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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

Everything you Need to Know About your Bridal Trial Run

With October turning out to be a busy month full of new Brides reaching out to me about their 2019 weddings, I'm finding myself having a lot of conversations about the Bridal Trial Run Appointment. While you may find some similarities across the board when researching your options, I can tell you that all beauty teams are unique, and have created the processes that they feel work best for their Brides. Here, I will share with you ALL the answers to my most commonly asked questions about the Bridal Trial Run with Beauty by Ann Krause.

Q. How does the Trial Run work?

A. The trial run is an appointment that is all about YOU. This is when you get to see in person, exactly how your Pinterest inspiration translates into reality, and confirm that you love it. We begin your appointment with a conversation about the inspiration you have found and help you to narrow down the ideas you are considering. Throughout the process, we check in with you and make sure that you are happy with the progress. When we complete your look, we ask for feedback and make any needed adjustments. I follow up with you a couple of days later to see how everything worked out for you after our time together and if there are any notes, or changes that should be made for your wedding day

Q. When should I have my Trial Run?

A. I recommend having your trial run 2-3 months prior to your wedding. At this time, your hair will be approximately the length it will be on your wedding day, and it will be easy to commit to these details of your wedding day look. In the past, Brides have booked appointments a year before the wedding and end up changing their preferences because of all of the new inspiration they are seeing.

Q. Do you offer any discounts for a Trial Run because you are trying to book a Bride?

A. No, we do not offer discounts for the trial run. This is a very valuable service, which requires more time and work than the wedding day because of our detailed consultation and the adjustments that are made to perfect your look. Generally, our Brides decide to book their wedding day hair and makeup up to a year in advance, and schedule their trial run for 2-3 months before the wedding. When a Bride prefers to have their trial before committing to use my team for her wedding, that is her choice and is perfectly fine with me. In this case the trial is booked immediately, as I am not able to hold the wedding date without her contract and retainer. I am also willing to meet with, call, or even see a Bride for a blowout in order to set her mind at ease before she books us.

Q. Does the cost for my Trial Run count towards my Wedding Day totals?

A. The cost for your Trial Run does not count towards your Wedding Day totals, as it is a separate, and invaluable service where two artists are taking the care to help you design your perfect wedding day look.

Q. How many looks do I get to try out at my Trial Run?

A. Your artists will help you to narrow down your choices at the beginning of your appointment. If you are torn between two hairstyles, we can give you a really great idea of how each would look on you. However, if they are two intricately detailed styles, you won't see them both fully executed in order to be time efficient. Expect to see an over-all vision of the volume, shape, and silhouette to help you make your decision. In relation to makeup, we tend to begin your application on the lighter side to leave the option to go more bold if you choose to do so. The complete trial run will take place within 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Q. Can I book my Trial Run the same day as my Bachelorette Party or my Engagement Photo Shoot?

A. Before choosing to book on one of these dates, please make sure that you don't want to keep your wedding day hair and makeup a surprise from your friends/family/groom. While your makeup application may be perfect for either of these occasions, you may not be able to take your hair down (based upon the hairstyle you choose) and have a desirable style for rest of the day. This is due to the back combing, pinning, and braiding that generally goes into making an updo. With that said, we are happy to accommodate if this works for you. We book trial run appointments on Friday/Saturday afternoons and evenings, but not in the mornings because we are with our Brides at that time.

Q. What if I need a second Trial Run?

A. While we are with you, we take great care to make sure that you get the results that you want so you can be confident in your wedding day look and know what to expect from us. I am happy to say that I haven't had a Bride tell me she was dissatisfied with her trial run. However, in rare circumstances, a Bride will end up changing her preferences before the wedding date. This may be because she purchased a different wedding gown, she saw something new on social media, or she has a mother or grandmother who feels strongly about how she should wear her hair or makeup. In this case, we are happy to accommodate you with an additional appointment, which will be at the same rate.

Q. How do I prepare for my trial run?

A. First of all, be sure to do your homework and know in advance what you like and don't like. Also have handy any hair accessories, veil, or hair extensions that you intend for us to incorporate into your hair style. Wash your hair either the evening before or the morning of your trial run, and have minimal product in your hair. Have a clean face with no product. Lastly, be ready to relax and be transformed into a Bride!

Happy wedding planning!

-Ann