Wow, where do I even start with Nikki. From our very first email to her being of the last people to hug me goodbye before walking down the aisle with my dad, Nikki was an incredibly supportive and positive energy to have around. We did two trials before my wedding day and both were so much fun in her gorgeous studio in CT. She went out of her way to travel across state lines at 5AM (!!) to do my hair and makeup for our morning wedding and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome and how everything shows up in the pictures. She is professional, honest, and straightforward. Would recommend to anyone and everyone

Beauty by Mineko (Nikki) was recommended to me by my wedding planner, and my experience was everything I could have hoped for! After a few initial calls with some makeup and hair artists that were also on my list, I chose Nikki based on our conversation — she was very friendly and took the time to answer all my questions without feeling rushed — as well as after sharing some of my concerns with her. I was hesitant about hiring a makeup artist because I rarely wear makeup and knew my bridal party had mixed experiences with makeup as well. Two of us are half-Asian, and we’ve never been able to find eye looks that suit our eyelids and features. Nikki assured me that she’s worked with a diverse range of clients and I was able to view photos she shared with me (as well as looking through her social media).

I (and my mom) had a wonderful experience at the hair and makeup trial. I was between two hair styles — a low bun or a sleek, straightened down look — and did the low bun at the trial. It was beautiful and stayed in throughout the rest of the day. However, after speaking with Nikki on the phone a week or so later, I told her that I wanted to schedule another hair trial. While I loved the look, it didn’t feel like “me.” Nikki assured me that this was okay and that it’s important to look at yourself in the mirror on your wedding day and feel like “you.” At our second trial, I knew the down look was the perfect style for me and for my wedding day. She did a fantastic job!

For makeup, she was able to execute the look perfectly and even adjusted after I realized that the first foundation we tried was a bit too wet throughout the rest of the day (she ended up doing airbrush on the day of it and it didn’t budge!). Perfect shade matching and exactly what I asked for based on the photos — soft, natural, waterproof makeup (for the tears that I knew would — and did — make many appearances on my wedding day!). I did do my own brows (this was a non-negotiable for me) before getting into the chair (which did require that I use a new and unopened product, per the contract).

My hair and makeup looked flawless all day — from 9am until 1am the next day. Nikki was so fun to spend many hours with between the 2 trials, 2 lash appointments, and in the morning on my wedding day. She’s sweet, fun, and talented.

Importantly, all of my bridesmaids were so happy with their makeup, including the ones who had had less-than-ideal experiences with other artists or who had reservations about their makeup being done. They didn’t feel too “made up” and even though they had makeup on, it looked and felt natural. And, Tiffany, who worked with Nikki to do the hairstyles of my 4 bridesmaids, did an absolutely fantastic job! She and Nikki worked really well together, and all their hair looked amazing and stayed put. My one bridesmaid — who had been in 5 other weddings and had yet to have a hairstyle that stayed put and worked with her hair — had the best experience with Tiffany of all the hairstylists she’s worked with.

Nikki made me — and my mom and my wedding party — feel beautiful! I would highly recommend Nikki and Beauty by Mineko to any brides, especially if you’re not used to wearing much makeup or have any reservations about the process.

Nikki and Megan did a fantastic job with hair and makeup for our wedding. Everyone looked effortlessly beautiful and our moms, who don’t wear makeup, really loved how everyone’s beauty was enhanced, but not overshadowed. They’re still talking about it two months later!