This post is very special to me, This month I celebrated 5 years since shooting my very first wedding! It's always an emotional time for me, where I reflect and just feel so grateful for being able to find what I'm meant to be doing for the rest of my life, or as long as God allows me.
As a fun way to honor my anniversary as Wedding photographer, I wanted to showcase a series of other wedding vendors who are just as passionate about their craft as I am. Weddings are made greater when the couple not only loves the work of the vendors they choose but also feels some kind of personal connection with them. It feels great to be able to share a little more about the wonderful founders behind some of Maui's top wedding companies.
First up is Jessica Waite, an amazingly talented and much loved makeup artist. She is not only so talented but full on hands when its time for action and such a careful attention to detail, not only she does her skills are make up but she's pretty crafty and create amazing Head jewelry pieces to pick your fancy. You can see some fun collab I did with Jessica here. Thank you Jessica for opening the doors of your Studio and Home and such a fab Time!
Tell us a little about yourself and your background. What brought you to Hawaii?
I'm originally from Upstate New York and I grew up in Colorado . I literally moved to Maui so that I would never have to be cold again.
What inspired you to become a Make Up Artist?
I went to school for Art and Fashion Design. I worked at for MAC cosmetics corporation for four years after school and really loved the artistic side of makeup with all of its color and texture options. I was addicted to the immediate gratification that comes with creating beautiful art in such a short amount of time that bring the wearer so much joy.
What do you love about the islands? What are your favorite things to do here?
I love that our Island is a cultural melting pot with a small town feel. It's such a unique environment here. We have people from all over the world that live and visit here yet we all live side by side in one small community. I love that I get to raise my kids in a place with so much diversity without having to be in a city. My favorite thing to do here is hike through the jungle and get a little dirty since I have to be so dressed up for work everyday its a fun release.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the joy I get to bring to all of the clients I have the privilege of working with. Some of them are still friends years later.
Do you cry at weddings? Any touching moments that stand out?
So many weddings have made me cry. When I witness the amazing love that some of these couples share it can be overwhelming. I don’t always get to be there for the ceremony where all of the great emotional moments usually happen but I have had some really sweet moments with my clients personally where they looked in the mirror, started to cry, and said “I never knew I could be so beautiful!” Those are the moments that remind me that this is what I love to do.
What is your biggest advice for people who wish to pursue their dream and career?
Never never settle for something that just pays your bills. Every job will have a part of it that is necessary and not a ton of fun, but there should be more love in it than drudgery. If you have no love or passion for what you are doing there is always an opportunity to make a change and do something amazing that will bring you and others joy, there is nothing like doing what you love.
“ Featuring the crème de la crème. Jessica Waite is unsurpassed in talent, spirit and a gifted artist. She is revered and loved by all who know her. More importantly, she is current and savvy with trends yet timeless and graceful. She is the First Lady of Excellence.”