A couple of months ago, I was introduced to Jessica Belknap at the 1 year anniversary party for the Portland Wedding Lounge. I learned that we have a shared philosophy of environmental consciousness. Immediately, I knew that I wanted to get to know Jessica as well as learn about the service she provides for clients. After a few email exchanges, we scheduled a coffee date. I had a blast meeting with her. She is kind, down-to-earth and easy to talk to. I enjoyed listening to her telling me her story. Jessica is a very talented makeup artist. I was impressed with her professionalism, her wealth of experience and training and her mission for her clients. This blog feature will give you a glimpse into Jessica and her services. I would highly encourage you to check out her website for more detailed information about her philosphy, gallery and services. Drum roll please…WedPortland is excited to highlight Jessica Belknap!

Describe the service you provide and why you love what you do.
I am a freelance makeup artist who specializes in “green”, beauty makeup for HD video, print/editorial work, and weddings. What defines “green” makeup? In order for a product to be considered for my “green” makeup kit it must fit some combination of these requirements: all-natural, non-toxic, vegan, and/or organic.

I love my job for three reasons: 1) I am my own boss. I do not work for, or represent, any one cosmetics line, so I am able to use products from multiple lines, and only the best products from each line, while still using products that are safe for myself, my clients and the planet. 2) I never have two days in a row that are alike. One day I may be doing makeup for a television commercial and a photo shoot, and the next day I may be somewhere like the Oregon Coast, or Mt. Hood, doing makeup for a wedding party. Each day in my career brings a new challenge and new adventure. 3) I meet intelligent, interesting, and inspiring people every single day, and I am fortunate enough to have one-on-one time to talk with them. When a client sits on my chair (they can be there anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours) I am given an opportunity to meet someone new, and learn about them. I consider every person who sits in my chair to be a friend and a teacher.

Briefly share your industry experience.
I have done theater makeup for nearly ten years and have been a full-time, freelance makeup artist for four years. I started as a freelance artist after graduating from collage and after two years of assisting, and studying under some of the Northwest’s leading artists. I have had the privilege to work under, and have been trained by Green Beauty Team founder, (and my green beauty guru) Kristen Arnett (NY, NY), in fashion, beauty and editorial makeup.

Share your favorite client moment.
It is difficult to pick just one, but here is one that comes to mind:
Immediately after the ceremony of a high end wedding, on a family ranch, in Southern Oregon, I was approached by the groom of the bride, who’s makeup I had just completed before the ceremony. He was a tall, professional baseball player, with a huge smile and misty remnants of tears clinging to his lashes, left over from the ceremony. He approached me and asked if I was the makeup artist who had done his wife’s makeup. I said, “yes”. He then reached out and gave me a big bear hug and said, “thank you for making (bride’s name) look like the best version of herself, and for making her feel as beautiful as I know she is”.
I will never forget that moment.

If you had a super power, what would it be?
Oooo… Tough one. If I have to choose one, It would probably be the ability to fly.

What is your favorite book/movie/tv show?
Book: Harry Potter Series or Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Movie: I have a lot, to name a few (I can’t just pick one!): The Devil Wears Prada, Almost Famous, 500 days of Summer, & Julie and Julia
TV Show: The Big Bang Theory or Friends

What do you do for fun?
Cooking and baking for friends and family and taking ballet or Pilates classes. I also love spending time with my pets. We have a dog, Mia, and a cat, Charlotte.

If you won a million dollars, how would you spend it?
My husband, Jesse, and I would buy small, nice house with a large yard (for an organic garden and room to build a makeup studio). I would also buy a new, fully electric car, and pay off Jesse’s student loans. If anything were left over, we may take a vacation to Europe or put it into savings (depending on how responsible we are feeling that week)

What brought you to the Portland area?
I grew up in Tualatin. My Dad’s family actually came to Oregon on the Oregon Trail. We have been here a long time. There is actually a street in Eastern Oregon named Belknap Street, after an ancestor of mine.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I have been a vegetarian since I was 12 years old. Is that interesting? Also, I can’t wink.

What is your favorite piece of clothing? Why?
Oooo… I go through phases. Right now, I would have to say my Banana Republic blue and white jersey wrap dress. It is ridiculously flattering. Every time I wear it people ask me if I have lost weight. Haha! So, that is nice! I do love cardigans though. Ask anyone who sees me on a regular basis and I bet they would agree, I am probably wearing a cardigan 80% of the time when the weather is below 80.

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Oprah. She is an intelligent,strong women, a excellent business woman, a great teacher, and a humanitarian.

Favorite local restaurant and/or happy hour.
Eleni’s Estiatorio in Sellwood, Oregon. Simply delicious. You must go. It is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or Happy hour. Once you go here you won’t want to eat anywhere else. They are only open for dinner though.

Best way for potential clients to contact you or view your work.
My website: www.jessicabelknap.com or my professional FB page: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.belknap.makeup.artist

Anything you’d like to add that I didn’t ask?
I am a Green makeup artist. This means that I primarily use products that fit all or one of these categories: all-natural, organic, vegan, and non-toxic. I also offer green makeup education and personal shopping/training as well as my artistry services.

I do still have a kit of “traditional” name-brand makeup, and do use it for certain projects, but more and more, the demand for safe cosmetics is pressuring companies to create high-quality products, that perform just as well as the brands professional artists have used for years. I do not use “green” products that do not perform as well, or better, than the standard industry products. Over the past few years, this search for photo-quality, all-natural makeup has become easier. The demand for safe cosmetics in the fashion and wedding industry has given rise to many wonderful new professional-quality, safe, all-natural makeup lines that are outperforming their traditional department store counterparts, while still being conscientious of the impact they have on our clients and the environment.

Karyn Reohr with Black Label Films is truly passionate about her craft. Listening to her speak about her work and the service she provides clients is inspiring. Her enthusiasm and excitement are contagious. Karyn has worked hard to hone her talents and grow as a filmmaker. Like wedding coordination, wedding films and/or videography are not currently seen as necessary services for a wonderful wedding experience. However, I can say with full confidence that those who invest in these services would encourage everyone to do the same. What could be better than a film documenting your big day to share with friends, family and your future family? I highly encourage you to consider Black Label Films for your wedding film!

Describe the service you provide and why you love what you do.
I film and produce visual time capsules of couples’ wedding days for them to go back and experience again and again for the rest of their lives. I love it because it brings back the whole essence of the most important memories of one’s life, and it also allows a couple to share with family who couldn’t be there, as well as future generations such as children and grandchildren.

The more rewarding part of my job is when I get to see the reaction on the couples’ faces when I show them their cinematic film. Most couples say the film was better than the wedding day itself! I regularly get crying, laughter, hugs, and even gift cards and free coffee from happy clients. I really love what I do!

Briefly share your industry experience.
I have a degree in Computer Science so I am very comfortable with technology. I have always been artistic and have been a pianist and singer since I was in 3rd grade. I formed my studio in 2007 and ran it part-time while working at Intel as a software engineer and program manger. I left Intel in January 2010 to pursue an event filmmaking career full-time, because I discovered with quite clear revelation, finally, what it was I was supposed to do in life.

Why should someone hire you? What sets you apart?
My clients love that I focus all on them, and not on me. It’s not about how great my studio is or my own ego. It’s about their dream of having a Hollywood-quality wedding film produced with complete discreetness and no stress on their wedding day. I could talk about the planning, the collaboration with other vendors, the 1-2 month turn-around time, the flexible payment options, the quality of our equipment or the artistry of our editing. But really it’s all about the customer experience at Black Label, from start to finish.

Share your favorite client moment.
I have so many I couldn’t begin to pick an overall favorite But one recent moment was a bride who sent me a $100 gift card spontaneously in the mail after she saw her 5-minute cinematic Highlight film online. In her words: “I was blown away. I had no idea we would get something so utterly beautiful.” And she had even seen our samples beforehand! But still, when it’s your OWN wedding, it just is that much more special.

What do you do for fun?
I shoot weddings! Seriously, that is so much fun to me. But in my casual time, I love to spend time with my 2 year old daughter. Her language is really developing and she says the funniest things. I like to talk walks and hikes, shop, hang out at the pool, see movies, taste wines and cook dinners for my family.

Best way for potential clients to contact you, view your work or read reviews from previous clients.
The best way for clients to contact me is via email or text because I’ve got my iPhone with me all the time. You can reach me directly at karyn@blacklabeleventfilms.com, or text 503-799-2944. That is also the studio main phone so feel free to call also, but we may be with a client or out on a shoot.

You can view our work on our website: www.blacklabeleventfilms.com, and you can read reviews by searching for us on Wedding Wire or The Knot! I also have a couple of brides who have offered to be references.

If you want to be friends and keep up on latest happenings and work, we have a facebook page and twitter account also, just search for “Black Label Films”.

Anything you’d like to add that I didn’t ask?
I just want to leave couples with two things: First, the importance of hiring a modern cinematographer. You may be envisioning your wedding video as cheesy, 80’s style footage, but technology has come a long way and the new, fresh stuff is truly motion picture quality! You will want the experience to relive again after the day is over, trust me and trust 100% of brides who say that AFTER their wedding day is over and it’s too late. Currently, only 20% of brides hire a professional videographer and only about 5% hire a true creative filmmaker. Many brides hire a photographer and think that is enough. But a photograph doesn’t tell a story and doesn’t let you relive the actual experience. Moving imagery and sound is the only medium that can do that for you.

The second thing is the importance of personality in your documentary team – your photographer and filmmaker. During the consult you should absolutely ask about the standard stuff like packages, work and payment terms, but you should also get to know the person. Do you feel comfortable with them? Do they listen to your ideas and build from them? Are they helpful and gently guiding, or are they downright pushy? And do they offer valuable advice you hadn’t thought of? Think about this because your photographer and filmmaker team will be with you ALL DAY during your wedding, so you need to be sure you can handle being around them during your most intimate moments. The last thing you need to be stressed about is hiring someone whose work you think is phenomenal but whom you don’t particularly like. Talent must always be balanced with temperament, don’t let the wrong person ruin your day or your experience!

More Wedding Film Info

A little over a week ago, I had the pleasure of having breakfast with Jessi Hatch, owner of Tall Drink of Water Floral Design, at the Singer Hill Café in Oregon City. Jessi is a very talented, up-and-coming florist new to the industry. My time with Jessi was all positives. She is personable, down-to-earth, easy to talk to, fun and motivated toward success. I was immediately impressed with her creative eye and professionalism. It is an honor to introduce you to this lovely gal. I’m very excited about her work and the opportunity to collaborate with her in the near future. So without further ado, Jessi Hatch!

Why do you love what you do?

“I find fresh flowers very joyful. Floral design is a really good creative outlet for me. However, it’s really the whole process of meeting the client, grabbing their vision, going to the market and creating a masterpiece that I truly love.”

Briefly share your industry experience.

“I worked for three years as an event planner/fundraiser for Easter Seals. This role included planning and executing every detail of the event…including flowers. I’ve been providing floral design services for events hosted by family and friends. It is through this experience that I decided to follow my passion for floral design and launched Tall Drink of Water Floral Design in March or this year. I have floral design experience with weddings, holidays, bridal showers and baby showers.”

Why should someone hire you? What sets you apart?

“I’m easy going and a good listener. I believe in bringing the clients vision to life. I bring good ideas to the table when needed. I’m decisive and excellent at working within a budget.”

If you had a super power, what would it be?

Telepathy

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show?

Book – Tuesdays with Morrie

TV Show – Modern Family

Movie – Bridesmaids

What do you do for fun?

“I enjoy playing with my 10 month old, Hudson, spending time with my husband, Chris, camping, boating, wine tasting, campfires, hanging with friends, dinner parties, volleyball and of course, arranging flowers.”

If you won a million dollars, how would you spend it?

“I would tell no one. Then, I would surprise everyone with little meaningful gifts. For example, I would pay off my nieces Montessori school tuition, create college savings plans for kids in the family, take over someone’s mortgage for a year, etc.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

“I can give blood in under 4 minutes, I’m the quickest shopper you’ll ever meet and I was recruited to play Division I volleyball but decided to play club for UO instead.”

What is your favorite piece of clothing? Why?

“My boots. I love my boots. They are stylish and casual. I wear them everywhere, everyday.”

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why? Pick one man, and one woman.

Man – Leo DiCaprio – “Just so I can look at him.”

Woman – Maya Angelou  – “ To hear some of the incredible wisdom she has to share.”

What is the best way for potential clients to contact you, view your work or read reviews from previous clients.

“Phone or email is the best way to contact me – 503.781.3928. My portfolio and reviews are coming to my Facebook page and website soon.”

Anything you’d like to add that I didn’t ask?

“I’m a problem solver. Anything you throw at me, I can tackle. I’m easy to get along with and have the skills to bring your floral design needs to life.”