Today we’re talking to Natalie Peña of Glam by Natalie. She is a California born Nashville girl with a wide portfolio ranging from glam to special effects. Having worked in both Los Angeles and Miami, she’s done glamour makeup for photo shoots, fashion shows, film, magazines such as GQ and Glamour, and of course weddings.
Enjoy!
Tell us a bit about you and your journey to bridal makeup!
My journey began shortly after I had given birth to my daughter. I wanted to be able to support my family while still allowing myself the flexibility of creating my own work schedule to be home with her full-time. I decided I wanted to go to school for it, which helped me build the confidence I needed to go off on my own. I started doing a lot of work for free to build my portfolio and clientele. I reached out to every photographer, makeup artist and model I admired in the business and the free work eventually paid off. It took me to places I could only dream of- I worked with the best photographers in Los Angeles and A- list celebrities. It was an exciting time in my life, and I did not care that I was making very little to no money because I loved what I was doing so much. Shortly after I moved to Nashville I found myself working with Carrie Underwood’s makeup artist who immersed me into the bridal industry. I enjoyed the bridal community more so than music videos because of its reliability and the intimacy of being able to be a part of someone else’s dream. To create their vision is amazing to me.
What do you feel sets you apart from other bridal beauty artists in the wedding industry?
Because of the experience I have with photoshoots, music videos, camera lighting, etc… I can determine which products will look best in different lighting. I also think I’m pretty cool… so that definitely sets me apart.
What kinds of brides do you work with most often?
So far, all my brides have been amazing to work with. Luckily, I’ve never had to deal with a “bridezilla”, as I am frequently asked. In Nashville, I find the most common type of weddings are more rustic with natural glam. I do have many brides come to me in particular because they want the drama, which is my favorite to do!
What do you enjoy about working in the wedding industry?
It’s fun to see the different types of small details each bride chooses. The getting ready experience is always different- I never know what I am walking into. At times I have brides that are very Zen and other times I feel like I’m at a bachelorette party with music blaring and girls dancing on kitchen counters. It’s awesome.
When meeting with brides, what is the biggest tip you find yourself giving them?
I always recommend that my brides purchase their own lipstick, so they can touch up throughout the day for pictures after eating and drinking. It’s also nice because they can choose a shade they love, making the makeup even more customizable to their taste.
Is there something that most brides/grooms often don’t think about that you can educate them on now?
Booking in advance!!! A minimum of 6 months prior I’d say, especially if you are getting married in the fall which is prime wedding season in Tennessee. I have had to say no to so many weddings because people do not think of hair and makeup until the last minute, and I hate having to do that.
For those brides on the fence about doing their own makeup, tell us why it’s important to hire a makeup artist for your wedding day?
When I see brides, who choose to do their own wedding glam I die a little inside, ha ha. They are not able to enjoy the entire pre-wedding experience because they are stressed out with being pulled in many different directions on the day of. You do not realize how many people are going to be asking you questions and needing your input on the day of, that you may run out of time to really take the time on yourself. Having an artist there forces you to sit down and relax. So much money is spent on a photographer and venue, but the fact that you are the main person being photographed is often neglected.
What do you think the biggest difference is between bridal beauty and everyday hair/makeup?
Because the photos will flash out a lot of makeup, bridal makeup is heavier and more contoured than everyday glam. However, if you have a good makeup artist your makeup will not feel heavy but will stand out in photos.
What are your tips for keeping a fresh face throughout the entire wedding and reception?
Bring a lipstick, and a translucent powder compact along with you, so you can dab if your sweaty and touch up if you tend to get oily or shiny.
If you could only have two makeup items or products for the rest of your life, what would they be?
False lashes and a contour stick.
Thanks, Natalie! For more information about Glam by Natalie, use one of the links below.
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