Lately—between the endless entrepreneurial tasks that come with running multiple businesses—I almost forgot what it feels like to tap into my creative side. So when my childhood bestie, Shauna Veasey Photography, asked if I’d dust off my brushes for her intimate wedding in Highlands, I didn’t hesitate for a second. One of the greatest gifts in my life is being able to share my artistry with people I love. To create something meaningful for their most important moments is a privilege I share deeply.

Even though her October 12th wedding was the day before my anniversary, my husband was beyond understanding. He knew how important it was for me to make the trip from Monroe, NC to Highlands for Shauna. In a perfect world I’d arrive the night before, wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but I wanted those extra hours with him. And since I was styling only Shauna—with a 12pm start time (heck yes), I left around 9am, coffee in hand, jamming to my favorite love songs the whole way up the mountain.

My morning-of advice to my industry friend was simple:
“Look over our hair and makeup inspo board and choose a couple favorites. Wash twice, condition only the ends… see you soon!”

As lifelong friends, I’ve seen Shauna’s personal style through every season. (A huge advantage when doing hair + makeup for someone who is in the industry.) But I still wanted to talk through her vision.
She was torn between a full updo, wearing her hair down, or going half-up. The updo was Hunter’s favorite, but she felt the most confident and sexy with her hair down. And then—wind and elevation at Rockwood Lodge had to be factored in.
My suggestion: “Let’s do a half-up, half-down style. Best of both worlds—Hunter gets that subtle pulled-back moment, you still feel like YOU with hair down, and the wind will only make it more magical in photos.”

Done. She was in.
We looked through the looks she saved—discussing curls (too loose, too tight, not bouncy enough). She loved the idea of a glam wave, but with that undone, Victoria’s-Secret-ish bounce. Sexy, feminine, and effortless.
Her makeup look came together effortlessly. Shauna has such natural beauty; enhancing her is truly a dream creatively.
Hunter had one single request:
“Please don’t let the makeup distract from those eyes, brows, and natural lashes.”
Oh Hunty… say no more. Your girl was always going to walk down the aisle looking like herself—just the elevated, glowing version.
Shauna woke up with a mild cheek flare-up (stress or food—who knows). I started with skin prep and a bit of base correction, but once I realized it needed a gentler, more flexible approach, I immediately switched to airbrush. I didn’t want layers of product weighing her down. The switch was perfect. Seamless, breathable, and still camera-ready.
Once I had her canvas evened out, I worked intuitively—letting tones speak to me while keeping her preferences in mind. Shauna is a blush girl, so I reached for Chanel Rose Petale + Rose Bronze after bronzing to bring that soft romantic warmth back to her cheeks.
Her eyes were a mix of neutral flesh-tone dimension on the lid, warm earth + blush tones above the crease, and a cool deep brown fanning out toward the outer corners. I paired it with a smoked soft-chocolate liner for definition that still felt natural.
As for mascara—every makeup girlie has a way she likes it—so I happily passed the wand to Shauna to finish it off with her natural lashes.
✨ Product Breakdown
Prep: MUFE HydraBoost
Concealer: NARS – Honey
Foundation: Tom Ford
Bronzer: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Duo in Light + Hourglass Nude Bronze
Blush: Chanel Rose Petale + Rose Bronze
Eye Base: MAC Paint Pot – Painterly
Shadow: YSL – Stora Dolls x Over Brun
Liner: YSL 24-Hour Waterproof – Brown
Brows: Glossier Brow Flick – Medium/Dark Brown
Lip Liner: Tom Ford Long Wear – Irresistible
Lip: Dior Lip Glow Balm – Bronze

After working in this industry for 16+ years, I watched gratitude slowly slip into an expectation of servitude. That shift led me to step back from artistry and choose work that aligns with the energy I invest in others.

Being part of Shauna and Hunter’s day reminded me why I fell in love with the wedding industry. The art is a small piece that lights up my soul—but the honor of showing up for the people who matter most, and creating something they’ll hold onto, is the part that stays with me. It comes from a place of respect for the process, intentional collaboration, and environments where creativity isn’t rushed. These are the moments worth stepping away from my businesses for—moments where I can fully invest my time and care.

I’m grateful I could give Shauna this small gift—crafted with love, intention, and years of friendship. Moments like these refill my creative soul and remind me of the work I want to continue saying yes to.