As mineral makeups become more popular, I find myself spending more and more time touching up skin in photographs. While mineral makeup has many qualities that may make it great for day-to-day wear, some of its ingredients will cause problems in photos. Specifically, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide do not photograph well. These two ingredients are excellent non-chemical sunscreens because they reflect and scatter light. However, their reflective characteristic can leave your skin looking very shimmery and almost shiny in photographs, especially when flash is used. True, some girls want to look glowy, dewy, and luminescent on their wedding day. However, in my opinion, the extra sheen that you get from mineral makeup is just distracting and will make you look like you were sweaty in many of the photographs.

I know that some girls have used mineral makeup on their wedding days and will say that their photos turned out beautiful. Different skin, humidity, lighting etc may affect the outcome, and the shine will not always be obvious. Sometimes only your photographer really knows how your skin looked in the untouched photos. My advice is to avoid the possibility and just avoid these ingredients when you will be in front of the camera.

Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. Here are some pics from a fun engagement session with Tessa and Bruce last week. They're getting married this June at Dara's Garden and are so cute together.

I first tried making omelets not long ago when a client gave me a dozen fresh eggs from her farm. Of course I had no idea how to make an omelet so I did what every modern-age woman does when she needs advice, I googled. Tonight we're making omelets again (yes there's some fat involved but the cheese and eggs are good sources of protein and calcium), and I thought I'd share the link for making perfect omelets. It really isn't that difficult, but why learn from trial and error when you can make it perfect from the start? We're using shredded sharp cheddar and crumbled patty sausages in ours.

HERE is the recipe.

I don't know if it's more a reflection of the actual wedding or of my particular mood on the day, but for some reason some weddings just stand out. Saturday's wedding was one of those weddings where the love and happiness are contagious, and you leave feeling that everything is good in the world.

Saturday wasn't the driest day for a wedding, but Jessica and Chris didn't let it dampen their spirits. Imagine the exact opposite of a demanding, stressed-out bridezilla, and you would have Jessica. She was so relaxed and sweet the entire day. She was truly a radiant, glowing bride, and I am so excited for her and Chris to have found each other and be starting their life together.

The afternoon ceremony was held at Patten Chapel, a charming old chapel with wooden pews, stained glass, and high ceilings on the University of Tennessee campus in Chattanooga. The people involved were all extremely nice and helpful, and I think it's a great ceremony venue. During the ceremony, the clouds let loose, and you could hear how hard the rain was coming down on the roof. However, just when the ceremony ended, the rain cleared up enough for a fun petal exit outside.

Chris and Jessica did meet before the ceremony and do all of the formal photos. The ceremony featured a sand ceremony and music from the couple's family and friends, some of the best music I've ever heard at a wedding. They really have some talented friends!

The reception was held at Niko's Southside Grill. We didn't try the food, but everything looked wonderful. Afterward, Marcus and I coincidentally stopped for dinner at a Greek restaurant (the Acropolis) outside of town and were told by our server that the two restaurants are run by the same family.        

Jessica's mother helped attach her veil

some candid moments in the "getting ready" room



these are hard to really appreciate at this size, but the church was beautiful inside



the happy couple... just before being pelted by huge rain drops!

Jessica & Chris had their private meeting in this covered breezeway



a traditional portrait to show off her gorgeous gown and a fun shot of the exit



Jessica and some of her school friends... they came prepared for anything

What a beautiful day we've had! Here are some photos from a quick session at the park today with Kate. She's six and is a spunky little girl but very cooperative. While I waited on her to change outfits, I chatted with her little sister and snuck a few quick shots.