SCHEDULING

The best time to schedule your preview is six to eight weeks before your wedding. By this time, most of the details of your wedding will be finalized, and you will have your jewelry, veil and other accessories. Within this timing, you will be less likely to change your mind about the look between the trial and the wedding. If you are eager to run through a look and want to book your trial months in advance we suggest booking multiple trial sessions to ensure your vision is up to date and fresh!

Scheduling a trial during the same season as your wedding (winter, spring, summer etc.) will help us analyze your needs. Skin that is parched in the winter might be oily in the summer and lead us to use different products. Hair also behaves differently in different seasons; a look that might be a great idea in the winter might not work as well in the summer.

A great time for scheduling your trial can be the day of your dress fitting. This enables you to see how the makeup and hair look with your dress. We do not suggest booking your trial session the same day as your bridal shower or any other event to ensure you have all the time you need to create your dream look!

Many brides book what we call a "first meet". This is a private beauty session booked for a special occasion (engagement party, engagement shoot, save the date shoot) around the time of securing your date, since it can be 12-18 months prior to your big day! This way you'll meet your artist and be red carpet ready from start to finish!

LOGISTICS

  • We generally do trials at our in-home studio in Center City Philadelphia or at your home or location of choice and spend between 1-2 hours per service, working with you depending on style, preferences, etc.

  • We suggest wearing a outfit that is a similar energy & color to your wedding dress to give you a full visual experience!

  • Your hair should be washed and dried. Bring any the accessories you already have, such as jewelry and veil to the trial so you can envision the whole look.

PREPARING FOR YOUR HAIR & MAKEUP PREVIEW

Spend some time on #Pinterest, our website, fashion and bridal blogs and #insta to gather hair and makeup inspiration! 

For makeup, try to find images where the models are similar to you in terms of face and eye shape, skin tone and hair color, focus on enhancing your natural beauty. Ask yourself what specifically you like about the look: the eyes, lips, skin, or general feel. If you love your eyes, find looks that accentuate your eye shape. If you love your lips be sure to check out the latest lip trends.

Mary-Ashanti will be right by your side via text as you look through images! She will help you choose looks that not only are custom to you but also on trend and cohesive to your look. Upon chatting vision, you both will collaborate and she will help you finalize a Pinterest board before your trial session if you are into it!

For hair, try to find images of models whose hair is a similar length and thickness, and texture paying special attention to things such as level of volume, height placement, front, side and back view. Keep in mind the overall vibe you want to create. Are you boho chic? Do you prefer soft and romantic? Is your fav a sleek slicked back look? Do you like hair in your face or pulled back? Side part or middle.. and which side? Play around and take selfies and figure out what you like in person vs pictures best!

If you want a super full look, let us know and we can go through hair addition options! All extensions must be purchased before appointments. At the trial, your artist will custom cut and shape your extensions!

Every artist has extensive experience working with HD photography & videography and will take this into account when creating your look. Each makeup application and hairstyle we do is individualized to your style and needs. We offer makeup techniques such as custom face sculpting, individual lashes, and airbrush foundation, and customize each finish just for you ending with a waterproof setting spray or weather proof hair spray. Our goal is to accentuate your favorite features, ensuring your look is fabulous both in person and in pictures! 

PREPARING YOUR SKIN
FOR YOUR PREVIEW & WEDDING

It's super important you take exceptional care of your skin in the months leading up to the big day. Healthy, moisturized skin will help you achieve your goal of a flawless, glowing look! For this reason we offer personal skin care consultations to answer any questions or address any of your concerns. 

We recommend you follow a high quality skin care regimen day and night. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water #60daywaterchallenge and avoid over-exposure to the sun. To boost your energy, skin and hair, we suggest fresh carrot apple ginger juice every other day for one week leading up to your event (or any other combo including carrot and ginger).

If you do facial waxing/ tweezing/ threading, please do a trial run before your trial appointment and few days before wedding day to avoid sensitivity.

HAIR EXTENSIONS

You might consider extensions to help add volume and/or length to your hair. Even if you are considering an up-do, extensions can help to make it look fuller!

If you are interested in using extensions please let us know during booking!