Nadia- a makeup artist's dream

Nadia was so sweet to send me these shots of her and her girls, taken by Mabyn Ludke Photography. See her full blog on Nadia and Mike here www.mabyn.com/wedding/nadia-mikes-love-story/. 

Be sure to look at the hangers Nadia made for her and her girls to hang their dresses. She seriously is thinking of starting an Etsy business and I think she would sell tons!

Her location was the Sheraton at Syracuse University, which I love as a makeup artist for several reasons. Lots of room and lots of natural light.

Gorgeous hair piece. Just one of many beautiful details Nadia thought of.

Nadia followed all of the prep tips we send to our brides to help the day stay on schedule and keep everyone on the same page. 

She had great photo opps for her girls with them all in matching robe's.

So beautiful! Outside and in!

Thank you Nadia for the photos and the 5 start review on Wedding Wire. We loved being a part of your day!

Makeup artists in Syracuse have fun too!

Being a makeup artist in Syracuse does have some fun opportunities beyond doing makeup for bridal work. While bridal is a large part of our business, we also do commercials, print work, head shots, charity functions and on occasion entertainers.
When I got the call from an agent in California for a makeup artist gig in August, I was psyched! And the timing was perfect. I was asked if I knew a hair stylist. So of course I gave her my "go to" girl's, Tiffany Dewald, contact info.
The dynamic duo at it again! Our newest artist Christina would be with us to, to assist as needed.
It was kept pretty hush hush who Tiffany and I would be working with until the week of the show. Then we were told it would be Bridgit Mendler! Now my daughter Gigi is 5 and addicted to Disney, so I knew who she was. What I didn't know is she is an amazing singer beyond Disney type music!

back stage with Bridgit!

She was also so gracious! My daughter was so excited, she made Bridgit a card and asked me to take it to her. Bridgit sent home an autographed picture for Gigi's wall.

Myself, Christina, & Tiffany with our backstage bracelets

Neara Russell (taken with my point and shoot camera)

Bridgit's keyboardist, Neara Russell, stopped in to say hi and see what Bridgit's makeup looked like so she could coordinate. So I sat her down and did some shadow, false lashes and a quick look. She loved getting tips on applying false lashes!

Bridgit Mendler at New York State Fair

While I was out front trying to get a few shots for the blog, I noticed a guy with a nice big pro camera shooting as well.I mentioned we do charity events as well. And that's where I knew him from. We had worked together on a fundraiser for The American Heart Association, Go Red for Women. He was very generous in sending me the rest of these(including the one of Bridgit above). Thanks Chuck!www.cperkinsphotography.com

So, I had a great time, heard great music and my daughter thinks I am the coolest mom ever.. I wonder how long that will last? Hopefully a couple of years, or until I get another amazing opportunity like this.

Makeup for Mother of the brides ( and grooms)

Every time, when a bride inquires I ask the number of people receiving service. And the usual answer is "I have X bridesmaids + me". My followup question is "what about the moms?" The response varies, but involves, my mom doesn't wear much makeup, mom will even say, "who's looking at me? They are all looking at the bride and groom!"  

Erica and her mom

While both may be true, it doesn't change the fact that she usually doesn't wear a formal dress either, but she is for the wedding, so she needs a polished makeup look to complete her look and make her camera ready.. Because, guess what? Moms are in a ton of pictures!!

Shavonne's mom

And I often get an email requesting to add moms after a contract has been signed. As long as we have time  in our schedule, we are thrilled too, but I thought devoting a blog posting featuring some of our moms would maybe inspire the moms to think ahead on the importance of having the makeup artist do their makeup.

Vanessa and her mom

Erin and her mom

Vicki with her mom and sis

Vicki's gram turned 87 on Vicky's wedding day and loved getting false eyelashes!!

Lindsay and her mom

Stephanie and her parents

Rosanne and her parents

Hopefully, these will put the moms at ease. You won't look "too made up", You'll look like an enhanced version of yourself, mom! And you'll love it!

When these 2 greet you at the door when you arrive to start bridal makeup, you know it will be a fun day. How can you not smile seeing these cute faces? That little one i wanted to tuck on my handbag and take him home with me!

Erica was referred to me by my friend and photographer Shavonne, from Shavonne Joliee Photography http://www.shavonnejolieecny.blogspot.com/

Shavonne was shooting the wedding, to be held at one of my favorite venues, The Lodge at Welch Allyn.

 Good genes run in this family of beauties!

Erica and Chuck decided on a first look and photos before their ceremony. I love this, as I think it really makes the bride and groom more at ease the rest of the day.

Congrats Erica and Chuck on such a beautiful day!

Winter wedding wonderland

 Annie's wedding definitely had a winter theme. Set in January and in Syracuse, you can pretty much guarantee snow. And boy did Mother Nature deliver! I left extra early braving the blustery morning.When I arrived at the Craftsman Inn, the parking lot had not yet been plowed yet. So I plowed through with my kit and set up to work my makeup artist magic.

Annie wrote a really sweet review on Wedding Wire. "Flexible is an understatement - Holly drove through a blizzard to reach the wedding party! She did a fantastic job on me (the bride), my bridesmaids, my sisters-in-law and my mother. Everyone was glowing and looked great, and the best part is how natural the makeup looks. You just look like a wonderfully enhanced version of yourself after Holly has worked her magic. She spent all day with us as we got ready for the wedding, and it was like she was one of the girls we've known forever. We had a lot of fun throughout the prep, and the finished product far exceeded my  expectations."

the girls loved their airbrush makeup!

 

 

 Thanks Annie, I thought you guys were really great too! Special thanks to Shavonne Joilee Photography for the great pics. And to Tiffany Dewald for her mastery of hair design!

Vanessa's blushing pink summer wedding* sigh

 When Vanessa came for her makeup trial with her mom, I knew this was going to be one of those families. One that would enjoy the day, that I'd leave feeling like a part of them. We laughed and planned and I knew this was going to be magic. And I was so excited to be a part of it. Vanessa's palette of pinks left me giddy to move away from the bronze and nudes that have been so popular and use some soft blushing pink tones. 

Steel Magnolia's came to mind, every time I thought of pink. And who didn't love Shelby's distinctly 2 different shades of pink: Blush and Bashful

Special thanks to Korver Photography for so generously letting me use these!http://www.korverphotography.com/

Mom getting her lipstick applied

I just kept thinking how much she looked like Natalie Portman. That skin!

Backyard Garden Florists- always stunning work!

Vanessa had the longest veil I have ever seen!

Pretty in Pink.

Being able to use pinks in the makeup made me happy. I think it is such a feminine and romantic color

Mother daughter love!

Love Downtown shots!

beauties

Happy couple!

I scream. You scream. Skippy 's!

Like I said, a fun group. Right til the end. And they all still look perfect!

Erin's big day

Erin had been in a wedding the previous year I did, so I was one of the first vendors she booked when her time came.Even with the salon they went to caused the girls to run way behind schedule *** seriously, hire a stylist that will come on location. The running around is not worth it** I still finished pretty close to schedule.

While waiting for the girls to return from the salon, Erin's mom and I got to know each other and I even talked her into false lashes. Once a mom sees the effect it has on making their eyes look more bright eyed, they LOVE them!