Throughout the fifteen years I have been running my wedding planning and design company, A Day Like No Other, I have collaborated with Tiffany on countless wedding projects, and her work was always perfect and flawless – brides, bridesmaids and mothers were glowing and confident at looking their best ever! So Tiffany is certainly one to ask about all things “wedding hair and makeup!”
“How long have you been in business, and what brought you to hair/makeup styling?”
From the vibrant streets of Hong Kong and Taiwan to the glitz of Hollywood, my journey in the world of makeup and fashion has been a dream come true. As a child, alongside my sister, our shared love for fashion and makeup ignited my passion for beauty and style, and it’s evident that my path was always leading me to become a professional makeup and hair artist.
“What is your specific style – natural, elegant, glamorous…?”
Our approach centers on elevating natural beauty with luxurious, bespoke makeup and hair styling, ranging from timeless elegance to a radiant, youthful glow. We meticulously design each look to enhance your unique features, ensuring you look breathtaking in person and every photograph. With a refined, personalized touch, we craft an experience that reflects the sophistication and grace of your special day, leaving you feeling like the most beautiful version of yourself.
“What is your ideal bride/bridesmaid/mother?”
I especially love working with brides who have a sophisticated sense of style and are happy to communicate. If she wants to avoid overly dramatic, artificial, or stiff makeup and hairstyles, she is in the perfect place.
“Are you specializing in a particular technique? If so, why – what is unique about it?”
I am also certified in personal color analysis by a renowned South Korean school that works with K-pop celebrities as a stylist and image consultant. This expertise allows me to select the most flattering shades for your unique complexion, ensuring a radiant, harmonious look. With a cohesive blend of makeup, hair, and wedding gown coordination tailored to your undertone, you’ll achieve a polished, confident beauty that shines both in person and in photos.
“What is the difference between DIY hair/makeup and professional makeup?”
The difference between DIY hair/makeup and professional wedding makeup comes from expertise, longevity, and overall quality.- Wedding makeup isn’t just about looking good in person—it should translate well in professional photography. A skilled artist knows how to balance tones, prevent flashbacks, and create dimension so you look stunning in every shot.
“What is the difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup?”
A great professional artist understands facial structure, skin type, and personal color analysis, enhancing natural beauty while ensuring your makeup looks perfect in natural light and photography.They are experienced in helping brides look fresh from morning to night, even through tears, sweat, and dancing.
“When choosing a stylist, which questions should a bride ask? What are “red flags” to avoid?”
When choosing a wedding stylist, ask about their bridal experience, trial sessions, long-wear techniques, and how they ensure your makeup looks great in photos. Check if they travel, can accommodate your bridal party, and have a backup plan in emergencies. Red flags include poor communication, lack of portfolio, lack of hygiene, unclear pricing or contracts, and a pushy attitude disregarding your vision. A great stylist should be reliable, skilled, and focused on making you look flawless in person and in photos.
“How much time do you reserve for each service? And do you recommend touch-ups during the wedding day?”
For a bride, I typically reserve 2.5 hours to ensure a relaxed, thorough application of makeup and hair, allowing plenty of time for adjustments and details. I allocate 40 minutes per person for each bridal party member, providing ample time for makeup and hairstyling without feeling rushed. I also recommend daily touch-ups, especially for the bride, to maintain a flawless look. I offer on-site touch-up services, or we provide a small kit ready for any quick fixes as needed.
“Why is professional hair/makeup so expensive?”
Professional makeup and hairstyling is an investment because it ensures a flawless, long-lasting look using high-quality tools and techniques that are difficult to replicate at home. Professionals consider flattering color choices that enhance your natural beauty and adapt to lighting conditions, ensuring you look stunning both in person and in photos. They provide a stress-free, customized experience, taking the pressure off you on your big day and allowing you to relax. A professional creates a harmonious look that suits your undertones and personal style, giving you a polished, elegant result that lasts throughout the event.
“Anything else you’d like to add?”
Yes!
To make the bridal experience even more luxurious, I love to pamper my brides with special touches like essential oils, face masks, massages, and a glowy body oil to add that extra radiance. The process is designed to be relaxing and stress-free, offering a comfortable, pampering atmosphere where brides feel genuinely cared for. I focus on every detail, from perfecting the skin tone to ensuring the hair stays intact, all while ensuring every aspect of the look is flawless for pictures. The entire experience is about creating a serene, luxurious moment that leaves the bride feeling confident and beautiful.
Expert interview with Kier LaCrosse of Allegra Events
I have always been a fan of strategic lighting in event design – I think it makes all the difference! But you need not take it from me alone… here are the insights of Kier LaCrosse who has been running a professional event lighting company – Allegra Events – for more than two decades!
“What services does your company offer?“
Allegra Entertainment & Events is unique because we offer so many different services under one roof. We are a full-service event design, lighting, entertainment, audio visual and production firm.
“How did you get into lighting design and production?“
I was a lead guitarist and toured for over 14 years post university at a very high level. Unfortunately, my left hand was just about ruined by a vicious dog attack. My career as a guitarist was over in 15 seconds. I had to reinvent myself, so the event industry was a natural transition.
“What are a few of your biggest projects, your proudest work?“
Biggest Projects:
Producing the NHL Stadium Series outdoor hockey game at Levi Stadium between the LA Kings and San Jose Sharks. At the time, it was the largest event ever held at Levi Stadium, just shy of 80,000 attendees.
Proudest Work:
I’d have to say – while still in college, having a song I wrote and recorded with my band climb up the radio charts to #3 in the company of U2, Sting, Def Leppard++. Imagine driving down the road and hearing your song on the radio for the first time! Again, I was in college back then. It was surreal and certainly a proud moment. Note: this was back when music was made by artists/ musicians and garage bands and not by today’s corporate music industry which dictates what we will listen to. The “little guy,” artist, college/local band or act still had a chance to be heard back then, and in some cases – even to “make it.”
– “What are the main types of lighting (e.g. string lights, pin-spots, up lights, gobos…)“
We offer just about any lighting service needed. Practically all of our lighting is battery-powered, state-of-the-art and very much “easy on the eye” / designer lighting gear.
For the wedding industry in particular, we are offering design lighting: pinspots, washes, uplighting, and gobos. I have been told that our gobos are “the crispiest in town!” Aside from weddings and social events, we also do stadium, big stage and name act productions… Ie. Earth Wind and Fire, Harry Connick Jr. +++++
It has been said that “Lighting is everything,” and I absolutely agree with that quote. One can throw thousands and thousands of dollars at events on food, beverage, décor, florals and even a cake. If you can’t see those items in a nice light, then that is an “opportunity missed.” The right lighting can take an old, tired space and just really warm it up. Add all the other ingredients in and – “BINGO!” – you got something really special. At the end of the day, for a reasonable design lighting investment, you really can get a great return.
“How has lighting design evolved over the years – what’s new and exciting now?”
LED technology is what has profoundly changed the “lighting game.” LEDs with their low power needs in combination with battery-powered products have really been a game changer. We were early in the game designing battery-powered lighting over two decades ago; so it’s not really new to us – actually, by now it’s pretty much commonplace and a huge overseas industry.
THANK YOU FOR THESE INSIGHTS, KIER!
If you want such a magical transformation for YOUR wedding – contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.
A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design
Never heard of it? You should! The Arlo is a brand-new, super-modern, hyper-chic wedding venue in the countryside just outside of Austin, TX, and living proof that YES, you can have urban elegance AND romantic rolling hills!
It’s all white with huge windows all around, and that way, bright daylight floods the expansive interior spaces.
There is a double-height Great Room for dinner and dancing, accommodating up to 300 (!) guests; there is even a stunning indoor ceremony space with massive ceiling beams – that are meant to be decorated with suspended greenery, florals or swags.
There is a white-on-white flight of stairs for unforgettable send-offs…
There is a bridal suite right out of “ELLE Decor” – so beautifully designed and decorated! – and a whole cottage for groom and groomsmen; there are covered, shaded patios for Cocktail Hour…
… and of course, a ceremony lawn, with the ceremony spot anchored on an outdoor fireplace.
Not to forget, there are endless views, and heavenly peace and quiet – less than an hour from the city, yet truly a world apart.
To me, the Arlo was a huge discovery, and I can’t wait to create “wedding magic” there!
Jira and I go back many years. I hardly know anyone as hardworking as her. We have collaborated on countless weddings… not only because she is extremely experienced, professional and so good at what she does – she can also bring a whole army of qualified assistants to any wedding, so styling a dozen bridesmaids in time is absolutely no problem for her.
“How long have you been in business, and what brought you to hair/makeup styling?“
My passion for beauty began in childhood, as I loved making my friends and family look beautiful. By now, with Jira Salon and Wowpretty Makeup and Hair Agency, I look back on over 25 years of experience and more than 5,000 successful clients.
What is your specific style – natural, elegant, glamorous…? What is your ideal bride/bridesmaid/mother?
My team and I specialize in various styles, including natural, elegant, and glamorous looks. We understand that everyone has unique facial features, personalities, and personal styles. As experts in beauty, we take the time to understand each client’s vision, ensuring they achieve the look they love the most.
Are you specializing in a particular technique? If so, why – what is unique about it?
Yes, I specialize in creating customized bridal looks that enhance each bride’s natural beauty while complementing their unique facial features, personality, and wedding style.
Jira at work at one of my brides
What is the difference between DIY hair/makeup and professional makeup?
Professional makeup artists and hairstylists have extensive training and experience in working with different skin types, facial features, and hair textures. They understand how to create looks that enhance natural beauty, complement individual styles, and last all day—especially crucial for weddings and special events.
Professionals use high-quality, long-wearing products and advanced techniques, such as airbrush makeup for a flawless, lightweight finish and precision hairstyling for lasting volume and elegance. They also know how to ensure that makeup looks stunning both in person and in high-definition photography, which is often a challenge with DIY applications.
While DIY makeup can be fun for everyday looks, professional artistry ensures a polished, camera-ready, and long-lasting result that brings out the best version of you on your special day.
What is the difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup?
“The difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup comes down to technique, product quality, and how well the look is tailored to the individual.
Great hair and makeup enhance natural beauty, complement facial features, and suit the occasion, personality, and style of the person wearing it. The application is seamless, blending effortlessly into the skin, with makeup that looks flawless both in person and in photos. High-quality products ensure long-lasting wear, and hairstyling maintains its shape and elegance throughout the event.
On the other hand, not-so-great hair and makeup can appear cakey, uneven, or unblended, failing to enhance the individual’s features. Poor-quality products may cause the makeup to fade, smudge, or oxidize, while improper hairstyling techniques can lead to flat or overly stiff hair that doesn’t hold up. Additionally, if the look doesn’t match the person’s style, skin tone, or event setting, it may feel unnatural or uncomfortable.
A skilled professional ensures that hair and makeup are expertly applied, flattering, and long-lasting, giving confidence and elegance to every client.
Again – Jira at work at one of my brides
When choosing a stylist, which questions should a bride ask? What are “red flags” to avoid?
Questions to ask:
What is your experience with bridal hair and makeup? – Ensures the stylist has expertise in wedding beauty.
Can I see your portfolio or client reviews? – Helps assess their style, quality of work, and consistency.
Do you offer a trial session? – A trial is crucial to test the look before the wedding day.
What products do you use? – High-quality, long-lasting products are essential for durability and a flawless finish.
Do you offer airbrush makeup? – Airbrush can provide a lightweight, long-lasting, and HD-ready look.
How do you customize the look for different skin tones, textures, and hair types? – Ensures the stylist can work with diverse features.
What is your pricing and what does it include? – Helps clarify costs, potential add-ons, and travel fees.
How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies? – Professional stylists should have a backup plan.
How long will the styling process take on the wedding day? – Timing is key to avoid delays.
Do you stay for touch-ups or offer additional services for the bridal party? – Some stylists provide extended services for a flawless look throughout the event.
2. Red Flags to Avoid:
Lack of a portfolio or inconsistent work – A professional should have clear examples of past bridal work. No trial session or refusal to do one – A trial is essential for ensuring satisfaction with the final look. Poor hygiene or expired products – Clean tools and fresh products are critical for skin and hair health. Limited knowledge of different skin tones and hair textures – A stylist should be experienced in working with diverse clients. Unclear pricing or hidden fees – A professional should provide a detailed breakdown of costs. Negative reviews or complaints about professionalism – Check for patterns in feedback regarding punctuality, communication, or reliability. Unwillingness to listen or customize the look – A great stylist should tailor the look to the bride’s preferences. Lack of a contract – A contract protects both parties and ensures clarity on services provided. Overbooking on the wedding day – If a stylist juggles too many clients, they may be rushed or unavailable for touch-ups. Unreliable communication – Slow responses or lack of professionalism in communication can be a red flag for potential issues.
Not on time, forgot equipment – Being late or forgetting equipment is not acceptable. It’s very important to make sure you bring everything on the day, even products and colors you may not use but know you might need. In 80% of the cases, the bride may change her mind at the last minute and want a different look, so as a good stylist, we need to be prepared for those changes – just in case.”
A professional stylist should be experienced, communicative, and committed to making the bride feel confident and beautiful on her big day.
How much time do you reserve for each service? And do you recommend touch-ups during the wedding day?
I typically reserve around 2 hours for the bride and 1 to 1.5 hours for each additional woman, for a comfortable experience and a flawless finish
Yes, we do recommend touch-ups during the wedding day, especially for the bride, as it ensures she looks fresh and flawless throughout the event. However, we understand that weddings can be costly, and touch-up services can add to the expense.
To help with this, we always suggest that brides consider doing their own touch-ups themselves if they prefer to keep costs down. During the trial or pre-wedding consultation, we take the time to show and teach each bride how to touch up their makeup and hair so they feel confident doing it themselves. This way, they can maintain their look without the added cost while still looking great throughout the day.”
Why is professional hair/makeup so expensive?
“Professional hair and makeup services may seem expensive, but there are several factors that contribute to the cost.
Experience and Expertise: Skilled professionals bring years of training, practice, and specialized knowledge to ensure that your hair and makeup not only look flawless but also last throughout the entire day. They know the best techniques, products, and tools to create a look that enhances your natural beauty and is suited to your unique features.
Quality Products and Tools: Professionals use high-quality, long-lasting products that are designed for special occasions, ensuring a flawless finish that stays in place through photos, emotions, and all-day wear. This also includes premium tools, such as brushes, tools for airbrushing, and high-end styling tools, which all come with additional costs.
Personalized Service: Each service is tailored specifically to the client, whether it’s creating a unique bridal look, understanding different skin tones, hair textures, or catering to specific requests. This level of customization requires additional time and expertise.
Time Commitment: On the wedding day, a stylist will spend several hours preparing the bride, bridal party, and others. Beyond the actual styling, there’s time for consultation, trial sessions, and any last-minute adjustments, as well as preparation time for the artist to ensure they’re equipped for the event.
Travel and On-Site Services: Many professionals offer on-site services, meaning they travel to your location on the wedding day, which adds travel time, transportation costs, and sometimes overnight accommodations for destination weddings.
Specialized Skillset: Bridal hair and makeup artists have expertise in creating looks that photograph beautifully, last all day, and stand up to the emotional rollercoaster of a wedding. They also have the ability to quickly adjust to changing conditions, whether it’s the weather or specific requests from the bride or bridal party.
Ultimately, the cost reflects the value of the professional’s time, skill, quality, and the overall experience they provide to make the bride feel confident and beautiful on her special day.”
Anything else you’d like to add
Yes! HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT!
Expertise and Experience: Our team of licensed cosmetologists boasts a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry, with unique talents and skills.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: Our makeup artists are at the forefront of the industry, utilizing the newest airbrushing techniques to achieve flawless, long-lasting results and any look desired.
Personalized Service: With our large staff, we offer tiered pricing for different levels of expertise, and we include airbrushing and lashes at no additional cost.
Convenience and Flexibility: Visit us at our salon in Burlingame, CA, or let us come to you, anywhere in the world. In the rare event of an emergency, rest assured that we always have additional stylists on call to save the day.
Trial Sessions and Guarantee: If for any reason you’re not satisfied with your trial, you can choose another stylist at no additional cost.
Attention to Detail: Our consultations include trial makeup and hair sessions, allowing for feedback and adjustments to ensure there are no surprises on your wedding day.
Professional Connections: With our extensive network of professional vendors in the Bay Area, we can coordinate with your wedding planner and other vendors to ensure that every aspect of your wedding is flawless and perfect.
At Wowpretty, we promise seamless coordination with you and your planner; we develop a well-planned timeline, and we have high attention to detail, a personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and new beginnings.
Let Wowpretty Team be a part of your special day, and together, we’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
All you need to know about great (wedding) hair and makeup!
Cherise and I go back to the first years we both had our businesses, and even back then it was obvious how talented and experienced Cherise is – and also, how much enthusiasm she brings to her craft. If anyone is knowledgeable about all things (wedding) hair and makeup, it’s someone like her!
“How long have you been in business, and what brought you to hair/makeup styling?“ I have been a hair and makeup artist for 20+ years. I am also a “behind-the-chair” hairstylist specializing in color, cuts and extensions. I was very young when I started doing hair and makeup on myself and my friends, and I was blessed to know that this was my calling at a young age. I was born with a disfiguring facial birth defect that was finally surgically corrected when I was 14 years old. The experience of being ridiculed for my appearance in school cemented my goal to make others look at feel beautiful from the inside out. I attended cosmetology school at age 17, received my license and started my business at 18 1/2 years old.
.
“What is your specific style – natural, elegant, glamorous…? What is your ideal bride/bridesmaid/mother?“ My most requested style is “natural glam.” I strongly believe in accentuating my clients’ natural beauty, all while making them look amazing for their photos. My ideal brides are the ones who are kind and who are excited to collaborate with me!
BRD
“Are you specializing in a particular technique? If so, why – what is unique about it?“ My specialty and what sets me apart from other artists is actually not a particular technique, but my hunger to learn and serve. After all these years I’m still constantly taking classes and learning!
“What is the difference between DIY hair/makeup and professional makeup?“
Professional hair and makeup will be the least expensive part of your wedding day. I believe that if you’re paying so much money for professional photography/videography, you want to look your best! Having done literally thousands of weddings as a longtime hair and makeup artist, I know exactly what to do to make your wedding photos those of your dreams, with the appropriate hair and makeup. I also invest a significant amount of time and money into the best products for my clients.
“What is the difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup?“ I believe there is an artist for everyone, and everyone has his/her own unique style.
“When choosing a stylist, which questions should a bride ask? What are “red flags” to avoid?“ I always suggest doing your research online; also, word of mouth is one of the best tools. Look to your friends’ or family members’ recommendations. Also be sure to ask how much experience the artist has in doing weddings. I always develop (AND strictly follow!) a day-of timeline, hire experienced assistants and, most of all, myself and my team NEVER run late! The last thing you want is to have a hair and makeup artist holding up the flow of the day.
Screenshot
“How much time do you reserve for each service? And do you recommend touch-ups during the wedding day?“ Every artist has his/her own timing. I am VERY experienced, and I use assistants who have been working with me for years, so I can say with confidence that we are like a well-oiled machine. Generally, for the bride I take an hour and a half total for hair and makeup. Bridesmaids take 30 minutes or so for hair and 25-30 minutes for makeup. I have in the past had brides/wedding coordinators really question my timing, but then they are always blown away on the day of the wedding when I finish on time, and usually early! I do offer touch-ups at an hourly rate. Of course, you hope they aren’t necessary, and that all you really need for touch-ups is some powder and (for sure) lipstick!
BRD
“Why is professional hair/makeup so expensive?“
As I mentioned before – hair and makeup will be the least expensive endeavor of your big day. On that note, I take extensive time beforehand to communicate with the bride; I spend time setting up a contract and formulating a timeline. I also have to coordinate my assistants for the wedding day. In addition to those details, I take much pride in my hair and makeup kits, which means a significant time investment for ordering, restocking and purchasing the best products I can get! But the most important factor of all is that you are paying for my expertise, experience AND my calm, friendly and understanding demeanor on a day that can be very stressful. I make sure to not be the cause of any sort of stress on your wedding day!
“Anything else you’d like to add?“ I am so happy to meet so many amazing people in my career. And I look forward to many more years!
A little extra about me. I have been married to Patrick for 12 years; I have two daughters – Ireland James (11) and Golden Summer (4). When I’m not at work or having fun with my girls, I am OBSESSED with working out; I have lost 50 pounds over the last four years. What else? Having worked at Starbucks during high school and cosmetology school, I am still a fan of their Iced Americanos, and my favorite food is taco salad. I love to travel; my most-visited travel spots are Newport Beach, San Diego and Ko’olina/Hawaii. I am also a Disney Lover and frequent Disneyland visitor. Country music is another love of mine! I am very passionate about my clients and my business. I have been doing hair and makeup more than half my life and I am so blessed to have a career where I get to make others feel good about themselves!
Are you envisioning a metropolitan hotel wedding with all the convenience available? No matter the size of your group or the time of the year? Then look no further than the Fairmont Austin. I toured it today, and I think that it offers a LOT of great options.
An impressive glass facade surrounds an expansive foyer…
… with an impressive ceiling decor, living trees…
… and an stunning near-lifesize bronze sculpture of three horses.
The foyer opens …
… to a restaurant court designed in the style of Sixth Street, the historic bar and nightlife center of Austin.
One of their restaurants, Garrison, is even Michelin recommended! (and the only thing standing in its way to a coveted Michelin star is a separate entrance, believe it or not…).
As you can see, plenty of options for Rehearsal Dinners and for Send-off Brunch!
On the third and fourth floors, there are several ballrooms with their own foyers and ancillary meeting rooms to choose from, each ballroom with its own foyer (for cocktails), one with a built-in stage, and another one accommodating up to 2,400 guests! It can be partitioned, of course, to suit any large gathering of maybe 400-500 guests. AND it is outfitted for ceiling installations which allows for huge swags and draping!
Further up is the rooftop pool…
… where you can enjoy a resort feeling under palm trees and with music in the center of downtown Austin! This is also the perfect place for outdoor wedding ceremonies – all planned out in detail and ready to go. Adjacent to the pool deck is a restaurant with tropical decor perfect for a casual get-together …
But still, that’s not all! Tucked away behind all that is a glamorous Speakeasy that would be perfect for a Welcome reception…
… with a built-in speaker system, banquettes and booths covered in silver-grey cut velvet.
And – did I forget? There is an incredible bar…. of course!
So, if you are considering your wedding at the Austin Fairmont, you can make it a whole weekend for yourselves and your guests – from a Welcome reception and a Rehearsal Dinner to a spa and pool day with casual dining; then celebrate your Big Day, stay right there in your suite, sleep in and have a relaxed Send-off Brunch the next morning. How does that sound?
Interested? Contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.
A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design
Who doesn’t know the “Kelly bag” by Hermes? Probably every elegant woman in the world wants one. The waitlist is years long. Resales boom.
Photo credit: Pinterest
But have you ever asked yourself for whom the bag was named?
The bag, named Petit Sac à Courroies, was first designed by Hermes in 1935 – and, believe it or not, it was not a success. But…. that changed dramatically when American actress Grace Kelly …
Photo credit: Pinterest
… had to carry one onscreen in one of her Hitchcock thrillers and came to love it so much that she kept carrying one privately. This was the public breakthrough…
Photo credit: Pinterest
Already a star, with an Academy Award and three Golden Globes to her credit, she was copied by a whole generation of fashionable women – and when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, “Princess Gracia Patricia” became a forever fashion icon.
Photo credit: Pinterest
No matter that she’d be nearly 100 years old by now – her effortless elegance is as stunning today and still serves as inspiration to designers and fashionistas alike (think: Red Carpet….)
Photo credit: Pinterest
Photo credit: Pinterest
Photo credit: Pinterest
And in terms of bridal couture: her dress was clearly an inspiration to Kate Middleton’s…
Marie and I have collaborated on numerous wedding projects for more than a decade, some modest in size, and some requiring a whole army of florists for installation. No matter the scope, Marie is always prepared, having everything planned out meticulously ahead of time. But aside from that, she is also flexible and able to change plans in the moment – a vital skill in the events business!
What is your specific strength as a florist?
I am good at thinking on my feet. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that come up on wedding days, and I have always been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick “flower thinking.”
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
– What is your style? Your approach to your work?
My signature style is “garden with a touch of wild whimsy.” My approach is to stay very organized on the back end. I plan exactly how many stems of each variety will be going into each design months before the wedding. This allows for efficient, elegant, and confident designing.
– What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?
Understanding each variety and its unique needs is key. Some roses need just one day outside of the cooler to open to perfection. Others need four. Some varieties shouldn’t be in the cooler at all. Knowing how to time the care and handling of each flower makes for stunning wedding flowers.
Photo credit: Kreate Photography
What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?
Low quality florals aren’t given “love.” They aren’t trimmed, misted with water, or kept at the correct temperature and therefore may not hold up on a wedding day. They’re also poorly designed by someone who was most likely rushing or simply didn’t have the knowledge of basic design principles that would enable them to impart the “wow factor.”
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Why are wedding flowers so expensive?
Flowers in general are considered a luxury. But most couples want more than just “everyday” flowers. They want special varieties such as garden roses, Icelandic poppies, and butterfly ranunculus. These more “special” varieties usually cost more than flowers you would find in a typical grocery store.
Most couples are also looking for well-designed flowers. This means that they’re hiring a florist for his/her time and expertise beyond just the physical blooms. And if the wedding day includes numerous large flower installations, the florist needs to bring a team to help him/her set it up. That labor gets expensive, especially if your florist (hopefully) is paying a fair wage to his/her employees.
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
What else would you like to add?
If couples are wanting to get the most “bang” for their buck, I recommend focusing on putting larger and more impressive floral designs where guests will be looking and spending time the most. Think: altar design, bar flowers, sweetheart table, etc. Put the bulk of your budget in these places, and then you can cut back in other areas if needed.
I have collaborated with Saida and Chantal, the charismatic owners of Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon, on many wedding projects and styled photoshoots. These two were the first ones to bring French/European bridal couture to the US two decades ago, and their style, taste and commitment to their brides is simply unmatched. Here are their expert insights in how to choose your wedding dress.
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Danny Dong – A Savin of London Dress
Another insight into the ground rules for wedding photography from acclaimed San Francisco photographer Kevin Chin with whom I have worked on many weddings – and his photos are always fantastic! Elegant, capturing the atmosphere and the moment AND all the pretty details – a balanced approach to capturing a wedding, and always stunning!
“How did you get into photography? And, in particular, into WEDDING photography? What is it that fascinates you about it?“
Like many people, photography started as a hobby for me. I was always the one taking photos on family vacations and gatherings. I started taking photos of my friends for fun. From there, people started to ask me to shoot their family portraits and weddings. The rest is history. Weddings are the most important day in a person’s life, and I feel privileged and honored to capture their special day. Experiencing the joy and emotions of a wedding day is something that I never get tired of.
“What is your specific style and why?”
I would say I incorporate a mixture of many different styles when shooting a wedding. You need to well-versed in many photography styles to capture all the different elements of a wedding. I am very good at posing my couples to flatter their body characteristics and their style to make them look their best. I’m also good at observing and capturing real candid moments throughout the day. And, of course, I use my creative eye to capture all the pretty details of the wedding day that the couple has chosen, which include the wedding dress, flowers, decor, venue, etc. I also take into account what style of photography my couple is looking for. Some prefer candids and don’t like posing for photos, while others want beautiful posed portraits and want to look like a model. I try to capture a good mixture of everything, but I’m happy to accommodate their preferences.
“How have you evolved as a photographer?”
I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years. I have gone from shooting film to digital. I have always strived to shoot in a classic style that will not look dated over time. During the film days when there weren’t any previews of the photos you were shooting, with practice and experience, I developed a repertoire of poses and key shots that I knew would always work and that every couple would like. These were the “safe shots” or “money shots” that I knew I had mastered and that I could rely on for every wedding. When digital came around, I was able to experiment more because I could see a preview of the images as I was shooting. This gave me the freedom to experiment more which, I feel, made me a more creative photographer. I feel I offer the best of both worlds because I learned the fundamentals of photography with film and became even more creative with digital technology.
“How do you connect with couples?”
My couples tell me that they appreciate my calm demeanor and easygoing personality. This is something that is appreciated on the wedding day because it helps the couple stay calm on their wedding day.
“What is the difference between an experienced professional photographer and laypeople shooting with their cellphone cameras?”
Wedding photography is the one category that couples should invest in wisely because when the wedding is over, all you have left are your wedding photos. You want to make sure you invest in an experienced professional photographer that can capture all the different events of a wedding day. As I mentioned before, a professional photographer should be experienced with capturing flattering portraits, candids that capture authentic moments, and beautiful detail and venue shots.
These different photography styles is what it takes to capture the true essence of the wedding day. You may love the style of your photographer that you are about to choose, but make sure they are experienced on how a wedding day flows. This is important because you want to make sure your photographer doesn’t miss any key moments such as the first kiss, the first dance, etc. Once the moment is over, it’s over. There are no second takes on a wedding day.
“Why is wedding photography expensive?”
You pay for what you get!
“Anything else you want to add?”
Whomever you pick as your photographer, you want to make sure you get along with that person because your photographer will be with starting with you putting on the dress until the last dance. You want to make sure that you like this person and that you vibe with their personality.
