For a bride-to-be, there is no day more important than the
day of her wedding. There is no bigger moment then when she steps into the
aisle and begins her walk toward the alter. Every detail must be perfect, as
the audience anticipates her BIG reveal. It comes down to the smallest details
that contribute to a bride feeling her most beautiful. With that in mind, I had
the pleasure of catching up with awesome wedding professionals Flower &
Gold, who know exactly what goes into making a bride feel her most glamorous. Native to San Francisco, Alexia Ogle and
Ashley Smith run a highly successful boutique wedding hair and make-up business
which has attracted attention from big time names like L’Oreal, Bumble &
Bumble, and Shu Uemera, to name a few. I had the courtesy and pleasure of
catching up with Flower & Gold to bring you the very best in tips from
these high fashion, artistic pros. Here A Monique Affair brings you an interview
in which they discuss their greatest beauty secrets. If we’ve piqued your
interest and you want to learn more about this dynamic duo, visit the Flower& Gold website.
ASHLEY SMITH on Wedding Hair…
AMA: Hair Piece or
Veil? What is your favorite to work with? Any tips to brides on how to choose
between the two?
AS: I am a huge fan
of incorporating hair pieces and/or veils. The key is to make sure the look
isn't overdone. For example, if the look is soft with loose curls, I would
suggest a small vintage comb or fresh flowers to maintain a soft feel. If the
hairstyle is more formal and structured, a low set veil would be perfect, so as
not to disrupt the hairstyle. Each bride is different so it's really about
making sure the entire look is completely cohesive!
AMA: What is your
most favorite, current wedding hair trend?
AS: I am absolutely
in love with braids right now, especially because of all the different types
out there to choose from and play with. I feel they are great for capturing a
lovely bohemian look, as well as, creating great visual points for a photographer
to feature and/or capture.
AMA: Any tips a bride should follow for good hair
treatment in the days leading up to the wedding?
AS: Give the hair a great deep treatment! I
recommend the Mending Masque from Bumble and Bumble. I will often also suggest
a color gloss or toner to amplify the shine and color of the natural hair.
AMA: What factors
should a bride consider when deciding whether to go with an up-do, or a hair
down style?
AS: First thing to consider is your level of comfort.
You want to make sure as a bride, you still feel like yourself. This means that
if you never wear your hair up, I may recommend trying a glamorous down style.
Also, it is important to take into consideration the cut of the wedding dress
and whether there are features you are looking to show off by doing the hair up
or off to the side.
AMA: What is it about your hair expertise that you
think sets you apart from other stylists?
AS: I feel I am able to truly offer a completely
customized experience. My passion for the experience coupled with a robust
skill set makes each experience a special one.
AMA: What attracted
you to the bridal industry?
AS: It is
definitely my passion for making women feel beautiful and special in such a
personal way. I also feel driven by my love for the art of hairstyling.
ALEXIA OGLE on wedding make-up…
AMA: What is your
favorite wedding make-up palette?
AO: I wouldn’t say I
have an exact favorite makeup palette, for me it is all about creating an
individual palette for each woman. I
love enhancing natural beauty and personality, whether that means a smoky jewel
toned eye or soft neutrals. It is about making any color palette work and look
beautiful for my brides.
AMA: When planning for her wedding day make-up,
what factors do you think brides should keep in mind when deciding on their look?
AO: There's nothing
worse than having your big day come around, only for you to dislike the way your
makeup looks. Remember that "A picture lasts a lifetime." Here are
some makeup suggestions to consider before your wedding, whether you’re getting
it done professionally or doing it yourself. I always ask, define your personal
style, what are your favorite makeup colors, what time and where will the
wedding be held. Think of hair styling, the style of the dress, accessories,
and even color scheme. I believe your makeup should enhance your features to
make you look and feel radiant! I also encourage brides not to forget to prep
and prime the skin for a flawless, long lasting finish and using makeup
products that are photo friendly.
AMA: What's your
favorite current wedding make-up trend?
AO: I don't believe
in following trends, makeup is a way to express your individuality. If a woman
wants to wear a matte red lipstick on her special day, then by all means do it.
The makeup should enhance the bride’s features and not drown them out to make her
look and feel radiant.
AMA: If a bride wants
to keep it simple with make-up, are there still ways to play up the wow factor?
AO: I always suggest
a groomed brow and beautiful lashes, they are instant WOW factors. Eyebrows
frame the face, and a groomed brow creates an instant pop for any makeup. When
I do bridal makeup, I start with the brows before anything else. By
transforming them, you can completely transform the face. If a bride wants a
flawless application, I’d start with the eyes and finish with the skin. False
lashes can be added to any look, and the confidence boost is palpable!
Individual lashes look great with a naked eye and just a bit of mascara; there
are tons of looks you can create using false eyelashes. At the end of the night
they come right off until the next time you decide to use them. I highly
recommend the FAUX brand false eye lashes (a San Francisco based company). They're
an inexpensive way to achieve instant glamour and immediate gratification. A
liquid highlighter around the orbital bone and a coat of water proof mascara is
a bonus and you should always be prepared in case you shed a tear.
AMA: What is it about your make-up expertise that sets you
apart from other wedding artists?
AO: I am constantly
growing as an artist. It is important to stay updated with product knowledge
and makeup skills. I love learning new tips and tricks to share with my bride.
The biggest attribute my clients have shared, is that I listen to their needs
and make them feel comfortable. They trust me in making them feel and look beautiful
on one of their most significant days. When you love what you do that energy
radiates. I am fortunate to have created relationships with my bridal clients
and still work with many of them today.
AMA: What attracted you to the bridal industry?
AO: It is a great
honor to be a part of a woman’s most memorable day. I love when a bride looks
in the mirror and says "I've never felt so beautiful", it brings a
smile every single time. Ashley and I
have been fortunate to witness some magical moments between family and friends,
as well as when the bride and groom see each other for the first time. Simply
put, I love what I do and who wouldn't want to be a part of a fairy tale
moment.
INSPIRE
ME BRIDE CONTEST GIVEAWAY
A Monique Affair is starting off the year by partnering
up with Adeline & Grace Photography to bring you the contest of the year.
The Inspire Me Bride contest giveaway is now underway and accepting submission.
Show us what wedding elements inspire you and enter for a chance to win a $100
gift card, and a chance for your wedding inspirations to be the subject of one
of our styled shoots. Better hurry, cause time is running out. For full details,
read our contest blog post.
