Susan, owner and CEO of Jireh Artistry offers the Bay Area, Hawaii, Las Vegas and global hair and make up styling. Susan and her team specialize in large wedding parties, destination weddings and also educates other stylists to turn their styling passion into their profession.

Q: How soon should brides book wedding hair and make up?

ASAP! Especially if they plan on traveling with their dream styling team. Makeup and hair stylist book up quickly with a wide range of requests from 3 months to 2 years out. Once you book your venue and confirm your wedding date it’s important to start locking down your favorite vendors right away!

Q: What are common mistakes brides make while planning their destination wedding?

Before traveling for your destination wedding, it’s important to ensure all of the logistics are covered legally based on your destination location. Some countries have specific laws and restrictions for marriage licenses. If you’re unsure about these legal terms, Susan encourages you to plan a local court house nuptial and plan a symbolic ceremony at your desired location. So basically, you would already be legally married before your destination celebration!

If you’re planning to fly in your favorite vendors, ensure they are prepared to safely travel abroad with their equipment. Passports and traveling precautions to ensure they’re prepared for your wedding weekend! All vendors should be packing their equipment, gear and kits as carry on bags and NEVER check important items.

Q: What tips do you have for booking a hair and makeup team from the resorts vendor list or another stylist from another country?

It’s important to do your homework and research referrals. Even if the resort or hotel has a preferred vendor list or in house salon, it’s always a good idea to look up reviews.

If it’s an option, request a facetime or video chat with the requested stylist. Often times destination brides only make one trip to secure their date and venue, not having enough time for a hair or makeup trial. Chatting on the phone or via video chat will help both of you ensure you’re on the same page and break any language barriers. If there is a language barrier and it’s hard to communicate, Susan suggests bringing photos to share your vision. It would be helpful to have ONE image that includes the full look that you love. Hair, eye shadow and lips – all in one image. With a language barrier it would be hard to share a bundle of images, pulling a look together from different images will be tough!

Q: What looks do you feel are classic for hair and makeup?

Susan is loving the “no eyeliner” soft smudgy and natural look. Soft, flawless glam is trending right now, but Susan believes that look can stand the test of time simply because it’s natural. Updos, all down and half up/half down will forever be classics. She loves large cascading braids with the Greek Goddess look, which is beautiful but may be trendy. It’s important to feel true to you, simply being yourself will stand the test of time.

Q: What advice can you share about good vibes in the room while you’re getting ready?

Susan encourages her brides to find a location that best fits their needs with plenty of space and good light! If you anticipate getting overwhelmed easily with commotion and loud noises it might be a good idea to to book a hotel with conjoining rooms or a large suite so you can tuck away into your own corner and quiet space.

Hair and makeup should just be wrapping up as the photographer arrives. Susan confirms the time that hair and makeup should be completed to help brides feel their best while photos are taken. Nobody wants contouring pictures or crazy hair and makeup in the works, none of those photos will be printed or in the album! Once photography and videography begins, Susan encourages brides to simply pose with lip application and blush touch ups.

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Tips and Tricks | Jireh Artistry

DO NOT CHANGE GETTING READY LOCATIONS – Once you begin getting ready, complete all the glam in one location. Even if the locations are close, just 10 minutes away, it could take over an hour for that getting ready location change! It takes time to pack up everything and move!

HAVE CHILDREN ARRIVE LATER – If you are including children, flower girls and ring bearers, Susan suggests having them arrive towards the end of your getting ready time. Have them join for lunch and touch ups if any styling needs to be done. Having them there early and all day will be boring for them and may create extra aggravation.

BRIDES MAKE YOUR DEMANDS – Don’t be afraid to create a morning vibe that reduces as much stress as possible. Does your mother drive you crazy? Ask her to arrive to the getting ready location later in the day. Do you prefer loud music, lots of commotion and excitement? Make your requests for fun playlists and plan a space for everyone to get ready together! Remember, this is your day and even the getting ready portion should FEEL good, too!

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Q: What is your favorite moment of the day?

Susan melts for parent moments in the getting ready room. Noticing the mother of the bride feeling fidgety and moving things around the room makes her realize just how nervous they are and how much they care! Also, first looks with dad are so sweet and a total tear jerker! Good thing Susan and her team are there for touch ups!

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Thank you Susan for taking the time to chat about destination weddings and large wedding parties! I love all the extra insight you provided and I know you’re helping so many brides to be plan their perfect day!

LIVE INTERVIEW REPLAY

Jireh Artistry

Website: www.jirehartistry.com

Instagram: @jirehartistry

Facebook: Jireh Artistry

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