Casual weddings are very on-trend, and these days, people are getting very creative with it. According to Kellie Johnson of Élan Hair Studio in Sea Girt, New Jersey, these alternative wedding experiences have branched out into everything from farm or barn-themed venues to the popular beach weddings.
Seeing a need for on-location hair and makeup services for weddings and other events, Kellie put together the À Louer by Élan team. Meaning "for rent" in French,” À Louer is made up of hair and makeup artists who are passionate about formal hairstyles, braids, long hair, finishing, and makeup.
Typically involving soft, romantic, and natural beauty to go along with these casual, and usually more local, destination weddings, many times the overall look embraces a Bohemian vibe. To showcase a proudly Boho bridal appeal, the À Louer by Élan team created this lightly windswept collection, taking a different approach from the traditional bridal trends.
When it comes to creating the hair and makeup for these casual ceremonies, the techniques, not to mention the thought process, is simply different.
“The key creating such looks starts with the prep,” says Kellie. “There needs to have a good foundation for hold under the soft, romantic, loose look of the hair. You also need to be very aware of the balance between the hair and makeup. If the hair is soft and romantic, the makeup should be as well.”
Hair & Makeup by À Louer by Élan • Photos by Jennifer Larsen Photography
Meet Kellie Johnson - Owner of Élan Hair Studio
Kellie’s sense of the human spirit and passion for growing teams has helped her excel in all facets of the beauty industry. Kellie’s fascination with people and desire to make them look and feel their most beautiful marks her evolution from stylist to educator to free-lance MTV team member, to salon owner and certified coach and therapist. With over 30 years of industry experience, Kellie continues to advance her education, believing that education, awareness and team-building provide the positive pathways to the highest levels of competence and confidence—the motivational keys to anyone wishing be successful in business and in life.
