Make-up artist/hairstylist recommendations in the DC area?

[SuLi]

Hi everyone!

I''m afraid that my request might be too specific.

I''m basically looking for any hairstylist/make-up artist recommendations in the DC area. I don''t wear make-up normally, so I don''t even know where to begin. We''re eloping, but taking pictures around DC and I would like someone to "make me up" (sounds really weird). I''ve thought about going to one of the make-up counters in a department store, but I''m not too sure how that would work out.

And, as far as the hair goes, I get my haircut infrequently (and more so now since I''m trying to grow it out after chopping it off last summer to donate to Locks of Love). My mom''s friend back in NJ cuts my hair, so I don''t have anyone here that I can rely on. I would like to go for a trial and see how it goes. Should I just call around randomly, or has anyone here had a positive experience?

Thanks so much!

 

[aprilcait]

Are you looking for something on the Maryland side, the Northern Virginia side, or in DC?

 

[SuLi]

^ I live in Arlington, but work in DC. I open to any suggestions in the whole metro area.

Thanks!

 

[aprilcait]

I don't have any specific ideas but I would suggest a salon that offers both make-up and hairstyling services. That way you get it all done at one place... and there's no messing with traffic when you don't need to, which is always a plus in the DC area.

 

[Krissie]

SuLi, I know that the Elizabeth Arden Red Door at Pentagon Row does bridal hair and makeup trials, and you can book appointments online. I am not sure whether the salon in Chevy Chase does as well, but the Pentagon Row one would probably be more convenient for you anyhow.

Can I ask who you''re having to do photos around DC? Our wedding is outside of DC, but we want to have engagement photos done here and have no idea who to contact!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

My friend in DC used Andre Chreky on K Street for her wedding and she looked UNBELIEVABLE. She said that they shut the salon down on Sat. mornings for brides only. They actually airbrushed her makeup, it looked flawless the next morning, haha! I used to go there when I lived in DC and loved it.

 

[SuLi]

Date: 2/27/2008 3:27:20 PM
Author: Krissie
SuLi, I know that the Elizabeth Arden Red Door at Pentagon Row does bridal hair and makeup trials, and you can book appointments online. I am not sure whether the salon in Chevy Chase does as well, but the Pentagon Row one would probably be more convenient for you anyhow.

Can I ask who you''re having to do photos around DC? Our wedding is outside of DC, but we want to have engagement photos done here and have no idea who to contact!

Thanks for all the responses everyone!

I''ve actually been to the Red Door salon at Pentagon Row a few times, so I will start my inquiry there.

My FI and I are at the end stages of deciding on our photographer. I think it will end up being Matt Mendelsohn (www.mattmendelsohn), but not entirely sure yet. He''s really great...I really love his work. He was a photojournalist first and I just love looking through his non-wedding portfolio as well. We went to his studio two weeks ago, and I almost got teary-eyed when he showed us his wedding photos in a slideshow format. Downside -- he is pretty expensive.

The other contender is Sarah from Blinkdc (www.blinkdc.com). I really clicked with her personality-wise, so we are having a really hard time deciding. Her work is also pretty great and a little off-beat too.

The most important thing for us i that the photographer isn''t too "posey"...that they take more natural or "organic" pictures. We are intensely camera-shy and I can''t imagine having to stand and set up for every shot.

Good luck with your search!

 

[NovemberBride]

Hi SuLi,

I used Erwin Gomez from the Erwin Gomez Salon in Georgetown for my make-up and Peggy for my hair. I can''t say enough good things about them, they were both just incredible. I have never felt so beautiful in my life. I also had a trial at Andre Chreky, and while it was also good and they come highly recommended, to me there was no comparison. You can see my pics in my thread entitled non-pro wedding pics. The pics in that thread were all taken late in the evening and I got my hair and make-up done at 10 a.m.

 

[SuLi]

Date: 2/27/2008 11:21:27 PM
Author: NovemberBride
Hi SuLi,

I used Erwin Gomez from the Erwin Gomez Salon in Georgetown for my make-up and Peggy for my hair. I can''t say enough good things about them, they were both just incredible. I have never felt so beautiful in my life. I also had a trial at Andre Chreky, and while it was also good and they come highly recommended, to me there was no comparison. You can see my pics in my thread entitled non-pro wedding pics. The pics in that thread were all taken late in the evening and I got my hair and make-up done at 10 a.m.

Wow! You looked amazing! Thanks for the tip. I might have to try a few places and see. I''m more worried about the make-up since I don''t wearing any IRL. Thanks again!