Favorite Product(s) Alert!

It has been too long since my last post. We will blame that on a very successful and busy wedding season that is not yet over. But I had to take some time out to tell EVERYONE about my two new favorite products by Bumble and Bumble.


The first is Prep. It is a detangling spray that is truly fantastic. It helps to enhance the performance of styling products and can even be used to refresh already styled hair. It is not greasy at all and helps to make the hair shiny .

The second is Styling Lotion. This light spray is so versatile. It provides volume without the sticky residue that moose leaves behind. It gives enough control while at the same time allowing your hair to move naturally. Now I've always used moose to add volume when blow drying my hair. The problem with moose is that it is sticky and if you don't blow out your hair completely it can even get crunchy. That is no good. Styling Lotion is "crunch" free. Hair has lots of movement and the perfect amount of volume.





To use both products: Spray prep all over towel dried hair. Comb through. Then spray Styling Lotion at the crown and then run fingers through hair to evenly distribute. Blow dry, flat iron, whatever.......you will look gorgeous.


Bumble and Bumble products can be found at fine salons and on the Bumble and Bumble website, but shhhhhh........I found it at CVS. The price is a bit high, about $25 a bottle, but trust me, your blow outs will never look better. A little goes a long way so unless you have a lot of hair, each bottle should last you a while.


Thanks Bumble and Bumble and happy styling!!

Sensational Shana

On July 11th, I had the pleasure of working with the lovely Shana Dwyer and her bridal party. Shana was one of the most relaxed bride's I have ever worked with. She was all smiles all morning. I had a great time working with her and her friends and family. Here are a few photos of Shana's finished looked.

Shana, congratulations! You were just a delight to work with.

Favorite Product Alert!

With a new razored haircut, I needed a new product. My very good friend and hair dresser introduced me to Goldwell Radiant Star Shine Spray. This color protecting spray adds the perfect amount of shine to my hair without waying it down. It's great for a straight, flat-ironed look. It won't make your hair greasy and it even helps to fight the frizz on humid days. It retails for around $17 and a little goes a long way. You can find it anywhere Goldwell hair products are sold. If you are looking for a product to add shine to your locks, this is it!

Photo Shoot at New Haven Lawn Club

Tuesday, June 2nd, I had the honor of participating in my first photo shoot with some incredibly talented vendors from the wedding industry. The shoot was done at the beautiful New Haven Lawn Club. I did three very different hair styles on our three models, Amanda, Emily, and Candace. The talented Jennie Fresa of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library did three gorgeous makeup looks on the models and the dresses were provided by Beth from The White Dress By the Shore in Clinton, CT. Flowers were done by Tony Palmieri from Datura in Middletown, CT and the magnificent photos were shot by Carla Ten Eyck and her staff.

It was a fun day and I was so excited to be a part of it!

Elegant Emily

Today I met the lovely Emily McAleese at the Madison Beach Hotel in Madison CT. Emily came all the way from England for her special day. I met Emily and her two bridesmaids, Katie and Ana, and the fun started. Later, Emily's mom Robin joined us. They were a wonderful bunch to work with and the bond between the three friends was really something special.

The Blushing Bride

Emily, you were a beautiful bride and I was so honored to be a part of your special day! I wish you and your new husband a lifetime of happiness.

Emily's bridesmaids, Ana and Katie

Spectacular Stephanie

Today, I had the great pleasure of styling Stephanie Wieczorkowski's hair for her wedding. I arrived at Stephanie's parents' house bright an early, eager to get started. She was extremely relaxed and excited. Her Maid of Honor, also named Stefanie, arrived shortly after I did and she was so happy for her friend's special day. I started with Stephanie's mom and then worked with her MOH. Next, it was the bride's turn. We did an all up style to compliment her wedding gown, and the finished product was just stunning on her.

Stephanie, it was wonderful working with you! I wish you all the best life has to offer.

Favorite Product Alert!

I'm not sure if a flat iron counts as a product but it should. If you don't own a flat iron it might be time to join the club. There are some many fun styles that you can create with a flat iron. You can create soft waves, bouncy curls or a sleek straight look. I've even used it to create a fun flipped out look. The possibilities are endless.

My favorite flat iron is the 1-inch ghd. This iron is pricey, ranging from $175 to $250, but it works great. Infrashine and Chi are other popular irons and they range from $100-$150. I know that seems like a lot of dough for a styling tool but believe me it's worth it.

Here are some flat iron styling tips:

1. Start by spritzing spray starch or hairspray all over your hair to protect it from the heat.

2. Starting at the back, section off a small amount of hair and clip the rest up so it's out of your way.

3. Place the small section of hair between the ceramic plates, starting at the root.

4. If you're going for a straight look, simply pull the flat iron down to your ends slowly. If you're going for a wavy style, turn the flat iron so that you are getting a bend in your hair and slowly pull it down to the ends.

5. Repeat until your whole head is styled.

NOTE: Always keep the iron moving. They get very hot and stopping the iron while your hair is in it is going to end badly.

I'll post a few "how to" photos soon. Enjoy!

Weddings The Creative Process

May 3rd, I had the pleasure of attending Weddings the Creative Process at Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, CT. The event was hosted by True & Wesson, Hana Floral Design, and Style Me Pretty and it was a unique twist on the old fashioned "bridal show". Each vendor presented a workshop related on the various sensory aspects of planning a wedding. I attended along with Jennie Fresa of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library. Jennie presented a workshop on the sense of touch and did a demo makeup application on our beautiful model, Adrienne. Prior to the event, I styled Adrienne's hair in a low, side-swept "knot". Once Jennie completed her makeup demo at the workshop, I showed the group a few different headpieces that would give Adrienne's hairstyle a different look without actually changing the hair. The beautiful headpieces were courtesy of The White Dress by the Shore.

It was a great day and I was honored to be a part of it!

Favorite Product Alert!

"It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product" truly is a miracle! As any hair stylist will tell you, manageable hair is the key to any style. This leave in conditioner leaves your hair feeling smooth and looking shiny, without any greasy build up. I use it everyday! I shampoo and condition my hair in the shower and then, when I get out, I spray on It's a 10, comb my hair and blow dry. That's it! It's even great for children who get lots of tangles in their hair. They also make a hair mask for hair that is dry and brittle. You can buy it at many salons or beauty supply stores. A 4 oz. bottle is about $14 and a 10 oz. bottle is around $28. That may seem like a lot but a little goes a long way so the bottle will last you a while.

I get more compliments on my hair and I owe it all to It's a 10!

Favorite Product Alert!

Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials is an incredible product! It is a waterproof shadow base that is easy to apply and blend. You can wear it alone for a clean look or layer with your favorite shadow. It will not crease like a concealer base and helps keep your shadow looking great all day. I use it on my brides for a flawless look that will carry them through the ceremony, pictures, and reception. It is available in a variety of shades. Bare is my favorite and looks great on just about everyone. You can find it on the soon to launch Trish McEvoy website or at most fine department stores. The cost is around $24 and it is worth every penny!

Kim Lang's Wedding, with a little inspiration from Blake

What a wonderful day! I had the pleasure of working with Kim Lang for her wedding. We met at The Mermaid Inn in Mystic, CT where she was busy getting ready for the big day. I was delighted to work with her mother and soon-to-be mother-in-law to help make their hair and makeup look extra special for the wedding. While Kim's dad snapped candid photos, we began Kim's transformation from simple beauty to elegant bride. Kim wanted a natural look for her hair similar to Blake Lively, pictured above. For her makeup, we went soft and natural. While I worked, the inn was a happy buzz of wedding excitement. It was a great day and I was happy to be a part of it.

Stayed tuned for pictures of Kim!

Glamorous Katie

Today I met with Katie and her mom for their makeup trials. Katie is getting married at the beautiful Branford House Mansion in Groton, CT this September. Katie's inspiration for her wedding is The Great Gatsby and she wanted a glamorous 1930s look for her wedding. Katie is working with design coordinator Sarah True and Sarah has created a wonderful blog post to showcase the inspirations for Katie's event.


Pictures of Katie's glamorous look will be posted soon. Stay tuned!

Delightful Debbie

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Debbie for her hair trial. Debbie is getting married in October at her beautiful waterfront home in Noank, CT. She wanted a modern twist on the classic chignon to keep her hair out of her face during her outdoor ceremony. Debbie is also working with wedding coordinator Sarah True of True Event and makeup artist Jennie Fresa and I am looking forward to collaborating with these wonderful ladies on this event. Debbie, I can't wait to see it all come together on your special day.

Here are some pictures of the finished look. Enjoy!

Favorite Product Alert!

Bed Head Manipulator has been one of my favorite hair products for years. Manipulator is a great smelling sculpting putty that can help you create many different looks. It is great for creating a fun textured look or helping to control curls in a bridal up do. It is a very thick product, so a little goes a long way. You can find it at most beauty supply stores and I have even seen it in CVS and Walgreens. The price is usually around $18 but the jar will last you a long time if you use it sparingly. It's even great for men!

If you're looking for a new product to help you add texture to your hair, this is it.

Enchanting Erin

On Saturday, April 11th, I had the pleasure of working with Erin Bundy to design the perfect hair style for her September wedding. We met at Jennie Fresa's new Beauty Library in Clinton, CT. What a charming little space! Jennie is a makeup artist and owner of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library. I have had the honor of working with her for the past year and she will be doing Erin's makeup on the day of her wedding.

Here are a few shots of the final look. I can't wait for September, Erin!

Welcome

Hello to all you beautiful people! Welcome to my very first blog. Many brides have asked me if I have a one so I figured it was time to start one. My plan is to post pictures of brides I have worked with in the past so that future brides can see some of my work.

I hope you enjoy!