What to cover...what to cover...

Aside from my corporate, theater, television, basically "everything else" work :), I was super blessed to work with 65 phenomenal brides last year...the last one on New Year's Eve!  I was recently notified that I won a Bride's Choice Award 2010 from WeddingWire!  Many thanks to all my brides out there who wrote reviews on my behalf :)  I am humbled to be in the top 5% of vendors across the US in the WeddingWire community!

Speaking of weddings, a note on my wedding schedule this year: I'm pretty well booked for summer weddings (June, July and August) aside from a few random Fridays still available.  This is either good news (for me!) or bad news (for brides I won't be able to accommodate), depending on  your perspective.  I've decided not to overbook and run myself into a mental institution :)

And because a post is boring sans photos (at least to me), a sampling from some of my work over the last several months...

Kayla, model portfolio shoot for Matthew Agency shot by the stellar Jerrad Matthew (Grand Rapids)

Serena, a model session (in super sweet vintage!) with the brilliantly talented KLK Photography (California)

Natasha, model shoot, shot by the amazing JK Photography

And lastly, but certainly not least, a preview of a fashion shoot I collaborated on with the fantastic Brian Kelly (and many others!)  I plan to do a separate post about this shoot in particular...stay tuned ;)

Stephanie, you made an absolutely radiant bride trashing the dress and Kelly, I'm continually amazed with your beautiful work!  Thanks for allowing me to collaborate on this one!  You can see more photos on Kelly's blog here.

Here's one on the front page of MSN.com...

And then on the Today Show website...

And lastly as the photo "Pick of the Day" for Color Inc. photo lab :)

In August I was contacted by Storytelling Pictures (a Grand Rapids area production company) about working on a new telelvision show being produced by The Dove Foundation called Dove Spotlight.  I was very excited at the opportunity to work on the first show ever produced by The Dove Foundation and even more excited when I heard what the show was all about: a family focused movie, DVD and gaming review show based on The Dove Foundation criteria.

The three hosts were all great to work with: Rachael Ruiz, former news anchor for WOOD TV-8 and host of eightWest; Brian Burch, a (very humorous and witty!) senior associate for a public relations firm; and Derek Emerson, a college student and part-time actor and model.

We filmed the pilot episode over several days in September and I'm happy to tell you that it begins  airing today!  You can find the full schedule here.  Dove Spotlight will be broadcast over several networks, reaching an average of 40 million households.  It will also reach over 6 million online each month.

Here's a sneak peek behind the scenes filming the pilot episode (borrowed from Storytelling Pictures!).  More photos and the trailer can be viewed here.  Enjoy!

Brian and Rachael

What it looked like in person with the green screen

Derek in the "game cave"

Lots of lights!

Director John Evans giving the ok to give Brian some faux "plugs" in his thinning hair....(I kid, I kid...maybe.)

Doing Brian's makeup with Dove Co-founder and CEO Dick Rolfe looking on.

The MASSIVE green screen...

Walking into that sea of green in person makes me dizzy.  Really.

Watching the filming on set and satisfied with the results!

I know Thanksgiving is not until next month, but as I sit in front of the computer reviewing my 2009 calendar, I am filled with gratitude and thanks for all of my awesome clients this year!  I know the year isn't up yet but I feel the need to express my appreciation to each of you and there's no time like the present, right!?  Here goes...

To my 62 brides (and counting...;), thank you for allowing me to be a part of one of the most important days of your life.  You are ALL so special to me and I really treasure that time we have to create a look that you'll forever remember every time you look at your wedding photos.  And yes, I do remember each and every one of you and probably even the lipstick you wore :)

To all the countless models I've worked on with photo shoots this year...thanks for being so cooperative and trusting!  I know sometimes it's a little strange wearing feathers on your eyes or blue lipstick...but thank you for allowing me to channel my creativity :)

To my corporate clients...you're all awesome!  I have been blessed to work with some pretty amazing groups and companies.  I look forward to building lasting professional relationships with you over the years to come and collaborating on many projects!

To the photographers...from the bottom of my heart, thank you.  I know without a doubt my business would not be where it is now without all of you and your referrals.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

To sum it all up, I just want everyone to know that I value each of you and never take a job (no matter how large or small) for granted :)

Julie

I'm the mother of a busy 2 year old, Jack.  (Insert obligatory photo for bragging rights of my sweetheart here:

I'm sure most of you can understand the crazy mornings trying to get your child(ren) ready in time for whatever festivities the day may bring, let alone yourself.  You want to look presentable (better yet, feel pretty!) but most often time just doesn't allow for an elaborate makeup application.  I'm going to share with you what's in my own makeup bag and what I always carry with me to accomplish a more engaging look.  (And if you chance run into me at the grocery store sans makeup [yes, I do go out without makeup], just know I'm a mom and human too ;)

Here's my own 5 minute (really!) makeup routine:

First up is my holy grail product...concealer!  I use Face Atelier's Ultra Camouflage Duet ($30) in Light, for my very fair skin.  There are 2 ingenious shades in the mini compact with mirror that make this a winning product for me.  The peachier shade covers my undereye circles instantly (in a full coverage, crease-free kind of way) and the neutral shade can be used to quickly dab on any troublesome areas (read: my skin STILL breaks out.)  In a pinch, I can very sheerly blend a little down the center of my face and out slightly to give an even tone overall without adding a foundation.  We're at about 60 seconds so far for time...

Next, and a new recent love is Smashbox's O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color ($26).  This product is AWESOME!  It starts as a clear gel and transforms before your eyes into the perfect shade of pink for your cheeks.  No guessing games here, this gives the best natural looking flush.  (I don't know how I lived without this all these years.)  Time is about 1 minute, 45 seconds now...

Looking back up to my eyes, I add a couple coats of The Body Shop's Super Volume Mascara ($14) in Black, though I think I'd like to try the Cobalt soon!  This is my favorite daily mascara.  The wand is easy to manipulate around my lashes, not too big nor too small.  It gives a nice, natural look and doesn't flake.  If I know my day will require a waterproof mascara, I add a coat on top of Clarin's Double-Fix Mascara ($21) which is a transparent gel that can be coated over virtually any mascara to waterproof and keep it in place!  Let's all say it together now, "Genius."  Time spent on entire makeup routine so far: 3 minutes, 30 seconds...

Lips are last.  I enjoy a good lip color whether it be in the form of a gloss, stain or traditional lipstick.  I look nearly lifeless without lips!  There are a few staple favorites that I gravitate toward depending on my mood and what I'm doing for the day or wearing.  They are MAC Pro Longwear Lip Colour in Perennial Rose ($21), a deep berry pink and also a stain which means no touch ups for 6-8 hours; Chanel's Glossimer in Spark ($27) a very soft and sheer berry pink with gold shimmer; and lastly my NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine ($24), a cool soft matte pink.  Total time spent? 4 minutes, 40 seconds.

My point in sharing my own makeup routine with you is that you can cater your own makeup routine to your time available and what's important to you.  Go ahead and cut out the unnecessary steps (for me they're foundation, eyeliner and eyeshadow)...just don't skip makeup altogether because you don't have time to do EVERYTHING.  As I've said before, pick what's important to you and highlight your best feature.  You'll be amazed at how 5 little minutes (or 4 minutes, 40 seconds) can make you feel beautiful and boost your confidence as a mom :) 

p.s. If you had time to read through this blog, you know what to do tomorrow morning!  As Yoda says, "Do or do not, there is no try". (ahem, I thought if I shared my little one with you, might as well share my husband's charm & influence too!!)

Enjoy your family, Nichole!  And may you always feel your inner beauty makes you up every morning after you haven't slept a wink all night.  xxoo!

We started Kelsey off in a colorful number.  I wish I had a photo to show her entire outfit including poofy hot pink sparkly skirt!  I pulled the colors for her makeup directly from her wardrobe, added in a few false lashes and electric blue cake liner.  Voila!  Instant 80's inspired look.  It's definitely not an "everyday" look but I think she sports it well :)

  Then we switched things up a bit for a more subtle, sultry look in rust tones.  This is my favorite look from the session!  It's sophisticated and playful simultaneously.  I actually used the rusty shade of eyeshadow from her eyes on her cheeks as well to give a continuous and cohesive look.

I just have to add this one in here because it's a great pose. Any guesses as to how many takes it took to get this leaping perfected? Good thing Kelsey has a background in ballet! (I know I certainly couldn't have done it and she makes it looks so effortless!)

Kelsey, it was a blast working with you and I wish you nothing but success in your modeling career :) And Steven, great working with you as usual!

Senior girls, take the opportunity to live out your inner-diva dream and 'rock what you got!' Think of these sessions like a mini fashion shoot as opposed to traditional senior photos...hair and makeup are included and you get to choose your setting: City Chic (8/3 downtown Grand Rapids) or Sand Between Your Toes (8/17 on Lake Michigan). The are limited sessions so if you're interested, contact Jodi asap to reserve your spot!  I look forward to working on these sessions with Jodi, Erin and all the fabulous senior girls next month :)

*On a sidenote, I apologize for the lack of blogging lately!  This is by far my busiest time of the year...I average about half of my nearly 50 weddings in June and July combined with various other projects.  Add to that the fact that my computer has been torn apart for upgrades and you can see how blogging just hasn't been that easy.  I hope to remedy this lack of blogging now though with a working computer and PLENTY to blog about :)  I have an especially fun shoot coming up next week that I can't wait to share with you all!  Stay tuned...

Tara preferred to stay away from browns on her eyes and shared an inspiration photo of Evengeline Lilly in pewter/silver hues instead:

Eyes

I primed the eyelids first for extra staying power with the much-talked-about MAC's Paint Pot in Painterly (nude beige).

We started by pressing MAC's Juxt eyeshadow (a satin finish bright green with golden pearl) across her lid only.

Next, I "puffed" on MAC's Typographic eyeshadow (a matte asphalt black) in the outer corners using Laura Mercier's Pony Brush (long, fluffy bristles make for a softer appearance) and blended it into the green to mute it down a bit.

Lastly, we highlighted the inner corner and just under the brow with MAC's Phloof! eyeshadow (a frosted off-white) followed by one last blending motion all over the eye to smooth the colors together.

Femme Couture's Gel Eyeliner in Black (a very rich black) was used to give a super skinny and smooth line on the top lid only.  MAC's Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved (a waterproof rich black) was used on the outer corners of the lower lash line and to line the inner rim.

Brows

One of my favorite brow kits is Red Earth's Absolute Brows Brow Perfecting Kit.  We used this to fill in and smooth Tara's already nicely shaped eyebrows out.

Cheeks

I lightly puffed on Nars Blush in Orgasm (a shimmery soft peachy-pink) on the apples of her cheeks.  Just a subtle hint of Laura Mercier's Loose Shimmer Powder in Sun Dust (coppery shimmer) was added as a bronzer to warm her complexion up a hint.

Lips

MAC's Pro Longwear Lip Colour in Loyal (warm beige brown) was the color of choice for Tara's soft nude lips.  With an easy staying time of 6-8 hours, it makes for a great choice for brides!

Well my friends, summer couldn't be a better season to experiment with those poppy pinks, bright berries and raspberry reds!  Here are a few tricks for wearing an "intense" lipstick shade with perfection:

1. If it's really THAT red/pink/bright/etc. don't just pitch it or swear the shade off completely.  Try coating the lips first with a lip gloss or lip balm.  Not only will it help condition the lips with moisture, it will tone down the lipstick when applied on top.  You have control over how dark or light you want to go by adjusting the amount of lip balm or gloss underneath and how much lipstick you blend on top.

2. For a soft matte look and longer wear time, apply with a brush and don't use gloss.  Use a teensy tiny amount of the lipstick.  A little bit spreads a LOOOOOOOOOONG way when using a brush.  Also, a more even application will keep the lip color looking fresh for several hours.  (In other words, the more you lacquer on, the quicker it slips off.)

3. Don't have a lip brush?  Try "stamping" your lipstick by pressing it on the lip until you've covered the all of it.  Don't color back and forth though.  The key is to just deposit as little color as possible while still maintaining an even coat.  Dust with a bit of translucent powder for more staying power.

4. Forget the lipliner; it will only intensify the severity of the shade.

5. Bright lips will always look the best with a soft face.  Just a bit of mascara, clean skin and a pop of blush will complement an eye-popping shade of lipstick the best.

Feeling inspired to find a new bold shade to experiment with?  You're in luck!  MAC is offering 25% off ANY order through June 18!  Use coupon code: SAVE25 at checkout :)  Happy shopping!

So this week, I dare you.  Go pink!  Or red!  Or berry!  If you're feeling extra bold and want to share, I'd love to see photos of your daring shades :)  Send an e-mail: julie@juliestrating.com including a photo of your vibrant lips along with the products used.  (And just know I may feature you on here ;)

Peggy who described her lips as "smiley, soft, happy" won the Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Balm SPF 36 PA++

Katie who described her lips as "soft, loving, fabulous" won the Banana Boat Aloe Vera with Vitamin E SPF 45 and AvoTriplex Lip Balm

And Jessica who described her lips as "lucious, pink, plump" won the Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15

Congrats to the lucky winners! Enjoy your sun-safe lip products, ladies. And for the rest of you, there's sure to be another great contest next month!

*Let me also say, I certainly appreciated the creative commenting by some!  However, the winners were selected by a random number generator in an effort to be fair.