Rebecca Young
September 14, 2019
Le Chateau, South Salem, NY
Hairstyling by Jamie
Make up by Gaby
A romantic, stately and serene wedding at Le Chateau
Elegant bridal hair for a chateau estate wedding
We had the pleasure of styling Kimberly’s hair for her marriage to Stephen at the stately Park Chateau Estate. The black-tie affair is featured on Style Me Pretty!
Summer Wedding Romance at Park Chateau Estate Brimming With Blooms
From the couple… Our wedding at Park Chateau Estate was an elegant garden, black-tie affair, that took place on a perfect sunny summer day. The spectacular chateau-style venue inspired many of our decor decisions. We had our sweetheart table place directly in front of the fireplace. Every inch of both were covered in flowers.
A Hamptons Wedding
Stacey created an elegant yet relaxed down style with loose curls for Neda’s marriage in Bridgehampton. The fabulous Christian Oth was behind the camera for the wedding, which had the charming backdrop of the Campbell Stables.
To see more inspiration pics from Neda and Taylor’s wedding, check out the feature in Carats & Cake.
Rebecca and Thibault’s Classic Park Hyatt Wedding
Rebecca is a former dancer, so not only is she absolutely gorgeous, she’s extremely stylish too! Everything about her and Thibault’s day was beautiful, from Rebecca’s dress to Thibault’s suit to the florals.
Stacey set Rebecca’s hair in hot rollers to achieve a silky smooth style with body & curls.
Once the hair was set, Rebecca went to work with Stacey’s friend Katie Nova (who glams the Ladies on BRAVO TV). After make up Stacey took her set down and added a full set of blond extensions that were pre prepped for long lasting wear.This style was glamourous and lasted all night on Rebecca.
Photos expertly captured by Brian Hatton Photography.
Adrienne & Florian’s Perfect NYC Destination Wedding
We love our Destination Brides!
Adrienne & Florian, who currently live in Austin TX, met at work and during a company Christmas party, sparks flew over one too many margaritas. Adrienne is from Iowa and Florian from Germany. Florian always dreamed of going to NYC. He had visted when he moved to the states and loved it. He knew then it was the perfect place for a wedding.
Adrienne chose a perfect dress designed by Sarah Seven.
The bride and groom chose the amazing photographer Steve Moakley, who does the photography for the Texas state capital, to come to town and shoot the big day.
Hair and Make Up is by our master team Deanna and Nicole.
Maria and Peter’s Brooklyn Destination Wedding
Maria & Peter live in England, where they have been dating for 13 years. After baby Flynn arrived they decided it would be lovely to get married in New York. Baby Flynn was one of the most adorable highlights, but another was Maria’s gown, which was custom-made by her brother, a costume designer in London!
This beautiful and fun couple chose The Diety in Brooklyn, which is a very romantic and special place. This unique venue has 5,000 square feet of exposed brick, and its industrial luxury was perfect for Maria and Peter.
Stacey was the perfect hairstylist for Maria, since Maria has curly hair and that is Stacey’s specialty! Using her favorite products- Hairstory & Phyto -Stacey created a more polished curl to glam her up. Daniella gave Maria a soft and natural make up look using her new favorite products by Tom Ford & Beauty Counter.
Romy and Niels’s Beautiful NYC Elopement
Romy and Niels live in Hamburg, Germany and decided NYC would be a wonderful place to elope… & it was!
Stacey worked Romy’s hair into a beautiful bohemian braided updo, using her favorite products from The OUAI & Hairstory.
Daniella created a pretty and natural look for Romy’s make up with a light eye application and a soft set of lashes. She used Temptu Airbrush make up so Romy was able to go the whole day without a touch up!
Romy spent the day taking photos all over NYC & Brooklyn with the wonderful photographer Frerk Hopf, who specializes in capturing the extra special moments of NYC elopements and City Hall weddings.
We’ve been featured on Carats & Cake… again!
We have been featured on Carats & Cake again!
How to find your unique bridal style
Working on weddings is magical because the day always tells the bride’s unique story.
Every year I like to do a small photo shoot in my salon that tells my story of the bridal season to come. I do it because I love to show my own personal style, which you might not get a chance to see otherwise.
A photo shoot of your own can be a great chance to experiment with styles as you narrow down options for your wedding day. I suggest hiring a photographer and getting together with a friend to have a day at play, with the freedom of trying all the styles you love.
For my shoot this year, I had photographer Joshua Zuckerman come in. I used hair accessories from Hair Comes the Bride, and just styled the day away. Hope you enjoy these shots of the looks I created for my model.
Glam Hair and Makeup for a Glitzy New Years Eve Wedding
It doesn’t get better than a New Year’s Eve wedding at GATO NYC, and Janna hired only the best hairstylist for her big night!
Janna desired a really sexy hairstyle to go with her gorgeous short wedding dress, so Stacey designed long flowing waves that enhanced her whole look. She first set Janna’s hair with electric rollers to make sure the waves lasted the whole exciting evening. Once the hair was set for 45 minutes, Stacey then added clip-in extensions and re-worked the waves with a curling wand to add texture. Extensions add volume and length and are a simple and effective way to get the perfect, sexy wedding day hair style.
Janna’s wedding was captured by iNsYnc and these photos are spectacular.
A special treat was Chef Bobby Flay helped plan the food options a for the first wedding at his Noho Restaurant!
Elegant Curls for an Essex House Wedding
Tasteful and timeless. That’s the look Melissa wanted for her ceremony and reception at Essex House. So we created loose curls and pulled back one side to frame her face, and used a natural makeup palette. She looked as fresh and lovely as those delicate flowers embroidered on her gown, don’t you think?
Thank you, Carats and Cake for featuring this classical wedding — and congratulations to Melissa and her husband, Heath!
Photos by Ira Lippke Studios.
A chic bridal look for a classic Plaza wedding
Creating Lizzie’s look for her wedding to Jon at the Plaza Hotel was extra special for me because I’ve been styling her hair for years. After applying Halo Couture Extensions to boost her hair’s length and fullness, I gave Lizzie a chic, simple all-down style. Sofia kept Lizzie’s makeup simple and clean, too, with a soft pink lip that made her look radiant. Our team had a lot of fun styling Lizzie’s big bridal party, because they each chose a different hairstyle, ranging from Dutch-braided updos to flat-ironed all-down styles.
Thanks to Ira Lippke Studios for these shots, which capture the day perfectly.
“I could not have felt any better about how I looked on my most special day!” — Lizzie
This was truly a classic New York wedding: We helped Lizzie and her bridal party get ready at a suite at the Pierre. Then they headed to the Plaza for the ceremony and reception, and had photos taken on the city streets. Lizzie and Jon first met in 2009 but fought their feelings for 5 years as they were living in different cities. They finally started dating in 2014 – and I was delighted when they got engaged just one year later.
Glamorous hair and makeup for a Cipriani wedding
A wedding followed by a Saturday evening reception at Cipriani calls for a truly gorgeous look. So the Once Upon a Bride team used Halo hair extensions to create a stunning half-updo for Nicole. For her bridesmaids, we did glam braided updos that complemented their shimmering dresses. The laughs were flowing just as much as the celebratory champagne as we got all the girls ready — Nicole, we loved being a part of your special day!
Nathan at Ira Lippke Studios captured the day perfectly in these pics.
A bohemian look for a Brooklyn bride
For Agustina’s wedding to Dennis at Liberty Warehouse in Brooklyn, we gave her a pretty half-updo. First, we gave her hair beachy waves then loosely tied them back with twists. A vintage gold-leaf headband added just the right boho vibe. We created a range of chic looks for her bridesmaids. And everyone’s hair and makeup lasted perfectly through the night as they partied, danced, and enjoyed late-night treats from Gorilla Cheese and Wafels & Dinges . . . mmm!
These photos by Craig Paulson capture all the joy of the occasion.
Stacey featured in Beauty Tribe
Beauty Tribe, the creators of Oishi Sisters beauty tools and products, wrote a fabulous blog post about Stacey and Once Upon A Bride! We love using their tools, especially the Jetset Hot Roller, on our brides’ hair. Check out their favorite styles:
Donna Morgan’s Fall/Holiday Photoshoot – Hairstyling by Stacey
For Fall/Holiday 2016, Donna Morgan is going totally retro. Their dresses are reminiscent of the 60s/70s, either long and billowy or structured and short. Stacey created looks that matched perfectly, with tousled, soft, wavy tresses.
OUR BRIDE FEATURED ON THE BLACK TIE BRIDE
Kristen and John had the most elegant New York City wedding at Loeb Boathouse! Photographed by Eileen Meny Photography, it’s full of classic romance and gorgeous details. We love Kristen’s sophisticated Jenny Yoo bridal gown and neutral Jimmy Choos, all that go perfectly with her gorgeous updo . Kristen’s bridal party also looked fabulous, with hair and make up by Once Upon A Bride.
Wedding Hairdos: Curly and Romantic
Jennifer and David got married at her parents’ gorgeous weekend home in Bedford, NY. Jennifer’s dress was Angel Sanchez, shoes were Manolo Blahnik, and hair and makeup were by Stacey & Sofia. Jennifer’s large bridal party had beauty services with our other top artists Destiny & Karen.
From Jennifer: One thing that I was anxious about all day while we were getting ready was that it’d been pouring that morning and raining since then on and off. I was so nervous that we’d have to find spots inside the house to take portraits and that everything I’d envisioned for our outdoor wedding would be ruined. Thankfully, it stopped raining just as the boys were getting to the house from the hotel where they’d been getting ready and when we’d been scheduled to start portraits. David and I were able to do our first look outside, and we were able to take bridal party portraits outside, and the night went off without a hitch. It wasn’t raining as we processed into the ceremony tent, started raining during the ceremony while everyone was covered, stopped raining in time for the outdoor cocktail hour on the patio and then rained a bit during the reception, which was tented. It was fate!
Photographer: Art Group Weddings
This Castle Wedding Defines Happily Ever After: On Style Me Pretty!
Congratulations to Jennifer and Andrew on their fairy tale wedding! We had an incredible time doing Jennifer’s hair and makeup, and wish these two lovebirds all the best.
Our work has been featured on Carats & Cake
Congratulations to our beautiful bride Sarah and her husband Brandon!
Wedding updos: The romantic
Our bride Alina looked gorgeous on her big day, having chosen one of the more romantic styles of wedding updos, which framed her face with loose curls.
Alex joked that Alina knew everything about her dream wedding the day after he proposed, as if she had been planning it her whole life. They quickly agreed on their venue, 501 Union, in Brooklyn. They knew the rabbi that they wanted to have perform the ceremony. He and his wife were their local community spiritual leaders, who they had come to know very well.
Alina found the dress she wanted at Pronovias and had it altered to cover up her shoulders for their more traditional Jewish ceremony. The men’s traditional headwear, the kippah, were crocheted by Alina for the groom and the fathers of the bride and groom. “I wanted it to be a special item for the men,” says Alina. Another unique, personalized touch to the wedding was that Alina and Alex hired a friend — a local artist who runs NY Drawing Booth — to draw pictures of the entire wedding ceremony and the guests on an iPad. Sean Kim of Sean Gallery captured the day in these beautiful photographs.
All photos by Sean Kim of Sean Gallery.
Wedding updos: The classic chignon
If you’re considering trialling one of the many different styles of wedding updos, don’t forget to try the classic chignon. We think it was the perfect choice for our bride Danielle when she walked down the aisle in a light-as-air wedding gown and full veil.
Danielle wed her beau, Chris, at Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola on Park Avenue.
“As the doors of the church opened, I could see Chris waiting for me at the end of the aisle with a look of happiness I have never seen before,” says Danielle. “At the same time, the other most important man in my life, my dad, walked me down the aisle past all of the people we love in our life together, and brought me to my husband.
Then they moved on to the reception at The Loeb Boathouse, Central Park. Danielle’s gown was by Anne Barge from Kleinfeld, and Lenox Hill Florist took care of the flowers. These stunning photos are by Brian Dorsey Studios.
Danielle and Chris met in NYC when a mutual friend invited them both out to dinner, where they immediately hit it off. A few years later, Chris planned a weekend in Napa Valley, California, as a surprise birthday gift for Danielle, and the two visited their favorite vineyard from a previous trip to Napa. “Chris found a quiet spot in the vineyard to give me my birthday card,” recalls Danielle. “He wrote the most beautiful card about our relationship and how much I meant to him, and when I finished reading the card, I looked up and he was down on one knee, asking me to marry him. The rest of the trip was spent celebrating…with plenty of wine. For our honeymoon, we stopped in Napa on our way to Hawaii so that we could stop at that vineyard where Chris proposed, which is now a very special place for us.”
For a stress-free day, choose the right wedding hair and makeup artists
Our goal is to make sure that every bride’s wedding day is stress free, enjoyable, and memorable for all the right reasons. Choosing the right wedding hair and makeup artists is a crucial part of that, so we loved hearing this feedback from our bride Allison:
“Working with Once Upon a Bride was one of the best decisions I made for my wedding. I worked with Karen and Angela. They were amazing! Karen and Angela made me and my family look absolutely beautiful. They both are extremely talented. Each of them was able to accommodate anything for everyone’s hair and make-up. They made the whole day go smoothly, which put me at ease. Karen and Angela made the day fun, exciting, and entertaining. I look back at my pictures and am so happy with my entire look! I felt absolutely gorgeous!”
And we agree that Allison looked absolutely gorgeous! Karen and Angela both used their favorite products to achieve Allison’s look. Using Nars, Mac, and Laura Mercier, Karen achieved a glowing, natural look that highlighted Allison’s amazing eyes. Angela used Oribe and Phyto products and set Allison’s hair using a wand to create her chic, long-lasting updo.
Allison’s gown was by Lazaro, her shoes were by Kate Spade, and the wedding was celebrated at the grand, historic Oheka Castle, on Long Island. Ronnie from Giovanni Photographic Artist was the wedding photographer.
Bridal hairstyles for long hair: Great Lengths extensions
Our bride Amie flew all the way to NYC from the U.K. to have her dream destination wedding this summer. I added Great Lengths extensions to boost the volume of her lovely blonde hair, which works really well for bridal hairstyles for long hair. No matter how humid it got, I knew Amie’s style would hold beautifully throughout the day. Nichole applied airbrush makeup to bring out the natural beauty of Amie’s peaches-and-cream complexion.
It was really delightful working with Amie, so we were touched when she emailed to tell us:
“Stacey and Nichole, thank you so much for a fun and professional experience. You made the hours before my wedding day fun and entertaining! Lovely people who are absolutely fantastic at what they do! My hair was absolutely gorgeous and the makeup was flawless — everything I dreamed of and more for my wedding day! I just wish I could ship your salon all the way to the U.K. so I could get my hair and makeup done more often! My hair stayed in all day, and my makeup did not need to be touched. Thank you so much again! I will always remember New York and the wonderful people who made my day so special!”
Fall wedding looks: Love is the spice of life
As the days grow crisper, I know a lot of you are refining your fall wedding look. I recently did a great shoot with a bunch of wonderful wedding professionals to inspire brides. I styled our model’s hair a few different ways that you might like to test in your own hair trial — a down style pinned at the back with an autumnal hair accessory, another sexy down style with her blonde mane flowing freely, and a soft, romantic updo. Shari, one of our airbrush makeup experts who travels to a lot of destination weddings for our brides, brought a natural peachy glow to our model’s complexion. Love that stunning glossy lip she achieved.
Jennifer Cyr, the photographer who captured this shoot, was not only fabulous to work with, I think she’s one of the most talented wedding photographers out there right now. You can check out more of her work at Cyrience. Grace Park of The Kitchen Table creates truly amazing food for any special event, and Natalie Trento Events plans truly memorable weddings in both New York City and Philadelphia.
Destination wedding: Rochelle and Maclaren, Turks and Caicos Islands
Congratulations to our bride Rochelle, whose stunning destination wedding in the Caribbean was just featured on Carats & Cake!
Bridal hairstyles for long hair: the red carpet look
Looking for bridal hairstyles for long hair? The glamorous side-swept red carpet style is a great alternative to leaving your hair down. My bride Kristi looked stunning when I styled her golden hair off to the side, using all luxurious Oribe products, for her wedding to Brett at Liberty House in Jersey City.
And in true red carpet fashion, Kristi walked down the aisle in stunning blue Manolo Blahnik sandals. “Brett and I went to Barcelona last spring and he bought the shoes for me there as a surprise because he saw me eyeing them through a local store window all week,” says Kristi. “They ended up being my something blue!”
Photographer: Hechler Photographers
Amazing wedding venues NYC: Dorie and Chad’s Night at the Museum
For their reception, our bride Dorie and her beau Chad picked one of the most magical wedding venues NYC has to offer – the American Museum of Natural History. I styled Dorie’s lovely long blonde hair in a classic down style, which was finished off with a circlet of spring blossoms. Keeping with the spring feel, makeup artist Sofia created a fresh, natural look with a pink lip. It all worked beautifully with Dorie’s light-as-air Oscar de la Renta gown. After Dorie and Chad exchanged vows at the Church of the Heavenly Rest on the Upper East Side, the 240 guests (who by the way included Dorie’s friend Emily Rossum) were treated to a black-tie dinner beneath the museum’s iconic whale. Truly a night to remember! The stellar Christian Oth took these photos. You can find more photos over at Carats & Cake, and click here to see a feature about the wedding in Brides magazine.
Beach wedding hair and makeup: Stacey Weinstein’s top 5 tips
A summer wedding means beautiful weather, a relaxed vibe, warm sand, and crystal blue water. But for brides, it can also mean hair hassles and makeup meltdowns thanks to the wind, sun, and humidity. So Stacey recently shared her top 5 tips for making sure you have the perfect beach wedding hair and makeup over at New Beauty – a fantastic resource for brides for beauty products and services.
Wedding Style: Romantic, elegant bridal hair and makeup inspiration
We loved creating these romantic, elegant, and oh-so feminine hair and makeup looks for a wedding style inspiration shoot by the ultra-talented Cyrience Creative Studios. The shots turned out so beautiful that they were just featured in Well Wed!
Floral Design + Photography: Cyrience Creative Studios | Gowns: Rebecca Schoneveld | Hair + Makeup: Once Upon a Bride| Hair Accessories: Happily Ever Borrowed + Jennifer Behr
The folks over at Well Wed had this to say:
“Fall head over heels for dreamy dresses & swoon-worthy bridal accessories in this stunningly styled fashion shoot from Cyrience Studios & Rebecca Schoneveld! Effortlessly elegant gowns from Rebecca Schoneveld’s newest collection are the epitome of romance, from the lovely lace details to the delicate beading & flowy, feminine silhouettes.
“Fresh-faced beauty for the modern bride abounded in every amorous look from this oh-so-chic shoot. Glittering hair accessories from Jennifer Behr and Happily Ever Borrowed brought a touch of whimsical glamour to intricately braided do’s, while sleek and sophisticated gowns kept things traditionally bridal. Bouquets of fresh-cut eucalyptus, crisp white ranunculus and blossoming garden roses brought an ethereal, garden-fresh air to the contemporary yet timeless shoot.”
Engagement Party Ideas: The Enchanted Garden
A gorgeous inspiration shoot I did with my friends at Orange Blossom Photography has just been featured on Style Me Pretty! For all the brides-to-be looking for beautiful engagement party ideas, a full gallery of images are here.
Photography: Orange Blossom Photography LLC | Cake: Amy At Sugar Flower Cake Shop | Stationery:The Printery | Hair & Makeup: Stacey Weinstein | Event Venue: The Kitchen Table NYC | Table Ware:Good Light Props
On Style Me Pretty, Julieanne Prevete of Orange Blossom Photography writes: This photo shoot will inspire you to bring the charming simplicity of a garden indoors to your table for an intimate engagement party. We took a few style cues from The Great Gatsby with our gold dress choice, and the styling of our drinks. We did a dress change to show an even more light and feminine option.
We focused on the details of showing this new space in New York as an enchanted, yet glamorous, place for a bride-to-be to host an intimate engagement party. We wanted to take the rustic element of the reclaimed wooden table and chairs, and show how you can make it feminine and glamorous. We used elements of gold and textured one-of-a-kind dishes trays and chargers to bring this space to life. We used pale peach flowers and bold bright pink flowers to add femininity to the rustic and masculine space.
The green floral garland running down the length of the table was a key element in the table design by Judy. It softens the space. We decided to create another dimension to the table by making the hanging garland above the table. It really brings the outdoors in. We like the idea of hanging garland instead of building large arrangements on a table which make it harder for people to talk across a table. This helps the environment stay intimate, yet visually interesting. The slice of cake is styled with blackberries to further show the idea of a delicate and pretty environment. Small plates of bite sized food are featured so you can see another aspect of delicate and detail oriented food styling that Judy Kim can do for you at The Kitchen Table NYC.
All of the delicate florals were hand created by Judy Kim, of the Judy Lab. She was also the amazing food stylist. Our two glamorous dresses are by Lovely Bride in Tribecca. Our beautiful and petite delicious cake was created by Amy, owner at the Sugar Flower Cake Shop in Manhattan. Our amazing models hair and makeup look was stunningly created by Stacey Weinstein and her team at Once Upon A Bride. Our classic stationery was custom made by Supattra Samanyaphon of The Printery in Oyster Bay, Long Island.
The Kitchen Table NYC, features an intimate space where you hire your own chef to prepare a custom meal or hours d’oeuvres for your guests. Our goal was to make the space feel enchanted and feminine and bring the outdoors in.
Bridal hairstyles for long hair: The half-up, half-down
One of our favorite bridal hairstyles for long hair is the half-up, half-down. It shows off long, gorgeous locks in all their natural glory, while looking classically bridal and elegant. We achieved this stunning look recently for our beautiful bride Sarah when she wed Dan at the Tribeca Rooftop. Long-haired girls, for inspiration we bring you these pics of Sarah and Dan’s big day, taken by the amazing Khaki Bedford Photography.
Rachel and Mark’s chic Tribeca wedding
Our gorgeous bride Rachel and her groom, Mark, had a vision to create a New York-inspired wedding – modern, chic, and sophisticated. And thanks to the amazing skyline view from Three-Sixty in Tribeca, and the work of the some of the city’s very best wedding vendors, I think you’ll agree the result was everything they could have hoped for.
I styled Rachel’s lovely brunette locks into a loose, feminine side updo accented at the back with a jeweled clasp, while Nichole created a dramatic smoky eye. Brian Dorsey Studios did an incredible job of capturing the whole day — we always love working with their photographers, and the results are always fantastic.
Rachel wore a gown by designer Peter Langner. We think the choice of black for the wedding party is genius — such a clean, classic, stylish look. The bridesmaids each chose their own gowns, and the groomsmen wore matching Hugo Boss tuxedos and ties.
After dark, the venue was transformed by Frost Lighting — the effect was just magical. Keeping with the black-and-white palette, Cornucopia Flowers created stunning white floral centerpieces. And guests danced all night to the band Carnegie Hill, from Element Music.
Audrey’s Fine Baked Goods made the couple’s cake, which featured adorable Princess Peach and Toad figurines from the Super Mario games — a cute inside joke shared by Rachel and Mark.
It was a joy to create Rachel’s look for her big day, and also to work with all these great wedding vendors — truly among the best in the business.
To see more pictures, go to the full gallery on Style Me Pretty.
Once Upon A Bride styles for Kleinfeld, the premier bridal gown salon
We feel so honored! The legendary New York bridal gown salon Kleinfeld asked Once Upon A Bride to style hair and makeup for their latest shoot showcasing this season’s gowns. We loved every minute of creating beautiful looks to complement the work of the top designers across the United States and Europe.
Kleinfeld, now a household name because of Say Yes to the Dress, has been a top name in the bridal world for decades. It’s no wonder they sell more designer bridal gowns than any other store on earth — they are just so professional, have a huge selection of gowns, and the owners, Ronnie and Mara, really do treat their brides like family.
Their Chelsea salon takes up over 30,000 square feet, and it’s filled with stunning gowns, shoes, and accessories. And to make sure your gown looks perfect on you, they have 200 staff, including bridal consultants, custom fitters, sewers, beaders, embroiderers and pressers.
A bold, modern Brooklyn wedding: Holly and Andy
We had so much fun recently creating a modern bridal look for the wedding of super-stylish pair Holly and Andy at Liberty Warehouse, in Brooklyn’s Red Hook. A textile designer, Holly made the inspired choice of an opulent, bold and very hip black-and-white pattern for her gown.
I gave her the full brunette bombshell look, leaving her long hair down and bringing volume and sexiness with a loose, natural curl. Makeup artist Veronica made the whole look pop with smokey eyes and a bright splash of color with glamorous fuchsia lips.
“It was so great to have Stacey and Veronica there to make everyone look beautiful!” says Holly.
Andy, a graphic designer, was in on the style act, accenting his snappy suit with a flash of bright socks. And we love the colorful, spring-inspired touches to the outfit worn by the couple’s three-year-old son, Massimo.
“Massimo was the best man at our wedding, making it even more special,” says Holly.
Our thanks to Weddings by Two for these great shots.
Location: Liberty Warehouse, Red Hook
Photographer: Weddings by Two
Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Style Me Pretty features our brides!
At Once Upon A Bride we simply love the ultimate go-to wedding inspiration site Style Me Pretty. Oh the hours a girl can while away getting ideas for everything from hair and makeup looks through to invitations and table settings — always stylish, always pretty.
So we are super excited that our bride Danielle’s wedding to Josh was recently featured on SMP, complete with these gorgeous images by Brian Dorsey Studios. With all this beauty on offer, something is bound to inspire you. You can find even more pics of Danielle and Josh’s wedding day at the full gallery on SMP.
While you’re at it, check out another of our brides on SMP, Rachel, who wed at Tribeca 360. And our bride Natalie, who was stunning in a pink wedding gown and appears in another indispensable wedding site that you need to bookmark, CeciStyle Magazine.
I’ve been nominated for an Emmy!
Fantastic news this week! I have been nominated for a daytime Emmy for “Outstanding Achievement for Hairstyling” for my work styling Bethenny on her chat show.
I am so thrilled to receive this honor for a job I simply love doing. I was born to do hair! It’s even more special that I’ve been nominated while working with people I adore — the whip-crack smart, hilarious and ultra-talented Bethenny, and all her amazing team behind the scenes.
The awards will be presented on June 22nd at the legendary Beverly Hilton. Watch this space to hear all about it! For now, here are a few of the fun moments from the past year of working with Bethenny on her show…
WIN a free hair and makeup trial!
One lucky bride is going to win a complimentary hair and makeup trial at Once Upon A Bride, and it could be you!
To enter to win, just sign up for email updates about our latest discounts, salon news and the greatest hair and makeup products.
You need to love the look your artists are going to create for you on your wedding day, so I train our artists in my own protocol, which ensures that every bride has a successful trial. You will see variations of hair and makeup looks until we find the style that suits you best. Your artists will take detailed notes and photos so that they are ready to recreate the look on the day.
You are always welcome to call me for advice, because I want every bride to get the most from her trial and feel confident and relaxed that everything will run smoothly on her wedding day!
Bridal hair accessory style ideas: a chic side updo
For brides looking for inspiration on how to use a hair accessory in your wedding-day look, here is a great style created by Angela for our bride Danielle. A pretty jeweled hairpiece by Kate Ketzal adds the perfect finishing touch to a chic side updo, don’t you think?
Danielle married Josh at Brooklyn Navy Yard wearing a gorgeous strapless Romona Keveza gown from Wedding Salon of Manhasset.
“All the girls loved their hair and makeup,” says Danielle.
The bridal party were running a little late — and at Once Upon A Bride we know how stressful that can be on your wedding day, so we always create a calm and fun environment and give you peace of mind. “I really have to thank our makeup artist, Karen, especially, because she was so calming and kept me laughing the entire time,” says Danielle.
As always, Brian Dorsey Studios captured the day beautifully, as you can see from these pictures. And we love the bridesmaids’ fuchsia gowns, which were stunning with their lovely bouquets by Atlas Floral.
Special invitation: 25% off wedding hair and makeup trials at Once Upon A Bride
It is so important that you feel comfortable with your hair and makeup artist on your wedding day. You need artists by your side who make you feel beautiful every step of the way, giving you peace of mind from the early planning stages right up to when you walk down the aisle.
So we are offering a 25% discount on all hair and makeup trials at Once Upon A Bride until September 1. This is your chance to come in and meet New York City’s top team of bridal hair and makeup experts. Your hair artist will create two signature looks for you, plus a third variation as another option. Then your makeup artist will explore options, starting out clean and natural then moving on to a more smoky and sultry style, so you can see a transition and decide on the perfect look.
Call now and tell us about your wedding and we’ll set you up with an appointment to find the best artists for you. We have a whole team to choose from, depending on your needs and personal style. I’d like to introduce you to one of our top talents, makeup artist Karen, who recently worked on the wedding of Gillian and Noah at Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Karen is an expert at airbrush makeup. It guarantees a flawless look, because it covers imperfections while allowing the skin’s beauty to shine through. “For my brides I use only the highest quality brands, like Temptu and Kett,” says Karen. “It’s a godsend for brides who need to cover scars, tattoos, redness, very oily skin, or hyperpigmentation. And because it’s waterproof, there are never any concerns about tears or humid weather. Your look will last long through the day and a night of dancing!”
“I just have to thank Karen for making me look so beautiful the day of my wedding!” says Gillian.
“In this picture you can faintly see a rainbow. It started to rain while we were taking pictures outside, and when it stopped five minutes later, a rainbow appeared! We believe it was good luck!”
Gillian and Noah’s photographer was Frank Ammaccapane, Owner and Director of Natural Expressions.
A romantic, magical beach wedding, NYC style: Christine and Jawad
A beach wedding might not be the first thing you imagine when you think of tying the knot in New York City. But our bride Christine and her beau Jawad had both a romantic, magical beach wedding and a truly NY moment, exchanging their vows on Pebble Beach at Brooklyn Bridge Park, to the sound of J trains crossing the Williamsburg Bridge. Chris Gifford from Weddings by Two Photography did a fabulous job of capturing the day, as you can see from these shots.
We helped Christine create a suitably romantic, magical look for her wedding day. I used hot rollers and a curling iron to give Christine’s long blonde hair a soft, flowing curl. It worked perfectly with her amazing lace gown by Rivini and gauzy veil.
The style really popped with the addition of a bold jeweled hair accessory.
When it came to makeup, Sofia brought out Christine’s own natural glow, created a soft pink lip, and made her beautiful eyes a focal point.
The result was simply stunning . . .
Photographer: Chris Gifford, Weddings by Two Photography
Dress: Rivini, purchased at Kleinfeld’s
Shoes: Nina
Ceremony: Pebble Beach, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Reception: Galapagos Art Space
Classic bridal elegance on Park Avenue: Morgan and Bud
We think our bride Morgan was the picture of classic bridal elegance for her wedding to Bud on Park Avenue, at St. Ignatius Loyola church. Her stylist, Stefanie, created a soft and feminine updo to complement her lacy, light-as-air Monique Lhuillier gown. Stefanie added a touch of glamor to the look with jeweled hair accessories. Kate Connolly Photography took these gorgeous shots.
“Stefanie was amazing!” says Morgan. “She did my hair, my three sisters’, and my mom’s – it is a very opinionated, picky bunch, and everyone loved their hair. She was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was so flexible in adjusting the hair style if need be and knew how to make it look amazing in a short amount of time.
“Working with Once Upon a Bride, specifically Stacey, who I spoke with from the very beginning, was also great! Stacey was very responsive and helpful through the entire process. She helped pick the right stylist for us and she couldn’t have been more right!”
Morgan and Bud’s marriage was the culmination of years of long-distance romance. They shuttled back and forth between New York City and Boston, their studies and careers sending each of them to both of these cities — just never at the same time! In 2010 they were finally both able to be in New York City . . . and then Bud’s job transferred him back to Boston and they had to spend another six months apart. The couple have now settled in an apartment in downtown Boston and are loving married life. We are so happy for them and delighted that we could be a part of their special day!
Hair: Stefanie at Once Upon A Bride
Photographer: Kate Connolly Photography
Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Shoes: Benjamin Adams
Getting-ready Venue: The Pierre Hotel, NYC
Ceremony: St. Ignatius Loyola, NYC
Band: Vali Entertainment
Videographer: George Street Video
Special Event: Meet Once Upon A Bride artists and other top NYC wedding vendors
Once Upon A Bride invites you to an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and bridal fashion at Jenny Yoo’s flagship Manhattan store on Thursday, February 20. It’s a chance to meet Once Upon A Bride’s artists and some of New York City’s other top wedding vendors while previewing Jenny Yoo’s 2014 Bridal & Bridesmaid Collection. Hope to see you there!
WHEN: Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: 139 W. 35th St, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10018
RSVP by February 17: info@jennyyoo.com 212-645-0823
Bridal style for an outdoor wedding at Wave Hill
Our bride Michelle married Forbes at Wave Hill, a beautiful estate on the Hudson River, last September. For brides planning an outdoor wedding, here is some inspiration for your hair and makeup look, captured in these photos by Jeff Zorabedian. Michelle and Forbes’s wedding planners were the amazing In Any Event.
In-house catering: Great Performances
Music: Raphael and Jason of Generation Events
Flowers: Sarah Brysk Cohen of Blossom and Branch
Glassware: Party Rental Ltd
Place cards, menus, table numbers, welcome sign: Ana Dolan of Invitations by Ana
Officiant: Carissa Templeton
Romantic wedding-day style fit for a princess
When our bride Heather arrived at the altar, her awestruck groom leaned over and whispered, “You look just like a pretty princess.” And we have to agree!
Stefanie styled Heather’s luscious, long red locks into a classic wave, swept gently back from her face. The look worked perfectly with Heather’s lace-trimmed cathedral veil by Sara Gabriel and romantic gown by Amy Kuschel.
“Sofia made me absolutely glow with flawless makeup that lasted throughout my big day,” says Heather, who wed at Essex House, on Central Park. The wedding planner who created the sophisticated look for the wedding was James Abel Events, and Julie Skarrett captured the day in these beautiful shots.
“I am one of the lucky girls who married my best friend. But on my big day, just like every other bride, I was beyond nervous,” says Heather. “Sofia and Stefanie kept things calm and simple, and helped soothe my frayed nerves. They are top professionals in their field in every way.”
“I didn’t know I could feel as beautiful as I did on my wedding day. Every girl should feel like I did,” she says.
Thanks Heather — it was our pleasure to be part of your big day!
5 Easy Steps to a Fashion Favorite: the Fishtail Braid
Blake Lively with a fishtail braid. (Pic: Just Jared)
Those gorgeous fishtail braids worn by celebrities on the red carpet might look super-complicated, but you can create the look yourself easily by following five simple steps.
I shared the secret recently for fans of bethenny over on her website, and the response has been huge.
So here you go, ladies — start experimenting with this versatile and easy braid. Tousled and bohemian, it’s a great look for all types of long hair.
STEP 1
If you want a high or side fishtail braid, make a ponytail. Otherwise gather your hair at the base of your neck. Then, separate the hair into two chunks.
STEP 2
Take a thin strand of hair from the right side and braid it into the left side: cross the strand over the right chunk and under the left chunk. The strand needs to be thin — you’ll be doing this several times, so you need to make sure you have enough hair to work with to get all the way down to the end.
STEP 3
Take a thin strand from the left side and braid it into the right side.
STEP 4
Take a thin strand from the right side and braid it into the left. Continue this pattern until all hair is braided.
STEP 5
Tie hair off at the end and pull the braid apart with your fingers to separate the strands a bit. It should look tight but slightly mussed, like “bed head.” Finish off with hair spray, and you’re good to go!
Once you’ve got the hang of the basic fishtail braid, try experimenting — as you can see from these celeb pics, the possibilities are endless…
Rihanna rocking a red fishtail (pic: Getty Images)
Nina Dobrev with a glam red carpet fishtail (Pic: Getty Images)
Dianna Agron takes the fishtail to the next level, creating a romantic updo (Pic: Getty Images)
Laura and John: Casual-chic summer style
How gorgeous is our bride Laura, pictured here on her wedding day to John? She just glows! When she came in for her trial, Laura told her hair stylist, Angela, that she was going for a summer casual, yet chic, wedding vibe. And Laura was thrilled with this half-up, half-down hairstyle with a braid in the back and beachy waves that Angela created. A jeweled hair accessory and veil added a touch of chic.
Every bride expects there to be some inevitable stresses on her wedding day — and for Laura it was the realization that it had slipped her mind to buy her hair extensions. Angela wasn’t fazed about changing styles on the day of the wedding, and the result was stunning. “Angela made me feel relaxed and took everything in stride,” says Laura.
When it came to makeup, Laura asked her artist, Nicole, for a very natural and glowing look. “That’s usually the hardest look to accomplish,” says Laura, “and it came out better than I could have imagined. My makeup was flawless. I didn’t touch up all day because I was too busy celebrating — and it turns out I didn’t need to!”
The couple tied the knot in Staten Island, where Laura grew up. Before they were married, they discussed the tradition of bride and groom buying each other gifts on the wedding day and decided that it wasn’t necessary.
But awaiting Laura when she woke to get ready was a bouquet of white peonies and roses from John. “These were the same flowers I picked for the wedding day, and I never knew he was paying attention to all of the details!” says Laura. “It made me feel so calm and happy that no matter what happened that day we would be getting married and that was all that mattered! It was such a sweet, small surprise that meant so much.”
Glen Allsop from Christian Oth Studio captured Laura and John’s day, and Laura wore a Reem Acra gown and Jimmy Choo shoes.
Kelcie and Chad: a New York romance
Our bride Kelcie was simply radiant on her wedding day, with hair by Jamie and makeup by Veronica, in a strapless gown with a gorgeous classic full skirt.
For Kelcie’s hair, Jamie created a classical bridal style with a twist — a loose and romantic, low side up-do. Her makeup palette was natural and fresh, to bring out her own glow.
Kelcie and her groom, Chad, are from Memphis, Tennessee, but when they began planning their wedding they knew it had to be in New York. The city holds a special place in their hearts, because it was where they first met, at Christmas 2009. The River Café in Brooklyn, tucked beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, provided the perfect panoramic backdrop of the New York skyline and harbor.
The couple had kept up a long-distance romance for a year and half as Kelcie completed her college degree in Manhattan, until she graduated and returned to her hometown. “And the rest,” says Kelcie, “is history!”
William O’Connor of William Mason Photography took these beautiful shots of Kelcie and Chad’s wedding day.
Seamless hair extensions for the ultimate wedding-day look
Seamless hair extensions are one of the most stress-free and effective ways to create a stunning style on your wedding day. They’re weightless, invisible to the eye, and undetectable to the touch. At Once Upon A Bride we love using them, because they allow us to create a style that delivers an amazing impact, boosting your length and volume — while no one ever needs to know you’re wearing extensions.
Our stylist Angela worked with her bride Erin’s seamless extensions to create this beautiful down style for her wedding to Jason at Manhattan’s exclusive University Club.
Our stylists are experts at applying seamless hair extensions, which are an especially great option if you’re worried about your hair holding its style all through your wedding day. Your own hair may fall, but the extensions won’t! They last for more than a month, from your wedding rehearsal right through your honeymoon.
And as you can see from these shots taken by Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio, Erin’s hair style looked as fabulous after a night of dancing as it did when she was getting ready earlier that day at the St Regis.
Sultry style for a harborside wedding day
Our bride Lara has stunning long locks, and we knew she’d look amazing with this sultry down style Stefanie created for her wedding day.
“When I met with Stefanie (hair) and Sofia (makeup) for my trial, we played around with different looks until we found what looked best,” says Lara. “On the day of my wedding, their work surpassed even what they did at the trial, and they made me look amazing! I have never felt or looked more beautiful.”
Stefanie gave Lara a natural, very feminine-looking wave and brought out the glossy rich tones of her dark brunette hair.
Combined with the dramatic eye makeup and luscious glossy lips that makeup artist Sofia gave Lara, she looked gorgeous on the day she wed her beau, Michael, at the luxury Delamar hotel on the harbor at Greenwich, Connecticut.
Lara’s strapless gown was by Anna Maier ~ Ulla-Maija Couture. All of us here at Once Upon A Bride are great animal lovers, so we thought it was perfect that the couple’s pooch Lola was not only at the wedding but even had her own special outfit to match Lara’s!
“In addition to being stellar artists, Stefanie and Sofia are punctual, reliable, and professional,” says Lara. “They’re also versatile. They did not only my hair and makeup but the maid of honor’s and both of the mothers’ (of the bride and groom) as well. Each of these women of different ages, skin and hair types was thrilled with how they looked!”
“I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to work with Once Upon A Bride, and anyone who has the chance to work with them will not be disappointed!” says Lara. We loved working with you, too, Lara — and we wish you and Michael (and Lola, of course!) all the best in your life together.
Anthony Petrozza at Ricky Restiano Photography captured Lara and Michael’s special day.
Meet wedding makeup expert Veronica “RaRa” Pastoriza
“After many years as a makeup artist for television and magazines, I specialize in bridal makeup artistry. My focus is always to exceed my client’s expectations, and to make sure she looks and feels her best on her wedding day.”
Veronica “RaRa” Pastoriza
You may know our makeup artist Veronica Inez Pastoriza as “RaRa” from Bethenny Frankel’s TV shows. Along with Once Upon A Bride principal Stacey Weinstein, Veronica is part of Bethenny’s glam squad, on hand to style the star for her shows and media appearances.
An accomplished and creative makeup artist, Veronica is exceptional at bringing out brides’ natural beauty.
From a very young age, Veronica has had a passion for the fashion and beauty industries. She studied Fine Arts at New York’s High School of Fashion Industries, and then went on to study Fashion Styling at The Fashion Institute of Technology. During these years, she honed her makeup skills on friends and family. She launched her makeup career as an intern for MAC Cosmetics in 2004 and then worked for Trish McEvoy for five years.
In 2007, Veronica began doing Bethenny’s makeup, and she has appeared on Bethenny Ever After. She has also been on the show My Fair Wedding and has worked as a makeup artist on Inside Edition, Selling New York and LX New York.
“I was thrilled to be the makeup artist for the wedding of Julie Plake, formally Bethenny’s assistant,” says Veronica. “While I have many years’ experience as a makeup artist, I have never done bridal hair in my life. Unfortunately, Julie’s hairstylist had a family loss and had to cancel at the last minute. Because it was a destination wedding, there was no-one but me available to do her hair. Stacey emailed me step-by-step instructions, and I’m happy to say that her hair was a complete success!”
Chic Bridal Hair and Makeup Inspiration
All you brides looking for some chic bridal style inspiration, here are some gorgeous shots from the wedding of our bride Nicole to Mike at the lavish Capitale, on the Bowery. Nicole’s stunning gown was by Augusta Jones. It had amazing jeweled details, which we accented with a jeweled hair accessory. Casey Fatchett Photography took these shots — to see more, go to Carats & Cake.
September discounts, specials, and news
We have been buzzing with energy this month! Our stylists have been in high demand by brides tying the knot in the busiest bridal month of the year, and by designers for Fashion Week. I got back from touring the country with Bethenny, whose new talk show launched this month, and I recently styled Bethenny’s hair for her People magazine interview. And we are offering some great discounts on nourishing hair treatments to repair summer-stressed hair . . .
Halo Hair Extensions Now Available
Halo hair extensions are the quickest and simplest way to give your hair a dramatic boost in length and volume. These high-quality, natural-looking human hair extensions fit perfectly thanks to an adjustable miracle wire. Simply place the halo on your head, pull your own hair through and over the miracle wire, brush the extensions through to blend with your hair, and you’ll soon see why the Halo has won awards for its design. We are excited to now offer these extensions — pop in and let us show you how they can work for you!
Fall Salon Hair Treatment — Special Discount
Fall brides, after a fabulous summer of sun and sea it’s time to nourish your hair with an Oribe hair treatment. Renew and revive damaged locks with a deep-conditioning treatment for 20 minutes under a heat lamp, followed by a gorgeous blowout. Come in and have a deep-nourishing Oribe treatment and blowout for the special fall rate of only $50.
Oribe Masque for Beautiful Color — 10% off in September
Add life and shine to your hair with the latest color-maintenance technology from Oribe. This intense, cuticle-enriching conditioning masque contains color-protecting UV filters and bio-polymers to tame frizz. Enhance your color and repair your hair for fall with this glossifying masque.
Stacey’s News
I just got back from an 11-city tour with Bethenny as she promoted her new talk show in advance of its launch this month. I had an awesome time making sure Bethenny’s hair looked great for all her appearances, including her People magazine cover.
You can see me behind the scenes of Bethenny’s national tour here in this video shot in Los Angeles. Bethenny discusses the best kale she had ever eaten in her life, which came from a restaurant that “massages” the kale before serving it — only in LA!
The premiere of Bethenny’s show was a hit — I hope you’ve had a chance to catch it on weekdays on Fox 5. You can soon see me and my salon, Loft 26, on the show. We’ll be doing a makeover for one lucky viewer, who will be featured in redbook.
And important news for those of you who have missed salon mascot Penelope Plum, my Italian greyhound: she is now back from her summer Florida vacation! I’m so happy to be reunited with her. As you can see, she’s back to working hard in the salon.
Lisa and Jeff’s summer city wedding
When our bride Lisa wed Jeff recently, a loose, romantic, and oh-so-feminine style seemed like the perfect look for her long brunette hair and classic veil.
To achieve this style, I set Lisa’s hair with electric rollers, used a set of extensions (so natural looking you would never know, right?), and used Oribe Volumista for extra luster and volume. Makeup artist Sofia brought out Lisa’s own glow with a natural blush and soft pink lip color, and accentuated her beautiful brown eyes with dramatic smokey makeup.
It was a team event for Once Upon A Bride, with Angela and Karen coming to help get Lisa’s big bridal party ready. By the way, we love the bold, chic black that the bridesmaids wore — very striking against Lisa’s amazing white sleeveless gown from Impression Bridal.
We also love the very cool backdrops Felix from Fred Marcus Photography used, like the bright graffiti on Houston St in SoHo, and the interior of the Soho Grand Hotel. And that view of the skyline is seen from Stage 6 at the Steiner Studios complex in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where Lisa and Jeff tied the knot.
Style inspiration: Brooklyn hipster garden wedding shoot
I recently got together with some of the best talent on the New York bridal scene for an amazing photo shoot where we created a garden wedding, Brooklyn hipster style. The result? These beautiful images by wedding photographer Jessica Schmitt, which we hope will give brides plenty of inspiration for their own wedding style.
I created the look of the moment for our model Lilian — a romantic side braid — crowned with fresh flowers. I think it worked beautifully with the whole spring garden feel that floral design company The Wild Ivy achieved with the archway of flowers and petal-strewn aisle.
Here I am putting the final touches on Lilian’s hair style.
If you’re wondering why Lilian and her “groom,” Kayden, look so much like a real couple in the next pic, that’s because they are. It was great to work with them — they’re so cute together, don’t you think?
The setting was the garden restaurant Acqua Santa, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the designer and planner was Jove Meyer Events. The wedding cake was made by Sugar Flower Cake Shop, and the cake cups were by Alana Jones-Mann. Fashions were from Brooklyn Tailors, Hushed Commotion, Catbird, Chromatic Gallerie, and Comfy Clothing.
Bethenny’s girls get a summer makeover by Stacey
Bethenny always loves the way I do her hair, so she recently treated her sweet assistants Jackie and Leslie to cuts at my salon Loft 26. Jackie had let her hair get very long, so she needed some length taken off, while I gave Leslie face-framing balayage highlights. The girls were so happy with how their hair turned out — healthier, brighter, and ready for summer!
Ready, too, for life to get oh so busy when bethenny starts filming her new daytime talk show in New York — I’m looking forward to creating all of bethenny’s favorite looks before she steps in front of the camera!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCDxf8K2sNg
July discounts, specials, and news
We love July, as our summer brides get ready to walk down the aisle. And at Once Upon A Bride’s home base, Loft 26 salon, we’re also busy getting girls ready for all the parties and events going on around the city.
Learn to style your hair like a pro
If you’re about to head off on vacation or your honeymoon and wish that you could re-create all your favorite hair styles even when you are far from your salon, Stacey is available for private one-on-one sessions. Whether you want to learn how to create your favorite celebrity style, do the perfect blowdry, achieve beachy waves, or do a quick but professional-looking updo for a night out, Stacey or Angela will break it down into simple steps for you. Learn which products are best for your hair type, and which tools to use and why. Each session is 1 hour long, personalized according to what you want to learn, and takes place at Loft 26 salon. Leave with a goody bag of products, notes, and step-by-step photos of the lesson.
Stacey: $100 for 1-hour lesson
Angela: $75 for 1-hour lesson
Featured Product: Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste by Oribe
Oribe products are flying off our shelves this summer. Many of you are popping in just to get Oribe at 10% off, and it’s always a pleasure to see you. Keep coming in and enjoying the free samples with products! This month we’re offering a 10% discount on the ultra-pliable molding paste Rough Luxury. It smoothly slips through hair before taking hold for definition, texture, and shine, lending a soft touch to short cuts and long layers alike.
July Special: $20 discount
Hope you had an awesome July 4th! We’ve declared the rest of the month a celebration, too, by offering $20 off your next visit to Stacey’s salon, Loft 26. Just mention “JULY SPECIAL” when you book. Call 212.414.2626.
Stacey’s News
Hot new social media site Archetype Me featured Stacey’s advice on the latest hair and makeup trends and tips for brides, wedding parties, and guests. For all the site’s “Fashionistas,” Stacey shared the lowdown on the big bridal look of the moment, braids, retro glamour à la The Great Gatsby, the latest in hair accessories, and the hair styling essentials you simply must have in your evening bag this summer. Check it out at Archetype Me.
Happy Hour
Summer has really only just begun, and Happy Hour is still going strong. Come get a sexy blowout or have gorgeous makeup done for your night out. Bring a friend and sip Skinnygirl cocktails while our professional hair and makeup artists pamper you.
July through August, Tuesday to Friday
4pm to 7pm
Price for each service: $40
Stephanie and Bart’s stylish winter wedding
Like any bride planning a winter wedding, Stephanie knew she’d have to take the weather into consideration when she walked down the aisle with Bart in Manhattan on February 8, 2013 — but who could have planned for the historic snowstorm Nemo that hit that day? Twelve inches of snow blanketed the city, and along with it came hurricane-force wind.
Yet as you can see from these gorgeous pictures, Stephanie’s hair and makeup were flawless, thanks to Once Upon A Bride’s amazing makeup artist Sofia and stylist Stefanie.
To complement the bride’s stunning Lazaro gown, Stephanie gave her long blonde hair a soft, romantic curl, accented with delicate jeweled headband. Sofia’s long-wearing, natural makeup palette brought out Stephanie’s own glowing complexion. And through the snow and wind and rain, Stephanie looked fresh all day and into the night.
Stephanie and Bart were married at the chic Tribeca Rooftop, with panoramic views of the Hudson River, The Empire State Building, Soho and downtown Manhattan. Di Zhang of Heartfelt Foto took these lovely photos of Stephanie.
Stacey shares wedding hair and makeup trends with fashionistas on “Archetype Me”
Hot new social media site Archetype Me just featured my advice on the latest hair and makeup trends and tips for brides, wedding parties, and guests! So here’s the lowdown…
Braided updos
Adding braids to your updo is a trend that’s going strong, especially for more fashion-forward girls going for an unconventional romantic look.
Marion Cotillard and Jennifer Morrison going for unconventional romantic looks with braids. Photos: Getty Images.
Retro glamour
Thanks to The Great Gatsby, vintage-inspired hair is very popular. Girls who wear their hair down are going for stylized, Veronica Lake waves, and Art Deco hairpieces add a great finishing touch.
Jessica Chastain and Eva Longoria with Veronica Lake-style retro waves. Photos: Getty Images
Hair accessories
If you’re doing your own hair for the big day, add a hair accessory. It instantly makes your hair look special. Blow your hair out and fashion it up with a headband. My favorite designers are Jennifer Behr and Dauphines of New York. And check out Once Upon A Bride’s selection of gorgeous accessories.
Emmy Rossum and Lydia Hearst adding effortless touches of glamour to their looks with hair accessories. Photos: Getty Images
Dry shampoo and texturizing spray
No matter what style you choose, it’s usually best not to wash your hair on the morning of your wedding. Instead, remove grease and freshen up your hair with René Futurer Naturia Dry Shampoo, and have Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray on hand. You can use no other products, and this will make your hair stay, even if you’ve chosen an updo.
Nicole Ritchie and Naomi Watts going for flapper-era looks. Photos: Getty Images.
Be prepared
Stash an emergency packet of bobby pins and invisible hair ties in your bag, so if you get hot, you can pop to the bathroom and create an instant updo. And carry a travel-size hairspray to keep your hair in place all night.
June Discounts, Specials, and News
Summer is here, along with great discounts on products and services at Stacey’s Loft 26 salon in Chelsea, known by our brides as the home base of Once Upon A Bride. Come in and get your hair in perfect condition for your wedding and honeymoon. (And all those summer party nights and beach days, of course!) We even have the guys covered this month, with discounted gift vouchers for men’s grooming and products to celebrate Father’s Day.
Seamless Extensions
The trend this season is for long-hair gals to go for organic balayage highlights, while those with short styles are opting for seamless extensions to create a bohemian look. Seamless extensions are the newest, and most innovative and unique, hair extension system on the market today. They are weightless, invisible to the eye, and undetectable to the touch. You get the length and volume you want, and no one will ever know you’re wearing extensions. We guarantee you’re going to love the experience! Call 212-414-2626 for a complimentary consultation.
Featured Product: Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray by Oribe
10% off in June!
Oribe’s Imperméable anti-humidity finishing spray prevents frizz on the sultriest of days (and nights), protecting sleek blowouts and perfect curls alike. Receive a 10% discount on Imperméable at Loft 26 throughout June 2013.
Father’s Day Special: Discounted men’s gift certificates
Treat your man to a gift certificate for grooming at Loft 26. He can come in for a great summer haircut and head home with new luxurious haircare products. Throughout June 2013, buy a man’s gift certificate for $60 and he’ll receive $80 value of services and products.
Happy Hour Continues
Girls are making the most of our summer Happy Hour services, getting ready for their nights out with shiny, moisturized blowouts and shimmery makeup. Come in, bring a friend, and sip Skinnygirl cocktails! Happy Hour continues through August, Tuesday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm; $40 for each service.
Stacey’s News
Hair this summer is all about headbands, hats, and barrettes that add the final touch to your outfit. Stacey, who is Bethenny Frankel’s longtime stylist, shared her top picks for this season’s hottest hair accessories over on Bethenny’s site. Check it out to get some inspiration for your summer look.
Schedule your next appointment now by calling the salon:
Loft 26 Salon
122 West 26th St.
New York, NY 10001
12th Floor
212.414.2626
info@loft26salon.com
Romantic bridal style: Ashley and Zach’s South Carolina wedding
Our bride Ashley chose a classic, romantic bridal look for her wedding at the elegant Sanctuary hotel at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Her gown was amazing, with a lace bodice and skirt with flowing, frothy ruching. A soft, romantic updo was the perfect choice to complement the dress and her veil.
A pearl brooch at the back of her hair teamed beautifully with her pearl bridal jewelry and the light, creamy tones of her bouquet.
On this October weekend at the South Carolina seashore, I knew humidity was likely to be an issue. So I went prepared with all my luxe Oribe products, especially the anti-humidity hair spray Imperméable, which prevents frizz in even the sultriest weather.
Ashley’s makeup artist was Veronica — you might know her better as “Rara” on “Bethenny Ever After,” as we work together as Bethenny’s hair and makeup stylists. Veronica went with a clean, fresh palette and light pink lip for Ashley, with a smokey eye for a bit of drama.
Bridal hair trends, tips, and tricks: Stacey’s expert advice to Oribe
Because it’s so important that a bride’s hair is in perfect condition on her wedding day, we use Oribe luxury haircare products. Our stylists swear by Oribe’s line of conditioning gels, oils and sprays that hold, and skincare-grade shampoos are all lightly scented with specially commissioned French perfumes.
So we are honored that when Oribe wanted to find out the latest bridal hair trends and tips, they called upon Stacey. Now we’re letting you in on their Q&A session. Find out what to watch for in the coming seasons, and how to get your hair in gorgeous condition for the day you walk down the aisle . . .
What are some of the top bridal hair trends for summer 2013?
Braids are still really in, with fishtails being the most popular. Brides are opting for side parts over center parts and hair that’s clean, youthful, and smooth. We’re also seeing a lot of sleek updos that lie low on the nape and don’t have as much texture as in previous seasons.
How do you determine what style to do on a bride?
I first get to know her personal style—what she wears as an everyday look and what she does for the weekend. You don’t want to stray too far from who she is. I then look at the dress and figure out something that matches both the style of the gown and the bride’s personality.
What do you do if a bride asks for a look that you don’t think will work for her?
A style can look completely different depending on the person’s face shape, hair color, texture and more, so what works on a celebrity or a friend may not work for you. I ask my clients to only bring in pictures of people with at least their same texture and hair color. If they bring in options that won’t work, I try to present similar styles that I think would complement them and their dress.
What styles work best for various dresses?
If the dress has a high neck, hair should be up or off to the side. I suggest a low ponytail, chignon, or side braid. For a sweetheart neckline, I like to see the hair down to minimize the amount of skin showing–too much skin can distract from the beauty of the dress. When a dress has an asymmetrical top, it’s important to maintain balance. Contrary to what you may think, you want to style the hair on the side that has the strap or the most weight so that you don’t confuse the eye and force it to choose where to look.
How can brides inject some personality into a more traditional look?
Accessories can really help add a bit of the bride into the hair. Flowers or something meaningful like an antique brooch can add a special, symbolic touch.
What about bridesmaid hair? How can the bridal party’s style complement the bride’s?
The bride’s hair should dictate her bridesmaids’ styles. I like for everyone to have a similar vibe but with slight variations. For example, if everyone is wearing their hair half up, you can modify the look with braids, twists, and more.
What are some of your tricks for keeping hair in place from the walk down the aisle to the last dance?
First of all, brides should always arrive with day-old hair; styles stay in better when the hair has some oil, and overly washed hair can be slippery. If a bride’s hair is too silky, the stylist should use Dry Texturizing Spray to add some texture and cut the gloss. It makes it much easier to work with the hair and helps secure pins.
How can brides prevent helmet head from too much hairspray?
Everything should be done in prepping the style so that the hairdresser doesn’t have to “shellac” it at the end. Using the right products and tools while prepping the hair is essential to getting a style that looks natural and stays in all night. You should only need a light misting of hairspray at the end.
How can brides prep their hair for the big day?
I give the bride shampoo and conditioner samples at our initial meeting and encourage her to use quality products to get her hair into great shape for the wedding. If the bride needs cut and color services, I recommend doing those two weeks beforehand—that allows time for any necessary fixes and gives you time to re-book if your stylist or colorist happens to get sick and cancel your appointment.
How can brides prep for bad weather?
Always go into your wedding day with two options that you love—one for good weather and one for bad. A lot of girls will go for something slicked back out of fear that it will be humid and their hair will frizz, but it may not necessarily be the style they’ve been dreaming of. Make sure your stylist knows both.
How can brides touch up their hair throughout the night?
If hair starts to fall out or fall flat, have a few products handy to refresh your style. I like to give my clients Oribe purse-size sprays for touch-ups.
Discounts, specials and news from the salon
It’s important to look after your hair (and relax and have some fun!) in the months leading up to your wedding. Once Upon A Bride is located at Loft 26, Stacey Weinstein’s very cool salon in Chelsea, which is running some even cooler special offers during May. Come on in and let us take care of your locks so they are in perfect condition on your wedding day.
Happy Hours
Join us for Happy Hour and get a sexy blowout or have gorgeous makeup done for a night out. Bring a friend and sip Skinnygirl cocktails while being beautified by our professional hair and makeup artists.
Available May through August, Tuesday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm. Price for each service: $40.
Oribe Haircare Products
When you next visit for a service, your hair will be nourished, treated, and pampered with Oribe products, the brand used by those who are serious about their haircare. Oribe delivers truly original formulations: gels that condition, oils that hold, sprays that don’t flake or clump, and skincare-grade shampoos that prep hair for styling while protecting it from the environment — all lightly scented with specially commissioned French perfumes.
10% Off Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil in May
This luxuriously light oil from Oribe absorbs instantly to restore hair to its prime. It deeply conditions, strengthens and smooths, imparting intense nourishment and incredible shine. And Gold Lust works wonders on dry, damaged, and color-treated hair. Receive a 10% discount on Gold Lust when you come in to the salon in May.
Mother’s Day 20% Off Special
We are celebrating Mother’s Day by offering a special treat to all of our customers. Visit the salon and get 20% off all services during the whole month of May.
For Summer Brides
Our organic highlights and organic balayage services are more popular than ever — blonde hair has never looked so shiny, natural, and healthy!
Stacey’s News
Stacey Weinstein, founder of Once Upon A Bride and Loft 26 Salon, is the trusted stylist of entrepreneur, author, and TV star Bethenny Frankel. So when Bethenny was looking for a hair expert to contribute advice to her website, bethenny.com, naturally she called on Stacey. Recently on the site Stacey shared with Bethenny’s readers how to do the perfect blowout at home and how to create Bethenny’s favorite hairstyles.
Bethenny Frankel by Forbes
Stacey’s Top 10 Bridal Hair Tips
Planning a wedding is stressful enough; the last thing you need is a bad hair decision sabotaging your special day — one that will be documented for eternity. Do you go with an accessorized updo, a braided twist, or loose and luxurious curls? There are so many choices, but it needn’t be overwhelming if you follow my top ten tips for preparing for your hair trial and wedding day. I’m sharing this over at bethenny.com too — everybody deserves beautiful hair on their wedding day!
1. Show and tell.
On the day of your hair trial, bring anything you think will help your stylist understand the looks you love or the style of your wedding. Have a friend take a photo of you in your dress at a fitting. Bring a swatch of fabric if you think that will help. Bring pictures of brides, celebrities, models — anyone whose look inspires you.
2. Enhance your unique beauty.
When you’re finding pictures to show your stylist, try to find ones that don’t stray too far from your own look and style. If you are the kind of girl who loves having her hair down and flowing, maybe you don’t want to go for a sleek updo — and vice versa. I think it’s best to go with the look you normally go for when you dress up for an occasion, and then glam it up a notch for your wedding day.
3. Be open.
Your hair trial gives you the chance to live with a look and discover whether you feel comfortable with it. If your hair artist suggests looks that you hadn’t considered before, don’t feel pressured to follow their advice, but while you have their expertise at your fingertips, you may as well give it your consideration.
4. Accessorize.
There are so many great hair accessories available now to add a gorgeous accent to your wedding hair. It will depend on the look you’re going for. For a more classical look, you might want to wear a Swarovski crystal brooch. Jeweled barrettes can be great. Some of my favorites at the moment are bird-cage veils, feathers, and unstructured fabric flowers, which go beautifully with more flowing, playful gowns.
5. Extend yourself.
Don’t shy away from having hair extensions for your wedding day; it’s way less of a drama than it may sound. And no one needs to know — it can be our secret! Extensions are great if you want a little more length or fullness, or if you or your artist is worried about your hair holding a particular style all through your wedding day. Even if your own hair falls, the extensions won’t.
6. Keep having regular haircuts.
At your trial, your artist can give you guidance on whether you need to grow your hair. If your hair is very long or unlayered, it can be difficult to manage and style, limiting the looks your artist can show you at your trial. Because Once Upon a Bride is based at my full-service salon Loft 26, we can take care of your hair right up until your wedding day.
7. Don’t get your hair cut just before the wedding!
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so avoid having a cut too close to your wedding. Especially avoid a radical change of style.
8. Look after those locks.
Pay special attention to hair care in the weeks before your trial and wedding, so that your hair is shiny and healthy. If you’re unsure of the best products for your hair type, consult with your stylist.
9. Be product-free on the day.
On your trial day and wedding day, have clean, dry hair. Avoid using a lot of conditioner that morning, especially a leave-in one. Stay away from silkening products that weigh your hair down and make it slippery to work with.
10. Be flexible.
Say it rains or a wind suddenly springs up on your wedding day, and that down style you had your heart set on just isn’t working. Don’t worry — last-minute changes can be okay, so long as you and your artist are prepared. When you come in to Once Upon a Bride for a trial, your artist will show you a couple of styles and variations so that you have options on the day.
Create your favorite Bethenny hairstyles: Stacey shows you how
Girls ask me all the time how they can achieve the same looks as the gorgeous Bethenny Frankel, whose hair I have been styling for years for her photo shoots and TV shows. So I shared my secrets over on bethenny.com, and now you can create the same styles at home.
Photo: Forbes.com
I wanted Bethenny to have luxurious looking hair, so I went old school and used electric rollers. They are best when used on clean and dry hair. Take 1-inch sections, spray the section with a wet hairspray to dampen, and then put in the electric rollers. Spray the set with a strong hold hairspray and let the rollers stay in for 30 minutes.
Trick: The wet spray will allow the hair to form the shape of a large round curl while drying on the roller.
Favorite products for this look: Paul Mitchell Sculpting Spray, Sebastian Shaper Hairspray
Photo: Getty Images
On wet hair I applied a clear gloss so my basic blow dry would be shiny. I added a root lifter to give a slight lift at the root, so hair would not be flat. I dried hair 80% and then used a round wooden brush in large sections to achieve a smooth, basic blow dry.
To keep her trendy and stylish, I added hair extensions that were 2 shades lighter than her hair color.
I placed a few throughout her hair so I could achieve an ombre highlight (dark to light). This is a bit more edgy for Bethenny to wear on a regular basis.
Trick: Buy clip-on hair extensions (easy to use) one or two shades lighter, and only use a few pieces. You won’t harm the hair with bleach and can create a new look in seconds.
Favorite products for this look: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Oil, Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray, Oribe Root Lift
Photo: Bethenny/Warner Bros.
To achieve the best sexy waves, I always ask Bethenny to show up with day-old hair. Hair then has some texture already and will not be so clean, slippery and fresh. I spray hair with a hairspray to get the hair prepped and texturized. Add a dry shampoo spray at the roots for a clean boost.
I use my wand iron throughout the hair and alternate my section size. For instance, the first row, I take an inch section and then the next row I take a 2-inch section. This allows the hair to have more of a flow. I use a wand and not a regular clip iron to achieve waves because when using the wand you will not curl the ends. If you only have a regular iron, then you want to leave at least one inch from the bottom out of the iron so the ends are straighter and not curled. To achieve the prettiest waves, you want to remember to always wrap the hair away from the face on both sides.
Trick: Freshly washed hair and over-conditioned hair make it harder to get waves and won’t hold or last. Work on dry, one day old hair.
Favorite product and tools for this look: Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo, Sedu Blow Dryer, Sedu Wand Iron
Photo: ©PA Images/Scott Gries/Invision for Skinnygirl/AP
This style is great when you have time to indulge and pull out all of your tools. I start with wet hair, and apply a root lifter and gloss to the ends of the hair. I use a large round metal brush in big sections so I can achieve a full body blow dry. I use electric rollers on the top section to get a full voluminous look.
I then section hair in horizontal rows and alternate two sizes of curling irons. After I wrap each section on the iron, I wrap the hair up in a barrel curl and clip at the root and let sit in a set. Once I am done, I spray hair and let set for at least 30 minutes.
Trick: I use a 1-inch and a 2-inch iron.
Favorite products for this look: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Oil, Oribe Root Lift, Oribe Hair Spray
Stacey Shows You How to Blow-Dry Like a Stylist
Exciting news: I’m now a contributing hair expert over at bethenny.com, offering readers my tips and tricks for gorgeous hair. On the site recently I shared some of my secrets to blow-drying hair like a pro. Fans of Bethenny’s shows know that I am all about creating styles that are easy to keep looking super sexy. Anybody can achieve a professional look — all it takes is a little product, a round brush, and a blow dryer. So for all you brides out there, here is my easy five-step system for blow-drying your hair at home so it looks like you just came from a salon…
1. Prep: Use the right products
If you need volume, use a volumizer shampoo. If your hair tends to be greasy, use a shampoo for oily hair. This gives you a great head start. Before blow-drying, apply only what you need, and nothing too heavy. Too much product can weigh hair down. For frizzy hair, use a gloss or relaxing balm. To increase volume, use a mousse or volume spray. Always use a gloss or heat protectant on the hair shaft.
2. Dry: Remove 75% of the water
Now that there is product in the hair for control, remove moisture before grabbing for the brush. Use your fingers and allow them to act like a brush by holding hair taut and pulling hair straight while getting water out. You can then use the blow dryer and tousle the hair dry to get extra water out. You want hair significantly dry before moving on to the next step.
3. Technique: Section hair
Separate hair into sections so you can have control over your hair and manage the blow dry. Separate hair into 4 sections using a ponytail holder for thick hair or a clip for fine hair. Each section will then be cut into horizontal, 1-inch sections starting at the bottom and moving up.
4. Tools: Move on to Blow Dryer and Round Brush
Pull the brush through the hair as you blow dry, pointing the nozzle downward onto the hair. The nozzle is important because it directs the heat so that it hits the whole brush and not just the center of the brush. Start at the root and work down mid-shaft while twirling the brush. Once dry, move from the mid-shaft to the ends. Hair ends dry fast, so don’t over-dry them; save those for last as they usually only need a little heat.
See how many times it takes you to dry one section, and then repeat this the same number of times on each section of the hair. This way you are not over-drying, and you create a system.
5. The Finishing Touch
Once hair is fully dry, you can do a last round for a truly professional look. First, apply a light serum or gloss if you still see frizz.
Take your round brush, grab 3-inch sections, and smooth hair again once or twice. Hold hair high toward ceiling and hairspray the root area, wrapping hair around brush to the root. Heat hair up for a few seconds and get hair hot, then lock in the style with the cool button and hold for 10 seconds. Going from hot to cold allows hair to set in a nice smooth shape. You can even replace the dryer with a 2-inch-barrel curling iron and clip each section to cool.
Bright spring color inspiration: Nicole and Steven’s Charleston wedding
I am a total New York girl and love the city in any season — but it was really a joy to hop on the plane for Nicole and Steven’s outdoor wedding on the waterfront in Charleston, South Carolina. Nicole had chosen to go with bold colors for her flowers and her bridesmaids’ dresses. It may have been February, but those splashes of red, pink, and orange made winter seem far, far away.
Style icon Blake Lively was the inspiration for Nicole’s hair. I used Ombré hair extensions to boost length and volume. With my favorite tool, the Sedu curling iron, I created a flowing, natural-looking wave. And then I styled Nicole’s hair into a side ponytail with a stunning bright flower accessory.
Airbrush makeup gave Nicole a long-lasting and flawless look. We went with a pink lip and light eye shimmer in keeping with the springlike colors of the wedding. False lashes added a touch of glamor.
There were a lot of laughs as we got Nicole and her gorgeous bridesmaids ready in their cute kiminos, in the elegant suites at Lowndes Grove Plantation.
And don’t you just love the photos, by Aaron Lockwood, of Lockwood Studios? I think he did an amazing job of capturing the beauty and happiness of Nicole and Steven’s day.
Samantha and Jake’s black-tie New York City wedding
We are so excited to see our stunning bride Samantha’s glamorous wedding to Jake featured this week by our friends at Style Me Pretty. This couple’s story is so romantic: They felt as though they’d known each other all their lives when they met by chance in Puerto Rico while Sam was on vacation. A week after she returned, Jake had come to find her in New York City . . . and so began a long-distance romance that led to this beautiful black-tie wedding at the Mandarin Hotel overlooking Columbus Circle.
Such a romantic story–and the light-as-air Vera Wang gown Sam chose–deserved a romantic bridal hair and makeup look. I added some natural hair extensions and gave Sam soft side braids, securing them at the back with a crystal bridal hair accessory from our collection.
Airbrush makeup accentuated Sam’s own glowing complexion with a flawless, long-lasting finish. We went with a delicate pink lip and smokey eye makeup, and added some false lashes to highlight her blue eyes.
Sue Kessler, of Christian Oth Studio, took beautiful shots that truly capture the day.
Romantic bridal beauty: Megan & Bill, Rye, New York
I loved the style of our gorgeous bride Megan, who wed Bill on a crisp late summer day, wearing a crisp white strapless mermaid-style gown. Using all Oribe products and my trusty Sedu styling iron to set her blonde hair, I created a romantic low updo — my softer, more playful twist on a classic bridal style. I worked fabric flower hair accessories into the back, to complement the pearls Megan wore and the delicate floral patterned lace overlay of her gown.
Makeup artist Nichole accentuated Megan’s stunning blue eyes with a light champagne smokey eye, dramatic eyeliner, and a soft, natural light pink lip. To create this look, Nichole used a combination of MAC, Armani, and Make Up For Ever products.
Photographer Kathi Littwin did an amazing job of capturing the day, from the moment Nichole and I began preparing Megan, right through to the waterfront ceremony in the gardens of the Wainwright House in Rye, and the reception where the couple danced the night away.
Congratulations, Megan and Bill. Nichole and I are so happy to have been part of your perfect day!
Stacey styles Megan’s hair into a soft, romantic low updo (Photo by Kathi Littwin Photography)
Nichole puts the finishing touches on Megan’s makeup
Lynn & Jasen: Classic style at Capitale
We love a modern bridal take on classic style, like our bride Lynn’s when she wed Jasen at a church in uptown NYC, followed by a reception at the Bowery’s Capitale, formerly a bank and now a grand, lavish venue.
The wedding was opulent and filled with vintage-inspired details. So it seemed fitting that Lynn’s hair should be a twist on a classic low chignon. Once Upon A Bride’s stellar makeup artist Sofia created Lynn’s smokey eye with glamorous false lashes, teamed with a clean, pale lip.
We incorporated a stunning birdcage face veil with feathers into Lynn’s hair style, echoing the rosettes in her simply amazing Monique Lhuillier gown.
We loved getting to know this gorgeous, happy couple and creating the look Lynn wanted for her wedding day.
The fabulously talented Cappy Hotchkiss took Lynn and Jasen’s wedding photos.
Introducing Sofia Beskasnova — Once Upon a Bride makeup artist
It’s so important to have a great relationship with your wedding hair stylist and makeup artist. You need artists you can trust to bring out the most beautiful you and make you feel fantastic on your wedding day. So you can get to know our artists a little better, I’ll be regularly featuring them here on the Inspiration page, so be sure to check back.
Sofia Beskasnova, wedding makeup artist, Once Upon a Bride NYC
First up is the amazing Sofia Beskasnova, who has more than a decade of experience as a professional makeup artist since starting out with MAC Cosmetics. Sofia, who is Russian and was born and grew up in Latvia, studied makeup at film and television school. She learned all the skills of glamour, red carpet, special effects, and film and TV prosthetics — but her real passion was women’s beauty.
“I love to see how wonderful and confident women feel when they have the right makeup on,” she says. “Bridal makeup will always be my favorite field in this fascinating industry. It is a very rewarding and happy job, because I make brides feel their most beautiful.”
Sofia is well known at the Paris, Milan, and New York fashion weeks, where she has been doing runway makeup for the past 12 seasons. She has worked with Diane Von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Vivien Westwood, Reem Acra, and Monique Lhuillier. Sofia’s celebrity clients have included Lady Gaga, and her work has appeared on shows such as TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and Bravo’s Miss Advised, Bethenny Ever After, and Project Runway. Her work can also be seen in GQ, Allure, and the Harper’s Bazaar runway report.
Every time I see a bride get to know Sofia during a makeup trial, the bride leaves our salon feeling absolutely confident and excited about her upcoming wedding day. Sofia becomes friends with most of her brides, and they often become lifetime clients.
When I ask Sofia what her approach is to working with brides, she says: “I always try to connect with my client first, then her face just speaks to me. I love doing wedding makeup! Natural, dramatic, sexy, extravagant — whatever fits the bride’s personality. And the biggest excitement for me is the moment when a bride smiles at me and says, ‘It’s exactly what I want!'”
When I shot my video for this website, I had Sofia do my makeup — she did an amazing job.
Sofia puts the finishing touches on a bride before she walks down the aisle
Sofia also loves doing makeup for our brides’ flower girls.
Jennifer & Sean’s modern NYC wedding
Chilly days are on the way, but summer brides are busy right now getting all their style ideas together for wedding hair and makeup. So here is our gorgeous bride Jennifer, who married Sean overlooking New York’s Hudson River. Makeup artist Sofia and I helped Jennifer get ready at luxurious Soho House, in the Meatpacking District.
Because it was summer in the city, I went with some free-flowing extensions for Jennifer’s blonde locks. A floral hair accessory accented the light and airy skirt of her gown. Sofia complemented this with a natural bronzed shimmery summer makeup look.
The look of the wedding was modern but a bit whimsical. Jennifer and Sean’s palette of black, white, and pink was stunning. And, really, who couldn’t love the fact that their pooch was part of the wedding party and got to wear a pink necklace that matched the bridesmaids’?
With photos like these by Jenny Ebert, using the amazing backdrop of the High Line, it’s no wonder The Knot magazine featured the couple. Thank you, Jennifer and Sean, for making us a part of your day.
Fall wedding inspiration: Rachel and Zac’s Vermont wedding
Our bride Rachel showed us that for fall weddings, it’s more than okay to go beyond an earthy harvest-time palette and opt for something striking and gorgeous . . . like sapphire blue, in her case. We love the amazing patterned Douglas Hannant gown with bold blue accents that she wore, not to mention those stunning blue jeweled Manolo Blahniks.
Rachel and Zac got married on a perfect fall day at the Vermont home of one their parents. The home has an old stone wall and stately garden, which inspired Rachel and Zac to bring a touch of nature into their wedding style: it was English Garden meets Great Gatsby.
Once Upon a Bride stylist Stefanie worked with the organic floral patterns in Rachel’s gown and put her beautiful long hair into a classic low chignon. Stefanie gave it a modern twist by braiding the sides and adding a fabric flower hair accessory. This wedding hair style worked beautifully with the chic little fascinator Rachel wore for the ceremony.
Our makeup artist Sofia picked up the tones in Rachel’s gown and flowers and gave her a smokey blue eye, complemented with a soft pink lip, for a natural bridal makeup look with a touch of glamour.
The effect Rachel and Zac were going for with their wedding look? Understated elegance. Check out these stunning shots from Daria Bishop Photographers, and I think you’ll agree that they achieved that, and more.
For even more inspiration from Rachel and Zac’s Vermont wedding, go to Style Me Pretty’s gallery.
Classic Bridal Style: Meghan & Marc
As inspiration for those who dream of creating a classic wedding hair and makeup look, I want to share with you the wedding pictures of our beautiful bride Meghan. With the Hudson Valley’s Wainwright House — which is modeled on a real 17th century chateau — as the backdrop for her wedding to Marc, it was only fitting that she went with a timeless, elegant bridal style.
We styled her lovely blonde hair in a soft, romantic updo accentuated with a jeweled bridal hair accessory. The effect was stunning with her simply amazing long bridal veil and the train on her Vera Wang gown. For Meghan’s makeup, we went with a natural look and soft pink lip color — so pretty with the roses in her bouquet!
So, enjoy these gorgeous images from Robert and Kathleen Photographers. On Style Me Pretty, they tell a beautiful story about how they witnessed Meghan and Marc’s love for each other on the wedding day, and you’ll also find more of the couple’s wedding pictures if you want to soak up more classic bridal style inspiration!
Wedding Hair Inspiration from Style Icon Audrey Hepburn
When inspiration strikes our friends at the boutique wedding planners Bellafare, we know we’re in for a treat. Their vision? To create a modern yet timeless winter wedding shoot with a crisp, stylish black-and-white palette.
Classic New York style with a contemporary twist was the look they were going for, so Once Upon a Bride’s hair stylist Angela worked with the model’s long blonde hair to create this chic updo finished off with a white retro fascinator. The effect was very Audrey Hepburn, circa Breakfast at Tiffany’s!
We love the stunning black bridal gown, which brought a touch of high fashion — just perfect for a shoot at the Lincoln Center, the home of New York Fashion Week. And Jen Huang‘s work as photographer was, as always, amazing.
For more inspiration for a chic bridal hair style à la Audrey Hepburn, or a black-and-white wedding palette, check out Style Me Pretty‘s gallery for this unique shoot.
Cagney and Zack’s Southern style, Charleston, SC
This past weekend, I headed off with my stellar makeup artist Veronica – you may know her as RaRa from Bethenny Ever After — to that most elegant of wedding destinations, Charleston, South Carolina. (By the way, girls in the Charleston area: Once Upon a Bride has just opened a branch in your beautiful city!)
We were there to style Cagney for her wedding to Zack at the amazing Lowndes Grove Plantation, an historic estate on the banks of the river in downtown Charleston. I love that Cagney had two different hair looks for her wedding day: first I created a classic Southern belle look using long hair extensions with a wave. And when Cagney walked down the aisle we went with a side up-do that complemented her sheer white veil beautifully.
Veronica brought out the bride’s own glowing beauty with a couple of different makeup palettes, especially accentuating Cagney’s eyes with a dramatic look including luscious eyelash extensions.
My new friends at Southern Protocol wedding planners did an incredible job of making this a wedding to remember. The color scheme was exquisite — love the bride’s magenta Queen Anne sofa on the lawn and the flower girls’ tutus! And Paige Winn did a phenomenal job of capturing the whole event.
Thanks for making us a part of your day, Cagney and Zack — you are the sweetest couple. Congratulations!
Once Upon a Bride gets a makeover!
We’ve freshened up our site, and we hope you love our gorgeous new look as much as we do! Here on the Inspiration page we’ll continue to bring you the latest trends in bridal hair and makeup. We’ll feature the weddings of our beautiful brides and keep you up to date with Stacey’s celebrity styling. And so you can get to know our team, we’ll also be showcasing a Once Upon a Bride artist each month, so stay tuned.
Stacey Lyn Weinstein and Once Upon A Bride salon mascot, Penelope
We’ve added some features to our site: Because we know there are a million and one questions on every bride’s mind, we now have extra info on the services we provide. There are details on everything from your trial and wedding day through to airbrush makeup, hair and eyelash extensions, rehearsal hair and makeup, and fun little extras like blowdry and makeup classes for you and your bridesmaids. (You’ll even find out about our special secret discount — shhh!)
Still have questions? Stacey is only a phone call away — and she might even add your question to our new Q&A section.
Check out some of our stylish brides on the new Looks page. We’ve also added some new videos. Take a sneak peek inside our salon, hear what brides have to say about us, and see Stacey styling the very smart, very funny Bethenny Frankel on Bravo.
Stacey styling Bethenny Frankel on the set of her talk show
Other big news: Ladies, if you live in Washington, D.C., Boston, or Charleston, South Carolina, Once Upon a Bride now has artists based in your city. Our home base remains downtown New York, where we were founded in 1999, but we thought it was time to spread the love to all of the major wedding hubs in the Northeast.
And our New York team continues to travel to weddings anywhere in the country and around the globe — because every bride deserves to look perfect on her wedding day!
