Top 9 Tips for Choosing Your Bridal Hair Accessories

#1 Your Personal Style

Look for accessories that are in line with your personal style as well as the look and feel of your wedding.  A sweet starfish hair comb or orchid flower is perfect for the barefoot beachy bride.  A classic style is perfect for the minimalist or timeless bride.   More of a romantic or boho bride...a beautiful handmade design would be just perfect!

#2 Your Wedding Dress

The most important aspect of your overall wedding look is your wedding dress. The dress is going to set the style for your whole look. If your dress is more simple with no embellishments, it leaves you more open in choosing any type of accessories. If your dress has more detailed embellishments, you will want to take this into consideration when choosing accessories. The color of the dress is also a consideration when choosing  bridal hair accessories that also have color such as colored jewels, lace or fabric.

 #3 Gold or Silver

Gold Bridal Hair Accessories are more popular than ever before but many brides are confused as to whether they should go for the gold! The general rule of thumb is that gold is going to flow best with an ivory, offwhite or champagne dress and make sure to stay consistent and if you are wearing gold hair accessories, make sure your bridal jewelry is gold as well. Gold accessories look stunning with any hair color or complexion so whether you are a blonde goddess, a dark beauty or a ravishing redhead...gold will work for you, don't worry!

 #4 What Type of Accessory

Now we come down to the nitty gritty! With so many options, how do you know exactly what type of hair accessory to choose??? Here is a basic rundown of your options:

Bridal Hair Comb or Clip - Hair combs are by far the most popular choice among brides. With so many different styles to choose from it is easy to find something that fits in with the style of your wedding and your personal style. Combs work best accenting an  updo in the back or side of the head but can also be worn with  hair down and swept to the side.

Headband or Tiara - A headband or tiara can create a beautiful classic look or a dramatic statement depending on the style. Choose a dainty understated look for a more traditional style or a blinged out glamorous look if you want to make a statement. Headbands and tiaras can work great with any style hair including an  updo hairstyle, all down bridal hair or a  half up half down look.

 Hair Flowers - You can't get more romantic than a beautiful bridal hair flower. Choose a simple hair flower for a casual garden or backyard wedding or opt for a beautiful embellished look for a more elegant look that is still soft and romantic.

Hair Vines - The newest trend in bridal hair accessories is definitely the bridal hair vine. Perfect for a romantic or boho chic look, hair vines can be bent and manipulated into different shapes to accent any hairstyle. Twist a hair vine in the back of a soft braided updo, around a bridal bun, on the top of your head like a headband or for an even more dramatic look, hair vines can be worn across the forehead!

Hair Pins - If you are looking for a very simple understated look, hair pins are perfect. Best in an  updo or half up half down hairstyle, sprinkle hair pins across your style for a variety of looks.

#5 Your Hairstyle

The second thing to take into consideration is your wedding day hairstyle. Will you be wearing a bridal updo, all down hairstyle or half up half down? It is best to choose your hairstyle first and then add your accessories to compliment the style. Another thing to take into consideration is your hair type. If your hair is on the finer side, you will want to stay away from heavier metal pieces that might not stay well in your hair or weigh it down.

#6 Change it Up

Just can't make up your mind? You don't have to....just change it up! Many of our affiliate bridal stylists tell us that their brides are really having fun with their look and changing their accessories, their hairstyles and sometimes even their dress between the ceremony and reception. Go from a beautiful all down hairstyle to a fun, sassy updo or vice versa, start with an elegant updo and then release your style to reveal your long flowing locks. Word of advice though, if you are planning on a style change it is best to make the investment of having your stylist stay to help you!

#7 Jewelry

You have found the ideal dress, an amazing hairstyle and the perfect hair accessories...now it is time to pull it all together with your  bridal jewelry. Like I mentioned before, best to stay with the same color metal when matching your jewelry and accessories. You will also want to look for jewelry with the same elements as your hair accessories whether that be rhinestones, pearls or a combination of both. If you are wearing a hair accessory that shows from the front such as headband or hair vine, keep your jewelry to a minimum maybe opting for a pair of  earrings and maybe a bracelet. If your hair accessories are in the back of your hair then a beautiful necklace and earrings may be the perfect accent.

#8 Ask for Help

Just completely stuck and have no idea what direction to go??? Ask for help but remember to ask someone whose style advice you believe in! Your  bridal stylist is the perfect person to turn to when you are undecided about your hair accessories. Many of our  bridal affiliates carry a selection of hair accessories to use at the preview so that you can see exactly what the style will look like before you commit.

#9 Stay True to Yourself

We saved the most important piece of advice for last and that is to stay true to yourself and  your personal style. Don't worry about being the "perfect" traditional bride and certainly don't worry what anyone else thinks you "should" or "shouldn't" do (even your mother)! This is your day and you should feel your most beautiful and your most authentic on this day more than any other! The bottom line is there really are no rules except for one, to do what makes you happy...period!!!

SOURCE: http://www.haircomesthebride.com

Lea + John | Ceremony + Reception Venue: My Moon Restaurant (Brooklyn, NY)

Highlights from Lea + John's wedding.

Ceremony + Reception Venue: My Moon Restaurant (Brooklyn, NY)
Photographer: Monika Broz
Makeup Artist: Amy Klewitz
Hair Stylist: Vanessa Wilking
Florist: Floresta
DJ: 74 Events (DJ James Arnold)

"You Shine" by Andrew Simple, licensed through Songfreedom.

PATRICE & JORELL ♥♥♥

Every so often you meet a couple where everything aligns perfectly. From the first contact and upon meeting in person, things just seem to click. Especially when you are working with other professionals, who see what you see and who get to share in the experience such as Arek and Ilona from Lovemore, this truly brings the day full circle. When this happens, documenting a wedding, crosses the line from client to friend.

Typically, a wedding is just one day, but for them, mother nature took on a bit more of a roll than one would predict. Being as easygoing of a couple as they are, they just went with it. So for me, their video took place over many months to capture them as a couple and make their story all it can be. During those months, I was able to witness their passionate love for each other, as I watched them interact with one another through a lens, it was as if I wasn’t even there.

Their wedding and love was a gift for me to work with. Feeling the need to tell their story and share their love, I took it personally and so it brings me great happiness to present to your their highlight reel.

Photography: Lovemore, Arek and Ilona | Hair & Make Up: Amy Klewitz Beauty | Venue: The Fox Hollow, Winter Garden | Officant: Ceremonies of the Heart | Entertainment: Unique Entertainment

Zoe Smythe Photography - Brooklyn Bridge Park Wedding

I met Andrea and Horacio in the lobby of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, a green oasis on a cold blustery day. It was our first meeting and just six days until their wedding. Andrea and Horacio rushed in out of the cold, running a bit late and clearly apologetic. They had a lot of planning to do in the next week. Not only were they getting married, they were moving in together for the first time the following day! As they settled in, Horacio clearly with a lot on his mind, nervously flipped the pages of the coffee table book. Andrea gently placed her hand on his. The calming effect was immediate. Some couples balance each other. Andrea and Horacio are one of those couples.

As we got to talking we realized how closely their wedding was going to mirror my own. A small noon ceremony with an intimate group of friends and family, followed by a beautiful brunch and later a romantic dinner, just the two of them. Even the weather reminded me of my wedding. It had been pouring rain the day before but on the day of the wedding the skies cleared and the sun shone. I was feeling incredibly nostalgic as I set out on that blue sky morning to photograph Andrea and Horacio's gorgeous wedding. 

Both the bride and groom were glowing with excitement as I arranged them for their first look. When Horacio turned and saw his bride, tears sprung to both their eyes. A few minutes later as the ceremony was about to begin, their guests, instead of being spectators, literally surrounded the bride and groom. The beaming couple, encircled by the love of some of their closest friends and family said their vows with Manhattan sparkling in the distance.

P. S. I wanted to thank Gina from the Bridal Garden for not only helping Andrea find a perfect dress but also for showing her my photography card. Thank you, Gina, for introducing Andrea to my photography.

Venue: Brooklyn Bridge Park and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge | Bride's Gown: Reem Acra from The Bridal Garden | Hair and Makeup: Amy Klewitz 

Natural Bridal Makeup Tips

5 different looks and tips to let your natural beauty shine on your wedding day and every day.

On your wedding day, you want to look like the most beautiful version of yourself – not an overdone bridal version of yourself. And you definitely want your groom to recognize his wife-to-be when you’re walking down the aisle.

There are so many other details to worry about, your wedding day makeup doesn’t need to be one of them. Whether you’ve hired a makeup artist or have watched countless YouTube tutorials and are confident in your steady hand when applying a cat eye, you have high expectations to look flawless. These tips will have you looking your most beautiful on your special day.

Drink Plenty of Water: You've heard this before and you'll hear it again - there is nothing that healthy skin loves more than a little H2O. This is most important before your walk down the aisle. You want your skin to look glowing and fresh.

Avoid the Sun: Another no-brainer, but this one is really important at well. Be sure to use moisturizer, foundation and chapstick with SPF in it leading up to the big day. The last thing you want is to have red, blotchy or peeling skin. Wearing SPF on your wedding day is also important, especially if your wedding is outside.

Use Primer: You might have a tried and true or you might be new to the world of skin primers. Whatever the case, it is an absolute must on your wedding day. With all the photographs, laughing, hugging and kissing, you want your makeup to stay exactly where you put it.

Play Up Your Favorite Feature: Whether it is your cheekbones, your eyes or your signature bold lip - don't forget to draw attention to what you love about yourself. These trendy makeup tutorials will help you learn how to do just that!

Waterproof Mascara: This isn't as much of a tip as it is a law. You don't want to risk your happy tears getting in the way of your flawless photographs. Click here to see some of our waterproof favorites.

Emphasize Your Eyes: Using highlighters, you can bring out the brightness in your skin to make your eyes really pop. For a more specific how-to - check out the YouTube video at the bottom of this post!

SOURCE: Jordan Strohl
http://www.mywedding.com

Wedding Up Do’s for the Perfect Summer Wedding

Just as there are fashions and trends when it comes to the wedding themes and the attire that is in fashion in each year, the same can be said about the wedding updo’s. With this being one of the most special occasions to take place in a person’s life, of course they want to look their best from head to toe.

There is often the misconception that these types of hair styles are only applicable to the bride with long hair. In fact, there are styles that fit into this category that apply to both medium length as well as short hair.

Waves

For the medium length hair and for those brides who don’t want the updo to be piled on top of their hair, instead of going up then going out is the answer. This is done with waves that cascade to the back of the head and flow up and outwards.

Extensions

For the short hair bride that has dreamt of having that beautiful updo for her wedding day there is nothing stopping her from having it. Her stylist can put some extensions to good use and create such an exquisite look that nobody will know it’s not her own hair.
For the wedding party theme that is designed around everyone having a similar hair style then this makes for a perfect solution. Everyone can have an updo that looks the same yet is different in its presentation.

The embellishments

For the woman who wants a soft but elegant looking updo then the design of it will have to work well with the type of bridal hair embellishment she has chosen. It may be a tiara with a full veil, or the choice of some matching bouquet flowers to be intertwined. A great alternative to these would be an updo that allowed for the weaving in of a string of pearls. This creates a beautiful soft demure look for the bride.Aside from this updo hairstyle looking absolutely magnificent it comes with some extra advantages when used for the summer wedding. It is usually warm if not hot on these summer days and with all of the wedding attire that has to be worn, having the hair up off the neck provides some welcome relief. It is also another great way to allow for the showing off of beautiful necklaces and earrings that are chosen for the special day. Nothing has to be sacrificed when it comes to the complete wedding attire and accessories being shown at their best.

SOURCE: Terry McKim |  Beauty Tips, News in the Salon

Get to know me and my love affair for beauty.

Video Credit: Tatiana Valerie

7 Things to Know Before You Book a Makeup Artist for Your Wedding

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #5: Be Smart When You Spray Tan

For many, sun-kissed color is kind of a no-brainer before a wedding. However, it’s best to schedule it accordingly. “If you spray tan, give yourself a good amount of time beforehand so the tan sets in and you don't reek of it,” says Kira Nasrat, makeup artist and brand ambassador for L.A.'s Violet Grey. And even if you’ve planned a destination wedding in Tulum, resist the urge to get a tiny bit of color by laying out on the beach. Tanning leads to burning leads to peeling, and if you do suffer a sunburn, there’s no going back. Just load up on sunscreen and opt for a faux glow (Nasrat is a fan of James Read's self-tanning line).

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #6: Step Up Your Skin Care Routine

Every single makeup artist we spoke with emphasized the importance of taking care of your skin in the months leading up to your wedding. "I always suggest targeting any underlying skin health issues, getting regular facials leading up to the big day, and cleaning up your diet," says Duvall. But let's be real, we get that's not just not happening for everyone, so at the very least Nasrat says to drink a ton of water in the weeks before the big day. Blushington also offers Dr. Neal Schultz's 40-percent glycolic-acid peel at each location; it provides heavy-duty exfoliation with zero redness or downtime.

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #7: Pack an Emergency Makeup Kit

In a perfect world, you’d have an entire glam squad following you around and blotting the sweat off your face while between photos. But if you’re not (a.) Mariah Carey or (b.) rolling in dough, having a personal touch-up team might not happen. Almost as good: Bring a small makeup kit with you. “Stash a makeup setting spray to revive your makeup, oil-blotting papers, and the lip color you used,” suggests Matos. Might as well get the most out of your gorgeous makeup.

SOURCE: Deanna Pai (www.glamour.com)

Laylah + David Wedding @ Prospect Park Boathouse

I had the pleasure of working with the lovely bride Laylah a while back. Catch me at 00:23 - 00:24 doing her make up for the wedding! ♥♥♥

photo + video: danfredo photos + films | floral design: the arrangement | catering: moveable feast | hair + makeup: amy klewitz | cake: whole foods market | dj: 74 events | music: the music bed

7 Things to Know Before You Book a Makeup Artist for Your Wedding

This is the most important day of your life! Well, maybe not the most important, but your wedding is definitely up there. You've likely invested a ton of time and money—and if you're shelling out your hard-earned cash for a killer photographer and photo album, you'll probably want to look your best in those pictures as well as IRL. So a professional makeup artist is a godsend, since they'll be able to nail a cat eye or make your skin look flawless. But the process of getting there can be tricky. How can you be sure they know what you're looking for—especially if you're not quite sure yourself? Read on to learn how.

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #1: Find a Makeup Artist Earlier Than You Think

Sure, booking your makeup artist as soon as you find a venue might seem a little intense. But leaving yourself enough time to have a consultation—and maybe even makeup trials, if you want them—ensures you won’t turn into a beauty bridezilla a few weeks before your wedding. “Finding an artist that you mesh well with and that can bring your vision to life is a lot more important than brides think,” says Rocio Matos, makeup artist and education director at makeup studio Blushington. It takes time and research to find a good match. And on that note...

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #2: Do Your Research

Even if you've curated a Pinterest board of your dream makeup looks, there's no guarantee that any of them will look as good on your own face. And, in the same vein, if you google "best wedding makeup artist," it doesn't mean that you'll get the best makeup artist for what you really need. Look for one whose work you consistently like—particularly on actual brides. Sometimes, the work they show is on models and the photos may have been retouched, says NYC makeup artist Sally Duvall. “You want your photos to look great—but you also have to greet guests in person and still look like yourself,” she explains. “Your makeup has to straddle that fence.” With the wrong makeup artist, that's tough to pull off.

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #3: Spring for the Makeup Consultation

Between the dress, the flowers, and that open bar (duh), it’s ridiculously easy for your budget to spiral out of control when you’re planning a wedding. So you might be tempted to skip the pricey consultation and save yourself $200. But in the long run, it’s not worth it. “It’s akin to only trying on one wedding dress,” says Duvall. “It minimizes any surprises the day of—and if you ask for multiple looks, you can get a sense of what you like and don’t like.”

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #4: Test Run Anything New-for-You Before Your Wedding Day

Some brides are down with a full face of makeup, while others just want to look like themselves. A good way to bridge this gap is to try out false lashes. “They make a difference in pictures and make your eyes pop if you won’t be wearing much makeup on your face,” explains Matos. She recommends asking your makeup artist about individual lashes, which feel lighter on your eyes and also look more natural than full-lash sets. Take them for a test-drive first too, to make sure they feel comfortable and that you even like how they look.

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #5: Be Smart When You Spray Tan

For many, sun-kissed color is kind of a no-brainer before a wedding. However, it’s best to schedule it accordingly. “If you spray tan, give yourself a good amount of time beforehand so the tan sets in and you don't reek of it,” says Kira Nasrat, makeup artist and brand ambassador for L.A.'s Violet Grey. And even if you’ve planned a destination wedding in Tulum, resist the urge to get a tiny bit of color by laying out on the beach. Tanning leads to burning leads to peeling, and if you do suffer a sunburn, there’s no going back. Just load up on sunscreen and opt for a faux glow.

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #6: Step Up Your Skin Care Routine

Every single makeup artist we spoke with emphasized the importance of taking care of your skin in the months leading up to your wedding. "I always suggest targeting any underlying skin health issues, getting regular facials leading up to the big day, and cleaning up your diet," says Duvall. But let's be real, we get that's not just not happening for everyone, so at the very least Nasrat says to drink a ton of water in the weeks before the big day. Blushington also offers Dr. Neal Schultz's 40-percent glycolic-acid peel at each location; it provides heavy-duty exfoliation with zero redness or downtime.

Bridal Beauty Must-Do #7: Pack an Emergency Makeup Kit

In a perfect world, you’d have an entire glam squad following you around and blotting the sweat off your face while between photos. But if you’re not (a.) Mariah Carey or (b.) rolling in dough, having a personal touch-up team might not happen. Almost as good: Bring a small makeup kit with you. “Stash a makeup setting spray to revive your makeup, oil-blotting papers, and the lip color you used,” suggests Matos. Might as well get the most out of your gorgeous makeup.

SOURCE: Deanna Pai / www.glamour.com

Vintage inspired wedding look

Had the opportunity to work with the lovely Stephanie who modeled vintage inspired waves and a red lip for a wedding photo shoot with the talented Tatiana owner of Artvesta Studios. Trick to this look is lots of teasing at the roots and setting the hair. Lip color "Raspberry Glace' by Clinique. http://artvestastudio.com/awp/

Beautiful Fall Wedding

This October bride Erin married to a perfect fall day. Erin and her bridesmaids were very fun to hang out with and help get ready. Erin went for a low braided updo and a red/pink lip by Clinique.

Winter Fashion and Beauty Shoot

Worked with talented photographer Jiyang Chen in a great New York setting. We went for a natural soft look. I used bronze colors on the stunning Erin's eyes and a pink lip to add a bit of color to the winter.

Fishtail Braids with Paige

Definitely one of my favorite shoots so far. A modern edgy, yet soft and floral shoot with Paige from Major Models. I added a pop of color to an exotic concept. Fishtail braids helped complete the look. Photos By : http://juliesaadphotography.com

The Knot "Best of Weddings 2015" and "Wedding Wire's Couples Choice Award 2015" Winner!

Happy to announce I'm the recent winner of "The Knot Best of Weddings 2015" Hair and Makeup Vendor as well as "Wedding Wire's Couples Choice Award 2015" Best Hair and Makeup Vender! Thank you to all my clients for believing in me and my craft! And my talented team who works so hard.

Wedding Trial Tips

Here are my favorite tips for nailing your hair and makeup trial:

- Bring Photos 

It's important to bring inspirational photos of looks you're interested in. When you do research, be sure to  choose images that are close to your hair type, race, coloring, and hair color. Even bringing pictures of celebrities you look like will better inform what the style might look like on you. Also bring some photos of you looking your best. That will help me, or any artist, get a sense of your style. If you like the front of one style, or the back of another, bring photos of as many angles of them as you can--this will help us effectively incorporate elements of your favorite ideas.

- The point of a trial is to try things

It's always good to go into a trial with an open mind as well as a sense of what you want. Stylists aren't mind readers, so don't be afraid to be specific and speak up. We can always fix something that you may not like and our feelings won't be hurt. The process of creating your wedding look is a collaboration, and we want to get it how you want it! When something goes awry, it is usually because there was a communication issue. That said, please be nice about it, and be open to the idea that some styles may look different on your face than they do on the model in the photo. Tailoring the look to your face shape and style is important, and that's where we come in! Sometimes we have to adapt your look, and make recommendations for current curl and cut, to make you look your best.

-Come with clean, dry hair and face

Every stylist is different, but I prefer my clients come with clean, dry hair and face. That way, we won't spend time at your trial on blowing out your hair and removing makeup. Instead, we can start from scratch and build the look from there.

-Bring Veils and Hair Pieces

If you've already purchased a hair piece or veil, bring them with you to get the full effect of the hair style and makeup. Sometimes its better to wait to buy a hair piece, so you can be sure what the appropriate size is, in order to fit the hair style you'll have. I've seen brides buy a piece that ended up being too big for the style they decided on. So my other recommendation is to be sure you have return options if you've purchased something before your trial.

-Camera phones wash you out

Definitely take photos of your trial for reference purposes, but be aware that regular cameras and camera phones create a flat, washed-out look that will bring back the intensity of your hair and makeup by three times. Go with what your eye sees, in person, at the trial. Your photographer will have professional lighting the day of your wedding which will capture your actual look.

-Only bring one other person

If you would like to bring someone to your trial, choose a person whose opinion you trust. Bringing more than one person can become create opinion chaos--it can be too many cooks in the kitchen.

- Remember to have fun

Having your hair and makeup done should be one of the more fun aspects of planning your wedding. So enjoy the process!

New Portraits with the Amazing Julie Saad

Had the chance to do hair and makeup on the stunning Olivia with photographer Julie Saad (http://juliesaadphotography.com) Olivia had a natural sense of style and was open to a bold red lip to spice some of the photos up. Pretty happy with how these turned out!