WEDDING HAIR AND MAKEUP

I have been fortunate to work with Jo Adams from hair & makeup atelier, her passion and creativity is second to none. Jo’s hair and makeup is truly flawless and her attention to detail speaks for itself.

So lets get to know Jo….

Have you always been a hair and makeup artist?  What’s your background?

I’ve been a hair and makeup artist for 15 years! I was always creative throughout my formative years, but initially followed a traditional academic pathway, completing a degree in psychology. I was always the go to girl for hair and makeup and after a brief stint working in the city a good friend suggested a course to me. That was it! From the first day, I knew it was ‘the thing’ I wanted to do and I’ve never looked back! I’m so lucky to have found a job that never feels like work and even if I won the lotto I would still work – I would just maybe have a helicopter to beat the London traffic!

What information do you need to know when speaking with a bride for the first time?  Do you like the bride to show you looks and styles they like?

I am SUCH a Virgo! I love to know everything… the dress, the styling, ALL the small details. I love to really get a feel for my brides own personal style so that I can truly create a look unique to her. Pictures of how she usually likes to wear her hair and makeup are super helpful and of course a Pinterest board helps me to see her vision for the big day. 

I really do LOVE to go the extra mile for the bridal party too, everyone should feel special after having their hair and makeup done, so I set up a bridal party WhatsApp group where I can get to know everyone’s likes and dislikes before the day! 

How far ahead of the wedding do you usually do the hair and make up trial?

Some brides know exactly how they want to look and just want to meet me as soon as possible! Others aren’t so sure, and the dress and accessories will play a big part in dictating the styling for the wedding day. Usually, once you have the dress and have pulled together some of the styling ideas for the day, then it’s the right time to schedule your preview. Sometimes the session is best used to try several of your favorite styles to narrow your ideas down and then we work on the final touches to your look on the day. 

Do you have any tips for brides to look after their skin ahead of their wedding day?

Yes! Ditch the babywipes, they are so, so bad for your skin. Just this one change will dramatically improve your skin and how your makeup will sit and last on the day. 

My favorite minimal effort, maximum result facial is anything involving radio frequency at Facegym (Kings Road/Selfridges). Lifting, plumping, firming and all things hydrating, you will notice a perkier appearance immediately and the benefits will continue to increase for weeks after the facial. 

Do you travel for destination weddings?  If yes, Is there somewhere you have been that really stood out?

Yes! I travel anywhere and everywhere! Lake Como (in fact anywhere in Italy) has to stand out, for just being devastatingly beautiful and romantic. 

How long does hair and make up take on the day?

For both hair and makeup I tend to allow 2.5 hours for the bride and 90 minutes for each member of the bridal party. Whilst my team and I can work faster, I like to build in enough time into the schedule to allow for all the little moments and so that you don’t feel rushed in any way. 

How long do you stay for on the day?

I stay as long as you would like me! At the minimum I stay until the moment you leave to head to your ceremony, topping up lips and for any final touches. Some bridal parties request I stay for the day, either for a second look or to be in hand for touch ups throughout. I can discreetly keep an eye on your or your photos, setting the dress and veil and ensuring there isn’t a hair out of place!

Do you have a favourite brand that you like to use?

I have been switching my kit over to be completely cruelty free and I am loving brands like Charlotte Tilbury, RMS beauty and Hourglass. I also love Living Proof hair styling products. 

What do you love about working in the wedding industry?

I love that the wedding industry is such a close network of kick ass small businesses! Everyone LOVES their couples and being a part of the emotions of the day. It really is a privilege for me to be present with my brides as they prepare to walk down the aisle and one of the best things about being recommended throughout friendship groups is catching up with previous brides when they are part of another brides day.  

And finally, do you have a bride that stands out for you?

Every bride is like an honorary best friend to me, but recently there was one that stood out. Last year I looked after a lovely bride called Chloe who trusted me with her hair and makeup for her wedding day. Chloe had been particularly unsure as to whether she would feel comfortable having an artist take care of her, but her reaction when we met and completed her preview is a moment I will always treasure.  I’m not someone who is a natural in front of the camera, or showing too much of myself on my website or Instagram, but while working with Chloe, she reminded me just how much of ‘me’ is part of the experience of having me look after your hair and makeup. I’m all about the details and I understand just how challenging it can be to relinquish that control to another person and since meeting Chloe I have been working on a brand new website that reflects my style of working. So thank you Chloe and to all the other brides that have trusted me on your special day!