Wedding Feature -- Lindsay

Lindsay Keeler and Eugene Stipanov April 2016

Our first April wedding of the 2016 season dawned both foggy and drizzly. However, our gorgeous bride Lindsay glowed as bright as summer sunshine. Lindsay and Eugene chose to be married outside under Redwood trees in Fairfax, Ca. They had an indoor option for the reception, however their dream was to be married under the gorgeous majestic trees. As we all prepared for the big day, we kept checking the sky for a sign that the outdoor ceremony could proceed. We also reflected on the time we had spent with the bride that led us to be her Hair and Makeup Team.

Lindsay is very dear to all of our hearts at EB Elite Artistry because she has been a long time client and friend to all of us.  Lindsay had heard of Mockingbird Heights and called to find a new hair stylist. After listening to Lindsay’s needs she was paired with Jenny for a haircut.  Once Lindsay arrived for her new hairstyle she realized she already knew our team member Lindsey and she instantly formed a fast friendship with Jenny.  After a few months of haircuts Lindsay took the plunge and asked Jenny to color her hair, which she had been coloring black at home, and asked for a referral for waxing. I was then introduced to Lindsay and found her to be a kindred spirit.  Over the months of getting to know Lindsay we learned about her love for Eugene. We all enjoyed the stories of their time together because each of us recognized the love and joy they shared. In November 2015, Lindsay arrived for her regular hair appointment and asked for a short haircut.  Jenny urged her to wait and think about cutting off her long beautiful hair. It wasn’t that Jenny didn’t want to cut it but, she had a feeling that Lindsay was going to be getting engaged soon and most brides want long hair for their special day.  A few weeks after the appointment we received the text that Lindsay was engaged! We were all celebrating for her and so relieved that Jenny had persuaded Lindsay to keep her long hair.

Once the couple set the date for the following April, Lindsay booked Ethereal Beauty Elite Artistry to do all the hair and makeup for her special day. This included hair and makeup for herself, her mother, her wedding attendants and even her groom’s hair. More men are requesting hair services on their wedding day, which is a great way to complete the overall look of the groom. Lindsay also began booking Jenny and I for all of her haircut, coloring and waxing needs as well as makeup and hair styling for her engagement photos. Lindsay exuberates excitement and after Jenny finished her hair and makeup for her engagement photos she exclaimed, “this is what it must feel like to be a movie star.” Jenny simply replied, “Just wait until you see our hair and makeup team on location for your big day.”

Jenny Mattos, Lindsey Wolst and I (Stephanie Albini-Smith) arrived early to the bridal room at Deer Park Villa.  The small room would need to accommodate the bride, mother-of-the bride, five attendants, three stylists and all of our supplies. Now when I say supplies one may picture a bag or two of makeup and curling irons, however, you would be dreadfully wrong.  Ethereal Beauty Elite Artistry’s supplies inhabit every spare inch of space in the back of my GMC Yukon. We definitely truly encompass the saying that “supply is never a problem.” We are overzealous with our makeup, skincare products, hairspray, hair products, bobby pins, brushes, curling irons, flat irons and coming soon even lighting options. We have become creative when working in small spaces and quickly organized the space to accommodate everyone’s needs.  Once the bride and her bridal party arrived the real fun began!

Lindsay did keep her hair long for the wedding and it suited her theme of a “magical romantic forest wedding.” Lindsay wore her hair in long loose curls with a veil clipped in with a gold laurel leaf bridal comb. Her makeup complemented her features with a soft brown smokey eye, while her Sarah Seven wedding dress portrayed the romantic yet sexy overall look that Lindsay wanted to achieve.  Lindsay said, “With regards to makeup, I let Jenny do whatever she wanted, keeping in mind that I don’t wear much makeup normally, so I didn’t want it to be super heavy. I didn’t feel overly ‘made up’ on my wedding day and looking back on photos, I couldn’t have been happier with the look she created.” Lindsay kept an open mind but, conveyed her wants and needs perfectly so that a unique look could be created just for her and her wedding party. 

Her attendants were able to choose their own dresses, hair and makeup looks based on personal style while staying true to the wedding’s neutral palette with touches of grey and blue. Lindsey Wolst, worked hard to set the attendant’s hair and prepare them for Jenny to style.  Keeping each attendant’s style as well as the overall wedding theme in mind Jenny recommended beautiful hair looks that withstood the elements of rain and the evening of celebration. I created the makeup looks for the mother of the bride and attendants.  Whether it was neutral or dramatic, each woman was able to feel comfortable and beautiful. I enjoyed doing makeup on all of the attendants although I had an especially fun time with the bride’s sister-in-law.  She is a woman that does not wear makeup and she allowed me to create a dramatic look. She stepped out of her comfort zone and had fun with it.  As the women gathered together in prayer, before Lindsay went to meet Eugene, they presented a beautiful palette of individuality and stunning beauty.

Lindsay and Eugene had a private “First Look” before the ceremony.  The photos that Victoria Carlson Photography captured are gorgeous. The pure images of love shine through every photograph. The rain added a romantic touch that enhanced the beauty and magic of the entire location.

As much as the rain added to the romantic feel it is a stylists worst enemy. Lindsay asked us to stay on location until after her ceremony. This is an add-on service we provide and highly recommend, especially in cases of inclement weather.  After both her First Look and ceremony, she returned to us in the bridal room to be refreshed and touched-up.  We strive for perfection at every wedding under all circumstances, so the rain was just an obstacle that we had to overcome.  I do believe we succeeded!  As I watched Lindsay walk down the aisle under a light drizzle of rain she truly was a vision of Ethereal Beauty!

Please visit our testimonial page to read Lindsay Stipanov’s review of our work.


Products used by EB Elite Artistry:
Oribe
Kerastase
Mac Cosmetics
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics
Image Skincare
Urban Decay
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Morphe Brushes

Vendors:
Hair and Makeup: Ethereal Beauty Elite Artistry
Venue: Deer Park Villa
Photography: Victoria Carlson Photography
Laurel Leaf Hair Comb: Anna Marguerite
Laurel Leaf Earrings: Love Like Style
Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven
Wedding Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell and J.Crew
Groom’s Attire: Stephen Geoffrey Tuxedo, Wine Country Bride
Floral Design: Root & Riot
Catering and Desserts: Ray’s Catering
DJ: Jayson Ehm, All Ears DJ
Rentals: Encore Events Rentals
Dinner Menus, Programs, and Tented Place Cards: JP Stationery
Wedding Invitations: Rachel Marvin Creative
Videography: Fusion Moments Media
Photo Booth: Jessie Holman Photography