Lindsay J. Makeup & Hair | Vendor Love

the-inn-at-longshore-wedding-westport-connecticut-photographer-rachel-craig-shaina-lee-photography-photo-29.jpg

Lindsay Johnson, owner of Lindsay J. Makeup & Hair, is a hairstylist and makeup artist based out of Madison, Connecticut. Arturo and I had the pleasure of working with her last fall at Rachel and Craig’s Inn at Longshore wedding! She’s sweet as can be, and I really enjoyed hearing about her approach and mindset when working with couples on their wedding day (just wait until you read about it in her interview below!). Lindsay describes her artistic style as “clean, modern, and focused on highlighting her clients’ features that are unique to them”— don’t you just love that?! I am so excited to be sharing a bit of Linday’s work with you, so read on to learn more about Lindsay J. Makeup & Hair!

the-inn-at-longshore-wedding-westport-connecticut-photographer-rachel-craig-shaina-lee-photography-photo-16.jpg

Tell me a bit about you and your business! How did you get started in the wedding industry?
"Hi! I’m Lindsay, Owner and Principal Artist of Lindsay J. Makeup & Hair. I offer on-location makeup, hair, and styling for weddings, special events, private clients, and personal and commercial photoshoots. I also have a bespoke, “jewel-box” studio located inside The Dressing Room Boutique in downtown Madison, Connecticut where I offer one-on-one services including haircuts, color, blowouts and formal styling, bridal trial sessions, makeup and hair lessons, and personal shopping.

I got my start in the wedding industry by chance. I used to model and ended up booking quite a bit of work with various wedding dress retailers. I fell in love with the “magic” that seemed to be sewn right into the wedding dresses I modeled but was more drawn to what was happening behind the scenes. I would always ask the makeup artists and hairstylists what they were doing, what products they were using (and why), and how they got their start. On one particular photoshoot, I really connected with the makeup artist. She took a chance on me, offered me a spot on her team, and I was off and running from there!”

What do you love most about your craft?
"Makeup and hair can be so transformative, but what I mean by that doesn’t have as much to do with the physical transformation that takes place, but more so the emotional one. My measure of success is when I help a client feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. I describe my artistic style as more “New York”— clean, modern, and focused on highlighting my clients’ features that are unique to them. I don’t try to hide or mask my clients with makeup or hairstyling— I want to celebrate their features and enhance them. That leads to the amazing connection I have with each of my clients— that celebration of their individuality.”

What should couples know about your process and about working with you?
"I’m the best gal-pal you never knew you didn’t have! I offer “touch-up services” for wedding parties, which essentially means that I’m your personal assistant for as long as you need me. I make sure the bride looks fantastic for photos and her walk down the aisle, but I also make sure the groom’s tie is straight, and his hair is in place. I adjust trains, veils, touch up lipstick or powder for the bridesmaids, wipe a tear from the mother of the bride or groom’s face, and tie bow ties for the groomsmen who couldn’t quite figure out that YouTube tutorial. Heck, I’ve even whip-stitched a Best Man’s pants after he tried a split, moments before showtime (we didn’t tell the bride about that one).

My couples are not just a number to me. T his year marks my 12th wedding season, and I can still look back at every client and remember their day. I don’t advertise— all of my work comes to me by word of mouth and referrals, which means I’m somehow connected to everyone I work with before I even meet them. I consider it an honor and privilege to be a small part of a couple’s most special day.”

What is your favorite part about working with couples who are planning their wedding day?
"I get to know my brides and grooms pretty closely and every single one of them feels like a close friend by the end. I know how they met, their engagement stories, hurdles and successes in wedding planning, where they’re going on their honeymoon, which aunt is likely to balk at any lip color other than the one she’s been wearing for 30 years... it’s super fun. It’s that human connection that’s so important (and rare).”

What (or who) inspires your creativity?
"Inspiration tends to strike in the most random of places… a couple sitting next to each other in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, a sunset, a song. What inspires me most, though, are passion, compassion, and celebrating what makes each of us unique.”

How early should couples book you to ensure you'll be available for their wedding day?
"Typically, I’d say 6 months to a year. I only book one wedding per date, and the popular dates book quickly. However, I encourage potential clients to inquire no matter how close their date is because you never know until you ask! And, if I’m already booked, I’m happy to refer you to some other wonderfully talented artists and stylists.”

What is one tip or piece of advice you'd give a couple for their wedding day?
"Make it YOURS. There are no rules anymore. Celebrate what makes your love special, and make it a point to surround yourself with people and vendors that understand and appreciate you as a couple. Good vibes only.”