Serenbe...

This Saturday, September 20th 2008, I had the pleasure of going to Serenbe for April Farner's wedding. She hired us to do her makeup for her bridal party. April had already come into the store for her trial so I felt really confident that April was going to be very happy with the final look. Danica, owner of Plum Salon drove out to Palmetto with me. She does the most ornate, whimsical, yet intricate hair I have ever seen. Together we hoped to make everyone feel relaxed and beautiful for this very special.

Serenbe is something from a storybook. Tucked away on an organic farm, we drove up the gravel road and hidden away was the Serenbe Inn. We pulled in and started unloading. Fully equipped, Danica and I were headed to the main house to find April. On our way to the house, everywhere I looked I was amazed by every detail. We walked up to her room and again, it couldn't have been anymore perfect. Everyone was there lounging around, talking, drinking coffee, and enjoying the morning. The room had plenty of space and had beautiful natural light. Danica and I started unpacking and got started.

First, I had to unpack all the makeup, skincare, and special tools I like to use. I also brought a bar stool to make it easier for the girls to be at my eye level. Danica got set up in front of the mirror so that she could see the front of the girls' hair as she styled it. The room was white with lots of windows and the dresses were already hanging up, where we could see them for inspiration.

I started with the groom's mother. She was wearing a bright satin pink dress that was slightly fitted and hit right below the knee. The dress was beautiful and happen to match the flower girl's dresses. We decided to make her eyes a smoky brown with gold. Then I added a bright blush with a little bit of shimmer. I perfected her brows and added a few false lashes to extend her eyes. We finished the look with a deep rose lipstick followed with her sheer pink gloss. Everyone was telling her all day, how great she looked!

Next I met April's mom. I could tell she was a little nervous, as she had never had someone do her makeup and hair before. I wanted to make sure she felt comfortable, so I asked her what her normal makeup routine was. She said she always wears charcoal liner around her eyes! Perfect. She was wearing a pewter and gold layered dress that had a slightly organic sheen to it. It too was above the knee and had a deep v-neck. I thought we should play up the eyes and keep the colors more monochromatic. But we also wanted a little color so she didn't look washed out. I think she was pleased, April almost started crying when she saw her mom.

April's best friend was next. She could hardly sit still as she was wanting to help April with any and everything. She has been married and knows how stressful it can be on the bride. But after awhile she got into what we were doing. Danica had done the most gorgeous side updo, everyone had seen. She said, "I wish my hair looked this good at my own wedding!" We started with her brows and then worked on her eyes. We wanted a little drama but being a redhead it was important that she wore a color that was natural. Overall her look was very romantic and I think she felt it.

Then we had the bride. She really could be a model. I loved photgraphing her, as there was no bad angle. She really wanted her makeup to reflect her wedding colors but without being too much color. So we kept her eyes defined yet soft. I mixed two different Face Stockholm eyedusts to create the perfect green, gold, and brown hue. It was the heavy mascara and extra lashes that really finished the eyes. She already has perfect brows, but we did decide to add a little color for emphasis. I mixed two cream blushes, a taupe and a pink to create a very natural glow. Her lips were also a mix of two Susan Posnick colorforever lip stains. Mick which is a red and Rod which is a cool bright pink color. So I started with a little Mick and added a hint of Rod, her lips were the exact hue we were trying to achieve. Plus the gloss has a little bit of plumper and the color is a stain, so she will still have it own after she kisses her groom!