Friday, May 30, 2008

Lavender Fields...



I couldn't wait to be part of Aubrey's wedding, from the moment I met her at the trial, I knew she would have a beautiful wedding. She was so detailed oriented and gave me all the elements I needed to create the perfect look to compliment her style. The moment she told me her wedding would take place in the beautiful lavender fields of Bear Flag Farm, I knew I had to do something "Rustic" yet sophisticated enough for her elegant dress.

On the wedding day I surprised Aubrey by letting her know I was going to make some changes and she reluctantly said "Ok, Maria I trust you", I knew she was already happy with the trial results, but after studying her trial pictures very carefully, I decided to make a few changes to improve my design and the final result was amazing! Thanks Aubrey for trusting me!

Aubrey was double blessed by having Gene Higa and Ann Hamilton as her photographers, I couldn't believe she was so lucky as to get these two award winning companies team up for her day. Aubrey must have great Karma!


Thursday, May 29, 2008

Introducing Couture Boudoir




Introducing Jennifer Skog & PMA latest release "Couture Boudoir"...
More details to come... Clues? How about: "High Fashion"... "Star treatment"... "Ultimate Sensual Luxury"...

We will do the unveiling of this exclusive service very soon... Stay tuned!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Diane's Review...

Photo by Lito Sy

I know I would have regretted it if I didn't hire Maria for my wedding. She's AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! I am truly amazed with this woman. She knows what I want and what will look good on me, even before I realize it. It's unbelievable!

During the trial, I showed Maria pictures from magazines that I like, but I wasn't sure if the "look" suited my features. She listened to me and suggested ideas on what she thought would look great. She was really committed to creating the perfect wedding look for me. I felt that she truly cared. Maria's suggestions turned out better than what I had in mind (or what I initially wanted).

On the day of the wedding, I completely trusted Maria to do her magic and I never looked and felt my best! My family and friends were all complimenting my hair and makeup that day. I was soo happy with how they turned out, both in person and in ALL my wedding photos.

Maria's extra services make her stand out even more from the rest. Here are some of the things she did for me:

- stayed with me until after our post-ceremony photos for touch-ups and to make sure that my hair was not being messed up with my veils (i had two - one drop veil and one long veil at the back)
- carried and took care of my super long 10ft train and my even longer veil
- hairsprayed my dad's messy hair- made sure my groom is oil-free during the post-ceremony photos
- taught me how to hold my bouquet while walking down the aisle - taught my parents how to lift my veil before handing me to groom
- helped gather people during the formal post-ceremony pictures
- assisted my photographer in getting great photos- gave medication to my maid of honor since Maria noticed that her skin is turning red with the dress beads scraping against her skin - took care of me the whole time and was there if I needed anything like water, etc.

She has done so much and I can't stop raving about her. She's amazing and exceptional in what she does, yet is very down-to-earth, accomodating and a true professional. She definitely played a huge role in making my day special. I'll always be thankful. As my husband would say, "What will we do without Maria?"

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Soroptimist International - Making a Difference for Women Award

Yesterday I attended the annual Soroptimist International Award Dinner, this is an amazing worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. The first Soroptimist club was founded in Oakland, California, in 1921, through to the present day where over 3000 clubs are flourishing throughout the world, Soroptimists have continued to strive to achieve 'the best for women' in every sphere of their lives.

To my surprise, I was presented with an award for participating in Project SMILE, the project consisted of doing hair & makeup and a photo shoot for victims of domestic violence and their children with the hope that they have a better outlook for their new life; not to mention to give them a day of pampering that is well deserved. The project was created in collaboration with the Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence organization. Their HomeSafe transitional housing is amazing - it allows those women and children who've escaped abusers to rebuild their lives in a supportive group environment.
The award recipients and participants of this project were my colleagues: Rhee Bevere, Jeanne DePolo, Tanja Lippert, Shannon Montez, Chyna Denner, Kim Sayre, Angela Banchi, Karen Rusten, Kristen Calderaro, Teresa Garcia, Sarah Pena, Sarah Hyde, Farzana Farzam, Monina Wright, Tia Gavin, Jennifer Sturken, Gigi Moss, and my dear cousin and PMA assistant extraordinaire Tania Ortega.

I am deeply touched and humbled by this award, I truly feel I didn't do enough to deserve it, but it did motivate me to continue volunteering to improve the lives of other women.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Featured Trial Session: Jenny

"Natural"" Glamour"
Click Here for Jenny's engagement pictures by Jennifer Skog After Jenny's trial with me she rushed to SF
for an engagement photo session with Jennifer Skog
(I changed her hair & makeup of course)

Featured Trial Session: Jennifer

*Click on pictures to enlarge*


Out of respect & consideration to our clients;
we do not show before pictures

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Helena's Mom Review...


When my daughter, Helena, told me she wanted to employ the services of one who could not only do her hair for her special day, but also her makeup, my initial reaction was, yes--I understand the hair, but no, I think the makeup is really excessive. Fortunately, her will prevailed.

My daughter never looked so beautiful. I was stunned when I saw her walking toward her groom, Andy. I had left Helena to Maria for all the preparations that morning, so I really didn't know what to expect. What I saw was a young woman whose natural beauty was enhanced--not artificially, but subtly. Her hair was softly curled and flowing, with part of it swept up; Helena looked somehow regal yet radiantly accessible, like a girl yet like a woman. I started smiling and just couldn't stop--this gorgeous creature was my daughter! Maria had used her makeup artistry most expertly to highlight two of Helena's best features, her fair skin and her large blue eyes.

Maria, however, did much more. She was quite simply a part of the wedding party with her quiet charm. She saw even the smallest of details. For example, during the photograph sessions, she darted in and straightened my pendant, which has a habit of sitting sideways. She unobtrusively assisted Helena with her train, her veil, her flowers--and she even dabbed her eyes for her when Helena had no hands to spare.

Maria, furthermore, behaves like one who really LOVES what she does. Throughout the day, I felt that we were the only people on her mind. She was quietly professional yet personable, helpful yet not intrusive. This on top of absolutely amazing work.
Moms, if you are debating on whether you should pay the money for Maria's expertise, I tell you with great conviction that you will come away feeling as I did--it was worth every penny and then some. I am looking at a photo of my daughter as I write this. Yes, it was worth it. Cut back on the flowers, select more modest food offerings, but get this young woman to do your daughter's hair and makeup. Every time you look at the wedding photos, you will be grateful.

Ines Eishen, a Texas mom

Friday, May 2, 2008

Featured Trial Session: Andrea

*Click on pictures to enlarge*
Out of respect & consideration to our clients;
we do not show before pictures