My Story

I always knew I had a creative drive. It started in high school, when a counselor asked me the magic question, what do you want to be when you grow up? In some ways, I found that question offending because I already felt like a grown- up. By the time I was a senior in high school I had lived in many different towns, and had attended at least 10 different schools. I lived in my own apartment, and even worked nights. I helped raise two younger brothers and took on a houseful of chores, you could say I could definitely multi task. While working one night a woman came in and complimented on how well my makeup looked, and all of a sudden it hit me, I'm really good at this! Choosing the right colors, and accurate application just became so easy to me. I knew it right then and there, I was going to be a makeup artist! After seeking training, and making the decision that I would attend one of Boston's most sought after makeup training schools, DNI, I immediately signed up. After many months in training, I thought it was time to take what I learned, and start making dreams become reality.

I made a personal decision that I would not work in just any store, behind the counter. I really wanted to be in front of my clients, making a difference in how they viewed makeup, and wore it, my real passion was people. While attending college, and getting my degree in communications, I started freelancing for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. A makeup executive for Tarte cosmetics, saw what I could do. What do you know, they really thought I had raw talent! And, hired me to become their Boston freelancer. This experience meant so much to me, I was given a chance to visit many sights in Boston, and got to do fashion shows, perform 15 minute makeovers, and teach makeup and skincare. Fast forward. I found the man of my dreams, and was pregnant with my first child. I loved makeup so much, and during all of my freelance moments, I found myself getting a lot of requests to make a bride beautiful for her special day. The dream was born, right then and there. I knew I had to be apart of weddings somehow.

With always wanting to run my own business I started a makeup company, Art of Illusion. After four and a half years of doing this, I found myself wanting more. Every wedding I went to, I found myself day dreaming about centerpieces, decor, linens, chivary chairs, etc. After getting up close and personal with brides, watching them slip into their beautiful wedding gowns, feeling the excitement in the room, I knew I wanted to be apart of the whole process, and more. I put my makeup brushes away, and Elegance and Grace was born, along with two other daughters! I poured my heart and soul into wedding and event planning. I started off doing Bar Mitzvahas, birthday parties, corporate events, and the consensus was all the same, I had a real talent and gift. Here I am today, three years later, planning the most beautiful wedding and events, in the most amazing places.

An active member of ISES, a graduate of IWPP, and preferred advertiser on the knot and wedding wire. Every day my dreams grow bigger for what I can contribute to the wedding industry. My ambition and determination is endless, and now that I know how to blog, I can share it all with you!