What is your most memorable wedding?
This year my most memorable wedding was that of Joana and Martin who married at Gosfield Hall in April. Joana was the happiest and most excited bride and just couldn't wait to tie the knot with her partner of 13 years! The couple's little boy Miles was the Best Man and he performed the role to perfection. Joana had dreamt of her wedding day for years and always knew she wanted the whole 'Princess for a day' experience. Despite her baby fine hair, I was delighted to give her the hair of her dreams on the day by including some of my hand made hair extensions and padding. I have since made some extensions for Joana and continue to catch up with her every once in a while.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Soft: Stylish: Current: Intricate: Varied:
What about your business are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the outstanding reputation I have built over the years in the wedding industry. Much of my work is gained from recommendation either from past clients, wedding guests and other wedding suppliers/ venues. I have built up a vast network especially other bridal hairstylists, make-up artists and photographers.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Planning your wedding can be a lot of fun and you are guaranteed to meet some of the most creative people on the planet, however It can sometimes be confusing as there are so many wedding suppliers out there, its hard to know what you are looking at sometimes! My advice is to look for quality, variety of work and experience, Bridebook is a wonderful tool to help brides and grooms … good luck:-)
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Obviously as a hairstylist, I am involved with the bridal preparations before the wedding ceremony and I really enjoy working alongside some great suppliers e.g:- photographers, make-up artists and florists etc. The part I love the most is when the florist turns up and actually takes the time with the bride to show her how to hold her bouquet. I believe that on her wedding morning, a bride should receive outstanding personal service, care and attention to detail from all her suppliers.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
From the initial contact with a bride I strive to offer an exceptionally friendly and reliable service.
I offer trial appointments at my bridal hair studio where I have everything I need to hand including examples of different bridal hair ornamentation and veils for brides to try on and a huge selection of handmade hair extensions and hairpieces. I always encourage brides to bring along bridesmaids or mum if they are available so we can also have a chat about their hair or have a trial if they wish. I have created a comfortable space in the studio for everyone to relax and enjoy the occasion.
At the trial we usually start by discussing the dress, the venue and overall look the bride requires. I like the trial to be really collaborative and encourage the bride to be vocal about what she likes and dislikes as I work. Once a style has been finely tuned and decided on, I take photos, which I share with the bride and create client notes for reference.
I like to keep in touch with my brides between the trial and the big day. I don’t view my service as a purely ‘on the day’ job, I think it’s important to advise brides about how best to look after their hair in the run up to the wedding day, I am often asked to advise on products, hair colour or condition as the day approaches and some girls ask for help help choosing the right veil or head piece, whatever it may be, I am patient, friendly and approachable.
On the wedding day I am often the first to arrive and I always stay with a bride until she is completely dressed, thereby making sure her hair is perfect as she leaves for the ceremony.
What do you love most about your job?
I love to make people happy and for this reason I get great satisfaction from my job as a bridal stylist. When I am creating a hairstyle for a bride, I want it to be the best work I can produce, I love to receive the testimonials and thank you cards from past clients it makes it all worth while.
What is your No. 1 beauty tip for a bride?
Don't be afraid when your bridal stylist suggests including extra weft/ hair extensions, it will make all the difference to the volume in an 'up do' and acts like scaffolding in a 'down' or 'half up do' allowing longer lasting waves and curls. I have many brides who think they haven't got long enough hair or their curls will drop out as their hair is too fine. Beautifully colour matched and cleverly placed extension can give you the hair you have dreamed of and no one will know:-)
How do you keep the bride feeling calm on her wedding day?
I feel that one of my roles on the day is to help things to run smoothly, calming any nerves where I can. I usually have a suggestion or a piece of advice I can offer and I pay special attention to support the bride’s mum who often feels more nervous than the bride herself!! I am always willing to help out in other ways such as lacing up a dress, attaching buttonholes and dressing little flower-girls etc.
What advice would you give to brides to stay looking great throughout their wedding day?
Smile, laugh and enjoy every moment.
For hair specifically - hopefully the weather will be good but if it isn't stay out of the wind and rain!!