Today we’d like to introduce you to Laken Reno.
Hi Laken, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Beauty became meaningful to me when I realized how much it could shift the way someone feels about themselves. There’s something really special about watching a client look in the mirror and visibly light up with confidence. That emotional connection is what initially drew me into this industry and continues to inspire me today.
Over the years, I realized I was most creatively fulfilled in the bridal and event world. I loved the artistry, the collaboration, and the emotion behind it all. Weddings in particular feel incredibly meaningful to me because they’re such intimate moments. As a hair and makeup artist, we’re one of the first vendors a bride sees on her wedding day, and we help shape the energy of the morning. I love the excitement, the conversations, the music, the closeness between everyone getting ready together. There is something so special about being part of that experience.
My style has evolved a lot over the years as I’ve gained more confidence and experience. Working in weddings, television, and photoshoots has taught me so much about detail, balance, longevity, and how beauty translates both on camera and in person. I think beauty should feel true to you, never overdone. My goal is always to create an elevated version of my clients rather than covering who they are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been smooth. Moving to a new state and rebuilding my business from the ground up was intimidating at times, especially being surrounded by so many incredibly talented artists. I struggled with comparison and imposter syndrome more than people probably realize. There were moments where I questioned whether I belonged in certain rooms or spaces, but at the same time, I reminded myself that I was still in the room, and that mattered!
Confidence has been an ongoing journey for me. I’m constantly evolving, both as an artist and as a person. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that appreciating someone else’s artistry doesn’t take away from the value of my own perspective on beauty. Working alongside talented artists ultimately inspired me far more than it intimidated me.
I’ve also learned that this industry requires balance. Weddings are emotional, physically demanding, and creatively demanding all at once. Burnout can happen very quickly if you don’t learn how to create boundaries and take care of yourself outside of work.
Over time, I’ve shifted my mindset from simply providing hair and makeup services to truly curating an experience for my clients, and that perspective changed everything for me. I take vision, emotion, and intuition… and make it visible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in bridal hair and makeup with a focus on soft glam makeup and romantic, timeless hairstyling. My work is very detail-oriented and centered around enhancing natural beauty in a way that still feels elevated and polished.
One thing my brides consistently compliment is the calm energy I bring to the wedding morning experience. I want my clients to feel taken care of, confident, and relaxed throughout the process.
I also really value collaboration with my clients. I love breaking down inspiration photos because what I notice in an image may be completely different from what they’re drawn to. I may notice the eye makeup while they’re focused on the skin, glow, or overall softness of the look. It’s important to me to understand what they emotionally connect with in an image and then translate that in a way that complements their individual features rather than simply recreating a photo.
What I love most about weddings creatively is that every detail contributes to the final vision: the dress, the venue, the season, the florals, the mood of the day. I love creating looks that feel cohesive with the overall atmosphere while still feeling personal to the client.
I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built throughout this industry. The trust my clients place in me, along with the connections I’ve made with planners, photographers, and fellow artists, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is the feeling behind the experience. Beautiful hair and makeup is important, of course, but I care even more about how my clients feel when they sit in my chair and when they leave it.
One of the most meaningful moments for me is handing a bride the mirror and seeing her reaction when everything comes together. There’s such a difference between simply liking a makeup look and truly feeling confident, comfortable, and seen in it.
I care deeply about intentional artistry rather than simply following trends for the sake of trends. Beauty is personal, and I always want my work to feel thoughtful, timeless, and authentic to the individual person wearing it.
At the center of everything I do is connection, trust, creativity, and passion. Those are the things that continue to inspire me and push me to grow.
Pricing:
- Bridal makeup $350
- Bridal hair $350
- Party member makeup $175
- Party member hair $175
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alexandraweddings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandraweddingsco
