PREGG-COUTURE...

It was a perfect Saturday morning... and we were up (as usual) at the crack of dawn. Today's photo-session was going to be a maternity shoot... but one we had never attempted... a little on the risque side of things you could say, but hey, that's what creativity is about... pushing the envelope and thinking outside of the regular box.

Bring out the pumps, bikinis, broad straw hats, barely there shirt dresses, fitted dresses... I mean, this shoot was oozing SEXY, SEXY, & more SEXY!
Our subject was a beautiful half German, Half Indonesian girl by the name of Hellene Gareis who was 8 days away from giving birth. Talk about effortlessly beautiful... and then she was pregnant. HELLO, if you didn't know by now that PREGNANCY is the NEW SEXY, well now you do... and Hellene was certainly working the heck out of her situation without even knowing that she was.

The photo-shoot was gonna be on South Beach at the beautiful Icon Condominiums (it's good to know people in high places... literally) LOL, and our first stop was at creative director Eboni Ruzic's apartment to paint Hellene's beautiful canvas.
In she walked, donning a pair of leather leggings with a a t-shirt which loosely hugged her neatly bulging belly, a pair of Tory Birch flats and a huge red tote, and hair flowing and bouncing to her every glide... the typical South Beach look. She was a cutie!

We got straight down to business... the brushes came out, the palettes opened up and the options were many... let's do this thing! Conversation was harmoniously humming between Photographer (Tony Barreau who services the South Florida Market), Creative Director (Ebony Ruzic) & Makeup Artist (Keesha Barreau) as it related to the highlights of the day's event. Outfits were pulled, color scheme was selected and a few props were thrown in the mix. Our subject was down for whatever and we certainly took that notion and ran with it. ☺

First look was completed and we headed over to the Icon. Straight to the roof top pool for the first set of frames. Surrounded by the beautiful cabanas we decided to snag one before they were all taken. While camera was setting up, makeup was being touched up... skin was dewy & fresh and the lips... purposely painted in a VIBRANT PURPLE... let the craziness begin! She changed into a two piece coral bikini with a broad rimmed straw hat paired with 5 inch Tan Studded Steve Madden Pumps. The pool boys were drooling (and we were laughing) LOL.
Roll camera...



Scene 2: the leopard print strapless dress. This little number certainly hugged every curve & bump in the right way... Belly was protruding with style. The hair was haphazardly pinned up to create a runway look... mission accomplished. Her beauty was now in full view and makeup on the eyes were pumped up to compliment the animal she was wearing and lips muted out. Hellene was beginning to feel herself and the shoot was becoming intensely easier... Oxymoronic, ain't it? Everyone involved was beginning to look like Cheshire cats (lol).
The art of contortion was taking place before our very eyes. With constant "are you ok Hellene", she reassured us that she was fine and enjoying every moment of it. Talk about a trooper.



Scene 3: Let's vamp this thing up a bit. Black & silver sequined shirt dress with black opened-toe pumps, but in this case since there was a belly to cover, there was no need to add the dress part. So it's safe to say a "Black Sequined Shirt!" The look was pumped up... bring on the smokey eyes & the Mohawk hair... VIXEN MAMA!
Thankful for hairpins, I worked the heck outta that Mohawk without the use of any hair products... can you say GENIUS (lol).
We brought in a few props... again, Oxymoron at its best (when you see the props you will understand). I promise you if we keep this up this girl is about to give birth right here (lol).



Scene 4 (Final frames): We decided to go inside and cool her down a bit... literally! The final look was a gorgeous black sleek dress, perfectly designed to emphasize the beauty of Hellene's state. We wanted to capture the essence of her pregnancy with an AVANT-GARDE look... somewhat like a Modern Day Mona Lisa... and that we did.
We capitalized on the look with vibrant red lips and a pinned up bob hairstyle (again, no hair spray). BELLISIMO!




That's a wrap! We had accomplished what we set out to do and everyone was happy. Hellene came in as a regular girl that was willing to do an out of the box maternity photo-shoot but left as Hellene, the model.
Hellene's boyfriend (child's father) models for Abercrombie & Fitch but from the looks of these photos I'm thinking he better watch out, because he's got some serious competition here... wouldn't you agree? ☺

Hellene gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Kamryn on 1.11.11. Congratulations Hellene. We are extremely happy for you and we look forward to doing another shoot... this time with you and baby ☺



Until next time,
Live, Love, Laugh & Remember ☺

Photography by: Tony Barreau for Artistic Vision & Design
Website: www.avdpics.com
Contact: 7863018669
Makeup by: Keesha Barreau for Artistic Vision & Design
Hair by: Keesha Barreau for Artistic Vision & Design
Contact: 9548655474

Ariette & Calixte's Wedding Day...

Ariette was looking forward to her big day and so were we.
Prior to the wedding day, the couple did an engagement photo session which was captured in a beautiful garden setting.
After her makeup and hair was done and the bride-to-be saw herself, she was uber-excited and we immediately knew that the shoot was going to be effortless.
Being a bit on the chilly side, Ariette & Calixte's attire matched up to the season. Adorned in the same color sweater and jeans and surrounded by the ambiance of nature the shoot was on and popping. You could see & feel the love that they both shared, there was no pretense in their game and the camera was definitely prepared to capture the essence of their love. Mission accomplished and the engagement session was a success.



The big day had finally arrived. Ariette was excited and nervous at the same... a natural reaction from most brides. However, the nerves managed to subside once it was time for her makeup to be done. Being pampered on the big day is every bride's expectation and that expectation was fully met. Ariette had her personal hairstylist on hand (Martine Cherry @ 786.3854398) who was doing the final touches to her hair while the makeup was being applied. The bride-to-be was in heaven.

Lights, camera, action... it was time for the lens to speak and that they did. Capturing every precious & unique moment, nothing was exempt. From the beautiful bouquet, to the zippering of the gown, the flower girl helping the bride-to-be with her sandal, to mom helping with the accessories... it was being told through the eyes of the camera... no room for lies.

Ceremony followed by reception was in full swing. Everyone was enjoying themselves, but the bright glow was definitely illuminating from the very elated & in love newly weds. There was no space on the dance floor... groom, bride and guests were taking it to the next level... from throw backs that had the men "bust da moves" to current hits that had everyone bopping and weaving. No one was left out... every genre of music was introduced through the blasting sounds of the speakers. Can you say PARTEEEEE!!!



Ariette & Calixte, we wish you all the best on your new journey in life. Take care of each other and keep the love alive.

Until next time,
Live, Love, Laugh and Remember ☺

Photography/Slide-show by Tony Barreau for Artistic Vision & Design (Slide-shows are available with package)
Website: www.avdpics.com
Contact: 7863018669
Makeup by Keesha Barreau for Artistic Vision & Design
Contact: 9548655474