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Following on from my first ‘Behind the Scenes’ interview with wedding DJ Jon Saunders, next up is Surrey hair and make up artist, Amy Lacey of Bedazzling (www.bedazzling.co.uk). I’ve known Amy for a number of years now, going back to way before we were both involved in the wedding industry and naturally our paths have crossed professionally with Amy doing a great job on both Daljit and Louise last year, as well as Laura this year.
Here’s a bit more about Amy and what she does…
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a Surrey based bridal hair and make up artist and beautician who has lived in the area all my life. I grew up in Walton-on-Thames with my family and I now live in Shepperton and have done so for the past six years. I have two wonderful men in my life, my husband Jan-Michael and our little boy Oscar who is almost four, who keeps me on my toes from sunrise to sunset!
I am a true Taurean – Loyal, determined, easy going (yet stubborn at times) and I have a keen eye for art, which is probably where my creative side comes from.
How did you get into this line of work and how long have you been doing it?
I was a typical ‘girly girl ‘growing up and I was always doing my friends hair and playing makeovers as a teen, so it seemed the most natural thing for me to train in Hair & Beauty at College. I then went onto Shepperton Studios and did TV, Film & Prosthetics make up. I have been fully qualified for over 12 years now.
What services do you offer?
I offer special occasion hair, make up, make up lessons (ideal if you are marrying abroad) beauty treatments, such as nails, tanning, eyelash extensions, waxing and massage.
What products do you use?
For my make up I use mainly MAC & Bobbi Brown, but I do have some Laura Mercier, Stila & NARS. For my beauty treatments I offer Bio Sculpture Nails, & FakeBake tanning & Nouveau Lashes.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
It has to be the actual wedding morning. There is always a wonderful atmosphere wherever I arrive, be it at the bride’s house, her parent’s or at a hotel. As the morning goes on you can see the excitement build and when flowers and cars arrive it becomes all very real for her. I simply LOVE what I do.
And the hardest part of the job?
Leaving the bride after a fun morning! I want to be a fly on the wall and see how special her day is. When I do my wedding reception package I do get to be in the excitement of the evening celebrations though.
What’s your proudest moment in business?
When I receive thank you letters and photos from my brides. Also when my brides feature in wedding magazines.
How have things changed since you first started doing this? How do you see things going in the future?
Fashion Styles and looks change all the time. 2011 were very much in the ‘vintage look’ and last year there was a lot of requests for the 40′s look with soft wave hair, minimal eyes & bright lips.
Is there any advice you’d give brides as to what to look for in a MUA/hair stylist?
Qualifications. Ask where they trained and take a good look at their work. Also ask for testimonials they may have, if not then ask to see a portfolio when you arrange a trial.
What’s your working week like?
Busy but rewarding :) I am a mum to a very full of life 3 1/2yr old son, Oscar, but come September when he starts school I will then be able to do a lot more of my beauty treatments during the week. Friday -Sunday is mainly booked with my weddings but I do have trials booked in some evenings.
What do you do when you’re not working? What would you be doing if you weren’t doing this?
I have always loved being creative and the attention to detail. I have always loved home improvements and decorating (which is good, as my husband is rubbish!) so I think I’d be involved in interior design.
How far in advance should people be looking to book you?
To avoid disappointment at least 6 months in advance (I have already got bookings for 2014!) This also allows plenty of time to have your free trial and get plenty of ideas for the look you desire for your special day
And how can people get in touch with you?
You can contact me through www.bedazzling.co.uk or call 07768 653422. I am also on Facebook under BeDazzling.
A big thanks to Amy for taking the time out to answer my questions.
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by David