Shade and Strand

Shade and Strand was a dream to work with on every level. They were incredibly, almost instantaneously responsive to questions and requests (thank you Heather!). The hair and makeup team (Kelly and Victoria) were not only extremely talented and made us all look incredible but made the experience just so wonderful. I chose to bring my mother to the trial with me and they were so kind and fun, really listened to what we were envisioning and made it a once in a lifetime, lasting memory for the both of us. They were on time the day of, took care of all of our bridesmaids, including our young flower girl and every single one of them absolutely loved their look. I could not have asked for a better team than these gals. I would 1000% use them again and recommend them for a wedding or any event.

Heather and Victoria from Shade & Strand were absolutely amazing to work with! They made my special day so memorable for not only me, but my bridesmaids and family members as well. I felt the most beautiful I’ve ever been, and they made me feel super comfortable. They’re both so fun and have great energy! I’ll be recommending them to all my friends who are getting married in the future. Loved them!

Shade & Strand team was amazing to work with from Day 1. Heather walked me through my vision during my trial, and Kelly and Victoria were so accommodating for the big day. Thank you so much!!

I cannot say enough amazing things about Crystal, Victoria, and Cynthia! From my trial to the wedding day, the entire experience felt completely seamless and stress-free. They truly listened to all of my notes and preferences during the trial and executed everything perfectly on the big day.

Not only are they incredibly talented, but they also created such a calming and fun atmosphere while getting ready. They paid attention to every detail and made sure everything looked flawless. I felt so beautiful, confident, and honestly like an absolute princess on my wedding day.

Their professionalism, kindness, and talent exceeded all of my expectations, and I am so grateful to have had them as part of such a special day. I would recommend Crystal, Victoria, and Cynthia to any bride looking for a hair and makeup team that will make you look and feel your absolute best! Five stars all the way!

Kelly and Victoria made me look and feel so beautiful on my wedding day. From our first meeting at the makeup trial they were professional and really listened to what I wanted and knew how to achieve it. They also did an amazing job on my bridesmaids, mom, and husbands mom. And they got us all perfectly ready on time. They are truly incredible at what they do and I would absolutely recommend them! They even wished me a happy one year anniversary 💗

I felt so stunning on my wedding day. Heather & her team did a phenomenal job and I couldn't be happier. They brought my visions to life while also feeling like ME - just extra pretty for my wedding day. I had so much fun getting ready with them and my mom, and sister, they are truly so bubbly and fun to be around. I also did a trial and that was a great experience as well. I'm so thankful for our wedding coordinator, Kristi at Everlasting Events, for recommending Shade & Strand!!!

Heather was so amazing for our wedding and so flexible! We did a very nontraditional venue that she had to drive wayy out of her way to get to (which we so appreciate!) And also had to do our makeup in a camping cabin. She was excited at the idea and made the wedding morning very easy and fun, despite the nonconventional setting.

My hair and makeup really went through the wringer with a heatwave hitting us at our desert wedding but my look lasted all day and looked absolutely gorgeous.

She was also so fast and efficient. It was just her for me (bride) and 5 other women (bridesmaids and moms) and she finished us hours before we were needed for the photos. It was really nice having that extra time in the schedule to chill and relax.

Highly reccomend Heather and Shade & Strand, she does such a good job!

I first heard of Shade and Strand through Zola. I reached out through the Zola app early in my search and Heather let me know they were doing mini trials at a venue expo, The Thursday Club. I signed up for a short mini trial (15-30 min slot) and upon checking in to the S&S booth I was greeted with friendly faces and a very welcoming Heather! My experience at the mini trial was amazing, I got my eyes done and a quick half up hair style and that was enough to make me lock in S&S for my big day! 2-3 weeks later, I also had the opportunity to work with Heather and the S&S team at one of their internal team courses for bridal hair on curly hairstyles. Their team is so welcoming and felt like family. Again, I left confident in knowing that I made the right decision for my hair and make up team for my wedding. Come the big day, Heather was so attentive and kind to my mom, MIL , and myself. She looked at our dresses and gave input on hairstyles but ultimately listened to what we wished and felt most confident and comfortable with. For our makeup she did just the same, listened to our wishes and had us check in throughout the service and was willing to change anything we wanted or any adjustments. I cannot thank Heather enough for such an amazing morning of wedding experience! Heather and her team have my highest recommendations for any bride / bride squad looking for hair and makeup! Thank you Heather !

I went in blind. I saw their profile and decided to book without a trial. The experience was incredible. They were on time and fully prepared. The girls, Heather and Victoria, were kind and really cool. I felt comfortable and seriously beautiful. I have never felt so beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend them. 11/10. Five stars. It’s a YES from me!

I worked with Shade and Strand for my wedding makeup in November 2025 in Rancho Santa Fe, and I highly recommend their services. Cynthia made the experience so easy and comfortable. During the trial, she gave me an option between two colors of eyeshadow, but either one would have looked amazing. I asked for the natural glam look, and she encouraged me to get heavier makeup to show up in photos. She talked about her technique and how to make sure the makeup would last all day. She took lots of photos so she remembered what she did during the trial. On the wedding day, she was on time and super professional. All she needed was a low table, as she brought her own chair. I purchased my own lip liner and lipstick for the wedding day, which made it easy for Cynthia to apply them directly and show me how to touch everything up. I would highly recommend Shade and Strand and specifically Cynthia to anyone looking for a makeup artist for their wedding.