Vendor Spotlight Series-Jackie Robinson of Rawwbeauty

We are excited to feature our good friend in the wedding business, and talented make up artist, Jackie Robinson of Rawwbeauty. Rawwbeauty Makeup Artistry is an “on location” or “in studio” hair and makeup service for all occasions. Weddings, Proms, Homecomings, Parties, Balls, Pageants, everyday makeup and much more.

Jackie offers airbrush makeup application. She proudly use TEMPTU PRO airbrush system and makeup. Airbrush makeup mimics skin texture which is what gives it such a flawless appearance. It is a Silicone based product and has up to 15 hours of wear which is great for a long wedding day.

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent them a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities.  We hope you enjoy.

1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?

"After working in a salon and at MAC for years, I realized how much I loved doing makeup full time. I ended up having a wedding that I booked just a few weeks before leaving MAC. After doing it I realized it was something I wanted to start pursuing more full time.  Makeup is such a hard industry to break into, but I kept working hard at it and my business blossomed into what it is today. I am not not even in my 5th year of weddings, and I couldn't be happier to do what I love doing everyday."

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

"I love getting to meet so many different types of people and personalities. I always say it takes a special person to work in the wedding industry.  It is a tough industry with a lot of stresses, but it is also super rewarding.  I have met some of my best friends since starting my business, and I am also VERY close with some of my brides. I love creating long lasting relationships past just doing their wedding makeup."

3. What sets you apart from others in your field?

"I feel what really sets me apart is my passion and drive for my business. I have high standards in business practices as well as customer service.  I always hear that people love how quickly I respond to them when they contact me.  I also pride myself on always being on time and keeping a timely schedule throughout the wedding day.  I feel that I truly do shine in my talent as a makeup artist and it shows through my work.  I have a very strong eye for detail and love taking my time and making sure each and every aspect of my makeup is perfect."

4. Best piece of advice you provide future brides?

"I would say the best advice I can give is really make sure you mesh with your makeup/hair artist that you are hiring for your wedding. They are with you for the most intimate part of your day; typically in the dressing room or place with some of your closest friends and family getting ready.  Make sure they are someone that you can see spending the majority of your day with.  Also, make sure you hire a professional that you know will be there for your big day and not flake on you.  The last thing you want is to be let down, and without the makeup/hair artist of your dreams for your big day."

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?



"I have always been the creative artsy type and love painting and drawing.  I try my hardest to draw and paint when I get the chance.  I also grew up as a speed skater, but haven't gotten to go in a few years.  I am really wanting to go back and get into skating more.  Most importantly, spending quality time with my husband and our kitty, Dixie(dissy darlin)."

The Rawwbeauty team consists of Jackie as outlined above and her lead hairstylist, Tammy Howell. In early 2012, Tammy graduated from Regency Beauty institute in Hoover, AL. While still in school, she was chosen to take part in Birmingham Fashion Week, in which, she was selected as a top 12 stylist and featured in their 2012 calendar. "I am so blessed to be doing something I love. I am still a little in awe when I get to do hair for professional shoots, or even music videos!"

For more information on Jackie, Tammy, and the Rawwbeauty line of products and services, please visit http://www.rawwbeauty.com or their facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/rawwbeauty

Vendor Spotlight Series-Handley McCrory of Windwood Weddings

Windwood Equestrian Farm is one of CeCe Designs favorite Birmingham wedding venues.   The description on their website describes their venue perfectly: "Windwood offers a unique farm setting with an old world inspired atmosphere perfect for your wedding. It is reminiscent of an old English Estate with the barn nestled in the valley. Whether you want photographs walking down the trails or by the horses there are limitless beautiful settings for your day. Windwood has more than enough space to host both your ceremony and reception or just one or the other. The Estate has three barns, many meadows and a beautiful courtyard. Windwood can accommodate any size occasion large or small and offers over 200 acres as the setting for your wedding day or occasion."

 

    Photo Credit: Arden Photography

One of our main reasons for loving Windwood so much is their Senior Event Coordinator, Handley McCrory.  We are so thrilled to feature her on this week's Vendor Spotlight Series Blog.

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities. We hope you enjoy!!

1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?

"I started working with Sybil Sylvester at Wildflower Designs and that's how I met Arden and William(Upton). They then hired me to be the Senior Event Coordinator at Windwood Equestrian. I've been at Windwood since the very beginning, so it has been exciting to watch the business grow and to be a part of it."

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

"My favorite thing about working in the wedding industry would have to be working with other wedding professionals. Being surrounded by creative people who are always looking for a new and innovative way to do something is just inspiring." 

   Photo Credit: Arden Photography

The photos above are Jaime and Andrew Manning's wedding. We had so much fun collaborating with Handley to bring this beautiful couple's dream to life. 

3. What sets you apart from others in your field? 

"If I had to say, I would say that what sets me apart from others in my field is the ability to walk in any place and always be able to make a connection with someone. If definitely makes the world a little smaller. When brides come to Windwood to meet with me and they are newly engaged, a little nervous to embark on this planning adventure....it really helps to be able to knock down some barriers and make connections with them. By the end of the meeting, we are already fast friends."

4. Best piece of advice you can provide future brides?

"The best piece of advice I could give to brides would be to hire a planner that will dot your "I's" and cross your "T's" because no matter how organized you may be now....6 months down the road you're going to be too excited for your wedding to want to worry about the little things."

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?

"Hobbies when I am not working.....hmm I have several. BUT, I would say that my favorite thing to do is get with my friends and cook dinner. We're all super busy, so it's fun to just get in the kitchen and catch up. Also, since I work every weekend....lazy week nights are about the only time I get to see anyone haha!!"

So, whether you are looking for the picture percent backdrop for your ceremony and/or reception, or you have always dreamed of being married outside in the calm of nature, then we would recommend calling Handley to discuss all of the amenities that Windwood has to offer. 

For additional pictures, information, and a calendar of open dates, please visit www.windwoodweddings.com or http://www.facebook.com/windwoodweddings

We look forward to working with many more couples at this beautiful venue with a tremendous staff. 

Vendor Spotlight Series-Ann Marie Leveille of Tres Beau Weddings LLC

We are so excited to start our Vendor Spotlight Series.  We will be sharing information on our friends in the wedding industry to help our brides and social media followers know more about the people that we enjoy working with throughout the year. 

Our first featured Vendor is Ann Marie Leveille of Tres Beau Weddings LLC.  Ann Marie is a sweetheart, and extremely talented.  We love working with her because we know that the day is going to run smoothly and we are going to have fun!!!

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent them a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities.  We hope you enjoy!!

1. How did you get started in the wedding industry? 

"I joke that I never got over planning our own wedding and it's partially true.  I've always loved planning parties and events(I come by it honestly...learned from my mama and grandmother) and was always voted to be the "social coordinator" in anything that I was involved in.  Out of high school, I attended culinary school and worked several years as a corporate dining chef for Saks, Inc.(they were headquarted in Birmingham for several years). It was at Saks that I gained valuable experience in planning large-scale events, working with vendors, and making people happy.  After marrying in 2001, I began helping friends with their weddings...and the rest is history!!"

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

"Making people happy by assisting them on one of the most important, sacred days they will have in their lifetime.  And Cake.

Also, the fabulous wedding community we have in Birmingham!(but really, the cake!)"

3. What sets you apart from others in your field?

"I have a personality that allows me to be a people person, AND be task oriented at the same time. Sometimes, planners can be too much of a task person, but I feel like I balance that well! I get the job done, and I am super calm and sweet about it."

4. Best piece of advice you can provide to future brides?

"Make a budget early on(it's not fun, I know), and take time throughout the process to savor being engaged. Focus on the marriage to come, not just the wedding day!  And hire a planner, even if it's for day of"

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?

"My husband and I LOVE to travel, especially to Europe.  I love to read and snuggle with my kitty.  We also love to cook for others, so come on by Chez Leveille if you get hungry one night."

CeCe Designs highly recommends Ann Marie.  Her personality, professionalism, and organizational skills are a great combination to make your special day run smoothly. Click on the link below for more information:

http://www.tresbeauweddings.com