About Face - Beauty Conversation with Kim Wadsworth

One of our goals when we are helping our brides find their dream gown is to create an experience for her that enables her to visualize and embrace what her overall wedding day look will be. Our mission is to do more than just sell a gown it is to ensure each bride lives out her total wedding day dream look! The beauty elements that create the brides wedding day look and feel are many. The one that I think is just as important as the gown is the brides makeup. Other than her gown the focal point of all brides will be her face. Her groom and guests will be taken by her beauty and her emotion.

I sat down with friend and professional makeup artist Kim Wadsworth, of Wadsworth Style and BridesMade (http://www.kimwadsworth.com/) to discuss the importance of wedding day makeup and the benefits of hiring a professional makeup artist. Here is her expert advice for you:

BEAUTY CONVERSATION WITH KIM WADSWORTH

Q: What are the benefits of hiring a professional makeup artist versus a bride doing her own makeup?

A: Today’s wedding is a well-documented event. Between photography and videography, brides are immortalized on film. The importance of wearing correctly matched foundation pigments paired with eye and lip colors that not only complement the bride, but portray her in an iconic and timeless way require the eye of a beauty expert. A professional understands the timing of the day and knows exactly how long it will take to achieve a bridal look. When brides take beauty into their own hands on a day as important as this, they run the risk of not accomplishing what they hoped to achieve due to the distractions and demands of a wedding.

Q: When should a bride start to consider what her “Wedding Day Look” will be and what is the process for hiring a professional makeup artist?

A: As soon as a bride chooses her gown and veil; commits to the colors and flowers of her wedding; and chooses the time of day and venue, then defining the look of her day will unfold. So many variables influence how a bride will wear her hair and makeup. For example, a beach wedding requires a completely different look then a black tie affair at a museum. Beauty experts will help interpret what will work for the time and place of a wedding event. That is why it is important to get recommended pros lined up early. Recommendations from friends, who are already married; from wedding planners or others in the bridal business tend to be reliable sources. Remember: the bridal months of May and June and then September and October book up quickly.

Q: Does the time of day a bride is getting married and the type of wedding she is having factor into her wedding day makeup?

A: Absolutely! Morning brides want a fresh, dewy, wide-awake look that is naturally interpreted with soft tones and subtle sparkle. They seek a sheer look that photographs beautifully while conveying a barely-there makeup presence. The afternoon bride takes it one step further, while still embracing a fresh luminance. She might opt for a slightly smoky eye that will take her into the evening. Often, she wants eyelash clusters called flairs that give just a little pop to her look. Her liner is usually more prominent and her lip color might be a striking hue. Her hair may go partially up or, if it is a hot day, into an updo. The evening bride wants to bring on the glam! She likes false lashes, smoky smoldering eyes, sparkly cheek color and strong brows. Naturally, so much of how a look is interpreted will depend on where she is getting married and what type of wedding she is having. There are no hard and fast rules and ultimately, a professional should be sensitive to the comfort level of the bride and those in her party having their makeup done. Smoky eyes and lashes aren’t for everyone!

Q: What are some of the trends in wedding day makeup?

A: At BridesMade, we are careful not to do any look that conveys a “trendy” look. Brides forget that their look will be immortalized so it is essential that they love it, not just on the day of the wedding, but 30 years from now. As a beauty guide for over 20 years, I can actually look into the crystal ball of their day and envision how the entire look will come together. There is only a small window of time to get to know a bride; to visualize her gown; her hair; and the theme of the day. Channeling that information into a beautifully made up face requires numerous questions and an innate sense of wedding style.

Q: What are some of the techniques you use to ensure a brides’ makeup will last all day long and into the night?

A: It definitely helps when a bride arrives on her big day looking and feeling rested. Without a doubt, brides who exercise, watch their diet and don’t overindulge in alcohol and partying the nights before the wedding always have a “canvas” that is easier to “paint!” Our makeup mainstays are primers and everything waterproof. We live in a humid part of the country so using waterproof concealers and liners with primers for face and lid as backups really ensures that the makeup will make it through an emotionally packed day of joy, tears, kisses, eating and toasting!

To contact Kim for your wedding day beauty visit http://www.kimwadsworth.com/ or e-mail kim@kimwadsworth.com

The photos above are examples of the caliber of wedding day beauty Kim can create for you!

Kate Tynes April 10 - Soft and Romantic

Renowned photographer Keith Cephus was gracious to send us photos of one our shared brides, Kate Tynes. Kate chose one of my favorite gowns in our collection. There are so many things I love about her gown. The first is that it's not strapless. I love the English net fabric that oozes of soft elegance. The elongated bodice of criss-crossed ruching and bubble hemline capture the modern trends of today, yet the silhouette offers classic elements like the bateau neckline, v-back and buttons along the zipper. This gown exudes couture, without the heavy price tag. It offers so many details without being overdone. This gown was made for Kate. I think you'll agree with me that she wore this gown magnificently and she will look back at these stunning photos for years to come and remember how beautiful she felt and looked on her wedding day! We will be seeing Kate again soon as she is a bridesmaid in another Maya Couture wedding. Kate, we can't wait to see you again soon and hear all about your wedding!!

The designer of Kate's gown is Impression Bridal. The style is 3021. Call our salon at 757-461-1690 for more details. To see more of Kate's photos as well as Keith's other amazing brides visit http://www.keithcephus.com/

Carol and Chris - April 10, 2010

What brings me the most joy in my career is when we exceed our clients' expectations - this is what we strive for everyday - and this was my experience when I had the pleasure of working with Carol Bucher and her mother Laura.

Carol is one of our many "out-of-town" brides. Her mom lives here, but Carol and her now husband Chris reside in Las Vegas. It was important that Carol's mom be a big part of the gown shopping experience, which is why Carol purchased her gown from us. Carol had planned to make two trips back for her gown fittings, but as planning would have it, she was not able to come back for her second fitting. It just so happens that one of my former colleagues from Vera Wang moved to Las Vegas and opened her own bridal salon, Couture Bride. I called Dawn and arranged to ship Carol's dress to her store and she and her tailors took incredible care of Carol and her gown at her final fitting!

The end result was a happy, well cared for, and radiant bride as you can see from the photos. Carol's gown is "Rosabel" by Maggie Sottero. This gown to me is the quintessential modern ball gown with an elongated corset bodice and soft pleated ball gown skirt. The sumptuous duchess satin in color Alabaster gives it a richness and romantic flair that so many brides desire. To enhance the elegance the neckline and waistline are accented in stunning swarovski crystals. Perfect details. Perfect fit!

Here's what Carol and her mom had to say about their Maya Couture experience:

"Our wedding planning adventure began at Maya Couture in Norfolk, Virginia and ended at the JW Marriott in Las Vegas. Maya set the tone for our adventure by providing her warm, caring, and attentive personality which immediately put us at ease. We had fun from the very start and enjoyed every minute with the entire staff. Maya gently led us to find the “perfect” dress and participated in our celebratory cheering. She even had connections in Las Vegas and arranged to ship my daughter’s dress to a friend’s bridal shop for the final fitting! We can’t say enough about the attention and service we received from Maya and her staff. Thank you, thank you, and thank you to everyone at Maya Couture Bridal Fashions!"

Photos and video by Digs Studio - Check out the very cool wedding video of Carol & Chris

http://www.digsstudioblog.com/

2011 Trends: Ruffles, and Tiers, and Bows Oh My!!

I returned from my buying trip to NYC and just when I think I can't possibly be blown away by the new collections they get me...so excited to offer these collections to my brides, and inspired to create as well!! It's such a synergistic moment! I had the pleasure to visit and tour the Pronovias Flagship salon, and place an advance 2011 order! The dresses above are all part of the 2011 collection and will be available exclusively at Maya Couture as early as June 2010!

So what's hot for the coming seasons? Layers of bountiful ruffles and tiered skirts are huge! Whether they flow from a fitted bodice or ball gown silhouette they make an airy statement full of flair!

Bows are everywhere....minimal and tasteful unlike the bold bows on gowns from the 80's. The bow is present as an accent to the bustline, or hidden in the tucks of pick-up ball gowns, and along the back zipper or train. They are sweet, classic, with modern updates.

Tulle gowns always seem to fade in and out quietly. Next season they are in! From the short 50's ball gown shapes to ultra-minis or spilling from an elongated bodice, they are soft and stunning!

Texture and three-dimensional details offer such a luxurious look next season. Gowns of organza with mikado flowers, chiffon with feathers and beads or multi-layer blends of English net, Swiss dots, and Chantilly lace are just a few of the looks we will see next season.

Other strong trends from this season that will carry into 2011 include the one-shoulder gowns. This look is elegant and adds length to any woman's body. It can work on the simplest of designs to the bold frocks coming down the runway next season. The one-shoulder looks stunning with an accent like a brooch, floral and feathered pieces, or a great woven focal point.

Short hemlines keep getting shorter. I saw fun and flirty dresses from tea-length to ultra-mini and mod! If you desire two looks and you want one to be casual yet sassy at your reception, seek out one of many short looks coming next season. I've ordered a bunch and will post photos as we get them.

There is surely a look for every bride. The new collections exude impeccable detailing, vintage charm on modern designs, and the most sumptuous fabrics to choose from. We can't wait for the new collections to arrive and help you find your dream gown!

A Maya Couture Wedding Party

Congratulations to our couple Latasha and Tarail who were married on April 3rd. The wedding took place at the Westin Hotel, Virginia Beach. Latasha wore one of my favorite gowns "Fanal" by designer La Sposa. The fully ruched trumpet style gown with buttons down the zipper exudes minimal, modern, elegance. She added a dramatic accent with her birdcage veil.

The bridesmaids wore style #6556 by After Six in georgette fabric shirred with an empire bodice in a stunning citrus ombre pattern. To balance the vibrant color palette the grooms party wore our 2-button Alfresco Suit in Khaki with white shirts and vests and tangerine classic ties.

The color scheme was bold with hints of muted tones to make the tropical colors pop. The entire look was polished, current and beautifully coordinated.

Photography provided by Keith Cephus Photography http://www.keithcephus.com/

Located inside Maya Couture

What is the role of wedding planner? Why do you need one?
By Guest Blogger Malissa Murphy, CMT Event Planning
http://www.cmteventplanning.com/
Above are photos from recent weddings
Photography by Keith Cephus and Sam Hughes

The primary role of wedding planner is to help guide you in planning out your wedding by relieving stress and saving you time, keeping you on a timely schedule, and most importantly planning and sticking to your budget from the day of our first meeting to the wedding day. I am available every step of the way to help answer questions, be a contact for vendors, and take away your worries while saving you money. No matter how large or small your wedding and budget I am here to make sure you stay within it. My priority is not only in making your wedding day stress free, but to make the entire process enjoyable while making your vision come true.

Many people see a wedding planner as being unnecessary or “way out of the budget.” However as a wedding planner I am here as a resource with established vendor relationships and knowledge of the details needed to make sure every aspect of your day runs smoothly. Throughout the process I will become your on call wedding dictionary and reference book.

In a recent meeting with one of my brides who is getting married in August at the Half Moone, she and her mother, shared their excitement about having me to help with the planning. A few of the many reasons for the excitement and gratitude were for the number of resources I have that cut out countless hours of research on her behalf, the feeling of freedom that comes along with not getting bogged down by details, and being able to look forward to the wedding day without any stress of who will be in charge of setup, breakdown, vendors, guests, and the list goes on. The most significant aspect was being able to guide her to vendors that are within her budget so that she no longer had the overwhelming task of research that so often turned up as a dead end or didn’t fit in her budget.

No matter how far along you are in planning your wedding, it is never too late to hire CMT Event Planning because we are here to customize our packages to your wedding needs.

The Maya Couture Bride Gallery 1

Here are some of our amazing and beautiful brides! Photos courtesy of Keith Cephus and Sam Hughes