Wedding Wednesday | Recommended Vendors | Kristen C. Artistry
You've been imagining it for a long time: dressed in white, veil cascading over your shoulders, as you walk down the aisle to greet your fiancé. One thing is for sure - on your wedding day, you deserve to look simply flawless. Enter Kristen Stewart of Kristen C. Artistry. Whether it's an elegant updo, classic curls, airbrushing, or full lashes, Kristen's got you covered with her amazing hair & make-up services! I've been fortunate enough to witness her designs first-hand and am so delighted to share her with you.
Photo by Julie Socher
How / When did you become interested in hair & make-up?
As a child I knew that I wanted to do hair. I asked my mom for Christmas to get me a mannequin head. I would cut the mannequin hair and style it until it had no hair left. While in high school I got a job as a receptionist at a local salon. I sat at the desk and watched the stylist at the station in front of me. She focused on bridal styles and makeup, and I watched in awe as she created these masterpieces. After hours I would ask her to show me her techniques to creating a beautiful bridal look. I decided to attend college as I still wasn’t 100% sure that I wanted to be a stylist. After graduation I attended hair school and became a licensed cosmetologist. While in hair school I worked for a traveling hair and makeup company. I knew then that specializing in hair and makeup for events was my calling. Two years later I opened my own business in Southern Maryland. To this day I pinch myself that I get to do what I love everyday and meet so many amazing people in the process.
What's your favorite part of the process?
My favorite part of the process is the reveal after finishing hair and makeup. The reaction as the client sees herself transformed is so rewarding. I am so touched from the joy on the client’s face. I know that I have made her feel beautiful, and she will remember this moment for the rest of her life.
What can people expect when they book with you, and on their wedding day?
When a bride reserves her wedding date and becomes a Kristen C. Artistry bride, she can expect email and phone communication throughout the whole process. I send a questionnaire, talk with them about important day of details, and create a hair and/or makeup schedule for them. If they have a large wedding party they can choose for me to bring additional artists to accommodate everyone in their desired timeframe. I am also happy to connect with the wedding planner to make sure that I am meeting their expectations as well. All my brides receive a touch up bag after I have completed their hair and/or makeup. This will ensure that their desired look will last all evening.
Photos by Molly Lichten
What do you wish people knew about hair & makeup services?
What should they keep in mind as they decide their wedding look? What I wish people knew when booking hair and makeup services is to not only look at the stylist’s work to see if its good, but to really look for their hair and makeup style. What styles is the stylist highlighting more? Are they creating a lot of texture in their hairstyles, or do they create more sleek looks? Is their makeup more dramatic, or do they create more natural looks? Most stylists can create a range of looks. However, based on what images are displayed, you will be able to see what styles the stylist is passionate about. This will determine if the stylist is the best fit for you. Another important factor when choosing your stylist and style is to make sure the style you choose works best for your hair and face type. I always tell my clients to find pictures of a person that has similar hair and eye shape as them when looking up hair and makeup ideas. This way the client can get a better idea of what look will look best on them.
What sets you apart from other stylists?
As there are many talented stylists out there, I feel that what sets me apart from others is the relationships I create with my clients. I want my clients to feel comfortable with me as a friend and not just another vendor they have hired. I find creating a relationship is important because it is important to be surrounded with people that you are most comfortable with on the most special day of your life.
Do you have a favorite hair or makeup style when it comes to weddings?
My personal favorite bridal style is textured hair and glowing skin. I love creating loose romantic hair styles where you can see all the textured curls in the hair. Glowing skin is my absolute favorite bridal makeup look. Nothing can make a bride feel more beautiful than the glow on her wedding day.
What's the best way for clients to reach you?
I love hearing from my clients! The best way for clients to reach me is through email or my website. I make sure to respond within 24 hours. My website is KristenCArtistry.com and my email is KristenCArtistry@gmail.com.
