Divine Invitation

Whether it's a 'save the day' card or the actual wedding invitation  that arrives on my mat. I start getting excited. Stationery says so much and sets the tone for the day. It's the first impression your guest will have. Regardless if it's a traditional or contemporary design I always think it should reflect the couple or the theme for the day.

I recently discovered Jackie Adams @ Bespoke Wedding Stationery

Jackie has a studio in Mauchline that is overflowing with various ribbons, details, embellishments and paper options. It's like an Aladdin's cave of endless design possibilities to give you something thats totally bespoke. Of course there are also other non bespoke designs too, that start from just £1.00

Have a look at these gorgeous designs.
Craig

x

Jackie Adams

Bespoke Wedding Stationery

The Studio

87 Beechwood Road

Mauchline

Ayrshire

KA5 6DQ

mmmmmm what to give as a gift?

I love giving gifts but nowadays it's not just a case of popping out and buying a toaster. Oh No, I couldn't even tell you the last time I was at a 'show of presents'. In fact do they still exist? I used to enjoy going with my mum to the mother of the brides house, drinking tea and eating sausage rolls before heading up into their bedroom to see a bed, arranged with gifts like a shop window. Kettles, picture frames and a fondue set. There was always a peach towel bale to be had.  Girls don't even have a'bottom drawer' either.

Well, now that I have come back from my trip down memory lane, let me show you the reason for this blog. I have just been shown some gorgeous gift ideas. Who doesn't like candles? OK maybe boys could take or leave them but they do set a scene and Max Benjamin's latest Harmony Fragrance Blend Candle Set £29.95, which launched today contains both the His and Hers fragrances. They can be bought individually too for £19.95 and there is also the reed diffusers too (£29.95)

what do they smell like?...........well

His - of course as you would expect its a strong, masculine scent. This has cardamon, black pepper and patchouli, mixed with amber, tonka and musks.

Hers- this has softer feminine notes of mandarin with jasmine,  lily and vetyvert. Both candle options come in stylish glass jars.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, or for a 'new home' gift these make the perfect gift idea.

Craig
x

www.maxbenjamin.ie

Matt and Kristine's Wedding

My friends Matt and Kristine were married last year. It was a great day. A small, intimate affair, with close friends and family. I have now finally managed to upload these pics from the morning and her makeover. Kristine is so easy going and left her make up look totally to me.



When I arrived she was sporting a very familiar checked shirt she pinched from me when pregnant with their son, Jude, I thought, Thats my girl!
She didn't even have a trial. " do what you want, you always get it right- Craig" she told me.''mmmmmmm, lets see" I said.  Resisting to draw on a moustache I set to work. Even if I had , she would have found it funny. Don't think she would have walked down the aisle with it though. She asked me to do her hair too. I don't normally do both hair and make up on the day but as it was just her to be pampered and preened it allowed me time to do both.



Bridie - her mum was on hand too. Inspecting the proceedings and casting an eye over every brush stroke and spritz of hairspray. A straight talking, retired 'old school' nursing sister, she pulls no punches. " What a difference Kristine"she said. "it just goes to show what you can do". Yup thats Bridie for you and we wouldn't have her any other way. Then the words "you look beautiful" came and it was all good. I had passed. Sighing Kristine and I necked another glass of bubbly.

I had a vintage feel in mind to match the style of her dress and I took into account her own unique style. I wanted her skin to be dewy and not a classic flat 50's base. A winged liner, some smouldering socket work and hey presto. The red lips worked perfectly with her bouquet of red roses and her gorgeous scarlet shoes. I also dressed up her shoulders, arms and legs with some pearly highlighting powder, just to give her skin a lift on the dance floor and on camera.

Enjoy the pics.
Craig
x
Create the Dream Make Up - Dream make up for your dream day.

Happy New Year - Out with the old, in with the new.

Happy New Year

After a year of making brides beautiful in 2012, This year has started the same way. With already a good few trials under my belt the diary for 2013 and 2014 is already filling up.
A new year and a new you, is the motto for many so I thought I would kick start the year with a clean and tidy of my make up kit. Start as I mean to go on.

The problem I have when tidying out my case is that it's a bit like clearing out my wardrobe. The minute I give something away or even bit it, I suddenly seem to need it.  I have been ruthless. I mean how many gold eye shadows can one beauty boy have? ............32, that's how many. Needless to say my friends are loving this 'early Spring clean' of mine. Lets just say all of them seem to be 'going for gold' this season.

Now I have made some space, of course this space needs filled with some new beauty bits and pieces.
My brides, readers, fans and friends are always asking what I'm loving at the moment so here's an update. Check out what I've added to the 'Create the Dream' Kit.

Love
Craig
x

Pick 'n' Mix

Inglot Cosmetics- Top on quality, price and practicality, this brand is a pro choice among many. I love their Freedom System. It allows you to create a collection of colours be it lips or eyes. With over 200 shades in shadows alone I am like a kid in sweet shop. Check out their collection. You will be impressed by pigment and price.


Inglot Freedom System Shadow link

Smashbox 'Love Me'

This is the latest launch form top make up brand Smashbox. I really am in love and have the whole collection. This collaboration with famed graffiti artist Curtis Kulig is available now, although I have had a sneaky peek at it for a while. Smashbox always deliver fab formulations and pigment rich colours. So glad it's much more available in the UK now both online and at Boots.

Smashbox Love Me link












Mists are a Must

Skindinavia Bridal Make Up Finish

Make Up fixing sprays are a must, Be it studio, location or for bridal beauty.This is another product that has a new place in my kit. In the past I have always favoured the Diego Dalla Palma Make Up Fixer. It was the first brand I trained with and I still love their products to this day. I also work with mac Fix + and Urban Decay Allnighter.

Available at cocktail cosmetics, Click link