I am always surprised at how I was born and raised in Miami and yet I continue to find hidden gems all around me that I have never seen. Michelle and I were contacted by Jenny to be her hair and makeup team for her big day and little did I know she was having her wedding in a historic home that is literally something out a fairy tale. When I arrived at the Walton House I was greeted by the sound of exotic birds chirping and gorgeous vines encapsulating the secrets of this divine home. I rounded the corner to see Jenny and her entire bridal party hand making center pieces for the reception. Each girl was waiting on the bride and ready to do their part. I'd like to say that this is always the case when I walk on a pre-wedding scene but often it is not. I was so happy to find the bride surrounded by a group of women that were deeply happy for her and that made her getting ready experience a fun time. My work was a different kind of relaxed this day. Accompanying myself and Michelle in the bridal suite powder room was an aviary where we could enjoy the sight of colorful birds as we worked in calm. The bride is always the last to get her hair and makeup done, of course we want her to be fresh to walk down the aisle. When I finally got my hands on Jenny's hair I was expecting the usual nervous bride, maybe some tears, maybe she'd go nutty and change her mind about what she wanted. But no, she was the most relaxed, poised bride I had dealt with in a long time. She sat down and told me she wanted something very natural, a loose look with extensions and just a bit of hair pinned back. She laughed with her friends and family as I styled her and held calm conversation. She was a real Meghan Markle, princess material. She told me how the Walton House actually has a monkey that could walk your rings down the aisle which her groom heavily considered but with a little convincing decided maybe it was a little extravagant for what they had in mind. As Michelle finished applying her rosy lipstick, I reached for the mirror and handed it to her. She took a long, deep look at herself and was silent. Michelle and I looked at each other with horror. Silence?! She hated it for sure! "I'm just taking it all in," she said. And finally a wide glowing smile crossed her face. We both let out a sigh of relief, she loved it. Smiles filled the room all around us. Our work was done.
Photos: TheLouisCollection
Makeup: Michelle_And_Makeup