I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist since 2005, and I’ve worked in local Rhode Island salons, where I was able to gain experience working with any and all types of hair that you can imagine. In 2007, I moved to New Jersey, and began working as a makeup artist for Clinique at Macy’s Herald Square, Manhattan. That’s when I realized my passion for makeup artistry. I opened M.A.W.Beauty Hair & Makeup Studio in November, 2011 so that I can bring both of my passions for hair and makeup artistry together. Myself and my team of licensed professional stylists specialize in bridal hair and makeup services, as well as hair and makeup for photography and fashion. We also do blowouts, cuts, limited color services, and facial waxing, and we service people on-location, as well as in our Pawtucket, RI studio location. During my first year of business, my team and I serviced 29 weddings, and to date, we currently have 46 weddings for 2013. We are also the winners of the “Best of Weddings 2013” award from TheKnot.com, as well as “Bride’s Choice Award 2013” from Wedding Wire.

When choosing a hairstyle for your wedding day, there are a few factors that should be considered. Your gown is definitely one of them. Depending on the style and neckline of your dress, your hair may look best worn in a certain style. You should also consider your face shape and features because certain styles look best on certain face shapes. Another factor to consider is the weather. Don’t sabotage your hair! If the weather is super hot and humid, and updo may be best. Same goes for rainy weather. Lastly, and what I think should be most important above all, would be to consider your own personal style and what makes you feel comfortable. Don’t be someone you’re not on your wedding day. Choose a style that makes you feel like yourself on your best day times ten!

High Definition Makeup is definitely the best option on your wedding day. There are a few different types of HD Makeup. One of the most popular is Airbrush Makeup because it is so lightweight on the skin, water/sweat resistant, and looks flawless in photos.Only one of my brides this year has chosen not to use Airbrush Makeup. Other options for foundation include liquid or cream foundation, but they should also be High Definition because your photographer and videographer will most certainly be shooting you in High Definition on your wedding day. Your makeup artist should be able to tell you which type of makeup would be best for you to wear. Also, be sure that whatever liners and mascara that are used on the eyes are a waterproof formula, because there just may be a few tears shed on your big day!

Generally, for members of the bridal party, I like to schedule 45 minutes per service. At M.A.W.Beauty, we really like to pamper our clients, and find that 45 minutes is the perfect amount of time to give our bridesmaids, mothers, and grandmothers the best service we can, and have them leave our chair looking and feeling fabulous. For my brides, I like to schedule about an hour per service. By giving my brides an hour per service, this really allows them time to relax on such a chaotic day, and also allows time to make sure that they look picture perfect. Additionally, since a lot of brides like to have their photographer take “getting ready” photos, this gives them a chance to get some great photos of their wedding day beauty transformation.

Sadly, a lot of brides will book their “major” vendors, such as venue, DJ, photographer, etc. early on in the planning process, however they forget about hair and makeup until the last minute, risking that the hair and makeup artist of their choice may be booked on another event for their special day. To avoid this, I say that securing your date anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, prior to the wedding is best. By booking hair and makeup early on, this will give you time to really get comfortable with your artist, since hair and makeup is such a personal thing, and your hair and makeup will be heavily photographed on your wedding day. Also, this gives your plenty of time to work out any details of your wedding day look, and make any changes necessary.

You can find out more about Melissa here:

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