Tis wedding season!!  I met Raisa through her mother, Rosette Gana Benedicto, her parents and mine go a long way, they were friends since way back in the 60’s, maybe even longer.

A call came to me through her younger sister Carmela Gana Araullo that Rosette’s daughter is getting married and they were asking for my rates.  If you read the story below, it turns out her mom Rosette really wanted me to do the hair and makeup for Raisa!  The last time I saw Rosette was from the Velada.  Velada is a jubilee celebration of the homecoming of the alumnae culminating in an evening of song and dance.  Our alma mater is the Assumption College!  I was deeply touched since I haven’t heard from Rosette in so many years and she remembered me for her daughter’s special day.

Oh Raisa, thank you for making it so easy for me, Rosette You raised a good daughter right here.

Below is our conversation with Raisa.

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

“Hi! I’m Raisa Benedicto. I’m a Pediatric dentist by profession (but one of the lost boys from Neverland by heart). I like to read and play tennis during my spare time. and I LOVE dogs.”

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

“When my mom heard I got engaged, she instantly said, “We HAVE to get Acie as our make out artist.” My mom trusted you, so I trusted you. and like any millennial, I immediately stalked your portfolio on Instagram – definitely liked what I saw! and the rest is history!”

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

“It was perfect! Although I was a little frazzled on the day (as all typical brides are) you made me feel so comfortable and distracted. I appreciated all the small talk and the explanations to help keep the edge off. “

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

“I’m probably still on a wedding high, so it’s pretty hard to pick a favorite one. The day went by so fast; it was such a blur. What did stand out, though, was the surprise father daughter dance, we had planned for the guests.

This photo isn’t very flattering of us, but it captures our dynamic together as father and daughter. We’re both not performers and definitely not dancers, but it was a fun production and even more fun bonding time spent with my dad.”

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

“Honestly, I’m not the type who wears make up or fixes myself up everyday. In fact, I just recently learned how to use foundation and concealer. That being said, the entire time I was being made up felt like a dream to me. I especially felt my best once I stepped into my finished dress for the first time.”

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

“For some reason, what really stuck with me was the face mask and the facial massage. It wasn’t something I normally witnessed during bridal make up sessions. I enjoyed being pampered.”

7) Any bridal tips you want to share for future brides planning their wedding?

“LET GO on the day. There’s no point in stressing over little details. Everything is going to be perfect whatever happens. The wedding is just for the festivities, but don’t forget what the day’s focus is truly about. “

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

“Maybe having an airconditioned prep room – that was one thing I overlooked/didn’t bother to think about. Either way, the villa I stayed in was breezy enough. I really wouldn’t have changed anything.”

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

“The complimentary facial spa treatment I got from Dermalogica (c/o you, Tita Acie), was absolutely FANTASTIC. It was so relaxing and soothing, just what I needed right before the wedding.”

10) Favourite photo of you during the wedding and why.

“I don’t usually enjoy having my photo taken, but that day I had enough confidence to pose and emote. My photographers were amazing at making me look like I knew what I was doing, but the real MVP was my HMUA for making me, not just look, but also feel, like I deserved to be in the spotlight. I loved that my make up was so light and natural-looking that my freckles were showing through. My eye bags seem non-existent!”

Gown:  Richie Ortega Torres

Makeup :  Acie Fores

Hair:  JM Martinez

Photographs: FB:  GIBSAM Photography  IG:  @GibsamPhoto and from the Bride
Raisa G. Benedicto, DMD
Pediatric Dental Specialist