Choosing wedding vendors who fit the style and budget of your wedding day can be difficult, but getting to know the people behind the business often makes that decision much easier. In this series, Coffee with Caitlin, I want to introduce some of my favorite wedding vendor friends… or friendors as we call them.
Today’s interview is with Leah of Blush Tones. I was able to work with Leah for the first time a year ago at the Heirloom Blush and Berry Styled Shoot. I loved how she transformed our model, who usually has a boho look and wears little makeup, into an elegant bride without making her look overdone. Leah and her team specialize in bridal, special occasion, and pageant makeup to make sure their clients are always looking red-carpet ready.
Photo: Tara Liebeck Photography
What’s in your coffee cup this morning?
-I actually don't drink coffee! Although I love the taste, I'm one of those rare breeds that doesn't like the way caffeine makes me feel!
What does a normal day-in-the-life look like for you?
-When I'm not working with a client, I'm constantly answering inquiries, scheduling trials, emailing current brides about their services, creating and sending contracts, and updating my social media!
What business advice has been the most helpful for you?
-You can never stop learning. No matter how great you may think you are, there is always room to grow and improve! Makeup is always evolving and to stay on top of current trends or different techniques, it's important to take classes from other professionals you respect.
What do you do to keep your life balanced?
-I am pretty good at keeping a balanced life. Although I can be known to answer emails all day, I enjoy working out every day and my Netflix binges. I also love to eat out at new places and try new breweries!
What is something non-wedding related you’ve been loving lately?
-Being outside! I have a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and I love to take her to the beach and let her dive into the waves for hours on end.
What is one thing you wish brides knew about wedding day makeup?
-Wedding makeup is not everyday makeup. There are certain things we as artists do that are specifically geared towards giving you a flawless finish. Certain products, application, and prep are required to have your makeup last and look good on camera. Your sister/cousin/friend might do HER OWN makeup well, but it's a completely different ballgame to tailor makeup to someone else's features.
If you could give brides one piece of advice about another wedding vendor, what would it be?
-Hire a videographer! Long gone are the wedding videos from the 80's. These are works of art! I would love to be able to watch my day unfold in a video!
What was a favorite detail you saw at a wedding this year?
-There was one wedding where the wedding party buried a bottle of whiskey the night before and then dug it up the next day and everyone took a shot. It's a traditional good luck charm, and I thought it was such a unique touch!!
What is your favorite part of the wedding day?
-I love when the bride see herself after her hair and makeup are complete. Usually everyone is watching and you can see the moment that everyone realizes that this is it. It's so beautiful to watch the room transform.
Describe your ideal wedding:
-I love weddings that are specific to the couple. I could imagine my wedding being really laid back with donuts instead of cake, food trucks for dinner, and an amazing DJ that brings everyone together. I'm also a fan of flowy but sexy wedding dresses topped with a flower crown and tons of flowing curls. A girl can dream!
What’s your current favorite color palette for wedding day makeup?
-I'm a natural fan of the smokey eye. It's hard to pick my favorite palette as I like to go by each brides style, skin tone, and eye color. If I had to pick my signature colors, however, I would go with bronze/gold tones and warm browns. I like that they are naturally occurring colors but can also look dramatic and smokey!
What are three words that describe your ideal couple?
-Best friends, goofy, and romantic
What is something you’d love to see become a wedding trend?
-I'd love to see more couples tailoring things to their relationship rather than feeling the need for "typical" wedding type staples. I also love when the groom gets involved and when you can see that throughout the wedding.
What is your favorite thing about having a wedding day team?
-Everyone gets to relax!! We are there to pamper everyone and make sure everyone feels beautiful. I also love that we have a team of artists so we always have an assistant if needed, can have large parties finished faster, and can provide multiple services in a day!
What is something your company is known for that sets you apart from others?
-We are trained specifically in airbrush makeup. Although other makeup is absolutely beautiful, we use airbrush for weddings because it lasts the longest, is transfer resistant, and leaves a flawless finish!
Find Leah on social media:
Facebook and Instagram (@blushtones)