24 Karat Beauty; the Gold Standard

Diamonds?  I've seen a mine-full.  

Pearls?  I've seen plenty.

But it's not every day I see a bride work precious gold into her palette and portraiture.

Meet beautiful Ann; she did this brilliantly.  

Then again, when working with the likes of Richard Ellis Photography, eyes, jewelry, and backdrop are going to sparkle, too.

Ann went for the Gold in every way; I'd say she achieved it.

BRUSHES: Where the Real Creativity Begins

Just a quick shout-out to my trusted BFF's. . .Brush Friends Forever.

This is where the real magic and creativity begins.  I love my brushes and they never let me down.  On occasion, one may have to be retired due to stray bristles or from a general wearing-out.  I lovingly wash them after every job.  They need to be clean, dry, and placed back into shape.  If this routine is stuck to, they provide years of loyal service: precise lines, smoked-out edges, smooth swipes of color, and lots of blendability.

My MAC brushes are my favorites.  Yes, I have a ton and I wouldn't trade them for anything else.  There is a specific need for each and every one.  If you are serious about your makeup, get serious about your brushes!

xo,
P

A Useful Tip: Layer Your Liner

Over the past week, I have encountered several clients who said they skipped eyeliner altogether because they "didn't know how to do it."  To them I said (1) practice makes perfect. . . you just have to do it, fearlessly, then correct it if it's not right (with Q-tip and eye makeup remover). . . but now I want to follow up with this #2:

Use a soft pencil liner to draw that line on carefully.  Then, for extra staying power, go back and trace over your original line with a swipe of liquid liner.  Yes, the one with the paint brush. . . the mod-kind a la 1960s.  One of my favorite MAC artists referred to this technique as being kind of like coloring.  Once you get that initial (pencil) line on, it's easy to follow the line and color in what you have already done.

And speaking of MAC and liquid liner. . . their Super Slick Liquid Eyeliner is my fave (shade "On The Hunt").  Extremely long-wearing, water-resistant, and a beautiful slick/wet finish when it dries ensures your eyes will be poppin'.

Happy lining!

Master Gardener Jen Knows Flowers & Plants

Have you ever walked around downtown Charleston and appreciated the beauty of the exquisite window boxes that adorn some of the toniest battery addresses?  Chances are recent bride Jen may be responsible for what you are admiring.

Jen is a beautiful client who was entrusted to me for her bridal portrait m/u needs by our mutual friend Elizabeth Quinton.  Opportunist (and rabid window box fan) that I am, I offered up a trade: her services for my services.  My window boxes were already planted, but I had a porch planter that was in need of some gorgeous color-love.  It was a win-win and we both walked away very pleased :)

The first three professional photos come courtesy of the amazingly-talented, globe-trotting Valerie Schooling.  The last is an iPhone PLM original and the box is still blooming on my porch :)

Peace and plant love,

PL

Celebrating The Wedding Row`s 2nd Anniversary: Garden Muse

The Wedding Row is a blog dedicated to bringing its readers the most up-to-date, detailed info on weddings here in Charleston, SC.  I have had the honor and privilege to be a preferred vendor on this site since its inception.  Della MacNicholas, the founder, has been the networking genius behind making this such a success.

To celebrate its second year, TWR and Allison Long of Bella Bridesmaid Charleston teamed up with a veritable Who`s Who of vendors to orchestrate this theme: Garden Muse.  The backdrop was the pristine Governor Thomas Bennett House.  Luke Wilson Special Events made sure every detail was in place.  The highlight of the evening featured designs from Carol Hannah of Project Runway renown (represented by Maddison Row) and Katherine MacDonald of LulaKate. Please check out The Wedding Row`s blog about this magical evening to see a complete listing of all the amazing contributors.

A personal note of thanks to Jennifer Hudson Smith of Carolina Photosmith for capturing this evening so beautifully.  And to my buddy, Tanesha, for her inspired, passionate pursuit of beautiful hair; tis always a joy, Gurl;)

Without the continually jaw-dropping beauty of the Tout models, well, I wouldn't be posting these lovely faces.  Thank each of you Gurlz for your patience, humor, and inward beauty.  Those lashes were something, weren't they?  

peace and love.
Pamela