It was the ultimate walk of shame…no hair, no makeup and just a pair of over sized Ray Bans to shield me from the cruel and harsh judgment of the outside world. Clinging to my last shred of dignity I hurried across the busy streets of downtown Spokane to a gathering of the only people I knew who could possibly help me…Carrie Gridley and Chantell Steinke of CG Studio, Jennifer Welch of J.Sellen Couture and Evy Mauro of Makeup by Evelyn Mauro. It was wedding professional picture day at Nectar Tasting Room! (Some of you may be thinking “An event for professionals…why were you invited”? I thought the same thing!) A team of experienced hair and makeup pros were ready to transform me from admittedly horrifying to something that the lovely Crystal of Crystal Madsen Photography could most certainly airbrush to near (be it unrecognizable) perfection! ( I really have to give Crystal credit for turning this…
Into this!
(Us Apple Brides gals have a hard time being in front of the camera but despite our fits of laughter Crystal was able to capture this great shot of us!)
Thanks to Alisa Lewis of Alisa Lewis Event Design & Details along with Ali Messer and Jessica Sheady of Soiree Event Design, the ladies of Apple Brides and some of the areas most talented wedding planners were treated to a day of pampering to prep us for some new head shots. It was a great chance to socialize, network and get some great firsthand advice from some of this areas best hair and makeup artists. I was lucky enough to have my hair done my Carrie Gridley who just opened her own salon in Coeur d’ Alene and specializes in bridal styling. I asked her a few questions…
What are some of the popular trends for bridal hair and which is your favorite?
There are so many trend in wedding hairstyles and they are ever changing! Braids are huge right now as well as pony tails, knots and chignons. My favorites lean more on the traditional chignons and other classic up-dos. Trends are merely trends, they come and go. I prefer to create more timeless styles for my brides. Remember the hats that were trendy int the 80′s? How many of those brides still display their wedding pictures…very few.
Photo by Urban Rose Photography (hair piece by Stella’s Design)
Why should brides work with an experienced hairstylist?
I take being a bridal hair specialist very seriously. However, I am not a very serious person! Hiring a specialist means you are working with someone who can offer you more than a nice style for your big day (because almost any stylist can do that.) Instead, factors such as the style of your wedding , venue, the season, neckline of your dress, veil/hair piece and jewelry all play into the perfect hair style to accompany your finished look; things you never really thought of right? Most people don’t and that is one very good reason why you should spend the money and hire a well trained professional for your wedding hair.
What is your favorite part about working with brides?
I truly love weddings and bridal parties. If given the chance I would do bridal hair 5-7 days a week. While many people think I’m crazy to deal with brides all the time I simply love it! I honestly can’t name my favorite thing about working with brides so I will just say them all! Being an on-site bridal hair specialist means I have the opportunity to pack up my salon and get into the bridal party’s element the day of the wedding. Being surrounded by a happy bride and supportive family and friends is a fulfilling experience. I have worked with mellow brides who enjoy soft music and a mimosa in a calm hotel room to a crazy bridal party who blared their music and took shots while getting ready (and practically everything in between.) I enjoy being able to be a chameleon and just go with the flow and the feel of the wedding day. I have yet to work with a “Brideszilla” and maybe that is because my definition of a “Bridezilla” is far more extreme than most. I also love to being able to give myself enough time to help get girls into their gowns if needed or help with those last minute decorations that fell through the cracks. Myself and my team have also been known to help caterers set up, help decorate venues, alter dresses on site, and do emergency makeup. I come prepared for just about anything and am happy to lend a helping hand when needed!
Photo by Meshelle Photography
Kirk Mastin of 
Here’s Amy leading a little “let’s get to know each other” icebreaker activity. Everyone is looking into the camera like “you’re forcing us to do this and now your taking pictures!!”
Here’s a shot of Jeff Oswalt and Tyler Lafferty of 14Four leading one of out breakout sessions. Have you gone on their 
Here’s Josh Wade of 
