Meet Carlos Morales with Midnight Magic DJ's

 

Midnight Magic DJ’s is a DJ company based in Louisville, KY specializing in wedding reception entertainment. With more than 25 years of combined mobile DJ entertainment experience, Midnight Magic prides itself on customizing each and every reception to fit the style and attitude of the bride & groom. Our staff is comprised of professional DJ’s and MC’s and many of our staff DJ’s can also be heard on local radio stations. Owner Carlos Morales spent 10 years in the radio industry in Idaho, Arizona, Florida and most recently on Louisville’s 98.9 Kiss FM. We look forward to making your wedding "Magical"!

Carlos graciously took time out to do an interview with Something Blue Collective.  Thanks Carlos!!

• SBC:  What was the first CD you ever bought?
• Carlos:  George Strait “Pure Country”
• SBC:  Your favorite CD at this time?
• Carlos:  The Black Eyed Peas “The E.N.D”
• SBC:  What are the top 5 dance songs your couples request to be played at their reception?
• 1.      Journey- Don’t Stop Believin’
• 2.      AC/DC- You Shook Me All Night Long
• 3.      Justin Timberlake- Sexyback
• 4.      Beyonce- Single Ladies
• 5.      Def Leppard- Pour Some Sugar On Me
• SBC:  What is the number one “Do not play” song that your couples request?
• Carlos:  The Chicken Dance by far! A close second is the Marcarena. Although with these songs even if they are not on the couples do not play list we will not play one unless they are specifically requested by either the bride or the groom;-)
• SBC:  What is your best advice for brides and grooms on how to choose their DJ?
• Carlos:  Meet with them! Not every DJ is right for you. A DJ has to have the right personality for your reception. When you  are meeting with a DJ company make sure that you ask to meet with the DJ/MC who will be working your event.
• SBC:  Why did you choose “Midnight Magic” as the name of your company?
  Carlos:  Midnight Magic was a company I looked up to when I started my business in Emmett, Idaho 13 years ago. Midnight Magic was the company you thought of when you thought of elegance, fun & professionalism. Owner Rick Steele was my mentor in my first years of my career and taught me much of what I know and use today. Midnight Magic no longer operates in Idaho and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to have a constant reminder of excellence in my business.  
• SBC:  Describe one of your most memorable receptions?
• Carlos:  I did a reception for a comic book store owner in Cocoa Beach, FL in 2004. Memorable doesn’t even come close to describing this reception. The groom was dressed as Spiderman the bride was dressed as Buffy. The wedding cake was a giant building with Spiderman scaling the building. The costumes didn’t end with the bridal party either. All of the guests were invited to dress up as well. I can say this was definitely not a black tie affair!
• SBC:  What is one of the most unusual first dance songs you were requested to play?
• Carlos:  Have not seen it before or since. We did a reception in New Albany in 2008 for a couple who was both into the rock scene. Their first dance was “Crazy Bitch” by Buckcherry
• SBC:  What song did Carrie and you chose to dance to for your first dance?
  Carlos:  This is funny Carrie and I were to be married in March of 2007, because of insurance reasons we got married in secret in August of 2006. 3  months later we finally told everyone and just never got to the proper wedding and reception. We do have a song though  it’s Rascal Flatts “Bless The Broken Road”. And finally we are going to have the reception we never did in August of 2011 for our 5^th anniversary.
• SBC:   What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say “IPOD”?
• Carlos:  90’s! That’s what mine is packed with;-)

Applied Cosmetic Services

Don't leave your picture perfect look for your wedding day to the girl behind the cosmetic counter or your local hair dresser that squeezes you into her busy saturday schedule.  Instead, choose a professional make-up artist and hair stylist that will travel to your wedding location and make sure your picture perfect look lasts from the first picture until the last dance.

Meet Ana Crane-Simpson with Applied Cosmetic Services.  Ana resides in Lexington but because of her popularity you can find her in Louisville almost as much as Lexington.  Ana meets with clients before the big day to discuss their desired look and does a trial run to ensure the bride is satisfied.  When your wedding day arrives you can be assured that you will look fabulous!!

Before watching Ana's Something Blue Collective video, meet Ana in the following brief SBC interview.

SBC:  What are the current trends in make-up and hair for weddings for this upcoming spring and summer? 
Ana:  Here are the beauty trends for brides in 2010: BOLD and BRIGHT colors. A perfect pouty pink lip partnered up with a bold black lined eye is for a modern bride. A more traditional bride may opt for a brown/coppery eye with a muted glossy pink lip. A huge trend this season is a vintage look... you can go for soft and dewy, or bold and matte. A glamour look is just as popular on the runways! Long dark lashes, a winged eye, and matte red lips.

SBC:  What make-up do you use on your brides?Ana:  I really love using MAC cosmetics on brides. The foundation, eye shadows, and eye lashes photograph beautifully and are not heavy looking. There primers are amazing and really keep the eye shadows and foundation looking fresh and bright. For those brides that are concerned about their oily skin type, MAC has an amazing blot powder! I leave all my brides with blot powder and a touch-up lip pallette to use throughout the wedding, when needed.

SBC:  Where do you find inspiration for the different looks that you create?
Ana:  I find inspiration in everything! From my conversation with the bride I really get a visual of what she can look like. I love hearing about the special details, flower combos, bridesmaid dresses, hair pieces, and of course- the dress! I feel my fashion design background really helps me listen to the bride and execute the perfect look for her. Every wedding is different and so is every bride... that is why I love what I do!! The bride really needs someone that will understand what she is trying to convey on the most photographed day of her life!!

SBC:  What is your favorite color of lipstick in your purse right now?
Ana:  My favorite lipstick color right now is MAC: Viva Glam 5. It is a gorgeous nude pink that works with every skin tone and shadow color(s). The best part is that 100% of sale price goes to the MAC AIDS Fund, it goes directly to adults and children living with AIDS. As of 2009, there are 6 shades of Viva Glam lipsticks.

SBC:  How do you prevent the bride’s make-up from fading on her wedding day?
Ana:  The best way to keep the bridal make-up from fading is by preparing the skin with a primer. This helps even out the skin tone, reduces redness, fills in any fine lines and enlarged pores. It also helps reduce the oils in the skin from breaking down the foundation. No foundation is 100% waterproof, so a blot powder is ideal to remove shine hours after initial makeup application.

SBC:  Do you have any advice for brides on how to prep their skin for their wedding day?
Ana:  The best advice I can give to brides about prepping the skin before the wedding is: DO NOT spray-tan your face or expose your face in a tanning bed!!! You will pay for it later! If you moisturize and exfoliate with a scrub 4 to 7 days prior to the BIG day, your skin will be glowing! If you happen to get a few pimples or small breakout, that is common, do not touch the area and see a dermatologist (in extreme cases a steroid creme can reduce the breakout). Most topical cremes help and of course a good make-up artist can cover anything up.

 


SBC:  What is the one must have for every bride to become picture perfect for their wedding day?
Ana:  A must have for a bride to be picture perfect: SMILE ALOT and always have a blot powder and the perfect lipgloss color handy!! It is amazing what a great color can do for ones confidence.

SBC:  What is the biggest difference between hiring a professional make-up artist that specializes in working with photographers and a make-up artist found in a local salon or at a make-up counter?
Ana:  The biggest difference between hiring a professional makeup artist and going to your local makeup counter is the application time, travel on the day of and the attention to detail. I firmly believe you get what you pay for. If you go to a counter, you may not get a trial and if you do... then there is a chance the artist that did your trial may not be the same person that applies it on the wedding day. Also most counters set aside only 1/2hour for the entire appointment. And let's not forget you have to travel to the mall and hope there are no delays.

When you hire a professional makeup artist, you are ensuring you are going to look exactly as you envisioned on your wedding day. I travel on-location and bring everything with me. I use makeup that is photo-friendly. I do all of my bridal trials and can accomidate bridesmaids and/or mom's. I really get to know my clients and do anything I can to exceed their expectations. When you consider the grand investment a wedding can be, why would you not invest in a "beauty" expert for your BIG day!

SBC:  Any quick do’s and don’ts of make-up our brides reading?
Ana:  Do's and Don'ts of hiring makeup/hair professional:    Do- Research on line,get references, see portfolio of work, set up a trial, ask for touch up kit. Don't- skip an opportunity to see what a professional can offer!

Do's and Don'ts in makeup: Do- moisturize, research what colors work with your skin tone, set up a private makeup class, throw out old makeup, design a day and evening look, clean your brushes regularly. Don't- share makeup with anyone, use sponges, use colors that wash you out, go to sleep without washing your face, use foundation containing mica (reflects light in photography), and don't  underestimate the power of beautiful makeup!

SBC:  What is the first thing that pops into your mind when I say “false eyelashes”?
Ana:  When I hear "false eyelashes", the first thing that pops in my mind is .... a blushing bride!! Eye lashes can look amazing if applied correctly. They can add that extra something to a simple, natural look. Or they can take a dramatic look over the top.

Thanks Ana for all the great tips and advice.  Please visit her website www.appliedcosmeticservices.com 
to view more of her portfolio and learn about what services she can provide for your wedding day. 

Congratulations Julie!

Julie Nugent is the winner of the three hour videography package from ICVideo.  Julie is getting married at the Gillespie this year.  Congratulations and thanks to all the brides for registering for our giveaway.

ICVideo specializes in capturing weddings with a level of equipment that is unmatched.  ICVideo can give you a movie style production with 12ft camera cranes, Steadicam equipment and other specialized equipment or if preferred a more simple ceremony and reception recording.  ICVideo is recognized as producing entertaining highlights that tell the story of the wedding day that reflects each couples unique personalities.  Visit their website at www.icvideo.net to view their portfolio or contact them at 502.592.1575 to schedule a meeting to discuss your wedding day.

New Ladyfingers Catering Video

New video posted by one of Louisville’s best caterers with 20 years of fine catering experience, Ladyfinger’s Catering. I am not the only one who thinks they are the best.  In 2008, Louisville voted and WLKY awarded Ladyfinger’s with the “Best of Louisville Caterer” title.  Ladyfinger’s specializes in preparing gourmet food for weddings, but are also chosen to caterer some of Louisville’s most elegant events.  You can taste their delicious food at the Barnstable-Brown Derby Event, The Dismas Charities Moonlight and the Magnolia Gala.  

Donna Brown, the Marketing Director, explains the different dinner services that they offer their brides and grooms on their Something Blue Collective Video.  You may be familiar with the formal plated dining service or the large buffets at weddings, but there is a third option for brides and grooms.  Watch the video and learn how you can have the best of both worlds!!  Visit Something Blue Collective, choose the “dine and décor” category, click on Ladyfinger’s and then the thumbnail in the bottom corner to watch their video.

While visiting the Ladyfinger’s website my appetite grew while perusing their gourmet menu options.  So, I took the time to choose my dream wedding menu…just in case my husband wants to marry me all over again. 

Salad

Strawberry Orange Baby Spring with Mandarin oranges, strawberries, blue cheese, mushrooms and Vidalia raspberry dressing

Main Course

Grilled Filet with Gorgonzola

Grilled Asparagus with Jalapeño Hollandaise

Candied Yams

Maplewood Smoked Bacon Roast Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Artichoke Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta

Dessert

While Amaretto Raspberry Torte

Tiramisu

Delicious! I may have gone overboard on the side dishes, but oh well it's my wedding!!

Ladyfinger’s routinely schedules “tastings” so potential clients can sample their catering.  Visit www.ladyfingersinc.com  to sign up for their Newsletters to be notified of their upcoming events or contact them directly.