Cat Felicity at Salon Vivace

As you can see, Cat is just gorgeous.  These photos were taken by Erin L Hubbs at Salon Vivace Southpark.  Larry Webb provided the incredible hair styles, and I did Cat's makeup to go with her beautiful sequined top.  We had all worked with Cat before at Charlotte's Fashion's Night Out, and she did not fail to shine then either!

Erin, Larry, Cat and I all had so much fun at this photo shoot, we didn't leave until 4am!  Yes 4am!  These photos were taken around 2:30!  It's just a testament to how gorgeous and energetic Cat is, even in the late hours.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this all nighter such a success!

Photo: Erin L Hubbs
Hair Stylist: Larry Webb, Salon Vivace Southpark
Makeup: Adrian D Howe
Subject: Cat Felicity

Published! Hitched Bridal Magazine

I am honored to be part of "Hitched" Bridal Magazine, available now in Lake Norman!  I wrote tips and suggestions for the beautiful bride, to make sure her makeup is appropriate for the most important day of her life.

Bridal Makeup Application is very misunderstood.  Many people think it's just making the bride look pretty, or creating a slightly more dramatic look than her everyday makeup.  However, Bridal Makeup involves expertise from every aspect of the makeup and beauty industry.

As a Bride, your face will be immortalized in photos and video for the rest of your life.  Not only do you need to look absolutely stunning in person on your Wedding Day, but Brides need to bear in mind that your face will be photographed from all angles.  You will be photographed in color, black and white, sepia, or any combination of these techniques.  You may be photographed indoors with florescent light, outdoors in natural light (at all hours of the day and evening), candlelight, and also with any special lighting effects you'll have at your event (those beautiful pink lights in your reception hall?).  You will also be on video - standard, HD, or both.  Take all this into consideration, as well as the fact that your wedding day will last a full 12+ hours, and that you will feel a range of emotions this day - happy, crying, and all of the above!  Your makeup needs to stand up to all of these situations!

It's best for a Bride to consider hiring a makeup artist, who is experienced in all areas of makeup artistry - Bridal, Print (flash photography) and Video (TV/Film).  The Bride really is the star of her wedding, and her makeup should work for all the mediums she'll be in - pictures, video, in person, all of the above.  It is well worth the investment to hire a Professional Makeup Artist who will make you look beautiful for this all important day.  Just think about it - you spent lots of money on other aspects of your wedding, that will barely be seen or captured!  You should invest in your face as well!

Thank you to my beautiful featured subjects for this article, Jennifer Gamboa and Tina Marie Stenseth.  They make beautiful brides and I was honored to work with them for their portraits, taken by the talented Erin L Hubbs.  Hitched Magazine can be acquired at The Mooresville Tribune or Statesville Record & Landmark Newspaper offices.

Magazine: Hitched

Photos: Erin L Hubbs

Hair/Makeup: Adrian D Howe

Featured Subjects: Jennifer Gamboa and Tina Marie Stenseth

Beautiful Bride: Katie Wooten

Katie Wooten inspired me.  Her beautiful eyes reminded me of Anne Hathaway, so I sought to create a classic elegant bridal look for Katie, that would be reminiscent of Anne Hathaway's red carpet looks.

Katie is the manager of Apricot Lane Boutique, located in Birkdale Village in Huntersville.  She is obviously no stranger to fashion, and her beauty shined in this photo shoot.

Her Bridal Portrait was taken by Erin L Hubbs, and decorated with a crisp elegant white background.  Hairstylist Larry Webb of Salon Vivace Southpark created this one of a kind work of art hairdo.  You may notice I work with Erin and Larry a lot, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about them, as they are very professional and so fun at the same time.

For Katie's makeup, we went with classic smokey eyes, accented with long lush lashes, and a nude lip.  Airbrush foundation suited her skin perfectly.

I had a lot of fun working with this amazing team of professionals.

Photo: Erin L Hubbs

Hair Stylist: Larry Webb, Salon Vivace Southpark

Makeup Artist: Adrian D Howe

Subject: Katie Wooten





Beautiful Bride: Dayna

 

I was blessed to work with the most beautiful bride, Dayna Motley.  Dayna is not only beautiful on the outside, but such a happy person, and loves giving back to her community.  She is a social worker, and never stops smiling and laughing.

Her Bridal Portrait was taken by Erin L Hubbs, and accented simply with a white background and white bench, which allowed Dayna to shine. 

I worked with Dayna in advance to plan a makeup look she would love - we chose smokey eyes with deep blues, accented with a champagne highlight.  Larry Webb of Salon Vivace Southpark created a classic and elegant style of curls with a section pulled back, accented with a feather facinator.

Thank you to Erin, Dayna and Larry for being part of this project!

Photo: Erin L Hubbs

Hair Stylist: Larry Webb, Salon Vivace Southpark

Makeup Artist: Adrian D Howe

Beautiful Bride: Jennifer Gamboa

Ms. Jennifer Gamboa is absolutely beautiful. While I was getting her ready for her Bridal Portrait by Erin L Hubbs, we got to talking, and realized we went to the same high school!  Jennifer came to America from Guatemala when she was 16, and learned English all on her own.  She is now fluent in English and Spanish, and has the most beautiful accent.

Jennifer's gown was simplistic and elegant, and accented with a flower facinator.  I designed her makeup to suit her lovely skintone and hair color, using colors of gold, burgandy, and soft black on her eyes, paired with a bronze glossy lip.  Airbrush foundation suited her perfectly.  Her gorgeous long hair was styled in loose wavy curls. 

You can find one of Jennifer's photos from this portrait published in Hitched magazine, which premiered this month in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte.

Thank you to Jennifer and photographer Erin L Hubbs for having me be a part of this amazing project.

Photo: Erin L Hubbs

Subject: Jennifer Gamboa

Makeup/Hair: Adrian D Howe

Beautiful Bride: Tina Marie

All I can say is...WOW!  Miss Tina Marie is just breathtakingly beautiful! 

These photos were shot by the infinitely talented Erin L Hubbs of Greendoor Imaging.  The set was simplistic - the white background and elegant crystal chandelier really directed the focus on our gorgeous subject, Tina Marie Stenseth.

Tina is exceptionally beautiful, as you can see.  I enhanced her natural beauty with dramatic smokey eyes, and showcased her porcelain skin with airbrush foundation, a soft pink blush, and glossy neutral lips.  Her hair was styled in classic curls pinned back, and accented with a feather facinator.  This gorgeous look is modern, but also an incredibly classic look for brides.

I really have nothing else to write about this epic portrait - I believe the images speak volumes.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this Bridal Portrait such a success. 

Photo: Erin L Hubbs
Makeup/Hair: Adrian D. Howe

Bridal Beauty Timeline and Checklist

The Spring Wedding Season is upon us!  My office is getting flooded with requests for Bridal Makeup Services, and I am so glad my brides are planning in advance!  If you're recently engaged, or not sure when's a good time to start booking your beauty professionals, this timeline and checklist, adapted from teamwedding.com, will help you out!

12 to 6 Months Before

• If you’re thinking about getting artificial nails, make an appointment with a manicurist to try them out now. You have plenty of time to let your natural nails grow if you change your mind.

• If you don’t already have a hair stylist and/or makeup artist begin your search now. Many professionals book several months to a year out, so inquire about their availability early.  If you're certain you've found "the one" for you, ask about reserving your date.  You certainly don't want your favorite professionals to be unavailable for your wedding, so book early!

• Now is the time to experiment with haircuts and color, if you're planning on changing your style.

• Begin a hair care routine that includes weekly deep conditioning treatments and other vital treatments to improve the overall health of your hair.

• Consult a dermatologist if you have problems with acne, scars or other skin problems. It is also appropriate to discuss any facial or body hair you’d like removed.

• Invest in a skin care regimen suitable for your skin type. 

• If it’s within your budget, indulge in a monthly facial.

• Begin a workout program if you don’t have one already. Regular exercise will improve your overall energy level, ease stress and boost your confidence. Another added benefit… it can enhance your skin’s glow.

• If you have light or bleached hair, limit or avoid contact with heavily chlorinated water.

• Eat healthy. If you want to lose weight for the wedding, do it in a healthful manner.



3 to 5 Months Before

• Book your makeup artist for the big day and schedule an appointment for your trial run closer to your wedding date. Trials are vital, so you can preview the “overall look.”

• Book your wedding day hair stylist and make an appointment to try out your wedding day hairstyle.

• Make an appointment to have your teeth cleaned the week before your wedding.

• Make any necessary changes to keep your workout program and weight loss regimen on track for the big day.

• Start drinking plenty of water — eight glasses (64 ounces) a day! Water helps flush the system and will aid weight loss, water retention and give you glowing skin. It’s great for the hair too.

• If it’s within your budget, start monthly manicures and pedicures.

• Have your hair trimmed every four to six weeks.


1 to 2 Months Before

• Have your trial with your makeup artist. Bring along photos of any looks you’ve found appealing in magazines or online, along with photos of your gown, veil, bridesmaids gowns, and anything you feel is relevant to your overall wedding style.

• Schedule a “Tress Rehearsal” with your hair stylist, complete with veil and headpiece to make sure they’ll work with your hairstyle.

• Treat your skin to moisturizers, body wash and body polish. Consider using both over-the-counter and prescription treatments for problem skin. Talk to your dermatologist if necessary.

• Have your last professional facial. Never have a facial or microderm abrasion right before the wedding.



2 Weeks Before

• Get your final trim, and touch up your hair color or highlights.

• Pamper yourself with a massage.

• Keep drinking plenty of water.

• Go to bed an hour earlier than usual every night.



1 Week Before

• Have your eyebrows shaped for the last time.

• Have your upper lip and bikini line waxed, if necessary.

• Take extra care to avoid the sun or apply sun block.

• If you’re doing your own hair and makeup, do a complete hairstyle and makeup run-through, complete with all makeup products and hair accessories (headpiece, veil and all).

• Confirm your makeup artist and hair stylist for the big day.



1 to 3 Days Before

• Get a manicure and pedicure, either from a professional or by yourself.

• Use a body wash to gently exfoliate or polish your skin, especially your décolletage and arms.

• Apply lots of moisturizer — everywhere.

• Take a nap.

• Drink two extra glasses of water.

• Make sure your emergency beauty kit is prepared. Stock it with essential cosmetics and other must-haves for your wedding day



Your Wedding Day

• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

• Relax by taking plenty of deep, cleansing breaths.

• Smile! Have Fun!