Movie Me - A D.I.Y. Wedding Video Seminar

An opportunity to educate yourself in producing your own movies.

Movie Me is a do-it-yourself seminar that will show you not only how to film your wedding and or everyday there after events as well as how to edit your film.

Sunday, March 22, 2009 from 1 - 5p at The Julia Morgan Ballroom

For more information on this seminar take a peek at their website. Movie Me

While on the site, don't forget to register for the opportunity to win a Flip Ultra Video Camera.

Freedom To Marry!

Freedom To Marry!

The events goal was to raise awareness and raise funds for Equality California. 

Equality California is working hard in the fight to create equality for all lesbian, gay , bisexual and the transgender (LGBT) community. 

The fundraising event took place at Amy Kuschel Bride in San Francisco. 

Amy Kuschel Bride showcased their 2009 Couture Wedding gowns.

The models were styled by my friend Maria Chang from Professional Make-Up Artistry.

It was a night filled with cocktails, small bites by Joshua Charles Catering and music by DJ Dave Tutton.  The short rib bites were so tasty!

One of the nights highlights was the raffle and the prizes were everything from Couture Jewelry by my friend Dilek Sezen to a years membership to Crunch Gym which I really wanted and was ready to fight John Woods from Enhanced Lighting and Sound for. It made me feel better when John said he would have given me the membership. What does that mean John? 

For more information on Equality California please visit the site. I hope visiting the site inspires you to join the fight for equal rights. 

Non-Blogger doing Jail Time

At a party last night I was bashed for being a non-blogger. I found out that I was manually removed from a prestigious group of wedding bloggers.

I've always found that blogging doesn't come easy for me. I guess it's because I talk all day. So when I actually get home at night to recap the day's events--such as a dramatic make-over that took me 3 hours, a new dining experience or some fantastic new dessert that nearly floored me because it looked like the others but the taste was out of this world--I mean who wants to hear all about my day every day?

Today I'm going to try something different. Instead of chatting on my phone all day about this and that, I'm going to attempt to think back on the past week and try blogging about it. My last blog post was about The Wedding University. This shouldn't be too hard, right? I actually had a very busy week.

The Wedding University

What a great turn out! A day of elegance and education. My day started with a 5 a.m. wake-up call so that I could be ready for model call.

I started the morning with the Deans of The Wedding University, Jean Marks from Jean Marks Weddings and Jubilee Lau from Jubilee Lau Events. At about 8:00 a.m. the models started arriving for hair and make-up.

I had some great help from my assistant Joey, who helped make the whole day run smoothly.

So, the morning was the easy part.

Later that afternoon after all the other class rooms were coming to an end my butterflies started. The thought of getting in front of an entire class and chatting about hair and make-up whoa! way beyond my expertise so, I thought. I actually had a great time up there once it all began and I told the crowd that I was a little shy... I worked my way around the models explaining some of the looks, chatting about using fresh flowers and replacing them with clay flowers and or silk or feathers, taking some questions from the crowd and passing off the mic to one of my upcoming brides. It was so easy. I guess since my heart was about to jump out of my chest I totally forgot that I was going to do an up-do demonstration in front of the crowd. So, I asked for a volunteer from the audience and I was totally overwhelmed with hands up in the crowd that I couldn't choose. I then passed on the choosing of a bride to Kelly, Director of Marketing, at The Four Seasons Palo Alto. I have to say I was a little challenged in styling the chosen bride as I didn't have time to prep the hair as I would during a first session or wedding day. (To the Bride to be, I owe you one!)

Fabulous photos by Stacie Tamaki

For me, The Wedding University was a success. It was my first lesson in public speaking and it wasn't so bad...

For the attendees of The Wedding University, don't forget to take advantage of the special offer. $100 off your first session and the bonus offer book by March 15th and keep me for the day.

A Special Thanks to Gabrielle's Bridal for Exquisite Gowns Fresh Flowers from Nancy Liu Chin and the handmade clay flowers DK Designs.

Magical Powders and False Eyelashes

A word from a bride...

hair and make-up duncery

The Chef behind the bag of treats...

Last Tuesday morning I stopped over at my friend Stacie's to catch up... The timing was perfect. The night before Stacie had stopped at Citizen Cake, which meant that she was still loaded with yummy treats. 

I got to taste the S'more Brownie and I have to say I knew what I was getting into and I wasn't shy when I took a nice big chunk for myself.

Last night, I was over a friends house for some Holiday Cheer and one of the guests at the Party was Elizabeth Falkner. So, I couldn't help but tell her about my friend Stacie who walked out with 2 shopping bags filled with her desserts.  

I had to ask Elizabeth  for a picture of the two of us,  for Stacie of course...

Corrine Okada

Plans on Saturday???

Check out the fashions on Corinne Okada, Colleen Quen  and of course hair by get your DO up! at the De Young.

The Wedding University

Coming February 8th 2009.

Four Seasons Palo Alto

Splendora Style Forecast

Splendora Fall Make-up Trends 08

Check out my Fall 2008 Make-up Trends

It's In the Cards!

Hey! More great news about my new get your DO up! bobbi-pin business card. My new card has just been featured in "Better Business" section of the July 2008 issue of American Salon Magazine.

I was already so thrilled when my peers were wearing my cards in their hair at a wedding industry networking event (see my February Blog) and now they're featured in on of the most renowned  salon industry magazines.

I knew I needed new cards this year. Cards that not only stood out but more importantly were not thrown out!  I wanted my cards to be memorable. A new way to market my wedding day hair and make-up services. Inspiration struck while I was at a drugstore one day picking up a few things. I saw some bobbi-pins on a piece of cardboard that inspired my idea: business cards with a purpose. Ever dig around the bottom of your purse looking for a bobbi-pin? Well don't start now.  My get your DO up! business card comes with 8 bobbi-pins so that you can pin back your bangs or swing your hair up for a night out on the town. 

I am offering my cards to brides a card with bobbi-pins in black, bronze or silver for their Wedding Day ER kit on www.theflirtyguide.com

business card photo credit: Geoff White Photographers

Why is John Always Dancing???

Wednesday Night Entertainment at Santana Row

Stay Tuned for his next appearance.

Bridal Hair at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

I have some really great news to share with all of you!

As all of you know, The Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay is one of the premier wedding venues in Northern California. Well how's this for exciting? A hotel that represents the best has asked me to be their preferred bridal specialist. They said it wasn't just the quality of my work, but my passion for working with brides that convinced them I was the right person to turn to when it comes to recommending a bridal hair specialist to their clients.

So this summer if you call me and I'm not at home on the weekends? Chances are I'll be over in Half Moon Bay, creating my signature gyDOu updos.

That sounds so posh doesn't it? I'll be spending my weekends at the Ritz. Sure it's business but I have a sneaky feeling after I'm done working I'll be spending a few Saturday nights there as well, enjoying the amenities visiting their spa and having some great dinners when I need a little "me" time.

If you're a bride and want a beautiful oceanfront wedding in a classic gazebo... Be sure to check out the The Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay. Your guests will love the hotel also has it's own golf course and just down the highway there are plenty of quaint restaurants and cute shops they can peruse over a weekend stay. They're also 40 minutes from San Francisco and with a magnificent coastal drive down HWY 1 they can also visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey Bay Aquarium or go take the 17 Mile Drive in Carmel.

The Original “get your Do up!” Bobbi Pin Business Card

Photo by: Geoff White Photgraphy

The Original “get your Do up!” Bobbi Pin Business Card

With the recent re-launch of my new website I needed a new business card to go with it. But what to do? I didn’t want a typical card. I wanted something different and distinctive.

While brain storming I went out shopping for elastics for my wedding kit and came across some bobbi pins for sale on paper cards. Inspiration struck! There in front of me was my new business card concept! I would design a card that would also be an accessory. Eye catching cards that would look great, include all of my contact info by using the front and back, and be useful to my clients and potential clients all at the same time.

Since their introduction they have become an industrywide hit. At the last event I attended guests were wearing my cards in their hair. I had to make a trip back out to my car for more cards as I gave away over 80 cards in 3 hours. In the past at a typical event I’d give out 7 to 12 business cards. However, at the last Martini Madness I had people coming over to me introducing who they brought over and were saying you have to meet Armando and get one of his cards.

Stylish, memorable and very unique. The original, “get your Do up!,” Bobbi Pin, Business Card by Armando

At a recent Martini Madness event my new business cards became the latest in hair accessories.

Photo by: Andrew Hsu

Hula Ha Ha

Hula Halau Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu presents

A Hula Intramural competition between three of the hula classes including soloists and several comedy themed Hula Ha Ha Performances.

The event was a benefit for the hula class of 2002's Huaka'i. The class will travel to O'ahu, Hawai'i in April.

A huaka'i is a learning trip that includes participating in customary Hawaiian rituals, visiting an ancient stone temple, learning new hula dances, working in taro patches, and visits with descendents of royal Hawaiians and historians of Hawaiian culture.

Wiggin Out! Yong's Fashion Wigs

Whether you're in need of a disguise or just looking to change your look for an evening out. Become a blonde, brunette or a flaming red head. Check out Yong's Fashion Wigs Located at 25 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 275-9747