Jennifer McLaughlin Makeup Artist

First for Women Magazine Shoot!

2009-07-05T15:05:00.003-05:00

Back a few months ago, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Aaron Snow (photography) and Iris Swope (stylist) on a lifestyle shoot for the national newstand magazine, First for Women. First was running a piece on a local girl that lost a TON of weight with the help of the Biggest Loser's, Jillian Michaels. The shoot was in downtown Oklahoma City, and was really the brainchild of Aaron...who (along with our full consent!) broke all the "recommendations" we were given, hahaha, but made for an amazing shoot, of which they chose to run a photo that he directed all on his own. Take a peek the next time you are at your newstand! It's the August 3rd edition of First Magazine, page 27! Check out her hair too, hahaha...for someone that claims "I don't do hair" I think I did pretty well with it!

Courtney, by Kevin Paul

2009-06-28T00:35:00.001-05:00

And the beautiful Courtney Wells and party, courtesy of Kevin Paul.

Christina's Bridals, by Todd Ballje

2009-06-28T00:34:00.002-05:00

My favorite from Christina Schrock's portrait session with Todd Ballje. SO glamorous!

Kali Martin Bridals, by Tara Lokey

2009-06-28T00:33:00.002-05:00

The gorgeous Kali Martin! I cannot wait to see the wedding shots! Thank you to Tara Lokey!

Gotta Keep Typing...

2009-06-27T23:57:00.004-05:00

In reading what I've posted last, I've realized that I owe you too much to not keep typing tonight! APRIL??? That was my last recap?!? I should be fired from blogging...

April was finished out with bridal portraits and trials! Portraits for the lovely Christina Schrock came in the last week. Christina is a NICU nurse...and has seen it all. What amazing people nurses are! And Christina was not a disappointment. She and her mother were just sweethearts to work with, and so excited about Christina's June wedding.

Christina wanted a somewhat natural, yet smoky look for her bridal portraits, shot with Todd Scott Ballje (Beautiful Day Images). We chose a combination of matte browns and shimmering bronzes for her look, with a very natural, yet defined cheek, and flesh toned lips. She looked very old Hollywood Glam. So gorgeous. Pictures in the next post (since for the life of me I cannot figure out how to just pop them in right HERE).

The very next day I had the pleasure of meeting Heather Hennigan, an absolutely adorable little spitfire bride. My first impression of Heather was that she was the daintiest little proper lady I'd ever met...and she is, don't get me wrong...but oh my goodness is she perky! I LOVED HER! She's what you want your best girlfriend to be. And a dermatology PA as well...so we had lots to chat about! Fortunately for me, I got to meet and work Heather's trial at Meg Guess' beautiful couture boutique (thank you MEG!!). Just being in that boutique makes me smile and feel pretty.

Heather wanted a very glamourous, yet natural look, with a focus on her very expressive eyes! We chose soft golds, neutrals, and shimmering beiges, with luscious false lashes to really bring the focus to the eyes. Heather loves her blush, which is a new experience for me, as I have a very light blush hand. I am LOVING life since I've found blush! Thank you, Heather! We really gave her cheeks a pop of color with a shimmering peachy pink tone, and finished her look with a very soft ballet pink lip.

We met again just a few weeks back, for her portraits, being shot by Charles Samples. I just viewed her bridal portraits...and OH MY! Are they stunning! Heather isn't getting married until the end of July, so I cannot leak! But I willllllll...shortly after the wedding, because she's just lovely.

April showers...bring May flowers. Maybe back home in Massachusetts, but certainly not here in Oklahoma. April showers...bring more May showers. What a washy month we had in May! Complete with a few "severe weather" warnings, that of course...send me straight to http://www.southwest.com/ looking for flights out of here! But then I think of all my gorgeous brides...and they wash the rain away!

I had the opportunity to meet Ruchi, an absolutely gorgeous Indian bride...very remniscent of Princess Jasmine of Disney fame! She's stunning, with amazing eyes, and the most well threaded brows ever! We did her bridal trial mid May while she was home in Oklahoma visiting her family. Ruchi is wearing a gorgeous Indian wedding gown, completely beaded, and very colorful. Rich reds, ivory, golds...SO stunning. We chose a shimmering, metallic eye for her, with emphasis on rich bronze, gold, and berry/eggplant shades, and finished her look with a perfectly golden red lip. She's going to be amazing in October!

Pepper. Pepper. Pepper. I have never met a Pepper before...but my life is spicier now that I have! WHAT...a doll. Pepper Webber was married at the Skirvin on May 23, and not a stone was left unturned. Pepper has the most amazing sense of style, fashion, and color. Her maids were dressed in a very soft grey...so different...Greek Goddess style! Absolutely gorgeous. And the funniest group of maids I've ever met. I laughed the entire afternoon.

Not enough can be said about Pepper, really. She's flawless, and perky, and just so sweet at pie. Pepper wanted a sultry, smoky look, with a really nude, sexy lip...and could she EVER pull it off! She was amazing. I don't know what I loved more...the finished makeup...or her INCREDIBLE Valentino turquoise green peep toe bow shoes!!! AAAAAAMAZING... My mouth was literally on the floor starring at them...I couldn't stop!

Pepper's wedding was shot by the very talented Sarah Boling. I've seen some teasers, and I'm definitely on the edge of my seat awaiting the finished gallery!

The gorgeous Kali Martin tied her knot on May 29th. I again got to work with an amazing bride, wonderful bridesmaids, and a really super mom. The entire family was so nice, and so accomodating! Tara Lokey was on hand again, for fantastic photography! I haven't seen the wedding pictures yet, but the bridals are clear for takeoff! I'll be posting them tonight too!

The rain has finally stopped now that it's June...and the 100+ degree weather has set in. I don't know how people that live here in Oklahoma do it full time. I'm sweating my heiny off! The air conditioner in the house is set at 65! It's like a meat locker in here!! And an OVEN outside!

June 6th was a super crazy busy bridal day! It seemed to be "Christina Day," as I had two brides Christina!

I met up again with Todd Ballje, and Christina Schrock at her salon in Edmond, to prep her and her bridesmaids for the big event. What a great day! Every last maid was beautiful, and Christina was so calm! It's always nice when the bride is chilled out...makes for a very easy day. And Mrs. Schrock has got to be one of the sweetest moms ever...so nice, and very caring, always checking on me to make sure I was fed/beveraged! Too sweet!

Christina decided to change up her look, a little different from her portraits, which is always fun. Instead of the old Hollywood Glam, bronzed and somewhat natural look we did for her portraits, we went for a smokier, deeper look...very Bridget Bardo...so totally gorgeous. Pictures are to come from Todd, so I know they will be gorgeous!

Wedding number two of the day was Christina Felton. WHAT a hoot. I have never met a more laid back bride, it was awesome. Christina was planning a beautiful outdoor wedding at her parents home in Nichols Hills. When I arrived at their home, I was blown away. I felt like I had just walked into a movie. The white chairs all in rows outside, the staging for the band, the laid down wooden dance floor...it was a movie scene, I swear. SO beautiful and perfect. Christina was inside, with her very spunky maids. They were wearing an array of garden green dresses, all different styles, and all equally as perfect. They looked like perfect dolls. And Christina was breathtaking, with very natural everything...natural hair, natural makeup, flowing easy dress. So garden. So gorgeous. I cannot wait to see her pictures, coming from Emily Bailey!

Mid June I actually celebrated MY wedding! My NINTH anniversary, that is! NINE years!! NINE! Sometimes I can't believe it, really, ha! And as if my 9th wedding anniversary wasn't mindblowing enough, my daughter and I spent the eve of the 20th rocking out in Dallas, TX with the Jonas Brothers! Clearly, my love of music has rubbed off on her. Jonas is to my daughter, as JOVI is to me! Gotta love it!

This brings me to today! Probably as I speak, Courtney Plaster's wedding is winding down. Courtney held a very country inspired outdoor wedding and reception today in Fort Cobb. Where is Fort Cobb??? I don't think I know...and I was there today, ha! It was Oklahoma country at it's finest, complete with no street names, just numbers and letters...which was pretty much equavalent to Chinese for me. I swear, I can navigate my way around one way streets in the heart of Boston, but give me country...and I cry like a baby. I actually stopped in a diner to ask for directions...something I never do, but when the GPS doesn't recognize anything you type in...and you have no cell service...you kinda need to!

After a few wrong turns, and completely missing a powerplant (HOW do you miss a POWERPLANT???), I started to notice white balloons every mile or so...on this very long, hilly road. I thought to myself, "might these be markers??? Might they know I'm lost, hahah!" What a brilliant idea! I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz...though not getting swept up in a twister..."follow the white balloons...follow the white balloons...follow follow follow follow follow the white balloons!" After about four sets of white balloons tied onto trees, I finally happened upon the bottom of the hill I was hoping for, and saw a gorgeous log home with rows of ribbon adorned chairs, and I knew, I had arrived! ON TIME too! Bonus!

Courtney's parents had a lovely home, very country inspired, which was very cool to experience for me! That's probably the best thing about being here. I get to see things I wouldn't ever see or experience back in the big city.

A few faces later, everyone was stunning and ready to beat the heat (106 today!) and get Courtney married! I amnot quite sure the photographer...but I will find out, because Courtney's is not a face to be missed!

Okaaaay...now that I've caught myself up with blogging...I owe pictures! Off to post...

Ashton's Wedding

2009-06-27T23:48:00.005-05:00

In reading what I promised you before, I do have pictures of Ashton! Here she is along with her equally gorgeous sister, Monica! Thank you to Zach Seat for these great photos!

Catching Up!

2009-06-27T23:39:00.002-05:00

Where have I been? Busy with weddings, my kids, the summer...that's where!

Quick post just to share what has been happening!

Been very busy with brides, trials and weddings! I just love my job. Everyone is always so happy! I haven't met a cranky bride yet!

Another super exciting adventure has begun. I've decided to advertise my work with The Brides of Oklahoma! The girls at the magazine have been aaaaaaamazing! So nice to chat with and so willing to do the most they can to help you get your work noticed! I'll be featured in the January 2010 issue, and am currently listed in the [B] Gallery online! So exciting! What is even more fabulous...they are currently using my Gabby on their homepage! Check her out: www.thebridesofoklahoma.com. She's the stunning blonde you see first! How great is that? Thank you so much to Tara Lokey for the most amazing photography ever!

I'll be posting more pictures very soon! I have wonderful images from Zach Seat, as well as pictures on the way from a photo shoot with the gorgeous Heather Rouba, Mrs. Oklahoma! Cannot wait to see the finished results with Todd Ballje! Another amazing shoot!

More Pictures of Gabby courtesy of Tara Lokey!

2009-05-06T12:40:00.001-05:00

She's beautiful!

Pictures

2009-05-01T15:34:00.003-05:00

Back Talk

2009-05-01T14:31:00.007-05:00

And I'm not talking about the sass I get daily from my 11 year old daughter...

I am talking about this seasons weddings! Going back to the beginning of March! A little bit of retroactive blogging here, but well worth it.

I had the pleasure of working with Courtney Wells and her bridal party at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, back on March 7th. Courtney and I hadn't met before, and I was working off of recommendations and a trial that Mssss. Sharon Tabb (can you say nervous to try to fill those shoes???) had already done. Well, when your bride is just beautiful, and flawless on her own...it's pretty easy and nerves tend to diminish quickly. Courtney was a pleasure, and her bridal party was stunning, an artist's dream come true. It's quite simple to have a successful day when everyone is pretty much as close to perfect as you can get. Mrs. Wells was just a delight. A very prim and mannered proper lady, she nearly flipped out when the photographer came near her while still in her roller set. Made me chuckle as I thought of my mother and grandmother back in Boston who would have done the SAME thing. I believe her words were "don't you dare!" with a big smile, yet look of terror on her face. OH, it was funny. She's a true beauty though; she really had nothing to worry about!

The wedding was photographed by Kevin Paul, with Aaron Snow for backup! WOW! Can I tell you how excited I was to meet two of the heavy hitting photographers here, in ONE day? I was very excited! I am awaiting pictures from Kevin, and will share as soon as they arrive. They are amaaaazing...

On Friday the 13th...can you believe it...I met another bride that has totally become a friend since that day. Gabby Garrison is just the most adorable little thing I have ever met. She stands all of maybe five feet tall, and is this little princess/ballerina blonde. SO adorable. And what makes her even cuter is that she teaches Kindergarten! She's just a living doll. Marrying her fire fighter Jason on Friday the 13th didn't even seem to phase her! Gabby and I had not met for a trial either because of time constrictions, but she was so confident in me that I wasn't worried at all. It's so great when your brides have such faith in you! Gabby and her maids, mom, and stepmom were a breeze and all turned out fantastic. The entire day was PINK which made me very happy. I am a girly girl from root of this very colored hair, to tip of my pedicured toes, so to be surrounded by shades of pink all day was so fun! As Gabby said "pink, pink, pink. We love pink." She carried the cutest little pink clutch too!

Gabby's wedding was shot by Mandy with Gordon Dinsmore Studios. I am in talks with the promotional department and will soon have some stunning pictures to share! They are breath-taking for sure!

The very next day I had the pleasure of working with Cheryl Story at the new Embassy Suites in Norman. Cheryl was a very fun bride, and very focused on perfection, and I believe her term was "I must be fabulous." I LOVE IT! And fabulous she was. She was a very striking bride, with the way her deep skin tone contrasted her diamond white gown. She really had skin to die for, so smooth, so clean. She glowed in shades of amber and gold. Cheryl had a very enthusiastic bridal party as well! I enjoyed every moment of working with them!

Cheryl's day was shot by the one and only Aaron Snow. WHAT a ham. He is so fun to work with. I've seen the pictures, and they are stunning...and will share soon!

Mid-March led me to Guthrie, Oklahoma, which is a town I had never heard of before but have heard of a million times since. Cute, and quaint, this town was like none I'd really ever seen before. It's very old fashioned, very antique and old countrytime looking. Quite a change for this city girl. What struck me even more, and I have to laugh...was the staged "shoot out" that stopped traffic in the downtown area. I was driving along, searching for the Sand Plum Event Center, when traffic came to a hault, for a pseudo shoot out. All I could think of was "is this the shoot out at the OK corral?" not even knowing really what that is besides a phrase I've heard. There, in front of my car, in the middle of the road, were several "cowboys" in full on chaps and spurs...shooting what I hoped were blanks, at eachother. At first, the city girl in me freaked out and thought about an escape route...but then I realized there were people sitting, waiting to see this happen...so it was okay. As quickly and out of nowhere it started, it was over. I managed to shake my head in some sort of disbelief, and find my way to Sarah Moore's wedding!

Sarah, her sister Kim, and I had met before at her sister's home, for trials. It was there that I met Sarah's adorable nieces, Tarah and Torrie. Torrie is my daughter's age, and Kim and I certainly had much to agree on about the "joys" of a preteen girl. Tarah is this little peanut of age 6, that I wanted to just smuggle home with me...so cute!! Sarah and Kim (whom Sarah affectionately calls Kaylee...which was hilarious to me, as not only is that my daughter's name, but not even remotely close to Kim's actual name!) had a few bad makeup experiences in the past, so I was determined to make our experience different. Kim definitely likes her eyes dramatized, and Sarah definitely does not. We played around with a few lip shades for Kim, and never really quite settled down on one...until the wedding day!

Sarah's wedding was shot by the unconquerable Tara Lokey. I cannot even describe how wonderful a person, and photographer, Tara is. She literally has captured every single detail of Sarah's day...even the two of us chatting about which false lash to wear!

April seemed to be a big "trial" month for me. I've met with quite a few brides in April to preview their wedding day look, one of which is Kali Martin. I've seen Kali's bridal pictures, again, shot by Tara Lokey, and they are remarkable. Kali isn't getting married until the end of May, so I'm not leaking the pictures!! I will share as soon as she's a Mrs!

April also brought me in contact with Gabby Garrison (now McKinney!) and Tara Lokey again. Tara asked Gabby to shoot with her for submission to The Brides of Oklahoma Magazine cover contest! Gabby asked me on board, and of course I said UMMMM, YES! Tara had purchased a gorgeous gown at a charity auction, and had it tailored to fit Gabby to a perfect T. The look Tara wanted for Gabby was just beautiful, and fit Gabby's personality perfectly. She really reminded me of my Barbie brides from when I was a little girl. Every inch of her was flawless, so dainty and sweet. The pictures are stunning, and captured the dress, makeup, hair...everything perfectly. Cross your fingers for a July cover!!!

Not two days later, I got to see Gabby yet again! Gabby and her husband Jason were scheduled with Tara to do their "Bride and Groom" shoot at OU in Norman. Just when I had grasped the idea of "Bridal Portraits," (the brides here get all dolled up waaaaay in advance of their wedding, full dress, veil, makeup, hair, you name it...and take bride only pictures with their photographers. Such a great way to really imortalize your day!), they spring these "Bride and Groom Portraits" on me. What is this?? Well, it's ingenious is what it is. The newlyweds basically do it all again, minus the crazy family, waiting guests, dinging champagne glasses...stress free pictures. Gabby and Jason got all gussied up again (how fun!) and shot on location at OU, just the two of them. This was great for Gabby and I because she was wanting to do something a bit different from what we had done for her wedding day and magazine shoot. She wanted a little more color, a little more spice... She looked stunning in golds and navies...an absolute beauty. I am positive that these pictures are going to be brilliant.

I rounded out April with Ashton Miller's wedding at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in OKC. This by far is my favorite venue to work at. It's a very upscale, classy, boutique-like hotel and the accomodations are stellar. Ashton and I hadn't met for a trial, so I was again, approaching the wedding with butterflies in my belly. Well, one look at her and her sister, and I was fine. These girls were the kind of girls that take you from "yeah, I'm having a decent day myself...I look alright," to "I should wear a bag over my head." Ashton and Monica were two raven haired beauties with the richest brown eyes I've ever seen. And what made the day even sweeter, was Monica's little munchkin Camden. Camden is an 8 month old precious little girl who is the most petite little thing I've ever seen. OH, she was so adorable!

Both Ashton and Monica wanted a very "sparkly" eye, with a very rich depth to the outer corner. So fun to do something different on a bride! Needless to say, my work was once again...simple. They both looked amazing, as did the sister of the groom, Christine. I did not work with Ashton's mom, but let me tell you...I did not need to. Mrs. Miller did her own makeup, and looked amazing. I really couldn't get over just how stunning she was.

Ashton's wedding was shot by a new photographer for me, Zach Seat. He made everyone so comfortable! He was right in there, getting every shot, and chatting it up with all of us. It was really refreshing to work with someone that clearly enjoyed what he was doing. Pictures are not back yet, but as soon as they are, I will post because they were just gorgeous!

I also had the pleasure of working, once again, with Meg Guess. Meg is a very talented, very sweet dress designer here in Oklahoma City. She has the most exquisite boutique I've ever seen. The moment I walked in for the first time (back in February, I think, while working on a fashion show for her!), I said "OH, if I could lift this place up and take it home with me to Boston, I would be so happy." Meg belongs in a very high profile city...hint hint Meg...come East!! Her style is fresh, classic, and crisp. Everything about her boutique is just extraordinary.

I was asked to work with Meg's models on a photo shoot for a new line of bridesmaids dresses that had just come in. Meg needed some marketing for the boutique, and I was happy to help out! I always know, without fail, that the models Meg will use are nothing short of spectacular, so of course I jump in with both feet and blind, knowing it will be amazing. And Meg doesn't disappoint. I got a chance to work with the now, Mrs. Oklahoma, Heather Rouba, as well as the very lovely Kristen Dahl (my current covergirl!), and my favorite teen in Oklahoma, Samantha Evans. I had met Samantha a few months before, and really couldn't believe she was just 16 years old. I came home saying that we needed to lock up our daughter if she grows up to be as stunning and striking as Samantha!

The dresses were shot by the fabulous Candi Coffman McKinney. What an eye Candi has! Her images are so vibrant, so trendy, so excitable! It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to have my makeup photographed by such a unique photographer!

Now that your eyes are tired...that's what I've been up to over the past few months. More to come in the next few as well!

First Photo Credits

2009-04-30T22:32:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I'm already addicted, and I've been hovering over this page all day...

The lovely lady that graces my "cover" page here is the very beautiful Kristen. She's modeling a gorgeous bridesmaids gown that Meg Guess Couture Bridal is carrying. And the fabulous photo is courtesy of Candi Coffman. Makeup by me, and hair by my very talented counterpart, Ashley!

First Blog Post EVER!

2009-04-30T17:04:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone!

Really, hello "no one" right now, as this is the first official post to this blog. To be completely honest, I really have no clue how to blog, what this is going to take to maintain, or really even how to post, hahaaa! However, I am willing to try!

I figured blogging is the new phone call, or email, so I'd best get on this wagon before it's replaced by something that I won't understand even more...

What I hope to accomplish with this blog is to keep everyone updated on milestones in my career as a makeup artist, as well as share some of the beautiful faces I meet and make. I hope you find that interesting enough to follow me, and my endeavors!