Vine Inspiration Shoot
My darling, my bride, you excite me!
You have stolen my heart with just one quick look from your eyes,
with just one of the jewels from your necklace.
Your love is so beautiful, my darling, my bride!
Your love is better than wine.
(Song of Solomon)
She embodies everything he looks for in a woman. She moves gracefully across the room…unaware of the attention she draws. She is confident in who she is and the love they share. She is like a refined vintage wine.
We created a timeless, luxurious look and placed it in a setting that inspires romance. The Ranche house was originally built 100 years ago and has a commanding but understated presence. We love how the details, like the fire place, wooden floors and piano take you back to an old Hollywood era that encourages mysterious love.
For makeup I opted for porcelain skin, and blushing cheeks…defining our bride’s eyebrows and eyes but using soft colors (peach and pink) to soften the look. It was a unique combination of drama and beauty.
Christina’s look reminds us of the film actress Greta Garbo that just knew how to project mystery and mystique both on screen and real life. She was an international star and icon during Hollywood’s silent and classic periods.
Credit List:
Photography: Hanafoto
Model: Christina
Hair: Cassidy Andrew
Dress: Frocks
Jewelry: Vespucci
Tablescape: Creative Weddings and Magical Moments
Flowers: Philip Chong Flower Bar
Invitations: Plush Invitations
Cheese Wheel Cake: Springbank Cheese (Linda)
Venue: The Ranche
Where love meets Luxury
Creative Wedding Headpieces
There was a time when tiaras or veils were expected to be seen at most weddings. Today it has given way to the more popular trendy flower headpieces. Flower headpieces used to be associated with the sixty peace era but has now taken on a new meaning among modern brides. It reflects a natural beauty that is approachable and fun unlike the conventional tiaras.
We wanted to help our brides think outside of the box when it came to creative headpieces. The very talented Lia Golemba designed & handmade our beautiful paper headpieces and Lyn (from Flower Artistry) created the stunning unusual flower headpieces.
It was important to me that the makeup would complement the bride and her headpiece. I played with different shades of purple to bring Jessica’s green eyes out. I used an emerald green on Marcia’s blue eyes and earthly toned colors to complement Jessie’s soft features. Sarah Scott did an amazing job with our models’ hair to complete the entire look.
Our brides were photographed at Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar, a local and very popular coffee shop and wine bar in Inglewood, and a few images (with the galvanised steel) were done at f8 photography Inc. ‘s studio. f8 photography won the award for Best Photography Studio 2013 by the Wedding Industry Experts.
We had so much fun collaborating & bringing all these creative elements together for this shoot and could not have asked for a better team to make our dream ideas a reality.
Credit List:
Photography: f8 photography Inc.
Models: Jessica, Marcia and Jessie
Hair: Sarah Scott
Flowers: Lyn from Flower Artistry
Headpieces: Lia Golemba
Dress: Frocks
Venue: Gravity Espresso Wine Bar/ f8 photography Inc. Studio
Winter Engagement: S’more Love Canmore Stylized Shoot
If you would have asked me if I wanted a S’more a few years ago…I would have probably thought that you’re asking me for a smooch! (And give me the wrong idea of Canadian men!!). As a South African who appreciate sitting around a fire, I’m truly greatly to my fellow Canadian friends who have showed me how to combine my plain marshmallow with chocolate and cookies. Who knew such an awesome combination exists!!
Shyla and Serge was our special couple that won this awesome S’more Love Contest that was created by WE CONNECT weddings + events, Flowers by Janie and One Edition Photography.
It involved a full day of pamper, a rustic mountain picnic, an engagement shoot in the mountains, warming up with S’mores, a romantic dinner and two night stay in this beautiful lodge.
I think it was the perfect combination for an engagement shoot and I wish Shyla and Serge many more S’more Love moments and smooches!!
S’more Love Team:
Design:WE CONNECT weddings + events
Flowers: Flowers by Janie
Photography: One Edition Photography
Accommodations: Silver Creek Lodge
Dining: Wild Orchid Bistro
Stationary: Creative Finch
Hair: Cassidy Andrew
Makeup: Caro Makeup Artistry
Jewelry: Jackie Bouchard, Stella & Dot Independent Stylist
Sweet Treats: Cakes with Attitude
Linens: Great Event Rentals
Beautiful Luxe Pop Art Wedding by Hanafoto
Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this funky 60’s wedding shoot!! It was posted on Luxe by Calgary Bride’s blog today!!
http://www.calgarybrideluxe.com/blog/luxe-pop-art-wedding-hanafoto/
Credit to this amazing team: Photography: Hanafoto; Model: Chelsey; Hair: Amanda Jane; Flowers: Philip Chong Flower Bar; Dress: Frocks; Jewelry & Shoes: Vespucci; Venue: Diner Deluxe; Graffiti: EYZ and Toner
Susan’s Wedding
What a great morning! The atmosphere in the house was electric.
Although there were so much going on…I just love how Susan embraced every special moment that came her way. You couldn’t help but to be drawn in by their love for each other.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take
but by the moments that take our breath away.”
-Hilary Cooper
It was such a treat to work with all these gorgeous ladies! Thanks again for an awesome morning and thank you Jen(from Chipperfield Photography) for capturing these beautiful moments.
Bride:
“Thank you for doing such an amazing job on our makeups! All 4 of us looked and felt beautiful that (whole entire) day…and we received so many compliments.”
That Bohemian Girl…
“Being Bohemian isn’t just about a look, it’s a lifestyle.”
-Lea WhiteFeather
Bohemian belles are all about independence– freedom from the ordinary.
My beautiful friend Rachel is a true Bohemian fashionista. She lives her unconventional, artistic life with such passion and many adore her for that.
When you want to create a bohemian look with your makeup it is important to know what you are going to wear. Using colors that compliment your outfit provides a cohesive look.
Earth-toned eye makeup colors like deep purples, brown, gold, greens, and charcoal work really well for a natural or sexy smokey eye. In Rachel’s shoot I used a rosy cheek color to keep her face fresh and a beige nude lip stick to make her lips lush and full.
I’ve also applied some eye shadow underneath her eye (instead of the usual liner) to keep her look soft. A darker line can sometimes close the eye.
The Bohemian style is not just free spirited…It is an organic beauty that isn’t glamorous or perfect but makes a statement.
Credit: Photography and Studio: Erin Brooke Photography & Design; Model/Styling: Rachel; Hair: Cassidy Andrew
Time to plan
Have you started planning your wedding or are you just secretly dreaming about it? Most women give themselves at least 6 -18 months to prepare for their special day. I don’t think having more time to prepare makes your wedding a success but it does help eliminate stress. Real success of the day comes from how true you stay to the vision you have in your heart.
That day should be a reflection of you and your partner and the love you have for each other. A day where beauty can be unveiled and love can be celebrated.
Book your makeup artist as soon as you have found the right one for you but try to schedule your makeup trial a month before your wedding. By that stage everything will be in place and you can give your makeup artist the full picture of your day and what you expect from her.
Credit: Photography: f8 photography; Model: Tamara; Hair: Cassidy Andrew; Shoes: Vespucci
Model Milk Shoot
Monique is a lady that just knows how to mix elegance with style. Her look is striking without being overpowering. A bold color like orange definitely makes a statement but it doesn’t have to compete with your makeup. Your makeup should flow with your look and compliment what you are wearing. When you look at someone you want to see the whole person and not just the makeup or a piece of clothing.
“The fastest way to make over your look is to change your lipstick.” (Michael Kors)
Finding the right lip stick color can be a challenge for anyone. My advice is …try it before you buy it!! Lip stick colors can be very deceiving and can look very different on your lips than on the lips of your friend or the girl in the magazine. Your natural lip color and skin tone plays a big part in finding that right color for you.
Lip sticks are probably the most personal makeup item you will ever have in your kit! I believe it’s because it can say so much about you and really reflects how you feel or how you want to be perceived. Yes…it’s not just your voice that speaks but your lips have a say too!!
Credit: Photography: Erin Brooke Photography & Design, Model: Monique, Hair: Cassidy Andrew, Venue: Model Milk
Fashion Shoot
“Smokey eyes are like a good mature wine. It’s not just the color and shade that matters but it has to leave an impression on you.”
Smokey eyes are not just a trend but a look that will never go out of style. It adds sophisticated drama to your over all look and speaks for itself. Connie rocked a beautiful black Smokey eye that drew attention to her gorgeous big brown eyes.
When most people think of a Smokey eye, they think grey and black but you can create a Smokey eye out of many different colour groups. Bronze and brown Smokey eyes are also a favourite amongst Smokey eye lovers.
What is important is the placement of your eye shadow. Know the shape of your eye and whether you should smoke the eye shadow from the back or the front of your eyelid.
Choose a lipstick that won’t compete with your eyes. A Nude lipstick or one that is close to your own lip color works really well.
The next time you go out for drinks…think Smokey! It never fails to impress.
What a privilege to work with Erin Brooke from Erin Brooke Photography & Design at such a funky venue. Erin Brooke is a true artist who has the ability to see and capture the beauty, atmosphere and style in a very unique way.
It was great working with everyone involved.
Credit: Photography: Erin Brooke Photography & Design; Model: Connie; Hair: Cassidy Andrew; Venue: Model Milk
Christina’s Shoot
What a better way than to spend a summer’s day outside with your pink bicycle, freshly picked flowers and that adorable little dress you have always dreamed of.
Christina was the perfect model for this shoot. She just knew how to work the camera and incorporate her surroundings.
I chose a very romantic makeup look for Christina which helped bring out her beautiful chocolate brown eyes. Her eyes came alive with rustic gold, bronze and soft pink eye shadows and her silky skin looked flawless with her pro-long wear foundation. Her soft romantic look grew into a high fashion one after I changed her soft pink lip color into a stronger peach one.
Christina’s makeup complimented her unique floral dress and shoes which were soft and sexy… and Christina just kept on oozing a beautiful confidence that was captured so stunningly by the talented Hanafoto.
I just want to take the time to thank such a wonderful team for all your hard work. You brought the shoot together in such a gorgeous and unique way!
Credit: Photographer: Hanafoto; Model: Christina; Hair: Amanda Jane; Flowers: Philip Chong Flower Bar; Dress: Frocks; Jewelry & Shoes: Vespucci; Venue: Diner Deluxe; Basket: The Bike Shop
Marilyn Monroe shoot
In the decades following Marilyn Monroe’s death, she has often been cited as a pop and a cultural icon as well as the quintessential American sex symbol. In 2009, TV Guide Network named her No.1 in Film’s Sexiest Women of All Time.
When I think of Marilyn Monroe…I think of her hair and her makeup!! She had a very distinct look that she always followed. Her look became very popular among women and still is today.
Marilyn used very plain eye shadow colors but loved exploring with black winged eyeliner and strong black lashes that helped accentuate her sultry eyes. She occasionally applied a soft grey/brown to the crease of her eyes to add more depth and definition to her eyes. She also became world renown for her bold beautiful red lips.
I had the amazing opportunity to work with Chelsey that was able to give us a few more extraordinary glances into the beauty and makeup of Marilyn Monroe.
A Big thanks to a team that worked so well together.
Credit: Photography: Hanafoto; Model: Chelsey; Hair: Amanda Jane; Flowers: Philip Chong Flower Bar; Dress: Frocks; Jewelry & Shoes: Vespucci; Venue: Diner Deluxe; Graffiti: EYZ and Toner
Spring wedding
There was just such and ease and confidence about this woman. She is a natural ginger beauty and it was so much fun to work on her.
Aimee’s skin looked very fresh and gorgeous with her sheer foundation. Her soft peach lips and cheeks complimented her vibrant hair color. I used autumn eye shadow colors like bronze, gold and olive green to bring more emphasis to her eyes and changed her lip color to a darker brick one to make it more dramatic.
I just love how all these colors were brought out by our surroundings. Like this photo of Aimee at the rustic gate and this beautiful spontaneous moment with our by passing Lassie.
Trish from f8 photography just knew where to go to make these moments last. She is truly a warm and bright personality with an adventurous heart.
Credit: Photography: f8 photography; Model: Aimee; Hair: Cassidy Andrew; Jewelry: Vespucci
Caro Makeup Artistry
July 19th, 2013-Last night we had the honor of attending the launch for the Calgary Bridal Guide 2013. The Calgary Bridal Guide has officially been released in newsstands and will also be available at the Bridal Expo (September 15, 2013) and The Wedding Fair (January 26, 2014). I’m so excited to announce that Caro Makeup Artistry is featured within the Calgary Bridal Guide. You can also preview Caro Makeup Artistry at www.calgarybridalguide.com.
Winter Wedding Shoot
We had quite the adventure shooting our bride on the grounds of the Country Hills Golf Club. We were driven around (with all our gear) like royalty on golf carts and had a blast of a time despite the icy cold weather. All I can say is thank God for coffee, fur and blankets!!
Our bride looked absolutely stunning in her brilliant white wedding dress and we just loved the splashes of elegant black and grey throughout the day.
I used cool eye shadow colors like white, black and grey on our model to create a strong but striking look. Her icy blue eyes, gorgeous fur, grey stone necklace and intricate belt were just some of the elements that helped build such an amazing atmosphere. It was a mixture of elegance and sophistication.
By changing our scenery (from stone to field) and our bride’s accessories we manage to warm up our atmosphere.
Thank you so much to everyone who made this shoot come alive in the midst of extremely cold weather.
It’s amazing what a photographer will do to find the perfect shot. Nancy from Hanafoto managed to capture and transform images into works of art.
Credit: Photography: Hanafoto; Model: Chelsey; Hair: Amanda Jane; Dress: Frocks; Jewelry: Vespucci; Venue: Country Hills Golf Club
