Josh and Beca are Married!

Josh and Beca's May wedding day dawned cloudy. Overcast skies loomed as I drove to Uptown Hair Studio in Kellogg. I love cloudy days -- I am one quarter English and so the rainier the better. I believe there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Cloudy days also create beautiful lighting for anyone brave enough to venture forth to take photographs. I was excited and ready to shoot. 

 

 Beca wore a mermaid gown from Storybook Bridal in Coeur d'Alene. Her dad helped her choose the fit and flair dress with rosette detail and beautiful beading. Her amazing sisters helped me play stylist to get this shot. :)

 

 

I loved the pearls Beca wore on her wedding day. They were classic with a hint of modern. Gorgeous!

 

 

Ah, the much-heralded blue shoes. The satin covered stillettos were chosen by her husband-to-be, Josh. It is always wonderful to know the story behind the details.

 

 

The makeup artist and hair stylist did an amazing job. If you are getting married or live in the Kellogg area, I highly recommend the Uptown Hair Studio.

 

 

Beca's sisters had some fun after they helped me style the dress.

 

I love the drama of this image. Beca is facing her future, getting ready to marry the love of her life as she dons her pearls. Images like this tell a story and hold so much romance.

 

 

Josh and Beca were married in the Spokane Latter-Day Saint temple. As I arrived on the beautifully manicured property, the clouds broke. This picture shows how dark the clouds were most of the day.

LDS weddings take place inside the temple, and no photographs are allowed as a matter of reverence and respect. As I waited for Beca nd Josh I was able to take this image. Very pretty.

 

 

There was a lot of excitement and emotion as Josh and Beca came out from their ceremony as man and wife. Hugs were everywhere, and I love how Josh swept up his new mom-in-law into a big hug!

 



 After some family pictures at the temple,  the bride and groom went to take a few pictures at Mirabeau park.

 

 

 

These two are so in love and have so much fun together!

 

After a few minutes of photos, we headed back to the Kellogg area -- to the LDS church in Pinehurst where the reception was held. 

 

 

Their friends and family had so many good wishes and blessings for their new marriage. It was so loving and sweet.

 

I asked Beca who she hired to make the delicious cake and the answer was -- no one! A very talented friend made one of the prettiest and tastiest cakes I have ever eaten. It was extremely good.

 

 

It is clear Josh and Beca's family love them and were so happy to celebrate with them. They spontaneously created a confetti moment as Josh and Beca were getting ready to leave for their honeymoon.

Josh and Beca, thank you for believing in me and trusting me to capture your beautiful wedding day. I wish you both a lifetime of blessings and happiness. 

Wedding Wednesday: Reasons to hire a makeup artist

Welcome to the first edition of Wedding Wednesday -- once or twice each month I will be sharing some of the knowledge I have gained over time about weddings. Crafts, planning, you name it. :) Enjoy!

A lot of us ask "Why should I hire a makeup artist on my wedding day when I do my own makeup every day on my own and look just fine?" A makeup artist is an expert who can help you create and define a look for your day, providing both the tools and the peace of mind that you look amazing on your wedding day. 

Consultations help define your look. If you have a look in mind for your wedding day, a makeup artist can help you take your ideas and put them altogether for your makeup. Having a trial run beforehand also helps you feel more confident in how you will look, which coincidentally is great for an engagement shoot. :) You won't feel lost in putting on your makeup for the day and the artistry in your makeup is just one more thing off your plate.

Makeup artists are experts. They have skills in lighting and they know that your makeup has to be maybe a notch more dramatic to read better on camera or perhaps in the candle lit church where you are saying your vows. A makeup artist is usually certified to do his or her job and has plenty of samples and creative experience. You won't have to worry about under-applying or over-applying your makeup on the day of your wedding and instead you can relax and enjoy being pampered.

Makeup artists have the tools. They have all the makeup, brushes, and tools to make you look amazing. That saves you money, time, and stress since you don't have to shop for wedding day makeup. I know when I am out shopping for makeup sometimes I run into something that doesn't quite work out for me for whatever reason and a makeup artist has everything he or she needs to make you look amazing -- no expensive trips to department stores necessary. :)

Peace of mind. Trusting your makeup to a professional should be as common as trusting a hairstylist on your big day. The reasoning is exactly the same -- creating a certain look and making sure that look will last. Airbrush makeup and waterproof mascara and eyeliner professionally applied last longer and create better results on camera and help you relax as you prepare.

The last reason is that you feel better when you feel pampered. I know I do. You will have an extra spring in your step and twinkle in your eye because you feel extra beautiful and kind of smile and inner self confidence is something that can't be matched. :)

The awesome makeup artist pictured above is my friend Shasta Hankins. She is an amazing artist. To learn more about her and the services she offers, click here.