Since I am a regular customer of Gary Manuel Salon with stylist Patti, there was no question that I would go to them first for my wedding hair and makeup. Patti from the Salon took care of all hair, including myself (the bride), my three bridesmaids, and the mother of the bride. Krystal from the SLU Studio handled all of the same people’s makeup, and even took an extra request for the mother of the matron of honor.

They did my bridal trials (one for makeup; one for hair) a few months before the wedding, taking their time to make sure I liked what I saw. I brought in pictures of looks I liked, and they used those for inspiration on my own special look. I also gave Patti pictures of my bridesmaids’ hair so she could get an idea of the different texture she would have to deal with for the first time on the wedding date. I also texted them pictures of my hair and makeup on the trial dates several hours later at the end of the day so they could see how well both lasted over time.

On my wedding day, both Patti and Krystal showed up early and were set up by the time I walked into the preparation room. I and the rest of my party are the ones who were late! Both of them were very gracious and understanding, and immediately went to work under the time constraint. They were a steady flow of energy, even when the circuit broke several times on the hair tools and we had to move hair styling to a different outlet on the opposite end of the room.

I don’t think there could have been a more trying day for longevity of style: the temperature reached a record high for that day of the year to the mid 90s, and I had to change my dress a few times during the reception. My makeup and hair both held up despite everything they had to go through. I did re-powder and re-spray a finishing spray on my face between pictures and the ceremony, but the upkeep really was minimal. Please do consider these two for your own special occasion!

This review is for Carson at the South Lake Union location. She did my makeup for my wedding and was amazing! We did a trial run and it had felt too dark for me, I was a little nervous but she said not to worry, it will look great in pictures and she will adjust. The day of my wedding she helped me by getting a tray for food so i could eat while she was doing my makeup since i had forgotten to eat. She got a couple of glasses for us because we had brought champagne but forgot the flutes. And then i got to see my makeup--it was PERFECT! Exactly what I had imagined! And my pictures look great!

My makeup was amazing, and stayed the entire day. She didn't even try to sell me products (although I did end up buying things)

My bridesmaids, mom and I got our hair done here for my wedding, and the service was above and beyond anything I've ever experienced. Truly exceptional!

We had brought a bottle of champagne to make mimosas while we were getting our hair done, but I didn't have time to grab orange juice since I was a little scattered the morning of the wedding. Maria and Lucca went to the store to get us orange juice and made sure we were relaxed, had mimosas and enjoyed a really great experience.

Two of my bridesmaids didn't like their hair, and Maria went out of her way (and took time she didn't have) to make sure they felt beautiful and had their hair done just right.

I've been going to Gary Manuel for a few years now, and as long as Maria is there, I don't think I'll ever go anywhere else!

Lo was the stylist who did my hair and makeup and she was great. I got a lot of compliments on my low bun updo, and she managed to make my fair features pop in our wedding photos without looking like I had too much makeup on, which is just what I was going for. She was also very accommodating. My wedding was on a Sunday, which is her normal day off. But she made arrangements to be there that day at the sister studio a few blocks away so we could make it happen. All in all very good service and work, for a decent price compared to a lot of places I looked up.