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

Behind the Veil Cacho Llige Nuptials

Cool weather, Christmas spirit in the air, shopping madness, epic Manila traffic, a few ingredients that make December a very busy time of any year. Christmas preparations and families coming home for a celebration make it an ideal month to get married.  They bring in the warmth and cheer of the Holiday season and the festive Christmas decorations alone bring another cheer dimension.  In another blog, I’ll list down top reasons why having a wedding in December is not being selfish.  Here is another instalment of my Behind the Veil series with Mercedes Cacho.

This is what Mercedes had to say regarding her wedding preparations for her big day.

1)  Please tell me about yourself, what do you do for a living , what are your passions, and hobbies?

 

Those shoes!!!! Love her style!!!!

 

My name is Mercedes Cacho. I am the Creative Director for InFrame Media Productions Australia. I’d consider myself a very visual and creative person, so my hobbies are sketching and painting. My biggest passion is styling and fashion.

2) How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?

You were recommended by my family.

3)  How did you like the outcome of our time together, specially on your special day?

Acie and her team were wonderful, very professional.

4)  What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love?  Could you share that photo with us?image1.jpeg

5)  What was a good beauty moment for you during the wedding day itself?

Getting ready with Acie, I love her face masks, they were so refreshing!!!

I normally use a mask with Hyaluronic and collagen in it because I want the face of the Bride to be soothed, and hydrated and appear brighter. You can get this at any Watsons branch.

6) Favorite beauty product, application used during your wedding and why?

I really liked the lipstick Acie and I chose.  It was a subtle rose pink color from Project Vanity “Woke up like this”.

In collaboration with Project Vanity and Pink Sugar, this is one of the colors they came up with. Perfect for Brides.

7.  Any bridal tips you want to share with future Brides planning their wedding?

You will probably break out a week before the wedding from the stress of it all.  If you can, I suggest going away for a short relaxing weekend, or do whatever you can to avoid it.  Apply a face mask or get a professional facial.

Jade Roller for Face - Anti Wrinkle 100% Natural Jade Stone Roller - Anti Aging Skin Slimming Massager - Original Real Double Jade Facial Roller - Massage Therapy Tool for Neck and Eyes Beauty
I use this in conjunction with a face sheet or mask to really make the product sink in. It also relaxes, and tones the face and prepares it for th make-up application. It reduces puffiness specially when the Bride has shed some tears the night before. Make sure you are getting the real one made out of jade and not plastic. Jade is cool to touch.. I put this in the refrigerator the night before for extra cooling effect on the face.

8.  What is one thing you could change during your wedding preparation?

Sleep in a little longer.  I was so excited, I woke up at 5 am.  Acie arrived at the scheduled 9 am call time.  I could’ve gotten another solid hour!

9.  Any beauty rituals you did or received you want to share?

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This is my personal gift to the Bride. Highly recommended as part of her skincare regimen before the big day, I want my Brides glowing and radiant. Head to Dermalogica Rustans for their menu of services.

I never get used to get regular facials.  However it was highly recommended by Acie.  I’m so glad I did it!  My skin loved it and I found the experience to be so relaxing!  Now that I’m back home in Australia, I now book facials regularly.

10.  Favourite Photo of you during the wedding and why.

This is one of my favourite photos, it reminds me how beautiful the whole evening was!  All the stress of planning turned into happy moments which made all of this possible.

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Behind the Veil: Sandy Henson – de Achaval

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You never forget your first time experiences positive or otherwise, it never ceases to be erased in your memory.  Sandy was my first bride and my first wedding experience as far as my makeup career is concerned, and it was truly memorable and fun.  It’s been 4 years since her wedding and there are 2 additions to her family: 2 adorable female dogs, a Mini Schnauzer named Lexie and a West Highland Terrier Allie.  Here she shares her thoughts about her most important day and her beauty favourites which have become her staples that make her feel confident and ready to face the work world.

1. For what kind of event(s) did you hire Acie to create your look?

My pre-nup shoot and wedding day.

2. What did you enjoy about working with Acie? What did you like about her makeup style, as well as her work style/ethic?

It was SO easy with, Acie! She asked me some questions about my style (wedding motif, wedding dress, etc) and what kind of look I preferred. I just told her that I wanted to look clean and fresh (sleepless nights should not show! Haha).   That was it! But then again, I knew from the get go that Acie understood me and I personally loved her style so I was very comfortable and more than happy to let Acie do her magic on me.  It was a joy having Acie part of my special day and will look back at the total experience fondly.

3. Can you share some photos with us of your look by Acie Fores? 

Acie did my prenup makeup.
Acie did my prenup makeup.

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On my wedding day, Acie also made up my bridesmaids.
On my wedding day, Acie also made up my bridesmaids.
Sandy Henson - Aciefores.com
Me and my gown; makeup by Acie.

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4. What are some of your favorite makeup products/must-haves for daily wear?

Some of my recent favorites are:

Lips: MAC lipstick in my usual shade – Dubonnet BB2

Face:

  • Benefit’s POREfessional as my base / primer
  • Benefit’s ERASE paste concealer
  • Make-up Forever Pro Finish Multi-use powder foundation in shade Neutral Honey

Eyes:

  •   Make-up Forever Professional Aqua Eyes – Water proof eye liner pencil (2L /brown shade)

 

 

Behind the Veil: Pam Erika Clerigo

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Credits:  
Hair:  Tony Dusich,
Photography :  Nice Print Photography and Exige Weddings,
Gown :  Rosa Clará 

1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?

I’m Pam. I currently work in one of the special agencies of the United Nations in Geneva.

I love being outdoors, doing activities like swimming, cycling, and hiking. I am also an avid cook who tries to come up with my own recipes. I love to write songs – songs of worship, of praise, and of love. During my free time, I travel and explore; discovering new things, learning new skills, tasting different food, and experiencing different cultures. I feel like the world is too big and have only seen very little.

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2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me? 

Last January 2013, Ram and I were at the PICC wedding exhibit wherein you were one of the exhibitors. You were kind, friendly, and very accommodating to us. When we looked at your portfolio, both bridal and editorial, we immediately became interested in you. What we really liked about your work is that your make-up style is so natural. It enhances, highlights, and brings out the best features of your clients.

behind the veil bridal makeup 2

3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?

Ever so accommodating, you always replied promptly to our emails, giving us tips and advice about beauty and skin care regimen which we highly appreciated. You also took into consideration our preferences, our personalities, and skin types.

It has been a very pleasant experience working with you and your team for the first time during our engagement photo shoot. Not only were you at the venue well ahead of time, perfectly prepared and equipped, you were also able to envision and execute the look that we wanted for the theme that we chose. You even prepared three different face charts of what you pictured my make-up would be. Your professionalism was indeed very impressive.

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You rendered the same impressive professional services to us on our wedding day, this time with a much bigger crowd as you and your team had to deal with the hair and make-up of practically the entire entourage, to everyone’s satisfaction. Needless to say, I, the bride, looked radiant and glowing on my special day. Getting your services was one of the best decisions we made.

4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding/prenup that you love? Could you share that photo with us?

It’s not easy to choose among the many beautiful shots that were taken during the engagement photo shoot and on the wedding day itself, but we think these photos stood out among the rest.

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Credits:  Hair:  Tony Dusich, Photography :  Nice Print Photography and Exige weddings, Gown :  Rosa Clará

Behind the Veil: Rhea Lopez Valmadrid

People ask me if I had worked with celebrities  as part of my job perks and highlights.  Yes I have done a few and I am still working on my portfolio to say the least and besides, anyone who sits on my beauty chair will still look and feel like a celebrity.  Last December, I was privileged to work with Rhea Lopez Valmadrid  who was cool as a cucumber and hilarious during her special day.  We shared a “personal” moment in the bathroom while she was being prepped for her second look for the reception.  Good thing she showed her good humour and was classy all the way on how she handled that delicate situation.   She was a celebrity on her right and I have compared her to Bea Alonso and Judy Ann Santos who by the way lost so much weight and is looking so good these days as shown in her Rite Med and Sunshine Spaghetti billboards.  

Here is my celebrity inspired interview with her.

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Photo from Kenneth Uy Photography

1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?

“I ‘m a Government employee, working at the Central Bank and so does my husband Ivan. Hobbies?  I practice and enjoy doing Bikram yoga, but I can’t say that I am a good yogi! I still can’t do a headstand. I also enjoy watching YouTube videos,  which is more interesting than watching TV because I’m a frustrated Vlogger. I always wanted to make videos about beauty products, talk about a little bit about fashion, traveling and reviews about bags/purses. I love traveling and I’m a self-proclaimed bag hag! I also love going on dates with my husband, eating out (OMG I love food!), watching movies, shopping, or just simply staying at home with Ivan watching reruns of FRIENDS or any comedy shows on TV.”

2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?

“I met you at a Bridal Fair at the beginning of the year. Alam mo yung feeling na instant chemistry? I felt really nice and comfortable when I was asking about your work while browsing through your portfolio (bridal and magazine photoshoot).   You spoke very well and your work looked natural, doon ako na-amaze. I know I made a good decision in booking you, and I think it’s important to work with someone you could trust.”

3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?

” I’m just so happy and grateful!   I’m so satisfied because you did a beautiful job on my wedding day and also during our prenup shoot last August 2013 in Ilocos Norte.”  We communicated through email about the pegs that I wanted for my Prenup and Wedding day , and it’s so nice that you sent me reminders on what to do or how to prep my skin a few months before the wedding.   You’re like my beauty guru!  Your team did amazing work, I felt like a princess (haha!). You are so professional and so fun to work with. The makeup and tools that you used were all high-quality and top makeup brands talaga! I also enjoy our chickahan while you and your team were doing my makeup and hair, and it’s nice that I was able to ask you for tips and advice about makeup, and we also talked about some personal stuff.  You’re so sweet and it’s so nice working with you.

4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding/prenup  that you love? Could you share that photo with us?

“I loved every single minute I spent with you!   On my wedding day, you and your team came very early in Tagaytay.   I wasn’t able to sleep that night, but you made me look so pretty & well-rested!    I also remember that you had this “magic powder” that you used to make me look fresh.   During our prenup shoot in Ilocos with Mr. Kenneth Uy, our photographer, it was like an adventure and also a wonderful experience. I’ll never forget that day, I really felt like a model and actress (haha!).. Ganun pala yung feeling ng photoshoot sa malayong location, long drive, naging changing room ko yung van, nag-hike sa hill just to find a perfect spot, humiga sa damuhan, and we had amazing native Ilocos cuisine. It was so tiring but it’ was so much fun!

You also called me “Bea Alonzo” and I was so kilig and flattered haha! 

On my wedding day, my friends and family were amazed on how perfect my makeup turned out, my childhood gay friend (one of my members of the entourage) actually told me “Ang galing ng makeup artist, pinalutang ang ganda mo.. hindi ka coated ng makeup!” and that is exactly what I love about your work: You transformed me into this classic, beautiful bride!”  (Both photos below from Kenneth Uy Photography)

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From Geneva with Love

Here we go…  Another Prenup!  It’s never enup  hahahahaha!!!  This time its for the De Chavez – Clerigo Nuptials.  This couple is the most interesting one for me, they are both Geneva based, working in the World Trade Organization or WTO.   Pam works in the Copyright Development Division  while John is assigned in the Informatics Division of the same organization.  They are a young couple at the top of the world so to speak, based on their stories, they seem so well traveled, Europe is their playground of choice.  Try topping that!      Love their website!  I wish I could post it but it is a private one.   They created it to chronicle their wedding timeline only to find out, it will be a memory bank of wonderful memories with the glorious sophisticated backdrop of Europe!   So young yet so accomplished in their own right.  It really is so inspiring to see this couple so grounded yet so determined to start their life with a sense of spirituality and respect for one another.

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Lucky couple in the Swiss Alps

“Tuesdate”

I met this couple at a Wedding Expo at the beginning of the year and I must say I was the one who was honoured to be chosen by this wonderful couple to be one of their suppliers.  First off, the date of their wedding.  December 24 2013.  Tuesday .  Christmas Eve?  Really?  Reason why this date was chosen?  John proposed on January 1 2013 a Tuesday.  Tuesday is the day they allot for themselves to relax and devote to prayer time as a couple.  John decided that to better remember their milestones as a couple, December 24 is pretty easy to remember right?  Pasko na sinta ko!!!!    Christmas and New Year are this couples’s anniversaries!  Few couples start their marriage with God as the centre of their lives and this couple humbled me in so many ways.     Most couples focus on the wedding day itself but this couple chose otherwise and decided to put their energies into the Lord as the centre  of their marriage.  What a great way to begin a a life together as husband and wife!!!  Future couples out there take note.

Prenup Game Plan

The concept behind their prenup was a travel themed one.  Land, Sea and Air to be exact.  This was a perfect theme because it totally highlighted the couples’ love for travel.  First Destination was Intramuros, Land.  Location was at Fort Santiago,  where I had my wedding reception in 1996.  So romantic.   Sigh….  Photography was done by the EverReady battery team of Jun Garcia of Exige Photography.  Hair was done by Gladys Tiosen.  This is how it turned out.    Pam and John were such girl and boy scouts they were their own fashion and wardrobe stylists.  Each look was perfectly orchestrated with the right outfit, the appropriate accessories and of course a winning attitude. I think they should consider getting a sideline and work with me on shoots!!!  All photos below were courtesy of John Clerigo and Pam De Chavez taken from their website.

Intramuros Land Prenup
Fresh na Fresh
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The Blushing bride and so so in love

 

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Shades of Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady talaga

 

Our Makeup look here was to convey the classic looking bride with makeup suited for a morning wedding.  See the Makeup Chart for Makeup details.

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Morning Bride. Look #1. Classic Bride. Kate Middleton was the inspiration for this look.

 

The Second Prenup Look was done at the Manila Yacht Club.   For this look,  makeup was more on the bronzy side and the hair  was supposed to be loose with cascading curls perfectly setup by the bun from  the first look.  However, we didn’t expect the wind to be extremely strong in this place.  We had to use a scarf to tie her hair which Pam brought with her.  It was an impromptu prop.  We had a good laugh on this take, the lashes were threatening to come off with the force of the wind!!!  Love is in the air and so were her lashes.  Hahahahahaha!

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Second look for the “Sea” themed aspect of the shoot was more of a bronzy look with a reddish brown lip

 

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The Look of Love. Nautical or naughty but nice?

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The third and last look of the shoot was the “Air” themed shoot held at Villamor Air Base museum.  It was a photo finish for all of us, because of the Manila traffic on a Friday, that held us back, but with luck and prayer, made it before closing time.  The third look for Pam was more of a toned down smoky look but Pam requested a glam ponytail  to match her gown of black and white,  an epitome of sophistication.

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Semi Smoky look

 

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Focus your attention to the left. The rain was about to pour when this photo was taken.

 

 

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Alas, rain had caught up on us and this was one of the few shots that was taken after the downpour. Pam had to change into a cocktail dress for this photo.

 

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Rain was definitely pouring and so as not to waste any more precious time, looked for another place to shoot the remaining images.

 

Oh one more thing, they had a Save the Date Video Shoot the following week!  Location was in Tagaytay Highlands, the venue of their wedding.  It was a great day to shoot and John And Pam were eager to do this to maximise their time in Manila before heading back to Geneva.  Hair was done by Gladys Tiosen.    Video shoot was shot by Mr. Michael Roldan of Exige Weddings.

 

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What a good looking couple they make. I love the crispness of the white outfits.
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Ready na ready for a closeup.
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Ako rin ready for my closeup

 

I am very excited for this wedding and even if it falls on Christmas Eve, this is one union I won’t forget.  As the saying goes, when you put God in the centre of your lives, nothing will go wrong.  I wish John and Pam the grace and love for one another to unite your hearts in unselfish harmony so that your needs and wishes for one another can be lived in a life that is devoted to serving Him.  With a grateful heart, Congratulations to a wonderful couple.  See you on the 24th.  Cheers!!!