YANIQUE AND JAMES
On December 15, 2006, James awoke with a mission: He was going to ask Yanique to marry him. The plan was set. He would serve his famous pancakes and fresh Bellinis and propose over a romantic brunch for two. It was going to be perfect—or at least it should have been. Instead, Yanique’s sister, whom they were living with at the time, decided to stay home from work, and the maintenance man popped in to do some bathroom repairs. Just great. “Breakfast is almost ready, I’ve got the ring in my pocket and I’m thinking, ‘Holy crap! There are two other people in this house. How can I propose with these people in the house?!’” James told 2. But just when he thought all was lost, their unexpected guests both miraculously left at once. That was James’ cue. He got down on one knee and popped the question. There were tears, laughter, screams of joy and, most importantly, an emphatic “Yes!” from Yanique. It was perfect after all.
. . Fast-forward almost a year and a half later and the happy couple’s big day is finally almost here. This April, Yanique and James will be married in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Needless to say, planning their dream wedding from 2,800 kilometres away has definitely brought with it some challenges. Money has been tight—getting married isn’t cheap—and the to-do lists just seem to be getting longer and longer, leaving little room for any quality time together. Stress is inevitable. Fortunately it seems these two have found a real support system in one another. “We’re like the yin and the yang,” says Yanique. “We really complement each other. When one of us is freaking out, the other is always right there to calm them down. We’re a good team that way.”
. . It was up to Couple Makeover to help Yanique and James step back from all the wedding craziness and focus on what’s really important: each other. So 2 teamed up with Marlin Travel to design the perfect getaway for this deserving pair. Get ready: This action-packed Floridian adventure is not for the faint of heart. With Busch Gardens Africa, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld in on the planning, it’s bound to be 2’s wildest Couple Makeover yet!

Style notes: These two are rehearsal-dinner ready—him in a Calvin Klein shirt and Claiborne relaxed-fit pant; her in a striped Vero Moda dress. The frock’s plunging neckline flatters Yanique’s chest and shoulders. Available at The Bay.

DOWN TO EARTH
It’s not easy to turn yourself over for a makeover just weeks before your wedding. But the expert team at Earth, a boutique salon in Toronto and the first stop in Yanique’s and James’ transformations, quickly put any fears the bride- and groom-to-be may have had to rest. “At the end of the day, we just want you to love your hair,” stylist/director Michael Crispel told the couple. “Change doesn’t have to be extreme—the difference is in the details.”
. . First step: Refine their colour. Master colour technician Jessica Borg inserted subtle highlights on the crown of James’ head for a fresh look that appears kissed by the sun. Yanique took her colour cues from colour director Debbie Eng Phillips, who suggested toning down the brassiness of her existing highlights with a rich, deep-brown all-over rinse better suited to her skin tone. Eng Phillips then added soft caramel highlights to give Yanique’s hair more dimension.
. . When it came to her cut, Crispel remained sensitive to Yanique’s desire to maintain her length for the wedding, while still addressing her hair’s multiple personalities. Although she typically wears it straight, her hair is actually quite curly. Crispel cut to both styles, giving Yanique a diverse wardrobe of looks for her hair.
. . Yanique wasn’t the only one with a versatile new do. James’ cut comes with options aplenty. Trim and neat around the sides, it has plenty of attitude on top, which he can choose to play up or down depending on his mood or the situation.

SKIN MADE PERFECT
James and Yanique have a lot in common, but not when it comes to their skin. James is moderately fair; Yanique has a medium complexion. He has combination skin; hers is comfortably oily. No matter. With Clinique, any skin can be great skin. Its dermatologist-developed skin care regimens are tailored to fit each client’s individual needs. James’ prescription is simple: Refresh, renew and protect, twice a day with Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Liquid Face Wash Regular Strength, Scruffing Lotion 2.5 and M Protect SPF 21. Yanique’s daily routine includes Liquid Facial Soap (Oily Skin Formula) for cleansing, Clarifying Lotion 3 to help even out her skin tone and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Get your personal skin report at clinique.ca.

FACE TIME
Yanique is admittedly not a morning person. When given the choice, sleeping trumps primping every time. Not only that, but her work as an athletic therapist also doesn’t lend itself to an overly made-up look. Her lifestyle demands a makeup routine that is fast and easy. Enter Clinique expert Sara Whittaker. “It’s about making it part of your life, not interfering with your life,” she said to Yanique during her makeup consultation. With that in mind, Whittaker customized a simple everyday look for Yanique that she can achieve at home in just five minutes. Here’s how, in six easy steps:

1. Apply Perfectly Real Makeup in Shade 36, starting in the centre of the face and working outward. Remember: Less is more. Though it may feel like nothing at all, this miraculous foundation actually senses where coverage is needed and deposits itself as necessary.
2. Sweep the taupe shadow from new Totally Neutral Colour Surge Eye Shadow Trio across each lid and use the lightest shade as a highlight just under the brow.
3. To frame the eye, apply Quickliner for Eyes in Black/Brown along the lash line of both the upper and lower lids. Use the sponge at the end of the pencil to soften the line, which will make the lashes appear thicker.
4. Finish the eyes with new Lash Power Mascara Long-wearing Formula in Black Onyx. No matter what the workday brings—rain, snow, sweat, tears—this revolutionary mascara will stay put for 24 hours without a smudge or smear until removed with warm water.
5. Gently sweep Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Sunset Glow over the cheekbones using the unique sculpting brush for a soft, natural glow.
6. Complete the look with creamy, rich Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Fresh Rose. Smooth onto lips, following the curves of the natural lip line.

HOT PICKS FOR THE ENGAGED COUPLE!

• This set of engraved champagne flutes from the Vintage Entertaining Collection by Waterford Crystal includes personalized stems for the bride and groom (above) as well as bridesmaid, best man, good luck and forever glasses (not pictured).
• Romantic Vera Wang eau de parfum and Vera Wang for Men eau de toilette—because every wedding needs a touch of Vera.
• The luxurious S&C Celadon bedding collection is a newlywed must-have.
  

SHAVING SMARTS
If truth be told, James can be a bit two-faced. Sometimes he’ll shave every other day; sometimes he’ll go a week or more without. But with Clinique Skin Supplies for Men, James can look forward to a more comfortable shave—no matter the length of his beard. Cream Shave works well for shorter stubble, while M Shave Aloe Gel transforms into a rich lather, which softens and cushions even the heaviest of beards for a smooth, close shave. Post-shave Soother is the perfect follow-up to either.

IN IT TOGETHER
Even while vacationing in Florida, James and Yanique dutifully kept up their whitening regimen. Every time they used their Crest Whitestrips, the pair took advantage of their 30 minutes of whitening as a time to reconnect, have fun or relax together. Fortunately, at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, there was no end of great activities for two, right at their doorstep. Here are James and Yanique’s fave ways to while away the time as they whiten:

1. Soak up some sun in the pool area.
2. Go head-to-head at air hockey in the games room.
3. Snuggle up in bed and watch Family Guy on their room’s flat screen TV.
4. Relax and unwind in the whirlpool together.
5. Head down to the atrium to check their email.

AFRICAN ADVENTURE
Thrilling rides, exotic animals, fantastic live entertainment—is there anything Busch Gardens Africa doesn’t have? Yanique and James got a taste of it all, starting with an extraordinary safari through the Serengeti Plain. As if feeding a giraffe wasn’t memorable enough, Yanique and James also caught a glimpse of a one-day-old zebra grazing with his mother out on the plain. Throughout the day, gorillas, elephants, lions and hyenas all successfully fought for the couple’s attention, but as the time neared for them to face SheiKra, the park’s death-defying floorless dive coaster, Yanique and James could think of little else but that 90-degree, 200-foot drop. The timely appearance of the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco brass band, with their high-energy sound, seemed to help Yanique and James finally muster the courage to board the ride. The two emerged from their SheiKra experience so stoked, they even managed to convince the 2 crew to join them for a second go ’round!

Style notes (above, from left): Yanique and James are ready for an afternoon on the Serengeti Plain in these safari-inspired outfits. Yanique tops a cream dress with a belted white jacket, both by Vero Moda. A loosely tied colourful scarf pops against the otherwise monochromatic look. James dons a pale-grey distressed polo and olive blazer by I.N.C. with Calvin Klein shorts—a great combination for spring. Yanique and James exit the hair-raising coaster SheiKra in windbreakers from Bench (her) and Selected (him). Available at The Bay.

UNDER THE SEA
Who could resist a face like this? SeaWorld Orlando’s iconic killer whales (pictured here at the Shamu underwater viewing) are just one of the variety of astounding creatures you’ll meet at the park. Yanique and James also got up close and personal with sea lions, sharks and even the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, who all call SeaWorld Orlando home. But the expansive park boasts more than just larger-than-life animal encounters. The not-to-be-missed Journey to Atlantis water coaster, the phenomenal Believe show and a thirst-quenching visit to the Anheuser-Busch Brewmaster’s Club nicely rounded out Yanique and James’ visit.

PLENTY TO DISCOVER
When your stay includes swimming with dolphins, hand-feeding tropical birds and wading among rays, it’s pretty tough to pick a favourite moment. But that’s the nature of a day at Discovery Cove; it’s just one unforgettable experience after another.
. . For Yanique and James, like so many of the park’s guests, their time spent in the dolphin lagoon was the biggest highlight. Their new bottlenose friend, Marea, swam, flipped and squeaked her way into their hearts, sharing kisses, hugs and rides with the delighted couple. Afterwards, as Yanique and James relaxed together in the sand back on shore, they couldn’t stop talking about the encounter. No doubt their memories of it will continue for years to come.

Style notes (above, from left): Yanique and James get friendly with two of SeaWorld’s famed killer whales. Her versatile patterned tunic by Kensie can be worn on its own or as shown, tucked in and bloused, with Lady Dutch short shorts. James’ cropped Calvin Klein pants are a great alternative to shorts on cooler spring days. Yanique and James hang with the birds at Discovery Cove in Speedo swimwear, 1-800-465-4764. Yanique’s crisp Baia Blue button-down and Lady Dutch jeans make for a classic outfit. James follows suit in tailored Calvin Klein pants, Selected polo and Kenneth Cole long-sleeved shirt. Available at The Bay.  

HUNGRY YET?
Between the wild rides, exciting animal encounters and fantastic live entertainment, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Fear not: Busch Gardens Africa, SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove have some of the best eats around.

Laguna Grill
At Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive day resort, good food abounds. Although breakfast boasts freshly baked pastries and muffins, and convenient snack bars located throughout the park offer no end of tasty treats all day long, the culinary highlight is definitely lunch at Laguna Grill. Food lovers will go crazy over its flavourful pesto salmon, succulent roast chicken, Maine lobster salad—the list goes on and on. With so many delicious options, it’s hard to know where to start—or when to stop! Wash it all down with your favourite ice-cold Anheuser-Busch brew.

Crown Colony House
After a rousing morning spent exploring Busch Gardens Africa, park yourself at the Crown Colony House for a leisurely lunch overlooking the Serengeti Plain. Hope you’re hungry! Their famous family-style dinners come with either fried chicken or beer-battered fish, plus a Thanksgiving’s worth of tasty side dishes, including mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing and creamy coleslaw.

Sharks Underwater Grill
At SeaWorld Orlando’s Sharks Underwater Grill, dinner is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Indulge in world-class cuisine as more than 50 different species of sharks swim by your table. Let those fish know who’s in charge and assert yourself with the peanut-crusted grouper, a house specialty. Then for dessert, dive on into the decadent Loan Shark brownie; topped with butter-pecan ice cream and gooey chocolate and caramel, it’s liable to start a feeding frenzy. Don’t worry, there’s enough to go around.

Also try...
Ybor City’s legendary Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Fla., has been serving up authentic Spanish and Cuban delicacies since 1905. The lively nightly flamenco performances (not to mention the sangria) will leave you wanting more, but it’s the food that steals the show. Don’t miss the filet mignon “Chacho,” which is flambéed with a shot of bourbon right at your table.

A MODERN-DAY RENAISSANCE
In the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, Yanique and James found the perfect setting in which to recharge and simply enjoy each other’s company. The resort’s brand new Néu Lotus Spa has only enhanced its already tranquil vibe with a full menu of exquisite nail, facial, body and massage services just steps from the lobby.
. . Although plush bedding and a flat screen TV did tempt the lovebirds to stay cuddled up in their spacious room, the lure of the resort’s myriad amenities awaiting them downstairs proved impossible to resist. After busy, fun-filled days spent at the area’s nearby attractions, including SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove, Yanique and James could often be found in the serene pool area, either splashing around in the water, taking a dip in one of the resort’s two whirlpools or enjoying cocktails in the shade at Palms Grille and Pool Bar. The two became regulars at Mist Sushi and Spirits during their stay, coming back again and again for the restaurant’s fantastic selection of specialty drinks and Japanese goodies, including their favourite, the Bonzai roll—a delicious combination of tuna, salmon and avocado.

YANIQUE & JAMES’ TOP 10 MOMENTS

1. SheiKra—both with and without the 2 crew. (That’s right, we rode it twice!)
2. Kissing and hugging Marea the dolphin at Discovery Cove, knowing that every second of the amazing experience was being captured by the 2 crew.
3. Our phenomenal Spanish feast at the Columbia Restaurant in historic Ybor City. Bring on the tapas!
4. Seeing a whole new side of ourselves in our hilarious Busch Gardens Africa caricatures.
5. Serving up fish to a school of feisty rays at Discovery Cove.
6. Our early-morning ride on SeaWorld Orlando’s Journey to Atlantis water coaster. Nothing wakes you up like a head-to-toe drenching!
7. Feeding Dolly the giraffe during our Serengeti safari at Busch Gardens Africa.
8. Goofing around with SeaWorld Orlando’s famous killer whales at the Shamu underwater viewing.
9. Marvelling at “Mr. Burns,” the frequently shrieking vulturine guinea fowl, at the Discovery Cove aviary.
10. Getting our daily sushi fix at Mist Sushi and Spirits.