Why you should never skimp on wedding photography…

So here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a wedding photographer….

1. Choose a wedding photographer. Yes your uncle, cousin, brother might have an amazing camera but that doesn’t make him a photographer. You might know a brilliant surf or fashion photographer but shooting a wedding is completely different to the style of photography they’re used to. A good wedding photographer will be there to capture moments that another photographer will overlook, they know how to anticipate beautiful moments. They’ll capture the beauty, the drama, they’ll tell your story the way they know how. They have an eye for creative details… the beautiful table settings, a hand written note from your fiance on the morning of your wedding, the song that was playing on your ipod while you prepare with your bridesmaids. A great wedding photographer knows how to capture the dramatic moments and all of the beautiful things that happen in between; A flowergirl & page boy exchanging a kiss on the cheek in the background, the tight grip of your hands during your ceremony, tears welling up in your fathers eyes, the laughter during the best man’s speech, your fiance’s intense gaze as he watches you walk down the aisle… Wedding photography is an artform that should be left to the professionals who live & breathe it.

 

2. Choose a photographer you get along with. Your wedding photographer plays a huge role in your wedding, they’re with you from the moment you start getting ready to the second you depart your reception. You need to make sure you feel at ease in their presence. They won’t always be noticeable while shooting, but it makes such a difference having a photographer who’s personality is a great fit with you + your fiance and compliments the style of your wedding.

 

3. Make sure the photographer’s work resinates with you. You’ll know in an instant if a photographer is right for you. When you look through their website or blog you’ll have a connection to their style and the way they tell a couple’s story. Don’t ever try and change a photographers style, look at their work and think about how well their style fits with your wedding and you as a couple. You need to be confident enough on the day to simply let them do their thing. Magic is created when you allow creativity to flow and a photograph should never be over-styled or directed – the result is always a staged picture that doesn’t communicate real emotion and show the true beauty of your wedding day.

Posted by The LANE/Karissa Fanning on November 15, 2011 (photography Lisa Michelle Burns)

There are some incredible photographers in the wedding industry (& some really, really bad one’s!!), and I’m passionate about only promoting work that I feel is right for the type of brides we cater for.

Helen McConnell Photography [Helen@hmphotography.com.au]

Yohti Images [info@yohti.com.au]

"Oh no you Di'n't!...Don't go there girlfriend *snap snap*

"Oh no you Di'n't! just tell me:- "I’m just going to have my friend do the wedding hair and make-up. I love the way she does hers and she’ll do it for free".

That’s wonderful that your friend wants to help you out, and I’m sure she does know how to do her hair and makeup beautifully. But I want to hand out a small caution. Just because she knows how to do her own doesn’t mean she can do it on someone else, or more importantly on you.

Makeup is so much more than a little color here and there. With proper application and knowledge, you can diminish how noticeable certain aspects of yourself are, and enhance others…especially in your photos. Products are not just 'off the shelf' they are high def quality minus the nasties like certain minerals and sunscreen that do not photography properly. Hair is just as challenging with different hair types and knowing what products to use as a bit of hairspray is not going to cut it I'm afraid and neither is too much.

"My budget is small and I just can’t afford it".

Almost all brides have budgets they have to adhere to, and there is always a compromise on what you want. But how you feel about yourself and how you look should not be one of them. Some of the very best services for hair and makeup artists are very affordable! They will most likely be cheaper than anything else in your wedding. At Hollywood Brides we even offer 3 different service levels to suit all budgets.

You’ve spent hundreds if not thousands on your dress, your flowers, your decorations, your rings, a location, a photographer, a videographer, a DJ, a cake, catering…and perhaps many other things.

You’ve spent numerous hours (a full time jobs worth) planning every last detail, so your love story can have this perfect moment and you don't want to look like this OMG...

Oh no she Di'n't!... uhm...oh yes she did..



 

Eye on Beauty

Eyelash extensions are the hottest beauty trend to sweep the world today.

The stars do not leave home without a set of glamorous eyelash extensions, supermodels are always wearing their eyelash extensions, and entertainers have known about and loved eyelash extensions for years.

I have started offering this service to all my clients particularly my Brides.  What a fantastic way to permanently look amazing on your honeymoon with minimal fuss.  A Natural set of Lash extensions takes just over an hour to attach and involves individual synthetic lash being glued to every third lashes with an invisible seal that gives the impression of long, thick, lush lashes.

The extensions feel weightless and provide a lush appearance. You will then need your eyelash extensions in-filled, similar to artificial nail or hair appointments.

People are budgeting for their eyelash extensions like they do for their regular hair and nail touch-ups.  The procedure is an effective way to brighten your appearance 24/7 and extensions improve your appearance without surgery.

This is one beauty treatment that's not a fad and it has really taken off, and made an impact on people's beauty regime.

Requiring between 20 and 30 lashes an eye, the Special Introductory cost is $50 (normally $80) for a Natural set and $35 for a touch-up every two to three weeks.

The lashes play a very important role in making your eyes look beautiful. If you look at people who have no or very few lashes, their eyes look very tiny. 

Eyelash extensions make the eyes look wider. This is a very sensual sexy look. This will definitely make them stand out more. They will be the main focus point on your face. In addition, the lashes make your natural lashes look enhanced.

Make your booking today and be transformed into a vision of beauty.

Mobile: 0410 330 848

email: info@hollywoodbrides.com.au

 

My Hair & Makeup Inspiration for Winter

One of my favourite looks has always been clean, glowing matte skin, deep seductive eyes and natural rosy lips.  To me this is Polished Perfection!

My makeup inspiration for my winter Brides this year:

How I achieve these stunning timeless eyes:

I always start with the eyes it is just a cleaner and smarter way to work.  I apply an eyeshadow primer to your lids, to keep shadow put and bring out the true colour of your shadow. Then I apply neutral coloured base all over, using a dark chocolate brown, with a bullet/eye contour brush I work into the creases of your eye, applying the bulk of the colour to the deepest part of your crease.

I then line your top and bottom lash line and smudge the eyeliner up, essentially creating a smoky look, but still ensuring a bold defined line around the eye. Finally I apply a light eye shadow in the inner corner of your eyes to make them appear wider.

Apply full strip non permanent lashes, I find Demi Whispies are the best.

Fill in eyebrows using a short angled-brush and brow powder. This frames the face and is essential, especially when doing a dark eye.

Here is the same look using Golds instead of Browns for a softer natural effect:

 

Now just add Hair:

Just as there is classic clothing, there are classic hairstyles. You can look good in them at any time. They may not even look "dated." They are just that good. Perfect then... perfect now... Retro is timeless and classic, with a twist on Retro you can't go wrong.

This is my top Winter pick for hair and makeup I hope you find them as beautiful and breathtaking as I do.

Monique



To Tan or Not to Tan that is the question...

Over the years I have had mixed feelings about Spray Tanning for Weddings/Formals.  As a makeup artist I have been required on many occasions to perform miracles and fix spray tanning disasters.  Some of my brides and formal girls looked like they just auditioned for a role as an Oompa Loompa or a Bollywood Musical as a ‘Tandoori’ Bride.  But all jokes aside these disasters lead me to do some researching of my own to try and find some solutions as this “Spray Tan Craze” was not going to go away.

I have actually come around these days and do think that a very natural light looking tan can give a bride a beautiful glow on her wedding day, provided the tan is applied correctly without streaking and not noticeable on hands and feet.

I like to give my clients options so I work with two different brands.

St.Tropez has been described as one of the most preferred spray tanning formulas in high end Salons around the world.  St.Tropez is formulated to work with the natural tone of your skin using a base tone of corrective green thus creating a chocolate tan. I found that clients with fair skin would go orange with other brands because of the red base which gives that orange effect. Tropez is a quick drying tan, you can shower after 5 hours however, maximum results will be achieved within a 8 hours period or overnight.  I have found that this is perfect for brides who just want to achieve a sun kissed healthy glow and anyone with fair skin.

Velocity spray tan is The World's 1st RAPID Tan with Certified Organic DHA & Quad Bronzing Technology! This product is fantastic for people with busy lifestyles or who don’t like to sleep in a tan.  You simply leave it on 1 hour for a light tan, 2 hours for a medium tan, 3 hours for dark or leave on for a full 6 - 8 hours for a very dark bronzed goddess look!

This is the preferred tan of celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Danni & Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Anniston and also used on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and other popular TV shows.

Your tan should last up to 8 days, and by following a few simple rules your tan should fade naturally.

I am running a Special Introductory Offer with loyalty cards.  Spray Tans are $15 for the first 9 with the 10^th Free, also refer a friend and get the 9^th Free also...

 A Fantastic Bargain for a Professional Spray Tan with Consultation to see which the most suitable product is for you. 

I am a fully trained and accredited Airbrush Artist and Trainer not to mention a Perfectionist.

Call Monique today on 0410 330 848...

Mobile Service for group bookings....  

Wedding Testimonials

The most special part of this job is when our brides contact us with positive feedback and breathtakingly beautiful photos. It is such a rewarding job (if you can call it a job) creating beauty and being part of such a special moment in someone’s life.

Here is our most recent feedback and photos:-

Hello Monique,

Thank you so much for everything. The girls were so professional and very fast, I had a very relaxing morning and the day was perfect. I have some photos to send to you.
Thanks again for everything.

Alana Nolan

Hello Monique

I just want to say thankyou so much Monique to you and Amanda for the amazing job you did with our hair and makeup on my special day.

I had so many compliments on the day and afterwards on how great the makeup and hair was. I had so much fun with you guys on the lead up

to the day so many thanks again and anyone who uses your service will be extremely happy.

Thanks so much

Lauren Jorgensen

Hi Monique,

A big, BIG thank you for your services for which without I would not have wowed the pants off of all my guests. Everyone was just blown away and astonished at how beautiful I looked... of which all credit is owed hugely to you!

The wedding was a complete whimsical whirl and was over before I knew it.

Would definately suggest your services and if ever require a hair and make up team again would have you without hesitaion.

Thanks again Casey   :o)

Hi Monique,

It was such a great day and very sorry about your employees car crash that she had outside the Emporium where we were staying. After such a horrible incident she still managed to do such a great job of my bridesmaids hairstyles. I wouldve been a mess. She is a brilliant stylist.

Amanda Richards

That last testimonial proves that we will turn up no matter what happens, and do a fantastic job...lol..

The work that we do goes on forever in our client’s hearts, memories and photo albums.

Until next time Monique x

Helen McConnell Photography

One of the best things about this business is I get to work with some truly creative, professional, passionate and inspirational people.  I love working with Helen from Helen McConnell Photography as she is all of the above.  Helen captures each and every brides inner beauty and brings it to life, she makes everyone look and feel amazing.....

Below our mutual bride Jemai Brudenall who was married at Wallaby Retreat.

Cara Mack had her magical day at the beautiful Woodlands of Marburg below...

I cannot express the importance of professional hair and makeup and professional photography enough... it makes all the diference... check out our current promotions for this months specials... http://www.hollywoodbrides.com.au/promotions.html

To view more of Helens exceptional work visit her website http://hmphotography.com.au/

Monique x

2011 Red Carpet Hair and Makeup Collection

Inspiration for the 2011 Collection
I have been working in the makeup industry for many years and have seen trends come and go. Since specialising in the wedding sector since 2004 I have found that some styles never date and are asked for year after year.

The most fashion conscious are the Hollywood Celebrities who have made a return to Classic Hollywood for stunning Red Carpet looks, timeless, romantic and sophisticated hair and makeup is what we have come to expect.

This year’s collection has been modelled on the most famous celebrity Red Carpet looks.

At Hollywood Brides all our Brides are Red Carpet ready.

Check out our YouTube of the Collection
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBnyX6f_Hhs&feature=youtu.be


Monique x


Special thanks to Emmanuel Photography
MUA - Monique Currie
Hair - Mary Poteri

The Wedding of Shona Smith 5/03/11

It's a tough life when you are preparing a gorgeous bridal party at the Wyndham Kirra Beach Resort. Spectacular views and a very lively and entertaining bunch of girls makes for a fun working environment. With plenty of champagne and jokes flowing this was a stress free and fun morning.

The girls chose to have airbrush makeup for a flawless finish along with Hollywood Brides own makeup line lipgel 'Intimate' and touch up powder. As the ceremony was outdoors at the Coolangatta Golf Course the bridesmaids wisely opted to have a secure upstyle with low side buns. Shona had a similar side style keeping in theme with cascading curls.

We recieved this beautiful message from Shona when she returned from her Honeymoon in Thailand....

Thanks so much to you and the girls that did my wedding party the makeup and hair was beautiful we were all so happy with it :) couldnt have asked for anyone better... Shona Lee...

Special thanks to Evoke Studios for the awesome photos... Monique x

The Wedding of Renee Latour

On the 17th April, Mary and I had the wonderful pleasure of doing the hair and makeup for Bride Renee and her beautiful bridal party of five at the City Golf Club Motel in Toowoomba. The theme was Vintage and Renee had picked up her dress from an OP Shop for under $100. This was one of the most exquisite dresses I have ever seen. Renee made a few minor changes and added her own personal touches and sense of style. With the bridesmaids in black this was a very classy affair. With rain on the agenda the weather held out and it was a sunny pleasant day. We were very lucky to be able to get some breathtaking photos from the photographer Anne Taylor. We wish you all the best Renee and future happiness. Love Monique x