Not only did we photograph many beautiful events in Austin, throughout the year we were also photographing in some new and exciting places. The year started with a romantic elopement in Hawaii. We are always happy to return to Maui, it holds a special place in our hearts. Then in March we visited Ireland and experienced the Cliffs of Moher and the windy back country roadways. The golden sands and aqua Atlantic beach of Miami were beautiful. We found friendly faces in downtown New York City and photographed under the blooming Cherry blossom trees in Bryant Park. The majestic Alaskan sky and mountains stretched on forever, and we happily took some extra time to take it all in. We found Colorado was a gold mine for beautiful scenery. To complete our 2011 travels we soaked up the sun in Aruba while photographing an intimate beachfront ceremony.

This post is part I of III in our “Looking back on 2011″. This year was filled with many amazing photo shoots and it was impossible for us to narrow down the number of images to just one post. We cannot wait for 2012 and we are thrilled to see how amazing this new year will be. Our calendar is quickly filling up with new amazing couples that we know are going to rock 2012! This post marks the end of a wonderful year and the beginning of a new year filled with creativity, love and adventure.

Happy New Year!! We wish you all the very best life can bring. 2012 here we come!

So again Happy Thanksgiving to you all !!! We hope you all  have safe travels, and we will see you after the Holiday .

I know sometimes that flowers can get overlooked, maybe your venue is already lush and beautiful or maybe you just don’t think it is that important. I am here to tell you it is crucial! It helps define your wedding, and helps it stand out from all the others, it in a way brings out your personalities. I know that sounds silly maybe, but as photographers, we LOVE florists! I wanted to just give you all a sneak peak of the simple yet romantic florals that were at our past wedding, from Posey Floral. Hopefully it gets you all inspired for your big day!

Sharon you deserve all the happiness life can bring! We cannot wait to see you and Ivan Marry each other!! Love you!

Vendors:

Styling, planning & event coordination: Eventology Weddings
Venue: Recollection Vintage
Floral: Special Arrangements
Chiavari chairs: Aztec Events & Tents
Invitations: Handmade Collective
Tablecloths: Over the Top Linens
Catering: GranMere’s Catering
Cake: Cakes by Julie Moncrief
Fabric Garland: Etsy
Fabric Bunting: Etsy

“Why should you hire a professional makeup artist?
You may know plenty of tips and tricks to apply your makeup for everyday wear, but you’ll find that hiring a pro makeup artist is critical part of your wedding or portrait session!
It takes an artful eye to see the beauty and potential in each face. A pro artist is not only trained to apply flawless, enduring makeup, they are also skilled in the art of making you feel at ease in every aspect of the process from detailed wedding day timelines to working with you to create a stunning makeup style that will transcend time.
A pro also understands how many different factors can effect your look. For example, makeup for photography is entirely different from everyday makeup. How many times have you seen a bride that just didn’t look quite right in her photos? Maybe her skin was uneven or shiny or her eyes didn’t quite have that ‘pop’. More than likely, the person who did her makeup did not understand how to apply makeup suitable for photography. A pro will know all this and in addition they’ll take into account the location and lighting (studio or outdoor, summer or winter etc.) where your photos will be taken.
Your makeup bag very unlike a pro’s kit. Professional makeup artists know what products to use, where to use them and in what intensity to ensure you look good face to face, as well as in your pictures. They use a wide range of products from vastly different lines to achieve a flawless look. Most products are waterproof and many are suitable for HD film/TV, that means they will last throughout your entire day while still looking and feeling incredibly natural.
Education and experience are also a key factors. A professional makeup artist has training exclusively in the art of makeup (through a makeup artistry school and/or an internships under other pros) and will have years of experience in the field. Simply because one is a licensed cosmetologist, doesn’t mean one is fully trained in makeup application (most cosmetology schools don’t offer much makeup training) or has the experience necessary to provide a perfect application every time.
It’s good to have an expert opinion on a day that can be so exciting and emotional. You may be too nervous to apply your makeup properly within the tight time frame of a wedding or portrait session. A pro will take more time and be more purposeful in applying makeup than you would at home; they will come to your location, be punctual and efficient and ensure you are ready for your photos with time to spare. Talk about a stress free environment!
To sum it up, I like this analogy to bring my point home; behind every beautiful movie star, singer or model, there is a talented and experienced makeup artist working hard to ensure they look great in every picture that is taken. Your wedding or portrait session is your mini celebrity moment and you should look and feel as amazing as those stars. Hiring a pro makeup artist is one way to guarantee that!”

About Maris:
“Every day I thank my lucky stars that I am fortunate enough to do something I absolutely love for a living! My passion lies in creating unique and distinctive looks for my clients by emphasizing the natural beauty in each individual face. Finding the perfect makeup style for my clients, whether the event calls for simply natural or elaborately dramatic, is always my first priority.
My love of makeup started as a teen and was intensified by my studies at Complections International School of Makeup Artistry. My career now spans over 8 years specializing in Beauty, Bridal, Airbrush and Editorial Print Makeup and my approach to makeup is always stunning, flawless, yet achievable beauty.
Based in Austin, TX, my work has appeared in Austin Monthly, Austin Wedding Day, Tribeza, Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine Under the Radar and Hairdressers Journal to name a few.”
www.marismalonecalderon.com