Freelance make-up artist @HQ Nina Thompson

After seeing Nina our freelance makeup artist in the press last week, we thought we'd share with you some of the stunnning photographs from the collection...

After training at Jemma Kidd's school of make up in Notting Hill Nina worked of various  shows with her, and then continued working freelance assisting shows and editortal work. After leading the busy life in London Nina moved to the tranquility of Whitstable and appreciating the beautful standard of wedding venues noticed there was a calling for freelance makeup artists. 

She still has some celeb clients (can't say who) and continues to travel all over taking her makeup global, from Scotland to Spain and across the Atlantic.

Nina continues to attend pro classes to learn new techniques, she loves how creative she can be and how she can express that through her work whilst also working alongside the bride, model or friend. 

''My heros are Alex Box and Andrew gallimore, I just love the art and expression in make up, understanding the person, the look and how everyday I work with a new canvas'' 

Weddings @HQ

Last year we had a really busy year of weddings, with some of the most beautiful locations being just round the corner from us at HQ we got to work in some stunning places and also with some of the lovliest brides. It's always an honor to work with ladies on such an important day in their lives and we were even more grateful to get such positive feedback from those we worked with. Here's some great feedback we received from bride Shelley when working with Freelance makeup artist Nina and hairdresser at HQ Sophia. 

 

''I recently got married at East Quay, Whitstable and met the fabulous Nina and Sophia from Headquarters Tankerton when we attended a wedding fayre back in January.

I am not a huge make-up wearer and tend to turn my head upside down and blow dry it most days, rather than style it… So I was a little apprehensive about having ‘the works’ for my wedding day. Lots of friends said I should do it and that I’d feel special and pampered but I still had visions of heavy eye make-up and crazy hair styles and just not looking like myself.

So, feeling a little unsure I emailed HQ Tankerton and they got back to me straight away and encouraged me to come in for a trial with some examples of the styles I liked.

The trial was such fun, Nina and Sophia are so natural and friendly and they completely reassured me about letting them loose on my face and hair (a glass of two of fizz helped too!). They completely got the style and vibe I was after and I came away happy and excited about the big day.

I had a manicure and pedicure the day before the wedding and Nina and Sophia also did my bridesmaids hair and make-up, which made the morning of the wedding great fun and full of excited anticipation.     

I will be recommending HQ Tankerton for bridal hair and make-up as well as their more general services. They are professional, friendly and hugely talented in their field.''

East Quay Wedding Fair

We've been loving nothing more than an East Quay wedding fair. Here's a little snippet of some work in action by Nina @thebeautyroom and Sofie @thepowerroom

Celebrating another wonderful wedding with HQ

Hair and Makeup: Nina 

The Marine Hotel Wedding Fair

If your looking for another stunning beachy venue for your wedding the Marine Hotel in Whitstable could be the place for you. The glam team headed up to the Marine Hotel last week to dress inspire more brides to be. We chose a more glamorous look for this occasion, with staple hair pieces and elegantly chunky jewels. If you are looking for ideas do check out our previous post on bridal looks

 

Sophia's Style

On the theme of Weddings, these beautiful floral's, pleats and curls make for a stunning bridal look for those with longer locks. Sophia's plait is intertwined with double measures to give the hair depth and texture, leaving the rest to hang in a unique and natural pattern. 

The East Quay Wedding Fair

For those who want a seaside wedding with a beach view we think that the East Quay Whitstable makes for a wonderful location for the big day. We headed down there on the weekend for the Wedding Fair to dress up some lovely ladies as if it were their big day.

 It was great to see what was on offer and have a little sneak peak into whats to come for the new year.

Braided Bun

This stunning braided bun was created for a bridesmaid by Sofie but is so versatile it could work as a great look for festival goers or just those with a little time to go foraging for flowers! Its a look inspired by your own creativity so don't be afraid to experiment a little before you've got what feels great.  

We picked up the floral elements at our neighbors Tankerton Flowers. Hayley provided us with the most beautiful purple tones to match the brides theme. We also used a hair band and some grips.

There was some prep involved before the style began, you could try making some pre-curls in the hair to help fix them in a more sculpted shape when you start placing them in a bun shape.

When creating the look at home it's good to start with a simple ponytail, Sofie placed this at the bottom center of the head however you can really play around with the height. She then plaited and pinned the rest of the doo, incorporating the flowers as she went. She fixed the whole style with Bedhead Masterpiece Shine Spray

Sofie also braided the front of the hair, going alone on this can be tricky if find french plaits tricky, we'll be doing a tutorial next week but in the meantime just try a simple plait across your hair line and clip behind the ear.

 

If you've got any questions or you're serious about trying to recreated this look on yourself or a friend contact Sofie via our email headquarterstankerton@yahoo.com she's in the Powder Room at HQ for bookings or simply to answer questions on this beautiful look. 

Bride to be...

It's already been a really busy summer with weddings, hair and make up. We're loving the Bridal Boutique at Chilam, they specialize in some of the finest dresses, both pre-owned and new designer. It's stunning location in the heart of Chilham means you'll have space and time to find something really special for the big day. Check out their website and be sure to head over there if you're planning the big day. 

The Powder Room

Sofie's been getting the place ready for wedding trails this week. Check out her facebook page for all the info on prices, trials, packages and inspo for the big day. Having attended some beautiful events last year and being part of the big day Sofie's excited to get styling for the new year! 

Headquarters Wedding Fair

Hosted at the East Quay Whitstable, Saturdays wedding fair went down a storm! It was great to meet the whole entourage, Bride/Grooms, In Laws and Maid of Honors!

 

 
Our lovely model for the day Grace

 

The Venue

You can find links here for more information on the East Quay, The Brewery Bar and Hotel Continental  Whitstable

It was an exciting day. Sophie and Sophia getting our lovely model Grace ready for her 'big day' 

 

We had such a lovely day, are wedding packages and consultations are available on request from Headquarters, just call 01227 637678