Now offering INSTANT SUN-LESS AND ORGANIC ON-SITE SPRAY TANNING

 Want a golden glow for your bridal shower, bachelorette party or big day? We've got you covered! Inquire today for your group rate party. 

 

Photo by Procopio Photography

July 18: Baltimore Examiner

Balance Photography

We were thrilled when Julie Kincaid from the Baltimore Weddings Examiner contacted us. We love the article she wrote. Be sure to "LIKE" Baltimore Weddings Examiner on Facebook! We look forward to each new post.

BEST OF 2011

We are thrilled to be chosen as one of the top hair and make-up companies in the DC, Maryland and Virginia region. In years past, The Knot always gave this award out to top pros. In 2011, it was the first year that our category was entered. It is an honor to not only receive this award but to be listed with the best of the best! Thank you to our brides who help us win these awards. We wouldn't be where we are today without our gorgeous brides and our talented team! Cheers! 

 

May 28th ~ Erin

Thanks to Erin and Bill for inviting us to be a part of their big day. We can't wait to see more photos from this fabulous Eastern Shore wedding!

Hi Ashley,

I just wanted to thank you, Beth and Shanna for making our wedding day so special.  All of the girls LOVED their hair and make-up and everyone kept commenting throughout the night how wonderful everyone looked.  This is definitely kudos to you and your team!  I can not wait until the pictures come in so I can send you some finished results.  We had a blast with Shanna and Beth getting our hair and make-up done and the professionalism was remarkable.  They truly listened to what every girl wanted and stayed until the very last minute to fix every loose hair or tweak a possible fly away.  I had the highest expectations after my trial and received the highest results on my wedding day and it really proves what a great business you run.  Even Shanna, who said she was feeling a bit under the weather, said that there was no way she would ever let me down.  It was such a great day and I can credit it to you, Shanna and Beth doing the very best to make us look the very best.  Thank you again and I will send some professional shots from J&S Productions once I get them.  I have attached some rookie shots for you all to see.  Please pass this message along to Shanna and Beth and thank you again!  You will always have my recommendation!

Sincerely,

Erin

Boudoir Blow-Up

You can read all about our Boudoir shoots here, here and here! 3 other local blogs talking us up! We *heart* all the love that other locals gives us! Want to join in on the fun? You can~ send us an email about the mini marathon on August 28th! We only have ONE opening left!

STUDIO UPDATE: Thank you!!!

Before any pictures of the new studio are posted,  I absolutely have to thank so many people who were a part of this project....in no particular order...

 

 

My darling husband~ without him there would be no Up-Do's For I Do's and there would be no me. He has been my backbone from Day 1. Anytime I came to him stressed, he would calm me down and tell me that it would be ok. I didn't have the answers to everything and he didn't either but we made it work as a team.  He'd say I'm a rockstar and I can do it. That was all I needed to hear and just having the support was all I needed. I've learned that having someone believe in you makes it much easier to believe in yourself.  Seriously~ best.guy.ever.  I don't know what I would do without him!

To my little monkeys Brooke and Brianna ~ everyday they remind me what is most important in life. They remind me to be flexible and understanding. They give me balance. I hope one day when they want to come to work with me that they think Mom has a cool job and I inspire them to do whatever they want.

To my parents~ Holy cow! Where would I be without them? I'm blessed with amazing parents who are incredible role models. When they received numerous phone calls and skype sessions where I was picking their brains on the most random questions they were ALWAYS there with positive support. They loved me on my most exciting days and they loved me on my most stressed days where Starbucks wouldn't even help.  I am most certainly where I am today because of my parents.

To all of the Up-Do's artists~ There is only a new studio because of the Up-Do's team. I'm soooo proud to have the most talented gals in the area working alongside me. I know our brides love them too! Moving, crazy schedules and long working hours made this a transition period for us and the girls who are with us are the best. They deserve the world and I'm thrilled to provide these experts with a beautiful new space to shine.

To Erica Cote~ My fabulous partner at my first commercial space. I'll never forget the feeling of when we moved in to our Catonsville location. Leaving the space brings tears to my eyes. There is no one else in the world that I would have shared a space with. She is such an amazing person and I'm so happy that we were able to share this journey together. We knew one day that we would outgrow the space together but if it weren't for her, I'd still be working out of my basement. I hope she knows how much she means to me and what a big part of my life she is.

To Stephanie Bradshaw~ Ah....I could write a book about her. Stephanie is a genius. Her attention to detail is incredible. I've never seen anyone make a tape measure look as sexy as she does. I trusted Stephanie from the beginning and it was the best decision I made. She transformed my "ideas" into real life and put the icing on the cake with each stage of our build out. Having her on our team was PRICELESS!

To Balance Photography~ Rissa and Nathaniel were big helpers throughout this process. They were there to document the ugly empty "before" space, there to help move the heaviest mirrors on the face of the earth, there to capture our custom artwork (ah! can't wait to share these) designed especially for us and there to snap the final pieces of the puzzle all together. The images we will be sharing showcase their super talent.

To Ashley and Pat Jones~ Before anyone saw the "space" I dragged Ashley and Pat for their handy homeowners approval. In addition to hearing me whine along the way, they helped move furniture, measure walls and give ideas and suggestions as "regular people".  These BFFs helped in so many ways and are now guaranteed free haircuts for life :)

To Drexel ~ I always think if he didn't hire me as a shampoo girl where my life would have lead to. I'm so thankful for his trust and for believing in me. He certainly has inspired me and continues to do so. I will always look up to Drexel and am so appreciative for him giving me the wings to fly in this industry. I had no idea what I was getting into as I placed cucumbers on our client's eyes at the back bar.

There are so many other people that have touched my life and have helped shape this company. I am so appreciative and blessed for each and everyone of them. 

Stay tuned for the before and after pictures....just to keep you interested and if you read all this...here is a sneak peek!

 BEFORE:

 

AFTER:

June 12 ~ Mallori

 We walked into Mallori's room, we were welcomed with a warm smile and we set up shop by the balcony in her hotel room. The door was cracked so that we could smell the salty ocean air and we could hear the sounds of the other guests below enjoying the gorgeous grounds of the resort. It felt as though our hour to drive to the Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa took us off the maps and out of Maryland. The day was warm and sticky but Mallori's excitement to marry her prince charming left everyone with a cool relaxed feeling. The humidity and threatening thunderstorms were non-existent.  Mallori's calm presence is exactly what every bride should try to replicate on their wedding day. Below are a few pictures that we pulled from her photographer, Melissa Manzione's blog . Head over to her site for a few more sneak peek pictures from the Sunday afternoon wedding.

Ashley-

I just wanted to shoot you a quick and BIG thanks! The hair and makeup was outstanding for all of us, and was able to withstand the storm and big winds! While tables flipped over outside, my hair held! And I'll be sure to spread the word and write you guys up.  We were all so impressed.

-Mallori

April 23 ~ Jennifer

Jennifer sent me this video link just a few days after her wedding. Beth and I had an absolute blast working with Jennifer and her gals.  Be sure to stay tuned for more photos of Jennifer (she's in our new promotional materials - being touched up now as we write this blog post).  In the meantime, this should hold you over **grab the tissues** Also, one of the reasons I love this video is because you (the bride) can see our work throughout the entire wedding day. No photoshop, no touch-ups, real wind, real sweat and real tears! Jennifer opted for a gorgeous up-do for her ceremony and something a little softer for her reception.  We LOVE both of her dresses. Enjoy the video!

August 28th ~ MINI MARATHON! DO IT!

You asked for it and we delivered! One day only special! Send Rissa at Balance Boudoir an email to get the juicy details :)