Benefit Erase Paste - Amazing!

Okay - this is not my usual sort of post. But, if I've just discovered a cool beauty product it seems the right thing to do to share it with my brides. In fact I might just start doing a bit more of this going off at a tangent lark!

Right, all my life I've been blighted with hideous dark circles and crepey skin under my eyes. I remember even at the tender age of 16 thinking 'oh God, they're going to be beggars when I'm older'. And at 41, they are indeed a pain in the proverbial.  I've used lots of different concealer products over the years - from Touche Eclat to Benefit's Boi-ing. I've bitted and batted from this to that, and some are better than others. BUT, I have actually found one that really does what it says on the tin.  Benefit's 'Erase Paste' is a thick cream...but without that chalky business going on. So, it doesn't end up in cakey rivulets half an hour after putting it on.  The lady at the counter also recommended not using moisturiser under your eyes pre-make-up, but an eye cream. Is it me? I thought that stuff was for bedtime! Anyway, I sceptically bought the Eye Paste, and experimented using eye cream underneath (not a posh one, just Boots own).  I swear to God, this is the best result I've had, EVER! It stays put, and doesn't look claggy or too obviously 'covered up'.  I'm venue style queen, not beauty expert - but surely I can diversify every now and again? I'm sure all you radiant young things don't need such muck - but if one or two of you have eye bags with even half the capacity of mine, you may just be glad of this product!

Benefit's Erase Paste

PS - it's definitely cheaper at John Lewis - and you might fare better still if you shop around x

Behind the Scenes at Chatsworth Photo Shoot

Better late than never! I said I'd pop a few behind the scenes shots on from the Chatsworth Photo Shoot - and here they are.  For a reminder of the two original blog posts, they are here: Ultimate Romance at Chatsworth Part I and Ultimate Romance at Chatsworth Part II

The juiciest bit of news is that the BBC have been filming a documentary at Chatsworth this year, and on the day of the shoot we were somewhat under the spot light.  I'd better not say too much, but let me tell you I was minding my P's and Q's just in case! I don't know when it will be shown, but I'll be making lots of noise when it goes out.

Lewis, one of our models and a Chatsworth staff member, was under major scrutiny I think!

Poor bloke - think he'll be quite a celebrity in the not too distant future!

Now, do you remember this? Lizzie and Darcy, aka Charlotte and Harry - were just the most fantastic models. They only met on the day of the shoot, but you'd never know they weren't madly in love. The 'kiss' was very convincing...

 

But seconds later, this was the reality...!

Poor Charlotte looks just a twince embarrassed, but Harry's taking it in his manly stride!

This tickles me too.

What a captivating moment as the infamous pair exchange a demure yet passionate glance...

 

And then fits of giggles when it can be sustained no longer!

 

If I hadn't been there, I'd never have believed this wasn't the real McCoy. They were so, so convincing.

Now I don't know if you're thinking that that picnic was all props, but I can tell you it was real and proper food. I recall going to a rotisserie the evening before and asking for their best looking chicken.  I think they thought I was mad! All the food was very real, and very fresh - we even used Chatsworth's finest pork pies. 

It was actually lunch time when we shot the picnic scene. Everyone was wilting, particularly the models, and as Simon gave the word as the last photo had been taken we swarmed on it like vultures!

 

 

We even used the china!

 

Aw, I feel all nostalgic just looking at these. What a truly fab day it was. Can't wait for the documentary.  Of course I'll look a right Herbert if we end up on the cutting room floor, but it's a risk I'm prepared to take! As soon as I know when it's out I'll post the date!  

Behind the Scenes at Whirlowbrook Hall

As the temperature plummets, my mind casts back to January this year, when we faked a 'summer shoot' at Whirlowbrook Hall, Sheffield.  (If you want a reminder hit http://goglorious.blogspot.com/2011/03/whirlowbrook-photo-shoot-part-1.html).  The weather played ball - the sun shone - and no-one was any the wiser that it was actually FREEZING!  The models that day, Hannah, Lauren, Rose and Hannah were absolute troopers, and put up with it without a grimace. I thought it would be fun to show you some of the behind the scene pics...so you can see what those poor girls were actually doing! In between shots we had them wrapped in foil blankets - and just check out the footwear - are you sure you wouldn't want Ugg Boots with your wedding dress after seeing these...??

 

And while we're at it, you might like to check out the professionals doing their stuff!  The work and attention to detail that goes on is second to none.  Here are the girls from Jam Hairdressing,  Julia Jeckell our make up artist, and lovely Emma from Freya Bridal...

 

And I mananged to get a sneaky couple of shots of my most favourite photographers in the world - Jo and Simon of Shoot Lifestyle, doing what they do best.

 

To remind yourself of the full results - have a look at Part II, at  http://goglorious.blogspot.com/2011/03/whirlowbrook-hall-photoshoot-part-2.html

 

I distinctly remember feeling a right old hag stood amongst this lot!  Still, it was a wonderful day, and I was chuffed to bits to have been part of it.  It might be time to dig out some 'behind the scene' at Chatsworth shots next!

Winter Weddings and Sparkling New Stock!

Ah, there's nothing makes me happier than a delivery of delights! And recently Go Glorious has bought in some gorgeous new stock. Mercuried tea lights, Victorian hanging votives and distressed silver pedestal bowls - just delightful for adding atmosphere and glamour to a winter wedding.  And equally perfect for summer posies.  Votives are so very versatile. There are exquisite with a tea light inside, but how grouping them and filling with flowers, or piling them up with bon bons and using as favours? Add a tag with twine or ribbon, and you have a place card holder and favour all in one!

And these pedestal bowls are heavenly. Wonderful for floral centrepieces, and perfect for the very fashionable dessert table. Heaped with sweets or cupcakes, these will look very chic, and very current.

 

Keep your eyes on the Go Glorious blog - because there's more news coming soon!

New Studio!

Well, I'm proud to announce the launch of Go Glorious HQ at long last! Go Glorious now has dedicated studio space for client consultations. For all of you who've had the GG experience already, you'll know that to date consultations have been done at home. But growing stock meant a professional space was desperately needed - and finally it's here! 

 

I'm absolutely thrilled to bits - and hope you'll come and see us very soon!

Liz & Dan, Hassop Hall, 26th August 2011

Liz and Dan got married back in August, on probably the wettest day of the year. But were they bothered? Not one jot! It was the most beautiful wedding. There are more detail shots of the styling to come, but please do take a look at this. Absolutely gorgeous...


http://www.jamesstewartphotography.co.uk/blog/2011/10/21/wedding-photography-at-hassop-hall-liz-dan-2/

The Uber Coolness of Tipi Weddings

Last month I was asked to style a photo shoot to launch the superb new company Peak Tipis. Tipis were a whole new experience for me, and I really could not begin to imagine the impact they would have. I am talking absolute and utter 'wow!'  They are completely massive and imposing, but all warm and cosy at the same time. The light inside is beautiful as the buttery canvas filters the sunlight, and they are so toasty! It was 13 degrees on the day of the shoot. I expected to be nithered - but no so! The fire pit gives off wondrous heat, as well as looking ultra stylish. I am truly in love with tipis, and I cannot wait to do a real wedding. They are a breath of fresh air, literally!

I set up two contrasting table styles, one classic, and one rustic. Whatever your taste, believe me...it will work!

Have a butchers at these...

I'm so glad that Abbi of Save the Date asked me to be part of this shoot. Thanks to Tineke for providing the gorgeous flowers, and massive thanks also to Becky and Neil of Butterworth Photography. You can see for yourselves what a fantastic job they did. All that remains is to wish Duncan and Matt masses of luck with Peak Tipis. You couldn't meet two nicer blokes, and their success is entirely deserved.