This past weekend, I was looking at some of my photos from my wedding photos with my sister which took place at the St. Regis in June, 2014. As I gazed down at one of my bridal portraits, I turned to my sister and asked, "Was I prettier last year?" She laughed and said, "No . . . Carl Ray just did your makeup." We laughed and talked about how much we missed him, how beautiful he made me, my family and my bridesmaids look on my wedding day, and how much he made us LAUGH! All of us, no matter who we are, always seem to pick out our flaws - especially on one of the most important days of our lives, not to mention 95% of us end up turning into the 'zilla if we have not already. I cannot think of a better human being to have had in my bridal suite other than Carl. In addition to making me look like a princess on my wedding day, he is the number one sought after makeup artist for DC brides and beyond - he is at the top of his game and he isn't going anywhere. Here's why: day in and day out, Carl's job is to make others look beautiful. However, what makes him unique is not only that he makes one look beautiful; it is who Carl is as a person in that he makes you feel beautiful. Moreover, he truly cares about his clients and takes his job seriously. He showed up on time on my wedding day and even put my makeup chairs together. And, was my 85 year-old grandmother in the lineup for makeup? Nope. But even after beautifying my ten bridesmaids, mother (and I'm sure there were others), Carl sprinkled his magic fairy dust and some lashes on my grammy Ethel and she felt like a QUEEN! You should have seen HER walking down the aisle! Carl Ray is a public figure, yes, but it is the quality of his work and his fabulous energy and love for his work that will sustain his celebrity. As the personal makeup artist to our First Lady, one would think the man could not take on another gig - WRONG. Ostensibly, Carl Ray has the mind of a businessman, the hands of an artist, and a heart of gold. He is truly one of the kindest, most hilarious and down to Earth humans I have every come into contact with. I will forever be grateful for him, and, thankful that my parents did not faint when I asked if he could be my makeup artist for my wedding day. Harry Winston said it just perfectly: "People WILL stare; make it worth their while." read more