JenRoseRDH

Using Shenique was probably the most difficult decision I made leading up to the wedding. I had such a hard time justifying the expense for hair and make up. I am very low maintenance from day to day and knew I wanted a carefree, beachy wedding look- not too made up and not out of place on the sand and in the sun. I got some good advice from a stylist here in Nashville, "You don't want to look back at your wedding pictures and ask yourself, "who is that???" I considered working with my Nashville hairdresser (Candace Bradley) and local makeup artist (Jaiya Wendell) and having them teach me how to get myself ready since I was not in a financial position to take them with me (so sad). Much as I love them both and have absolute confidence in their ability, I was not able to get myself motivated enough to practice on myself and who really wants the added stress and responsibility of creating their own look on their wedding day? I looked into other make up and hair options in Provo. I felt that using a local professional who is used to the effect of tropical sun, sweat and humidity on hair and makeup would be a wise way to go. They are used to creating a look that can withstand it all and last all day and into the night. There are several excellent local professionals but Shenique seems to be the only one who does both hair and makeup herself. While I could have saved a bit of money by going to 2 separate hair and makeup salons, I did not want to be out running errands on my wedding day just to save a few dollars. Had I paid the separate outcall fees to have both come to me, the money would have worked out about the same as using Shenique. Trust me, I worked out many possible scenarios. In the end, I decided that it was worth it to have someone come to me in the comfort of my Grace Bay Suite and get pampered while surrounded my friends and family and enjoying my fabulous view. Looking at pictures and reading reviews, I felt that on the island Shenique was the "go to" artist and when it came down to it, I wanted the best. My biggest concern was that because Shenique works with a team of artists, I might not actually end up with her for my big day. I believe that while this is a minor possibility, it is a very rare occurance. She often uses her team for wedding parties but came alone since it was just me. As I was not in a financial position to pay for hair and makeup for my bridesmaids, they chose to go a less expensive route- many of them doing their own and each other's hair and makeup.They brought their dresses and makeup to my suite and we all got ready together. I loved being able to relax and enjoy the morning with my family and best friends. My initial contact with Shenique was very prompt and professional. We emailed a bit and locked down the date. As the wedding got closer I created a pinterest board with the looks I liked and wanted to share with her. I wanted to wear my hair long but pulled back and swept to the side. I made a hair comb out of a broach and made a long veil to wear for the ceremony but take out for the reception. Shenique arrived on time and armed with everything she needed to make me fabulous. She worked on my hair first then did my makeup. She was very patient with the many distractions and interruptions that occur on a wedding day. She tailored a look for me that was exactly what I had in mind and I felt like the best possible version of myself- but still myself. Looking at our wedding pictures and video, I know I made the right choice in using her. There are spots in the videos where I can see the sweat glisten on my back but my face and hair held up through it all. I used some Clean and Clear blotting sheets before the reception to take care of some shine but that is the only touching up I did. I think the pictures speak for themselves. Shenique agreed to have come back the next day and do it all again. After my initial reluctance to use a hair/makeup artist at all, I actually did it twice! My husband was adament that he not see me before the ceremony so in order to get all of the pictures I wanted we compromised by arranging a second day with the photographer. I am so very glad we did because we were able to go to various sites around the island and some of those pictures ended up my favorites. It was well worth the added expense! The second day I felt much more calm and relaxed and enjoyed more conversation with Shenique as she worked. Because she had just done everything the previous day, she was able to work very efficently. We got some fantastic shots that second day and I am so grateful Shenique was available for both.