Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium Blog

***
Who or what inspired you to be a hair stylist?

My Father!
He came here from Fes, Morocco in the 1960’s, opened up 2 salons in
Georgetown. Ever since, the rest of the family grew into the hair
industry, now we are 15 relatives in the hair business. He inspired his
siblings to come to America, but had passed away when I was just a
little girl so I never saw his work first hand.
Nonetheless, his story and inspiration motivated us all and am ever
grateful for his dream.
***

What are three things that brides should be looking for when
selecting an on site hair stylist for their wedding day?

1. A stylist - who has experience with different hair types, textures
and lengths. One who can be versatile.
2. A stylist -  who is professional &  passionate.
3. A stylist - who can has flexible hours. Some salons don’t
operate on Sundays nor offer early/late hours.

1. That not all images brought in from their hair trial can be
achieved. We need to get a sense of style first with the dress style,
the facial features, hair length and texture.
A photo is a great way to get a concept, but not to have a set look
before considering your sense of style first, otherwise this can set
you up for disappointment before we even begin.
All your ideas are welcome though !

2. Curls–Sometimes brides think the curls will last for hours!

Curls will hold when styled with the right preparation (using the right
products, knowing when to wash the hair, etc), then they have a better
chance of lasting.  

The only way to reinforce this is to consider the
texture and length as best as we can. It will also depend on the
season (humidity and moisture effect the hair tremendously).

Tip!
Create long layers in the hair so the weight of the hair can cascade
down softly, not ending up with a style just full at the bottom.
The length needs to frame your face too.

3. When considering how to pull the entire image together, think about this:
Dress style: does it have sequence, flowers on the dress?

Are you wearing earrings and a necklace? Wearing a tiara, head comb or flower in
your hair too?

Be careful of too much. Choose a fine balance and start
from the style of the dress.
For an example:
Don’t try to wear a necklace if it will cut the look of the neckline of
your dress.
***
Give our readers a piece of advice for their weddings planning process:

Coordinate your timing with the wedding coordinator and photograher as
best as you can before securing the timeline with hair.
Once you give a deposit, that locks in your date and time. It could be
difficult to go back and change the time, especially when the rest of
the day is secured with other accommodations.
I always allow room for cushion time, but it’s best to narrow it down
as much as possible beforehand.

Have an agenda for hair and makeup in advance so the transition between each
person runs smoothly (the coordinator or I can help you with this).

Send photos to your bridesmaids (or they can go to my site, over 400
images) in advance so they can make a decision about their hair before he big day.

I find that a lot of brides have a hard time getting a head
count because those in the bridal party cant make up thier mind.
Photos can be inspirational and might move thier thoughts a little
quicker…so thay you can firm up your total for hair that day!

Photo by Robert Isocson

Giselle   

 Photo By Amy Raab

The hair style above is used with 2 hair fillers, one at the crown and one at the nape area. What better way to ensure a long lasting look!

Hair fillers are synthetic hair made into different shapes, sizes, and colors…see my store on my site : www.hairbygiselle.com/store  for more examples,  also see  my portfolio pg, the Album called: Buns.

 They are used for shaping and durability and height.

Light weight, soft, not like the BUMP IT. Once secured in, then most of the rest of the pins get secured into the filler rather then your scalp…very comfortable after your hair being up so long!

Used at the crown and/or at the base of the nape area, to the side, anywhere.

Also used for stability with the viel (especially cathedral veils which tend to weigh more and pull as you walk due to it’s length).
All hair types and lengths can benefit from it…not just for those with finer or shorter hair! Can be used with the hair down too, at the crown area!

 They will NOT fall out till you take it out , and you can reuse them.

They are wonderful and I really believe in them….a small price to pay for durability & comfort!
Giselle

Hair by: Elegant Hair by Giselle

Photos by: Len Depas

Video by:  Suburban video

Please take a look at this beautiful video by  Suburban Video

5 minute highlight clip of the wedding:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCGIq_igHJE