Follow the White Rabbit...

to the best Mad Hatter tea party ever! Here are a few details from yesterday's amazing bridal shower. All cookies were handmade by the very best baking duo- Svet and Mel! These ladies were MAD to say the least. They hand stamped each guest's name onto personalized cookies and created the beautiful teapot cookie favors as well. Crazy, but yum! Anna Leah created the fancy floral centerpieces that were the finishing touch on each long table. Svet's backyard was transformed into a mini Wonderland, complete with mismatched teapots and saucers, paper pom-poms and delicious bite sized treats.

The shower was the perfect chance to try out Jessica's bridal look- why not look absolutely fabulous for another special day? It's a good way to test out the wearability of your products and look extra amazing in photos. I loved her teacup print dress! Many guests made their very own silly hats for the party- little sister's was a nod to the royal wedding, and I crafted a bright lily pad with a jumping origami frog and a funny button and pin cushion hat for my mama, seamstress extraordinaire!

We then moved indoors for everyone's favorite classic shower game, the toilet paper dress. Then, fun undies were hung on a clothing line and the bride-to-be had to guess who brought what.

After the gifts were opened, it was off to the city for a fun-filled night of yummy eats, cocktails and dancing. What a day, what a day! Cheers to celebrating the special lady that Jessica is.

Looking forward to the wedding, which is less than a month away!

Premier: Chnam Oun 16

Bochan's hair and makeup by me! I love all of the historical and cultural references in this video which plays like a mini movie. Behind the scenes secrets... I still can't believe they transformed Bo's Oakland backyard into a smokey jungle. Bochan's hair in the rally scene, filmed in a multi-level parking lot, was inspired by the look she sported at her own wedding. I think it would make a great style for a vintage wedding, don't you? The studded jacket was made by her talented sister Pina. Friends and family made stunning cameos throughout the video, including the tiny curly-headed cutie running through the jungle!

Bo was smart and had lash extensions put on for the three day shoot. For the "apsara" look, I applied gold and bronze eyeshadows with a damp brush to create a foil texture on the lid. Applying the shadow wet also helped it to stay on all day in the hot sun. Next, a strong black liner was applied with a thick wing on the end.

The jungle scene was a smokey purple eye with soft curled hair and the rally scene included an intense, black liquid eyeliner. I set her hair with heat rollers for the rally style since it was expected to rain that day. Setting hair before working it into an updo really tames fly-aways and shapes the hair into behaving, especially if it's humid outside.

Quick tip: Unfortunately, Bo had a little (actually quite BIG!) blemish on her cheek that just wouldn't go away. A couple of layers of Dermablend Cover Cream and a loose setting powder did the trick. Can't see any texture or darkness in the video, can you? Dermablend is also great for covering tattoos you're trying to hide from grandma during your wedding.

Bo worked really, really hard on this project and it shows. Head on over to Vevo and show Bo some love! Stay tuned for her full album, coming soon!

Photoshoot Phun

Pretty in pajamas. Bochan wanted to create a smoldering look for her album cover, which will be printed in black in white. I can't wait to see her vision come to life! Here is the inspiration for her hair and makeup.

Here's the gorgeous look we designed together- we call it Diana Ross Diva Bo Glam! Consider it her alter ego. This woman is a powerhouse! It was refreshing to talk to her about following our dreams, staying focused and most of all, being happy! After feeding me a tasty breakfast, she breezed out the door just in time for her San Francisco photo shoot. Just a few more days until the release of her new video... exciting stuff! Great working with you again Bo!

The Cypress Hotel, mid morning

Freckle face. Jennifer made me promise not to conceal any of her freckles. Why would I, when they are obviously so very cute and make her who she is?

Here are a few snapshots of Jennifer getting ready in her hotel room. I love the graphic wallpaper at the Cypress in Cupertino. I can't wait to see the professional photos!

I got some serious love from Jennifer, who just sent me this sweet note with the nicest subject heading: THANK YOU for making my wedding PERFECT!

Hi Michaela,

THANK YOU so much for making me (and my maid of honor, Leslie) look our PRETTIEST on my wedding day this past Saturday. My makeup stayed fresh all day! I hardly had to do touch ups except for reapplying lip color. Most importantly, all of my friends commented on how BEAUTIFUL my makeup looked! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Best,
Jennifer

I gushed, really I did. The reason I enjoy what I do so much is the gratitude I receive and the memories I help to make. I love the shot of Jennifer and her ring bearer Derek. He was so ADORABLE and excited to be in the wedding.

Quick tip: while prepping Jennifer's skin, I noticed a unique softness and smoothness. Thinking she had just gotten a facial, I tried to pinpoint what it was she had done differently since our trial together. Surprise! She had been taking prenatal vitamins leading up to the wedding- a totally safe supplement that really boosts skin, hair and nails due to the additional folic acid and biotin. Something to consider in your pre-wedding routine?

Congratulations to Jennifer! I was so happy to have met such a cute, positive and sweet person. Thanks for the warm fuzzies and for choosing me to enhance your big day!

Castle Worthy Cheeks

Yes to the dress. While everyone was waiting for the dress (which was beautiful), I was waiting for the makeup! Kate Middleton supposedly did her own makeup for her big day. She looked comfortable, poised and elegant. I think it was perfect!

The soft lip, defined eyes and fresh cheeks were camera ready. I really liked her strong brows and her happy smile! Can't really go wrong with looking like an enhanced version of yourself on your wedding day.