Engagement photos and makeup/hair

My friend didn't book her hair and makeup prior to engagement pictures but she used a makeup artist that she was considering booking. She didn't like it and ended up not booking her. I went to the MAC makeup counter for my engagement pics and i liked it so much i want to book the artist for the wedding. Once you book it's a risk if you can't get any money back if you decide you don't like their work,

I booked my hair and makeup before engagement pictures but they like to do trials 4-6 weeks before the wedding. I did my own hair and went to Sephora for makeup for engagement pictures.

I did my own hair and makeup for engagement but did get a haircut. I did my trial right before my shower because they were close together and I thought that might be fun. She did my hair and then re-did it a bit so it wouldn't look the same.

I had trials and booked HMUA before my engagement photos.

I think it depends on what you'd want done with your hair. My wedding hair would be WAY too much for engagement photos, which are supposed to look natural. I don't "naturally" do a full face of makeup or an updo, lol. I think the pictures look best when you just look like a cleaned-up version of yourself, and save the trials for another date.

I planned to have my Hair/Makeup trial the day of my engagement photoshoot. But unfortunately my MUAH's father passed away and she had to reschedule us.

So I ended up doing my own hair/makeup for my shoot. It came out well because I usually do my own makeup for stage and events. I kept it fairly simple, a neat bun and makeup I'd do for a night out.

But now my trial is scheduled for right before my destination wedding - wish me luck!