Happy Valentine’s Day loves, and a warm welcome back to our expert beauty contributor , the ever-amazing Paul Labrecque. While I am always thrilled to have Paul swing by Merci to talk tresses, I’m particularly honored to introduce him on this annual “Day of Love” to present a project that will captivate your heart as quickly as it did mine.
In the last few years, I’ve had the honor of getting to know Paul Labrecque and his partner, Brian Cantor. Independently, they each possess an indescribable quality that makes you instantly connect with them, a kindness that forgoes their lofty reputation and celebrity stylist status and puts you on a down-home level, whether it’s the first time you set foot in their salons or if you’ve had the pleasure of being friends for ages…
But as beautiful and Paul and Brian are individually, together they create an energy that is absolutely magical. Even the most disconnected passerby in their salons can sense an almost tangible and kinetic connection between the pair, and it’s this connection – this “better together” sense of love – that I’m honored to help introduce today. Take it away, Paul. (Jacqueline Weppner)
Today I wanted to share something with all of you that I am so proud to have been a part of. Have you heard of the Devotion Project ? It is a lovely series of short documentary films celebrating LGBT couples of all kinds. The first film, MORE THAN EVER , premiered at Newfest: The New York Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in July 2011 and won the Audience Award for Best Short. The second film, SAY ONLY YES , premiered online this month and features me and my partner in business and in life, Brian! 
Tony Osso, the series director, approached us nearly a year ago about his dream to create a series of short films about successful same sex relationships that could be used to help struggling teens and young people come to terms with their sexuality. We were flattered and excited to join in and we hope that our story can make a positive and lasting impression. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZqyvI2KMfw]
This is such an amazing series showing that love knows no bounds. We hope you enjoy it! Photos by Nephi Niven, courtesy of Paul Labrecque .
