Couture Makeup Blog – Makeup Artist Serving San Diego and Orange County.

I love this picture. I don’t know why…it doesn’t really make sense… the wedding cake by the phone? What? Is that a wedding prop phone? I don’t even care though, this picture makes me happy so I am posting it. Sometimes things just make me smile and I like to share those smiles with the world.

*pause*

I just figured out why I love this picture, it’s the glitter cake! Im a sucker for glitter!! An actual glitter cake is sadly unrealistic, but such a fun and whimsical idea! Now if only someone would create edible glitter, we would be in business! Nothing says party in your mouth like some glitter cake would… No? *laughing* I need to stop writing today, this post is getting weird, in that awesome kinda random weird, but nonetheless, weird. I feel inspired to rant about nothingness so I guess I’ll let you go. 🙂 Cheers! ♥

{Image via 100 layer cake }

Hello! Monday, monday. . . I have been up since 5 am working on projects, replying to emails and putting together this presentation of my favorite looks from Ruche’s new collection. Without further ado, get ready for the most glittering, gorgeous, luxurious, posh, smashing and intoxicating dreamy bridal fashions and photography. Was that over the top? 🙂 I admit, I tend to excessively gush about some of the simplest things. It’s something I can’t help when I’m in the zone and writing freely from my heart. I’m no journalist, I’d love to become a better writer, but it’s not something that comes naturally to me. Many people disagree when I say that, but truly, it takes me forever to write the simplest post. And it is something that makes me very self conscious. My sister is a professional newspaper journalist who is frequently appalled at my writing style, and occasionally my grammar. According to her, I need adjective rehab. While that makes me laugh, I totally agree. So, in an effort to improve, allow me to start over (using less adjectives :)) to write a more condensed piece (while still keeping some of me in there.)

Ahem *clearing throat*

The gowns and head pieces of Ruche’s bridal collection leave me with thoughts of wearing nothing but wisps of tulle and flutters of lace for the remainder of spring, and most likely well into the summer. Wishing you a perfect start to the new week! Until tomorrow . . .

xo Katy

p.s. For tons more, visit the website *here

I simply adore this picture with the white kitten, so adorable!

{Images via Ruche’s website}

Ooh la la! These photographs courtesy of Vogue Paris are a dream come true. Welcome to a photo shoot so full of French glamour that even the bubbles in the bath are tinted pink! Yards upon yards of pure silk drape the windows and cover the bed linens, while decadent gold trims everything from the bed frame to the ceiling high mirror. The pure decadence of these images will whisk you away into a rich and whimsical world full of couture glamour. I invite you to escape into an ostentatious viewing of fashion, also know as a Vogue photo shoot!

{Vogue via glamorous little side project}

{via lavender and twine}

Be the person who…

* When asked to write a review for a friend’s business, you do it because you know it will help.
* Comments on people’s blog posts instead of being a silent reader.
* Visits other’s blog posts and comments back on theirs every once in a while.
* Sends thank you cards for every and any reason at all.
* If you can, stay after a party has ended to help clean up.
* Gives credit to every one involved in your success or project.
* Markets for other businesses because you believe in them and you want to see them succeed.
* Forgives and forgets, because you know you aren’t perfect either.
* Doesn’t keep secrets when it comes to technique, business ideas, or contacts.
* Keeps secrets when asked to.
* Stops counting.
* Overlooks what people don’t or didn’t do, and highlight what other’s did do.
* Continually gives because you want to, not because you expect anything in return.
* Returns every single email and inquiry given to you, even if you can’t really help them or give them a job.
* Realizes you can’t be everything to every one, but you can still be pretty amazing.
* Tells people how much you appreciate them.

excerpt from Diana Elizabeth

About 6 weeks ago, I asked via e-mail, some special brides and close friends whom I had worked for to write a review rating their experience with me. I explained in detail how important it was and how much I would appreciate any type of feedback. I made it as easy as possible, I included the link within the email which took them directly to the place where they were to write-up the review. This was sent to roughly 30 people.

To my shock and dismay, only one person (Diana Elizabeth) took the time to write a review. I understand that people are busy, sometimes we say “I’ll do it when I get home,” and then just simply forget. I realize that I should not take it personal. I’ve been there, I’ve done it to people in other situations and never on purpose, so I really shouldn’t be bothered right? Right? And yet… On the list were several friends and a couple of brides whom had gotten their makeup done for free on several occasions, a few of those occasions being their wedding day. I tried let it go, but inside I started to get more irritated as the days passed. I called Diana to thank her for doing the review and then asked her for advice (she is one if the wisest most amazing humans I’ve ever met and am so blessed to know her, I mean this from the bottom of my heart and I hope she knows it.) I asked, “how does one get reviews in this industry (without having to ask twice and look like a stalker) when everyone is so busy and usually won’t take the time to write one?” I’ll never forget her response….”I’m sorry sweetie, it doesn’t mean you weren’t excellent, so don’t let it hurt your feelings, just know that in general, people don’t take time to do those things anymore, it’s a new generation of self focused living”

Why do I share this? Well, I learned some very valuable lessons to carry out into my business relationships, friendships and life in general. Take the time to say thank you. It doesn’t have to be a beautiful handwritten letter, just do it in someway. Do verbal thank you’s count? Texts? Voicemail? Personally, I say YES YES! Just do it!

I will be doing a short blog later in the week for small business owners that will touch on all of the things that I’ve learned along my journey, the do’s and dont’s of running your own business. I have a lot of handy knowledge you might find useful, even if you don’t have a small business. Which leads me to my take away number two for tonight: If you’re ever going to offer your services for free… well… don’t. The fine line of giving away services for free will be discussed (basically don’t do it… do a deep discount but never for free, you’re devaluing your time and work) So come back, it’ll be an interesting read.

Until tomorrow, THANK YOU for visiting my blog. I ♥ and appreciate you, your “likes” and your comments!

xo

{image via style me pretty}

Meet Brittney and Kevin, this year’s adorable couple for The Not Wedding. We had such a great time doing this retro themed engagement shoot. I had a feeling it was going to be one of my favorite shoots to date, so when I received the photos, I was thrilled to be right. In fact, I was so excited that I might have let out a loud squeal which was followed by a little happy dance in my chair. Yes, I’m a little nerdy, but when I get excited it just comes out!

Lets talk about everyone involved in making this shoot possible. Natale Bray and her husband, the amazing team of photographers, captured every detail to perfection. Their level of talent is rare and something that you don’t run across very often. The team of coordinators from Couture Events were amazing– as usual– executing every single detail to make the shoot perfect. The location, the props, the theme, and every detail down to the timeline of the shoot is all thanks to them. Krystel (the owner and lead coordinator) continues to blow me away with her creativity and passion on every project that she works on. Hair was done by Andrea Duggan and was simply perfection, as was the stylist who brought in the amazing wardrobe and styled the couple from head to toe. The beautiful flowers were by Ashley Elizabethae and the darling little deserts are thanks to The Sunday Sweet. This was truly a dream team. Enjoy these lovely and inspired photos of two people, madly and utterly in love. . .

This is one of my favorites . . .

And these two . . . I only wish I could make them bigger, the makeup colors really pop and the coral lipstick is my favorite ♥

I can’t wait for The Not Wedding on March 27th. It promises to be an unforgettable night full of beauty, glamour, sophistication, fun and above all else… a celebration of love. Get your tickets now, space is limited! This is an event that every engaged couple should attend. Read all about it and get the full scoop on www.thenotwedding.com. I am honored to be the makeup artist chosen for this prestigious event and can not wait to meet everyone in attendance. Please stop by my table and say hello, I want to meet you! I will have packets of information full of details to help you take care of all of your beauty needs, as well as some VERY special packages and pricing that is only available to those in attendance. I look forward to seeing you there!

Don’t miss the behind the scene photos HERE ♥

Photography: http://www.nataliebray.com
Coordination & Styling: http://www.coutureEventsSD.com
Floral: http://www.ashleyelizabethae.com
Paper products: http://www.dearlolaletterpress.com
Make up: ME! 🙂 Katy Davis http://www.couturemakeup.com
Hair Stylist: Andrea Duggan http://www.thelabAsalon.com
Dessert: http://www.thesundaysweet.com

{All images from Natalie Bray’s Blog, click HERE for even more!!}

Hello there, how are you on this windy and rainy Sunday? I want to cuddle up under blankets by a fire and watch movies, while eating sweets and drinking hot chocolate, until I fall into a deep sugar induced coma. Unfortunately, my day will consist of other activities that are much less glamorous, such as taxes, laundry and bills. Perhaps I can find a middle ground… light a few candles and make a hot cup of tea while doing my chores. 🙂 I hope your day is filled with beauty and that the end of your weekend is relaxing.

Until tomorrow,
Katy xo

{images via tumbler}

I am ready for summer. I suddenly feel a compelling need to stash away all of the heavy winter things and throw open all of the windows . . . Say hello to Spring with romantic and happy shades of pink. I am truly obsessed with the pink sequin modern mini (shown below) and all of Chanel’s new Spring collection. Welcome to the first day of March! xo

{images via my girly side tumbler}