While there are SO many amazing aspects of running my own business, one of the sad truths is business ownership can be a lonely endeavor. When I first started out, I had the idea in my head that I needed to be an expert on everything, had to do everything on my own, to look and feel successful. Boy, I learned quickly I couldn’t have been more wrong! I don’t know about you, but studying tax law is NOT my idea of a good time. So once I figured out it takes a village to put together a couple’s special day, I started reaching out to say hello! One of my favorite ways to get to know new wedding vendors is to sit down and chat over coffee. While that’s not possible right now, I’ll take my cup of coffee and enjoy some virtual chatting instead!!

So in this Vendor Spotlight series, I’ll spend some time introducing you to the amazing vendors in the wedding industry I am lucky enough to call a part of my community. It’s the perfect way to brag on them plus it gives me the chance to provide my current and future couples with details to help build the vendor team of their dreams!

Indianapolis Makeup Artist | Black Swan Beauty

If you’ve spent any time being around Veronica, you’re bound to have a smile on your face. She is so fun to be around, plus she’s a wizard with a makeup brush! I was lucky enough to work at a wedding with her last year and she quickly became my number one go-to when brides ask about hair and makeup artists. I’m so excited to share more about her and her business today!!

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS! HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

My first job out of beauty school was actually working for another makeup artist up in northern Indiana. She gave me a lot of insight into the bridal world, and before I knew it, I was hooked. I can remember at one of my first weddings, the bride was getting ready in a hotel room that overlooked a lake with a dock below. The bride let us stay in the hotel room for a few minutes and I got to watch her first look with her groom down on the dock. I stood there and cried happy tears and it hit me like a ton of bricks right then that I never wanted to do anything else.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING BRIDAL HAIR AND MAKEUP?

I say this all the time, but the best thing about bridal is getting to share in one of the happiest days of someone’s life. I get to walk into a hotel room, or a home, or a venue bubbling over with love and happiness and make people feel beautiful. There’s no better feeling than turning someone toward the mirror and watching their face light up. It makes me feel like I’m walking on air!

WHAT SHOULD COUPLES KNOW ABOUT YOUR PROCESS AND ABOUT WORKING WITH YOU?

I reserve one whole hour per service being received. Though I have artists that work alongside me for wedding days which allows us to accommodate larger bridal parties, I never reserve less than this amount of time to be sure there is no risk of anyone’s service being compromised due to a lack of time. Though this may seem like a lot of time, having enough time the day of the wedding allows us to make any tweaks or adjustments that we may need in order create a unique look for every person receiving services.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING WITH COUPLES AS THEY PLAN THEIR SPECIAL DAY?

-I love to turn a vision into reality! During a phone consultation, I typically ask them to describe their wedding in a few words. Then we discuss dress, colors, veils, and accessories. All of these things together present a complete image, and hair and makeup is no exception! I love to provide insight on how the back of your dress impacts the hair style you might choose or how coordinating your lip color with your blush and your flowers creates a seamless picture.

HOW EARLY SHOULD COUPLES REACH OUT TO BOOK YOU TO ENSURE YOU’RE AVAILABLE FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY?

I recommend booking a minimum of 6 months in advance, especially for larger wedding parties. This ensures there will be enough artists available on your wedding day, and that the timing for that day is centered around your wedding. We frequently take 2 weddings on a Saturday, so it is important to be sure your date is available and we can account for travel time between potentially two venues.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO COUPLES FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY?

Oh my, so many things! It’s going to be a long day (that somehow goes by in the blink of an eye!) so be sure to eat (especially before applying your lip color.) Look at each other, look in the mirror and admire your dress, your hair, your makeup, your shoes–your entire ensemble. Soak up every image around you. Appreciate all the hard work, all the planning, and all the people that made this day possible. You have earned a day of happiness and it will be nothing short of amazing. Remember your wedding song and every year on your anniversary, get out your wedding photos, watch your wedding video, and dance to your first dance. It makes the day feel so special and brings back such happy memories.

If you don’t follow Veronica already, head over to her Instagram or Facebook to learn more about her and stay up to date on her gorgeous work!

Much love friends,