My first wedding anniversary is just around the corner. It was a reminder that I owe a big thank you to my wedding hairstylist and makeup artist Kristen Martin, owner of Rare Bird Brides.

Recently, I saw the live-action version of Cinderella. It inspired the title of this post. I think Kristen is a beaugician — a beautician crossed with a magician.

When I was looking for wedding vendors, I knew it was especially important for me to find a hair and make-up person who I could get along with. After all, this person could totally make or break me. In addition, it was important to me to find a one-stop shop — someone to do both my hair and make-up.

Rare Bird Brides logo

I searched and searched. “Hair by [insert name here]” was a common theme. It all seemed generic to me. Nothing wowed me. Then I came across “Rare Bird Brides.” There was something about the name that spoke to me. It sounded poetic. I immediately decided to contact Kristen.

I met Kristen at her home salon in October 2013. I really liked that she had a home salon because: 1) I hate being surrounded by mirrors; 2) I feel quite out of place in salons; and 3) The sound of multiple blow dryers going at once isn’t  music to my ears.

It was also nice that Kristen put on some relaxing music. No techno or anything that sounded trendy.

Uno, dos, tress!

She completed a hair and make-up trial in about two hours. But in that two hours, she must have tried a dozen different hairstyles on me. Talk about patience!

I’d say my hair is pretty fine and I don’t normally style my hair. It’s also pretty fine, so I needed some oomph for sure. Kristen delivered and actually tried a couple of great designs on my hair.

For my makeup, I had Kristen go with a more natural look. From the looks of her portfolio and my own experience, I’d say Kristen is a master at bringing out the beauty of her brides. No Ru-Paul lookalikes here!

On the day of my wedding, Kristen showed up a little earlier than I anticipated. But I appreciated it greatly! After all, she had just a few hours to doll up my Matron of Honor and my two flowergirls.

I hired Kristen because I was satisfied with my hair and makeup trials. But on the day of my wedding, Kristen far exceeded my expectations. Honestly, Kristen is like a hair wizard. There is some magic going on or something. She was able to give my hair “the bump” that I wanted (and I never thought that I could have with this mop) and she made some design (on the fly, I think), that was just so fantastic!

Kristen working hair magic!

If only I had eyes in the back of my head so I could see what was happening. Perhaps she has little elves back there. I’m sure a beaugician doesn’t share her secrets. Oh well!

I think when I saw myself in the mirror for the first time, I had a moment where I felt like I was in that Fox TV show The Swan. I knew I couldn’t cry and smear all that makeup. I was definitely crying tears of joy on the inside, though. The last time I felt pretty was on the day of my prom, nearly 20 years prior. I even did my own hair (with the help of the Hairdini. I don’t think they sell it anymore, but here’s something similar: Conair Topsy Tail Kit, 5 ct). And at that time, I reminded myself that the next time I’d feel pretty was on my wedding day. So, there I was. That day had come.

The final hairstyle. Perfection!

Never ever did I feel so much like a freakin’ princess. I was never one of those girls who dreamed of being one. The only other time in my life I had gotten my hair and makeup done was when I was 15 or 16 and went to Glamour Shots (and no, I will not be posting those pics. Ever.).

I knew I had to savor the moment, savor the day. I tried not to think about the end of the dI ay and how all Kristen’s work would be washed way.

I remember when Kristen did my trials, she reassured me that my makeup and hair would last. She was SO right. By the end of the night (which was around 2 AM), my makeup still looked great. My curls had slightly loosened, but still looked good.

The next morning was such a sad day. I was so exhausted that I just slept with my hair and makeup as it was. There was a part of me that wished I could’ve frozen it all. As I started taking the bobby pins out, I was really very sad! It was like Cinderella going back to being plain Jane (very plain Jane in my case).

I cannot even make up more words to describe how I feel about Kristen’s work or how I felt. I’m one happy client! Thank you Kristen Martin!