Worth The Wait!

I've talked a lot on this blog about the importance of getting professional pictures from brides after their wedding day.  Sometimes after I finish a wedding I just know the pics are going to be gorgeous and I get super excited at the idea of putting these pics up on my site!  I knew this was going to be the case the minute I finished my trial w/ Sara back in the Spring.  She was a last minute booking and referral from another bride of mine last season Caitlin.  

For her makeup look she wanted something a little more intense then what a lot of my brides want (YEAH for me)...basically she wanted the look all my brides show me but don't actually want b/c in reality it's a bit too dramatic for them (which I totally get...gotta work within everyone's comfort level).  I did a bronzy brown smokey eye w/ black liner and a peachy/bronze cheek and peachy lip. Perfect look to accent her gorgeous natural, thick red hair which I styled into a gorgeous swept back updo!  

One thing everyone should know about me is I'm kind of obsessed w/ natural red hair and in fact I think I'm drawn to it.  My mother had red hair, lots of my family has red hair, my university roommate had red hair, one of my best friends has red hair...as you can see I've known a lot of redheads in my life...one day I want a little girl w/ red hair lol!

So to continue on w/ how much I knew Sara was going to have awesome pics...she was getting married at one of my fav venues in the city - Berkeley Church!  I love the character and a bit of the warn down charm of the place...so not a banquet hall lol!  Plus she had her dress custom made by a seamstress friend of her mother's I believe and it was simple in a lot of ways but in all honesty probably one of my fav dresses of last season b/c even though it was simple it was different than a lot of the dresses I see (probably b/c it was custom made lol).  I also love that she had the guts to pair it w/ a beautiful statement necklace...I love that look at yet I never seem to do it myself!

So even though it took some patient waiting on my end (not b/c of Sara but b/c of her photographer) it was all worth it in the end to get these beautiful pics! Okay seriously how do I even decide which pics to put up when they are all so beautiful...better than I was even hoping for!

Everyday Heroes - Chatelaine Shoot

About a mth and a half ago I mentioned that I did a little shoot for Chatelaine magazine.  Well the new issue is out so I thought I'd share w/ you the pic from that day.

It was actually a really cool and inspiring shoot to work on b/c I got the chance to meet some truly exceptional women who do exceptional things to help the ppl around them.

It was also a really cool shoot b/c I got to work w/ a new photographer - Caitlin Cronenberg - a real up-and-comer and a totally cool girl and Sian Melton, who was the one that introduced me to Caitlin in the first place.

Going Left to Right:

Deborah (wasn't there but in the picture frame) - She opened The Olive Branch for Children, to help the most vulnerable people in rural communities around the world.  Projects include setting up medical clinics, organizing HIV testing and opening kindergartens in remote villages.

Janette - After her daughter died of a rare cancer last year she started Gilllie Beans Fund in her honour.  They've already raised over $26 000.

Sharon - She started Soup Sisters - a foundation that serves over 8000 bowls of homemade soup to women and children in shelters across the country.

Lia - A woman who lives everyday to the fullest.  Was once a homeless teen, now a successful sales executive.  She founded Up with Women to help homeless women and children rebuild their lives.

Emma - A lawyer that created a student-run program to address conflicts in schools that's reduced suspension rates by up to 82%.

Miriam - The oldest of the ladies at 92 but definitely still full of spirit.  Miriam is a holocaust survivor who walks 5 km for Breast Cancer every year, prepares meals for the homeless for Toronto's Out of the Cold program, marches in the Pride Parade and bakes and sells challah bread every week on behalf of a charity that feeds underprivileged children and seniors.

Everyday Heroes Indeed!

Love Good Days - Shoot for Chatelaine, Gifts in the Mail and Cocktails w/ a Friend!

Yesterday was a particularly good day (beside 1 job being cancelled)...why you ask?  Well I started my morning off at a shoot for Chatelaine Magazine.  The photographer is the incredibly young and talented Caitlin Cronenberg.  First time I ever worked w/ her or for the mag so anytime I get to make new connections is a totally cool thing!  How did I get this hook up you ask?  Well my good friend Sian Melton (photographer/makeup artist/all around cool chick) was doing the makeup/hair for this shoot and since it was a group shot she needed a little extra help and she invited me to come along and partake in the fun.  It was totally laid back and it was actually a group shot for the Women of the Year section in Chatelaine coming out in Oct.  Really great experience b/c I got to work w/ a bunch of awesome, real women that do amazing things for their organization, city and country.  So inspiring and always fun to work w/ ppl that don't normally get "dolled up" b/c they appreciate it that much more.

So that filled up the morning and it went so great that we were all wrapped and good to go before 2 pm!  Got home (b/c as mentioned above my 2nd job was cancelled urrggh) and to my surprise there was a nice little package for me in the mail.  I LOVE getting packages in the mail!  I unwrapped it immediately to find the most beautiful cosmetic bag I think (actually I know) I've ever owned!  A couple of wks ago I was contacted by Yolanda about reviewing one of her BEAUTIFUL handmade cosmetic pouches.  The site is called This Magpie's Nest and she has a variety of gorgeous makeup pouches to choose between.  Many feature old style photographs on the front w/ old postcards on the back.  Really unique and eye catching!  I chose the Mrs. Wright...Wishing You Were Here!  As mentioned above it's handmade and measures 5X7 (very roomy), it has a zippered pouch and the postcard  is printed on Muslin.  The inside is lined w/ red fabric and I have to say it's all REALLY well made!  Not flimsy or cheap at all!  In fact I CAN'T BELIEVE she's selling these pouches for the LOW LOW price of $15/each...seriously I've seen things like this in stores for like $35 and up!  Also I just want to mention how beautifully it all came wrapped and packaged...seriously it would make a perfect gift for anyone!  It was wrapped in red tissue paper w/ twine wrapped around it and a Magpie's Nest tag.  I noticed the package smelled so good and on further inspection when I opened the pouch I realized there was some lavender inside...what a nice touch!

The Front

The Back

Inside

Btw she is offering a 20% discount to any of my readers that mention this post when they are ordering...that means these beautiful pouches would be only $12/each...seriously that's INSANE!!!

So after that my day was complete w/ a nice trip to one of my fav. drink spots in Yorkville - The Avenue.  Sipped some white wine and chatted it up w/ a friend!  Great end to my great day!