Are trial runs required?

I do not require a trial run, however, it is strongly recommended. Trial runs are an opportunity for you and I to come together and create your dream look. When I know exactly what you want ahead of time, we can both rest assured that the actual wedding day will be stress-free.

What should I bring to the trial run?

Ideally, I’d love it if you could bring pictures of the style you want for makeup as well as pictures of makeup that you do not like. It is easier for you and I to be on the same page when we can distinguish the good and the bad. Many of the photos of bridal makeup in magazines and online are shot in photography studios with controlled lighting and lots of fancy editing. When looking for makeup inspiration, I recommend looking at my website, bridal photographers’ websites, Pinterest, The Knot and Wedding Wire. These sites all have pictures of real brides, photographed in natural light.

Should I come to the trial run with no makeup on?

Please come with your makeup done the way you would normally do it on a day-to-day basis. This will give me an idea of your comfort level with makeup. You can use your normal skincare products as well.

What should I wear to the trial run?

I recommend wearing a shirt that is similar in color to your wedding dress so that you can see how the makeup will look next to it. Don’t worry if you don’t have something in the exact color. White or Ivory will do.

Can I bring family or friends to the trial run?

My studio is an intimate space, so I welcome you to bring up to three (3) other guests so we can all be as comfortable as possible. I plan on giving you my full attention, so anyone who might detract from that should probably be invited to stay home (wink).

If I am not happy with my completed trial run look, do you give a discount for a second trial?

I do not give discounts for additional trial runs, however, it is very uncommon that we can’t find a look for you in the 90-120 minutes I reserve. What’s most important to our success together is that you can communicate and identify what makeup styles you like and don’t like. Please wait to book your trial run until you have clarity on what you want your makeup to look like. Start gathering inspiration by looking through my website, bridal photographers’ websites, Pinterest, The Knot and Wedding Wire.

Please tell me about your expertise working with various types of facial features and skin types.

I have had the honor and privilege of doing makeup for over 500 faces. The truth is, EVERY face is unique and I am confident that I can address any features, tones, skin irritations or concerns that you have. I am completely confident that we can find the perfect look for you or anyone in your bridal party. Contact me with your specific concerns and we can discuss my advice on how to achieve the look you want.

How long will my makeup last?

My makeup applications will typically last for 18 hours. I use a gentle and seamless setting spray to help the makeup stay in place and last longer. Lipwear and powder (if you have oily skin) are the only touch-ups you might need. Additionally, every bride will be given a complimentary lip touch-up kit to use throughout the day. If the wedding is outdoor and subject to unplanned weather conditions, or if you simply want peace-of-mind, you are welcome to book me to stay for as-needed touch-ups. My hourly rate for touch-ups is $60, and will be billed beginning from the time my initial services are complete.

If I cry during the ceremony, will I ruin my makeup?

Weddings are emotional events and if you need to cry, I don’t want you worrying about your makeup! I use products that are likely to stay in place, even if you do cry. However, for your peace of mind, I am happy to touch-up your makeup after the ceremony if you’d like. The cost is $60/hour for touchups, beginning when my initial services are complete. For example, if I am scheduled from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM and you want post-ceremony touch-ups from 3:00 PM-3:30 PM, then my fee begins at 1:00 PM and ends at 3:30 PM. In this instance, the total would be $150. Bridal parties will often split the cost to help offset cost to the bride. Whatever you choose, all scheduling details must be prearranged with me and designated in our contract.

Do you create a schedule for makeup on the wedding day?

Yes, I will create a detailed schedule for makeup services. It will state each person’s name and their time for makeup application. It is very important that you communicate the schedule to your bridal party so everyone knows when they are expected. I will be prompt and expect the same from you and your guests so we can keep a seamless and worry-free schedule. If a client is not available for their designated time slot, I cannot guarantee I will be finished at the scheduled time.

How do I include a guest in the makeup services packages if they are likely to want to do their own?

"...I am concerned about certain people’s everyday look being out of line with my vision, but don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings."

This is a tricky situation that is incredibly common. In my experience, the most graceful solution is for you to treat these individuals to their beauty services on the wedding day, as a gift. You can explain how important it is to you, to have a cohesive look within the wedding party. Assure them that I will listen to them and respect their wishes. No matter what they request, I can create a look that will make everyone happy.

Do you have any advice for choosing a wedding-prep location?

This is a very important wedding day detail because makeup application requires excellent lighting and a comfortable atmosphere. I want you to have the best makeup possible. In order to do that, I’ll need:

• Natural Light: Please arrange a space that has as many windows as possible to let in natural light. This will help me do my best work.

• Space: Remember, you will have yourself, your dress, your bags, me, my kit,tools and barstool, your bridal party and/or family as well as a photographer or videographer in the room. It can get very crowded which can be stressful for the bride and affect the quality of “getting ready pictures.”

Do you have any recommendations for getting my skin in Wedding Day condition?

Yes! This is so important. I recommend starting a skin care regimen as soon as possible. It can be expensive depending on the products you choose (call me for recommendations), but it truly impacts how you will look and feel on your wedding day. Achieving your skin’s best self, requires daily moisturizing, and gentle exfoliating 2-3 times per week. A flawless makeup application will be easier to achieve with a healthy “canvas!”

What kinds of payments do you accept?

I accept cash or personal checks. I do not accept payment by credit card. Payment is due in full 10 business days before the wedding date.

Can I hire you for makeup services without the four-person requirement?

My pricing is set whether you have one person or four – or any number in between. Certainly, you are not required to add people beyond yourself, but the cost for my services covers up to four.

Can someone in my wedding party add on a service the day of?

I am always happy to add on a makeup service if we have time. Often, it works out, just as long as the new person’s “be ready time” is different from the bride’s.