Cynthia Sally, Makeup and Hair Artistry Expert

csally_bioshot

Website: http://blendbeautystudio.com http://www.cynthiasally.com
Cynthia Sally is an award winning makeup artist that has been in the industry for over 10 years. She is the proud owner of Cynthia Sally Makeup and Hair Artistry, now renamed Blend Beauty,  in Chicago, Illinois. Her team focuses on helping make women look and feel like the best version of themselves. Cynthia Sally specializes in bridal beauty but also does work for runway shows, films and high fashion photoshoots.

Cynthia’s obsession with makeup began at a very young age. Her mother would find her giving her older sisters makeovers and recreating makeup looks through drawings of Betty & Veronica from the Archie comic books. She began doing makeup for all of her school plays from Junior High to High School. After High School, Cynthia decided to follow her passion all the way to Los Angeles to attend the well-known makeup academy, Makeup Designory. There she was trained in all things make up including airbrush, beauty, character and special effects makeup.

Cynthia’s professional portfolio includes working as a makeup artist for numerous premier beauty lines, as well as functioning as the Key Makeup Artist for both Fight Chix clothing company and Grund. Her makeup artistry has been featured in publications, blogs and wedding websites. She has also contributed as a beauty expert on EndlessBeauty.com. Cynthia currently reviews new beauty products, gives tips, and makeup advice as the Chicago Beauty Products Examiner for Examiner.com.

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Ellenna & Jon’s Big City Wedding

Jon and Ellenna’s Chicago wedding was the perfect mix of modern meets garden elegance. The wedding was full of beautiful details from the edgy succulents added to bouquets to the Chicago skyline design. It is obvious that the couple sought out great vendors to help create the wedding of their dreams.

real wedding photography

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

bridal portraits

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

unique wedding portraits

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

wedding photography

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

outdoor ceremony

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

green wedding details

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

bridal photography

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

white bridesmaid bouquets

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

wedding photos

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

bridal party

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

cool bridal party photos

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

wedding venue

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

beautiful wedding venue

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

escort cards

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

wedding decor

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

candle centerpieces

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

big wedding cake

Photo Credit: Jai Girard Photography

Vendors
Décor Design and Planning: Lauren Housley; Ryan Alexander Events,Inc.
Onsite Hair and Makeup: Blend Beauty
Invitations and Coordination Paper Goods: Be U Brides
Photography: Jai Girard Photography
Videographer: Tom Hartmann of Blink of an Eye Productions
Photobooth: Shutterbooth
Rentals: BBJ Linen
Band: Ken Arlen’s Front of House
Cake: Bittersweet
Gelato Bar: Black Dog Gelato
Lighting: Frost
Floral: Greenleaf Floral
Minister: Rev. Brandyn Simmons
Ceremony and Reception Location: Olympia Fields Country Club

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Filed under: Guest Experts, Weddings

Amy & TJ’s Rock Star Wedding

Amy & TJ’s wedding was nothing short of fabulous!  TJ is in the music industry so of course they had to throw a rock star wedding…and that they did.  Their place cards were made to look like concert tickets, the guests found their way to their tables named after the couples favorite bands…after getting through the paparazzi of course.  They also gave all of their closest family and bridal party All Access passes.  This was a wedding not to be missed!

purple wedding details

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

bride getting ready

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

bride and bridesmaids

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

umbrella wedding pictures

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

rock star theme wedding

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

wedding party pictures

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

wedding details decor

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

fun wedding details

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

Photo Credit: Redwall Photo

Vendors
Photographer: Redwall Photo
Makeup: Maris of Blend Beauty
Placecard & Logo Design: Kio Kreations
Reception: Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, IL

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Beauty Must Have: Your Wedding Day Survival Kit

You’ve been preparing for your big day for months, now you have to be sure you are prepared ON the big day!  All brides need a survival kit so here are your 10 beauty must haves.  Leave your kit in your bridal room or give it to your MOH to hang onto just in case!

1. First and foremost is fashion tape.  Trust me, no wedding planner leaves home without it.  It can fix a ripped hem in a jiffy or if you have a bridesmaid that is constantly doing the strapless dress shimmy to cover her chest, this would also be perfect for her.  Plus, look at this darling tin it comes in!

wedding tips

Photo Credit: RiteAid.com

2. You should have a mini/travel size hairspray for when your dance moves are more than your hair can handle.

wedding beauty

Photo Credit: Shampooline.com

3. While you are getting your hair done, ask your hair stylist to give you a dozen hair pins just in case.

4. Blotting papers will take away shine without adding un-needed makeup.  They will soak up oil so you can still look great in pictures at the end of the night.  Don’t be afraid to use them on your groom too!

wedding beauty tips

Photo Credit: CherryCulture.com

5. Kissing your groom and kissing the cheeks of your guests will take that color right off your lips.  Be sure you have your lipgloss or lipstick handy.

bridal beauty tips

Photo Credit: TheGloss.com

6. Dental Floss will be your best friend after your meal.  Keep that smile shining!

7. Find a purse size perfume.  You’ll need a little spritz at the reception, by that time, the perfume you put on before you said “I Do” will be wearing off.

wedding makeup

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

8. Tears may be falling so be prepared with some tissues.  Etsy has a lot of options for tissue holders that come in all different colors and patterns so you can coordinate it with your wedding colors!

bridal tissues

Photo Credit: EdwardandLilly Etsy Shop

9. Eye drops will come in handy if you know you are going to cry to give your eyes a pick me up.

10. A compact mirror is a must!

bridal compact mirror

Photo Credit: ByMiMi Etsy Shop

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On The Runway – Bridesmaids 2011

Jenny Yoo and Romona Keveza are my favorite bridal designers.  They are always fashion forward and have sleek, elegant and simple designs for any wedding.  The trends for 2011 include asymmetrical designs, bold colors and texture – lots of it.

Here are some designs for Spring and Fall 2011, straight off the runway.

Romona Keveza designs have just the right balance of movement and texture, gorgeous fabrics and a rich color palette.

short bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

blue bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

2011 bridesmaid dresses

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

short pink bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

cream bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

short black bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

black and white bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

Jenny Yoo’s 2011 collection is full of bright, simple, flowing designs that will look great on any shape.

green bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

jenny yoo bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

orange bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

long red bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

turquoise bridesmaid dress

Photo Credit: Marthastewartweddings.com, firstVIEW

The best thing about any of these dresses is you KNOW your bridesmaids will wear them again, and maybe you can even borrow one too!

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Cover Up Your Shoulders, Unleash Your Style

Even if you are not getting married in a cold weather month, a shrug can cover your shoulders but also add a little bit of spice into your wedding ensemble.  It is the perfect accessory for a photo opp.  Shrugs, bolero’s or Victorian ruffle shrugs (call them what you wish!) will not keep you extremely warm but they are a super cute accessory.  Shrugs are essentially short sleeved jackets.  If you want to add a little color (perfect for matching your cute pair of colored shoes!) or some texture (lace, anyone?), your options are endless in the Etsy world and there are many price ranges to fit any budget.

Available at folksy.com (UK), this adorable shrug has a great balance of pearls, ruffles and satin.

wedding shrug

Photo Credit: folksy.com

Lace Details

wedding fashion

Photo Credit: BONZIE

Perfect for a winter wedding!

fur wedding shrug

Photo Credit: Alexbridal

Add some color to your wardrobe!

blue wedding shrug

Photo Credit: www.gabriellefoxphotography.com

gold wedding shrug

Photo Credit: maryandangelika

yellow bolero

Photo Credit: BONZIE

Match your new hubby in black

black wedding shrug

Photo Credit: BONZIE

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