FAQ.
Where do you work?
Jessa is based in NYC and is also available for travel & destination weddings. Jessa has worked extensively in Upstate NY/New Jersey, CT & MA, PA and Maine. As for destinations, you name the spot and Jessa (and team if needed) will be there.
What is your process/philosophy for wedding makeup?
My goal is to help you look like the best version of yourself on your wedding day, luminous and elegant, while still recognizable to the lucky person you are about to marry. Feeling good is so important to you actually looking good. For prepping for the wedding day it is important to keep in mind that your overall wellness- leading up to the big day is as important as the dress you choose and the person you are marrying. I feel it is an honor to be able to support you on your wedding day and to infuse as much fun and ritual and adornment as we can into such a special day.
How large of a party can you accommodate for makeup?
We can handle parties of any size. For very large parties we bring additional artists. All of our artists are very experienced in both the fashion and wedding industry, as well as have received private training by Jessa.
Do you do hair as well?
Jessa is a makeup artist and does not offer full bridal hair styling. But don’t worry! We have a group of super talented hairstylists that we can match with you for your wedding day. Just let us know you are looking for hair as well, and we can talk to you more about who is available.
**If you are doing a destination wedding and are planning on doing your own hair, special exceptions can be made and Jessa may be able to help you with hairstyling. Some members on Jessa’s team do both hair and makeup. If working with one person to do both hair and makeup is appealing to you, let us know and we can see if those team members are free for your wedding day.
What sort of clients do you normally work with?
Love this question and the answer is we want to work with all of you! Jessa Blades and her team, as people and as a business, have an active pledge to commit to the work of being anti-racist. Jessa and her team are working on learning and listening to becoming more aware of the ways that white supremacy and exists in ourselves, the culture & system, and especially in the wellness and beauty industry. We also believe that love is love and celebrate every form of it and delight in working to honor all who trust us to help with their celebration. It is our mission to create a community and business where all bodies feel safe and heard and our offerings feel accessible to all. This is our daily practice and commitment to you, dear clients, partners, and collaborators.
EVERY BODY, EVERY FACE, AND EVERY HUMAN is in the right place, welcome, we are excited to work with you.
How do I prepare for my wedding day beauty?
Check out our Pinterest board for inspiration
Think about how you want to FEEL in addition to how you want to LOOK, consider starting out with a healing facial treatment or consult with Jessa.
Give yourself at least 2-3 months before the wedding as a safe time, to uplevel the foods and products you are eating/using to look your best.
Consider how your stress manifests for you - come up with a plan to manage it as your wedding day approaches.
Can I do a trial?
Yes! We love doing trials. They are the perfect time to play, decide on one or even, two looks if you want one for the ceremony and party. Trials take a lot of the pressure off of the wedding day and are a nice way for you, the bride, and the artist to get to know each other. If you are an out-of-town bride and there is no time for a trial - no worries. We can set up a phone/Skype consult leading up to the day to go over images, inspiration, to make the sure the day is more streamlined and align on visuals and vibe.
Before the trial please take a look at this board for inspiration. It is also helpful to have photos of when you have either loved or hated your makeup.
Do you offer airbrushing?
No we do not. We find that using brushes and the delicate touch of clean and very trained fingertips works amazingly well.
How do I learn more about rates?
Great question! Fill out our contact form on the contact page and we will send you a customized rate quote for the wedding day or for a DIY Bridal Beauty Lessons or Bridal Wellness offerings.
What if Jessa is booked for my wedding day?
BIG news! We have been busy finding & training a roster of amazing artists and are now happy to call them members of our team! If Jessa is booked for your wedding day we can match you with another, very talented, artist. As for a trial, you have two options:
Do a trial with Jessa, come up with the look and have her relay the photos and notes to her team member.
Start the relationship directly with the other artist for the trial and then plan to work with them on your wedding day.
What sort of setup do you need on the wedding day? Furniture/lighting etc.
Great question! We can make whatever space you have available for us to work in - work. A tall stool/director’s chair is great, for the person getting their makeup done to use. If that isn’t available, two chairs of the same height will work great. A table or surface to put the makeup on and a trash can. And lighting. Natural light is ideal but not always possible. If not natural light, lamps are great too.
Any other questions?
Send them our way! Wedding makeup is special and it is an honor to be able to work with you on such a meaningful day. We take this work very, very seriously and want to help you feel and look as luminous as possible. There are no stupid questions - we promise.