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7/14/10
6/21/10
Real Wedding: Jeanie's Wedding!
Hello everyone! I've been trying to find a safe balance of working hard and blogging. :o) I recently received photos from a beautiful wedding we had the pleasure of working. Jeanie T {you may remember her from her trial upstyle.. look back in our blog a few posts} I would like to thank Morgan Henderson of Morgan Henderson Photography { http://www.morganhendersonphotography.com/ }
She is a photographer from North Carolina who came up to attend her friends wedding. She did a fantastic job snapping great photos for us of the girls getting ready. In fact Jeanie is the bride on our home page!
So on the day of Jeanies wedding we showed up at this really insane house { I mean huge } I think it had 3 kitchens in it. It was beautiful right on the water in Annapolis. We showed up bright and early because the wedding was an early afternoon wedding. Jeanie's hubby was a Naval Academy grad so they got to have their ceremony at the infamous Naval Academy {as seen in Ashton Kutchers 'The Gaurdian'}
Where was I, so Morgan provided us with all of these fantastic photos of our team getting everyone ready. A few of them you may have seen {I've put them everywhere!} Theres a pretty neat photo of Jeanie's sister playing the piano while I am pampering Jeanie. There is a photo of Caitlin getting the bride all made up. They really are awesome.
Finally if we've make you gorgeous on your wedding day send us some photos! I love posting them and who doesn't want to be written about? :o) Exactly. Okay one more of the beautiful bride Jeanie!
6/19/10
Short Hair?
Over time I have met with quite a few short haired brides. Although the norm is for women to begin growing their hair out the day they get engaged a few of us lack the care or drive to do so. Or in my case I prefer my short hair. Anyhow, most people assume there isn't any real options for themselves since their hair doesn't hit their shoulders. Another thing I've heard brides say is that since its so short I'll just do it myself. That really is a shame, chances are its going to look like you've done it yourself. If your stylist is experienced enough they should be able to offer you a few choices that fit your style, hair type and face shape. I've collected just a few pictures of options for people with shorter hair.
When choosing a style for shorter hair be realistic about what you are looking for. I have had many brides with a bob bringing me photos of Taylor Swift. I love her hair but it just isn't going to happen. Don't be discouraged, you have plenty of beautiful bridal options.
One of my favorite short haired styles is the finger wave. This blond bombshells' hair style is derived from the finger wave. It was a popular style in the twenties and there are really modern ways to apply the vintage inspired style to any wedding theme.
These last two photos are photos of faux up styles. If the pieces of your hair around your face can almost reach the back of your head then you are more than likely qualified for one of these styles. With a professional touch you can also have a style that makes your hair appear longer than it really is.
For those of us with short short pixie style hair nothing beats a nice blowout and hair accessory. When my hair was only an inch and a half long having one of my fellow stylists style my hair really made quite a difference. If you are working with an experienced true professional they should be able to offer you a few realistic options for your wedding day. I strongly suggest doing a little research and speaking to your wedding day stylist about your expectations. They should be able to help you.
6/17/10
Choose Wisely!
So this is most def not hair related but I couldn't help but post it. I hope I am not offending anyone but I thought this video was hilarious. This just goes to show that there are a lot of things that you don't think about when you are picking your bridesmaids. Choose wisely!
6/15/10
Real Wedding: Susan's Trial Upstyle
Hello everyone! I hope you found my last post full of great advice and suggestions. :o) {I try!} Anyhow, enough of that. On to much more important things! Susan's trial style!
She also had this fantastic hair accessory. Can you believe she got it at Claires?! {sorry Susan for giving away your secret!} I just can't keep quiet about a deal. Anyhow, it was perfect for this style. It was easily incorporated and looked elegant. I cannot wait to help Susan get all ready to walk down the aisle to her hubby to be Chase! <3
Susan found us on the knot at the last min! She was super sweet and I couldn't believe her wedding was within a month! Apparently her and the FH decided why wait?! Move it up. They have planned what sounds to be a beautiful wedding at Gramercy Mansion in 2 months time! Can you imagine?
Guess what. Through all of this she was super calm and collected. I was double-y impressed. So about her hair. She wanted something that was up off of her neck, that would stay in place and looked polished and elegant. As you can see here are a few of the photos from the trial.
She also had this fantastic hair accessory. Can you believe she got it at Claires?! {sorry Susan for giving away your secret!} I just can't keep quiet about a deal. Anyhow, it was perfect for this style. It was easily incorporated and looked elegant. I cannot wait to help Susan get all ready to walk down the aisle to her hubby to be Chase! <36/11/10
Advice.
Hello Everyone! I was recently asked to guest blog on Myservicenetwork.com's page! How exciting. They asked me to write an article on bridal hair and makeup tips and advice. :o) I thought I would share here with you all what I had written. As soon as I get the link I will post it. Happy Reading!
1. Always read through your contract. Just like with any other wedding vendor make sure you read through everything before you sign. If your hair and makeup artists do not have a contract; be weary. A contract protects both you and your artist. It insures that someone will show up and perform the services you requested on your wedding day as it also insures that the artist will be compensated. If you are planning on going into the salon to get you and your parties’ hair done make sure you call ahead to book the appointments and to make sure they have enough staff.
2. One thing I have seen as a common thread in our industry is a lot of makeup artists dabbling in hair services as well as hairstylists performing makeup services. Here at Belle Soeur we contract separate artists to perform separate services. That way when you pay for a professional makeup application you are getting a full blown professional makeup application by a licensed makeup artist. Not a hairstylist trying to pump up their service dollar by applying semi professional makeup application. The same goes for the hair, when you ask and pay for a professional experienced hair stylist you get just that. Not a makeup artist who can use a curling iron. You will see a dramatic difference in the quality of work if you pay attention. So either hire separate artists, or go with a company who subcontracts separate artists. {sorry that was a long one!}
3. Absolutely get a makeup and hair trial. You need to know that you and your artists are on the same page. It also prevents any wedding day surprises. Schedule them on the same day so that you can see how the entire look pulls together.
4. I prefer my brides to get their trial done about 2 weeks before their wedding. At this point they will not be cutting or coloring their hair until after the wedding. It give you a more accurate view of how it will look the day of your event. Can’t wait that long, schedule two. The reason you want to do one closer to your wedding date is because tastes change. If you get a trial 6 months before your wedding you may see 3 different styles you like between then and now.
5. Wear a white T-shirt to your trial. This will help you to see how your dress will play with the makeup. Trust me, it works!
6. Make sure you have all of your hair accessories at the trial run, it is important to get a whole idea of how things will look. Also make sure you have a camera with you. A lot of stylists won’t take photos and believe me if it is longer than 3 days away they will forget!
7. Be realistic. Look at your hair and look at the photo of the style you like. Your makeup artist and hair stylist are not magicians. We enhance your already beautiful features; unfortunately we cannot make your hair grow. {oh! I wish!} If you have a few ideas of styles you are thinking of bring them to your stylist and discuss your options. They should be able to give you a few alternatives if they don’t think it is possible for your hair.
8. Be wary of the hair stylist you have had since you were 8. I know you trust her; she does your mother, your sister and your two cousins’ hair. One thing a lot of clients are not aware of it that a lot of great hairstylists are not that great at updos. For starters ask your stylist if they even do bridal hair. If they say yes, most definitely schedule a trial. Don’t be surprised or offended if your stylist says no. Creating professional and polished updo’s is a skill that not many salon stylists acquire. You have to remember that generally they may only get one or two updos a month and it is quite stressful to pull together something that looks exactly like a photo on the biggest day of some women’s lives. {it is a stressful industry!}
9. Once you’ve reached your wedded bliss make sure to repay them for making you beautiful. The best thing a bride can do for our company is to leave us a review or refer us to a friend. In this industry word travels fast. Most of our new brides are recommended to us by our past brides.
We wish you the best of luck in both planning and enjoying your wedding day. I hope that these little tidbits have helped. If you have any questions or would like more information on how Belle Soeur can help pamper you please visit us at www.BelleSoeurStyles.com.
Best of luck & Buckets of happiness!
Alison
1. Always read through your contract. Just like with any other wedding vendor make sure you read through everything before you sign. If your hair and makeup artists do not have a contract; be weary. A contract protects both you and your artist. It insures that someone will show up and perform the services you requested on your wedding day as it also insures that the artist will be compensated. If you are planning on going into the salon to get you and your parties’ hair done make sure you call ahead to book the appointments and to make sure they have enough staff.
2. One thing I have seen as a common thread in our industry is a lot of makeup artists dabbling in hair services as well as hairstylists performing makeup services. Here at Belle Soeur we contract separate artists to perform separate services. That way when you pay for a professional makeup application you are getting a full blown professional makeup application by a licensed makeup artist. Not a hairstylist trying to pump up their service dollar by applying semi professional makeup application. The same goes for the hair, when you ask and pay for a professional experienced hair stylist you get just that. Not a makeup artist who can use a curling iron. You will see a dramatic difference in the quality of work if you pay attention. So either hire separate artists, or go with a company who subcontracts separate artists. {sorry that was a long one!}
3. Absolutely get a makeup and hair trial. You need to know that you and your artists are on the same page. It also prevents any wedding day surprises. Schedule them on the same day so that you can see how the entire look pulls together.
4. I prefer my brides to get their trial done about 2 weeks before their wedding. At this point they will not be cutting or coloring their hair until after the wedding. It give you a more accurate view of how it will look the day of your event. Can’t wait that long, schedule two. The reason you want to do one closer to your wedding date is because tastes change. If you get a trial 6 months before your wedding you may see 3 different styles you like between then and now.
5. Wear a white T-shirt to your trial. This will help you to see how your dress will play with the makeup. Trust me, it works!
6. Make sure you have all of your hair accessories at the trial run, it is important to get a whole idea of how things will look. Also make sure you have a camera with you. A lot of stylists won’t take photos and believe me if it is longer than 3 days away they will forget!
7. Be realistic. Look at your hair and look at the photo of the style you like. Your makeup artist and hair stylist are not magicians. We enhance your already beautiful features; unfortunately we cannot make your hair grow. {oh! I wish!} If you have a few ideas of styles you are thinking of bring them to your stylist and discuss your options. They should be able to give you a few alternatives if they don’t think it is possible for your hair.
8. Be wary of the hair stylist you have had since you were 8. I know you trust her; she does your mother, your sister and your two cousins’ hair. One thing a lot of clients are not aware of it that a lot of great hairstylists are not that great at updos. For starters ask your stylist if they even do bridal hair. If they say yes, most definitely schedule a trial. Don’t be surprised or offended if your stylist says no. Creating professional and polished updo’s is a skill that not many salon stylists acquire. You have to remember that generally they may only get one or two updos a month and it is quite stressful to pull together something that looks exactly like a photo on the biggest day of some women’s lives. {it is a stressful industry!}
9. Once you’ve reached your wedded bliss make sure to repay them for making you beautiful. The best thing a bride can do for our company is to leave us a review or refer us to a friend. In this industry word travels fast. Most of our new brides are recommended to us by our past brides.
We wish you the best of luck in both planning and enjoying your wedding day. I hope that these little tidbits have helped. If you have any questions or would like more information on how Belle Soeur can help pamper you please visit us at www.BelleSoeurStyles.com.
Best of luck & Buckets of happiness!
Alison
6/8/10
Real Wedding: Carole's Trial Upstyle
Good Evening Everyone!
Thanks for checking in with us. :o) I wanted to post a few pictures from Carole's trial upstyle. I showed up at Caroles moms' house the other day to a house full of dogs, people and babies. I loved it! It reminded me so much of my own family. Lucky for Carole her close family friend was at hand to take care of the bridesmaids alterations as well as creating her own unique chuppah.
How cool. Anyhow, Carole has the best fiance. I swear the man ran to Kohl's to buy her clothing because she mentioned she didn't have anything to wear.
-Amazing no?
Their wedding ceremony is going to be at the Furnace Inn in Elkridge. {awesome place} They have this fancy garden perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
Carole has a beautiful veil and blusher combo, it has elegant finished edging. Since her childhood she has always wanted to wear a flower crown. In adulthood she has decided to let the flower girl wear it. :) She has settled for a beautiful tiara with a flower deco. {talk about a happy medium}
Well here are some photo's of her hair that I am so excited to be styling this coming weekend!
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