Beauty for Brides by Vicki Millar

Be A Bold Bride - Try a Red Lip

2012-01-24T15:29:00.000-05:00

In November I wrote a blog entry on 2012 bridal lip colour trends. Keeping this in mind I thought I would share with you a makeup and hair trial I did recently with a bride who loves a little colour. Check out these bold and cheeky lips and look at how white her teeth looked with this colour on! I know a bold lip is not for everyone but for some, it's stunning!
(Photo taken on my iPhone before I left.)

Lip colour used was by Cinema Secret - Red Rose.

Brides By Vicki Millar Wins Weddingwire Bride's Choice Award 2012

2012-01-22T10:01:00.000-05:00

A Special Announcement!!

I'm very excited to announce that I won the Weddingwire Bride's Choice Award 2012. That's 2 years in a row! I want to thank all my wonderful and thoughtful brides for taking the time to write reviews on my services. I feel so grateful and blessed to have such wonderful client's.

Wedding Makeup and Hair - How To Avoid The 4 Biggest Mistakes

2012-01-15T15:33:00.000-05:00

1. Vagueness = Disappointment. I cannot express this enough and I find myself repeating it in many of my blogs but it's worth saying again and again because it's so important. Put into plain words the look you want to achieve with your makeup artist and hair stylist. For example, if you want a smokey eye be sure you explain what type of smokey eye you really want. Everyone has different versions of a smokey eye so unless you have a good idea of what you like you'll get whatever version your makeup artist feels will suit you. If you're asking for some height in your hairstyle be clear on how high you want it to be. Explaining what look you want in a clear and concise way will help you achieve exactly the look you really want. Sureness = Delight!

2. Show images to your bridal makeup/hair artist of the look you want to achieve but be sure your images are of a consistent nature. For example, if you really want a natural look don't show an image like this.

Although the makeup is lovely it's not natural and you will confuse your artist.

Instead, show an image like this.

If you have 6 images be sure all the images are of a similar nature. Colours may vary but the style of the makeup you desire should be consistent in the images you show your makeup artist.

3. Book a makeup and hair trial before your wedding day and be certain you get to know your artist well. It's important that you're happy with your makeup and hair but it's also really important you like the person you're going to be spending time with on your wedding day. You need to trust this person 100% and be sure they understand and will appreciate you and the people in your wedding party. Meeting your artist at a trial before your wedding ensures you'll be happy with your wedding day makeup and hair.

4. Let your makeup artist and hair stylist do their job. I know there are all types of personalities out there. Some are "Type A" personalities and they like to know exactly what's going on and quiz the artist about their every move as they go along. Bad idea. All that does is create anxiety and you don't want your artist to be anything but relaxed while they are working on you. It's a good idea to ask your questions and be sure you're both on the same page BEFORE your makeup/hair artist starts to work on you. Once they have started their job, trust they know what they're doing and that they want you to look amazing and let them get on with making you look gorgeous.

Just sit back and relax and enjoy being pampered!

See you all soon!

Vendor Spotlight - 28 Delights Bakery

2012-01-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

Tropical Delight Cupcakes from 28 Delights Bakery

It's been awhile since I've written a vendor spotlight review but I believe in only promoting those businesses that go above and beyond in my opinion....and have I found one to share with you!!

Now, this may seem unusual for a beauty blogger to spotlight a bakery but hold your fire......there is a method to my madness! I work in the bridal industry and I know which wedding trends are hot. Cupcake tables are unique, creative and very popular!

Seriously...who doesn't love a cupcake?

But wait.....28 Delights Bakery don't just make your average cupcake.
They make cupcakes for the Gods to eat! They also do amazing cakes and brownies too!

Personalize your own cake from 28 Delights Bakery

Devil in a white dress brownie from 28 Delights Bakery

Back in the summer I was on set for an advertising campaign with one of my regular client's. A lot of time when I'm on set there are tons of goodies to munch on and this day was no exception to that. Among all the food (and there was lots!) sat this gorgeous display of cupcakes. I was super busy getting my models ready so didn't get a chance to eat much but the talk around set was all about these cupcakes. I mean the hype was pretty unique. Especially for cupcakes! Everyone on the team was raving about them! So, when I had a minute between models I decided to give one a try. One of the models had her agent with her and he strongly suggested I try one of the Banana Bliss Cupcakes.

So, I did.

Banana Bliss Cupcakes from 28 Delights Bakery

Amazing doesn't do it justice! I'm not kidding when I say it was the best tasting cupcake I've ever had! The middle had some sort of filling that tasted like heaven! (if heaven was a cupcake that is)

It just so happens the owner and head baker (Debbie Walker) was on site that day. Debbie told me she was about to expand her cupcake business and I asked her to let me know the moment she had her site up and running and guess what, she did just that. She contacted me last week to let me know her business is online now and needless to say it's already booming! Up until now, word of mouth has kept Debbie's cupcake business busy but now the sky is the limit! No surprise really. She has only had her site up for a couple of weeks and she has already started taking bookings for 2012 weddings!

Jamrock Cupcakes

This blog is one big "shout out" for 28 Delights Bakery. For all you brides out there that are looking for something beautiful and unique, not to mention unbelievably yummy, please get in touch with Debbie Walker from 28 Delights Bakery. She is super talented and really nice! Tell her I sent you!

Contact Info...for Toronto and GTA.
http://www.twentyeightdelights.com/

For my followers who want more information please contact me for a brochure and pricing. For whatever reason I can't add the brochure and pricing page to this blog entry.

Bridal Hairstyle Trends for 2012

2011-12-30T14:42:00.001-05:00

Want to know what's hot in bridal hairstyles for 2012? Check these out!

The Ever Popular Side Chignon ... for 2012 add in some side curls

The Bridget Bardot half up / half down style

The Looped Under Ponytail

Side Hair Upswept With a Barrette

Long Loose Curls

The French Twist ... elegant and versatile

Be Beautiful On Your Honeymoon

2011-12-27T10:27:00.000-05:00

When the wedding day is over.....what bride doesn't want to keep looking her best?

On your honeymoon, you definitely want your husband to realize how lucky he was to marry you! Below are some of my favourite practical makeup products to bring along with you on your honeymoon. Enjoy!

Wild and Chic - The Best of Make Up For Ever Kit

Wild and Chic - Aqua Cream Collection from Make Up For Ever

Smashbox - Try It Kit

MAC Strobe Cream

MAC strobe cream...for those days you want to go without makeup or use it under makeup.
It will light up your skin and give a warm glow!
An absolute must in your honeymoon kit!

Cover FX Acne Treat and Conceal Kit

If you suffer from acne breakouts this kit is a must! One of the best foundations on the market today for full natural looking coverage

Laura Mercier - Oil Free Flawless Face Kit

See you all soon!

Beautiful Bridal Makeup - Get The Look!

2011-12-19T15:51:00.000-05:00

Beautiful bride Lora. Photography by Mark Fiddian, Cambridge, UK

Do you love Lora's wedding day makeup? I know many of you do so I thought I would share a step by step guide on how I achieved this beautiful wedding look.

First I moisturized Lora's skin using Embryolisse 24 hour miracle cream. Lora has good skin and this cream was the perfect base to start building her dream bridal look.

Next I applied Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in Ivory (a silicone based foundation) using my dampened Beauty Blender Sponge and blended seamlessly until Lora's skin looked fresh and dewy. I then followed with Keromask concealer in Light only where it was required.

Next I applied Graftobian Creme Blush in Raspberry and lightly buffed it into Lora's skin using an Alcone sponge.

To set the foundation and blush I used Ben Nye Visage Poudre Luxury Powder in Banana colour. It leaves a beautiful candle light glow to the skin and it really gave Lora's skin some extra oomph!

Photography by Mark Fiddian, Cambridge, UK

For Lora's eyes I used Paula Dorf all over the lid in Cherub followed by Yaby in Rosewood in the crease. I followed this up by blending the colours using a MAC blending brush #217. I then added Yaby antiqued frost bronze in the centre of her lid and blended again using #217 brush. Then I added little dap of vanilla pigment from MAC under the brow as a highlighter. Using a smudger brush I added Yaby Bark on Lora's lower lash line. Next I added the tiniest amount of Yaby White shadow to Lora's tear duct area and blended well. I finished her eyes off by using 2 coats of Waterproof Maybelline Great Lash mascara in Black.

Next I groomed Lora's eyebrows using Smashbox's Brow Tech in Brunette.

To give Lora a natural sexy bridal pout I applied Graftobian lip colour in Nude.

Photography by Mark Fiddian, Cambridge, UK

Come by next week when I'll share with you some beautiful bridal hair styles for 2012. See you soon!

Your Wedding Makeup and Hair FAQ's Answered

2011-12-15T10:39:00.000-05:00

My most popular bride makeup and hair questions ... some food for thought when searching for your own bridal makeup and hair artist.

Do you charge for trials?

Yes I do charge for trials. I offer 2 hour makeup trials which include airbrush if requested, where your bridal look is created or a 3 hour trial that also includes hair styling. I prepare a detailed face chart which is used to ensure that you will look exactly the same on your wedding day as you do at your trial. I also offer invaluable hints and tips for skin and hair preparation to prepare you for your big day.

Do you provide any specialty services? (airbrushing, hair extensions, etc.)

For those brides who are looking for luxurious red carpet treatment, I offer speciality services such as airbrush makeup application. Feel free to bring clip-in hair extensions with you to your trial and/or wedding day. I regularly work with hair extensions and am very comfortable creating many hairstyles using them.

Do you travel to your client on the wedding day? If yes, is there a fee?

I am completely mobile and will come to you directly for your trial and wedding day at your convenience. I do not charge for travel within the Toronto and Greater Toronto Area including Barrie, Ontario. Outside of this area you will incur a small travel charge.

How many customers can you serve at one time if the bride were to book her entire bridal party?

I am able to accommodate wedding parties of any size. For larger wedding parties I work closely with valued and trusted assistants who work to my standards and timelines. My overriding priority is the level of customer service provided to my clients. To this end I only work with assistants who understand and agree with this ethic and who demonstrate the same degree of professionalism and quality as I strive to provide. Large wedding parties will incur a small additional fee which will be included in your initial quote.

How far in advance should I book your services?

Clients should book services a minimum of 6 - 9 months in advance of their wedding day. I am often booked up to a year in advance during high wedding season.

Do you specialize in textured hair?

I am very experienced working with all hair textures although I do not specialize in natural African American hair.

My makeup artist just cancelled on me - can you accommodate my last minute request.

Yes, I can accommodate your request provided I do not have a previous booking on the same day. I often refer brides who I am unable to accommodate (due to other bookings) to trusted colleagues that may be available to accomodate your request.

Do you cut and colour hair?

I do not cut or colour hair. I can style hair for your wedding including updo's, braids, french twists, styled down and more. I am able to refer you to some of the best colour specialists and salons in most major North American cities to accommodate you if you require a colour and/cut.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel your booking your deposit is not refundable; if you cancel your booking after cleared funds are received, before and including a booking date. If I am obliged to cancel your booking every effort will be made to provide a replacement makeup artist of equivalent ability and cost. No guarantee is offered or implied as regards the ability or availability of a replacement makeup artist. If a replacement artist accepts the assignment, your deposit will be passed onto that artist. If a replacement makeup artist cannot be provided your deposit will be refunded in full.

Trash The Dress

2011-12-08T12:06:00.000-05:00

Is your wedding day experience really over after the last piece of cake is eaten and the last glass of champagne is drunk? Not at all! I'm noticing a lot of my brides are hiring a professional photographer after their wedding, where they trash their wedding dress and capture amazing pictures while doing it!

The really amazing thing about a "trash the dress" photo shoot is that you can create whatever type of images you like. For instance, you could choose a very high fashion look, something you might see in Vogue or a sexy modern grungy look that you might see on the runways. Yes, you can get messy and dirty but you can also look sexy, dark and moody all incorporating high fashion hair and makeup. It can be a complete contrast to your engagement and wedding pictures. A sort of alter ego if you wish....

It could be your moment to play "top fashion model" for a day!

This might sound crazy or maybe not to some but when I was a little girl I was nuts about Barbie's. I used to dress them up and do crazy things with their hair and have them walk around as if they were on a runway! Even poor Ken was my victim for years. : ) (I know what you're thinking....but my talent did improve as I grew older!) I see a "trash the dress" photo shoot as a grown up version of playing Barbie's. : ) I also think bringing your own version of Ken (i.e. hubby of course!) along would make the shoot even more incredible!

From a recent editorial I did ~ in Ellements magazine right now. Look here for more images like this! http://www.vickimillar.com/
Photographer: Jason Brown

Consider a "trash the dress" photo shoot as an extension of your wedding event. It only makes sense to do something unique but at the same time very beautiful and very current. Consider all aspects of the shoot, make it special, create a theme, hire the best photographer you can find/afford (I know a lot of great photographers so please get in touch if you need some references) and don't forget about your hair and makeup! Choose an artist that can give you the fashion look you've dreamed of your whole life but most importantly, have a great time.

See you all soon!

Top 3 Wedding Makeup Blunders

2011-12-01T15:53:00.001-05:00

Wedding Makeup Blunder # 1 ~ Being Unrealistic With Your Expectations

I'm a big believer in collecting images from magazines and websites of makeup and hair styles you love and want to emulate for your wedding day but it's important to remember that not all hair styles and makeup looks will suit you.

When considering styles of makeup and hair for your big day, be realistic - stay true to yourself.
Wedding Makeup Blunder # 2 ~ Attempting To Do It Alone

Are you one of those brides who thinks she can save money by doing her own makeup and hair? Consider the amount of money you've spent on your photographer and your gown. Now think about how important it is that your hair and makeup look flawless for all your pictures and how important it is that your makeup/hair style works well with your chosen gown.
On your wedding day, you want to be the bride that looks relaxed, polished and classic. When it comes to makeup and hair on your wedding day, leave it to the experts.

Wedding Makeup Blunder # 3 ~ Maintaining The Look

If you've hired a pro makeup artist you can rest assured that your makeup will last all day and evening. The only 2 things that should require attention throughout the day will be powder/blotting to control excess shine that develops on the skin over time and lip colour that will fade as the day progresses. All you need to do is check these 2 things every couple of hours and you'll always be picture perfect ready!

The Bride's Survival Kit

2011-11-24T12:55:00.000-05:00

Beautiful bride Jessica on her big day

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American followers!

You don't want to be caught without a survival kit on your weddig day! Below are my top 10 bride survival kit picks.

1. Tissues (for all the teary eyed brides out there - dab, don't rub!) : )

2. Blotting Papers (you can alternate blotting with powder to help control face shine throughout the day)

3. Face Powder (most makeup artists will provide you this as part of your package)

4. Lip colour (again, most makeup artists will provide you this as part of your package)

5. Mints (to help keep your breath minty fresh all day long)

6. Bottled water or energy drink (dehydration shows on your completion - drink lots of water)

7. A small sewing kit (for those emergency moments)

8. Pain reliever (Tylenol or Advil)

9. Contact lense solution and/or eyedrops for redness and soreness (keep your eyes sparkling all day long - if you need to, bring your glasses along as well)

10. Nail polish that matches what you're wearing (incase you get a chip and need a quick fix)

Have a trusted friend keep these on hand for you and if need be, you'll be well prepared for anything!

Bridal Lips - Lip Colour Trends 2012

2011-11-16T15:42:00.000-05:00

The fall season is well upon us now and although I continue doing weekend weddings on a regular basis, my makeup and hair trial season has really picked up this month. I find I'm booking a lot of trials! Every new season that approaches brings new and interesting trends.

At my trials, I'm encouraging my 2012 brides to step outside their "comfort lip colour zone area" just a little... and try a different lip shade than they would normally wear. It's only lip colour and if you don't like it, it's pretty easy to change! I suggest trying something different because you just never know....sometimes change is good!

Need some serious lip colour inspiration? No problem. Check out some of the upcoming lip colour trends for 2012. See if any of them inspire you!

Add a punch of colour to your wedding day lips with a subtle 2 tone lip colour.

Gorgeous wine and tomato red coloured lips were big on the 2012 runways!

The many shades of red lips for 2012! I admit, I love them all!

Betsy Johnson shows off vibrant hot pink lips for 2012! Oh yeah!!

Orange is gorgeous and very big for 2012. Very few women try this colour but look how gorgeous it is!

Versace Spring 2012 barely there lip - sexy!

See you all soon!
Follow/Like me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/BridalMakeupHair

Same Sex Brides

2011-11-07T12:15:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited because I've recently just booked another same sex wedding for June 2012!
In Ontario Canada, same sex partners can be married "legally." This is something I'm extremely proud we legalized here in Ontario and I am always happy to offer my services whenever they are requested. You might think that same sex brides might not want the traditional bridal looks but from my experience, they really do!

Because I'm from Toronto, it's becoming more common for me to get requests for same sex weddings as many couples travel to get married here. My very first same sex wedding party was done last August in Toronto. The couple (Natalie and Eileen) were from Australia and flew a great distance just to make their marriage legal. I loved how traditional they looked. Natalie was dressed very traditionally in a long white gown while Eileen was in a tuxedo - she looked amazing! Natalie wanted a very classic hair updo while Eileen wanted a half up/half down "do." Both wanted beautiful clean makeup looks.

I'll be sure and take some photo's of my June 2012 brides for you all to see.

For those of you looking for information on gay weddings, please see this link. There is a ton of information to be found on planning your wedding plus a list of "approved" wedding vendors. I happen to be included in their vendor approved listing and I can assure you they do their background search very thoroughly to ensure they recommend only those vendors who are gay positive!

See you all soon! xoxo

Bridesmaid's Gowns 2012

2011-11-01T10:42:00.000-04:00

Good morning all! As you all know or have probably figured out by now I love makeup and hair and anything beauty related. What you might not know is that I also love bridal gowns and wedding fashion and find myself searching through magazines and websites to keep myself ahead of bridal trends. So....

I did a little digging around and found some beautiful bridesmaid gown idea's for spring 2012. Lots of colour to choose from! Am already in love with the bridal colours for 2012. Be sure and look at the makeup/hair as well in these photo's. Very current looks! I hope this inspires you with your planning!

Love the vibrancy of this colour! http://www.priscillaofboston.com/

Perfect for a spring wedding! Light, airy and oh-so feminine!http://www.alvinavalenta.com/

My absolute favourite colour ~ purple! Gotta admit this gown is dynamite too! The one bare shoulder look is big for 2012 and any bridesmaid would be thrilled to wear something this gorgeous I'm sure! http://www.amsale.com/

This wine colour is a great alternative to red and photographs so well. Speaking of photographs....this gown was photographed by firstVIEW www.jlmcouture.com/Lazaro

NEWS! I now have a facebook page dedicated to bridal beauty. It's updated regularly and filled with little tidbits on my life as a bridal makeup/hair artist. I also post lots of photos of my brides and bridesmaids/MOB, etc... I also cover new bridal gown trends and new designer bridal looks. I'm always thinking ahead so you can plan ahead too! : ) I also have a discussion board and a recommended wedding vendors area! It's a lot of fun so be sure and "like" this page https://www.facebook.com/BridalMakeupHair and keep up with all the latest and greatest bridal/wedding information! Don't miss out. See you all soon!

Celebrity Makeup/Hair Looks For The Mother of Bride/Groom

2011-10-21T13:35:00.000-04:00

Classic beauty - Judy Dench

I meet a lot of mom's every week in this business and 9 times out of 10 the mom's I meet are only concerned with their daughter's happiness and how beautiful their daughter looks and feels on her big day. It's almost as if a lot of mom's are so used to putting themselves last on the list they just accept whatever look is given to them. They often have no idea how they want to look themselves on their daughter's/son's wedding day! Providing the makeup/hair are done quickly so they can get back to their daughter they are happy campers! I have to admit....I think it's sweet and very typical of a good mom to put her daughter (or son's future wife) first on her big day but I feel it's just as important for mom's that they feel good about themselves on their daughter's (or son's) wedding day too!

Gorgeous Julie Chen from The Talk

Think about it.....mothers of the bride and groom are in numerous wedding pictures and they are almost always the last ones to sit down before the bride arrives for the ceremony. A lot of eyes are on the mothers long before the main event even takes place and I thought it was about time to show you "mom's" out there how glamorous you can really look and feel on the big day! So, below is a selection of some mature female celebrities that I found online. I purposely picked these ladies to demonstrate how beauty is not only for the young and I tried to find those celebrities who aren't overly edited (photo shopped) and who haven't been cosmetically enhanced too much! In other words...I want to show you REAL women. When looking these pictures over keep in mind how their hairstyles look and differ between the celebrities and how each one wears their makeup. It's soft and natural and perfectly suited to each woman - yes, even through some lines and wrinkles! One thing to really take note of here is every one of these women have fabulous eyebrows! I'll keep sayin' it.....eyebrows frame the face so ladies.....work on your eyebrows!

Diane Sawyer....love how her blue eyes pop!

Can I just say......I LOVE Oprah's eyebrows!!!

I know....I know...Jane's had some 'work' done on her face but it's not overdone and she still looks like a mature lady. She actually reminds me of my Aunt Dot - someday I'll show you a picture of my 85 year old aunt who I can barely keep up with! :)

Joyce Philbin - no wonder Regis keeps himself looking so good!

The very beautiful Lauren Hutton....age has only enhanced her beauty

Joyce Behar - she is a spunky red head but it's a great picture to demonstrate how mature women can wear red lipstick!

Not exactly mom's age....but she still look amazing at grandmother age! Soft corals and pinks work wonders for Barbara Walters

Wedding Spotlight - Chelsea's Wedding!

2011-10-19T14:46:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back I wrote a blog about my September long weekend of weddings and one of my bride's from that weekend was Chelsea. Well, Chelsea has sent me some of her initial wedding pictures and I thought I would share them with you! She looked gorgeous and really glowed! The way every bride should look and feel on her big day. : )

This was a very large wedding party and between myself and my trusted associate Jade Truscott we managed to pull off some beautiful makeup and hair looks. Have a little peak and enjoy!

Congratulations to Chelsea and Scott!

Chelsea's bridesmaid on the right side of the photo had spent almost 24 hours on a flight back from her own honeymoon to make it on time for Chelsea's big day! Seriously.....she was such a trooper and looked gorgeous!

Chelsea's dad was so much fun! He spent some time in the bridal suite with us while Jade and I were working on hair and makeup. He brought a smile to everyone's face so no surprise Chelsea is smilling here!

I love this picture! Although it doesn't show the makeup/hair all that well I still love it!

Cheers!

Winter Wedding Makeup

2011-10-14T11:17:00.000-04:00

Here in Canada we celebrated Thanksgiving last weekend and although the calendar said October it certainly didn't feel like October outside! As I've mentioned before long weekends and weddings go hand in hand. Although I was super busy last weekend with wedding and brides, I did manage to find some time to spend with my family and eat way too much turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Yum! : ) This year our Thanksgiving weekend weather was more like a weekend in July! It was a surprise to many of us but in particular my brides!

But the weather is changing quickly. This morning when I woke up I realized we can't hold Fall off any longer and although I love the Fall, I know winter is just around the corner now too. It's cool and rainy outside today here in Toronto - it's a perfect day to talk about winter wedding makeup!

In most parts of North America, there are just heaps of colours all around us in the spring and summer whereas in the winter months it tends to be a lot less colourful! Don't get me wrong, there is nothing more beautiful than a cold sunny winter day when sunlight glistens on the snow and the snow almost sparkles in it's reflection. But for those winter days when the sun decides to stay behind the clouds and the snow gets dirty from all the cars on the road there is nothing I want to see more than a little colour!

Winter wedding makeup should be a time to use some colour - not in an "over the top" type of way but in a way that brings your skin to life! Winter 2012 makeup trends are all about colour which I couldn't be happier about. Almost anything goes - from a touch of colour on the eyelid to a bold wash of colour on the lip or cheek. This winter when you're considering your wedding makeup colour palette think about adding some colour to your natural bridal makeup look. Let's say your eyes are green, try adding a little bit of mauve to your eyelid or deepen your eyeliner to bring a more exotic look to yourself. Try not to shy away from colour on your lips either. I know most brides (including many of my brides) aren't comfortable wearing a bolder colour on their lips but consider mixing 2 or 3 colours together to get a unique lip shade all your own. Your lip colour doesn't have to be boring! Ask your makeup artist to create something for you that he/she hasn't given to anyone else before! Be unique. Be a little bold this winter and bring some colour to your wedding makeup!

See you all soon!

Choosing Your Wedding Day Makeup and Hair Look

2011-10-05T15:19:00.000-04:00

Choosing your wedding day makeup and hairstyle can seem overwhelming for some. From my experience there are 3 types of brides...

Bride # 1: These brides know exactly how they want to look and there is no chance they will change their mind.

Bride #2: These brides have a very good idea of what they want to look like but are open to suggestions.

Bride #3: These are the brides who struggle to figure out what their wedding hair and makeup style should look like and get frustrated because they just can't make a decision.

For all the #3's out there....this blog entry is for you! : ) First off, don't worry! You are not alone so don't feel there is anything wrong with being unsure of how you want your bridal makeup and hairstyle to look ahead of time. There are a lot of brides that I meet at my trials that are really unsure about their hair and makeup style and although they have lots of beautiful pictures from bridal magazines to show me they still aren't sold on any one particular look for themselves. This is why trials are so important and why booking with a professional who doesn't rush you through your trial is even more important! But I digress! (that's for another day and another blog entry.) : )

Below I've gathered some of my top tips for helping those ladies who are struggling with choosing their wedding makeup and hairstyle. Don't fret....help is here! : ))

Tip 1: Consider seasonal weather conditions...

No matter what month you're getting married in you'll need to consider the weather. For example, let's say you're getting married in July and you have long thick hair and you think you'd like to wear your hair down with light, loose curls. In a case like this, you need to consider whether your hair frizzes in high humidity and/or how long your curls will actually hold on the day. No one knows your hair and skin better than you do so when choosing a hairstyle or a bridal makeup look think through what will really work well for you on your wedding day taking into consideration all the elements. Discuss this at your trial and together you and your makeup/hair artist will come up with the best look perfectly suited just for you!

Tip 2: Think back to a time when you felt you looked your best...

That might have been an evening out with your fiancé or a time when you were away on vacation but it's a moment you remember. You probably looked at yourself in the mirror and thought "hey, I look good/hot/gorgeous right now." Think back to how you wore your hair and how your makeup looked. How did you feel? Did you feel glamorous and alluring or natural and effortless? When considering what makeup/hairstyle will suit you best on your wedding day think back to the times you felt you looked your best and this is the style you should be aiming for.

Tip 3: Ask your fiancé his opinion on how he visualizes you looking on the big day.

Ask him before your trial and combine his wants with your wants so that you're both thrilled with the end result. Let's face it....you are marrying the man of your dreams and his opinion should matter in regards to your makeup and hair. As one of my brides recently wrote to me... "I mesmerized him when I walked down the aisle!" This is what every bride wants for sure!

Hope this helps all you #3's out there! See you all soon!

Give Me A Natural Bridal Makeup Look

2011-09-30T13:24:00.000-04:00

Most of the brides I meet want me to create a look for them that is natural and glowing but with a hint of drama. But what does a natural makeup look really involve? It's no secret in the industry that those makeup artists that can achieve beautiful natural glowing makeup looks, whether it be for brides or commercial/advertising clientele are always highly sought-after because this is the look that most clients ask for and really want.

So today I thought I would share with you some of the products I use most often to create those natural bridal looks you all love!

Let's Talk Base...

When I am not airbrushing, I most often use Face Atelier ultra foundations or YABY liquid foundations. Both are Canadian based companies - so yay for both! But more importantly than that, they both provide a medium coverage that is buildable when necessary while providing very good longevity.
Got something to hide...

My favourite concealers are Keromask concealer or YABY creamy concealers - both are super creamy but very effective! To create a natural look every product you use must blend well into each other. These 2 concealers do that and also kick butt! : )

Make me blush why don't you...

I love to use my Graftobian cream blushes right on the apple of the cheek or my La Femme powder blushes - I also use La Femme blushes when I'm contouring to create a bit of drama on the cheekbones for those ladies who want to glam up the cheekbones a little!

The Eyes have it...

Hands down I most often use my YABY neutral palette or my Ben Nye matte shadows in natural tones. I contour and blend until the eyes pop! I follow this up with 2-3 coats of waterproof mascara in black.

SWAK....

My favourite product to create a natural sexy lip is Face Atelier lip glaze in peach - it's long lasting and gorgeous on just about everyone. It gives a slight hint of colour and just looks super sexy on most women!

Powder me baby....

Ben Nye Banana Visage Poudre gives a gorgeous finish and a beautiful candlelit glow to the skin that is subtle. When I want a more dewy, glowing effect I use my YABY highlighting palette and add highlights to the top of the cheekbone and along the bridge of the nose.

Enjoy your weekend everyone! See you all soon!

Wedding Spotlight - Beautiful Bride Emily

2011-09-26T10:21:00.001-04:00

One of my beautiful brides Emily sent me some of her lovely wedding photo's. This wedding was held at a really nice golf club in Richmond Hill, Ontario this past June. Below are a few things that really stood out to me at this wedding.

The wedding colours were different. I loved the soft moss green colour for the bridesmaid's dresses
Every bridesmaid was super nice and easy to work with - a really great group!
The bride made and designed the most beautiful cupcake table I've ever seen! She also made all the cupcakes too! There seemed to be hundreds of them!
Many of Emily's bridesmaid's are getting married this year as well and I received some emails requesting my service for their wedding day too! : )
I did the makeup only for this wedding. The hairdresser was a long time family friend and she was so amazing to work with! We worked side by side together as if we had been working together for years. Her work was beautiful.

I hope you enjoy these pictures and they give you some inspiration!

Emily and her bridesmaid's having some fun!

A great reflection picture!

I really love the colour of the bridesmaid's dresses - very different and beautiful

Great image!

Julie and bride Emily. I was hired by Julie for her wedding as well! Hope to have some pictures of Julie's wedding soon!

So romantic! Love these kinds of wedding pictures.

Booking Wedding Makeup and Hair - The Truth About Timelines

2011-09-20T13:18:00.000-04:00

Planning a wedding takes some serious organization and preparation. Every vendor you'll be speaking to will have a different point of view as to when you should be booking their services. Today, I'm going to cover the true facts about timelines for booking your wedding day makeup and hair.

The reality is a lot of couples get married during the months of April through to October. Some weekends during these peak months are more popular than others, in particular long weekends. However in general, any successful vendor in the wedding industry will be busy during high season months. Saturdays are still the most popular day of the week for weddings but Fridays and Sundays are also becoming the new standard.

From my experience, a lot of brides start looking for a makeup artist and/or a hairstylist too late and they become alarmed when they call or email and realize the artist they really want is already booked and probably has been for several months. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say it's very upsetting to get these types of calls from brides - you can hear the panic in their voice and it really breaks my heart to have to turn them away. What you really don't want as a bride is to get to this place!

The farther ahead you book your wedding day makeup and hair services the better.

Fact Number 1: You should book your makeup artist and hair stylist a minimum of 6 - 9 months in advance of your wedding day. DO NOT book your makeup/hair trial only and assume your wedding date is secure. Never assume your wedding date is secure until you have it writing. Most makeup/hair vendors will not hold wedding dates without a deposit so you need to fully understand all the terms and conditions of your wedding makeup/hair vendor BEFORE booking with them.

Fact Number 2: Brides who are getting married on long weekends need to book a makeup/hair artist a minimum of a year in advance. Brides who are getting married out of province/state/country should book services a minimum of 18 months in advance. Some makeup/hair artists will put a limit on how many destination type weddings they will do in a year. Know this ahead of time and book early.

Fact Number 3: "In demand" makeup and hair vendors receive numerous phone calls and emails everyday with inquiries from photographers, businesses, other vendors and brides. It's advisable to start your relationship with your makeup/hair vendor early on with clear, concise communication. Be transparent - convey to your vendor what you want from them in a clear courteous manner. Ask and you shall receive!

Fact Number 4: It's important to note that successful makeup artists and hairstylists work in several different areas in the beauty industry, including commercial/advertising, fashion and print work so they are kept busy all year long. They may also provide makeup and hair for prom's, special occasions, makeup lessons, classes and so on. May and June are the busy months for prom's and graduation events. The busiest time for wedding makeup and hair trials is January through to March. Some makeup/hair artists will limit wedding makeup and hair trials to weekdays and weekday evenings - know this ahead of time by inquiring with them and plan accordingly.

For all those getting married in 2012 - 2013, start planning your bridal beauty now! : )

Brides Who Deal With Bridezilla Behaviour From Others

2011-09-14T13:52:00.002-04:00

What happens if you're a calm, relaxed, rational bride but someone close to you is acting like a bridezilla causing you and everyone around you anxiety? You probably feel as though you need to walk on egg shells for fear of setting them off.

I've done makeup and hair for many weddings and I have seen it all or at the very least, I've seen A LOT! Truthfully I very rarely work with bridezilla's. What I can tell you is sometimes there is someone else in attendance on the wedding day that acts like a "bridezilla" or acts in a way that disrupts the positive energy causing unnecessary stress for everyone involved. I keep myself out of any wedding drama because I'm there to make the bride feel and look fantastic and that's my job and I take it seriously. Unfortunately I have witnessed some brides get very upset over unwarranted behaviour from someone else that is close to them and it really puts a damper on their happy occasion. I thought I would write a blog this week about this very common problem as I'm sure many of you have experienced this type of behaviour or are concerned it might happen to you.

So, how do you deal with personalities like this and what are the best ways to avoid this from happening to you?

1. Pick wisely

When planning your wedding party, think logically about who should be part of it. This is YOUR big day and you do not want or need negative energy around you. Sometimes you need to put yourself first and when planning your wedding day everyone expects you to! Make tough decisions early in the planning stages so that you lessen the stress level for yourself and everyone else involved later on.

2. Communicate early on and often

If you have a friend or a relative you know will need "extra" attention on your big day or they may become disruptive and you simply cannot avoid them being present or being part of your wedding day, talk to them early on about your concern and keep talking until you feel the problem is resolved. If they are truly that important to you, you are almost certainly as important to them as well. They may not even be aware this is something they do and talking about it openly and honestly will clear the air and in all probability bring you closer together.

3. Watch, listen and learn

Doubtless you'll have been invited to and/or have been involved in other weddings before your own wedding takes place. Watch, listen and learn from others successes and mistakes. Recall which weddings you had the most fun at and remember why it was so special. Likely the bride and groom took everything in stride and made everyone feel welcome and the people around them followed suit. Learn from those positive experiences and put them into play for your own wedding day.

When your wedding day comes, leave all the drama behind you and enjoy your special day! Let no one take your special moments away from you.

Hope this helps! ; ) See you all next week!

My September Long Weekend of Weddings!

2011-09-04T12:01:00.001-04:00

It's been a super busy weekend with weddings! Wow!!! Who knew so many people would get married on the last long weekend of the summer. :)

My long weekend started with a lovely wedding this past Thursday in Toronto. The bride's name was Karen. This was Karen's second marriage but it was still done very traditionally. Her gown was oh-so-stunning! Karen also hired me to return to her venue later on in the afternoon for touch ups, etc. (Graydon Manor Hall in North York......stunning place and really nice people helped bring my bags upstairs to the bridal suite! BONUS!)
My day with Karen started at 7:00am. Karen has a 10 year old daughter who wanted her makeup and hair done too. Let me just say that Alexis or Alex for short knew EXACTLY how she wanted to look and even tried to get me to do a smokey eye on her!! LOL. Needless to say I didn't give her your typical smokey eye look but we worked out a really good compromise. She was great fun! I also worked on Karen's lovely step daughter, Samantha or Sam for short. She was a 14 year old beauty! Sam has about 1/4 Pakistani blood in her and her skin and eyes were stunning! Both girls wanted tons of curls (think Taylor Swift curls) and to be truthful I was a bit concerned about the curls lasting considering the weather conditions. On Thursday we had super high humidity here in Toronto and thunderstorms galore! But it all worked out very well in the end.
How did I manage to get the look the girls wanted? Well, I started with wetting the girls hair, adding in Milkshake Sparkling Glaze for body and control and then I used my favourite setting mist, Onesta Create before curling their hair. I then used my 1 inch pointy barrel curling iron and curled 3 layers on top of each other starting at the bottom and working my way up. Then I sprayed their hair with Milkshake Open Air Medium hold spray and let the curls cool while I worked on their makeup. I finished by using the back of my tail comb and separating each of the curls into 3 separate curls to give volume galore and setting it all with Sebastian Re-Shaper (for humidity control) Strong Hold Hairspray. It worked like a charm!

Karen, on the other hand wanted a very soft updo. Take a look! I'll be getting some images from this wedding soon (I hope! hint, hint, Karen!) and will post the pictures of the girls too when I get them. I think her hair looked lovely and it lasted....didn't even need to touch up her "do" later on.

Oh yeah! I also did an updo for Karen's sister who had just arrived from Ottawa. She has 7 children and seriously.....she looked like a model! Life ain't always fair. : )

On Friday I had 2 wedding trials both for 2012 weddings. The makeup/hair trials were both done in Mississauga. The results for both were very good! Happy dance! : ))

Saturday was another long day. I met my fellow makeup/hair artist, Jade Truscott in Oakville at 7:30am. Jade and I are both sort of obsessed with being early so we both arrived long before our 7:30 start time and met in the parking lot. Jade had also assisted me a couple of weeks ago with a fashion related shoot and I was able to show her some of the edited shots on my i-Phone while we chatted and caught up. Throughout the morning and early afternoon we managed to complete 8 makeup and hair and the bride and her cute little flowergirl. I only had a moment to take a picture because it was a very busy few hours but here's a quick pic I took on my i-Phone of one of the bridesmaid's hairstyles that I worked on. I know...it's such bad quality but you get the idea of the hairstyle anyhow! :)

One of Chelsea's bridesmaid's Becca

The bride's name was Chelsea - a really fun, gorgeous accountant who's family and friends made Jade's and my morning absolutely stress free. An amazing group - loved every one of them! I especially love it when a bride breaks open champagne and starts sipping away at 10:00 in the morning and her family and friends join in. I just know I'm dealing with some impressive women then! ; ) Again, when I receive some pics from Chelsea I'll be sure and post them for you all to see! In the meantime, she flew out this morning with new hubby Scott (who I met at the trial and he helped pick her lipstick colour!) and they should be close to landing in Honolulu by now.

This morning was another busy morning. It was a 7:00am start out in Brampton. It was for a small Italian bridal party where I did the makeup only. The bride's friend is a hairstylist and did everyone's hair even before the birds were awake this morning. (everyone looked amazing by the way!) My lovely bride's name was Carm. I have to tell you about her dress! The gown was traditionally long ( also very stunning!) but at the bottom of the gown there was Velcro so that the bottom of the skirt separates from the top leaving you with a cocktail dress for the evening. I thought that was the most clever invention I've ever seen! Brides - look into this! It's genius!

Tomorrow I have another trial but then I get Tuesday off! I plan on laying around in my PJ's until noon......
or maybe later.....

Enjoy your long weekend everyone! See you soon!

Makeup Tips for Women 30 and Over

2011-08-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

Remember a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I'd been asked by Penny Reimer from Discovering SHE to write a monthly article for her women's blog? Well, my first article was out on August 25, 2011.
Spread the word!! Makeup and Hair Guru - Vicki Millar

Celebrity Wedding Spotlight - Kim Kardashian's Wedding!

2011-08-26T12:43:00.001-04:00

On August 20, 2011 big time reality star Kim Kardashian married NBA star Kris Humphries. It was a gorgeous, over the top and often overly elaborate wedding but wow Kim did not let us down! She pulled out all the stops for this day! Below I've collected images from various paparazzi. Enjoy!

I love the dress! I also love how her makeup worked consistently throughout the day (and different gown changes)

Kim's celebrity makeup artist was Mario Dedivanovic and let me just say....job well done! The 3 main things that stand out for me is her skin (beautiful finish!), her eyes (gorgeous brows too) and the colour of her lip. This is my favourite lip colour on most brides. A pinky/peach lip with a simple gloss over top. Gorgeous! But.....seriously....what's with her head piece?? Not a fan

All of Kim's bridesmaid's look stunning but I am NOT loving the bridesmaid's hair choices. Kim's hair is pulled back into a very traditional updo and her bridesmaid's all look a little too casual for my liking! But those dresses......LOVE!

Love her train!

Enjoy Italy Kim and Kris!

How To Maintain Your Wedding Day Makeup

2011-08-16T16:18:00.000-04:00

You're clever and have hired yourself a pro makeup artist for your big day. The good news is your pro makeup artist will use professional brand makeup on you which will be long lasting. But what little tricks should you know to keep your professional makeup looking fresh and flawless all day/evening?

See below to find out!

The importance of adding face powder...

There are different types of setting powders and sealers that a professional makeup artist may use on you however it's important to note that depending on the condition of your skin and the weather conditions you may need to re-apply powder to your t-zone every couple of hours throughout the day and evening. I recommend alternating powder (using a finely milled face powder) with blotting papers (my choice is Clean and Clear blotting papers, they are inexpensive and can be found at most drug stores and work very well to control oils on the face.)

Don't forget to touch up your lipstick and/or gloss every couple of hours...

Lipsticks, no matter how great they are wear off over time. Some last longer than others but it's a simple truth that they won't stay on all day and evening. A little colour on your lips can really brighten your face and make you camera ready so it's important to touch up your lips! It's a really good idea to ask your makeup artist for a sample amount of lipstick/gloss so that you can touch up throughout your wedding day and evening. Even if you're using a lip stain, you may still want to touch up with a little gloss or add a little moisture to your lips on and off throughout the day.

Remember you'll be smiling a lot on your wedding day and you want your lips to always look kissably soft and beautiful! SWAK!

See you soon!

Fall/Winter 2011 Wedding Makeup and Hairstyles

2011-08-09T15:21:00.001-04:00

I recently worked on an advertising campaign where I was asked to combine upcoming fall/winter makeup and hair fashion trends with fall and winter fashion clothing.

This got me to thinking that I should post a blog about makeup colour choices and hairstyles for the 2011 Fall/Winter bridal season. I've been so immersed in a super busy spring/summer wedding season that time has been passing by so quickly! Before we know it, it will be Autumn!

Working on this campaign got my mind racing with seasonal idea's, colours and trends! So, I did some digging to find some more inspiration for my beautiful Fall/Winter brides! Below is a collection of fall/winter wedding gown styles, makeup colours/trends and some beautiful bridal hairstyles for 2011. Take a look below and see if any of these images inspire you too!

Love the updo and the soft smokey eyes in this image - perfect combination for any bride

I really like the sleek sophisticated updo on this bride - very chic! Would look great with or without a veil

Check out the colours in this picture! GORGEOUS! For those brides looking to add some colour for your 2011 fall/winter wedding....this is what works! Soft and pretty with a punch of colour.

Not every bride will want this type of updo as it's very modern - it's perfect for those brides who love fashion and who always like to pull out all the stops!

Soft, sexy with a hint of colour. I also really love the flow of this hairstyle

Greys and peaches - so pretty and fresh looking! She has some great brows too! : )

This is gorgeous! I love the pop of colour on the lip!

A simple bun/knot on the top of the head takes this look to the next level ..... really like the whole look here

You can add colour subtly like it's been done here. The lip has that just bitten look to it and the eyes are subtly coloured. The hairstyle is sleek and sexy. Beautiful!

A little colour just makes me happy. : ) Hope you're now inspired too. See you soon!!

Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact - A Bride's Best Friend!

2011-08-02T13:19:00.001-04:00

Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact

OK , I must confess....I love makeup in pretty packaging! But as a professional makeup artist I know that pretty packaging doesn't always represent a quality product. Most of my kit is filled with professional brand makeup that comes in packages that aren't shiny and pretty! But they work consistently well and that's why I use them.

But I must say, in this case, the 'pretty' packaging for the Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel lipstick compact is evenly balanced to the quality of the product itself. Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact is a great product and perfect for those brides with refined taste. The compact itself is Persian inspired - it's very beautitful to look at and you feel a little special when you take it out of your purse to apply it onto your lips! (just sayin'....we all like to feel special sometimes!)

The case opens to reveal a handy little mirror and a tiny compartment for the lipstick to sit in. This lipstick comes in tons of gorgeous shades and is perfect for your wedding day because it seriously lasts for hours! I used this product on a client recently and it had very good staying power...especially considering it's so creamy and moisturizing.

Pricewise - well...it's on the high end for sure being just shy of $50.00. A quality product at a high price but in my opinion, worth the money!

Approximately 2 hours after Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel lipstick was applied and still looking fresh!

Here's a bit about the product:

What it does:

"Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact contains a ruby-powder formula that interacts with the light and creates a jaw-dropping pout of perfection. At first glaze, lips will be left defined, smoothed, plumped, and hydrated."

What else you need to know:

"Tucked in a compact that marries beauty with high design, with one click, you will have a luminous lipstick and mirror at your fingertips. Designed by Lorenz Bäumer, the most talented jeweler from the Place Vendôme in Paris, it is the ultimate accessory of mystery and seduction."

Bride Makeup and Hair Trials - How to Prepare

2011-07-27T15:58:00.000-04:00

It's true to say that most brides choose to book a makeup and hair trial before their wedding day. A trial will provide a very clear understanding of how you will look on your wedding day and also give you the opportunity to meet and get to know the makeup and hair artist who will be responsible for your wedding day beauty. Building good relationships with all your wedding vendors is important but especially valuable between yourself and your makeup artist and hair stylist. Let's face it...they have YOUR wedding day beauty in their hands! You want to build a solid trusting relationship with them right from the get-go!

The advantages to booking a makeup and hair trial before your wedding day are endless but the main advantage is the confidence you'll feel once your wedding 'look' is achieved. Seeing ahead of time how you're actually going to look on your wedding day brings a sense of relief and gives you one less thing to worry about and there is something to be said for that kind of peace of mind!

So....you're planning on booking your favourite makeup/hair artist for a bride trial. What comes next?

Below are some things for you to consider before, during and after your trial has taken place.

Things to consider in preparation of your wedding makeup and hair trial:

Show your makeup/hair artist a photograph of your wedding gown as this will help your artist appreciate your overall style. If you happen to have your gown available at the time of the trial for viewing, even better!
Show pictures from magazines or photos of the type of makeup and hair style you're interested in achieving. Be clear about your favourite styles and communicate this to your makeup/hair artist.

Bring any hair accessories that you will be wearing on your wedding day with you to your trial and have them pinned into place so you can test their wearability.

Things to consider at your trial:

This is your opportunity to have all your questions answered. If you have other questions that pop up later on, ask your artist if they are comfortable with you contacting them at a later date. (if the answer is no....I'd find a new makeup/hair artist!)

Communicate openly and honestly with your makeup artist and hair stylist about your trial results. The more open and honest the communication, the better the end result will be.

Things to consider after your trial is over:

Take pictures of your makeup and hair - ask your makeup/hair artist to take pictures of you after your makeup and hair are complete so you can get a good idea of how you will photograph on your wedding day.

Get back in touch with your makeup/hair artist and follow up with any issues, questions or concerns you might have. Even just let them know how happy you were with the results!

NEWS! I've been asked by Penny Reimer to be become a regular blogger on her amazing women's blog called Discovering She This blog is filled with tons of great and and inspirational information for women of all ages. My first article will be posted mid to late August and monthly thereafter. Be sure and pop by and send a little love my way! :) See you soon!

Vendor Spotlight - Lori Studios Wedding Photography

2011-07-21T08:28:00.000-04:00

I meet wedding photographers all the time in this business and occasionally when I meet one that is extra special, I recommend them to you. (I have a list on my blog for recommended photographers - take a look at it.) I base my recommendations on the style of photography, the end result (how good are the images - are they different somehow from everyone else's) and how easy and friendly they are to work with. (I think this is really important to consider since in most cases you'll be spending the whole day together!)

Photography by Lori Studios Makeup by Vicki Millar

In the case of Lori Studios I have only the most positive things to say about her and her work. She was a real delight to work with (actually asked me if I wanted some shots taken of my work!!! WOW!) Lori was professional, outgoing and most importantly, her work speaks for itself. Absolutely gorgeous!

Photography by Lori Studios Makeup by Vicki Millar

So, this week I decided to spotlight Lori Studios Wedding Photography. I felt Lori went above and beyond so in many ways! For those of you still looking for a wedding photographer for your big day, give Lori a call. Her contact information will be at the bottom of this blog entry. In the meantime, take a look at the wedding Lori and I worked together on. Congratulations to Krystle and Evan! Thank you to both Krystle and Lori for agreeing to provide me with so many wonderful images of the big day!

Photography by Lori Studios Makeup by Vicki Millar

Photography by Lori Studios Makeup by Vicki Millar

I love how relaxed she made everyone feel! You can see that in this photo below.

Photography by Lori Studios Makeup by Vicki Millar

Photography by Lori Studios - Krystle and Evan's Wedding!

Lori Studios Wedding Photography
Lori Studios Photography Blog
Lori Studios Email
(1)905.802.7772

My Indian Bride with Problematic Skin

2011-07-17T14:52:00.000-04:00

Vicki Millar Bridal Makeup & Hair

A very lovely Indian bride contacted me a few months ago to set up a trial and book my makeup and hair services for her wedding days. Yes, you read that right. She was having 2 wedding ceremonies ! Her first wedding was a Hindu ceremony followed by a Christian ceremony the next day.

Prior to her trial, during our initial communication the bride had cautioned me about her skin issues. Like many women she suffers from breakouts and sometimes her breakouts can get really, really bad. She also has very oily skin so high shine was a another big concern for her. She explained that at her Hindu ceremony she would be walking around a sacred fire 4 times and was concerned that her makeup might melt or worse her skin might become a greasy mess! She requested airbrush makeup which I thought was a good idea as well. There is less touching of the face with airbrush application and I felt this would be better for her problematic skin.

At her trial I was able to see her skin and discuss her skin issues further. She definitely suffered from breakouts and with the added stress of planning 2 weddings, her skin was acting up badly! There were dry spots mixed with large blemishes mixed with oiliness. I could tell how upsetting this was to her and I really wanted to help her feel more relaxed about her bridal makeup.

My first instinct was to use a very good water based airbrush foundation. I felt by using a water based foundation it would control her shine better and give her the kind of coverage she was looking for but after I had applied it at her trial neither one of us were 100% satisfied with the results. So, after some thought and further discussion, I decided to give Temptu foundation a try. As I've mentioned before in my blogs I have several airbrush brands in my kit so I wasn't about to walk away from this bride-to-be until we found exactly the coverage and effect we both wanted!

To my delight her problematic skin reacted very well to Temptu and her skin seemed to glow! She loved it and was so excited with the results I got loads of hugs afterwards! (I love it when brides are happy!) But being knowledgeable about the products that I carry, I also wanted to make sure that the silicone based foundation would not significantly increase her shine issues as time went on. The coverage and the look initially was dynamite but I was thinking long term. I was taking into consideration humid weather, hot fire, problematic skin and all things that could potentially become issues for her on her wedding day(s).

After her trial had ended we kept in close contact because I wanted to be sure the effect we had witnessed at the trial from the Temptu foundation was not short lived. She reassured me that the effect did last all day and evening and said other than some shine that appeared every couple of hours on her t-zone she felt the Temptu foundation was the best option for her skin.

So, we ended up using Temptu foundation for both her ceremonies. When I came to do her makeup for her Christian wedding she said her makeup had not budged, melted or had given her any problems whatsoever the day before at her Hindu ceremony and other than using blotting papers and some powder that I left for her, she needed nothing else! She said with all the humidity and heat surrounding her, she was still able to look like the radiant bride she had always hoped for.

That made me so happy, I did a little dance! :))

I am hoping to get some pictures from these 2 ceremonies and when I do, I'll be sure and post them here for you all to see!

Wedding Day Makeup Tips From a Pro

2011-07-10T11:55:00.000-04:00

Some DO's and DON'Ts for your wedding day makeup from a Professional Makeup Artist

DO stay true to yourself - don't try to look like someone else on your wedding day. A fake appearance is not how you want to be remembered on the most important day of your life. Instead aim to look like yourself but the very best version of yourself.

DON'T overdo foundation - less is more. Caked on foundation isn't attractive and can age you and it will appear in photos as if you're trying to hide something! Natural coverage is key.

DO use powder and blotting paper to control shine throughout the day but try not to pile too much powder on your face. Instead, alternate powder and blotting papers throughout the day and evening.

DON'T choose old fashioned or out of date makeup and hair styles instead choose timeless classic styles that will look stunning today and remain beautiful 10 years from now.

DO choose professional brand makeup products as they have longer staying power, are camera perfect and will give you the results you want on your wedding day.

DON'T choose retail brand makeup products. In many cases retail brand makeup isn't meant to last all day on your skin. It's how they keep bringing you back to buy more!!

DO whenever possible, use waterproof and/or water resistant makeup including foundation, mascara and eyeliner.

DON'T forget to bring additional lipstick, lip liner, lip gloss, powder and blotting papers for touch ups throughout the day and evening.

DO make certain your bridal party makeup and hair styles flow with your own bridal makeup and hair style - you want harmony in your wedding photographs not a hotchpotch of different styles.

DON'T wait until the last minute to organize your bridal beauty or you run the risk of not achieving the look you want.

DO use a primer on your eyes and your lips - this will help with creasing and longevity with your eyeshadow and help your lipstick from bleeding.

Come by soon - next week I'll be talking about one of my recent Hindu brides and giving you a review on Temptu airbrush makeup for this hot and "fiery" event!

Bridal Makeup Artists - Does Experienced mean Expensive?

2011-07-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

Makeup and Hair by Vicki Millar

You've heard the old sayings "you get what you pay for" and "if you pay peanuts you get monkeys" but do these sayings hold true when it comes to hiring a professional makeup artist for your wedding day?

And if yes, does "experienced" mean higher priced?

Undoubtedly, yes (in most cases) it does. When it comes to choosing a bridal makeup artist experience will have a higher price tag. It is important to note that you should not base experience merely on the number of years spent working in the industry as number of years does not always equate to 'real' experience. Some makeup artists only work part-time in the industry or are hobbyist's. Experience such as this will not equate to real expertise that results in elevated pricing.

When considering a bridal makeup artist's experience there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

1. Is the experience they state demonstrated? Makeup artists demonstrate skill and experience through a portfolio of work. Most bridal makeup artists have websites in which you can view their work online. Some of the experienced makeup artists will split their bridal work and their commercial or fashion related work into two separate sites. However it's demonstrated, the work they have chosen to exhibit should show various ethnicities and styles and the images should demonstrate a consistent high quality. There need not be hundreds of images to prove this but there needs to be enough to show diversity in their work.

2. Is the experience demonstrated by the makeup artist in more than one sector? A very experienced makeup artist will have worked or is working in more than just the bridal industry. Watch for samples of print, commercial, advertising or TV work. A well rounded makeup artist has worked in a variety of areas in the industry and can provide the most valued experience on your wedding day. Why? The more avenues a makeup artist has worked in will suggest a diverse skill set that you can benefit from. It's logical to assume that set of skills will come at a price. An experienced makeup artist will know by asking a few simple questions how to give you the look you want and also ensure you look great on camera. They do this type of work all the time for many different clients, not just for brides. This kind of experience is invaluable to you on your wedding day.

A diverse skill set also demonstrates trust within the industry and if commercial/corporation companies, fashion photographers, etc., trust their work this should also provide you with the confidence in your decision making process.

Also consider the more popular/busier a makeup artist is, the more pricey they will likely be. It's the old supply and demand rule! Therefore, you should always search for those makeup artists that are in high demand as this will demonstrate their skill in the field. There is usually a reason why everyone wants to book them!

So, should you still consider a budget or cheaper makeup artist for your wedding day? Not unless you want to risk your bridal beauty, your photographs that last a lifetime and your piece of mind. A budget makeup artist will almost always lack the kind of experience you need and want for the most important day of your life.

My advice...set your bridal beauty budget after you've done your bridal makeup artist research, understand which quality makeup artists are in high demand in your area and choose the makeup artist that demonstrates the points above.

Makeup by Vicki Millar Hair by Jeff Barkley

Remember... when it comes to bridal makeup artists, if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Get a Celebrity Look on Your Wedding Day

2011-06-28T12:24:00.002-04:00

When I initially meet one of my wonderful brides they will regularly show me inspirational pictures of celebrities either at red carpet events or of their celebrity weddings. I always recommend researching online and through bridal magazines to assist in your search at finding your perfect wedding makeup and hair style.
Let's face it....celebrities set many trends when it comes to makeup and hair and it only makes sense that brides want to emulate some of those looks.
I thought I would accumulate some of the most popular of those celebrity pictures in this blog to demonstrate the most fashionable bridal makeup and hair trends for 2011 and give some tips on which look may just be suitable for you.
Let's get started...

The Kim Kardashian Look

Who can pull these looks off?

Very confident brunette or dark haired women who regularly wear makeup and like a very glamorous look. These are the women who will often show me images of Kim Kardashian and ask for something similar to the images below. Indian brides love this look as well as women with darker skin tones. You need very good bone structure to pull these looks off including defined eyebrows, almond shaped eyes and a full lip.

In this picture Kim's makeup is well contoured and dramatic. Perfect for an evening wedding ceremony or for those brides who aren't afraid to glam it up! If you feel this look is a bit too much for you keep looking......Kim can pull off many different looks!

Old Hollywood glamour is what Kim demonstrates in this picture. A perfect mix of drama and regal elegance. I love the way her hair is unstructured and wedding perfect!

A very clean gorgeous bridal makeup look with Kim's hair pulled back into a high bun (imagine a veil over this 'do') This is one of the most popular images I'm shown of Kim and it's no wonder, she looks flawless! I really love her dewy skin. (very in right now!) This bridal style will suit most brides who are looking for understated classic beauty.

The Charlize Theron Look

Charlie Theron is a beauty - no and's-if's or but's. She needs very little to add to her natural beauty.

Who can pull these looks off?

Fair haired and light skinned brides who want a natural look but still desire a bit of glamour! You're confident but understated.

Charlie does the retro look with simple elegance. This look would be wonderful for a bride who wants a bit of a retro feel but doesn't want to look out of date. This look is very current right now and oh-so beautiful.

Don't think you can pull off red lips on your wedding day? Maybe you need to reconsider.....this look is simple and clean and the pop of colour on the lips brings the look to a whole new level.

The Dianna Agron Look

The Glee star is all about porcelain skin and youthful beauty.

Who can pull these looks off?

Similar to Charlie Theron these looks suit fair haired, light skinned women but in this case, women who also have a very youthful look.

Dianna's hairstyle is very popular with brides who are looking for a natural bridal hair style. It works best with hair that is past the shoulders but not past the middle of your back. You can add volume to the top (if you're wearing a tiara and/or a veil) or add beautiful combs or pins like Dianna has here. Her makeup is fresh and beautiful! A very beautiful bridal look!

Want to make the eyes pop? This is the way to do it if you're a blond. Faux lashes and a little smokey charcoal liner around the eye and your future husband will be looking at you wondering why he didn't purpose sooner! : )

The Eva Longoria Look

If there is one celebrity I've seen more pictures of than anyone else, it's gotta be Eva! She is the inspiration for many brides. I think Eva can pull off many different looks. (she just has so many wonderful features...where do I begin?) These 2 images are by far the most popular among my brides.

Who can pull of these looks?

The best thing about these inspirational pictures is the fact that many women can pull off similar looks to these. These looks work best if your hair is shoulder length or longer and you want a unstructured modern look that is traditional in it's feel.

Eva's makeup is perfect here for brides. Natural and clean, dewy and classic. Love this look!

Hairwise this is a winner for 2011! I can't tell you how many of my brides want this style or something very similar. It's a great wedding day hairstyle. Makewise - I'm not a fan of this makeup. The foundation is too heavy, the bronzer is overdone and the frost around the inner corner of her eyes really doesn't photograph well. The makeup looks dated.
But hey, her hair rocks!!! : )

The Beyonce Look

Isn't Beyonce just stunning? I love so many things about Beyonce but especially her sense of style. Beyonce is beautiful, there is no question. She really can pull off so many different looks. Whether it's simple elegance, dramatic evening or the girl next door look, Beyonce works each look like no one else can!

Who can pull off these looks?

Similar to Kim Kardashian you need confidence to pull off these looks below. Black women, Indian women, Arab women and any woman who has strong features, full lips and lots of moxie!

Bronzed, dewy skin and a touch of colour on Beyonce's lips make this a winner! It's natural but has that 'joie de vivre!'

An high elegant updo is a great idea for traditional brides who are wearing veils and/or tiara's. This hairstyle works well if you have long (middle of the back or longer) and very thick hair.

The Jennifer Lopez Look

Brides love JLO! She looks beautiful all the time but I particularly love the images below because they are simple and clean. With Jennifer, it's all about the eyes so if you're looking to play up your eyes, these images will be inspirational for you.

Who can pull off these looks?

Many brides infact can but in particular these looks work well on Latin American women or women who have an olive tone to their skin and good bone structure. Many of my Italian brides love Jennifer! She always radiants classic beauty which makes her a winner for brides considering elegant wedding hair and makeup styles.

A great alternative to the typical smokey eye this look is dramatic yet very romantic. I love JLO's hair pulled back in this image showing off her gorgeous eyes and skin!

Again, it's all about the eyes. The makeup is clean and natural but her eyes pop!
This is a great bridal makeup look for many women.

Kate Middleton Look

The rumour mill claims that Kate did her own makeup but was given lessons beforehand from a top London makeup artist. Well...I have to say, well done to her if that was the case. There have been and will continue to be skeptics about her makeup and hair and people who claim she looked too understated or too overdone, etc. The list from the cynics goes on and on but let's face it...she really did look very pretty whether you liked everything about her hair and makeup or not. And she glowed. Isn't that what every bride should want for her big day? I believe Kate demonstrates what many brides are looking for now-a-days. They want to look like the very best version of themselves on their big day.

The Role of a Makeup Artist on Your Wedding Day

2011-06-23T15:09:00.001-04:00

Just like your wedding planner, your photographer and your florist, your makeup artist plays an important role on your wedding day.

Actress and Model Alison Cane

The relationship you have with your chosen makeup artist should begin the moment you contact him or her. An established and experienced makeup artist will know what questions to ask to make sure you get precisely the look you want. If you find that you've spoken to some bridal makeup artists and their main concern was getting you booked and taking your money before answering and considering your own concerns/questions then you might want to look around a bit more. Your questions should be dealt with quickly and efficiently. You should know without a doubt that you're dealing with a professional right from the get-go. There should be no room for amateurs on your big day.

At your wedding trial, you shouldn't feel rushed. Some makeup artists offer only a short amount of time for a makeup trial, all the while charging you less than a seasoned pro and rushing themselves out the door but this is a false economy. Why? Let me explain...

Your trial needs to be thorough and you need to feel satisfied, if not elated with your look. Your makeup artist should make a commitment to get to know you, your wedding style and how you really want to look on your wedding day. This cannot be done in a rush and it cannot be done 'on the cheap.' In most cases, makeup artists that rush through a makeup trial don't really care if you're happy. The truth is, they really only care about the bottom line and you're really only a number to them. You deserve better than that.

On your wedding day, your makeup artist's role is to provide you and your chosen bridesmaid's, MOB's, etc., with beautiful makeup no matter what is asked of them. Your wedding day is filled with lots of nervous energy and you want a real pro by your side - someone who makes you feel calm, assured and relaxed. Drama may be surrounding you but your makeup artist should not be part of that. He/she should be the calming influence that makes you feel as though no matter what happens you WILL look the best you've ever looked before in your entire life.

After your wedding is over this shouldn't be the end of your relationship with your makeup artist. Many makeup artists want to see your wedding pictures and hear how your wedding day went. Get back in touch to say thanks, recommend them to others and leave reviews of their services on bridal websites.

The relationship between you and your makeup artist is so important and if you take the time to find the right one, you'll know it immediately and it will show...

2012 Weddings and Off Season Weddings - Plan Ahead and Save!

2011-06-20T16:03:00.000-04:00

My bridal makeup and hair prices will be rising soon. You can book now and save on your 2012 wedding!

This is how it works...

Book your 2012 wedding day makeup and hair services with an award winning makeup artist and hair stylist before October 31, 2011 and you'll pay 2011 prices!

Imagine how relaxed you'll be feeling after you've booked your 2012 wedding makeup and hair especially knowing you've saved yourself money at the same time. Put that savings towards your honeymoon or treat yourself to something special! It's your savings...so enjoy.

Keep in mind that in order to take advantage of this incredible offer you must book with me before October 31, 2011.

Remember I work on a first come, first serve basis so contact me soon to avoid disappointment!

Wedding dates are not confirmed until your deposit is paid.

And here's another bonus...oh, how I love good deals! : )

This year I'm offering off season discounts!

Are you getting married during the months of November, December or January? Ask me about my off season discounts. Benefit from your off season wedding date by hiring an award winning makeup and hair artist and save yourself money at the same time.

Who could ask for more? Don't delay, call today.

Elegant Bridal Looks

2011-06-19T13:53:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all you fantastic Dad's out there!

I've been so fortunate to have met so many wonderful and beautiful brides. Below are some of my examples of elegant bridal beauty. Enjoy!

Fall/Autumn wedding in England. Yvette wore a designer gold coloured gown. She asked for fall/autumn makeup colours and really wanted to look glamorous and elegant - need I say more?

Because Yvette just exudes elegance she gets 2 pictures in this blog entry! : ) I really think Yvette's makeup glows with her red cape! This picture was taken at Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire. If you ever get to England make sure this cathedral is on your list! Infact Lincoln itself is an amazing place to visit!

A Christmas wedding - Elly's skin is stunning and although her hair is long and loose it suits her style perfectly

A spring wedding in Hertfordshire England - Teresa was a bridesmaid. The overall look for this wedding was
retro elegance. I seriously loved the little faux fur scarves all the girls wore.

Are you a little older than 25 and you're planning your second wedding? Well, Stephanie really looked sophisticated and elegant on her wedding day. We chose simple, clean makeup and a very classic updo

Fran in Ely Cathedral, Ely England. Traditional elegance at it's best

Randa was married in Markham, Ontario - it was a small elegant wedding and she looked stunning! She was glowing from the moment her makeup and hair were done.

Beautiful Laura. You would not believe how many of my brides love this image of Laura and ask for her exact look. Laura is a true english rose. She's beautiful inside and out. I had known Laura for years and her wedding day was not the first time I worked with her. She is also a well known beauty queen in England!

Flashback to February 2010 - Get The Look You Want On Your Wedding Day

2011-06-14T15:25:00.000-04:00

It's a oldie but a goodie and I thought it might be time to bring it back...

http://beautyforbrides.blogspot.com/2010/02/can-you-close-your-eyes-and-picture.html

Get Your Bridal Skin Looking It's Best in 3 Months

2011-06-12T15:41:00.001-04:00

The 5 steps you need to do every day:

1. Cleanse every morning and every evening. Without exception. Never ever ever go to bed with your makeup on.

Vicki's tip: Consider purchasing a Clarisonic - it's an amazing machine for cleaning your face.

2. Exfoliate 1 - 3 times per week. Use a mild exfoliate and adjust the frequency based on how your skin reacts. For example, very dry skin need only exfoliate once per week while combination skin can usually exfoliate 2-3 times per week.

Vicki's tip: Don't spend a fortune on an exfoliator. Try good ole St. Ives Apricot Scrub!

3. Moisturize every morning and every evening with the best moisturizer you can afford (this includes a good eye cream)

Vicki's tip: There are many good creams on the market today. Get samples from the department store and find out which brand is best for your skin BEFORE you purchase a full bottle.

4. Apply sunscreen everyday

Vicki's tip: Apply even when it's cloudy and/or raining outside

5. Drink 8 glasses of water a day

Vicki's tip: If you find water is becoming too boring try adding some Crystal Light or a little squeeze of lemon or peppermint!

OK, now you know the basics.

Let's begin your 3 month countdown....

Month 1

1. Follow steps 1 through to 5 ~ try your best to be consistent and your efforts will pay off

2. Try a body detoxifying treatment. Aim to incorporate whole grains, fruits, veggies and unsaturated fat protein into your diet

2. Start a regular routine of facials. Once every 3 weeks would be great but once a month will also work wonders! Depending on the condition of your skin, you may want to consider the following treatments: Microdermabrasion, laser light therapy, radio frequency, discolouration treatment or hydration facials. Consult a facial expert. Adjust the frequency of your facials and determine which ones give you the best results.

3. Brows! Ladies, please put your tweezers down and back away. : ) Start to grow your eyebrows out. I know it's a painful process but try and be patient with this process and come next month you'll love the results.

4. Start using a lip balm every night before you go to bed. Get your lips in shape now so your lipstick will have longer staying power on your wedding day.
Vicki's tip: Carmex is my favourite!

Month 2

1. Follow steps 1 through to 5 - you should be seeing some serious changes in your skin.

2. Put genuine effort into relaxation and proper sleep. Nothing makes your skin look worse than not getting enough sleep so it's important you work on creating the best sleep environment possible for yourself. My secret weapon when I'm having trouble sleeping is to spray a little lavender oil on my pillow case. It always helps to relax me. (I have to thank my friend Carla for teaching me this trick!)
Vicki's tip: Change your pillow case once per week

3. Find a reputable brow specialist such as The Brow House in Toronto. Since you have been growing out your brows it's time now to have a real professional make them look their best

4. Continue with your facials - increase or decrease frequency based on your results

4.Continue with your lip balm every night

5. Include an oily fish once a week into your meal plans
Vicki's tip: salmon is my favourite!

Month 3

1. Follow step 1 - 5 ~ your skin should be looking very good right now - just a little longer and you'll have your perfect bridal skin!

2. Continue with your facials

3. Continue with lip balm every night

4. Increase your oily fish intake from once per week to twice per week

5. Stay away or limit your caffeine and alcohol intake

6. Ensure you are getting enough sleep every night

If you follow these simple steps I know you'll love the results and so will your makeup artist!

Come by next week when I'll be discussing how to achieve an elegant wedding look

Featured Wedding ~ Tran and Eric

2011-06-05T09:19:00.000-04:00

Have a look at some of the pictures I took of a wedding I worked on last weekend.

Congratulations Tran and Eric!

Tanning for your Wedding

2011-06-03T11:07:00.000-04:00

To tan or not to tan for your wedding day is the question...

I often hear that brides feel they look better with a tan. I can't say I agree with that for all sorts of reasons but I can appreciate that a bride needs to feel she looks her best on her big day. I happen to be one of those women that think natural skin tones are gorgeous and I would rather play up natural beauty with makeup than work around 'fake bake' beauty. I find you always get better results enhancing real skin tones with makeup. Nevertheless, many brides will tan for their wedding day and if you plan on tanning, I have some suggestions to help you look your best.

Like many makeup artists, not all tanning products are created equal. This is very important to remember! Many brides don't consider how tanning products look on camera. Often you'll find the skin turns an orange tinge on camera after using fake bake lotions. Not very pretty and not what you want on your wedding day! If you are really determined to fake bake, I suggest searching for a reputable spray tanning company. You can even find some of these companies are mobile and they come directly to you in your own home. Sort of like mobile makeup/hair artists like myself!

It just so happens that I was hired by a corporate client this week from a Toronto production company and she had been spray tanned and I have to admit, it looked incredibly natural! It looked so great in fact that I asked her if she would share with me who the company was and how her experience went with them. Because she gave such a glowing recommendation (no pun intended!) I decided to give them a 'shout out' on my blog this week. The company is called "Beach Glo Tanning" based on Queen Street East Toronto and they are mobile so all you need to do is make your appointment and they come to you. My client raved that their customer service was amazing and that she found no streaking and after 6 days she still had her tan. Can't beat that. : )

For those outside of Toronto/GTA, it's important to do your research and find 'the best in the spray tanning business' in your area. Choosing the best in the biz will make the difference between looking fantastically tanned to looking streaky and orange on your wedding day.

If you should decide to fake tan here are some DO'S and DON'T'S to consider:

DO find a reputable spray tanning company such as Beach Glo Tanning and start your tanning prior to your trial so that your makeup artist can match your foundation properly

DON'T use 'take home' fake tanning lotions as it's very difficult not to get streaks and they often leave an orange tinge to your skin which is very unnatural looking

DO exfoliate before you tan and moisturize often after your tan to keep it looking fresh and give your tan longevity

DON'T assume your spray tan will last forever. Spray tans will last approximately 1 week. If you take care of your skin properly, a few days longer

DO take pictures after your tan is applied and decide whether or not the tan looks natural on camera.

DON'T be surprised if the tan rubs off on your clothes leaving stains. It can take up to 8-10 hours for the spray tan to set.

DO wait 8-10 hours before showering after your tan is applied or your tan will not last very long

DON'T forget to tell your makeup artist that you are tanning or that you plan on tanning. They will need to know this information to ensure you look your best on your wedding day

Come by next week when I'll be sharing how to achieve flawless bridal skin in 3 months!

My Indian Brides

2011-05-25T15:50:00.000-04:00

For the past couple of years I've been lucky enough to work with some very beautiful Indian brides and the one trend I keep seeing over and over again is a toned down bridal Indian makeup look compared to the time-honoured traditional Indian bridal looks.

Monika and Sabir - Monika wanted vibrant purple eyes. A modern twist on traditional Indian makeup

Don't get me wrong...I love the bright and exotic colours that have made Indian makeup famous worldwide. The Bollywood glam look is stunning when done well (I do LOVE it) but in general many Indian brides are looking for a cleaner more natural appearance for their wedding day and for the most part, this is what my Indian brides ask of me.

I have quite a few Indian weddings coming up this summer that I'm really looking forward to. Two weddings where I'm with the bride her entire wedding day and return the next day for a second ceremony. I will be sure and upload more Indian bridal images onto my website this summer to show you some of the fantastic looks I'll be doing.

Last summer I was lucky to have met a wonderful bride called Natasha. Natasha is from Vancouver (where I seem to be getting lots of brides from this year too!) She had a busy couple of days with 3 ceremonies! Yes, 3!!! She had Muslim, Hindu and Christian ceremonies. I know!! It was a crazy couple of days but so much fun. Natasha really wanted clean natural looks but with some drama which I think was achieved. She just sent me this photo from her Hindu ceremony- thank you very much Natasha!

Beautiful Natasha wanted a natural look with a little drama

Come by next week when I'll be talking about tanning!
To Tan or Not to Tan before your wedding day is the question....

My 2011 Top Bridal Makeup Kit Picks

2011-05-21T15:14:00.000-04:00

If you read my blog regularly you will know that I always write a blog before each wedding season on the upcoming bridal makeup and hair trends. In January I wrote this blog about upcoming bridal makeup trends.

Every year I have a few favourite makeup products that I use a lot. They are perfectly suitable on many of my clients and they just 'work' with the current year's bridal beauty trends. Below are my favourite picks for the 2011 bridal season.

Temptu Airbrush Foundations

This product is my 'go to' airbrush foundation! Temptu foundations are silicone based so not recommended for all my client's but for the most part this will usually be my first choice. The finish is to die for, it's water resistant and long wearing. (I'm talking more hours than you'll ever need!!) This product is always silky with a slightly dewy (without being shiny) finish. The colour selection is amazing so all my ethic brides love it too. It works extremely well on mature skin as well....so when I get the chance I use it on grandmothers!! Seriously a big treat!

Graftobian GlamAire Airbrush Foundation

Another winner in my kit! I've been searching for some time for a water based airbrush foundation that gave the type of finish that I love. (I tend to like to see the skin and not have an absolutely flat finish)
I have used and I stock Kett foudations and still carry it for those who like it and 2 other water based airbrush brands as well but GlamAire is by far the best water based airbrush foundation out there in my opinion. The finish on the skin is incredible. So for those who can't use silicone or prefer not to, this product will give you similar results to Temptu without the silicone addition. A champion product and one that will be staying in my kit for sure!

Yaby Highlighting Palette

What can I say about this palette? Other makeup artists were always raving about this product to me but I couldn't see why I needed it. I had so many other products in my kit that claimed to do the same thing as this little palette claimed to do. So, being a complete makeup addict, I finally gave in and bought it. WOW was the reaction after my first use. Today there are very few client's I don't use this palette on, especially considering the type of skin finish that is very current this year. (glowing, dewy, youthful) I have to say, the owner Liz Yu told me once that everyone looks good in the champagne colour and by george she wasn't kidding! As usual, her products really perform. The highlighting palette adds the slightest glow to so many different skin tones and it photographs amazingly. Long wearing, great colour range. Another star product!

MAC Fluidline

This little baby has been a consistent favourite of mine for several years now but this year in particular I've gone through 1 bottle of blacktrack and halfway through the 2nd one alone! A little goes a long, long way. Liners are 'in' this year and I have to say, this cream liner beats the rest hands down in my opinion. Long wearing, smudge proof, silky delicate finish with tons of gorgeous colours to choose from. It's not going anywhere in my kit! (except to add more!)

Face Atelier Lip Gloss

Another one of those products I had to be convinced to buy before I did. But once I owned 1 of them, that was it for me. This gloss isn't sticky, is long lasting and the colours are gorgeous. It used to be that MUFE Glossy Full was my 'go to' gloss but MUFE discontinued the clear gloss leaving me needing to fill that void in my kit. I have to say, I love Face Atelier's glosses even more than MUFE! My favourite colours for this year have been peach and cameo. Love, love, love these glosses and so do my brides! Another Canadian company making a big name for themselves! Yay!

Andrea ModLash 21

Lashes are super popular this year and this faux lash has been my 'go to' for many brides, bridesmaids and MOB in 2011. They look natural, blend in beautifully with most eye shapes and I pop a little waterproof mascara over top of them and they seriously look like your own lashes, only fuller and longer. On to my second big order of these babies!

Graftobian Lip Palette

I have several graftobian lip palette's in my kit but the cool shades lip palette is used more often than not this year. Especially the nude colour. I often mix this colour with Face Atelier's peach gloss and ooh, la,la! It's the perfect finish for any lip. These lip colours are fabulously creamy, long lasting and have a very moisturizing feel on the lip. Another winner!

Come by next week when I'll be sharing my top bridal hair kit picks!

Until then....ta,ta!

My Top Bridal Hair Kit Picks for 2011

2011-05-21T14:57:00.004-04:00

Beautiful bride Ashleigh showing off her soft flowing curls

Wanna know what hair products I can't live without and what products I use more than any others in my hair kit? Come take a sneak peak.

Moroccan Oil Curl Control Cream

For those lucky ladies who have naturally curly hair and want to show off their curls this is your product. This product works very well with curly hair that tends to frizz when it's dried or in humidity. It leaves your hair with soft, natural, non frizzy curls that really last. Simply wash your hair and lightly towel dry then add some of this amazing smelling, incredible acting product all over your hair and let your hair dry naturally OR if you're in a hurry, blow dry with a diffuser. I usually let the hair dry naturally while I put makeup on my client and then finger through the hair after it's dried to give a bit of volume. The Moroccan oil base smells divine but more importantly it just works. Loooooove this one...

Bed Head Foxy Curls - Hi Def Curl Spray

This amazing little bottle works to create bounce and curl for most hair textures. I find it works really well with client's who have a natural wave or light kink to their hair. It's a great setting lotion to use for lasting bouncy curls AND this product smells heavenly! Spray on to damp hair and style. I use it before blow drying with a round brush to get bounce and light curl and find it works great as a base for curls done with a curling iron or flat iron. It's a keeper!

Big Sexy Hair What A Tease - Backcomb in a Bottle

I use this magical little spray before teasing, after teasing and instead of teasing. It adds volume to give height to your hair and it really helps to lessen the amount of teasing required for many updo's which is much easier on your hair and you! It's a small bottle, it's not cheap but boy....does it work! One of my favourite kit picks for sure!

Sebastian Hair Shaper Plus

This has been a staple in my bathroom cabinet for years so it's no surprise it's one of my hairspray kit staples as well. It gives hold, volume and allows you brush right through it to make changes whenever you like. I have 3 hair sprays in my kit at all times and each one has its own purpose - humidity control, extreme hold control and my favourite all timer....Hair Shaper Plus. The product just works on everyone, all the time.

My interview with Veil Designer Jules Smerecky

2011-05-04T15:41:00.000-04:00

This week I interviewed an American veil designer, Jules Smerecky. Her work is stunning and the good news is she ships internationally! So, all my Canadian and British followers (plus those in Thailand, Australia, India and beyond!) are in luck.

Jules contact information will be at the bottom of this interview. Enjoy!

Veils By Jules - Custom made veils for your wedding day

What does "Veils by Jules" offer to brides?

I offer beautiful custom made veils, bridal head pieces and flowergirl head pieces.

What makes your company unique?

What sets me apart from the rest is I will design any veil no matter how difficult or complex.

How long have you been in business?

I have had a website up since July of 2010, but I've been designing wedding veils for over 10 years.

What area's do you service?

The USA, Canada and I now ship internationally.

When is your busiest time of year?

My busiest time is late summer and fall

How far in advance should a bride book your services?

Depends on how much detail is required in the veil (beading, etc.) I suggest anywhere from a month or greater to a minimum of 1 week. If shipping is involved we need to allow extra time.

How would a bride go about ordering a custom made veil from you? What are the first steps you would recommend?

First, send me a email with what kind of veil you are looking for and let me work my magic. Including a picture is always very helpful.

Please share with us any hints and tips you might have for a future bride?

Don’t stress yourself out planning a wedding. Remember to be thankful for everyone around you and remember the veil is the last thing placed on you and is the final touch to your overall look.

Other than creating beautiful veils, what are your passion(s) in life?

My family is my inspiration and my passion.

Want to contact Jules Smerecky from Veils by Jules....

Web: http://www.veilsbyjules.com

Phone: +1 623-810-4837

Email: julessmerecky@veilsbyjules.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veilsbyjules

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T09:39:00.000-04:00

It's now official! Prince William is no longer a bachelor and I have to say, he could not have picked a more graceful and classic woman to spend the rest of the life with.

I won't lie.....I have been anticipating this wedding with great excitement from the moment they announced their engagement and I was up at the break of dawn this morning with tears in my eyes as I watched the wedding unfold. Whether you like the royals or not, this was an event not to be missed.

Princess Kate looked so very beautiful. At first I was a bit shocked when I saw how understated she appeared but then I remembered how understated and sophisticated she always looks and realised she did exactly what every bride should do. She looked like herself, only the best version of herself. She picked a gown suitable to her personality and style (LOVED the McQueen gown!!!!) and her hair and makeup were classic and simple. Kate's hair was pulled back loosely into a half up/half down style with long flowing curls to match her long flowing gown and veil. Her makeup was stunning although at one point after she and William signed the register, I felt her blush was a bit heavy. That was fixed however by the time they had their first kiss on the balcony. Amazing day for an amazing couple.

I'm sure we all wish Prince William and Princess Kate a very long and happy marriage!

* All images were photographed by: Anthony Devlin AFP/ Getty Images

Sexy Bridal Makeup and Hair

2011-04-27T16:06:00.001-04:00

Makeup and Hair by VickiMillar/ Model Jill Billingsley/ Photography by Stephen Loban

Every bride wants to look beautiful and classic on her wedding day. Some also want to look sexy too! Below are some tips to help you look beautiful, classic and sexy on your wedding day.

1. Choose dewy sexy skin! It wins anytime you're looking for a chic sexy look. Look for foundations that have silicone (built in primers) to help give you that dewy sexy skin or tell your makeup artist you want to have sexy skin! (he/she will do the rest)

2. You can have one or the other - you must choose. Decide to either glam-up your eyes or your lips. But don't do both. Picking one part of your face to accentuate is all you need to get that sexy look. Concentrate on what you feel is your greatest attribute and add some drama to it.

Makeup by Vicki Millar /Hair By Jeff Barkley /Photography by Babak /Model Deanne Duraes

3. Try some false lashes. Even if you've decided to glam up your lips instead of your eyes just a simple strip of pretty false lashes with a thin layer of liner just on the eyelash line will make your eyes pop and give you sex appeal!

4. Opt for more casual hairstyles such as, low loose curly chignons, birds nest's updo's, side loose braids, sleek ponytails and full loose curls . These types of hairstyles are modern and current but also add an element of sexiness to your overall look.

Makeup and Hair by Vicki Millar/Photography by Derwei Chan/Model Lauren Berntzen

5. Keep your locks looking their best on your wedding day by adding a shine product (there are many but this is my favourite) to your hairstyle. This will give your hair that extra shine especially when the lights go down....sexy!

Come by later on this week when I'll be covering the BIGGEST wedding of the century! That's right - don't miss my blog on Kate and William's wedding. I CANNOT wait to see what she looks like. See you soon!

Top Tips For Getting Your Nails In Shape For Your Wedding Day

2011-04-23T13:29:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter from my family to yours!

Let's face it.....your nails are going to be on display very soon and you need to get them in shape now.

Just as important as a good skin care regime is, regular maintenance of your fingernails is just as necessary. During your engagement and your wedding day your hands will often be on display. There are a lot of options for achieving pretty fingernails. Below you'll find my top 3 idea's for getting your nails in shape fast!

1. For a really fast way to get your nails looking great consider having artificial (acrylic) nails put on by a professional. I had these nails on myself for years and loved them. The positive points of having artificial nails is that your nails will always look well groomed. You can have the tips cut to any length that suits your lifestyle and they are rock hard so you can be a little bit rougher with your hands and still have lovely looking fingernails. The downside to acrylic nails is the maintenance. You need to get your nails filled (acrylic filler) every 3 - 4 weeks and you must keep this up or you risk the chance of breaking a nail and it becoming infected. The smell of the acrylic can be offensive for some too! But overall, a very good option if you need your nails to look amazing quickly.

2. Another quick option is to have gel nails applied by a professional. These are more natural looking than the acrylic nails and their 'claim to fame' is that they will cause less damage to your real nail compared to the acrylic ones. Again, you can have the tips cut to any length you wish. The gel is "cured" onto the nail by using an ultra violet light that hardens and literally bakes it onto the nail. In some salons professionals are not using ultra violet light but dipping fingers into water to set the gel. The smell of the gel isn't half as offensive as the acrylic and the overall appearance is really nice. Gel nails are becoming much more popular these days and for good reason.

3. For those who have the time and patience to place into getting their own nails in shape here are some pointers to help get them looking fabulous sooner! The process of obtaining and then maintaining beautiful fingernails involves some work but the effort will be worth it! A good first step is to start a monthly routine of manicures. Find a reputable spa like Dawson Manor Spa in Newmarket Ontario or The Elmwood Spa in Toronto and book your monthly manicures now. Start wearing rubber gloves when you're house cleaning or washing dishes and bring a toothbrush into the shower with you to clean your nails while you're showering. Keep your nails painted with a colour you notice because if you notice your nails more regularly you will be less likely to abuse them and more careful when opening doors and picking things up, etc. Apply moisturizer like you're possessed with it! : ) But seriously....moisturizing helps soften your cuticles thus helping to grow your nails quicker.

The sooner you look into getting your nails in shape the sooner you'll have great looking hands on your wedding day.

Come by next week when I'll be writing about sexy bridal hair and makeup looks. Don't miss it!

3 Tips - Talking to Your Bridesmaid's About Makeup and Hair Requirements

2011-04-15T11:41:00.000-04:00

You've already decided your style of gown, your chosen colour theme, how you want your hair and makeup to look on your wedding day but what about your bridesmaid's? Of course you want your bridesmaid's to be happy with whatever style of gown you choose for them. It's also really important to get their input on makeup and hair requirements too. But in the end, it's your big day (and your future husband's big day!) so you should have the last say.

A very sophisticated wedding that involved some compromise but a look that really worked well for everyone

Most bridesmaid's I've worked with are very accommodating and will basically go along with whatever the bride asks for when it comes to hair and makeup. But there are the few that have very strong opinions of the type of "look" they want and sometimes the two opinions don't always gel! (along with being a makeup/hair artist I get to be "the diplomat" sometimes too) :)

I also have worked with really open minded brides who let their bridesmaid's have free reign on their makeup and hair look. Those weddings are always lots of fun and usually filled with several different looks. Ofcourse this type of wedding isn't the norm!

A fun wedding in Hamilton where the bride let her bridesmaid's pick whatever type of makeup/hair they wanted! We had a blast with these ladies! Thanks to Jessica Jean Myers for helping me out with this wedding

During my bride trials I always ask my brides what makeup and hairstyle they would like for their big day. We also cover what colours and flowers are going to be at the wedding and the type of gown they will be wearing. During the makeup application and/or hair styling we will also discuss how she (the bride) would like her bridesmaid's makeup/hair to look as well. It's really important to have your makeup/hair artist understand your full requirements which should also include the requirements of your bridesmaids.
Here are some top tips to help you through!

1. Make a point of including your bridesmaid's in your own wedding makeup and hair decisions so they understand early on what style of makeup and hair you're interested in.

2. Ask your bridesmaid's their opinion about how they would like to look on your big day. The earlier you discuss this the less you need to worry about it! If there are any discrepancies in what she wants compared to what you want, this is the time to settle it, not on your wedding day.

3. Consider how each of your bridesmaid's feel about their own personal style and try to compromise with them so that everyone is happy. For example, if you have a girlfriend with several facial piercings and you would really prefer she didn't wear them on your wedding day because you want everyone to look polished and sophisticated, compromise with her and ask if she would mind taking them off during the ceremony and photo session and perhaps she could put them back in during the reception when the party takes off.

Randa with her mom on her wedding day - both ladies wanted to look classic

From my experience, it only takes little compromise mixed with lots of communication to make things run smoothly and perfectly!

Come by next week when I'll be talking about how to get your nails in shape for your wedding day!

Interview with Glitz Studio

2011-04-06T16:03:00.001-04:00

I'm very excited about introducing you to Jillian Tredenick from Glitz Studio. Glitz Studio is a Canadian company based in downtown Toronto and they serve Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario. If you're looking for something very unique for your wedding photography/video, you'll want to contact these guys!
(check out the answer to question 2!)

Glitz Studio's contact information will be at the bottom of this interview. Enjoy!

www.glitzstudio.ca

1. What does Glitz Studio offer to brides and grooms?

We are a Revloutionary Wedding Cinema studio. We offer video and photography - High-end quality at affordable prices

2. What makes Glitz Studio unique?

We are the first in Canada to offer 3D wedding videos!! We are excited about this upcoming season – 3D is all the rage and you can now star in your own 3D film

3. How long have you been in this industry?

We have been in the video and photography industry for over 5yrs, and not just in weddings. Everyone on our team has experience in broadcast TV and film.

4. What area's do you service?

We are a division of Twisted Frame Productions so we do everything from advertisements to corporate films to Events. Big or small we can handle it all

5. Do you specialise in weddings only or do you offer other services?

We can expertly handle all pre & post video needs, graphics, animation too

6. How far in advance should someone book your services? (what are your busiest times?)

Its best to do so a few months ahead just to make sure you get your date; more and more lately we are being booked 4 and even 6 months ahead of time. May to August are the prime wedding months.

7. What is your most popular package for brides and grooms?

Definitely the 3D package!! Its so fun and truly amazing experience when you see it! You get to relive your day all over again – this is one wedding video that other people will actually ask to see.

8. What is your favourite or most rewarding part of your job?

I love it all, wedding planning time and the weddings themselves are truly a happy and crazy time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

9. Other than Glitz Studio - what are your other passions in life?

Comedy. I produce comedy shows for Rogers Community TV and a standup show here in Toronto. I am also a life coach and professional organizer. All of this is also why I enjoy the wedding industry so much.

10. Please share with us any hints and tips you might have for a future bride and groom?

Mmmmmmh

Tip for the wedding planning : do it together, consider the others wants and dislikes. Make this time a memory as well.

Tip for the wedding day : take moments to just breathe it all in, slow dances together work best.

And a Tip for the marriage – watch your wedding video every anniversary.

Want to contact Glitz Studio?
Website
Email
(1) 416 619 7882

My Bridal Beauty and Makeup Related Book Recommendations

2011-04-01T10:37:00.000-04:00

Welcome to April! Yipee! Finally it's here!

Because I love to read and look at pretty pictures of makeup and hair I thought I would share some my favourite bridal beauty books and a couple amazing makeup books that I really like. You will find lots of inspiration in these choices. Enjoy!

The Ultimate DIY Bridal Beauty Book By Suzanne A. Minskey

Bridal beauty book focusing on how to's for wedding day looks, skincare, and a comprehensive guide to the best makeup products for weddings

.
The Asian Bridal Book by Naveeda

Shows beautiful images of comtemporary and classic bridal hair and makeup looks for asian women.

My Bridal Hair Album by Patrick Cameron

I was trained by Patrick Cameron and he's a gem! His books and DVD's are well worth having

Makeup Makeovers: Weddings by Robert Jones

Stunning looks for the entire bridal party

Great Hair: Elegant Styles for Every Occasion by Davis Biton

So many incredible and beautiful styles

The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color by Iman

"The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color" - I really love this book and have had it for some time now. It really takes you through what works for skincare and makeup for women of colour

Makeup is Art by AOFM

"Professional Techniques for creating original looks" - this book is AMAZING!

Be sure and visit next week when I'll be sharing with you my second wedding vendor interview. This vendor offers something few others do and I think you will love it! Wanna know who it is? See here.

5 Tips To Help You De-Stress Before Your Wedding Day

2011-03-25T14:29:00.000-04:00

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience! Below are my 5 tips to help you de-stress before your big day!

1. Be organized and plan ahead
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. There are so many tasks to complete and you usually have a minimum amount of time to get everything done. In order to keep yourself feeling stress-free, I recommend keeping a list of your wedding tasks along with a timeline associated with each task and add to the list as you go along. Do your research early on all your vendors, keep notes on your favourite vendors and then touch base early with them. Commit when you find the one you like. When it comes to your makeup and hair requirements, don't wait too long to book your favourite artist or you'll find yourself panicking - I hate it when I have turn down a bride with panic in her voice! (honestly, it breaks my heart) : (

2. Keep things in perspective and remember why you're doing this
As with anything in life, try and make the planning of your wedding a fun and exciting time for yourself and your partner. It really should be a fun and exciting time in your life! Take time out for each other and remove yourself from the wedding stresses that are all around you. Spend one weekend a month pampering each other. Remember to pamper yourself as well. Keep up with your facials, make sure your nails are taken care of and add a massage every so often into your routine. You need to take extra special care of yourself right now and if you don't do it no one else will!

3. Add some aromatherapy into your lifeI love scented candles and essential oils. Somehow adding a lavender oil into my bath water and burning a lavender candle relaxes me and helps me sleep better at night. There are all kinds of essential oils (I find mine at The Body Shop) to help you relax, rejuvenate you and even give you some extra energy! They really don't cost that much and they work! Try one out next time you're feeling you need a little down time.

4. Meditate
I saw Goldie Hawn on Oprah this week (I love Goldie Hawn and of course I love Oprah!!!) Goldie Hawn was talking about deep breathing, meditation, relaxation and about giving yourself 10 minutes every day of complete silence. It's supposed to be healthy for us to be in silence while we take some slow long deep breathes. And get this.....it's supposed to make us feel happier! Oprah asked her audience to try 1 minute per day and work yourself up to 10 minutes per day.

Hey, if Oprah says it's good - I'm doing it! You should try too! : )

5. Don't forget to laugh along the way
Sometimes you need to just laugh and let the negative stuff roll off your back. When some of your plans get knocked out of place, put a smile on your face and try again. A smile will make you feel better and relieve stress even without you realizing it! Not just that but you will look better and people will want to be around you more. It's a simple thing really! Give it a try and see positive change happen around you.

Next week I'll be sharing with you some of my favourite beauty bridal books and makeup books! See you soon!

Bridal Scents

2011-03-17T10:30:00.000-04:00

Along with my passion for makeup and hair products, I also have a love of fragrances.

When choosing a scent for your wedding day try and match the scent to your own unique personality and to your overall bridal theme. For example, if your wedding theme is romantic and you are a romantic type, try and choose a scent that adds to the romantic feel.

Below I have listed out my all time favourite bridal scents. Each one has it's own special notes. Give them a try! I'm sure you'll find one that suits you perfectly!

All the choices below can be found in major department stores such as The Bay (in Canada), Macy's (USA) and Sephora.

Touch of Pink by Lacoste

Notes: coriander leaves, blood orange, cardamom, jasmine, violet leaves, carrot seed oil, sandalwood, musk, vanilla

Personality type: whimsical, daring and captivating

Japanese Cherry Blossom Eau De Toilette By The Body Shop

Notes: fuji apple, magnolia, osmanthus, star jasmine, cherry blossom, persimmon, sandalwood, hinoki wood and fruity musk

Personality type: sensual and exotic

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist..."A fragrance to seduce senses"

Notes: lily of the valley, bergamot, ylang, jasmine maroc, sandalwood, orris, amber, vanilla, cedarwood, patchouli, musk

Personality type: sensual, intimate and soft

SJP NYC (Sarah Jessica Parker New York City)

Notes: fruity floral with wild strawberry accord, lush gardenia and creamy sensual undertones

Personality type: chic, vibrant and bold

CLEAN Ultimate

Notes: italian bergamot, provencal lemon, lavender, jasmine, white rose, muguet, neroli, musk

Personality Style: Natural

Pink Sugar

Notes: bergamot, sicilian orange, raspberry, fig leaves, lily of the valley, licorice, strawberry, red fruit, cotton candy, vanilla, caramel, musk, wood, powder

Personality type: playful, mischievous and romantic

For those ladies looking for something a little more subtle....these creams and lotions are a great alternative.

Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Body Butter
(a beautiful light fragrance and leaves your skin super soft)

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter
(smells like a fresh mango - it's heaven in a jar)

Philosophy Apricots and Cream Body Lotion
(fresh and delicious)

Cake Glorious Glistening Body Lotion
(I love this stuff! It gives the skin an amazing glow - the scent is to die for!)

Don't miss next week's blog on de-stressing beauty advice for the bride to be!

Interview with Wedding Photographer James Pate

2011-03-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

Wedding Photographer James Pate

This week I'm sharing an interview I had with a very talented wedding photographer named James Pate who provides his wedding photography services in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area and the Niagara Region. I would like to thank James for taking time out of his very busy schedule to sit down with me and provide my wonderful blog followers with some extremely useful wedding photography information!

James Pate's contact information will be available at the bottom on the interview. Enjoy!

1. How did you get into wedding photography?

In a way, wedding photography came about quite by accident; however, it has also been a natural progression of time spent at crafting my art. I always had a love of photography, but I put the passion aside in my 20’s to focus on my own marriage, family and career. After suffering a fairly significant leg injury in 1998; I started investigating water sports as a means of rehabilitation. It was this series of events that led me back to my camera. I join a volunteer group of scuba divers GLUE (Great Lake Underwater Explorers). Since they already had their video needs covered, I took up my camera and restarted my photographic journey in the dark cold waters of the Great Lakes, recording underwater surveys of our ship faring heritage. In 2002, while attended a family wedding in San Francisco, I got the opportunity to see a truly professional photographer at work. His name was Sherman Chu and I was immediately captivated by his methods and manner. It was in this experience that I knew beyond any doubt that I wanted to shoot weddings. Sherman had set a very high standard that I continue to meter myself by to this day.

2. How long have you been a professional wedding photographer?

This can be a somewhat subjective question. There are some folks with the opinion that if you are getting paid then you are a professional. I don’t subscribe to this line of thinking. I shot my first wedding in 2003. I did a pretty good job but I was also lacking in so much knowledge and experience. I did not consider myself a professional level photographer. Again it was Sherman Chu that continually came to mind. His performance was my yard-stick and in honest self-appraisal I was not there yet. By 2008, I was beginning to achieve results that met with my aspirations and expectations. I was now comfortable enough with my work to call myself a professional photographer. So, although I shot my first wedding in 2003, I have only considered myself a professional wedding photographer for the last 2 years (since 2008).

3. Did you take photography at school or are you self taught?

I am self taught in photography. It has been an iterative process of shoot, process, review and critique. This is what I love so much about my photography. It is a never ending journey in developing, refining and crafting my imagery. It is a personal passion and challenge.

4. Do you do specialise in other areas of photography other than weddings?

I would not consider my other photography endeavours as specializations. I have a great passion for portraiture, fine art, underwater and event photography too. Each has its own nuances; however each one is based on a set of first principles. For me it is all about light and how well I am able to manipulate it. Every day the light is different which makes each shoot unique and each photograph individual in itself.

5. How far in advance should a bride and groom book your services?

Most of the initial inquiries are 12- 14 months prior to their wedding date. I would say a majority book 6-12 months out. We do our best to accommodate last minute bookings but it is dependant on our availability.

6. What cities and towns do you service?

Primarily, I shoot throughout the Toronto GTA and the Niagara region. I am happy to travel further when the opportunity presents itself.

7. Have you won any awards for your wedding photography?

I have not won any awards at this time as I have yet to participate in any of the regional contests. However, I have been considering entering a few competitions for the 2011 season. I am a member of a number of professional organizations and they encourage competition participation. I am actually a little more interested in having a wedding or two published in a wedding blog or magazine.

8. Do you have any reviews you would like to share from your previous clients?

I do have a couple of review posted online. They are posted on my pricing page and linked back to the original postings on Wedding Wire and Google.

What our clients are saying about us.

energy_17: ‎ Amazing Guy and great listener! James has an incredible eye for candid shots you would never think of…He was explaining all that would happen at our wedding, and I explained I was more into candid shots than formal poses and he made awesome suggestions as well. He spent over 3 hours my first consultation (I had a lot of questions) going over how he uses lighting, scenery etc to capture the perfect shot. I was so amazed I told my fiancé all about it and we booked him ASAP! Not only did we get a great deal for WHOLE DAY photography but he took great care in ensuring my fiancé and I were happy with his work. I absolutely recommend James Pate for ANY occasion and I will be using his services in the future!

Lani: James Pate is an excellent photographer. He was our photographer not only on our wedding day but also at our children’s christening. He is very artistic and very creative in many ways. He is also a great nature photographer. We love his work that we ended up buying some of his artwork, framed them, and hang on our bedrooms. It’s a pleasure knowing him. He loves what he does and delivers it perfectly.

My wife, Eva is sure they have me confused with someone else. LOL

9. Do you have any advice for couples looking to book a wedding photographer? (Anything they might want to keep in mind when searching for one)

The most important advice I can offer is to not shop solely on price. It can be a challenge to find a photographer that is a good fit for you and your wedding vision. Understandably, budget can be a determining factor in selecting your wedding photographer. However, I caution against shopping on price alone. Pricing can range from $500 to $15000 or more dollars, with lots of options in between. The variation in pricing is immense and somewhat overwhelming. Instead of shopping on price alone, I recommend shopping on value. Value can appear to be an abstract concept. However this is well suited when searching for your photographer. Each professional has her/his own creative eye and their work tends to have an individual and unique flavour; both of which are somewhat abstract to quantify. So thinking of the value that best meets your needs is probably a good way to approach your search. That being said, the concept of value raises a few of questions. 1. What is value? 2. How do you quantify the value that you seek? 3. How do to shop for that value? I think value is simply a balance of quality, service and price. Therefore:
VALUE = Quality of Photography + Quality of Service + Price

1. Quality of photography: Simply search for imagery that fits your vision. There’s no need to get too technical; either what you are looking at feels right or it doesn’t. It is as simple as that. Do you like what you see and you would like a similar style of photography on your wedding day?

2. Quality of Service: There are a few factors to consider here but again it does not have to become complicated. Make an initial inquiry to the photographer and gauge their first response. Ask a few secondary questions and see if they are personable and prompt in their replies? Photographers do get very busy at certain times of the year. Therefore, how prompt and personable she/he responds to inquiries can be a great gauge on how much value the photographer places on quality of service and how they will act under a little pressure. This should also provide you with some insight into the photographer’s personality. Do you get along well with her/him? This is especially important if you are planning a full wedding, as the photographer will be the one person that you will spend most of your day with. Quality photography is an intimate experience and requires a certain level of trust and understanding. Do you click with your photographer? Do you trust her/him to create the most flattering photography of your wedding day?

3. Price: Again try not to complicate the issue. Does the prospective photographer fit your budget? Judge the photographer by their work first and by the price second. Be cautious with lower priced photographers but don’t dismiss them completely. There is some wonderful new talent entering the market and you may have found that new diamond in the rough, just as they step out on their own. Do make sure they have quality imagery in all kinds of lighting situations. A skilled photographer delivers no matter what the lighting conditions and that is what you are investing in, when you hire a professional. Likewise, don’t assume that you have found the best photographers because they are the most expensive. Chances are, that you have indeed, found the most wonderful, established and in demand photographers in your area. However, ensure that they are the best fit for your needs. Make sure that they are of value to you personally.

There is so much that could be added to the topic of what to look for in a photographer. I hope that focusing on the idea of value helps aid your decision making. I have a couple more points of interest that might help with the process. First, the average wedding usually takes a photography studio 40 or more hours of work to completion, from the initial inquiry, image pro-processing and the delivering of the final product. This will vary somewhat dependant on the size and length of the wedding celebration; but 40 hours is a good average. Therefore, you are not really hiring the photographer just for the day. You are commissioning her/him for a full week’s worth of work. Second, try not to look at your wedding photography as an expense. Instead, look at it as an investment. Your wedding dress and your wedding photography are the only 2 things that will stand the test of time and the many wonderful years to come. So invest wisely, research your photographer and choose the best value for you. It’s a personal choice and only you know the right fit.

10. Besides wedding photography, what is your greatest passion(s) in life?

My family is my greatest passion. A close second would be waking up early to head down to the lake and capture the sunrise. I would start every day this way if I had the time.

Interested in contacting Toronto/GTA/Niagara Region Wedding Photographer James Pate?
Website

Blog

416-452-2606

Destination Weddings - Bridal Makeup and Hair

2011-03-03T12:04:00.001-05:00

Photographer: Mark Fiddian
http://www.markfiddian.com/
Models: Alex Wilcox and Stacey Fenton
Makeup/Hair/Grooming Vicki Millar

I've been receiving a few phone calls in the past couple of weeks from brides who are getting married at very incredible destinations. Each one of my phone calls had the bride asking me for options/suggestions for their bridal makeup and hair. I like offering options to brides or any client's who come to me with questions or struggles and this is when I had a brain wave! I figured I would write my blog entry this week about destination bridal makeup and hair and provide some options to the lucky ladies who are getting married in exotic faraway places! I hope it helps!

Thinking this over...

In some cases it is more economical to find a good makeup and hair person in the location where you'll be getting married but in some cases this isn't possible or can be very difficult. For example, some of my inquiries have been from brides getting married in Cuba. Wanting to help, I started doing some research. I found it's not easy to find someone in Cuba to do this - especially when you're looking on the internet from North America!

In the case where the bride is looking to bring someone local with her for the vacation, I suggest you work out an agreement with your chosen artist. It's always important to understand the details of whoever you hire, such as what's expected, how many faces will be worked on etc., but it's even more important when planning your destination wedding to be very clear on all details. The most important thing would be to have a contract drawn up between yourself and your makeup/hair artist and be certain it's completely clear what's expected from both sides. An agreed, written and signed contract will lessen the chances of misunderstandings and you'll both be on the same page. The less stress you feel on your wedding day, the more fun you will have!

Photographer James Ogilivie
Model Kelleth Cuthbert

Another option for destination brides is to look into makeup and/or hair lessons so that you're comfortable doing your own makeup on your wedding day. You could take a series of makeup and/or hair lessons to learn everything you need to know about what your best makeup choices are, how to apply your makeup, hair styles that will work within the climate you'll be in, etc. Ask around and see if you can hire a makeup artist who would be willing to teach a group so that you can include your wedding party in the lessons. Focus on hiring a professional who can teach you everything you need to know to make your wedding day perfect!

Last but not least, consider hiring a destination wedding planner. They will likely know how to answer all your questions about your destination wedding and that should also include some recommendations on valued makeup and hair people.
I truly believe with the right planning anyone can have an amazing destination wedding! Congratulations to all those who are getting married this year in an exotic place!

Beautiful brides Fran and Susanna

Next week I'm starting something extra special! I will begin interviewing professional wedding vendors who are specialists in their chosen field. Starting next week I'll be sharing an interview I had with an impressive Toronto wedding photographer called James Pate. Stay tuned!

This will be a new event that will occur every 6 -8 weeks. My interviews will be detailed and hopefully help in your overall wedding planning stages. See you soon!

Spring Brides

2011-02-25T10:15:00.002-05:00

Photographer: Babak
Hair: Jeff Berkley
Makeup: Vicki Millar

Spring is my favourite time of year. I think it’s because everything is brand new and that feeling of freshness is everywhere. It’s true to say that anytime you’re planning a wedding it will be the perfect time of year but there is certainly something incredibly special about a spring wedding.

When I think of spring brides, I usually think of clean, fresh flawless skin, light eye makeup with a slightly bolder lip. Ofcourse there are loads of options when it comes to spring bridal makeup looks and every bride will have her favourite but my first thought is to keep the overall look fresh and current. I love the idea of a “just kissed” lip colour, with just a hint of red or coral paired with a clean fresh face and beautiful sun kissed cheeks. Heavenly!

The downside to spring weddings is the unpredictable weather. I live in the Greater Toronto Area and we tend to get unusual weather patterns in the spring. (unusual because our temperature fluxuates a lot! All Toronto and GTA ladies know what I’m talking about!) Because spring can bring odd weather patterns, you can expect anything from hot and humid to cold and damp! So, when considering hair and makeup for your big day keep this in mind, especially if your photo’s are being taken outside. Be sure to consider all obstacles such as rain, wind and maybe even snow!

I worked with a bride last May who was married in Orangeville, Ontario. It was the beginning of May and for whatever reason, we ended up experiencing amazingly warm weather except for her wedding day. Her big day brought freezing conditions with hail mixed with snow mixed with rain. It was not the picture perfect day she had hoped for I’m sure! All the pictures were being taken outside too! Thank goodness we had discussed the potential of bad weather at her trial and came up with a hair style solution that worked out well on the day. The bride chose to wear a high chignon with a piece added under her hair for added height (and protection!) Because her hair was in a sleek updo, the style ended up protecting her look while she was outside. Although the wind and rain were bothersome, she still looked great and still very “put together.” Her pictures were great too! Sometimes days with no sunshine make for the best wedding pictures!

So, the moral of my story is to plan well and smart for your spring wedding.

I found a fun little site you might be interested in. It’s called The HairStyler.com and you upload an image of yourself and it gives you 1000’s of hair style options to play with. Beware there is a small membership fee to this site but I thought some of my brides might enjoy playing around and seeing what hairstyle suits them. Have fun! Post links to your pictures in the comment section if you like!

For those brides celebrating their big day this spring, I wish you all the happiness! Plan well and enjoy.

Next week I’ll be covering destination weddings – I’ll cover makeup and hair tips and things you need to consider before the big day!

Hair Accessories for Brides

2011-02-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

Hair accessories can really add a new dimension and sophistication to your wedding day. Although many brides are still using veils (which I LOVE and they almost always work with every hairstyle) there are so many other options out there that offer brides the perfect hair accessory for her big day. Whatever you choose to wear as a hair accessory will depend on your style of gown, the time of year you’re getting married and what really suits you. But the possibilities are endless!
Because I style hair as well as apply makeup, I get asked my opinion quite often about hair accessories and what I think will work with certain hairstyles and particular wedding styles. I have a confession to make…..I have a bit of a “thing” for hair accessories! So I’m more than happy to give my opinion when asked. This is why I decided to add this blog entry now before the wedding season really picks up. I hope it helps you out!

So, I thought I would go through some of the options available for different hair lengths.

Let’s start with short hair. For all you brides sporting short or angled bobs, boy hairstyles or just wavy short hair here are some of my hair accessory idea’s for your big day.

Consider adding a flower in your hair as your wedding day hair accessory. Whether it’s silk or real, nothing adds a statement like a beautiful flower! It says “I’m a girl and I love it!” Some other great options for short hair would be a tiara, a gorgeous barrette, a simple headband or a couple of decorative pins. It’s good to keep it simple but striking. If you keep the look understated, it will be seen as elegant and sophisticated.

Let’s say you have medium length hair and you’re thinking of getting your hair done with some big beautiful romantic curls for your big day. Some great hair accessories might be a decorative pin, a hair comb or a big beautiful ribbon tied into a pretty side bow or even a simple flower added among the curls! Don’t forget that a traditional veil works with almost every hair style but in particular for medium length hair. I believe it’s because there is just enough hair to conceal under the veil and if you choose to take the veil off after the ceremony, medium length hair still looks fabulous!

I’ve noticed a lot of my brides so far this season have had amazingly stunning long hair. With long hair the styling options are almost limitless! But some of the prettiest styles I’ve seen are updo’s such as chignon’s with the addition of decorative bobby pins around and inserted into the updo. It adds that bit of glamour that is minimalist yet elegant. Another big hit for brides with long hair who are wearing updo’s are hair sticks! Yep, I’ve done this with a bride and it looked incredible.

Remember I said I had a “thing” for hair accessories? Well, I have to say it started in London, England when I worked with a fashion designer who liked to use Louis Mariette hair accessories a lot when photographing her designer gowns. His hair accessories are AMAZING and always seem to work in every type of hair I styled! Luckily, I found a place where you can order some of his items online (in Canadian dollars too!) My Canadian followers can thank me later. : )
Louis Mariette is couture hat designer in Britain and his hats are really pieces of art. Take a look here!

I’ll also include another useful link of places in and around Toronto for bridal accessories and shoes. (Oh, don’t get me started with shoes!)

Photographer: Martin Edwards
Model: Sarah Beake
Designer gown: Debbie Gething from Oneoffdesign
Headpiece: Designer Louis Mariette
Makeup/Hair: Vicki Millar

Come by next week when I’ll be discussing spring weddings. Yes, I think spring might be coming soon!

Love those luscious lashes!

2011-02-10T15:15:00.000-05:00

What could be more fun than makeup and false lashes? It’s every little girls dream to wear them and not surprisingly many brides dream as well. There are all sorts of faux lashes to choose from these days but the most popular type are full strip, accent strip and individuals.

If you are considering whether you should wear false lashes on your wedding day, it might be a very good idea to test them out ahead of time at your makeup trial. Be sure and wear them for several hours, just as you will be on your wedding day. The one thing I find in common with brides who are not used to wearing or have never worn faux lashes before is the initial unease of when they are first applied. Because it takes glue to adhere them to your eye, it can feel a little “out of the ordinary” at first. I always tell my brides to give it about 5 or 10 minutes and as sure as I’m writing this, they forget they even have them on once the time is up. The glue needs a bit of time to adhere completely to the eye lash line and within 5 or 10 minutes the lashes feel absolutely fine and look divine!

The type of glue used to adhere faux lashes is very important. I NEVER use the glue that comes with the faux lash package itself. It’s almost always terrible and does not have very good staying power. I carry Duo glue in my kit and find it has very good staying power and lashes adhere to this glue much better than the glue sold along with the faux lashes. If you’re a lady who likes to wear faux lashes, invest in this glue!

It’s also important to keep in mind that if you are a bride who thinks she may cry on her big day (I’m talking a lot of tears!) faux lashes might not be your best option. A few tears won’t cause any problems but a lot of crying (like bawling!) just might. Duo is waterproof but all too often when we begin to cry we start rubbing our eyes to take the tears away and this can be problematic when wearing faux lashes. The last thing you want is to have half an eyelash hanging off your eye because you’ve been crying too hard! Not the best look for a bride! : )

If you’re considering going the route of lash extensions please be cautious. I’ve seen some nasty extensions in my time (and also some good ones too!). It’s important to do your research well and be careful of who you choose. There are lots of great places to get this done in almost every major city but just like with most things in life you get what you pay for. If done properly, it can make your wedding day lashes look incredible!

For those brides who choose not to wear faux lashes or lash extensions ~ have no fear you have options! Some great options too! I carry a really great little product in my kit that literally curls your lashes using heat. Yep! Heat! I get mine from a company called YABY.

It’s kind of like a curling iron for your lashes. It doesn’t get too hot but feels nice and warm. I usually apply 2 coat of mascara (waterproof for brides!) then while the mascara is still a little tacky I use my handy and ever so popular heated lash curler. Brides love it. So do bridesmaids and MOB/G. It really makes a huge difference to the length of your eyelashes.
I usually hear “wow” immediately after using it!

So now you're armed with all the information you'll ever need to have your own luscious lashes on your wedding day! Come by next week when I'll be talking about hair accessories. Everything you always wanted to know about hair accessories for your big day. We'll cover short hair options, long hair options and everything in between. See you soon!

Best Retail Brand Foundations for Brides

2011-02-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

There are numerous foundations on the market that claim to match your skin colour instantaneously, blend into your skin immediately and flawlessly and even take years off your life by diminishing lines and wrinkles! Really?? Seriously??? If only it was that easy….

You can probably tell I’m not a fan of empty marketing promises. I believe in what works and I’ve tried enough retail brand foundations in my time to really know what works and what doesn’t.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of foundations that work well for everyday use. It’s really a matter of trying out several different brands over time and finding 1 or 2 that suit your requirements. As you age you need to update your foundations and again you need to find which brands suit you and your skin type best.

But this blog is about what retail brand foundations work well for brides and there aren’t many and there is a reason for this.

A lot of retail brand foundations (infact, most of them) have fillers that cause flashback in photo's. Have you ever noticed that you sometimes look pale or ashy when a picture is taken of you? This is due to the fillers used in most retail brand foundations. The last thing you want to do is look good in person but have your wedding pictures turn out ashy because you chose the wrong product!

I carry a lot of different professional brand makeup in my kit for this very reason. Not every bride has oily skin or dry skin or even toned skin. It often takes 2 or 3 different foundations to match a bride well and she needs to look amazing in person and incredible in pictures. This is why you hire a professional makeup artist on your wedding day – to get it right!

But for those brides who are looking to purchase retail brand foundations because they realize in the next few months many pictures will be taken of them and they want to be confident that they will look good in pictures and in person, here are my suggestions.

Next time you’re in Sephora (my danger store!) pick up some Make Up For Ever foundation. I use their Face and Body foundation daily and when I’m going out for the evening I use their HD foundation. I find Make Up For Ever face and body foundation to be very light and buildable which I love for daytime use as I actually don’t like to wear heavy makeup but like flawless skin.

Make Up For Ever HD foundation leaves a beautiful finish, not exactly dewy and not exactly matte either. It’s perfect! My favourite type of foundation finish for sure! Both foundations from MUFE (Make Up For Ever) give great results in photos as well. I have also heard incredible things about Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet foundation – my niece is in love with this stuff and from her recent photos in facebook, it definitely photographs well too!

MAC foundations are another option if you’re looking for a professional retail brand that really works. The only problem you may encounter with some MAC foundations is the product doesn’t appear to have a very long self life. So, if you’re buying it to use everyday, great. If you’re buying it just for a special occasion, I would pass and stick to MUFE. (Make Up For Ever)

So my favourite retail foundations for brides are Make Up For Ever and MAC. Now go shop!

Come by next week when it’s all about the lashes! Faux lashes, real lashes, lash products and more…..see you soon!

Dramatic Smoky Eyes for Brides

2011-01-28T13:32:00.001-05:00

Photography by Kurtay http://www.kurtay.co.uk/
Beautiful Model Elena
Makeup/Hair Vicki Millar

The smoky eye has always been and will always be a big favourite among many of my client’s; including various photographers I work with on a regular basis. What is not always understood is that a beautiful smoky eye can be in almost any colour. For example, mauves look incredible on green eyes and browns and bronzes on blue eyes. It’s really the process of applying the shadow and liner (if used) that creates the smoky eyed look. One of my mentor’s, Maryellen Lamb, who is a very talent makeup artist from London England told me once that a true smoky eye is supposed to look as though you just finished fooling around with your significant other. I have to be honest, I’ve changed her wording to be a little more “pc” for the purpose of this blog - but you get her drift! ; ) In Maryellen’s opinion a true smoky eye is pure sex appeal.

Many people have different opinions of what a smoky eye should look like. I often apply toned down versions of the smoky eye that really work well for brides and still give a sexy, sultry look. Remember, not every smoky eye has to be black! Infact, some of the most beautiful smoky eyes I’ve done have not been black but other softer, more appealing colours. You really can get a smoky eye that suits you for your wedding day. You just have to ask!

Beautiful model Faye
Makeup/Hair by Vicki Millar

My point here is, it’s important to know what type of smoky eye YOU want on your big day and communicate this to your makeup artist. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, be sure to collect clippings from magazines and show them to your makeup artist so you get exactly the look you want.

It’s true to say that not every bride can pull off or even wants a dramatic smoky eye on their wedding day. Whatever you decide, consider that your makeup should compliment your overall bridal style – not take it over.

Photography by Alastair Richards
Beautiful model Emma
Makeup/Hair by Vicki Millar

Be sure and come by next week to learn which retail brand foundations are best for brides!

Press Release - Brides By Vicki Millar wins Weddingwire's Bride Choice Award for 2011

2011-01-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

Toronto, Ontario Canada – January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Brides By Vicki Millar has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for the Beauty and Health – Makeup and Hair Category.

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Brides by Vicki Millar stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Brides By Vicki Millar for her professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Brides By Vicki Millar is among the very best in the Health and Beauty – Makeup and Hair Category within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee.

For more information, please visit Brides By Vicki Milar WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/vendor/VendorViewStoreFront?mode=edit&tab=reviews.
For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire.com, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).

Modern East Indian Bridal Makeup

2011-01-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love doing indian weddings! I really enjoy the differences between skin tones and bridal colour choices. Below is an article that I wrote about traditional vs. modern east indian bridal makeup.

Although traditional East Indian bridal makeup is still an enormous favourite among brides, many Indian brides today are opting for a more modern bridal look. I’ve worked with many Indian brides and have found more and more are turning towards a modern twist to the traditional bridal look.

East Indian ladies have beautiful skin but quite often their skin will have yellow undertones. A professional makeup artist may need to combine 2 or 3 different foundation colours to match her client’s skin perfectly and also combine 2 or 3 different coloured concealers to conceal things like dark circles. The wrong colour foundation and concealer can bring ashy tones to Indian skin which can make an Indian bride look sallow and washed out.

Your typical East Indian wedding is filled with dramatic, striking looking gowns that embellish intricate designs and brides are usually draped in heavy dramatic jewellery. Therefore it’s important to balance your overall look with the correct makeup application. For that reason if your gown is dramatic in design, you should have dramatic eye makeup to match. If your gown is somewhat understated, try moving towards a more modern looking makeup look.

The use of colour is important in Indian weddings and traditionally reds and golds are the colours most used for bridal eye makeup. Indian eye makeup has traditionally been the focal point to the overall makeup look itself. To modernize this look, try using eyeshadow jewel tone colours such as blacks, light gold, golden pinks, violets, blues and turquoise.

Indian bride lips are always bold and beautiful with classic colours such as mulberry and gold playing a big part to the overall look. To add a more modern feel, opt instead for more subtle lip colours on your wedding day, such as pinks with golden highlights, creams with glittery gloss and matte brownish reds.

The use of highlighters are a must for the Indian bride! Try highlighting with bronzers just above the cheekbone, on the bridge of the nose and temples.

No matter what style of bridal makeup you choose for your East Indian wedding, you’re sure to look stunning.

Bridal Hair Trends for 2011

2011-01-17T15:32:00.000-05:00

Every year there are new bridal hairstyle trends that come along. It's so important to look modern and current on your wedding day but it's also essential to complement this with how you want to feel looking at your photo's 10 years from now. It's a balancing act that needs to be well thought out when considering your bridal hair style.

With that said, here's the latest bridal hair trends for 2011.

Last year’s version of the beachy curl is not as fashionable this year however for brides who are looking to wear their hair down on the big day, soft bouncy curls are a must have. The curls this year are very loose and flowing with a lot body and bounce. A little shine and/or glitter placed on the hair works well for this type of style by enhancing the overall look. This gorgeous style suits brides with medium length to long hair.
Because the bob hairstyle has made a huge comeback this year many brides will be looking to do something exceptional with this look on their wedding day. Loose bouncy soft curls would be a fantastic look for this years bob and very much in style.

Every year it seems updo’s are extremely popular for brides and this year is no exception. The 2011 bridal runways show sleek, elegant updo’s that incorporate additional pieces such as rhinestones, feathers, flowers or fabric. Also seen on the bridal runways this year was the loose sexy updo. This type of updo suits almost every women with long hair and is very current and at the same time very classic.

Other popular 2011 bridal updo’s include loose chignon’s and beautiful braids that have natural hair pieces falling out casually across shoulders and backs. This type of look is great for brides who are wearing slim fitting wedding gowns as it adds drama and sophistication to the overall look.

Photography by Der Wei Chan - Model Lauren Berntzen from Ford - Makeup and Hair by Vicki Millar

Whatever hairstyle you choose this year for your wedding be sure and test it out prior to your wedding day so that you know what works and what doesn’t work for you.

How to Create a No Makeup Makeup Look in 5 Minutes - wikiHow

2011-01-13T15:10:00.000-05:00

How to Create a No Makeup Makeup Look in 5 Minutes - wikiHow

Spring/Summer 2011 Bridal Makeup Trends

2011-01-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

Are you getting married this spring and are still unsure of how your makeup should look? Well, look no further….your problem is solved!

The new spring/summer 2011 bridal makeup trends are all about looking natural and polished so for those brides who like the natural look – this is your season!

One thing that really stood out on the bridal runways for the 2011 Spring/Summer season was great skin, showing both matte and almost shimmering effects. Often skin was very luminous and dewy but still very polished. There is nothing I hate more than overly shimmery skin on the face but this season’s shimmer is subtle and soft, almost glowing. I like it a lot! It makes your skin glow from within.

Eyeshadows for spring and summer are warm and soft, with colours such as soft ivory or cream matched with soft pinks and corals and light greys. The soft colours seem to be placed just above the eyelash for a modern look which really adds sophistication to any bride. Eyeliners this season make a big comeback! Matching the softness of the season’s eyeshadows, eyeliners brings that extra bit of drama to the eye. Just a little bit of detail that makes the difference from a little bit of makeup to a polished natural makeup look.

Lashes are soft looking but nice and long. This is where faux lashes will make the difference for this season. Even just using partial lashes to give that extra bit of drama to your look works well for spring and summer 2011. I love using a very natural faux lash so that when your makeup is complete, the lashes look like your own only longer and fuller! This look fits in perfectly with the seasonal trends.

Spring/Summer lips are soft with beautiful colours such as corals, soft reds and nudes. A little bit of glimmer to the lips has been shown on the bridal runway for spring/summer 2011 and is a perfect finish to a natural, soft makeup look.

Some makeup artists call this look the “no makeup, makeup look” – I call it the perfect bridal look.

Need to know what’s happening for Spring/Summer 2011 bridal hair trends? Check out this space next week to find out!

Start getting your hair in shape now for your wedding day

2011-01-05T15:52:00.000-05:00

Make sure your hair looks amazing on your wedding day!
Below are my 5 top tips to achieve fabulous hair.

1. Know your hair type

It’s really important to use the right products for your hair type. Take some time to examine your hair. Decide if your hair is fine, thick, course, etc. Try a new product specific to your hair type for about a month before you decide if you like it or not. Your hair needs time to adjust to new products and over time it will either improve or it won’t – then move on to the next product test until you have 2 or 3 favourites to choose from.

On that note….it's important to have 2 or 3 favourite shampoo’s and conditioners that you rotate regularly. I may use my milkshake shampoo (available at Hair Blvd Salon or the link at the bottom this blog) for 6 weeks then change to a L’oreal brand that I also really like for about 6 weeks. Change your products regularly and be sure and examine your hair during each season change – you may find what worked for you in the winter is too heavy for your hair in the summer.

2. Sleep, exercise and eat healthy

Yes, it’s always the same thing we hear. It seems everything just works better when we’re sleeping well, (your body needs time to grow hair and does this best when you’re sleeping) eating right and exercising regularly. But like your skin, your hair will show it’s true colours when it’s not healthy. When we’re not taking care of ourselves, our hair looks dull and lifeless. Often times we’ll go out and buy expensive products to compensate for the lack lustre in our hair, when all we need to do is take care of ourselves better. If you’re doing all the above and you still aren’t pleased with your results why not try some supplements such as beta-carotene, niacin or biotin.

3. Have your hair regularly trimmed and use hot oil treatments

Getting your hair trimmed (even just a little bit) every 6 – 8 weeks helps with split ends and makes your hair healthier and when your hair is healthy, it grows! Try using hot oil treatments regularly (I use one every other week) and massage your scalp well when applying them (this will help stimulate your hair follicles) Try wrapping your hair loosely in a warm towel while you wait. It really helps with dry brittle winter hair.
Here's an article on how to make your own hot oil treatment for your hair ehow.com

4. Wash your hair only when it’s dirty

Washing your hair everyday strips the hair of it’s natural oils which makes hair more brittle and dry. I know from experience that I have to wash my hair every other day or every third day because of my hair texture. Figure out how often you really need to wash your hair and begin a new routine. It won't take long for your hair (and you!) to get used to washing it less often.

Remember your hair should be treated delicately so when you wash your hair be kind to it.

5. Avoid using very hot water, blow dryers and hot tools

OK, so I sometimes don't do this myself. : ) I love a really hot steaming shower and I use blow dryers every time I wash my hair. But I pay the price! If you’re able to air dry your hair, even just once a week, do so. There really is nothing worse than using hot tools on your hair everyday.

Here's my little trick and it seems to work - just when I’m about to leave the shower, I turn the water temperature to cool (or sometimes down right cold) and rinse my hair one final time. This helps to close the pores on my scalp – it also makes my hair look shinier. It doesn’t make up for the damage I cause with my blow dryer or my hot showers, but it certainly feels great and works magic in other ways!

Below are my favourite hair products - give them a try!

Milkshake

L'oreal Keratase

Forever Spring

Check out some of my favourite hair salons....be sure and tell them I sent you!

Hair Blvd. Salon (Newmarket)

La’Dira Hair and MedSpa (Toronto)

Blo – Blow Dry Bar (Toronto)

John Steinberg and Associates (King West, Toronto)

Salon Gabriel (Toronto)

Adonis Unisex (Markham)

(and for my Vancouver girls…this place rocks!) Verve Hair Lounge (North Vancouver)