Planning the most magical day of your life is just the start of your incredible journey. You simply can’t have a wedding without the talented vendors who come together to make it unforgettable. This is #Beyond, a series dedicated to spotlighting the amazing individuals making it all happen!

We had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Jessica Quintero, founder of @jqglam. Her passion, professionalism, and expertise in bridal makeup are unmatched. It was such a joy to catch up with Jessica and learn what makes her artistry truly special! 🎨💄

Tell us about yourself.: My name is Jessica Quintero aka JQGlam on Social Media. I have been doing Bridal Makeup for about 10 years. I’m a loving auntie of 5. Worked for MAC Cosmetics and Anastasia Beverly Hills for 7 years. I love exploring new places my brides take me to. Currently training to expand and start offering hair services.

When did you get started in weddings?: I started about 10 years ago, at first I wanted to do more commercial work but then I fell in love with weddings. I love being a part of someone’s special day.

What were the early days like?: I started working at MAC Cosmetics and I was nervous to go out and do weddings. I recruited my friend to help me make a contract and we collectively spent 40 hrs on it before I ever took my first job. It was a lot of getting my name out there and trying to network.

When did you know you wanted to be a wedding make up artist?: The moment happened for me when I did my first bride and she lit up after looking into the mirror.

Why do brides choose you over others?: I think brides pick me because I have mastered the timeless elegance look. I like to describe my look as the red carpet glam. Where the person is not outshined by the makeup or feel like they’re wearing a mask but rather complimented by it.
I also have fast response times and give them advice before they book me. I’m happy to offer recommendations to other vendors when needed and am there to answer any questions that come up.

What questions do you think brides should ask when looking for a make up artist?: I think they should ask
- how long does each service take?
- can you provide a quote and mock timeline?
- what is included with the service? Lashes? Touch up kits?
- what is the most amount of people you can do? If you have a large party

This is a real pro tip. If your wedding venue offers a bridal suite ask :
- what time does access to the suite start? Is there a time limit? Some only give you 2 hrs.
- how many people does the room comfortably hold? Account for hair + makeup staff in the final number
- where are the working electric outlets located?
- is there working AC/heat in this room?
- can food or drink be brought into this room?

What would you tell brides who don't think they need a make up artist? What are they missing out on?: I think sometimes brides underestimate the nerves that come with a wedding. So if you hire the right professionals to do the work for you and walk in confident in your look you’ll portray that more on your images. At the end of the day what you have left is the images of your special day. So what you look like, how you styled your hair, did your makeup, what you wore will be available to view for generations to come. You’re spending thousands of dollars on one day, you want your makeup to last, and look great on photo + video. Leave that stress to us, just relax and have a good time with the bridal party.

What's your favorite part of working with brides and bridesmaids?: My favorite part of working with brides is when they’re all ready to go in their wedding dress and the “this is it” excitement enters the room. The air is filled with love and laughter.

What's the most interesting wedding moment you've witnessed?: Ahh, yes. The story of Cream cheese girl. I had a bridesmaid who after I finished her makeup left to eat breakfast. You guessed it, a bagel with lots and LOTS of cream cheese. She came back for her touch up with cream cheese on her nose, eyebrows, lashes, her hair, sides of her mouth. Most if not all the makeup around her mouth completely gone. Ever since I HATE seeing bagels on a wedding day. I also suggest to stay away from Sandwiches and burritos for basically the same reasons.

What are the traits of a good make up artist and what should brides look for?: I think cleanliness, organized and effective communication are all traits of a good makeup artist. We need to be clean to keep ourselves + our clients safe from infections. We need to stay organized so we can keep track of timelines. Most of all have effective + timely communication so that our clients know they can trust we’ll show up and get the job done on their big day.