I'm delighted to share you with the first in a series of posts from BECOMING � a portfolio building workshop for wedding hair & make-up creatives run by SWEETLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY and AUSTIE ECKLEY. The workshop took place in Oregon's scenic wine country at one of the areas newest wedding venues, THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE. The stunning landscape and beautifully renovated indoor space provided the perfect setting for these aspiring makeup artists to learn, practice, and grow.

To kick start the workshop the attendees and vendors were treated to a delectable 4-course plated dinner by WHITE PEPPER -- one of Portland's finest caterers. The table setting was beautifully styled by SAM LEWIS with rentals from COMMONWEALTH, linens from THE MODERN PROPER, and garland by SWOON FLORAL DESIGN. Discussing goals and dreams while making new friends, the attendees and vendors dined and talked for hours until the room was lit only by the warm glow of candlelight.

From hands-on training to professional stylized photos, this exclusive workshop was designed to provide a select number of aspiring artists everything needed to start or rebrand their high-end wedding makeup and hair businesses. During the two-day workshop, attendees received makeup and hair teaching by the incredibly talented AUSTIE ECKLEY, the opportunity to practice the techniques on their very own model for a unique styled bridal session professionally photographed by SWEETLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY, head shots and working candids for their websites, model before & afters, and business coaching.

For the styled shoots, each artist had their own model wearing a unique wedding dress by ELIZABETH DYE, bridal accessories different from the others, and featuring unique florals by SWOON FLORAL DESIGN.

Photography SWEETLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY / Hair & make-up instructor AUSTIE ECKLEY / Host venue THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE / Styling SAM ROSEN / Styling assistant MEAGHAN LEVY / Florals SWOON FLORAL DESIGN / Welcome dinner catering WHITE PEPPER / Gowns ELIZABETH DYE / Jewellery JES DESIGN STUDIO / Rentals COMMONWEALTH / Linens THE MODERN PROPER / Make-up sponsor BLUSH BEAUTY BAR / Models RYAN ARTISTS / Workshop logo KELSEY MALIE CALLIGRAPHY / Workshop calligraphy KELSEY BETTS / Model in this shoot JANE BONGIORNO / Hair & make-up in above shoot ABIGAIL SPRUNGER of 7TH DAY BEAUTY