Shelby & Nick | Married

When I met Shelby she told me that she was really picky about her hair and makeup and it felt like she was bracing me for some bridezilla moment and I was a little nervous. Spoiler: It never happened! ;) Quite the opposite! Shelby was the most laid back and kind bride and I still have no idea what she was talking about, haha! We clicked instantly and I loved the glowy and natural makeup that she chose. I kept her foundation extra lightweight as requested and focused on glowing and kissed-by-the-sun-looking skin with a pop of shimmer on her gorgeous eyes! She wanted some soft, beachy waves that looked perfect with her floral crown. Shelby was a total dream and so was her wedding day on Mission Bay!

Photos | Carrie McCluskey Photography

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Venue | The Dana

Jessica & Brandon | Maternity

One of my favorite moments is hearing from former brides who tell me the amazing news that they are expecting! I get to work with so many amazing couples that it’s hard not to become friends and stay in touch. With Instagram it makes it easier to find out how everyone is doing after the wedding. I’m always humbled and excited when I get to work with my brides year after year for family and maternity, or even a branding shoot to launch a business!

This shoot was so special with Jessica and Brandon, because we got to catch up on their lives after the wedding and hear about the exciting plans for their new life with a baby and new home.

I loved doing the entire look for Jessica from her wardrobe to the hair, makeup and even helping her find a location for her shoot. It’s all of those little details that I love so much and I’m grateful for her trust in the process and letting me do what I do :)

Update: She had a healthy and beautiful baby girl with the prettiest head of dark hair like her mama!

Photography | Whiskers & Willow

Beauty & Wardrobe | Thorne Artistry

Location | Mission Trails

Editorial | Branding Photo Shoot

The new year has already been filled with the most incredible branding shoots and boss men and women taking their business’ to the next level. It seems like everyone is on a mission to breathe some new life into their brand and online presence and I absolutely love it!

Branding shoots can be as simple as a new headshot or as elaborate as an all-day (or even all week like one of my clients!) photo shoot. Taking the time to think through your brand and create the content that truly embodies what you, and your business are all about is what these shoots accomplish, and the creativity is something that I adore.

Helping clients choose the best color palette to compliment their online work through their wardrobe and and even their makeup can really elevate the look and create cohesion. Having an arsenal of social media content for months to come is pretty amazing too. It also gives you a chance to let loose and show off your personality, and connect you to prospective clients.

Here’s one of my absolute favorite branding shoots so far this year!

Please reach out if you need help coming up with a concept for your own branding shoot!

xoxo, Amanda

Photo | Hannah Claire Photography

Design & Video | Activate Mavriks

Hair, Makeup & Wardrobe Styling | Thorne Artistry

Wedding Wire | Couples' Choice Award

I’m feeling extremely grateful for all of the kind and amazing couples I’ve worked with over the years, and all of the incredible wedding days that I’ve been able to witness! I had absolutely no idea I was even up for the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award and teared up when I got the email that I was chosen by all of these wonderful people that I’ve met! I cannot thank you enough for your trust in me and my team on your special day, and I’m sincerely humbled and thankful!! Here’s just a few of my awesome couples and their sweet families and friends! xoxo

Happy New Year | Thank You

The New Year always comes with mixed emotions. As a business owner, it’s always easy to fall into the trap of setting a million goals and deadlines that seem like a lot of extra pressure. Every year, I’m realizing more and more that when I let go and throw away my to-do list, things unfold beautifully on their own and keep me in the moment, and working on more projects that I’m excited about.

2018 was a blur and it came on fast and furious and didn’t seem to stop. I love working so it’s always my personal challenge to slow down and know when to say when. I definitely have a serious case of FOMO so that’s something I’m going to continue to work on for 2019.

I’m most grateful that I’ve been able to spend so much quality time with my family this year, and devote time to my beautiful brides and clients, and even combining the two on occasion! I’ve been able to travel to some gorgeous places this year, and add on a few extra days of family time which is pure bliss for me. I’ve also been blessed with brides and clients that have become friends. That’s such a testament to all of the incredible people who cross my path. Word of mouth and referrals seem to keep bringing me these lovely people and I’m praying for more awesome new friends in 2019. If you’ve sent someone my way, or supported my business with a kind word, thank you immensely! Without you, I couldn’t do what I love and have all of these precious moments with my littles.

Wishing you all of the beauty you can handle in the New Year! I am honored to be chosen by you to be a part of your life and your special moments, and I don’t take it lightly. From my little family to yours, Happy New Year and I hope we connect soon! xoxo

Photos | The Hearts Haven


Mallory & Damian | Engaged

It’s always exciting meeting my engaged brides-to-be and getting to hear about all of the wedding day plans, and also the engagement shoot!

Mallory was such a joy to hang out with and beautify for her engagement session and I know she’s going to have an amazing wedding day at the Estancia in La Jolla, especially after seeing her insanely beautiful shoot at Balboa captured by Cavin Elizabeth!

The palette and the details from this shoot make me so happy! I can’t wait to see how good the wedding day will be!

Photo | Cavin Elizabeth Photography

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Planner | Bliss Events

Taylor & Fabian | Married

Taylor & Fabian had the most magical wedding day at a beautiful winery in Temecula. I first met Taylor and her mom when they road-tripped to my studio all the way from Palm Springs. I knew that whatever Taylor chose for her wedding look she was going to be a stunner and she seriously was! Taylor is one of those people that lights up a room, and is one of the most down-to-earth people that I’ve met.

Like most brides, she had a hard time narrowing down the final look and thought she wanted an updo, but knew something didn’t feel right about her look. Taylor had an easiness to her personal style (and awesome long hair that she usually wore down). I asked her if I could try a romantic braided look before the french twist that she requested. For some reason it seemed more like her. She humored me and let me do the look that I was seeing with her dress and her venue. It was so exciting when she loved it, and knew that she found the look she wanted and I’m so grateful for her trust in the process. She added in the baby’s breath on her wedding day and it was the perfect touch!

We kept her makeup clean and dewey with some awesome mink lashes that made the look pop! Her color palette and the look she chose for her girls were the perfect compliment.

The best part was her wedding morning with her mix of favorite old school music that everyone was loving! We all sang at the top of our lungs the entire morning and my face hurt from laughing so much. I know that Taylor found her soulmate and I couldn’t be happier for this incredible couple! xoxo

Photos | Kadi Tobin Photography

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Florals | Sweet Pea Floral

Venue | Ponte Winery

Desserts | Nomad Donuts

Videographer | Thomas Wedding Cinema

Amanda & Michael | Married

Oh my goodness! Where do I start with this insanely stunning mountain wedding in June Lake! And, yes, Thorne Artistry loves to travel for weddings so let me know if you’re out of state or even out of country!

Amanda and Michael have a beautiful love story that includes the love of animals and the outdoors. She works at the San Diego Zoo, and he works at Birch Aquarium. They love to hike and fish together so it only made sense to have their wedding in the beautiful Sierra mountains.

Besides the killer landscape, Amanda has impeccable taste and picked a bold, fall color palette with lots of mixed metals and texture. All of my favorite things! We had so much fun at her hair and makeup trial deciding on this ultra glamorous, fairytale braid with a berry smokey eye and berry lip. She initially thought it might be too dramatic, until I reminded her that she would have her wedding gown, colorful florals, and amazing mountains as her backdrop. I’m glad she went big, because the result is breathtaking!

Tip: don’t be afraid to go bigger and bolder on your wedding day! Makeup is always muted in photographs (it looks almost 25% less!), and in photographs you can always do things bigger. That includes jewelry, fur stoles, and your makeup and hair.

Check out the amazing day!

Photos | Color & Cake Weddings

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Florals & Design | Red Lily Design

Hannah & Tim | Married

I connected with Hannah’s style from the beginning and loved everything about her vibe that she wanted for her wedding day!

She has such an effortless way about her and she wanted to look polished for her wedding day, but also have an undone and casual look to keep everything feeling true to her. She normally wears her long (and really thick) hair down and casual. To highlight her open back on her gown she chose a chic, low bun with some hair pulled out to keep it authentic to her laid back style.

We kept her makeup dewy and used earth tones for her eyes with some big mink lashes for some extra drama. The lip was a gorgeous high shine gloss that highlighted the entire look. Natural and easy with a few pops of boldness fit her perfectly.

Photos | Jen Wojcik Photography

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Emily & Matt | Married

I mean, Emily couldn't have been nicer or cuter if she tried! We pretty much laughed the entire morning getting ready, and chatted about everything under the sun including the amazing day awaiting her.

I love getting to see the photos after the wedding, because I usually don't get to see all of the details we talk about at the trial or the couple together, and it really makes my day to see the bride's entire vision in the photos and how magical it turned out.

All of the joy and love is the absolute best and Matt and Emily have so much more to look forward to. It was a pleasure being with such an amazing group of people.

Photo | Kami Olavarria

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Coastal Wedding | Published

It's always such a treat to see your work grace one of your favorite fine art wedding blogs!  Please check out the whole feature on Wedding Sparrow with this link :)

Working with other San Diego and LA creatives is always a high point of what I do. I'm always humbled and flattered to be asked to collaborate! xoxo

Talented team below:

Photos | Trynh Photography

Planner | I Love You More Events

Hair & Makeup | Thorne Artistry

Cake | Jenny Wenny Cakes

Florals | Modern Bouquet

Dress | Carol Hannah

Table Top | Hostess Haven

Paper | Double Dipped Calligraphy

Tux | The Black Tux

San Diego Voyager Magazine | Featured

It was such an honor to be featured this week in San Diego Voyager magazine as a part of their Trailblazers series! It's not often that I take a moment to look back on my life and what I've accomplished, and never in a million years did I think that someone would care enough to write an article about it. This really did make my week and I am sincerely grateful for the love. 

For everyone stopping by my page, and curious to know more about me personally, or Thorne Artistry, I invite you to check out the article here  

Thank you to my talented friend, Aimee, with the Hearts Haven for capturing these sweet moments with my two babies. xoxo

Photos | The Hearts Haven

Amanda & Evan | Engaged

This engagement shoot captures the beauty of this couple and the most beautiful San Diego evening. Thank you, Amanda, for sharing this stunning day with me. It makes me even more excited for the upcoming wedding day!! 

For Amanda's look she wanted to keep it as clean, and natural as possible since the shoot was going to be at the beach, and because she is wearing her wedding makeup a bit more dramatic  (I always think this is a great idea not to do the exact same for both!). You can always just tweak it a little bit too so it's not exactly the same. Maybe a bold lip for one or a different color palette.

I love the loose beach waves that she chose for her hair and some fresh peach tones on her cheeks, and a daytime bronze smokey eye with a neutral lip that worked for all three of her looks.

Photos | Shane & Lauren Photography

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Planning & Design | White Lace Events

Florals | Compass Floral

 

 

 

Julie & Mat | Married

I couldn't imagine a more perfect wedding day than Julie and Mat at Bheau View Ranch. It really was magical in every sense and the pure joy was palpable. Julie is the nicest person you will ever meet and her laid back attitude was contagious. She put everyone at ease and made it possible for everyone to truly enjoy the day without stress...the way a wedding should be!!

Her star and cosmic theme was right up my alley and I adored the super textured hair that she chose, accented with tiny gold stars throughout. It was so her and so so beautiful. Her plum and berry smokey eye was so fun and also the perfect compliment to her vibe and overall wedding day look. A little drama looks amazing in photos! 

The groom also had a glam squad that day and we get this request a lot more often these days. Guys want to look their best in wedding photos too! I evened out Mat's skin and suntan with airbrush (which is waterproof and tear proof!) and my team member Rikki gave him a blowout to make sure his awesome locks stayed looking perfect for the long day and night.

There were so many photos to share that I had a hard time narrowing it down! The emotion of the day was captured so perfectly and her vendor team is listed below.

Photography | Westlund Photography

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Venue | Bheau View Ranch

Published | Style Me Pretty (Part I)

I've always believed that if you stay open in life, good things will happen. I had no idea what starting my own business would bring about, and everyday is honestly a new and exciting adventure. I'm still excited about every single milestone and creative venture that comes my way.

Recently, I was asked by local photographer, Cavin Elizabeth, to collaborate on the cover and photo spread for her newly launched book, 'A Bride's Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding'. I'm excited to share with you the gorgeous book that's available on Amazon, and the recent feature of the shoot on favorite wedding blog, Style Me Pretty.

Talk about an amazing group of vendors! Check out all of the local San Diego talent below:

Photography | Cavin Elizabeth Photography

Design | Amorology

Beauty & Styling | Thorne Artistry

Florals | Oak and the Owl

Dress | Dress Theory

Venue | Hatched Collective

Rentals | Adore Folklore

Cake | Hey There, Cupcake!

Paper Design | Twinkle & Toast

Table | Hostess Haven

Jill & Wes | Maternity

I'm tearing up a little on this post! I met Jill through the wedding industry. She's an incredible wedding and event planner with San Diego's I Do Weddings & Events. She also happens to be one of the nicest people that I've ever met and has the most upbeat and wonderful personality!

When I met Jill we talked about how much she wanted a family and how hard that journey had been for her. When I found out about her sweet baby girl arriving this Spring I was over-the-moon ecstatic for her exciting adventure ahead! She is going to be the absolute BEST mom!!!

Jill knows a ton of hair and makeup artists so I was so honored when she called me to glam her and her gorgeous mama for her maternity session. Check out some of the magic captured by one of my faves, The Hearts Haven! Love you, Jill! Can't wait to meet your girl!! xoxo

Photography | The Hearts Haven

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Happy New Year | Launch & Publication

Happy New Year! Yes, I'm a little behind the eight ball writing this post, but that's actually a good thing because there are so many exciting things happening with Thorne Artistry this year!

Thank you to one of my favorite wedding publications, 100 Layer Cake, for naming our mountain top shoot as one of their favorites of 2017! So cool! I'll never forget styling that shoot and it will always be one of my favorites. 

Just before the new year, I jumped into the clean beauty arena and launched the first ever product from Thorne Artistry that I've been using on all of my clients for years. I created a custom blend Lavender Hydration spray that is now available to purchase through Thorne Artistry and local retailers. It's currently available at Therapie Day Spa in Ocean Beach and La Mesa locations and will be coming to other retailers in San Diego very soon! Stay tuned for more locations! If you'd like grab a spray or carry it in your establishment please contact me via email or DM for more information. Thank you for all of the amazing support! 

Thorne Artistry is going into its eighth year which is so crazy to think about. I was so scared to start my own business and had no idea what I was getting into. Every day I thank God that I've come to a place where I am ecstatic to go to work. There have been so many wonderful brides, and clients that I'm become friends with that I couldn't be more grateful!  Getting to support my little family doing what I love and meeting new people everyday who inspire me is really the absolute best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am sincerely grateful for you.

Here's a tiny highlight of some of my favorite moments from the last year! xoxo, Amanda

Sara & David | Elopement

This was one of the cutest elopements that I've ever seen! Sara was absolutely hilarious and drop dead gorgeous to boot! I adore all of the details that they put into their San Diego courthouse elopement!! The balloons, signs, and adventures all over San Diego at some of their favorite places.

Check out their magical day below! Congrats to this amazing couple who are perfect for each other!! xo

Photos | The Hearts Haven

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Magnolia Rouge Magazine | Published

I was beyond excited to find out that our moody, styled wedding shoot was featured this week on one of my all-time favorite publications, Magnolia Rouge! See the entire feature here!

An incredibly talented film photographer from Utah reached out to me to style a 'May Gray" wedding photo shoot and I was honored and humbled to collaborate with such a talented crew (check them out below!). 

I bought about 10 yards or gray tulle and found the most dreamy two-piece dress from The Dress Theory in San Diego, the berry bouquet and all of the rocky terrain at Sunset Cliffs at sunrise made this a shoot one to remember!

Check out some of the pretty here and more on my IG page!

Photos | As Ever Photography

Makeup, Hair & Wardrobe | Thorne Artistry

Florals | The Dainty Lion

Paper Goods | Lamplight Lettering

Gown | The Dress Theory

Ring | Susie Saltzman

Annie & Cory | Married

I'm over-the-moon that this gorgeous wedding was published on the front page of Style Me Pretty today! Annie was an absolute doll to work with and I love the classic hair and makeup that she chose. 

Her wedding was so elegant and had a modern, clean & romantic vibe. Seeing all of the details featured on one of my favorite wedding blogs and magazines was just icing on an already stunning cake! 

Check out the San Diego wedding dream team below, and the full feature here on Style Me Pretty.

Photos | Carmen Santorelli

Makeup & Hair | Thorne Artistry

Design & Coordination | Before I Do Events

Florals | Modern Bouquet

Cake | Hey There Cupcake

Venue | Darlington House

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