The following is a paid review:

Yasiv Marin is a makeup artist located in Vancouver, BC. What young girl doesn’t fall in love with the idea of using makeup? Yasiv did – at a very young age, “I was just a little 8 year old girl when I began paying close attention to when my beautiful aunt was dolling herself up with makeup. My aunt owned so much makeup than I had ever seen and so I thought “Someday I’ll have just as much make-up as her so I can be just as beautiful”. Little did I know, I would end up owning a lot more makeup than most girls.”

Yasiv says “Make-up is magical. It transforms every woman into feeling and looking their absolute best. It really is amazing what it does to you! The trick is knowing what colors look best on you, where and how to apply color, and that’s what I’m here for.”

I can certainly attest to the wonders of makeup – - I won’t leave home without it! At my wedding, I had a makeup artist do mine, and my bridesmaids – - that was just so cool! On that special day, the last thing you want to worry about is applying your makeup perfectly. Heck – my hands were to shaky on that day to be weilding a mascara wand! Having a professional on the spot there to do my makeup for me was actually a big relief!

Yasiv has some client testimonials on her website that show her own clients feel the same way — they’ve all had some pretty excellent experiences with her services.

A quick read through her blog at Yasiv Marin – Vancouver Makeup Artist will give you a glimpse into the person behind the brushes – and you may just pick up a few great tips along the way!

Yasiv has a beautiful portfolio of work – although, I would have loved to have seen some before and after shots – - particularly of brides on their special day. I have a few before and afters of myself and the transformation is phenomenal!

Yasiv’s rates are very reasonable – and her services cover Hair and Makeup for everything from Brides and Bridesmaids, Proms, Makeup Parties (does that NOT sound like fun?), and headshots.

Don’t let her Vancouver, BC location fool you – she is available for travel, both locally and internationally. (additional travel charges do apply).

Disclaimer: I have been paid to provide a review of Yasiv Marin – Vancouver Makeup Artist by the company owner. They do not require that I provide a positive review or make any other requirements for my review. This review does not go through an editorial process – I review ‘em as I see ‘em!

Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear – Though ostensibly a how-to manual on wedding gown construction, this magnificent book teaches all about advanced dressmaking skills, and its principles can be applied to creating many other types of haute-couture-style gowns. The very thorough text details all aspects of fabrics and construction: the unique characteristics of each type of fashion fabric, including extensive information on manipulating lace; preparing the muslin mockup (a necessary first step to ensure a perfect fit); adjusting the bodice, sleeves, and skirt and joining them all together; adding ornamentation; and handling bustles and trains. The final chapter presents all the specifics of making four gowns of different styles. The novice and even the advanced sewer will learn much here, and perhaps best of all, pattern-drafting experience is not required–the author works her transformations on purchased patterns. If you’re ambitious enough to make your own wedding gown, this book is absolutely essential, but even if you’re hiring someone else to custom-make your gown, you’ll find this an invaluable guide. And anyone pursuing a dressmaking career should have this important reference work on the shelf.

This book is fantastic, regardless of how much knowledge you have on the subject of sewing or textiles. Susan’s discussions of the various types of fabrics used in formal and bridal sewing will help novices speak knowledgeably about what they want. As a professional bridal seamstress with a background in costuming I was particularly impressed with the way the author emphasizes how a garment should “behave” and that she gives suggestions on fabrics to be used as linings and interlinings. How a dress is made on the inside is vitally important to how it looks on the outside, and this book will help novices understand why that is and help professionals to achieve it. This book is definitely a must have for anyone involved in making a wedding gown, whether you are a bride or a seamstress.

Essie Mini Wedding Polish Collection 4-pk – The ideal accessory, that all-important nail color. Four precious-as-platinum shades handpicked by Essie herself. Perfect for the any wedding, as beautiful hands are a must. 4-pk.