Vendor Spotlight: Eyes of Venus

When it comes to weddings, we love the artistry of decorating and designing a space.  However, most of your photos will feature the face of the beautiful bride.  That's why when it comes to bridal makeup, it's best to leave that task to a talented professional.  We sat down with Shera Griffin of Eyes of Venus Makeup to find out why brides and bridesmaids choose Eyes of Venus time and time again.

Shera Griffin

Q: How long have you been in this business?
A: Since February of 2011.

Q: Let's start at the beginning.  How did you get into this business?
A: I've always had a love for fashion and makeup but I grew up in a strict home.  The only time I was allowed to wear makeup was when I was in a talent show or something like that but my mother always wore lipstick.  I joined the military and while serving I always found myself doing my friends’ makeup.  When I left the military my friends encouraged me to go to school and at first I didn't want to do it but my husband got deployed so I decided to learn more about the artistry of makeup and skin care.

Q: What services do you provide?
A: Make-up artistry for all special occasions, proms, wedding parties, bridal consultations, I work on film and television and photo shoots as well.  I can create avant garde looks as well.  It all depends on what the client is looking for.

Q: Our clients who have worked with you have all been extremely pleased with your work.  Why do you think that is?
A: I don’t compare myself to others, I just try to do my best work.  So when a bride comes to me I really try to do my best.  I make sure she is comfortable with the look that she wants.  She has other things to think about, she shouldn't be worried about her makeup.  With me, she doesn’t have to worry about tearing up or touching her face.  I’m there for touch-ups and I make sure she is well taken care of.  I try to make sure she has a stress free day.

Q: What would you like brides to know about your services?
A: Don't be afraid to venture out.  You may be able to go out and get your makeup done cheaper by someone else but you have to really consider the quality of the work.

Q: We know all too well that all makeup artists are not the same.   What defines a great makeup artist?
A: Anyone can pick up a makeup brush and call themselves an artist but can they look at you and see your features and make your beauty stand out?  You have to make sure that that person will not only take care of your makeup but will also take care of your skin.


For instance, if you go to the makeup counter at a department store for a makeover, you have to spend at least $50 in products.  The people behind that counter are salespeople.  If someone comes up to buy something while they are doing your makeup, they have to stop working with you and sell to that customer.  They can't give you individualized attention.  Not that there's anything wrong with the people at a makeup counter, but for your wedding day, you need someone who is focused on you.  In my opinion, a bride deserves a more private and quiet setting to get her makeup done.  Those moments should be her time to relax and ease her mind and prepare herself mentally for her wedding ceremony.

When you come to me, I take care of you and your skin.  I give my clients advice on how to properly care for their skin because we all have different skin types, someone with dry skin will need a moisturizing foundation.  I tell them which products will work best for them and when they come back the next time, the difference is amazing.

For more information, visit the website: http://www.eyesofvenusmua.com or call Shera at (972)768-8119 to schedule an appointment.

Wedding Planning 101: 7 Reasons why you MUST hire a professional wedding DJ.

Often we meet with brides who have friends or family members who want to pitch in goods or services for their weddings. Our suggestion is usually to hire professionals for every service and allow your friends and family to be guests at your wedding but sometimes due to budget or time constraints, that simply can't be done. Sometimes, someone you know offers an exceptional creative job that can't be duplicated. We're always delighted when that happens. However, if there's one spot that simply has to be filled by a professional, it's the DJ. 

Photo credit: onewed.com

1. The DJ must understand the flow of a wedding reception.

Even a seasoned club DJ will feel out of his element at a wedding if he's not familiar with the flow of a wedding.  I can remember a wedding where the DJ played line dance music immediately following the couple's first dance, before dinner had been served.  Guests joined in on the dance floor and then had to be asked to return to their tables so we could serve dinner and begin the toasts.

2. The DJ should also serve as an MC for your reception.

Although we don't mind pitching in when needed, you hire us to coordinate your event, not entertain your guests.  However, when professional DJ's aren't involved, we find that we are often asked to double as MC's for the wedding - announcing the bridal party and special dances.  Professional DJ's invest in specialized vocal training and practice their performance.  You should trust these services to a professional speaker, not just anyone.

3. Your guests won't dance without an experienced DJ.
An experienced entertainer can read the crowd and knows exactly which songs to play to keep the party going.  Also if he/she can't "mix" from one song to the next there will be interruptions or "dead air" frustrating your guests and clearing the dance floor and ultimately your party.  If there's one thing that will cause your reception to end early, it's a bad DJ.  You should enjoy every minute of the time you've paid for.

4. They have to work with your other hired vendors.
A professional DJ will have an understanding of the perspective of your other hired professionals. They will know how to communicate to other vendors. Things often change at the last minute. Sometimes you communicate one thing to one vendor and not to another.  If your DJ does not communicate well with other vendors it could lead to special moments being missed at your reception.

5. An amateur DJ will not have backup equipment, which means that if something fails, you won't have music at your reception.
I can also recall a time when I was asked to fill in for the DJ by playing the music through an iPad. When one of the cords malfunctioned, there was nothing we could do.

6. The DJ impacts the mood of your guest for better or for worse.
A great DJ will interact with your guests, encouraging them to have a good time.  I have personally witnessed a well-meaning DJ say overly suggestive things to the crowd, ruining the mood.

7.  As with all non-professional vendors, amateur DJ's aren't professionally invested in your wedding.
If something goes wrong at your wedding, it won't matter to a DJ who's just doing it for fun.  A professional DJ's reputation is on the line.  Also, many amateur DJ's will not present you with a contract, leaving you with little recourse should things go wrong.

You invest so much time and money into your wedding day.  Don't take chances by hiring an amateur DJ.  Need a place to start?  Call us today 318-549-9663, we have a little black book of professional vendors to choose from.

Real Wedding: Dina and Melissa; A Love That Stands the Test of Time

This wedding had me at, "Hello!"  When I was contacted by Dina to help her plan her wedding celebration, I was thrilled for two reasons: 1) Same sex marriages haven't been legalized in Louisiana yet (Louisiana is always last in everything but seriously, guys, what's the hold up?!?!?) and 2) She told me she wanted to have a Medieval Themed Wedding.   Immediately, upon meeting her and seeing her genuine smile, I knew I HAD to help her.


If you were to spend any amount of time around Dina and her partner, Melissa, you would immediately see that these two are truly in love.  A ceremony and reception that pays homage to yesteryear, was quite appropriate, because it was easy to see the love between the two could stand the test of time.

The wedding was held at The Manor, in Shreveport, Louisiana.  The Tudor Style home was the perfect setting.  The couple had already been married in D.C. but wanted to celebrate with their family and friends. 

Staying true to theme we chose bold colors with varying shades of reds, burgundies, golds, and purples.  The flowers were natural arrangements of daisies, lilies, roses, ivy, and assorted flowers.  Guests were greeted by a town crier and invited to eat, drink, and be merry.  The guests were also given engraved chalices and tankards to drink from and invited to have their palms read as they entered.   

The ceremony, performed by the brides' mothers was held on the back porch of the house and with personal vows shared between the two, there was not a dry eye in the house. 

The reception was held under a tent where there was lots of dancing and fun to be had.  Dinner was served in stations featuring braised beef, herb roasted chicken, and Louisiana favorite shrimp and grits.  For dessert...let them eat cake, of course!  The brides chose two simply decorated cakes with branches intertwined between the two cakes to celebrate the union and the two families coming together.

Complete with fire dances, palm readings, stilt walkers, juggling, and belly dancers, it was an entertaining and memorable day.  However, the most captivating moments, were those between Dina, Melissa, and their family and friends which illustrated the overwhelming amount of love, acceptance, and support they all had for one another.  Here are just a few pictures from their wedding.

      

             

Dina and Melissa, 

I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness!  Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day!

Photography: Sheryl Finney Photography

Catering: Wine Country Bistro

Entertainment: Lotus Studio Dancers and Spinner Entertainment 

Cakes: My Pastry Chef

Flowers: Flower Power