Hey Brides-to-be... Need Makeup Advice?

Need to look perfect for your ceremony? Of course, any bride-to-be does.
Most of us don’t know where to begin with makeup without seeking a professional opinion. You want to look beautiful- not over or under done up. Choosing colors and brands, deciding whether or not to hire someone or just do it yourself, are all delicate issues for such an important event. Attempting to match your own skin tone but picking something too dark or selecting the wrong lipstick color, can be disastrous for photographs.
We have some words of wisdom from Resident Makeup Artist of Laura Mercier in Beverly Hills, Marisa Dombroski. Marisa has used her artistic talents to beautify everyone from numerous bridal parties to Hollywood stars- both men and women. It is imperative to her that each bride feels and looks their best on the big day. In advance, long before the ceremony, Marisa meets with the bride to discuss the style of the dress and event, usual makeup worn on a daily basis, what works and what doesn’t, and the type of look they are going for (natural, dramatic or classic). Sometimes brides are unsure of colors and brands to choose so she makes suggestions, but with conditions, “I tell them to try it out to see if they have a reaction to it, because the last thing a bride wants on her wedding day is to break out,” said the artist.
She recommends many different top of the line products for flawless results. Marisa promotes the use of a primer before applying foundation to keep fresh looking throughout the day. “A primer serves as a base that goes on before the foundation. It is going to fill any fine lines, leaves makeup longer lasting, appearing fresh looking- not cakey.” Some tricks of the trade she was willing to share were some foundation and powder ground rules: When applying foundation, she said, “Do not put a foundation powder over it. You do not want to put color on top of color. Use a translucent powder (a translucent powder is a very fine powder that can go with any type of skin color and it sets the face makeup).”
The expert recommends a trial run of your products and artist of your choosing before the special day. “Don't be afraid to tell them how you want to look on your wedding day,” she stated. Marisa usually charges $175 for services to the bride (not including products and travel), bridesmaids, family and friends are $100 each. For more information about her services you can email her at: marisaofthesea@aol.com.

*Other questions regarding Napa Valley Elopements services or this blog call: 707-963-9294.

Napa Valley Mustard Festival

Next month, is the 15th annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival. The nearly two-month celebration of food, wine, art, agricultural, entertainment and culture runs from Feb 2 - March 29. The event is a good time for all and gives the chance to take advantage of all the Napa Valley splendors.
It's a beautiful time to take in the scenery- yellow mustard fields of green and gold amongst the stark black grapevines and colorful skies. February, March, and April are superb times to visit the Napa Valley, simply because it is a slower season for tourists than the "high season" of July-October.
Summer is always a busy time for marriages- if you are looking for a time that is quieter, why not come to the Napa Valley while a cultural event is taking place? Whether you have plans for an elopement, are taking a second honeymoon, or simply getting away with your love or even with friends for the weekend, Napa is the place to be. You can experience serene relaxation while taking in the merriment of the mustard festival.
The celebration serves the purposes of promoting local businesses as well as supporting non-profit organizations. This forms a network of local, national and international commerce and strengthens the community. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival is a 501(c)(4) non-profit community service organization. All proceeds go towards the benefit of a variety of Napa Valley non-profit arts, cultural, historical, educational, and service organizations.

Studio on Main in downtown St. Helena has the poster for this year's Mustard Festival available, signed by the artist, Jesse Miller. It makes for a great gift, decoration or souvenir of your trip.

Napa Valley Chic

While most envision a Napa Valley elopement as a relatively low-key event because of the surrounding vineyards and "Wine Country casual" dressing, the Napa Valley does have its share of trendy, up-scale places to wine and dine. Case in point: BarVino located on the main street in downtown Calistoga.

BarVino has a great New York City feel, with trendy decor, an awesome selection of rock-star-like Napa Valley wines, and great pastas and entrees that are available in both "small" and "big" plates. It's a great place to sip, nibble, taste, try, and watch the world go bye.... (And, with a 10-speaker sound system, it's a great place to "listen" too.)

When planning a Napa Valley visit, be sure to put BarVino on your list for some Napa Valley trend (a.k.a., "Calistoga Cool").