Cheekadee Blog

Meet Yelena

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Meet Yelena

We are excited to introduce you to Yelena Kopaygorodsky! She comes to us with over ten years of makeup and skin care experience. She is a trained esthetician and has a talent for making the skin look radiant, while enhancing features naturally. We sat down with Yelena and asked her ten questions about herself. Read what she says.

What is your favorite era for makeup?
I would have to say the 50s Pinup look, love the red lips.

What is your favorite type of makeup to do?
My specialty is a smoky eye with long lashes.

What is your fondest experience with a client?
I love when a client is amazed by their transformation, while I enhance their natural beauty.

If you were not a makeup artist, what would you choose to be?
I'd probably be either in fashion or an interior designer.

Do you have any hobbies?
I like to paint, draw & dance.

Married, Engaged, Dating or Single?
Single

Any children?
No

Any pets?
No, but I'd love a dog.

Who was your biggest influence creatively?
My grandfather for getting me my first professional paint brushes & introducing me to an artist.

Who is your favorite makeup artist?
There are so many. I like Billy Brasfield's work; very creative.

Inspiration Shoot

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Inspiration Shoot

We recently had the pleasure of working with some amazing women on a special inspiration shoot. Erin Proud of Proud to Plan and Lindsay Docherty of Lindsay Docherty Photography orchestrated a beautiful event to show off the creativity and talent of local Philadelphia vendors and inspire to-be-wed couples, and Nina did makeup and simple hair styling for Becky, the model for the day.

Laurita Winery served as an incredible backdrop; the last photo we are featuring is an amazing shot that shows the sun setting behind a field of grapevines. Check out the beautiful photos below, as well as the write up and more photos of the day in Ruffled Blog.

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A warm thanks to all the collaborators: Tanti of Papertini for floral designs, Anna Violet Confections for cake and desserts, Van Cleve Wedding Pavilion for the wedding gown by Birnbaum & Bullock, and Proud to Plan for stationary and paper

Danielle & Mark

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Danielle & Mark

March 5, 2011

We love when we get to work with a bride for both her engagement session and her wedding! Danielle and Mark, who are huge Phillies fans, had their engagement session at Citizen's Bank Park. They held their wedding ceremony at Saint Christopher Parish, followed by a reception at Ballroom at The Ben.

Check out their awesome photos of both, thanks to Rebecca Barger!

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Thanks to Kelly McGrenehan from Innovations IV for hair, and Petal Pushers for flowers. Also thank you to Finley Catering and the disk jockeys from DiNardo Brothers!

Danielle and Mark, may you have a long and loving life together!

Chrissi & Michael

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Chrissi & Michael

April 16, 2011

Chrissi and Michael married at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City, NJ followed by a reception at Lippincott House in Philadelphia.

A special thanks to Sharyn Frenkel for all of the beautiful photos of the bride!

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Thanks to Sunshine Flowers and Gifts for flowers and Natalie Pagano for hair. Also thanks to Joe Gorman who played piano, and b*smiths catering.

Best wishes on a long and happy life together to Chrissi and Michael!

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

IPL

IPL (intense pulse light) has become the single most popular light devices in use today. Results can easily parallel those of "true lasers" for many indications. Most IPL systems emit light with a range of wavelengths, anywhere from 500 nm to 1,200 nm. With this range of wavelengths, water, melanin and hemaglobin all act as possible chromophores in the skin.

As a result we are able to address, solar lentigo, telangiectasia, Rosacea, fine lines, dyschromia, discoloration left from acne scarring. The treatments takes about 15 - 35 mins. The treatment is very effective on most areas of the face and body and helps to reduce profuse redness from Rosacea and broken capillaries as well as pigment irregularities from old sun damage. It feels similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin, Most people need 2-4 treatments to get the best result.

The second time that I met with Jill (October 27th, 2011), she decided that it would be best to work on the broken capillaries around my nose and some of the sun damage (age spots) that I have by doing IPL. She warned me that it was more 'snappy' than painful and she was right. The results that I saw with this treatment were close to miraculous. I noticed right away that the capillaries around my nose had disappeared and the color of my skin looks more even.

What I notice the most so far is that my skin feels brighter and firmer. This is a result of the combo of the microderm and the IPL. Here are some photos. All no makeup and no retouching.

Before:

Around my nose before:

Mid-treatment:

Immediately after:

Next week I will post some photos of the area around my nose now. The difference is unbelievable. Thanks again to Jill M Ranoia of Deme. These women know skin! Make your appointment today. They have two convenient locations:

2200 Arch St, Suite 102
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-561-3363
and
Devon Square Two, Suite 100
744 Lancaster Ave
Wayne, PA 19087
610-688-3363

Mandy's Wedding

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Wed, 9 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Mandy's Wedding

July 7-10, 2011

After doing hundreds of traditional American weddings I was really excited to be a part of Mandy's wedding. The Indian culture sure knows how to throw a party! It was a four day celebration. Read all about it and see a ton of incredible photos on the next page!

A special thanks to Ed Krisiak of Steel City Photography and Chris Hayes for all of the gorgeous photos!

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Everything started with a Henna and Sangeet party on the night of Thursday, July 7. I was so excited for this part because I have a not-so-secret love of henna tattoos. The artist that went to Mandy's house was blow-your-mind amazing with her craft. And she did it all by hand - by just taking a glimpse of a photo. I know that you are all going to ask me who did it and how to get in touch with this henna artist, but sadly- she only does it for family and friends of family. Below are photos of Mandy's all over henna and my foot tattoos. I am now obsessed with getting real tattoos on my feet. If only the henna would last longer than a week and real tattoos were not quite so permanent.

Henna photographs by me.

Day two was the engagement party. It was held at Mandy's Father's restaurant, Sultan, in Lansdale. If you like Indian food, then you should really check out this place because they have really great food!! Mandy looked stunning with her hair, makeup and dress. This was also the first time that I met Sunny, the groom. He makes Mandy happy and that thrills me. I really enjoyed meeting all of Mandy and Sunny's family members as well as their friends. They were all so warm and welcoming to us. Both Mark and I really enjoyed being a part of this day.

Engagement party photographs by Ed Krisiak of Steel City Photography. Also thanks to Dar Clinton for hair!

Mandy, my husband Mark, and myself.

Day three was the actual wedding ceremony where they got married. It was at the Philadelphia Sikh Society in Upper Darby, PA.

There was an after party with fireworks in front of Mandy's parent's house. I brought my four year old daughter to the firework ceremony and she got a kick out of throwing some of those little paper things that spark and bang. For the life of me I cannot remember what they are called!

Wedding photographs by Ed Krisiak of Steel City Photography.

Day four was the reception, held at Mirage Banquet Hall in Edison, NJ. This is the day where the bride says goodbye to her parents and hello to her new family.

Reception photographs by Chris Hayes.

Mandy was such a beautiful bride and the memories from her celebration will stick with me forever. Congrats Mandy and Sunny!!

XOXO-Emily

Meet Deme!

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Wed, 2 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Meet deme

Welcome to the new section of our blog- Peaches and Cream. I will dedicate this area to my experiences with a wonderful place in Philadelphia called deme.

Deme is a collaborative of professionals whose main emphasis is the aesthetics of one's face and body. Deme is also dedicated to one's overall health and well-being...[more]

I first met Cheryl George (owner) at the Best of Philadelphia event over the Summer. She and I hit it off right away. Flash forward to October 31st, 2011 as I now sit in the chair of the amazing Jill Ranoia, clinical aesthetician... getting my very first Microdermabrasion treatment. Jill is a licensed Medical Aesthetician who brings over a decade of education training and proved clinical success to deme. She has also been trained and certified on multiple aesthetic lasers, giving her an unparalleled, broad-based wealth of clinical expertise in laser treatments.

After my first microderm I noticed such an improvement, that I am back for more. So, this is a diary of my treatments that I am sharing with you.

As a woman in her forties in the beauty industry, aging is not an easy thing to do gracefully. I am trying, and with a little help from my friends at deme, I am on the road to looking and feeling more confident.

Now, let me tell you this... there are some things that I am willing to do and others that I am completely not willing to subject myself to. Who am I to judge? But, I am going to be as honest as possible about my treatments and about the effects and results. The photos that you are about to see here are of un-retouched me WITHOUT makeup, so please no snickers.

Although it is hard for me to look at these photos of me without makeup, I can clearly see that both the texture and the clarity of my skin appears brighter and more refined. Stay tuned for the next segment in which I receive IPL treatments! Thanks Jill!

xo-Emily

Katherine & Chris

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Katherine & Chris

June 12, 2010

Katherine and Chris married at St Mark's Church on June 12 of last year. Following their ceremony, they held a glamorous reception at the Union League.

A warm thanks to Sarah DiCicco for all of the beautiful photos!

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Thank you to Table Art and Abby Kanak from the Union League for wedding planning and coordination. Also thanks to the Union League for catering services!

Wishing the bride and groom a lifetime of happiness together!

Diane & Michael

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Diane & Michael

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Diane and Michael married a few years ago at this point but we really wanted to go back and blog about them! Their ceremony was held at Bryn Mawr Presbytarian Church, followed by a reception at Aronimink Golf Club.

Thanks to the wonderful Heather Fowler for helping us out with photos!

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Thank you to Veronica Venonsky of Perfect Weddings for planning, Beautiful Blooms and Matlack Florists for flowers, and Pierra & Carlo for hair.

Wishing Diane and Michael many years of happiness to come!

Melissa & Tim

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Melissa & Tim

August 27, 2011

Melissa and Tim's wedding was set during the middle of Hurricane Irene. Thankfully, the storm did not hit as hard as expected, and the wedding still turned out beautifully. Plus, they got some cute umbrella pictures, thanks to photographer Cindy DeSau!

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Melissa and Tim held their wedding at Mary, Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church and their reception at the Joseph Ambler Inn.

Thanks to Wendi Terlecky from Joseph Ambler Inn for planning, Nicole Rocco for hair and Rhoads Garden for flowers.

Wishing Melissa and Tim the very best!

Jasmine & Michael

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Jasmine & Michael

May 27, 2011

Jasmine and Michael married at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia this past May. I love the classic, elegant look of the bride and groom!

Special thanks to Annie Hosfeld for all of these fantastic photos!

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Thanks to Marc Liss of Jeffrey A. Miller Catering for coordination, and Sweet Pea for flowers. Also thanks to Jack Faulkner Orchestra for playing at the wedding!

Wishing the bride and groom many happy years to come!

Shop Mamie

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Shop Mamie Photo Shoot

Amy and Meg, the owners of Shop Mamie, a trendy yet affordable clothing women's boutique, came to Emily to have makeup done for their Spring/Summer photo shoot. These girls were so much fun! You can read about the preparations for their photo shoot on their blog, and of course be sure to check out their boutique!

Thanks to Michael Smith of Ash Imagery for all of the beautiful photos of these ladies!

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