There it is. The photo that changed everything. I say this, because the moment I saw myself, everything inside me DID change. I finally saw myself the way I’d always hoped to. Of course, there’s no way in hell any of this would have been possible without the help of a few key people.
Laura Bravo-Mertz
Hold on. Give me a second. I’m trying to find the most accurate description for this unicorn. In a word, Laura is priceless. She is a genius when it comes to having the ability to see you and shoot you in a way that you never imagined was possible. Not to mention, she is so charming and witty and she instantly makes you feel so special, that when she tells you you’re beautiful, you truly believe it.
Aside from her skills as a photographer, she is simply a remarkable woman, overall. She is a devoted wife and mother, and I know this because I’ve hung out with her children. You can always tell in a child’s eyes when they truly know they’re loved. And hers definitely know. And what’s more, she has the uncanny ability to make her friends feel the same way. I know that Laura is a true friend, and true friendships are one of the rarest gems you can find in life, so in a sense…. Laura has made me rich.
Thank you, Laura, for enriching my life in so many ways during the tenure of our relationship. I hold you in the highest regard, and will do everything and anything in my power to help the world see your brilliance and gifts.
If you wish to learn more about Laura Bravo-Mertz, get on it. She’s crazy busy!!
Laura Bravo-Mertz
laura@solifoto.com
Instagram @laurabravomertz
Cristiam Alfonso
Alright, so check this out. I literally met this man yesterday. But I don’t care. It was love at first sight. I’d asked Laura, in advance, if he was going to be cool, or if I would have to act like a nice, respectable person, which is fucking exhausting, by the way….
He walked in, and aside from the fact that physically-speaking, I kind of hoped he would accidentally fall on top of me, he was an incredibly nice guy. We hit it off, which definitely made me feel a lot less stressed about the shoot, but when he finally allowed me to see myself in the mirror, I realized his awesomeness went far beyond anything I had ever imagined. There’s a reason this man works with the top celebrities in Hollywood. Good reason. Not only did he do an incredible job on my makeup, but he put up with my wonky left eye that felt like crying non-stop for five hours. Thanks a lot, pollen. And the hair… the HAIR!!!!! He made me look like I actually HAD some. Thin hair is awesome, n’est–ce pas? #thumbsdowntothinhair
In a perfect world, I would move him very close to me so he could do my makeup every day… which consists of concealer and Carmex. But damn, if he wouldn’t apply that under eye concealer and Carmex perfectly!!!!
Anyone in the WORLD who wants to look and feel like they had their makeup done by a legitimate artist and not someone behind a fold-out chair at a kiosk, here is his info.
Cristiam Alfonso
Facebook: Illuminati Hair and Makeup Studios
https://www.styleseat.com/cristiamalfonso
Instagram @cristiamakeupart
LOVEthirteen
The bracelets I was wearing for the photo shoot weren’t brought by the photographer as a prop. I own those pieces. I chose those pieces. Those pieces are mine. I’m emphasizing this, because if you try to steal them, I will cut you. So get your own. I say this, because I have received such a response from people everywhere wanting to know where they came from, so ask and you shall receive.
LOVEthirteen is a spiritual jewelry line designed by Heather Wells. Now, I have known Heather a while. As happens with many many of us, we lost touch for a few years. When we finally reconnected, she told me about her new jewelry she was designing. One look. One look and I was hooked. In the photo, you can’t even see the intricate details she uses in her design. She meticulously adds details that set her jewelry apart from what I’ve seen elsewhere. She loves making custom pieces, too, which is what I was wearing. I told her what I wanted and she…. well, she basically blew my fucking mind. I love her stuff. Period.
Her star is rising at lightning speed, so if you’re interested in her pieces, I highly recommend you check her out and contact her, ASAP.
LOVEthirteen
Heather@love-thirteen.com
Facebook.com/LOVEthirteenjewelry
Instagram @LOVE_thirteen
This was photo number one. There will be many more to come in the coming weeks, and I cannot wait to see them! Thank you, Laura & Cristiam!!!! xo
Kate, Seriously 
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