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Makeup Artistry By Sandra Baldini 
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Real Weddings: Elizabeth and Dewayne
Elizabeth and Dewayne
I was heavily considering getting my gown custom made because I couldn’t find the style of the dress I had envisioned anywhere. When I walked into the bridal shop where I purchased my gown I knew exactly what I wanted. In fact, I had a picture of my dream gown, which by accident I handed to bridal sales consultant and explained to her that I understood that they didn’t carry that particular gown. To my surprise, she informed me that while they didn’t have the gown in the photo, they had something exactly like it. I saw the dress and fell in love. I had found “the one” I felt the same way when I picked the dresses for my girls I wanted them be comfortable and to be able to wear a dress that was geared to each of their styles and personalities. I am pleased to say it worked perfectly and that they were happy, which made me happy. Best of all, it tied in well with the simple elegant look I was going for.
Her creative process began with an “extensive interview” asking us about us, our relationship and how we met. It took me forever to review my vows because every time I read my ceremony I would start crying. I thought I was going to be a crying mess on the day but I wasn’t!!! Did I mention she has tricks up her sleeve such as telling the groom-to-be about my tendency to break out in tears, and the importance of having a napkin ready to wipe my tears; which she noted would make for a GREAT photo opp., as would kissing my hand when he placed the ring on my finger lol..
Keep in mind, as I was lovingly advised and reminded at the brining of my planning process, to focus on one vendor and aspect of your wedding at a time. It will make your planning a little easier, and take (some) of the stress off. Focusing on all vendors in one shot can you drive you crazy.
Also, NEVER lose sight of the most important thing: that your wedding is about
you and your fiancé, and that everything else is “just icing on the cake”. |
 
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Like every bride or girl in love, I looked forward to this day with eager
anticipation. And, like most, if not all girls, I realized that every
bride-to-be embarks on this journey wanting and hoping that this very special
bond and love lasts forever. I have been so fortunate to have the best set of
grandparents ever, especially when it comes to proving that “Happily Ever
After” is possible. I have always admired that after so many years of marriage
my grandfather still goes up to my grandmother and gives her the sweetest
heartfelt kiss. When we got in engaged and when it was time to decide on our
special date, I immediately went to April 2, 2009 checking to see what day of
the week that day would fall on. It so happened to be a Thursday. Well, I had
my mind set on the “perfect” day, one that would commemorate two big milestones
in my family: my wedding, and my grandparents’ 60th anniversary. I knew it was
going to be a bit of challenge but we are so blessed to have such great friends
and family and that made easier for us. In fact, most reassured us by saying
“Don’t worry I am not missing it for the world”; and they didn’t !!
My wedding-preparations started off memorable with not one, but two exciting
engagement photo shoots; and it all happened “by accident”. I had two in
engagement shoots by chance. I came across two photographers who wanted to
build their portfolio, so my fiancé and I took the opportunity to shoot with
each; practicing “posing” and achieving a (natural) style and comfort in front
of the camera. Sometimes he can be so shy, but this experience has turned him
into a big ham. The benefits of having two photographers was the ability and
opportunity to have two different themes. Our first session was fun , casual
and very colorful. We went to 5pointz in Long Island City (Queens); while our
2nd session was in the village and it more romantic and playful. If you have
the opportunity to have two photographers, I say go for it.
If I had to pick a word to describe the overall “theme” I was going for, it
would be simple elegance. I wanted a wedding that was intimate, warm, and
inviting. Our wedding was pouring with love not just from me and Dewayne, but
also from our families and friends. Dewayne and I have been together for 9
years, but I took my time in planning because I wanted to give us something
that was memorable and I wanted every detail to represent us. I picked a color
combination of silver with soft peach you don’t see this often and it just went
so well together. I tried my best not go overboard with details because in the
beginning of my planning I wanted everything and my theme was not flowing. I am
so happy that I got exactly what I had envisioned.
As I mentioned, I wanted my special day to be a unique reflection of understated
and timeless class and elegance. And, that included how me and my girls looked.
My makeup consisted of lip gloss , and call it day. I am being honest when I
say that to this day I do not know how to apply blush or mascara. When my aunt
tells me she will teach I say: “that’s ok, I like when you do it for me”. I
knew I wanted a very natural chic look for me and my girls; nothing over
exaggerated because that is just not my personality. The most important thing
for me was to look like myself and I wanted my husband to recognize me when he
saw me lol. Like I said in my review I booked Sandra from Sultry Cosmetics on
the spot, I loved the work she had on her website. She was my one and only
trail…when you are good you are good. I will never forget that my trail was on
the one of the hottest days in June but she still took her time and my makeup
lasted all day from 2pm till 3am when I finally took it off. She is Fantastic.
I can rave all day about Pastor April she is just a beautiful person inside and
out that is why she is so special. She amazes me with her ability to meet a
couple and create the most beautiful written ceremony that she will perform.
Here is an example of her ability with words taken from our ceremony. “As many
of you know Elizabeth and Dewayne have been together for nine years. Growing up
in the same neighborhood, gave them a sense of common history. They were, and
still are, best friends who knew in total one another’s hearts and dreams. They
knew who one another were as children, and they believed that the person they
were each meant to become, involved their making a choice that they would grow
together.”
With such AMAZING professionals to work with and with such supporting friends
and family, my entire day was memorable. However several points “do” stand out
in my heart and mind. The first, on the day I was having breakfast with my
family at the hotel We all woke up early and just enjoyed each other’s company.
I remember just staying quiet a moment and taking it all in and just looking at
my family and how happy they were, a moment that almost brought tears to my
eyes. My next most outstanding memory is of seeing my now Husband as he waited
for me. I will never forget his HUGE SMILE it was just so perfect.
Even though I’m married for a while now, I still look back at this day fondly
and with lots of excitement. And, that’s what I would want for every girl who
fulfills he dream of becoming a bride.
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