Behind the Veil – Singson Camara Nuptials

Most of the time, simple is best.  It keeps things fluid, effortless and comfortable.  Michaela is all that.  Just in her short story below, we met through her now husband, who is my chiropractor at Intercare.  I wasn’t expecting anything from that meeting since I figured Michaela already had finalized her makeup artist options since the wedding was a few months away.

Both families come from a line of professionals and achievers, I admire the values that her mother Tang and father inculcated in their children.   Seeking higher education is always  worth pursuing more than the material values that are fleeting and superficial.  I also saw how the family came together and pulled out all the stops, to help, soothe and calm a nervous bride specially as the magic hour is nearing .

This is what class is all about.  I love how you were so cool and calm throughout your preparations and your inner glow definitely showed through, just like how a blushing Bride should be. Thank you for making me a part of your love journey,  I wish you and Miguel a happy and prosperous marriage filled with blessings, joy and happiness.

1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
Hi! I’m Mika. I’m an architect who specializes in sustainability. I work with the Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Carbon Lab team that does a mix of ensuring energy efficiency, low carbon and LEED/WELL consulting. 
 
During my free time, I love to  paint, eat BBQ popcorn + watch movies, hike, play board games, and skate. I started skating with my sister earlier this year, and we both love it so much that we go at least once a week. 
 
2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?
I first heard about you from my (now) husband Miguel. He randomly gave me a calling card saying his patient was a make-up artist and I should try her out. Admittedly, I didn’t call you RIGHT after that, because in my head – “he does not know the difference between foundation and primer” But a few days later, my tita had mentioned you too, saying that her friends had worked with you previously, and that you had made all her friends look amazing! 
 
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day? 
Today’s forecast, bridal showers
I liked you trial pa lang! Haha! By that time, I had tried na three make-up artists and was already getting frustrated that I had not found “the one” for my big day. I sound so arte, but my skin is actually so sensitive. (Full make-up really feels like a chore because of how heavy it feels on my face.) I had broken out in rashes after the trial with make-up artist #3, and ended up with a bad stye with make-up artist #1. I was close to picking make-up artist #2 just cause I did not break out into rashes after the trial. Buti nalang, Miguel and my tita mentioned you. So, I said, “Sige na nga one more trial.” 
The minute you started prepping my skin I knew na you were different. I mean, how many people have tried a make-up artist who will exfoliate their skin and then massage it before the make-up? 
As the trial went on, you airbrushed my make up on. (My first time to try airbrushed make-up) Not only did it feel great – feeling like I didn’t have any make-up on my face, but I loved how you made me look too! I felt the make-up looked so natural – like I was still me, but a flawless, glowing version of me! Totally what I was going for, for my big day! 
So of course, on the day itself I sat on the make up chair with no worries at all. The full trust I had in you made all the difference. 
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
It’s not the wedding itself, but the day before. Getting ready with my family was such an intimate time for me. This includes both my immediate family and my extended family. My extended family – siblings of my parents and their children, were with us prior to the wedding too. They all came to Tagaytay the day before and we spent the night hanging out. I felt as if they were all hand-holding me all the way to the wedding.
5). What was a good beauty moment for you during the wedding day itself?  
Can I say none? Haha! It’s not that I didn’t feel beautiful on the day, but I didn’t have what I would call a beauty moment. The day was beautiful over-all, because of the way everything fell into place.
6)  Favourite beauty product, application used during your wedding and why?
If you cant get to a dermatologist, this is the next best things to flake off dead skin cells and give you a smooth canvas, ready for makeup.
I really loved the Cure Aqua gel exfoliator that you used on me. I felt like it got (cause i use it regularly now) all the gunk/dead skin cells out. I also liked the eye massage. Felt great to get a facial massage on the day itself! 
7)  Any bridal tips you want to share for future brides planning their wedding?
Find the best suppliers for the big day – suppliers you are happy with, then on the day just watch them all work their magic and watch everything fall into place. 
8)  What is one thing you could change during your wedding preparation? 
I don’t know if I would change anything to be honest. Wedding planning was definitely stressful, but the day itself – the ceremony and dinner went perfectly. Everything that happened prior ended in something beautiful.
9)  Any beauty rituals you did or received that you want to share?
None really, aside from the Cure Aqua gel exfoliator that I mentioned in # 6.
10)  Favourite photo of you during the wedding and why.

The wedding ceremony was quick, and felt surreal. I didn’t realize I was smiling and laughing a lot too throughout the ceremony. So when I saw the photos, it was such a pleasant surprise to see so many photos where Miguel and I were just laughing. It’s such a great reminder of the day that unfolded, and how much fun we had (and have) together.

Products used:

Lisa Eldridge Foundation 13

MakeupbyMario Ethereal Eyes Palette

Dior Contour Palette 001 Universal

Dior glow Face Palette 001 Universal

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Blush

Makeup Forever Nude Creme Lippie 08

Gown:  Mark Bumgardner

Makeup:  Acie Fores
Hair: Vilma Legaspi
Photography:  C/o Bride Michaela Jaja Samaniego
Venue:  Anya Resorts Tagaytay, Antonio’s Tagaytay