Ms. Teen Nevada Princess 2011, Tayler Schatteman
Miss Nevada Collegiate 2011, Audrey Dennison
Mrs. Nevada 2011, Amanda Kouretas
Monday, July 25, 2011
Fit for a Queen
Last week, the Amelia C team converged for a beauty queen workshop. Brittney Cobb of Fit for the Crown helped us wrangle three reigning queens for us, who loaned us their beauty and kindess for the day! Beautiful dresses... bedazzled earings... and smiles that could light up the city... Enjoy! Hair and Makeup by Amelia C & Co, Photography by Orange Soda Photo
Ms. Teen Nevada Princess 2011, Tayler Schatteman
Miss Nevada Collegiate 2011, Audrey Dennison
Mrs. Nevada 2011, Amanda Kouretas
Ms. Teen Nevada Princess 2011, Tayler Schatteman
Miss Nevada Collegiate 2011, Audrey Dennison
Mrs. Nevada 2011, Amanda Kouretas
Friday, July 22, 2011
Double Trouble from the hot blonde...
A month ago, I had the pleasure of working with Rochelle on not only her wedding, but her trash the dress session immediately after. This girl was a doll from start to finish, and had two very distinct looks... a somewhat traditional, sweet bridal look. The next day was followed by a daring, smoked out eye and lots of neon. Lucky for me, bad-ass photography Mike L not only captured these two kids, but shared the shots with me! Check out my two faves below, but make sure you visit Mike L's blog for the full effect of the holi powder!!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Pin Up's for Patriots... SUCCESS!!
Wow, what a great time was had at our first annual Pin-Ups for Patriots! Imagine- 56 women, two days, four hair and makeup artists, one photographer, and two pin-up models to coach and dress. WOAH. Sue Altenburg of Altenburg Studio was the brainchild of this fundraiser, who's goal was to raise $5,000 for the U.S. Vets chapter here in Las Vegas. So, how did we do? $6,500, and COUNTING!!!! Hair and Makeup by Amelia C & Co, LLC.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Fav's from the most epic Mad Men Shoot
Some of you have kept track as the photo's from this amazing shoot slowly trickle in. It will tak me some time to post everything, it's like a mother trying to select her favorite child. I cannot say how much fun I had on this! The hair, the makeup, the clothes, the people. Of course, shooting in a posh suite at Palms Place was pretty wicked, too. In particular, I loved Joe Latters grainy take on our Audrey, it makes me want a manhattan this very instant.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Will you be my makeup artist?
Unless your some diva with the ability to hire a makeup artist on a regular basis, you probably have no idea what your doing when you call one to get some info about your event. I imagine it's something like buying a, er, lady of the evening...awkward and unsure. You think you have an idea about what your supposed to ask, but really, all you have to go on is what so-and-so's cousin or sister or mom said, and a smattering of information written by uninformed editors to fill the gaps between ad space in $5 magazines. Hopefully, we pick up where you left off, but sometimes the questions don't exactly give us an opening. So, let me help you out. Consider this your hand delivered cheat sheet to calling one of us up and sounding like a cool cat on a hot day-
1) Tell us your name and what dates or events you want covered.
The thing is, you may have 20 minutes worth of quizzing to find out if we are the one for you. But none of that matters if we are already booked for your date, and it makes us feel like jerks having to cut you off to check that first. Also, those of us who have a legitimate agency or practice usually field dozens of calls a week... you won't be our only call that day, so if you don't tell us your name, you fall into a space where you'll basically have to repeat the entire conversation a week later. Again, we feel like jerks. (You may have to do that anyways if we are slammed, but help us out here!)
2) Don't make assumptions based on what you heard in a forum, chat room, or from your mom's/ cousins/ sisters stylist.
There's really no formula to makeup. Sure, there's tips and tricks and generally accepted idea's of what looks good and what sucks, but there isn't exactly some government endorsed evidence to support any of it. The most common example of this misguided advice I hear is "do you do airbrush makeup?" No. It's assumed that because some companies charge more for it, or someone had it, that it is the one and only great way to have makeup, which is far far far from the truth. The better choice would be to look at a companies portfolio and resume and reviews long before you pick up the phone. Like what you see and hear? If so, then it's safe to assume whatever the company is doing is working well. Would you ask the chef if they only cooked in All-Clad, so long as the food was amazing? Trust me, if the artist's products or technique sucks, you'll know it by looking at the photo's or hearing about it thru reviews. And, the perfect makeup line does not exist. Pretty must any reputable artist you come across is using stuff across the board. We use what gets us the results we want, and if you like those results, you like us.
3) Ask the right questions.
Here's what you need to ask an artist or agency before you book them:
Do they require a contract and/or deposit?
What's the cancellation policy?
What artist will be showing up that day?
What is the booking procedure?
What's your rate, and what does it include?
And here's what you need to find out on your own:
Do you like their portfolio?
Do they come across as having been in business for a while?
Easily accessible- IE phone number, email address?
Do treat you kindly and professionally?
4) Do your homework, but don't dilly dally.
Make no mistake, you should definitely do your homework. Look at portfolio's, read reviews, make a few calls. But keep in mind that even tho we all say "Sorry, can't hold your date without a contract or deposit", we generally put it in our books with a question mark so we remember to call you up in case some else tries to book it. It's just a courtesy (at least with my company), because it's important for me to feel like you KNOW how much I value you as a client. That being said, we hesitate when giving your date away because we want to check with you first. When you sure you've met "the one" (makeup artist, of course!), get it booked.
Hopefully you leave this post feeling well informed and ready to get yourself all hooked up with an MUA knowing that your making a good choice AND giving your future artist warm fuzzies!
1) Tell us your name and what dates or events you want covered.
The thing is, you may have 20 minutes worth of quizzing to find out if we are the one for you. But none of that matters if we are already booked for your date, and it makes us feel like jerks having to cut you off to check that first. Also, those of us who have a legitimate agency or practice usually field dozens of calls a week... you won't be our only call that day, so if you don't tell us your name, you fall into a space where you'll basically have to repeat the entire conversation a week later. Again, we feel like jerks. (You may have to do that anyways if we are slammed, but help us out here!)
2) Don't make assumptions based on what you heard in a forum, chat room, or from your mom's/ cousins/ sisters stylist.
There's really no formula to makeup. Sure, there's tips and tricks and generally accepted idea's of what looks good and what sucks, but there isn't exactly some government endorsed evidence to support any of it. The most common example of this misguided advice I hear is "do you do airbrush makeup?" No. It's assumed that because some companies charge more for it, or someone had it, that it is the one and only great way to have makeup, which is far far far from the truth. The better choice would be to look at a companies portfolio and resume and reviews long before you pick up the phone. Like what you see and hear? If so, then it's safe to assume whatever the company is doing is working well. Would you ask the chef if they only cooked in All-Clad, so long as the food was amazing? Trust me, if the artist's products or technique sucks, you'll know it by looking at the photo's or hearing about it thru reviews. And, the perfect makeup line does not exist. Pretty must any reputable artist you come across is using stuff across the board. We use what gets us the results we want, and if you like those results, you like us.
3) Ask the right questions.
Here's what you need to ask an artist or agency before you book them:
Do they require a contract and/or deposit?
What's the cancellation policy?
What artist will be showing up that day?
What is the booking procedure?
What's your rate, and what does it include?
And here's what you need to find out on your own:
Do you like their portfolio?
Do they come across as having been in business for a while?
Easily accessible- IE phone number, email address?
Do treat you kindly and professionally?
4) Do your homework, but don't dilly dally.
Make no mistake, you should definitely do your homework. Look at portfolio's, read reviews, make a few calls. But keep in mind that even tho we all say "Sorry, can't hold your date without a contract or deposit", we generally put it in our books with a question mark so we remember to call you up in case some else tries to book it. It's just a courtesy (at least with my company), because it's important for me to feel like you KNOW how much I value you as a client. That being said, we hesitate when giving your date away because we want to check with you first. When you sure you've met "the one" (makeup artist, of course!), get it booked.
Hopefully you leave this post feeling well informed and ready to get yourself all hooked up with an MUA knowing that your making a good choice AND giving your future artist warm fuzzies!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Amelia C & Co, LLC is now WeddingWire Rated for 2011
Las Vegas, NV - 7/5/11 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, is pleased to announce that Amelia C & Co, LLC is WeddingWire Rated 2011 for Beauty and Health. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program that distinguishes wedding vendors across the country for their excellence. Based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews, WeddingWire Rated is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to find the best local businesses for their wedding.
Amelia C & Co has 83 reviews on WeddingWire. Reviews by our newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with our business and staff. Our reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making the most informed decisions for their big day.
"We are delighted to unveil the 5th annual WeddingWire Rated program," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. "Amelia C & Co, LLC has made a commitment to capturing their clients experiences on the nation's leading wedding review site."
As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available. The WeddingWire Rated program provides Amelia C & Co with a simple platform to capture customer feedback from their wedding planning experience. Newly engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews for Amelia C & Co on WeddingWire.com. We would like to thank our newlyweds for our WeddingWire Rated 2011 recognition.
Las Vegas, NV - 7/5/11 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, is pleased to announce that Amelia C & Co, LLC is WeddingWire Rated 2011 for Beauty and Health. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program that distinguishes wedding vendors across the country for their excellence. Based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews, WeddingWire Rated is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to find the best local businesses for their wedding.
Amelia C & Co has 83 reviews on WeddingWire. Reviews by our newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with our business and staff. Our reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making the most informed decisions for their big day.
"We are delighted to unveil the 5th annual WeddingWire Rated program," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. "Amelia C & Co, LLC has made a commitment to capturing their clients experiences on the nation's leading wedding review site."
As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available. The WeddingWire Rated program provides Amelia C & Co with a simple platform to capture customer feedback from their wedding planning experience. Newly engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews for Amelia C & Co on WeddingWire.com. We would like to thank our newlyweds for our WeddingWire Rated 2011 recognition.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Pin Ups For Patriots!
Remember that fundraiser I kept posting and talking about? Well, I TOLD you it was a big deal, Fox news came out and covered it, it made both the local AND the National news! We were sold out and had a waiting list, so next year, your gonna need to book early! The final numbers are not in yet, but we know we raised at LEAST $6,000! Stay tuned for the full blog on it, but enjoy the clip. Cheers from Amelia C & Co, and again, thank you to those who have served our country!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Aubrey & Oliver
DragonRidge Country Club - Aubrey & Oliver, November 2010
Highlight Reel from Memory Lane Video-Cinematography
Highlight Reel from Memory Lane Video-Cinematography
Friday, June 17, 2011
Much love for Misikko!
Like a knife to a chef, sometimes we get something that just makes us feel sexier about what we do.
Last fall was so busy that by the time I had a chance to color my hair, my roots were SO out there they weren't roots...they were full grown stems. Best part tho is that I finally saw my real hair color...which I haven't seen in 14 years. And was pretty. So, instead of dumping my usual level 3 dark brown on, I got my friend to hook me up with some ashy highlights and got my sexy on! At the same time, I got my new Hanna Misikko hair dryer. I wanted to wear my hair straight to show off my posh new hue, but I got enough hair for three so it's not like I can use my usually whimpy blowdryer. This bad boy knocks the wet out and smooths it in record time! I also love the fact that it get's it sleek enough that flat-ironing is minimal. Major props to Misikko!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
An Open Letter to BRIDES Magazine
Dear Editors, Copy Writers, and general informers at BRIDES Magazine,
As a beauty professional in the wedding industry, I have subscribed to your magazine for several years now. I think it's important to keep up-to-date on wedding trends, fashions, and what brides these days are thinking about. You typically have several great campaign spreads that tip me off as to what I will be asked for in the upcoming wedding seasons. There's also usually a few beauty products in there that I would not have been exposed to, otherwise. For all this and more, I thank you.
However, in this most recent edition, June 2011, I really have to ask...WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?!
"No Makeup Artist, No Problem?" Really? Do you have any idea how much money these women spend on their photography? It is, by far and large, one of THE most important parts of their wedding day. When the flowers have died, and the cake eaten, and the presents unwrapped, what are they going to have left besides new housewares? That's right, their photos. And the one thing that will be in almost 80% of their shots will be THE BRIDE. So, why on earth would you suggest the possibility that they jeopardize their investment on photography by not having professional makeup?
Of course, I had to read the story. You must have been joking when you published that. Starting with a beautiful woman: DUH. The mark of a good makeup artist is NOT how pretty she can make and already pretty woman. But guess what? Most brides don't look like that! They have their own concerns- pimples, wrinkles, dark circles, small lips, small eyes, wormy looking eyebrows... THAT'S really what we are there to help them deal with. It's great and wonderful and all that you used such a naturally perfect girl for your piece, but come'on...that's about as realistic as an ice-cream wedding cake in the Vegas summer.
So let's say that by some chance, the woman reading these is as flawless as your model. DO YOU REALLY THINK BLACK AND GREEN EYESHADOW IS THE WAY TO GO??? I can count the number of times on one hand that the situation warranted green eyeshadow. And shimmer? Course I have a lot of shimmer in my pallets. But green and shimmer at the same time for a wedding day? Assuming that combo is pretty, as your spread does make it look pretty good, how many girls do you really think that's gonna look good on? The rinky-dink caveat that you put two pages later suggesting other colors does not nearly make up for the gigantic full page demo of makeup that really doesn't suit most women. You could have at least offered a bigger disclaimer somewhere in there.
I was married three years ago. I have been a makeup artist for seven. Guess what? I had a makeup artist on my wedding day. I knew damn well how to do my own makeup, but I not only was shaky with nerves, I sure could use someone else's perception. In fact, I've done SEVERAL weddings where other beauty professionals have hired me just for those reasons alone.
Your article really does your target audience wrong, and if your going offer DYI advice, stick to what you know...programs and favors.
Kindly,
Amelia C
As a beauty professional in the wedding industry, I have subscribed to your magazine for several years now. I think it's important to keep up-to-date on wedding trends, fashions, and what brides these days are thinking about. You typically have several great campaign spreads that tip me off as to what I will be asked for in the upcoming wedding seasons. There's also usually a few beauty products in there that I would not have been exposed to, otherwise. For all this and more, I thank you.
However, in this most recent edition, June 2011, I really have to ask...WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?!
"No Makeup Artist, No Problem?" Really? Do you have any idea how much money these women spend on their photography? It is, by far and large, one of THE most important parts of their wedding day. When the flowers have died, and the cake eaten, and the presents unwrapped, what are they going to have left besides new housewares? That's right, their photos. And the one thing that will be in almost 80% of their shots will be THE BRIDE. So, why on earth would you suggest the possibility that they jeopardize their investment on photography by not having professional makeup?
Of course, I had to read the story. You must have been joking when you published that. Starting with a beautiful woman: DUH. The mark of a good makeup artist is NOT how pretty she can make and already pretty woman. But guess what? Most brides don't look like that! They have their own concerns- pimples, wrinkles, dark circles, small lips, small eyes, wormy looking eyebrows... THAT'S really what we are there to help them deal with. It's great and wonderful and all that you used such a naturally perfect girl for your piece, but come'on...that's about as realistic as an ice-cream wedding cake in the Vegas summer.
So let's say that by some chance, the woman reading these is as flawless as your model. DO YOU REALLY THINK BLACK AND GREEN EYESHADOW IS THE WAY TO GO??? I can count the number of times on one hand that the situation warranted green eyeshadow. And shimmer? Course I have a lot of shimmer in my pallets. But green and shimmer at the same time for a wedding day? Assuming that combo is pretty, as your spread does make it look pretty good, how many girls do you really think that's gonna look good on? The rinky-dink caveat that you put two pages later suggesting other colors does not nearly make up for the gigantic full page demo of makeup that really doesn't suit most women. You could have at least offered a bigger disclaimer somewhere in there.
I was married three years ago. I have been a makeup artist for seven. Guess what? I had a makeup artist on my wedding day. I knew damn well how to do my own makeup, but I not only was shaky with nerves, I sure could use someone else's perception. In fact, I've done SEVERAL weddings where other beauty professionals have hired me just for those reasons alone.
Your article really does your target audience wrong, and if your going offer DYI advice, stick to what you know...programs and favors.
Kindly,
Amelia C
Friday, June 10, 2011
Las Vegas Mad Men
MAD LOVE FOR MAD MEN
An inspired shoot, presented by Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings and Victor Sizemore Photography
Hair and Makeup by Amelia C
When Summer Watkins from the design extrodinare blog Grey Likes Weddings called me for a Mad Men themed shoot, I just about squealed. I'm not a TV watcher, but have gotten hooked on 1960's drama and was totally enamored with the beauty trends of the time period. Set in the ever posh Palms Place, I could not have asked for a better team. Photographers from all over the globe attended this workshop to glean from Victor the telling of a story thru photography. I now, humbly but excitedly, present the fruits of our labor.
Thanks to Evonne & Darren Photography, Eliza Jane Photography, Erin Lassahn, and Ashleigh Taylor Photography for these awesome pictures!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Shoot @ Trump International Hotel
You know something good is about to happen when you take a bunch of chicks, tell them to have at it, and end up designing a mock-up wedding just for the fun of it! Special thanks to Savannah, our "bride.". My doll, you are truly beautiful, inside and out.
Catherine from Layers of Lovely Floral Design did her usual exquisite job on the floral arangements, and she is so fun to work with! Kristin from Gimme Some Sugar didn't skip and beat and produced desserts that deserve their own editorial spread.
The delicious candy bar was set up and stocked by Erin from For the Love of Candy. Nancy from Creative Coverings provided the gorgeous linens for the rental furniture provided by Niki from Rebel Party Rentals. The beautiful day was made even more beautiful with the help of Annette from Chaviano Couture who provided the jewelry and wedding dress and Nicole from Tux One who provided the tuxedo.
The whole day was planned and designed by Lacy and Kaila from Plush Weddings and Events and the invitations were made by Lori and Paper & Thread Studios. These beautiful pictures were taken by Amy Campbell from Amy Rae Photography.
As always, I had a great time doing what I love to do!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Krista rocks the martrimony like none other...
Krista was married on February 19th and she was such an wonderful person to work with. She had such a fun and colorful wedding. Krista wore a pink crinoline and a smasgubg pair of shoes by Betsey Johnson.
Good times were had by all!
Thanks to Brian Saculles for taking these beautiful and playful pictures of Krista and her husband on their wedding day.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Photo Shoot with Tricia Bennett, inspired by Elizabeth Taylor in the film Butterfield 8.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
You waxed what?! A hairy tale...
On one of my infrequent days off this spring, I ended up in a small boutique spa near my house. I live on the outer edges of Las Vegas, which means that in order to get most of my product, I have to commit to at least 30 minutes in the car. Refusing to go more than a handful of miles for a new exfoliating mask, I found myself at Elements. Earlier that day, I had come to the awful realization that I had short, little black hairs coming out of my nose. Great. All I could think of what how many clients had gazed at me for an hour close up while I did their makeup, all the while noticing this. This is why, after a lovely esthitician named Cheri helped me, I ended up on my back in her room with a glob of wax stuffed up my nose.
Note: I am generally not in the habit of letting strange women put hot wax into my orifices upon first meeting. Cheri was exceptionally charming.
To say I was terrified is an understatement. I made her do only one nostril at a time. After the wax hardened, she pinched my nose right above the booger-on-a-stick and pulled down fast. I hardly felt it. It was amazing! By far the least painful waxing I have ever done! I was flaring my nostrils in delight, checking myself out in the review mirror all the way home.
Just when the beauty profession thinks they've got it covered, along comes something new. Not that nose waxing was new, but it's not exactly on the "Specials" board. In my life both as a woman and a makeup artist, I have waxed all the major stuff you've heard about before, except for the armpits (STILL cannot bring myself to do it). Maybe because I'm in people faces all day, I'm hyper aware of any fuzz that doesn't belong to a lash line or eye brow. I have to say, now I'm an addict. I must get my nose waxed again, if only for the satisfaction of knowing I've finally found something to wax that doesn't hurt!
Note: I am generally not in the habit of letting strange women put hot wax into my orifices upon first meeting. Cheri was exceptionally charming.
To say I was terrified is an understatement. I made her do only one nostril at a time. After the wax hardened, she pinched my nose right above the booger-on-a-stick and pulled down fast. I hardly felt it. It was amazing! By far the least painful waxing I have ever done! I was flaring my nostrils in delight, checking myself out in the review mirror all the way home.
Just when the beauty profession thinks they've got it covered, along comes something new. Not that nose waxing was new, but it's not exactly on the "Specials" board. In my life both as a woman and a makeup artist, I have waxed all the major stuff you've heard about before, except for the armpits (STILL cannot bring myself to do it). Maybe because I'm in people faces all day, I'm hyper aware of any fuzz that doesn't belong to a lash line or eye brow. I have to say, now I'm an addict. I must get my nose waxed again, if only for the satisfaction of knowing I've finally found something to wax that doesn't hurt!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Birth of Amelia & Co.!
I am so thrilled to announce the addition of two awesome new members to my team,
Lisa S. and Christa H., and the birth of Amelia & Co.!
Lisa S. and Christa H., and the birth of Amelia & Co.!
Lisa is a master makeup artist with almost 20 years of experience. She's run around on music video sets, kept many brides calm, and she can keep up with the best behind a camera.
Christa is a senior makeup artist and stylist who brings an edge to her work that emulates the glossy covers of magazines and red-carpet photos. Christa is best known for her sassy up-do's and her urge for perfection.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
An Arrangement with Catherine Thompson
I am super excited to be working with Catherine Thompson,
the proud owner of the new über-posh floral boutique, Layers of Lovely Floral Designs.
Catherine and her crew provide amazing personalized service,
with emphasis on creativity and individuality.
At Layers of Lovely, style is innately natural, earthy and organic.
Catherine is my new go-to-girl when it comes to flowers.
Not only have I worked with her, but I have been the recipient of her amazing floral arrangements. She has such a sweet and professional personality, and no event is too big or too small for her.
Check out some of the stunning work Catherine has done at
Layers of Lovely Floral Designs.
Layers of Lovely Floral Designs.
Hair and makeup by Amelia, and beautiful, near dusk shots by Adam Frazier.
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