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.

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“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!

“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.

“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!

“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!