Check out my dear friend and client whom I had the enjoyable opportunity of doing her hair and makeup this past week. Check out her fun before and after photos and be sure to leave feedback! Thank Megan!!

Cross Creek Ranch Visit

So yesterday I took a drive out to Cross Creek Ranch to check it out. I have events coming up in the future there and wanted to meet the staff and see the ranch! It was beautiful! It is set on 10 acres of land with a stream and amazing old oak trees. They have a bed and breakfast pictured here which is decorated adorable and a rustic, elegant stable that they use for reception, parties, dinners, etc. They host anything from baby showers, church events, to weddings and parties. It's all located in Valrico and I highly recommend you check it out for you next event. The staff is very friendly and goes out of there way to make the event spectacular! They even have horses!! Here are a few of the pics. I took while out there, but they really don't do it any justice. For a closer look check their website at www.CrossCreekRanchFL.com.

The Back Up Plan

I have many brides that have had there weddings here in Florida, but have planned them from another state. Whether the bride is moving here permanently or just having a destination wedding, I highly encourage a back up plan for everything. You never know what can come up last minute, so it's handy to keep names and phone numbers of a few back up hairstylist/makeup artist, photographers, florists, etc. just in case! Keep these things together in a folder or notebook that is easily accessible at all times. You just might need them at a moments notice. I came across a bride recently who was getting married out of state and was having her hairstylist come with her, however the hairstylist had to cancel for personal reasons and she had no back up plan. Now she was going to a small town in another state that she was very unfamiliar with, with no one to style her hair. This is the kind of problem you don't want to run into weeks or sometimes days before your wedding, so just keep some extra names and numbers on hand when in a pinch.

Return of the Bride Photoshoot

So I recently got to work on a very fun shoot for an amazing local wedding photographer who wanted to put a new look to her business. Carrie Wildes of Carrie Wildes Photography and Zaida from Z photography teamed up to create a new look for the face of Carrie Wildes Photography. They had the idea to put Carrie in her wedding dress to show that she has walked in the "shoes" of the brides she shoots weddings for. We decided for hair and makeup to go for a little more edgy look than what Carrie normally wears. We added some amazing lashes, straigten her usually curly hair and added some striking highlights for a bolder look. Jana from Events in Bloom created a beautiful arrangement for the shoot and the location they chose was Ybor, which always makes a cool background for any type of photos. Check out the photos of Carrie and for a bigger view of these photos go to www.carriewildesphoto.blogspot.com. Please remember to leave feedback, I love to hear from everyone! Thanks Carrie for letting me be a part of it all, it was a blast!

For those of you who were not aware A Hair Affair provides a fun alternative for the younger ladies. Whether it's a birthday party or just a get together for any special occasion, we provide glamour girl makeover parties for ages 6-12. Each girl will recieve a hairstyle of her choosing and a makeup application. A vast assortment of nail polishes are provided for the girls to paint there nails and adorable pink and white spa robes are provided for use during the party. The party can also include a customized cd, favors for the guests, invitations, thank you's, before/after photos, and/or a gift for the girl of honor. Packages are listed on the website, but we are flexible in working with your budget.

Trial Run

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So what exactly is a trial run and how does it benefit you?
Well, a trial run is basically a practice round to prepare for the real deal. Whether wedding, prom, performance or any other very important event where you want to look your best, I highly recommend a trial run. You should book this practice round at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, as to have enough time to tweak or change anything if needed before the big day.

These trial runs are beneficial in a number of ways.
1. It helps to determine likes and dislikes before a final decision must be made.
2. It helps you to get to know the person and feel comfortable with in which will be styling you for your big day.
3. It provides a level of expectation for you and comfort in knowing what you can expect.
4. It allows time for changes to made to hair or makeup before the final decision must be made.

If you are unable to schedule a trial run before your big day for any reason, don't panic!
There are few things I suggest you do to help insure comfort and fulfillment of expectation on your day. First, ask to see pictures of the stylist work that you're thinking of using. Second, send pictures to the stylist of yourself and what you are hoping to achieve with your hair and makeup. Third, don't set your expectations on one particular style, be flexible and open to suggestions. If you do these things it will help you and your stylist to feel comfortable.

Thanks to Karen for allowing me to post these pics. of her at her makeup trial run last week. Looking forward to styling you for your wedding Karen!!

When a special occasion arises and you are coordinating your makeup to your attire, it is important to follow a couple guidelines when going for an elegant, yet somewhat bolder look than your daily makeup wear.
First, make sure your eye color is coordinating with your clothing. It does not have to be the same color as your clothing, but should not clash with the color of dress you have chosen. Example: If you are wearing a blue dress, choose a brown or a coordinating blue shadow (or both together).
Second, your lip color should be in contrast to your dress and eye color, but must coordinate at the same time. Example: Blue dress, blue eyeshadow, a more neutral with a touch of pink lipstick would contrast, yet coordinate.
Third, one area of the face needs to overpower another. If you do a bold shadow, down play your lips with a more neutral or calmer tone. If you go for a bolder, brighter lip, soften the eyes with lighter tones.