This is one of the reasons of why I do what I do and it keeps me going. So a bit of a backstory first...
... A wonderful artist in NY that I know (www.edendibianco.com), was looking to have an artist do Minerva's makeup and hair for her engagement session. Although Chrissie [I will always call her Chrissie, ;) ] is doing Minnie's wedding makeup, but sadly she wasn't available for the E-session as that was scheduled at a later time. It was then that she took to her network of artists to help Minerva. As soon as I heard she needed help, I tried my best to accommodate. Although she E-session was originally scheduled for Saturday, I was booked already as well. Thankfully, the photographer was able to schedule it for that Sunday and it all went peaches and cream from there. It was incredible that Alice from Izzy Bella Photography was able to work around her schedule as well to help do this for Minerva and Ed Horan.
You see, Minnie is battling stage 4 cancer (Sarcoma). This is is one of those times where it is a catch-22. It is sad and unfortunate that anyone had to go through something like this at any time in their life, let alone at her age but I'm glad that I was able to do this for her. Her spirit and soul is beautiful and I am honored to have met her and Ed. We bonded over our shared love of nail polish [It's an addition, I swear... though thankfully there is no 12-step program ;) ] and obsession with everything relating to Minions! I mean c'mon, they're mini-me sized. When I first saw Minnie, she was so cute and adorable that I just wanted to put her in my pocket. We're also both vertically-challenged/fun-sized/short. LOL
Many people have come together to donate our services so that we can make this dream come true for this amazing couple. Minnie and Ed had their engagement session photographed in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, NY. It was a sweltering, sunny Sunday in the middle of the Summer. Now for some lovely pictures of these beautiful souls courtesy of Izzy Bella Photography... Alice captured these stunning images. Can't you feel the bond these two share?
Photographer: Alice of Izzy Bella Photography - www.izzybellaphotography.com - www.facebook.com/izzybellaphotography
Minnie's outfits donated by Mimi&Mo www.mimiandmonyc.com
Makeup and Hair: Andrea Marisa Artistry
As with all my clients, I start getting a vision and inspiration from when I first meet them. I saw and spoke with Minnie and in the back of my head, I was thinking mermaid and pin-up... two sides that would effectively represent her personality. I think that I was able to capture that and transform her with that inspiration and yet she still looked like HER. That is part of my philosophy... You should look like you with makeup on, just a better, more polished and glamorous version of yourself. You don't want to look dated with the makeup. Just ask any bride that got married in the eighties (I'm so sorry -_- ). I'm sure we have all see photos of makeup and known exactly when they were taken... good or bad. You are unique and there is no one better to be than yourself.
“To bring this vision to life, I called upon the following items...”
Prep: Spa Life Hydrating Facial Mask (Volcanic Ash & CoQ10), Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentré (perimeter of the face), Embryolisse Hydra-Mat (t-zone), MAC Fast Response Eye Cream, NUXE Rêve de Miel Lip Balm
Base: Whip Hand Cosmetics Set the Stage Primer, PPI HiDef Matting Spray, Face Atelier Ultra #7, Inglot Blushes, MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Bronze #4, Graftobian Soft Orange Corrector.
Eyes/Brows: MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base, Viseart Shadows (Matte 01 & Paris Muse), L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes (WP) and Telescopic Shocking Extensions (WP) [top lashes], Boots No7 Stay Perfect Mascara (lower), Preo Prima Eyelash Curler, Ardell 308 and Kiss Trio Lashes, MUFE Aqua Brow, MUFE Brow Seal.
Lips: MAC Prep + Prime Lip, MUFE Aqua Lip (liner), Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick (which I gifted to Minnie along with some other goodies)
Finishing: Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish, Kett Set Pressed Powder, NARS Crystal Light Reflecting Pressed Powder, PPI Blue Marble SeLr
Hair: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, Kenra Platinum Hot Spray 20, Redken Forceful 23
The following are photos that I took and are straight from camera... no editing other than cropping size.
Minerva and Ed were married on August 2, 2015 and are continuing on this journey together. Now it is time for the other side of the coin... the battle with the evil Sarcoma. To help ease the financial burden in the situation due to this evil monster, a Go Fund Me has been set up by Leslie Lauren Faleros to help pay for the medical expenses associated for Minerva. You can donate any amount and any help will me very appreciated. Feed your soul and get some good Karma points by donating here:
“Today heaven received another Angel. I’m sad to see she lost her battle with cancer but she is no longer suffering. She was strong and fought hard against this savage disease. She was small in stature but big hearted and Minnie, will forever be in our hearts. ”