Congratulations! You raised Mr. or Mrs. Right and now it’s time to celebrate!

You are probably going to be feeling a thousand different emotions on the big day – happy, proud, overwhelmed – the list goes on and on. As your chosen Makeup Artist it’s my responsibility to make sure you look your most beautiful, confident, and sexy, and that you feel at least 10 years younger when you look in the mirror. And while you may be taking a back seat to the planning or your to-do list may be 3 pages long, whatever the case may be, please feel free to use me as a confidant and or sounding board throughout the planning process. I’m am here for you not only as you Makeup Artist but as a friend. I have been doing makeup for weddings for over 16 years and I am here to help in any way I can. The most important thing to remember, is to keep stress away from the bride and to make the planning a fun and memorable experience for everyone. Don’t let a disgruntled family member or other guest stress you out with their late RSVP or there seating chart requests. The day is about the Bride and Groom – everyone else should feel honored to be invited and to arrive with nothing but well wishes for the happy couple. That doesn’t always happen but try to focus on the joy of the day and not any drama that may or may not happen. Easier said than done, I know. If you feel that your phone will be ringing off the hook in the hours before the wedding, delegate answering last minute questions, cancellation, vendor confirmations to a trusted friend or day-of coordinator. You deserve to kick back, have a glass of champagne, and relax while getting beatified for the big day. After all this is the most important day of your life since you had the blessed bride or groom!

Here are some tips to remember when choosing your dress and makeup look:

Go for color! Jewel tones and metallic dresses are the best choice. Opt for darker and richer tones as they are elegant and flattering on everyone, especially Navy. A Black dress is absolutely appropriate as is a cocktail or 3/4 length. Comfortable shoes are a must! You can never go wrong with a French manicure or neutral nail but I do suggest a pop of color on the toes if they are peeping.

Nude lips are too muted and tend to wash out complexions in outdoor and black and white photos. A raspberry shade is a beautiful choice – think pink or berry tones that are 1-4 shades darker than your lip color. I suggest purchasing a long-wear lip color with creamy or glossy texture as a matte shade can age you and settle in a dry cracked finish. Use a lip liner to prevent feathering. Apply lip pencil after lip color using short feathery strokes to lightly outline the outer frame of your lip.

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are a must – I would purchase these items in advance as you will likely have other occasions prior to the wedding (shower or rehearsal dinner) when you may shed a tear or two of joy for the happy couple.

Weather your little princess is planning her day or you raised Mr. Right, it’s an extremely important milestone in your life and you deserve to be pampered and supported just as much as the bride and groom. Enjoy every second and feel free to shoot me an email at any point during the planning process – Its a pleasure for me to help in any way I can and I can’t thank you enough for including me in an amazingly beautiful and unforgettable day!