Of course everyone is discussing Kim Kardashian's wedding to basketball player Kris Humphries. I can't wait to see the extra footage. The Kardashians show is my guilty pleasure. I just LOVE the way they look. and dress. My boyfriend can't stand that I watch it but I like to remind him that I would honestly happily watch it on mute- just to LOOK at them. Gorgeous girls!
http://www.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=3676

Michelle is my super star bride this year with TWO weddings! That's right folks- Michelle and Kunal embraced both their families cultural traditions by having an Indian and a Catholic ceremony!
The Indian ceremony was August 13th and instantly made Michelle my most inspiring bride yet! I am just in LOVE with all the stories, meanings and imagery. Did I mention the COLORS! OMG. I took a few snapshots of her dress, mehndi and makeup but I can't wait to see the official pictures from J+N imagery www.jnimagery.com
Her other wedding will be in October so stay tuned!

For the most part we always recommend that you have two artists- one for hair and one for makeup. There are several reasons why. Most importantly it has to do with timing. We have the hair and makeup routine of a bridal party down to a science. There are a lot of things that can change how that timing goes and having only one artist do both things is an easy way to become derailed. Two artists just provides more focus to get their creative juices flowing!
Of course there are always exceptions to this rule! This weekend Sara attended a wedding in Ohio where she did both the hair AND makeup for the bridal party. GO Sara! Stephanie's look turned out perfect- our very favorite: soft romantic makeup and hair. More pictures to come soon!

Ok so this weekend I had the pleasure of doing makeup for the beautiful Michelle for her mehndi ceremony Friday and her wedding Saturday! You will see lots of pictures of the beautiful Michelle and her bridal makeup because she and her lucky hubby are having a second Catholic ceremony in October as well.
Michelle had her hands and feet done on Thursday so that on Friday as all her girl friends had their mehndi done she could interact with the group and have fun. When I arrived Friday I immediately fell in love with the detail in these temporary works of art. I want to learn how to do this! What I fun tradition to celebrate your union. So amazing! I look forward to sharing more photos of Michelle and her amazing weddings.

Aliright ladies! I NEED to know something from you: Do you buy a different fragrance for special occasions? OR do you wear a certain fragrance for special occasions? For instance- brides are you going to get a special wedding day fragrance outside of one that you currently already wear? Or are you going to wear your stndby fav?
Fragrance has such a strong connection to memories and emotions. Some say it is one of THE strongest memory triggers http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/articles/intelligenceandmemory/nostalgicsmells.shtml

Either way I am dying to know what makes you change your fragrance (or not). Tell me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/prettywindycity

I am a super product junkie and here is my new FAVORITE body cream!
http://www.fresh.com/bodycare/bodycare-seaberry/seaberry-restorative-body-cream-240ml
It just melts into your skin and leaves ZERO residue. LOVE LOVE LOVE. It smells yummy and feels great. So light and smooth- even fabulous for summer time. I just had to share.
xo- Julia

Do you change your routine for summer time? Go for waterproof melt proof makeup? Do you wear less products? Or no changes at all?
That's one of the reason why we love to airbrush so much! Airbrush makeup withstands the weather no matter what! You literally sweat through it rather than having the heat and humidity ruin it. <3
Tell us how your routine changes from summer to winter on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/prettywindycity

The person in the bridal party often most concerned with their appearance is the mother. Whether it's the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom, moms often feel like there are lots of eyes on them too.
It's hard to age gracefully as a woman in this society. There are a lot of pressures to look unnaturally younger. When it comes to your child's wedding the last thing you want is to look unnatural. There are so many ways to enhance your natural radiance at any age. At Pretty Windy City we believe that everyone should look like the most glamourous radiant version of themselves.
Mothers- we are here to helf make you feel great on her day too!

One of the things we are often asked for with bridal parties is tattoo coverage. Whether it's the bride herself or just for the sake of gramma tattoos are often hidden on the big day.
Tattoo coverage is definitely challenging but something we have perfected here at Pretty Windy City. Ever wonder how actors have consistent tattoos (or lack there of) throughout a movie? AIRBRUSH! In addition to wearing perfectly for the course of a long hot day, we have a different makeup formula designed to last for possibly days on end and cover up whatever needs covering. Take a look at this wrist tattoo of Gina's. This photo is from her trial. We covered it for her wedding with no transfer onto her dress. Let us know when booking if there is anyone wanting tattoo coverage so we can ensure to give ample time.

Nikki kicked off wedding season for Pretty Windy City. Her gorgeous wedding was over Memorial Day weekend. Julia did the makeup for Nikki, her mom, and the bridal party. Sara did their hair. Thanks to her wonderful photographers Gerber + Scarpelli at www.gerberscarpelliweddings.com
Look for Nikki in the newly created bridal photo gallery in Julia's portfolio as well as some additional photos in Sara's gallery.
And look at that DRESS!!! UGH- to die for!