Updos for I Dos - Northen Virginia Wedding Hair & Makeup -

Jamie Card

I went in for my trial with the artist and was taken after a short wait and having to fill out paper work, detailing my likes and dislikes. I guess they don't bother to read those because I had to explain it all to her when I got in her chair. She did my hair first; I showed her a picture of what I wanted and it was only "okay."

After that, she did my make up which I stated from the beginning that I wanted to be light and natural. That is not what I got at all. My eyes were very dark and my lips bright and shiny (I said I wanted it to be soft and pouty). I told her several times that it was too dark for my liking, that I wanted to look like myself on my wedding day. The responses I got were "You need the eyeliner to make your eyes pop," "The camera takes off 50% of the makeup," "You should just let it set for a while, live with it, ask your friends and family their thoughts," & "we can make adjustments on your wedding day." At no time did she offer to start fresh or make recommendations about what would bring out my natural features, or really say much of anything about the process and products she was using. So I was forced to accept a look I did not like, but also pay a hefty sum for it. I was so upset with the makeup that I was tearing up as I handed over my credit card. Nothing was done to right the situation at that time.

I contacted the person who set up my appointment and let her know how upset I was. The only solution that I was offered was a retrial more than a month later with the same artist, and only 2 weeks before my wedding, at a location that is more than a 2 hour drive away from me. When I said that time and place would not work for me, I was sent a list of other vendors and no apology.

To allow a bride to leave your studio in tears and do absolutely nothing about it is quite a sad business practice. I will not be using, or recommending them

Alys Star

Updos for I Do's does things a little differently than some of the other beauty teams I had gotten quotes from -- you don't get to choose your stylist, you are assigned one. This was a little nerve-wracking as many stylists widely vary in their styles and strengths, but luckily they try to keep the stylist the same from the trial to the wedding.
Caitlin did my makeup and was a dream to work with. She was very welcoming and nice at the trial, super attentitive and very receptive to feedback/criticism. She didn't get offended when I made suggestions or had a hard time articulating that we "were close, but not quite it yet". She worked hard to find a style I liked and that went with my skin/eye/hair tone. We talked about my prefered lip and after I let it be known I didn't like gloss, she suggested a color and lip stain that would last. I was impressed by her professionalism and kindness, but her makeup skills really sealed the deal on the wedding day. She worked around a mini-breakout and flakey skin and my makeup looked stunning -- the retro-inspired but still modern look I wanted and my bridal crew and mom all loved their make up too. We were finished with plenty of time and she was (as already experienced) super sweet with my friends and family. I was very appreciative of the good experience. It was important to me that my family and bridal crew felt comfortable, welcomed, and pampered.
Jess did amazing work on the day of the wedding. My hair mirrored the retro-glam modern look I was going for and was perfect. Even though I had dark hair, you could still see the braids and weaving she did with the style and my side bun was in the perfect spot (not too forward, not too far back, not to high, etc). I had concerns after the trial about how the finished product would look -- we had a hard time finding a style that I liked that worked, and I wasn't sure if I was still totally happy with the look after the trial, but it turned out great on the day-of. My family & bridal crew were super happy with their styles and there was a mix of up-do's, blowouts, half-downs, and slick-back styles. For the cost, Updo's for I Do's was worth it. I did like the a la carte pricing so I could decide who all wanted hair, makeup or whatever combinations vs one-size fits all packages. My mom couldn't get over that they came to us in the hotel vs having to go to a salon. Grandma was happy with her look and I was over the moon that everything turned out perfect for me and that my group felt taken care of. I would recommend Updo's for I Do's to anyone looking for a beauty team. I am very grateful for their amazing work on my wedding day!

Pro-tip: Over communication is key on your likes & dislikes prior-to and throughout. Don't let any fears of hurting their feelings stop you from saying you don't like something -- they are professionals and should be able to receive feedback and they just want you to like your style so be assertive. I found in the chair that I had a hard time using my words to describe what I liked and didnt like about it, but tried hard to articulate it even in a jumbled sense because "I hate it" doesn't provide the feedback they need to fix it. Inspo photos are helpful to give guidance, just be realistic that you can't replicate those photos.

Crista Sarnowski

Mindy was excellent at hair! I couldn't believe how fast she was getting hair done and how wonderful everyone's hair was turning out! I let Mindy just do what she thought would be best for my hair as a bride and it turned out great. I was surprised she was able to get the hump in my hair, I always struggled with that since my hair is so thin. She put my hair extensions in for me and I couldn't even tell I was wearing my hair extensions. (When I put them in my hair I am usually scratching at them all day.) I am very appreciative that she really knew what she was doing all the way through and the speed without compromising quality! Thank you again!

Caitlin: I have never in my life met someone like her as a make-up artist. I was listening in on the conversations she was having with the girls and I don't think I have ever heard a make-up artist be so thoughtful. Almost always you get girls who are unsure about getting make-up done because its your face and you want it particular. Caitlin actually took the time to ask the girls how do they normally do their eyeliner and or what do they feel comfortable with before even putting it on. She tried to understand how you are with your make-up before she picked her approach. My make-up turned out so well I had to hold back tears. I know it sounds dramatic, but it really puts a person at ease to have great make-up to wear all day. I have been to several make-up artists before and most of the time its too dark, or my face doesn't look like my face, and they definitely don't ask me that many questions. Catilin did the most natural and yet highlighting the best parts of my face. Thank you again!

Matilda Aziaka

I initially booked this company for my wedding day and made a deposit more than the required percentage. I have to reschedule due to unforeseen circumstance providing new date and received not available with zero refund. I do care about the money but I felt they need it more and would advise anyone not to make the mistake by pay more than the required deposit with this company.