If you’re debating whether or not to have your hair and make up professionally done for your wedding day [or any event where you’ll be having professional pictures taken], do it. When it comes to knowing how much make up you should wear, what will be washed out in the photograph, no one knows better than the professionals. Some people worry that getting their make up done will make them look unnatural, but if you find a make up artist you can trust and give them an idea of what you’re looking for… you’ll be so glad you did!

The first step to having wedding pictures you’ll want to look at all the time and post all over the house, an amazing photographer… second step, professional hair and make up! While a photographer can use photoshop, why not be photoshop beautiful in real life? I’ll let AJ Lane of AJ’s Hair Design & Makeup tell you more, but first let me tell you a little about AJ… AJ loves her job, she’s sweet, caring and loves connecting with her brides, making them feel gorgeous! Last year I was told about one of my couples going to her house for a trial run and the groom fell asleep on the couch… anyone who makes you feel that at home deserves kudos! Meet AJ Lane…

The beautiful and talented AJ Lane
Photograph by Fritz Photography

AJ Lane and her artists
Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: When/how did you decide you wanted to be a hair/make up artist?

AJ: When I was 5 years old, I cut a neighbor girl’s blonde curly locks off. I was scolded big-time by the girl’s mother and my own, but I really enjoyed myself. That was one of my earliest memories. And I owe a lot to my two younger sisters who were constantly willing subjects for my creativity.

Hair and makeup has been a part of who I am since I can remember. It’s second nature for me and I’m lucky that for the past decade it has been my profession.

Photograph by Artistique Photographie

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?
 
AJ: Ultimately my favorite part is making women feel beautiful. I enjoy the creative process in transforming someone from ordinary to sparkling. It’s very satisfying and rewarding.

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: Many girls may say, “I do my hair and make up every day, why do I need it done professionally?” What would be your reply?

AJ: It’s easy to become complacent and think that if something has worked for you all these years, then there is no reason for change. But why not bump it up a notch? It’s fun to get professionally glamoured up for important events or a simple night out on the town. Plus, you can learn simple techniques to apply to your daily routine that can transform your whole look. Of course you may have to explain to your colleagues, friends and family, why you look 5-10 years younger, but I’d say that’s a good problem to have.

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: What if they said, “I want to get my make up done, but I don’t want to look like a clown”. What would you say?

AJ: We have all seen the unwanted “clown” face look and it makes me cringe. I try to connect with each one of my clients. I approach them with a listening ear and an earnesty to fulfill their desired look. For any event I offer a trial run. We get together, look over pictures, discuss ideas, then style hair and apply makeup. This is a good way for my clients to gain confidence and peace of mind. I offer these to anyone, anytime. Sometimes women don’t know what they like, or they have an idea but are unsure it will look good on them. I consider myself a good judge of character and find it easy to give an appropriate look to each person, according to their personality and desires. Other woman know exactly what they want so that’s what I give them. It’s rare that I am asked to make someone look like a clown, but if I am, I can do it well!

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

AJ: My style is simple, it’s YOU. People are original. I don’t set out to execute MY style on someone else. I do not give them a mask or use them to advertise my work. I want to enhance my client’s own unique beauty.

Photograph by Reversed Lens Photography

Champagne:  If a bride uses bare minerals, do you have a product that is similar?

AJ: I use Jane Iredale. It is a very high-quality, highly micronized mineral cosmetic.  Jane Iredale has all the wonderful benefits of other mineral makeup brands, but it offers much more. The color range and versatility is impressive. They have taken all the negatives out and added many more benefits, making it very accommodating to work with. It’s not only makeup, it’s skin care. It is recommended by physicians and professionals world-wide. All products have been sensitivity tested and are non-comedogenic. Whether your look is natural or dramatic the staying power is amazing and your photos will look incredible. I think most people like me for my makeup, but I understand, I like my job mostly because of Jane Iredale.

Photograph by Fritz Photography

Photograph by AJs Studio

Champagne: Share with us a few fun facts about you!

AJ:
I’m driven to do the best I can at my work; I love to make other people happy.

I feel incredibly blessed to have such wonderful artists working for me, who make my business easier and more exciting.

I’m a girly girl who sometimes acts like the tomboy I was in grade school.

Growing up, my family lived in a log cabin. It was only 900 square feet, but my parents managed to fit all six of us comfortably.  One evening, my brother, Fritz, and I had a brilliant idea for fun. My parents kept the little black and white TV in their bedroom closet only to come out on special occasions. Our big plan was to sneak out the TV to watch the number one hit show, Knight Rider.
        We considered the seemingly impossible challenges:
        Challenge #1: Dad. He was reading in the bedroom where the TV was held captive.
        Challenge #2: Very small house, very thin walls.
        Challenge #3: Transportation of the heavy TV.
        We finally came up with the perfect plan. Fritz would run to the front of the house beneath our parents’ bedroom window. I would enter the bedroom and ad lib a creative lure to get dad out. I would then run back to the empty bedroom and somehow, transport the TV out the window to Fritz. He would haul it back to his bedroom, which our dad had built in the carport.
        With 30 minutes to countdown, we quickly hashed out the details and the adventure began.
        Fritz took his place outside, under the window. I nonchalantly entered my father’s room.
        “Dad, would you like some toast?”
        “Why sure,” my dad replied quite chipperly. He took the bait.
        I hopped off to the kitchen and plopped two pieces of bread into the toaster. My nerves were so wired that it seemed to take forever. “Come on toast! Come on toast!”  I whispered. The toast finally popped up and I placed it on a plate. I ran to my dad in the bedroom. I tried to gain a calm composure before I said, “Ok dad, your toast is ready for you to come dress it.”
        A puzzled look came over his face. Uh oh… what’s he thinking? But then he shrugged his shoulders and said. “OK”. He set his book down and headed out of the bedroom, just as I hoped.
        I scurried to the window and swung it open. Fritz popped up and said, “Is he out?” I whispered, “Yes.” Then I ran to the closet and dug out the TV. With my strong, ten year old, tomboyish arms I carried it to the window where it slid perfectly into my brother’s arms. He took off like a thief and I pulled the window closed with plenty of time left.
        I ran out of the bedroom, through the front room, and almost fell trying to stop at the kitchen, where my dad was dressing the toast that his thoughtful daughter had begun for him. I calmly walked through the kitchen and out the back door into my brother’s room. SAFE!
        I’ve never enjoyed a show more than that night.
        Now, as an adult, I keep my television in the front room and watch it anytime I like.
        Overall, my life is one enjoyable, colorful party!

Champagne: Haha! That story cracks me up!! Thank you, AJ, for telling us more about AJ’s Hair Design & Make up! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out AJ’s website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 24 of 30: Honeysuckle Photography
Day 23 of 30: West Coast Event Productions
Day 22 of 30: Gorge-ous Weddings
Day 21 of 30: The Wedding Cottage
Day 20 of 30: The Photo Lounge
Day 19 of 30: Fioribella Floral Design
Day 18 of 30: Shields Films
Day 17 of 30: Yasmin Khajavi Photography
Day of 16 of 30: Vista Hills & Red Ridge
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranch
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We’d love to meet you! We offer free no obligation consultations so you’re able to see if you’re in need of a wedding coordinator and if we’re the right match! .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) us now to set up an appointment!