We recently finished our editorial shoot on plus-sized brides-

The creative team we chose this year to do the plus-size makeover did a wonderful job in enhancing the beauty of our (already beautiful)brides-to-be for this issue.

In a way, this is perhaps the most time-consuming of all shoots as it is the most honest- meaning the photos will not be photoshop`d to make the girls look slimmer because that defeats the purpose of getting a really good makeover team- so what you see is what really is- seen from the eyes of Pat Dy. Gowns customized and styled for the 2 brides by Edwin Tan. Make-up by Toto Bagamasbad and hair by Ruben Dellomos. Here`s a little of what happened behind the scenes.

A pose is a pose is a pose. Not really.

Practice in the mirror what would look best and feel free to talk to your photographer about taking `test shots` to `find` your best angle before the wedding because not all poses are created equal. We`re thankful to Edwin Tan for teaching us a few basics regarding the right pose (something to look forward to in the upcoming issue of Beautiful Weddings- may plug pa =))

Hair up or down?

That could be tricky- test both and have your photo taken to see which best suits you. In Charlene`s case, Edwin wanted her hair down because her face/features is very feminine and letting it down is also the best match for her gown.
From left- Pat Dy, Jessie- our new editorial assistant and lovely Charlene, Manila Bulletin`s New York Times section editor.

Speaking from experience, I remember having a pre-prod meeting with my wedding photographer Albert Labrador years ago about photographing me from above (for a sharper chin effect, thus narrowing the face) and not below (as it shows what I`m trying to hide). My photos turned out to be how I wanted to look, within Albert`s creative composition and style. Here`s one of my favorite photos to visualize what I meant about shooting from `above` (to the people who know me now- yup, that was really me, only 20 pounds lighter than my current weight- thanks to a very good designer who never asked me to diet, but to be happy about the whole thing because fat or thin- I`m marrying a dear man , a photographer who has a marvelous eye and who kept reminding us `basta happy lang tayo` and the hair and make-up team who can really do magic.)

However our sizes or shapes are, we believe all women who marry for love would be beautiful brides.(from left- Kitten- managing ed, Jessie- editorial asst and Tatin- beauty associate)

Related posts:

1. WE’s out!
2. TotoLabrador.com
3. Wedding Essentials Beautiful Weddings 2009
4. WE have a winner! And the number is….
5. WE love this cake!