I hope you all watched tonight’s "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." I was fortunate enough to do hair for the bride for the wedding and hair & makeup for the bride’s interviews.
Now that the episode has aired I can FINALLY share a little about what an amazing day this truly was.
Mariana Meredith, Lisa Jauregui and I arrived on base at Patrick’s home around 8am to start hair and makeup on Jessica and her three bridesmaids. I was definitely nervous because normally a bride chooses you and you do test runs and bridal portraits and can really get know each others style for months before the big day. Not on this freezing cold day…we had to jump right in. As we walked in the house I could sense Jessica’s understandable nerves and assured her that I would not stop until she loved it. We tried a couple of ideas before deciding on her final look. We wanted it to be soft and romantic but secure enough to withstand brutal winds and a long production day. Mariana and Lisa amazed me with their speed and skill. We had about 2 hours get the bride and three bridesmaids in hair and makeup, dressed and out the door to the church! Our beauty team and the four girls had a great time laughing and talking and it felt like any other wedding. I was amazed as Jessica began to tell me about Patrick, how they met, and the journey that brought them to that day. My heart went out to her and the devotion she has for her future husband. As a bride to be I couldn’t help but think about what it must be like to be told you are having a wedding in a week and not get a say in how things went AND to have cameras documenting the entire thing! Wow!
We were on time and made it to the church where I finally saw Ty and crew buzzing around just like you see on the show. They were so kind and involved and gracious to every volunteer. We were in a tiny room at the church with the bride and bridesmaids until the moment she walked down this aisle. This is such a private time for any bride and there is such a feeling of anticipation in the air. It was truly an honor to be in the room.
After the wedding we all headed to the new home and I was separated from them until after the reveal hours later! This is a nightmare for hair and makeup because you want to make sure every curl stays in it’s perfect place. As I arrived at the home it was truly breathtaking to see the volunteers that had worked 24 hours a day to make this possible for such a deserving couple. Lots of smiles and false “Move That Bus” chants until the time finally came. The couple arrived and then they finally did move that bus and they were headed inside. I stayed with the crew and volunteers until after they went through the house room by room and then did a final touch up before they went outside for the surprise reception!
I have always loved Extreme Makeover Home Edition and what they do for the families. I will NEVER forget this couple and my experience on this project.
DETAILS:
Caplan Miller's blog and list of all of the amazing vendors:
http://www.caplanmiller.com/blog/
Photographer Ben Sassimi’s blog and photos from the day:
http://www.sassaniphotographyblog.com/
To watch the full episode:
http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition
Special thanks to Marques Harper for the mention in his blog post about the episode
http://networkedblogs.com/etrix
Is your New Years Resolution to be “more bold?” Or “try something new” Or maybe its just to reach your “full potential?” Well if it is, or if it isn’t, maybe it should be for your hair. And whether you want to go “long and luxurious” or “short and sassy” there is always New Years Eve to give ANY of the above a test run before you have to fully commit for an entire year. Here are a couple ways to dip your toe in the water and have a sassy faux look for what I am calling a New Year Fake Out. You can also see my segment on KEYE about each of these fabulous looks here!
LONG AND LUXURIOUS
AKA Clip-On Extensions
Adding length and volume to your hair is sort of like trying to lose weight. There is really only one right way to make the change but (as we all know) there are lots of ways to “fake it.” The “right” way is you have to grow more hair. The way to “fake it,” add more hair. So if length or volume is your ultimate goal you cannot beat clip-in extensions. Clip-in extensions are not as damaging as some permanent options and are a fun, easy, switch up for a night out. They come in all different colors and your stylist will be able to adjust the color, if necessary, to make sure they match perfectly.
Here are a few tips for clip in extensions…
1) Get them from a professional – Even though the brands on the market now come in many colors and lengths you absolutely can’t beat having a professional match your color and then cut them to blend with your current haircut.
2) Don’t push it with the length – For length AND volume I think you can easily add between 4 and 6 inches before it starts to look obvious. If you are just looking to add a little volume I would keep it to 2-3 inches longer than your natural hair.
3) Spray and tease then spray again! – When applying the extensions the closer you can get to your part the better and more natural they will look. Also if you spray the hair before AND after you tease it will give the clip-in’s something to grab onto.
4) Texture is your friend – When you are trying to blend your hair to match the extensions the more texture you create the better because you wont see lines from one to the other. For example, it’s best to apply the extensions and then curl both your hair and extensions together so they blend.
When it comes to clip-in extensions I offer a package that includes the purchase of the extensions as well as an appointment to cut and blend them. While you are there I will also teach you how to put them in yourself! The goal is that you have a look you love and can change out when you feel like it. Don’t worry, if you love the look but find you hate doing it yourself, once we have matched them, it’s just a small fee to come have them reapplied for any occasion.
SHORT AND SASSY
AKA Faux Bob
Are volume and length not your desire? Perhaps you are sick of your long locks and are entertaining the idea of something short and sassy? Well, a faux bob can be super fun for any occasion and can be a great way to test the waters of going shorter with out having to snip a single hair on your head.
Here are the how to’s for the faux bob…
1) Curls! Curls! Curls! - Start by curling your hair all over. It doesn’t have to be too perfect you are just working to put some extra texture in the hair.
2) The IMperfect pony tail – Pull the, now curled, hair, into a loose low pony tail allowing the shorter layers to fall out. (You can either do one main ponytail or two depending on how much hair you have)
3) Fold it Under - Fold the ponytail under itself and pin loosely so the hair begins to take the shape of a bob.
4.) Clean Up – Finally, finish by touching up all of the loose hairs (that fell out of the pony tail) by wrapping them around a curling iron. Then you can either pin them in to your new “faux bob” for a polished look or let them fall for a little messier finish.
Hopefully, you have some amazing plans for New Years Eve and some ambitious goals for you and your hair in 2011. Whether you are thinking shorter or thinking longer hopefully the above tips have given you some options you will love for experimenting.
It’s official…I have the holiday bug! BIG TIME! Between spending time shopping at “A Christmas Affair” last week, the lighting of the tree at the Domain and of course Oprah’s final “Favorite Things” episode it's safe to say the shopping season is officially here. With Thanksgiving just days away, this has ME giving thanks for one of my new favorite obsessions in the product department!
If you have been in my chair in the last few weeks you know one of my new favorite things is Kerastase latest and greatest product called Elixir Ultime! I am beyond in love with this product and have had to share one bottle with all of the other stylist until it officially arrived on the shelves today!! This little golden bottle of magic is complete with everything a girl could ask for...weightless shine that will improve the condition of your hair! Yep! Elixir Ultime is not just any old serum that sits on top of the hair…you can use it on damp hair for deep conditioning. While blow-drying for unbeatable shine. Or as a finishing touch to smooth ends. It will not weigh your hair down and the fragrance is phenomenal!
I have a feeling these are going to FLY off the shelves and, possibly, even sell. I would would love to demonstrate its fabulous-ness at your next appointment!
To book an appointment call 512.586.9331
I love doing hair and makeup at weddings! It is my grown up version of getting to play dress up. The energy is amazing and it is always flattering to be a part of such a special day. Lately, I have been swamped with weddings and am booking them nearly a year in advance. Over the years I have learned some tips so I decided to compile some words of advice to brides on their beauty plan for their big day! Please share with all of the brides in your life…
Book Early!
First things first, start getting referrals and looking at portfolios. Keep in mind that many hair stylist don’t do weddings so you may not be able to use your regular stylist on your big day. If a stylist has a portfolio full of work that isn’t what you are looking for keep on looking! The most popular stylist will book months even a year in advance so at least get on their radar and see if your date is available.
Get to Know Your Stylist!
A test run is the minimum time prior to your wedding that you should spend together. In a perfect world you would go visit them even just for a blowout early on so you can get to know each other’s styles. This is a collaboration between you and your stylist so the more time you spend together the better chances of feeling fabulous on your big day!
The Test Run is Crucial!
This is the most important step in the process and it can be the most fun if you plan for it. This is where you and your stylist will most likely play with your hair and try out some concepts. Don’t schedule the test run on the day of the portrait. The idea is to get some ideas and then leave and think about it. If you have never met your stylist come to your test run with your hair and makeup the way you normally wear it. This way your stylist/makeup artist can see what your everyday look is and can help you figure out how to best enhance it on your wedding day.
Be Honest!
I highly recommend going to the test run alone. Many times brides bring an entourage with them and it makes it hard to figure out what THEY want…not what the bridesmaid or mom thinks they want. Speak up and bring pictures of what you like and don’t like. You and your stylist will have to figure out what you mean by “romantic” or “glamorous” or “volume” and pictures help tremendously! This is the time to speak up…I try to ask a lot of questions but if your stylist isn’t and they are headed in a direction that you aren’t loving, just tell them. You are paying them and this is YOUR wedding day. If they don’t listen find someone else.
Be Realistic!
If you have 4 hairs on your head and it’s shoulder length and brown don’t plan for it to look like Carrie Underwood without a little work. Hairpieces are fabulous for creating volume, length and the perfect updo that looks super natural! Make sure you have made a color plan with your stylist and keep it trimmed on a regular basis leading up to the wedding. Healthy hair styles much better and you wont miss the quarter of an inch they cut off just to make the ends healthy.
Have them come to you!
It will cost you more to have a stylist or makeup artist come to you on your wedding day but it is worth it. You want to relax and spend time with those most important to you, not be in a busy salon. Next time you are in a salon look around an ask yourself “Is this the atmosphere I want on my wedding day?”….doubt it!
Remember this is your big moment to shine and your hair and makeup should enhance you not over power you. Do your homework and plan ahead and then most importantly relax...you will be fabulous!
For more information on booking your wedding with me or to see more pictures visit my website at www.MarthaLynnBarnes.com
Photography from top to bottom by Stacy Sodolak, Cory Ryan Photography, Impressions Photography, and Nessa K Photography
