Listen up Burgh Brides, those wedding vendors work hard for you. Like realllllly hard. Just how hard? Well, let me introduce you to my new summer series…a behind the scenes look at the life of a wedding professional on an actual wedding day (and in many cases, the weeks or months prior…because we all know the work isn’t just done on the wedding day). Over the next few months, you’ll get just a small glimpse into all of the blood, sweat, and tears your wedding vendors put in just to make sure you have the special day of your dreams! Who is up first? Kristen, the owner and getting-gorgeous guru behind La Pomponnee Beauty Artisans. If you thought your hair and makeup artist just showed up on the morning of your wedding, used some tools, and that was it, think again. Just wait until you read about ALL that they do!
As many vendors will attest, our prep for the wedding day begins months before. In the case of our bride Jackie, we were lucky that she had been a client already for years. Her haircut and color were taken care of routinely by our stylist Amy, and our esthetician Bonnie had her brows and skin under expert care. I first met Jackie at our bridal consult the October before her wedding. We went through her inspiration pics and decided on her trial date. In the meantime, she continued her Aveda skin care routine, monthly brow waxes, and haircuts until the bridal trial.
Bridal Trial: April, 2 months prior to wedding
Kelly did a lovely job with the makeup and Jackie and I decided on a classic low updo. I did recommend a highlighting close to the wedding day. I encourage all brides to even try subtle highlights for the wedding day. They always look amazing in photos.
WEDDING DAY!
9:45 a.m.
Kelly, Spencer, and I arrive at the Renaissance. We head to the 14th floor….only to ride the elevator back down for a key…so we can get to the 14th floor! Kelly will be doing the makeup, and Spencer will be doing both makeup and prep work for a couple updos I will be finishing. We have a bridal party of six awaiting.
10 a.m.
We set up in the suite, which is a dream location spot. The windows are huge and the natural light is awesome for makeup application. Kelly and Spencer set up makeup, which includes primarily Aveda and a few filler brands. I proceed to plug in my tools. I use the Sam Villa texture iron for most updos. It adds the perfect amount of body, so less teasing is needed and less frizz happens. I also heat up my 1” curling iron.
11 a.m.
Makeup for the moms and the bridesmaids is under way with Kelly. Spencer is prepping hair with Aveda thickening tonic, adding volume to the crown with the texture iron, and setting the hair all over with the curling iron. I am pulling the updos together. Jackie’s mom has a beautiful comb that I add to her hair.
11:30 a.m.
I begin Jackie’s hair. And just like 70% of my brides, she has a few changes she’d like to make to her hair. Honestly, after 25 years of bridal hair, nothing phases me. Most brides look at the pictures of their trial run, dissect the look, and change something. And what I conclude is this – the trial is for the TRUST factor. If we hit the mark, awesome…but most importantly, we establish a calm relationship for the wedding day.
12:30 p.m.
We finish up Jackie’s makeup and do final sprays and last minute pinning for the bridal party. Truly, 2.5 hours of prep is what I try to give every wedding party. I try to staff the day so we aren’t rushed and the bride or members of her party are not ready too early. It helps everyone look and feel fresh and beautiful for the aisle.
1 p.m.
We hand our beautiful bride Jackie and her lovely family and friends over to the talented Alison Mish, who was sweet enough to give us some final pics and BTS shots too!
Kristen, thanks for giving us a look at a wedding day in the life of a hair and makeup artist! You’re a total boss and your brides always look amazing!
Keep your eyes peeled all summer as I reveal more behind the scenes looks. Until then, revisit some of my favorite posts from this series in the past!
