Vendor Spotlight - Jess Waldrop - Jess Waldrop Make-Up Artists

Hair and makeup is incredibly important for your bridal party the day of your wedding! Hair and makeup enhances your wedding photos as a professional artist will make sure you hair looks beautiful from every angle (making it balanced, full and flattering), makeup will bring out your best features by highlighting and contouring, and they will make your look last all day! Jess Waldrop and her team are fabulous artists in the Tampa Bay Area! Meet Jess and learn about her team! 

Theresa: Tell us how Jess Waldrop Hair and Makeup Artists came to be!

JW: "I have loved makeup since I was young! I grew up in a small town and was always the one getting gorgeous for the grocery store!  I believe that an Artist is something that you are born as and grow into! After many years in the Makeup Industry I decided to have a family. Thankfully I found an incredible Artist at the time to come to my rescue and help me balance my busy career and being a new mommy. Our team grew pretty quickly as amazing Artists came to join our team.”

Theresa: How long have you been doing hair and makeup in the wedding industry?

JW: "I started my makeup career in Seattle at the age of 19 like many Artists at makeup counters! After years of working for companies like M.A.C Cosmetics and many modeling agencies I decided to move to Florida and I found an incredible wedding industry that was completely different from what I was used to on the West Coast! I have now been in the wedding industry for 10 years."

Theresa: Where does your inspiration come from?

JW: "We have always been inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour! Simple, clean makeup and hair. Never overdone. I really feel that fads come and go and it’s so important to look back years later and be happy with your photos with no regret."

photos courtesy of Stephanie A Smith Photography

and Marissa Moss Photography (L to R)

Theresa: How would you describe your "style"?

JW: "Haha, don’t laugh but I like to describe my personal style these days as Sporty Jess! I love a fresh face with just enough color. On a daily bases I wear very little makeup and try and focus on what goes in my body and how I take care of my skin."

Theresa: What keeps you passionate about being a hair and makeup artist?

JW: "I love being around other Artists who like to get out of the box. I crave artistic creativity! Spending time with other incredible Artists who help push me to grow in my artistry."

photo courtesy of Austin Trenholm

Theresa: How do you stand out from other local hair and makeup artists?

JW: "I think we stand out because we love people! I really feel that every client relationship has purpose and I want to make every person that we come into contact with feel special."

Theresa: Tell us about your team.

JW: "My Team is incredible! Each Artist is unique and plays a part in helping everything run smooth and efficiently. They are appreciative and will do anything for each other! We keep our team small in order to have a family atmosphere."

Theresa: What is your favorite part about being in the wedding industry?

JW: "I would have to say the relationships that I’ve built with my colleagues. I have made some amazing friends with the Vendors in our Industry! We support and encourage each other. I love that we will do anything for the client especially referring to make sure that the client is well taken care of."

  

photos courtesy of Limelight Photography, K&K Photography 

and Limelight Photography (L to R)

Theresa: What is the biggest "mistake" or oversight brides make when choosing their wedding hairstyle or makeup look?

JW: "I would definitely say shopping around for the lowest price. Hair and Makeup in my opinion are just as important as your Photographer so budget accordingly! Another mistake often made is waiting until the last minute to book your Stylists. We get booked up at least 2 seasons ahead so I would find your Artists as soon as you start looking for the rest of your Vendors."

Theresa: Are you seeing any emerging trends in wedding day hairstyles and/or makeup?

JW: "Right now we are seeing lots of headbands and hair accessories along with braids and soft flowing curls or up-dos that have less structure."

Theresa: Of these trends, what do you think will stick around for a while?

JW: "Soft loose up-do’s will never go out of style but I think we are moving back into the time of year where we will see more vintage inspired makeup. Winged liner, red lips and low buns."

photos courtesy of We Are The Mitchell's Photography and Djamel Photography (L to R)

Theresa: What is the process like once a bride books with you?

JW: "Typically after contacting us and finding out that we are available the bride will book a trial. We love trials because this is a time to really get to know your Artist! Also, to try out your inspiration looks on you! Not everyone can have a trial so we talk over the phone so that I can get a idea of what each bride is looking for." 

Theresa: What is the most important question a bride should ask their hair and makeup artist before booking them?

JW: "I would definitely make sure that the style you would like is something that works for your face structure, hair type, etc. So many brides often see a photo in a magazine and bring it to us without realizing that their hair type will not work for the style that they have chosen. I think a great Artist will be comfortable telling a client that the style they have chosen may be slightly different from their end result but still fabulous!"

Theresa: What is the most challenging part of your job?

JW: "I would say that the most challenging part of my job is balancing being a busy Mom of two and business owner but I wouldn’t change a thing!"

Theresa: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

JW: "I am rewarded when I receive emails, card and reviews raving about my team. I absolutely love hearing how much one of my Artists blessed my bride with her thoughtfulness and professionalism. I take such pride in my team!"

photo courtesy of Limelight Photography

Theresa: Are you able to attend a wedding and sit back and relax? Or do you find yourself always thinking about weddings from a hair and makeup artist's perspective?

JW: "I love being a guest at a wedding so much! It is so fun! We tend to finish up before the ceremony so I love being a part of the rest of the day!"

Theresa: What are five things you could not do your job without?

JW: "I could not do my job without the support of my team and Vendors, my Zuca Bag is very important to me. I honestly panic if I have to leave it with my makeup in my car for any reason, my brushes are my most important tools, I am a huge fan of my MAC Cosmetics lip primer! I use it under everything!! I even put it on some of my clients brows when I need to fill them in more then normal, my Husband for supporting me over the years that I have been growing in my craft. He is my biggest cheerleader!"

-Written by Theresa Mezzari, Lead Coordinator

Vendor Spotlight - Alex + Jocelyn Karas - Voila

We absolutely LOVE working with this amazing couple! It was so nice chatting with Alex + Jocelyn Karas, owners of Voila Cinematic, to talk about their film business and how they create beautiful videos to help remember your BIG day! 

photo by Justin DeMutiis Photography

Allison: How did Voila Cinematic come to be and what brought you to the industry?

"Husband and wife team Alex and Jocelyn Karas bring very different backgrounds to their event film business and in doing so, create a seamless experience and product for their couples.

After years of filming for the family and working at the TV station at his high school, Alex went on to study film at Princeton University where he received his degree in film directing. He also studied video at University of South Florida where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Television Productions.

After graduating from college, Alex produced for some of the hottest television networks in the country including ESPN, MTV, and VH-1. He worked on television shows such as “Hogan Knows Best” and “My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding.” Alex found that although he loved television work, he missed the feeling of connecting his art with the emotion of those around him. Out of that realization, Alex founded Voilà Cinematic.

Jocelyn grew up in Kentucky and graduated Suma Cum Laude from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Artistic expression has always been Jocelyn’s passion. After graduating from college, she lived in both New York City and Los Angeles where she pursued a career in theater. She went on to sing and dance all over the world aboard cruise ships, in regional theatres, and even touring the country in a national tour.

Upon settling down in Tampa in 2003, Jocelyn worked behind the scenes as part of the Creative Team for the entertainment department at Busch Gardens. Seeing the business her husband had cultivated continue to grow, the couple decided that Jocelyn’s artistic eye and love of people would be an asset to the company. In 2007, Jocelyn became the other half of Voila Cinematic. She meets with potential clients, coordinates the details of the wedding day, assists in editing, and acts as a second shooter. 

Four years later, Voila Cinematic is one of the most sought-after films companies in the southeast. Alex continues to hone his craft. He is one of the only certified Steadi cam operators in Florida and has been a featured speaker at several event professional showcases. 

To Alex and Jocelyn, film is much more than using high tech equipment to put a picture on a screen. It enables them to capture moments forever that would otherwise be left to one’s memories. “Watching a couple relive their wedding day through our work is a blessing unto itself. Knowing that countless other people will share their happiness by watching that film is one of the greatest joys we have even known.”

Allison: How long have you been in the event industry?

AK + JK: "Since 2006"

Allison: Where does your inspiration come from?

AK + JK: "We really want our films to mimic the art and creativity of the great filmmakers in cinema. We also find great
inspiration from the love between our couples and the beauty of their event both visually and emotionally."

Allison: How would you describe your "style"?

AK + JK: "Sophisticated, elegant, and timeless "

Allison: What is your goal at the completion of each event?

AK + JK: "To be as unobtrusive as 
possible on the wedding day and to come away with fabulous footage that allows us to create something special for our clients. We also want our clients to come away from their wedding day loving our team and having had a great experience with Voila."

Allison: What keeps you passionate about wedding videography?

AK + JK: "Each couple we meet is unique in their own way and they all have a different story to tell. Focusing on each couple individually allows us to keep each film fresh instead of creating something that is 'cookie cutter.'"

Allison: How do you stand out from other local wedding videographers?

AK + JK: "Our clients have an experience with us from the time that they initially contact us. We take great pride in our customer service and can promise our couples that not only will they come away with an amazing film but the customer service they receive along the way will make for a wonderful experience."

Allison: What is your favorite part about being a wedding videographer?

AK + JK: "Creating something that we know our couples will treasure for years and hopefully pass down from generation to generation."

Allison: What is the process like once a couple contracts you regarding the filming of their wedding day?

AK + JK: "We prefer to have a consultation with our potential clients so that we can discuss their options and pricing and share films with them. Once we get to know the clients and figure out which collection would be best for them, we hope that they will book. Once they book, we have some paper work for them to complete to help us get to know them better. As we near the wedding day, we set up another meeting to discuss the big day in more detail. We really invest a lot of time in getting to know our clients so that their film will best reflect their love and their style. We are always available to answer any questions that our clients may have."

Allison: What is the most important question every couple should ask their wedding videographer before hiring them?

AK + JK: "How long have you been shooting weddings? What is your experience in cinematography? How do you handle issues that may arise? What other vendors in the area refer you?"

Allison: What is the biggest mistake a couple can make when choosing a videographer?

AK + JK: "Not spending the money it takes to secure a qualified, professional who will give them a great product."

Allison: Are you seeing any emerging trends in the coming year?

AK + JK: "We are just seeing that cinematography is becoming more of a priority to most couples getting married. Also, most couples are more interested in digital files of their final film than DVDs." 

Allison: What is the most challenging part of your job?

AK + JK: "A wedding is a once in a lifetime event and so there is no room for error."

Allison: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

AK + JK: "Hearing from our couples after they receive their films and hearing how much they love their films."

Allison: Could you tell us your most memorable videography experience?

AK + JK: "Shooting our first wedding at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC- such an amazing venue and a fabulous couple to boot."

Allison: Are you able to attend a wedding and sit back and relax? Or do you find yourself always thinking about weddings from a videographer's perspective?

AK + JK: "We love going to weddings and not working, although it doesn’t happen very often. Even with family weddings, we usually end up filming."

Allison: What are five things you could not do your job without?

AK + JK: "A camera, a computer, editing software, human subjects, light."

Allison: Is there anything else you'd like to add for our readers?

AK + JK: "The one thing that makes our job and really every vendor’s job easier is the hiring of a wedding coordinator. It just makes for a more organized day. When the vendors know what is coming, it makes the day that much more seamless for everyone involved." 
{we didn't tell them to say this!}

-Written by Allison Loper, Associate Coordinator