Melissa began working as a makeup artist in 2001. Her first job was in a small town makeup boutique where she got hands-on experience working with everyday women. In 2007, she attended Makeup First School and relocated to Chicago. This led to many exciting opportunities, including working with professional models & photographers, a music video for the Plain White T’s, and working for some of the world’s leading cosmetics companies. In 2010, she returned to her roots in Indiana where she’s focused on building up a freelance business and works predominately in the wedding and bridal industry. In 2015, Melissa obtained her esthetics license at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, and is now one of the most sought after wedding makeup artists in the Chicago area.
I’ve always been obsessed with Old Hollywood. The glitz, glam, and red lipstick have been a huge inspiration to me in my career. When I decided to work on this new project, I called on a few friends to put together a stylized photo shoot at a really unique wedding venue.Weeks and weeks of planning go into these shoots, and a lot of pre-planning is done by all the participating vendors. Michelle Nikitaris, of AKM Events, styled this shoot, and her passion for glamour and details really shines through the images. We were lucky enough to land one of Chicagoland’s famed photographers, Matt Bigelow, to photograph the shoot, and our friends at 27 Entertainment made an amazing behind the scenes video. Once we secured models and all the other details (wardrobe, flowers, catering/desserts, etc.), it was Lights! Camera! Action!
A typical shoot day will start with hair and makeup around 7:00 or 8:00am (depending on shoot time and number of models). Working alongside me that day was hairstylist Julie Trimble and fellow makeup artist, Emily Dupre (who also doubled as a model). Once the models were done with hair and makeup, we selected their gowns and accessories, and the shoot began.
I was incredibly happy with the way the images turned out, and I think they really showcase a modern take on an era that is so close to my heart. I love what I do every day, but this was one of those “pinch me I’m dreaming” shoots, where I really got to work with an all-star cast.
The photos were picked up by Wedding Essentials magazine and published. There is not a greater reward for weeks of dedicated work, than seeing your vision brought to life on the glossy pages of a magazine. I truly love what I do, and this just a glance at one of the many aspects of such a truly rewarding career.
Photos: Matt Bigelow Photography
Video: 27 Entertainment
Styling: AKM Events
Hair: Julie Trimble
Makeup: Melissa Marshall & Emily Dupre
Jewelry: Martin Binder
Gowns: Catherine’s Bridal Boutique
Desserts: Wildflour
Venue: The Uptown Center – Michigan City, IN
Florist: ZuZu’s Petals
To contact Melissa, please visit her website at melissamarshallmua.com.
