How did you get started in makeup? How long have you been a professional makeup artist?   I have always loved makeup and how it transforms us. I think I started loving it as a teenager and became all my friends “go to” for getting their makeup done. I started working in cosmetics about 15 years ago, being a counter manager for Clarins I Richmond. I also managed Revlon, Almay and a few others at the same time. I then had a baby, got married (yes, in that order, LOL) and moved to Victoria. I got a job at MAC cosmetics and stayed there for 8 years. While working at MAC, I also had my own freelance makeup business.

What services do you offer?  I am a mobile makeup artist. I also have a studio. I do weddings, beauty, photography, grad,  and special event makeup, as well as lessons and colour consults.

How would you describe your style?  My style is that of a less is more approach. I like to make my clients look like themselves at their most beautiful.  I like to pull out the beauty they already have. I know some makeup artists can be heavy-handed. I tend to be more natural, less dramatic. Looking radiant and fresh, while not feeling like they are wearing makeup. I hate the “caked on” look and I know you do too.!! LOL.  But I can definitely kick up the glam factor when needed.

Why should brides hire a makeup artist rather than do their own makeup?  If the question arises if the bride should get her makeup professionally done, the answer is yes. We know how to make the features stand out and look good for photos. Hiring a professional makeup artist is the difference between your everyday look and a “wow” look. Plus, you get to relax and feel pampered; it is your special day after all.

Do you do trials before the wedding day?  A trial is always a good idea so we can discuss what look you want. It can make the day run smoother and any little tweaks can be predetermined. I give my thoughts and opinions and discuss how to do touch ups.

What size bridal parties can you accommodate?  I do the brides and bridal parties of up to 8-9 people.

How far in advance should brides consider booking you for their wedding day?  As much as possible. I start to get bookings and booking up a year in advance. So if there is someone you want, get on it!

What trends are you seeing in bridal makeup this coming season?  There has been a big resurgence of vintage inspired looks. As well and the classic beauty bridal look. I love doing what I called “boho luxe” look – more earthy and beachy in shimmering golds, bronzes and jewel tones. They really compliment eye colours and skin tones.

I also specialize in mature makeup. I get so much pleasure in seeing the “moms’ or the mature bride’s eyes tear up when they see how they look. I like to make them look 10-15 years younger.

What are the best types of makeup for a bride on her wedding day?  Long wear lip products and waterproof mascara. I try to not make the face ever look or feel over done, so a powder for the T-zone touch-ups are great too. And Lashes are fabulous. They amp up the pretty factor. I try to encourage brides to go for it as they look beautiful and photograph amazingly.

What is your favourite part of doing bridal makeup?  My favourite part of my job is seeing the response I get from my clients. They inspire me to keep doing what I love and to help them see the beauty they each possess. I form such wonderful connections with so many clients and it reminds me how lucky I am to be able to do this job.

To book with Melanie contact her at: 250-661-4914 or melaniebaird_makeup@hotmail.com

Learn more about Melanie and see more of her work at: www.melaniebaird.ca

Photo credit Sarah Murray
Photo credit Helene Cyr

Photo credit Jenna Shouldice

I started the day with the groom, Ian, and his family and groomsmen as they prepared for the wedding day. They were so much fun! And complete gentlemen.

We made our way to Brentwood College for the ceremony and reception. I love seeing how a groom looks at his bride while at the alter. Ian looked at Sarah this way the whole day.

Such a gorgeous bouquet!

They are so good together!Everything about Sarah is beautiful.Ah, Ian. Yes, you are a lucky man.A little something Nichole probably didn’t notice when taking this shot from the front. Nichole set up a photo booth at the reception with tons of fun props. It was a huge hit, especially with the little ones. Pink feathers everywhere!Ian is a very talented musician. He recorded the music that was played for the ceremony, then got up to play with his band during the reception. 

Happy Valentine’s Day

I went out to a friend’s house this morning to tutor her daughter in photography, as part of her home schooling. I’ve been over there a couple times teaching about how a camera works and how to compose a picture. Today we went around her yard and actually took pictures. To me, looking at the property with new eyes, there was a wealth of opportunity. To her though, it was the same old things she has photographed a hundred times. It is hard to photograph the familiar. But as we went around, I could show her how I saw her yard. Different perceptions lead to different results. And she saw her yard in a new way.

Then I came home and read this blog post from Jasmine Star. I have heard this story before, but today it has given me more to think about. A man plays his violin on a subway train. Most people rush past, a few drop coins, one or two stop to listen for a moment then hurry on their way. In the 45 minutes he plays, he makes $32. Turns out this man was Joshua Bell, who only the night before played a sold out concert at $100/ticket. Different environment leads to different perceptions.

As a photographer, I need to SEE. I need to open my metaphorical eyes more often and not put my preconceived ideas, my perceptions, into the scene. I need to notice the seemingly unimportant. I need to pay attention to what is truly there. I need to see beauty. Because I know it’s everywhere. If I take the time to look.

“Awww, Mom, do we have to?
“Would you just wear this shirt so you look good in the pictures?”
“Fine then. Wear whatever you want, at least go comb your hair.”
“Your hair looks great. It’s time to go. Now.”
“I’m not gonna smile.”
“NO! I won’t be in that picture!”

And unlike most family sessions I do, my kids know my tricks and they know how to push my buttons. It’s stressful! This year though, they cooperated with me and got along with each other. Maybe it’s a factor of their age. Or maybe it was because it was Zach’s birthday and they knew there was cake waiting at home. Whatever the reason, we had a great time and they like their portraits.

Ahhh, sisters… (oh, no. Here we go…)Instead it led to a whole lot of fun.

Yesterday was the big kick off for the magazine, where they played a big roll in the Bridal Exhibition at Pearkes Arena. It was such a fun day too! I was invited by Laura, the magazine’s editor, to take part. I documented the day from the point of view of a bride in the planning stages of her wedding for a future magazine article. I can’t spill all the details, but it involved LA Limousines (I felt so fancy), pampering at Glow Luxe Beauty Boutique (more fanciness), and meeting the Wedding Belles (who are an absolute blast! As much fun in person as they are on TV.). As well, I picked up my copies of the magazine. It’s thrilling to be part of it all. And a big THANK YOU to Laura and The Wedding Ring team for including me in 4 pages of your first issue!

Morgan & Andrew are on page 4.

Jack’s Proposal to Jill, and a product shoot at Ooh La La Cupcakes (more on this shoot soon) are also in print.

In case I was unclear, I’m very excited to be a part of this and grateful for the opportunity to work with some incredible people.

I’d never submitted  my work for consideration to any major publication before. Or to any other wedding blog for that matter. I saw Weddingbells on the magazine rack at the store and felt I should give it a try. It was an interesting process of filling out the wedding details on a form and submitting about 75 of my favourite images for their editors to look at. For a couple of weeks, I heard nothing. Then I received an email with one sentence asking for the bride to fill out their questionnaire. Again more waiting. Then I got a request for higher res files. More silence. More waiting. I took it all as a good sign. After all, they hadn’t said no. Just before Christmas I was told their wedding would be featured on their blog and homepage!

A BIG thank you to Morgan for all her help in getting her wedding published. And to both Morgan and Andrew for being so willing to share their day this way. Your wedding was so fun and I am very grateful to have been a part of it. As well, a shout out to all the fabulous wedding vendors who helped create the look of this incredible day and bring Morgan’s vision to life… By Design Wedding and Events Custom Creations, Designer Weddings and Special Occasions Rentals , and Melanie Baird Makeup Artistry

The day started at Shades of White, where I met Teresa as she put on her dress. She looked fantastic in the dress that suited her perfectly.  It was so fun to hear all the congratulations and see the happy looks of all the customers as we left the store.

We made our way to Abigail’s just before the ceremony. One last check before the wedding. You looked so beautiful, Teresa.
James, and her boys, waiting for the big moment.Their expressions say it all. The ceremony was full of love and laughter. I nearly cried as they said their own vows.For pictures we went to Parkside Spa and Resort. The forecast called for rain, so we went there for a sheltered venue, just in case. However, we were blessed with a clear day with gorgeous light. We made the most of both inside and outside.Just as the sun was setting, we went back to Abigail’s for pictures with the Christmas lights. Then they invited me to stay for dinner catered by the hotel. They are so sweet! And I am grateful they did. It was amazing. What a fun day.

Thank you Teresa and James for being so incredible, and for inviting me to be part of your day. The day was as wonderful as you are. All the best to you and your new family.