Five Minutes With…
Dedicated to their craft and well experienced amidst the beautiful chaos of the wedding industry, this makeup mogul and event coordinator share their experiences in the business. Learn more about the lives and personalities of some of your favourite wedding vendors here, as Aoife Butler spends five minutes with two of Western Australia’s trusted vendors.
Image Credit: Black Lash Makeup Design
TARA CLARKE
Founder and Lead HMUA at Black Lash Makeup Design
@blacklashmakeupperth
How long have you been in the wedding industry and what is it about weddings that you cherish so dearly?
“Black Lash Makeup’s mission is to help women feel comfortable and confident wearing makeup and understand that feeling beautiful is about being the best version of you. I think because of this, weddings are a natural alignment for me. Generally speaking, not too many people want to rock up to their wedding day looking unrecognisable. I also love that each wedding is different, and you get to be a part of something so personal and cherished to somebody’s family. It is very special spending a wedding morning with a bride and her loved ones.”
How would you describe yourself in a few short sentences?
“I’m extroverted – an extrovert who loves to meet new people. I’m creative but I’m also a ‘do-er’, if I say I will do
it, I definitely will. I’m passionate about my family and my work, love to holiday, drink cocktails and spend time with friends, and I love helping women feel beautiful just as they are!”
What drew you into the wedding business?
“I guess I originally started doing weddings because I thought that was how to survive in my industry, I didn’t think there was enough work out there to sustain me if I didn’t do them. My opinion on that has definitely changed and I now continue to do them because I believe that my business has something to offer the ‘non-makeup wearers’ of the world. I want people who usually don’t feel comfortable wearing makeup to feel beautiful and comfortable on their wedding day, not just in the photos but when they look at themselves in the mirror. I also want to provide brides with an exceptional service with clear communication and stress-free touch points. I think getting the balance of creativity and running an efficient and reliable business is so important and especially relevant in the wedding industry.”
Can you tell us about the most memorable wedding you have done so far?
“Oh gosh, they are all memorable in their own way. I have some truly personal stories from weddings and of course the ones where I get to work with the friends I’ve made in the industry are just so special. I think the wedding that will always hold a special place in my heart is the wedding of Jacqui and Anna. Both had family obstacles to overcome for the day and I was so honoured to be able to provide a calming influence in the lead up to and on the day of their wedding. I’ve made lifelong friends with a family who I continue to help from time to time and who constantly show me how to handle life’s challenges with grace and dignity. I’m very lucky that our paths crossed when they did.”
With regards to your work, what inspires you the most?
“I love skin! I don’t believe you can achieve a beautiful and flawless makeup look without investing time and energy into making the skin look its absolute best. It’s why I work alongside a beauty therapist and often refer my brides for consultations on treatments which will have their skin looking and feeling it’s very best for their wedding day. Any makeup look where the skin is the hero inspires me. The trick is to get that balance right between glowing makeup that looks like skin and creating a makeup look that is flawless all day, and night, long!”
BRENDA COCKBURN
Event sales and coordinator at South of Perth Yacht Club
@sopyc
What is it about weddings that you cherish so dearly?
“I love to see the smiling faces of the couples, love receiving amazing feedback and seeing the amazing photography from each of the weddings. It’s fun and I love the client’s personalities and working together to achieve their ultimate goals.”
How would you describe yourself in a few short sentences?
“I’m very passionate, dedicated, and open to ideas. I love to learn new things, be on trends, and always try to be the ‘yes’ person! I’m a very visual person who can basically see your wedding day unfolding in my head from start to finish. I’m a self-described foodie, who loves a great chardonnay with some oysters any day of the week!”
What drew you into the wedding business?
“A very infamous lady, who taught me the way. I have extended on this passion and have really engaged myself in the role. I am proud of what our club offers and take pride in every event I help to produce and organise.”
Can you tell us about the most memorable wedding you have done so far?
“I definitely have my favourites! Some people are just so gorgeous and I love making their dreams come true. This question has definitely made me think about a few of my favourites. It brings back good feelings! One bride sent me the most amazing email after her wedding and I thanked her and told her that this reminded me of why I do this for a living!”
With regards to your work, what inspires you the most?
“My clients inspire me through their passions and ideas. Other vendors, people I have met in the industry and other event coordinators. I love to scroll the local Instagram pages and see all the beautiful venues and vendors Perth has to offer!”
