Meet your Wedding Hair and Makeup Artists

It's that time of year when the Holiday Hustle is behind us and we find ourselves ready to relax a bit. That is, unless you are planning a wedding! These days my time is mainly occupied talking with newly engaged women and helping them to secure their wedding day beauty services. I feel so grateful to be a part of the wedding industry in a city as amazing as Chicago, and for the opportunity to meet and work with several lovely Brides each season! I feel that choosing your wedding day Beauty Team is one of a Bride's most important decisions. We are some of the people you hire who you will probably spend the most time with; second only to your photographer or wedding planner. I pride myself on building a team of talented and caring artists who are not only easy to talk with, but also focused on bringing your wedding day vision to reality. Without further delay, let me introduce my artists!

MICHELLE

Makeup Artist

Michelle has been obsessed with makeup for as long as she can remember. Even as young as elementary school, she remembers begging her mom for her very first eyeshadow one day when they were out running errands. Mom agreed, and Michelle happily picked out a light purple shade; so 90s.

Michelle loves being a Bridal Artist because the excitement surrounding the Wedding Day  is a feeling that can’t be replicated in any other industry.  

She describes the style of work as tailored. You can count on your look being tailored to your face shape, skin, and style. She prides herself in spending countless hours in classes practicing and studying the best techniques to bring out the natural beauty of varying face and eye shapes. Brides who work with Michelle appreciate her ability to cater to their preferences.   She believes that Your wedding day should be exactly that; YOUR day. As an artist she’s dedicated to making sure you achieve the look YOU want. After all, it is the biggest day of your life.

NICOLE

Hair Stylist

Nicole is a lover of comic books and superheros, who enjoys drawing and cooking in her free time.  She has always had a passion for the Beauty industry, and likes to be able to use her skills to help other women feel their best.

You will find that the style of Nicole’s work incorporates softness and texture, she is not a big fan of super tight looks. Blowouts and Up Styles are her favorite things to do because this kind of work allows her to be her most creative self.

If you get the opportunity to work with Nicole, you will find that she is very friendly and easy going.  She knows how to deliver the look that you want while working efficiently.

NANCY G

Hair Stylist

Nancy has always considered herself to be a lover of trends, and fashion.  She enjoys being a Bridal Hair stylist because it allows her to be a part of a special moment in a woman’s life.

Nancy describes her style Romantic, and Modern, yet Classic.  You will find that she is a very good listener and does a great job of exchanging ideas with you to create what you envision.

When Nancy is not at work, you can find her going to the movies, drawing, or listening to music as well as spending quality time with her six year old daughter.

VIKI

Makeup Artist

Viki came from Europe when she was 20, and has lived and worked in italy as well as traveling around the world exploring different cultures, makeup styles , and she has put it together with the American culture.  It’s no surprise that her favorite hobby outside of work is travel!

Viki has a degree in fashion, and she never leaves the house without an accessory!  She is a fan of bold lipstick, italian cappuccino, and unique style.

She loves to do makeup because it allows her to use her creativity, she enjoys playing with shades, accents, texture.  Her specialty is airbrush makeup. She enjoys making people happy and seeing the smile on their face as the see the final results, and she appreciates all of the amazing people her profession allows her to meet.

MARY

Hair Stylist

Mary loves being a bridal stylist because it allows her to use her creativity to give the members of a Bridal party their dream hair styles. Very detailed, textured, and customized styles are her favorite to create.

When she’s not working, you can most likely find Mary roaming the aisles at target, (while listening to an audio book), making home cooked meals for her family using Pinterest inspiration, or participating in outdoor activities with her identical triplet daughters.  You heard that right, she has triplets!

If you get to work with Mary,  you will find that not only is she is an incredibly kind soul, she also gives an amazing consultation.  She has an ability to listen to your wants and needs, and then create your desired style.

ATHINA

Hair Stylist

Athina has always been fascinated with hair styling and enhancing people’s look with it.  It all started with chopping off her Barbie’s hair to give them different looks, and then it became styling all of her friends’ hair during recess, to now helping them get ready for a night out.  Athina is a Bridal Stylist now because she loves getting to help make a Bride and her tribe feel absolutely amazing for the memorable occasion.

Athina describes her style as effortlessly chic. As a woman with curly hair herself,  she doesn’t try to fight the clients’ hair too much, but rather finds it’s best qualities and works with it.  

When she is not working, you can find Athina rollerblading and talking to her bully dog like he is a human.

If you get to work with Athina on your wedding day, you will find that she is super easy to talk to and she takes direction very well.

TILLY

Makeup Artist

Tilly is a lover of hot yoga, documentaries, and red lipstick… and of course, making people laugh!  She comes from a huge family including 5 siblings and 7 step-siblings, plus several nieces and nephews who she absolutely adores!

Tilly loves the energy in the room during wedding prep. That feeling is contagious. Even when a client is stressing about what they need to do, Tilly can effortlessly sit them in the makeup chair and ease their nerves.

She describles the style of her work as Classic and wearable. She loves a glamorous makeup look herself, but her clients always leave feeling like a better version of themselves.  Tilly’s Clients like that she can show them how to wear their makeup in a way they didn’t consider before. Didn’t think red was your color? She can show you the perfect red lip!

(Not Pictured).

NANCY C.

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Nancy is a lover of bold lipstick, pizza, photography,and all things Disney!  

Nancy became a bridal artist because she loves using her hair styling and makeup talents to help others feel beautiful. She describes the style of her work as classy with a little bit of sassy, and she enjoys the opportunity to be a part of a Bride’s special day (and of course getting to have girl time every weekend!)

One thing that her clients compliment her on is how well she listens.  Nancy believes that you know what works for you and makes you comfortable.  She’s just there to add the extra touch!

One piece of advice that Nancy has for her Brides is that you shouldn’t be afraid to try a little more during your trial.  You may not know what you’re missing out on!

ANN

Lead Stylist & Coordinator

I am a hairstylist with an affection for blowouts, braids, and up styles.  I have always been crafty, and each time I get to create an up-style in hair, I feel like an architect. There is something really special about being able to use my hands to build a style for one special occasion that will never be recreated again.

When I am not working, I enjoy drinking coffee, reading a variety of books, cooking, and going on long bike rides.  

A little known fact about me is that I used to hand model (part time) as a young adult.

I started my bridal team because I have always loved working with  wedding parties, and I knew that I wanted to make this niche  of the beauty industry a focus.  I enjoy being able to personally assist my Brides in pulling together their wedding day look along with my small team of caring and skilled artists.  

One of the things that most all of my Brides compliment me on is how organized I am. If you work with us for your wedding day, you will notice that my practices (including a detailed timeline) will take the guesswork and stress out of your preparations.

I cant wait to meet with you and help you to look and feel your best on your special day!

Happy Wedding Planning,

Ann

MORE GROUP PHOTOS FROM OUR HOLIDAY BRUNCH 12.16.18

Wedding Season Highlights

As I sit down to create this post next to the twinkling lights (multicolored this year) of my Christmas tree, my heart is full as I look back on this year in weddings. I have known for a few months that I wanted to close out the blog this year with a collection of all of the best photos from the Brides I have had the pleasure of working with, and take this as an opportunity to show off some images I have never shared until now. Before I begin, it is important that I mention that the weddings featured are from the Brides and Photographers whom I was able to maintain contact with after the wedding day. There are also a small handful of women who where married later in the year and I have not been able to collect photos from yet, it's nothing personal- just a matter of timing. In my efforts to make this post a visual experience and light on text, let us begin!

January

Amanda and Jon celebrated their marriage on New Year's Eve! I am always a sucker for a Bride who goes all out glam and non-traditional. Just check out her rose-gold sequined gown, STUNNING! I styled hair for Amanda and her party, while Nancy C. did all of the makeup. Photography by Eric Floberg.

April

Christen and Kyle's Spring Wedding was an absolute dream! It's no wonder that this celebration was featured in Boho Weddings. I styled hair for this party along with Mary, and Anjelica Bannos did all of the makeup. The beautiful photography that pulled this all together is by Rachel Mae Photography.

May

Gwendolyn and Jake's wedding in May had a true elegant vibe. I am still so in love with this intricate up style that I designed with Gwendolyn's input. Do you recognize some of the scenery in these photos? It's an interesting coincidence that the Renaissance Hotel and Ovation are common venues among my Brides. I styled the hair for Gwendolyn and her party, and Photography is by Esther Baban/Oh So Lovely.

Caroline and Scott's wedding fell on a rainy morning in May. The gloominess did not slow them down a bit, and as it appears, made some pretty lovely photos a possibility. One of my favorite things about Caroline's wedding day look is her choice of wearing her hair half down and using a dramatic, cathedral length veil. Mary, Kim, and myself provided the hair styling for this large party and Anjelica Bannos was the makeup artist. Photography by Cristina G Photo.

Shawna and Robert got married on one of the first really hot weekends of the year. So humid in fact, that I showed up to Shawna's room at the Langham that morning and she said, "Don't be mad at me, but I want to change my hair style." So we tossed out the plan from the trial run of leaving Shawna's hair half down and created this up style to keep her just a few degrees cooler. While the hair from her trial run was nice, the up style that resulted from the last minute change of plans was absolutely LOVELY! Kim provided makeup for Shawna and her party while Rebecca Haley is responsible for the beautiful photography.

June

Kelsey and Colin shared their vows on another humid summer day. All of the preparations took place at the Gold Coast Neighborhood's Ambassador Hotel, where Kelsey chose an intimate setting with her Best Friend and her Mom and Mother in Law. I provided the hair styling while Nancy C. did all of the makeup. The surrounding area provided the backdrop for some pretty amazing photography by the talented Esther Baban/Oh So Lovely Photography.

July

Alex and John got married on the ideal summer day in early July. Her room at the Gwen had the most amazing private terrace where the ladies were able to relax and sip mimosas between their hair and makeup appointments and enjoy the warm summer breeze. I'll bet you can guess that I was SO into her choice of sparkly Bridesmaid gowns! I styled hair for Alex and her party while Anjelica Bannos did all of the makeup. Photography by Lilly Photography.

Sukhvir and Tony combined the best traditions from both of their cultures to create this Summer wedding that was uniquely "them". Christopher, Nancy C. and myself were in awe of Sukhvir's elegant style and bold cobalt blue gowns. This is where we met Katy (pictured with the fishtail braid), who has become one of our new Brides for 2019! Images by Ryan Brandoff Photography.

Audrea and Ryan shared their vows on a Sunny July day in Naperville. Audrea spent the morning prep time surrounded by a great group of close girlfriends and family. About a month after her wedding, Audrea reached out and was ready for her post-wedding-chop (it's a thing, Ladies). She looks so chic in the wavy bob she wears now! Wedding day hair and makeup by Nancy C. and myself. Photography by Patrick McBride Photography.

September

We had so much fun helping Amy prepare for her wedding with Drew in mid September. Amy is such a down to earth girl who happens to be just about the biggest fitness fanatic I know. Not even a change of venue (not her choice) could bring this girl down. Just look at this smile! Nancy C. provided all of the makeup applications while I styled hair for Amy and her girls. Photgraphy by Cage and Aquarium.

Annemarie and Lawson celebrated their Marriage in late September and it's hard to believe that three months have already passed. Annemarie sees me in salon for her hair cuts and blowouts, so we were able to create our vision for her intricately detailed hair style (which she affectionately called her Princess hair) in little brainstorming sessions over the course of the year. Mary joined in to help style Annemarie's party with me which included the sweetest flower girls. Photography by Mackenzie Maeder.

Cheers to the close of another amazing wedding season!

Here is your Holiday Hair Inspiration!

The Low Bun

If you are anything like me, you love the whole Thanksgiving through New Year's Holiday season, and you consider keeping up with traditions almost a hobby of yours. The favorite of these Holidays for me, is Christmas. I began my collection of decorations as a small child (so young I cannot remember exactly), when my parents decided to gift my brother and I each one ornament per year so that we would not move out on our own someday without the necessary items to decorate our homes for Christmas. Now that you have caught a glimpse into my love for Christmas, you will not be surprised to see that all of my Holiday Hair Styles this year include some sort of ribbon or sparkle. Without further delay, let me show you my favorites!

---

Casual Half Up Style

I like to categorize this look as "casual" because I would wear it almost anywhere! This half up style has a bit of volume at the crown, some loose curls and a twisted effect which sweeps a good amount of hair away from the face. This whole look is held together with a sparkly rose-gold barrette. As an added perk, this makes me feel like my hair is a whole lot longer than I thought it was. Are you one of those people who picks up random barrettes when you shop and they just sit in your drawer because you never think of the right opportunity to wear them? Well here is your chance! This is now I will wear my hair for Thanksgiving dinner with my family.

---

The Messy Braid Pony

This look is a bit more adventurous by my standards and is fit for an evening out, for sure! A little tease for added volume and control leads into a deconstructed dutch braid, and then a ponytail. Adding wave and volume to the ponytail is a must to complete this hairstyle. Just check out what happens when I add a little extra sparkle in my last picture! I appreciate the option to wear this style accessorized or as is. I haven't decided upon my favorite version yet, but I do know that I will be repeating this look for my company Holiday party.

---

The Low Bun

There is just something so pretty and chic about this low bun. Although you may not see it, there is a slight tease for volume and control at the crown as well as along the sides. This look began with all of the hair swept back into a pony, then tons of teasing and pinning to form this textured bun. A loose bow of black ribbon perfectly compliments tassel earrings. This hair style makes me feel so classy without being boring. This is the look I will be wearing to church on Christmas Eve.

Happy Holidays!