About Me

- Beauty Marked Design, LLC
- Greenwich, CT, United States
- Lesley Collins is a professional makeup artist based in Greenwich, CT with a focus on wedding and special event artistry.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Esther & Greg, married October 10th, 2010
Esther & Greg were married on the water at the Westin Harbour Island in downtown Tampa. Matthew and his wife Sara, of Matthew R Photography captured this gorgeous couple and the stunning views surrounding them.
Friday, October 29, 2010
My love affair with Etsy.com
If you're a bride...or a woman...or a man with a desire to find personal and thoughtful gifts for your bride or your woman, I hope you will consider checking out one of my fav websites, http://www.etsy.com.
When I was planning my own wedding, I felt strongly that the smallest detail needed to make a statement about who we were as a couple. I didn't want generic...or typical.
For instance, when on a mission to find the perfect bag to compliment the perfect dress, I kept running into an obstacle in the form of satin and pouches. On the other hand, I found beautiful bags that were perfect for a wedding...but that I would most likely never wear again. (Never mind the price tags tended to start somewhere the near the $125 mark.) Wasn't there a happy medium???
Finally, I came across Etsy...and not only did I find the most beautiful vintage purse that I continue to rock for a night on the town...but I also discovered many other vendors showcasing items and services for sale.
For example...Giselle with GE Designs...OMG!!! So talented! She designed a monogram, table numbers, seating charts, etc...we decided to name our tables after the street names of City Island, where we were both raised...here is a link to her blog post, and some examples of her work!
http://gedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/lesley-kevin.html#links
There are so many more fantastic vendors...and not just for wedding goods!! Peruse...it may take awhile but you'll be hooked once you do!
When I was planning my own wedding, I felt strongly that the smallest detail needed to make a statement about who we were as a couple. I didn't want generic...or typical.
For instance, when on a mission to find the perfect bag to compliment the perfect dress, I kept running into an obstacle in the form of satin and pouches. On the other hand, I found beautiful bags that were perfect for a wedding...but that I would most likely never wear again. (Never mind the price tags tended to start somewhere the near the $125 mark.) Wasn't there a happy medium???
Finally, I came across Etsy...and not only did I find the most beautiful vintage purse that I continue to rock for a night on the town...but I also discovered many other vendors showcasing items and services for sale.
For example...Giselle with GE Designs...OMG!!! So talented! She designed a monogram, table numbers, seating charts, etc...we decided to name our tables after the street names of City Island, where we were both raised...here is a link to her blog post, and some examples of her work!
http://gedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/lesley-kevin.html#links
There are so many more fantastic vendors...and not just for wedding goods!! Peruse...it may take awhile but you'll be hooked once you do!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Lisa & Joe, married October 2nd, 2010
Just another fantastic event by Jennifer and Burkle Events! The wedding took place at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, and the reception followed at the Gator Club. Sarah Kay captured the beautiful couple in photos.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Fabulous Dresses? Look no further...The Dressing Room Sample Sale is here!!!
The Dressing Room
2430 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727 323 7666
www.thedroom.com
Pleased to announce the first ever SAMPLE SALE
Must make room for all the 2011 designer bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses
Discounts range from 30% up to 70%, various sizes, colors and styles. All dresses will be available to try on, a professional tailor will be available for consultations regarding alterations
Sunday October 3rd from 12 Noon till 4PM
Cash or Credit card
No appointments necessary
Nationally known Designers featured in this special sale
Simone Carvalli, San Patrick, Cymbeline, Jenny Yoo, Thread, Lynn Lugo, Coren Moore, Nicole Miller Bridal, Anna Elyse, Blue Tux shoes, and accessories, all marked down for this special sale
You do NOT want to miss this opportunity to find a gorgeous dress for such a fantastic price point. Many of the Bridesmaid dresses are super chic and are perfect for any special occasion!
2430 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727 323 7666
www.thedroom.com
Pleased to announce the first ever SAMPLE SALE
Must make room for all the 2011 designer bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses
Discounts range from 30% up to 70%, various sizes, colors and styles. All dresses will be available to try on, a professional tailor will be available for consultations regarding alterations
Sunday October 3rd from 12 Noon till 4PM
Cash or Credit card
No appointments necessary
Nationally known Designers featured in this special sale
Simone Carvalli, San Patrick, Cymbeline, Jenny Yoo, Thread, Lynn Lugo, Coren Moore, Nicole Miller Bridal, Anna Elyse, Blue Tux shoes, and accessories, all marked down for this special sale
You do NOT want to miss this opportunity to find a gorgeous dress for such a fantastic price point. Many of the Bridesmaid dresses are super chic and are perfect for any special occasion!
Kristina & Rodd married June 2010 at The Ringling Brothers Mansion
Being that I didn't grow up on the West Coast of Florida, I had no idea that the Ringling Brothers resided in Sarasota. The mansion is a gorgeous venue to host a wedding, and I was amazed by the look and design Jennifer Burkle and Burkle Events created for Kristina and Rodd's nuptials and reception.
The mansion is located on the water, and Kristina and Rodd exchanged vows under a gorgeous tree, curtained with pressed shells. The colors were Fuchsia and Silver, and to go with the theme, the bride even wore Fuchsia heels!

Burkle Events pay close attention to detail, and are there every step of the way to insure your wedding day runs smoothly. Jennifer is such a wonderful gal and will make you feel comfortable throughout the entire process.
Burkle Events
PHONE: 813.731.7335
E-MAIL: jennifer@burkleevents.com
http://www.burkleevents.com/
The mansion is located on the water, and Kristina and Rodd exchanged vows under a gorgeous tree, curtained with pressed shells. The colors were Fuchsia and Silver, and to go with the theme, the bride even wore Fuchsia heels!

Burkle Events pay close attention to detail, and are there every step of the way to insure your wedding day runs smoothly. Jennifer is such a wonderful gal and will make you feel comfortable throughout the entire process.
Burkle Events
PHONE: 813.731.7335
E-MAIL: jennifer@burkleevents.com
http://www.burkleevents.com/
Labels:
Burkle,
Ringling Mansion,
Sarasota Weddings
Monday, August 30, 2010
Ms. Torrie's Trial Sunday August 29th, 2010 Hyatt Regency Sarasota, FL
I had to share a quick note about the soon to be bride that I worked with yesterday who happens to be one of my Burkle Brides. (Jennifer Burkle, that is...a wonderful gal that I've been blessed to work with on many occasions!! If you haven't booked your wedding planner yet...what are you waiting for???!!! She is fantastic...see more on my upcoming blog for Schmidt/Helmer wedding)
After meeting Torrie and speaking with her for all of 5 minutes, I knew she would be a blast to work with. I won't share too much...I was just excited to do some color and step out of the box maybe?? I'm all for a classic look...but Torrie is shaking it up a bit...traditional, but with a flair!
Even though this photo was taken with a phone...can't you just see her personality jumping through the lens?!
After meeting Torrie and speaking with her for all of 5 minutes, I knew she would be a blast to work with. I won't share too much...I was just excited to do some color and step out of the box maybe?? I'm all for a classic look...but Torrie is shaking it up a bit...traditional, but with a flair!
Even though this photo was taken with a phone...can't you just see her personality jumping through the lens?!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wedding Party Fashion at The Dressing Room
Surprisingly, one of the biggest challenges a bride faces is not finding a wedding dress for herself, but outfitting her bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party in chic, stylish designs. No two figures are alike, and you want to insure that the design you choose is appropriate, comfortable and timeless.
While shopping for mother of the bride dresses, I was horrified by the amounts of sequin and bedazzling that were strewn across the small selection of gowns that we had to choose from. Never could I have imagined that both my prayers for finding a fabulous dress for my mother, AND gorgeous gowns for my bridal party could be so easy...not to mention fun!
I discovered The Dressing Room, in St. Petersburg FL, after falling in love with the designer, Jenny Yoo. I was taken with Judy from the moment I walked in to her boutique. It was clean, the dresses were easily accessible and well presented, and she really knew her stuff! She took pictures of me in all of the dresses I admired, wrote everything down, and didn't pressure one bit.
When I returned a few months later with my mother, Judy assisted her with the same amount of care and attention to detail. After one visit we found the perfect gown that made my mother look and feel beautiful and elegant.
Judy and The Dressing Room has the best selection of dresses and gowns to meet any ones needs. You can trust that Judy will take care of all of the details and communicate with you and your wedding party in a timely manner. Please take a moment to view her website, www.thedroom.com... you will not be sorry you did!
While shopping for mother of the bride dresses, I was horrified by the amounts of sequin and bedazzling that were strewn across the small selection of gowns that we had to choose from. Never could I have imagined that both my prayers for finding a fabulous dress for my mother, AND gorgeous gowns for my bridal party could be so easy...not to mention fun!
I discovered The Dressing Room, in St. Petersburg FL, after falling in love with the designer, Jenny Yoo. I was taken with Judy from the moment I walked in to her boutique. It was clean, the dresses were easily accessible and well presented, and she really knew her stuff! She took pictures of me in all of the dresses I admired, wrote everything down, and didn't pressure one bit.
When I returned a few months later with my mother, Judy assisted her with the same amount of care and attention to detail. After one visit we found the perfect gown that made my mother look and feel beautiful and elegant.
Judy and The Dressing Room has the best selection of dresses and gowns to meet any ones needs. You can trust that Judy will take care of all of the details and communicate with you and your wedding party in a timely manner. Please take a moment to view her website, www.thedroom.com... you will not be sorry you did!
The Dressing Room
2430 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, Fl 33712
T 727 323 ROOM
F 727 327 7970
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Leena & Jorge - married May 16th, 2010
Leena is stunning; big blue eyes, gorgeous hair, yet the things that really stood out about her to me was her calm demeanor and old soul vibe. She is such a cool gal, plain and simple. (Her and her husband Jorge travelled to Japan for their honeymoon...how cool is that?!)
The wedding was held at The Davis Islands Garden Club which is such a beautiful backdrop for a romantic afternoon wedding. It was photographed by Tina & Bob of Ortiz-Sellers Photography, who as usual, captured it beautifully.
Maternity Shoot with Gina Leigh of Gina Leigh Photography
I met Gina Leigh at a little soiree Judy, of the The Dressing Room in St. Petersburg, held back in June of this year. I was immediately taken with her kindness and positive energy. She is extremely talented and makes people feel so comfortable. Gina Leigh uses film, as opposed to digital photography. This produces a totally unique, beautifully soft, vintage look.
When Gina Leigh asked me to do the makeup of a friend of hers for a maternity shoot I couldn't say no. I was so excited to work with her and of course, when I arrived at her home, she was more than welcoming and the ultimate hostess. (She even made me a Caramel Latte!!!)
Corrie arrived shortly after and we got started right away. She is absolutely gorgeous and naturally she was glowing from the inside...this always makes my job so easy!!
I had such a wonderful time with Corrie and Gina Leigh; I feel blessed and honored to have been part of such the personal moment that Gina Leigh captured with her lens.
Check out her website and blog for yourself...
http://www.ginaleighphotography.com/
http://www.apenforpearl.com/
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Introduction...
Welcome to the first official "official" blog of my website and work...although a bit on the lengthy side, this is how it all started...
My grandmother Marie was the one that held the key to introducing me to the world of cosmetics. She worked in the old pharmacy on City Island and had an enormous amount of cosmetics and potions to show for it. (Although now that I think of it, I'm sure it was quite small compared to the 30 lb. kit I carry with me today.)
I remember sitting my best friend Kathy down in my grandmothers bathroom, and applying a ridiculous amount of eyeshadow; following the description on the back of the compact for highlight, lid and crease for placement of course. I was 6 years old and playing with pancake makeup...poor Kathy.
After a few years I hit my tomboy stage, until one unsuspecting evening when my sister and friend ambushed me. They stripped away the pony-tail, baggy jeans and t-shirts and revealed a girl, that with a little lipstick and mascara, was kinda cute! Where did I have to go looking made up at 15? Who knows...but I do remember feeling...AMAZING!! I will never forget that night, as silly as it seems, because it changed the way I looked at myself. I gained confidence in myself...and that was just the beginning.
When I transferred to Bloomingdale's with Lancome, I was lucky enough to work next door to a MAC counter...it was love at first sight. I remember staring, almost hypnotized by the "Frankly Scarlet" (an intense looking red blush) across the aisle...and it brought me back to the days in my grandmother's bathroom...when rules did not apply. I began working for MAC a 9 months later.
I won't get into my resume any further, but after working for MAC for over 6 years I feel so blessed to have worked with some of the most talented, inspirational, and creative artists in the world. They have driven me to this point. I love working with people and making them feel that same feeling I felt way back when.
My grandmother Marie was the one that held the key to introducing me to the world of cosmetics. She worked in the old pharmacy on City Island and had an enormous amount of cosmetics and potions to show for it. (Although now that I think of it, I'm sure it was quite small compared to the 30 lb. kit I carry with me today.)
I remember sitting my best friend Kathy down in my grandmothers bathroom, and applying a ridiculous amount of eyeshadow; following the description on the back of the compact for highlight, lid and crease for placement of course. I was 6 years old and playing with pancake makeup...poor Kathy.
After a few years I hit my tomboy stage, until one unsuspecting evening when my sister and friend ambushed me. They stripped away the pony-tail, baggy jeans and t-shirts and revealed a girl, that with a little lipstick and mascara, was kinda cute! Where did I have to go looking made up at 15? Who knows...but I do remember feeling...AMAZING!! I will never forget that night, as silly as it seems, because it changed the way I looked at myself. I gained confidence in myself...and that was just the beginning.
When I transferred to Bloomingdale's with Lancome, I was lucky enough to work next door to a MAC counter...it was love at first sight. I remember staring, almost hypnotized by the "Frankly Scarlet" (an intense looking red blush) across the aisle...and it brought me back to the days in my grandmother's bathroom...when rules did not apply. I began working for MAC a 9 months later.
I won't get into my resume any further, but after working for MAC for over 6 years I feel so blessed to have worked with some of the most talented, inspirational, and creative artists in the world. They have driven me to this point. I love working with people and making them feel that same feeling I felt way back when.
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