Much of that time is devoted to your bridal makeup and hairstyling. Following these tips could make the journey easier:
1. To avoid disappointment, book your stylist early. I receive confirmed bookings sometimes a year in advance! Brides will email me to request a date 3 to 6 months in advance and are so surprised to learn that date is booked!
2. Eliminate surprise - book a trial run to establish your look as well as develop a rapport with your stylist. And when I say trial, I mean a complete makeup application and hairstyle! I work with a
bride for 2 1/2 hours during a consultation to ensure she is happy.
3. Ensure your skin is in top condition. Makeup will enhance, but hydrated clear skin is the first step. Drink plenty of water, cut back on alcohol, use moisturizer and try to get plenty of rest (hard to do!).
4. If your teeth need a boost, try Crest White Strips or discuss bleaching with your dentist.
5. You can create drama with false lashes, but did you know you now can have lashes applied semi-permanently? This is a great option if your honeymoon includes swimming and sandy beaches.
6. Your hair should be in great shape with the ends trimmed, coloring or streaking done at least 7 to 10 days before the wedding. If dry, be sure to apply deep conditioners, or ask the salon for a silk wrap.
7. Be realistic with your chosen hair style. If your hair in long, silky, fine and does not hold a curl well, you may not be wise in requesting long spiral curls. They won't last through the ceremony! When you have a hair trial provide images so your stylist gets some idea of your true desire. But if your hair just hits the top of your shoulders, don't bother providing images of hair that is 10" longer than yours!
8. If you hair is not as long as you'd like, or it simply won't grow, consider hair extensions. There are so many choices in lengths, styles and colors, and so easy to snap in and work with. Matching with your own hair color is so doable that no one will know it's not yours!
9. Working with a stylist is a collaborative affair. This is a new experience for you, and you may feel unsure. A good makeup artist and hairstylist should ask many questions, listen to your ideas and offer some tips. But remember this is your day. Don't be afraid to speak up and say what you feel. If your stylist in not listening or says no to your ideas and comments, run!
10. Carry a small handbag with you on your wedding day! I am often at weddings where the bride is leaving to get into the limo, and is stashing lip gloss, or tissues, or extra bobby pins in her Dad's suit jacket, or bridesmaids purses. Or worse - a plastic bag from Safeway (yes, this really happened!)
I hope this provides some useful tips for all you busy brides. Email if you would like additional information. I have been doing this for 25 years, and I just may know the answer to your question!