A couple of weeks ago Meg Clouse with Blushing Hair & Make-up was so kind to sit down and do a fun instagram LIVE Q & A with me. We got to chat a little bit about how she went from a small crew of sisters to one of Charlotte’s top hair and make-up companies in the wedding industry. I just adore her and the way she cares for her clients. In the LIVE, Meg answered some frequent questions brides have for her. If you are a bride about to start your search for a hair and makeup professional, this summary of our chat may be a great resource for you:

“What makes the best bridal trial?”

-Communication! Being open about what you like and don’t like. Allowing the artist to get to know you and your skin and hair, as well as try products on to make sure they work for longevity.

“I like so many different looks how can I choose the perfect one for the big day?”

Online consultations are part of each of our bridal packages. This includes talking you through what looks might best suit you and your needs. Also talking through things at the trial run is the BEST way to make sure you find a look that suits you and your needs.

“There are so many hair and makeup vendors out there, how do I pick the right one for me and my wedding?”

Find a reputable vendor via referral from photographer, planner or friend and check out their social media. Social media is an amazing tool to make sure your vendors align with your aesthetic and can create and accommodate your desires for your big day!

“How can I make sure I look great from my first picture until my last?”

One of the things we ask our brides to do at the trial run is to wear their makeup all day and send us feedback about how things felt/settled. This ensures that the correct primers and setting sprays are used for YOU and your skin type and ensuring a long lasting beautiful look all day long!

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1.) It takes the stress out of figuring out how you will keep, protect, & display your wedding day images.

2.) Although we live in a digital age, tangible imagery has not been lost. There is something special in our emotional response to holding a photo that brings the captured memory back to life.

3.) Albums tell the story of your day from start to finish. The images are pieced together in an artful and aesthetically pleasing way.

4.) The details of your day will be remembered alongside the emotion filled portraits and documentary images. Our brides and grooms pour hours of their time into creating an inviting and stunning day for their guests to enjoy and we want that to be preserved as well.

5.) Not only will you and your friends get to relive those special moments when you look at your album laying on your coffee table for years to come, but it is an heirloom for your children/grandchildren to remember your sweet love story & the legacy you leave behind.

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I am so happy you took the time to come and check out my new website. Goodness, it was a labor of love! Some of you may be asking, what is this rebrand all about? And why did it take you 6 months to do?!

Many know that the heartbeat of my business has always been weddings, and now that my babies are both in preschool (how did that happen?), I have felt a tug to ramp up the weddings side of my business with a complete overhaul of my website, products, client experience, and client management system. I had always felt that with my imagery and experience (almost 9 years!) it was important to provide a high class experience for my clients that matched. And while I always valued and cared for my past clients (many of whom are some of my dearest friends now), I’ve felt the nudge to “update” the business in a fresh new way.

With every passing year the wedding industry changes… social media management tools, new products, fancy new softwares, advertising means, etc. and if you don’t keep up… well, you get a little stuck in your old ways.

Being a business owner in 2019 means making an effort to keep up with the times, not just rely on your product to be successful! I’m thankful for each of you who have been supportive & patient with me during this transition. I have never been more proud of my business and what I get to offer my amazing clients.

And because I can’t leave you without some photos… how fun are these from my shoot with the amazing Meg Clouse w/Blushing Hair & Makeup?

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 …the best man I know: my husband and very best friend.

I am so excited to let you all know that Matt will be working alongside me at each wedding I photograph going forward. It all started in early 2012 when I needed a few headshots for my new website launch. I figured I’d just set up my camera settings and have someone snap some shots for me. Matt had agreed to do it and while he has been supportive from day one, I was quite surprised he was interested in taking the photos. It was fun to show him how the shutter speed and aperture work and couldn’t believe how well he picked it all up. From there he started joining me for some shoots where he could learn even further in a no pressure situation. And honestly, I was impressed. Aside from his ability to work it with the camera and clients, there is just a peace I have knowing he is by my side. He makes me better at what I do.

So…here’s to you babe! Who thought that when you bought me those photography classes 2 years ago that you would be joining me in this journey in such a tangible way?! 

 XO

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To my past clients: I will continue to be doing lifestyle and portrait sessions and can’t thank you enough for helping me pursue my dream.

To my fellow photogs: I would still LOVE to continue second shooting at weddings for the 2013 year.

The post We’re excited to announce some BIG NEWS!! appeared first on Melissa Joy Photography.

Because no blog post is good without a photo, here is a little preview of what is to come:

The post It finally has arrived! appeared first on Melissa Joy Photography.