5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Maria is absolutely unbelievable. She was a dream to work with from the start. I had heard about her from my other wedding vendors and knew that she would be a gem to work with. Maria was very flexible and listened to my ideas from the very start. My mom fell in love with her work too...and you know how mothers are hard to please! The day of the wedding she showed up with her wonderful assistants and helped me and 5 bridesmaids and both moms get ready. She stayed with me well into the evening making sure that my day went smoothly. I received a great number of compliments on the hairstyle and makeup on my day. Several of my friends even asked for Maria's number because they wanted to book her for their weddings! Overall, I had a great experience with Maria. She was more than that I had expected. She helped make my day!

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Although, I checked only the "Beauty and Health" box, I could have also checked a number of other boxes, because Maria was the most valuable person on my wedding day!!! Not only did she make me look gorgeous and flawless (at the end of the night, I didn't want to wash off my make-up!), but she helped with bustling my dress, did a little touch-up on the groom, did the fastest hair change for me, made sure I looked perfect in every shot, helped with crowd control, kept me calm throughout the day, and much much more.

Our wedding day ran so smoothly and perfectly, and this would not have happened without Maria. She was on top of everything and kept me from stressing out at all. I have received many, many compliments on make-up and hair, and I have also received inquiries from guests wondering who Maria was. She was doing so much for me, people thought maybe she was one of my best friends or family!

Maria also did my hair and make-up for my engagement photos and was extreeemeellyyy flexible during my 3-hour trial for the wedding. Right before the wedding date, I decided to change my hair style completely. Maria was able to accommodate, and as a result, I rocked a hairstyle I never thought I could and LOVED IT!!

If you are able to even book a date with Maria, consider yourself lucky, because her jam-packed schedule speaks for itself. I would hire Maria to do my make-up every single day if I could!!!

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

I first had a chance to experience Maria's awesomeness when my sister was getting married in 2008. When I got engaged later that year, I knew there was no one else I wanted to hire for my wedding than Maria & her PMA team. We booked her immediately, and I knew I was in great hands for my 2009 wedding.

As expected, she was phenomenal! Not only is she the top of her game with hair & make-up, but she is so much fun to work with. She also comes extra prepared with anything you might need the day-of. I kept calling her a "magician", because she would pull out all these different things from her secret kit that would save the day. Hollywood tape for my strapless dress? Maria's got it. A nail clipper for my hang nail? Maria's got it. Shoe inserts so my mom's shoes don't fall off? Maria's got it.

We also greatly appreciated that her package came with touch-ups after the ceremony. Maria followed us around during our photoshoot to not only touch-up my hair/make-up (which, by the way, did not need much touching up because it was so well done!) but she also helped our photographer by fixing my train, veil, etc. during the photoshoot. She was like a rock of support during the entire time.

She is a little expensive, but she is definitely worth every penny. Highly recommend Maria & her team of assistants!

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Okay. If I wrote for pages I couldn't explain how amazing and absolutely vital Maria was. She went BEYOND above and beyond. Made me look so incredibly beautiful, helped keep me sane, and had just a wonderful JOY about her that I knew she was doing what she loved and that she truly was invested in how I looked (and my mom looked, and my groom looked, and that my grandfather felt okay, and that the boutineers were right)... yes, she's expensive, but SO INCREDIBLY worth it. Cut out everything else... but GET Maria if you can. You will NOT EVER regret it.

4.5 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(4.5/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(4.5/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(4.5/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(4.5/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(4.5/5.0)

Professional Makeup Artistry

Categories: makeup + hairOakley, CA
925-308-4916 08/13/2008I cannot say enough good things about Maria Chang and her assistant Tonya (sp?). They provided me with five-star service on my wedding day!

I had had 2 trials with Maria, and at the last minute decided to change my hairstyle again from my last trial. The third time was the charm, and I absolutely loved my hair! My makeup was beautiful. I felt beautiful and confident, which I think is the first step to having a beautiful and perfect wedding – the bride has to feel that way first. And Maria helped me feel that way.

My Mom, who had originally told me she thought I was spending too much on my hair and makeup, and didn’t understand what Maria would be doing with me all day, later said she thought Maria was well worth the money, alleviated a lot of stress for me and for her, and that she was really glad I had hired her. She said she was "pleasantly surprised" by how helpful Maria and Tonya were and now couldn't imagine my day without them!

Maria was a lifesaver and I looked to her for everything in regards to my dress, jewelry, shoes, hair, etc. Maria and Tonya helped me transport my dress to the venue, helped me in to my dress, adjusted bridesmaids and mother’s dresses, and even tried to steam my dress for me. Maria and Tonya stayed after their contracted time to help me through my cocktail hour photo shoot and I was so grateful. Again I cannot say enough good things about them and will recommend them to everyone! Grade: A++!

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Maria and her team are fantastic. They had a calming effect on me during my wedding day. The best part is that they're with you throughout the day, freshening up your hair and makeup. PMA is very flexible - Maria and her team did the hair and make up for me, my mom, and my six bridesmaids, and whenever one of them was not completley happy with how things turned out, PMA would make it right. I don't think I've ever felt as pretty as I did on my wedding day, and PMA was a huge part of that. She knows which hair styles and makeup looks turn up best in photos. Seriously, PMA is worth every penny. By far, PMA was one my favorite vendors.

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Maria was amazing and worth every penny. She made the day go by so easily. She made me look beautiful and was a great help during pictures. I am sooooo happy she was there for me on my special day.

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Where to begin singing the praises of Maria Chang and her lovely ladies? PMA is such a class act that, after your first hair trial, you’ll be looking for excuses to book more appointments, and will be ready to hire Maria for every important event in your life.

I had been excited about Maria ever since reading the glowing reviews posted all over the internet. But I knew as soon as I met her that hiring PMA would be one of the best decisions of the wedding-planning process. Unsurprisingly, our wedding day only confirmed my initial intuition. Not only were Maria and her ladies professional, sleekly-attired, and a pleasure to work with, they were absolutely integral to ensuring the success of our pre- and post-ceremony photos. Maria was always there to make sure we looked our best!

If you find yourself debating whether to hire a hair and makeup artist, deliberate no longer: trim your flower budget, the catering, or even your dress if you must, but PMA is the one vendor whose services you don’t want to miss! When your wedding day has vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving you only with pictures and video, you’ll be delighted to revisit those happy moments when PMA helped you and your loved ones to shine. Who can pass up the opportunity to become their best self on one of the happiest days of their life?

In fact, you may find that PMA will change your personal style: thanks to the possibilities Maria has shown me, I’ve never gone back. Like a beloved fairy godmother, PMA will certainly transform your wedding. But Maria may also transform your life!

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Maria and her crew were truly amazing. For my day of makeup she went above and beyond. I didn't think it was possible to improve on my trial, but she truly made my vision come to a reality. I can easily say that I have never felt more beautiful in my life. Aside from Maria and her team's amazing makeup skills she is a true professional. They all had such an happy attitude making the entire day positive and entertaining. Maria stayed with my through my entire portrait session to ensure that the entire bridal party looked their best for our memories. She made sure that every hair was in place, every thread was snipped, all lips were glossed.

Aside from Maria's skills and day of service, she was a true professional from the first day of contact. All emails were answered quickly. All documents and reminders were sent in a timely manor. She was a true joy to work with. I feel any bride is lucky to book her.

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

I know I would have regretted it if I didn't hire Maria for my wedding. She's AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! I am truly amazed with this woman. She knows what I want and what will look good on me, even before I realize it. It's unbelievable! During the trial, I showed Maria pictures from magazines that I like, but I wasn't sure if the "look" suited my features. She listened to me and suggested ideas on what she thought would look great. She was really committed to creating the perfect wedding look for me. I felt that she truly cared. Maria's suggestions turned out better than what I had in mind (or what I initially wanted).

On the day of the wedding, I completely trusted Maria to do her magic and I never looked and felt my best! My family and friends were all complimenting my hair and makeup that day. I was soo happy with how they turned out, both in person and in ALL my wedding photos.

Maria's extra services make her stand out even more from the rest. Here are some of the things she did for me:
- stayed with me until after our post-ceremony photos for touch-ups and to make sure that my hair was not being messed up with my veils (i had two - one drop veil and one long veil at the back)
- carried and took care of my super long 10ft train and my even longer veil
- hairsprayed my dad's messy hair
- made sure my groom is oil-free during the post-ceremony photos
- taught me how to hold my bouquet while walking down the aisle
- taught my parents how to lift my veil before handing me to groom
- helped gather people during the formal post-ceremony pictures
- assisted my photographer in getting great photos
- gave medication to my maid of honor since Maria noticed that her skin is turning red with the dress beads scraping against her skin
- took care of me the whole time and was there if I needed anything like water, etc.

She has done so much and I can't stop raving about her. She's amazing and exceptional in what she does, yet is very down-to-earth, accomodating and a true professional. She definitely played a huge role in making my day special. I'll always be thankful. As my husband would say, "What will we do without Maria?"

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

I could not have been more delighted with my hair and makeup artist, Maria Chang. As soon as I hired Maria and her company, Professional Makeup Artistry (PMA), for my wedding, I knew I would be in good hands...and I was. Maria is definitely so much more than a phenomenal hair & makeup artist, her additional PMA services set her miles apart from everyone else. This is a ridiculously long review, but I almost can’t express enough how helpful and wonderful she was to me...and I was not the only one who noticed.

My bridesmaids were asking me where I found her. My dad mentioned she was "well worth it" - he simply said that he could just tell that she really cared. My mom already loved her at our first meeting at my trial. She not only loved her own hair & makeup on my wedding day, but was very relieved that Maria was the one to help me in my dress, because she knew Maria would get it right. Mostly, my mom was just appreciative of how well Maria and her assistant, Tanya, took care of me. Finally, my husband went from not understanding the cost of hair & makeup at all pre-wedding, to saying post-wedding, how great Maria was and what a great deal she was!

Maria really makes you look and feel as beautiful as you can be on your wedding day. Our day started at 9am (earlier for her, since she came from Oakley), and she was with me all through the photo session, through the ceremony, until right before the cocktail hour at 6pm. Among the many things she did for me that day, she touched me up constantly, she carried my train everywhere, she made sure I stayed hydrated, she showed me how to hold my bouquet in pictures, she taught my dad how to lift my veil, and she put blister medication on my feet (if that’s not dedication – I don’t know what is!).

I loved her whole team – they were just fun to have around, which made things more relaxed for me. Maria brought the lovely Sue with her to do hair & makeup too, due to the number of my ladies getting services done. Tanya, her tiny assistant, was so helpful as well - I could not believe such a small women could carry such a huge backpack with her everywhere! My husband said that backpack was like magic, it seemed to hold anything we could possible need.

Finally, not only did Maria deliver her services with perfection, she was one of the most professional wedding vendors I worked with pre-wedding. She returned phone calls/emails promptly, her contract was solid, she confirmed when she received payment, and she told me exactly what she needed me to do to get ready for the trial and the wedding. She did all this with a sweet demeanor and a smile. To me, this is what a true professional is.

I can honestly say Maria was my absolute favorite wedding vendor. I miss her already!

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

When my daughter, Helena, told me she wanted to employ the services of one who could not only do her hair for her special day, but also her makeup, my initial reaction was, yes--I understand the hair, but no, I think the makeup is really excessive. Fortunately, her will prevailed.

My daughter never looked so beautiful. I was stunned when I saw her walking toward her groom, Andy. I had left Helena to Maria for all the preparations that morning, so I really didn't know what to expect. What I saw was a young woman whose natural beauty was enhanced--not artificially, but subtly. Her hair was softly curled and flowing, with part of it swept up; Helena looked somehow regal yet radiantly accessible, like a girl yet like a woman. I started smiling and just couldn't stop--this gorgeous creature was my daughter! Maria had used her makeup artistry most expertly to highlight two of Helena 's best features, her fair skin and her large blue eyes.

Maria, however, did much more. She was quite simply a part of the wedding party with her quiet charm. She saw even the smallest of details. For example, during the photograph sessions, she darted in and straightened my pendant, which has a habit of sitting sideways. She unobtrusively assisted Helena with her train, her veil, her flowers--and she even dabbed her eyes for her when Helena had no hands to spare.

Maria, furthermore, behaves like one who really LOVES what she does. Throughout the day, I felt that we were the only people on her mind. She was quietly professional yet personable, helpful yet not intrusive. This on top of absolutely amazing work.

Moms, if you are debating on whether you should pay the money for Maria's expertise, I tell you with great conviction that you will come away feeling as I did--it was worth every penny and then some. I am looking at a photo of my daughter as I write this. Yes, it was worth it. Cut back on the flowers, select more modest food offerings, but get this young woman to do your daughter's hair and makeup. Every time you look at the wedding photos, you will be grateful.

Ines Eishen, a Texas mom

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Going with PMA for my bridal hair and makeup was honestly one the best decisions I made for the wedding. I cannot express enough how incredibly awesome Maria and her staff are.

First of all, Maria is an incredibly talented hair and makeup artist. Maria herself is Latina (despite her Chinese last name), but she does Asian makeup incredibly well. She listened to all my concerns and ideas and came up with a look that I loved and was truly me. I didn't want to look overdone but wanted a look that was dressed up enough to show up in pictures, and she accomplished just that. The day of the wedding, I felt like I really looked like myself, but perhaps a version of me from 1920's Shanghai :) Maria and Sue did a fabulous job with my bridesmaids' hair as well, capturing exactly the look that I wanted that went incredibly well with their dresses.

But Maria goes way above and beyond this. Most makeup artists would leave right after getting all the girls ready. But Maria and her wonderful assistant Tanya stayed with us until after the ceremony. She touched up my makeup all throughout our pre-wedding pictures, touched me up after the ceremony, helped me change my hair piece for the reception. Not only that, but she helped my bridesmaid with their dresses, provided double sided tape to make the dresses secure, helped one of my bridesmaids cover up her tatoos, pinned the boutonnieres onto the guys' suits, applied lipstick on the girls (even though I didn't pay for makeup for the girls). She made sure that we stuck to the timeline and got us to the church in time. And this is all part of her service.

As far as price goes, PMA is definitely on the upper end of the range. But honestly, PMA is worth every penny.

5.0 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(5.0/5.0)

Professional Makeup Artistry ended up being one of our favorite vendors. From the trial session to pre wedding to the big day, Maria and her team was there for me every step of the way. Professional Makeup Artistry is by far well worth every penny. Maria helped keep me cool, calm and collected. Trust me for those who think your bridesmaids will have everything covered, not so, and I had 8 of them. I could have easily gone into bridezilla mode that day but Maria allowed me to enjoy my special day as she took care of all unexpected mishaps. Maria went above and beyond my expectations. In fact, I felt like she was a part of the family before the night was over. Maria is very unobtrusive, genuine and will make you feel like the most beautiful bride ever! She was the only vendor my guest raved about because she was on top of every single detail from a single hair on my lips, to a touch of wine spilt on dress, to helping in the rest room. Because of Maria, I absolutely love my wedding pictures(so does everyone else).....they are priceless! The day I picked up the proofs from the photographer, I sat in my car, laughed and cried. My husband raves about Maria even now 6 months later! I could really go on and on about Professional Makeup Artistry and can't wait for the opportunity to use them again.

4.8 out of 5.0	Quality of Service:		(5.0/5.0)
	Responsiveness:		(5.0/5.0)
	Professionalism:		(5.0/5.0)
	Value For Cost:		(5.0/5.0)
	Flexibility:		(4.0/5.0)

By far, this was my absolute life safer of a vendor. Yes, Maria does awesome hair and makeup, but she's also extremely punctual, organized, and her hours of assistance throughout my wedding day were priceless. Yes, she's expensive, worth every penny, 100%! Even my mom commented on how great her and her assistant were the day of the wedding. Even the little things, like having bottled water and a straw so I don't mess up my lipstick if I was thirty before my wedding, she had ready. She helped pin the boutonnieres on all the groomsmen and made sure to touch up my makeup and hair throughout the evening. She's a perfectionist. She even told us how to hold our flowers walking down the aisle and that if I was going to cry, how to pat my eyes to not mess up my makeup and tips to keep me from crying which worked. :)
She called my photographer ahead of time when we were leaving the hotel so that she would be expecting us at the venue site. Maria is amazing and I love her, my best friend who was in my wedding party was so impressed she booked her as well for her wedding this year!