Get Pampered
Stress? What stress?
Let someone else puff, preen, pluck, poof and pamper you in preparation for the party, someone like Amanda Merritt.
“I take all the stress and pressure off the bride completely. My job is to make sure everything runs smoothly, everyone gets their hair done in the appropriate amount of time and to accommodate any needs the bride may have,” said Merritt, administrative assistant for the Solace Spa at Boyne Mountain, and also the group sales coordinator for the Solace Spa and the Boyne-owned The Spa at the Inn at Bay Harbor.
The Solace Spa in particular has become a destination spa, with full services ranging from hair, make-up and pedicures and manicures to eucalyptus steam rooms, Jacuzzis and workout facilities.
And when it comes to weddings, the added touches offered by the staff at both spas make for even more special memories. “On the wedding day when everyone’s in such a rush that nobody has to time to eat or think, I can handle coordinating the food for them, I can bring in champagne for a toast to smooth out the nerves, I’ve done Mimosas and chocolate-strawberries – anything to make their time more efficient and make sure that nobody passes out from hunger while they’re standing up at the wedding,” said Merritt.
New updates at Solace have expanded the salon and makeup areas to complement the nearby spa, massage and body treatment center, which provides an ideal setting for day-before activities for the bridal party.
On the day of the wedding, any size group can be accommodated for hair, nails and makeup. The wedding party does not need to be a guest of the Boyne resorts to reserve the salon and spa services.
Because Merritt serves as the group sales coordinator for the both Solace and the Spa at the Inn at Bay Harbor, she’s able to gather needed staff to make sure the brides and all her attendants receive essential attention. And the stylists are talented across bridal hairstyle lines, from the formal up-dos to simple shampoo-blow-dry-style, Merritt said.
The make-up artists specifically use Jane Iredale products because of their coverage and long-lasting abilities. The products are 100 percent minerals and won’t clog pores, Merritt noted. “It’s good for your face and it also covers up anything, it’s absolutely fabulous,” she added.
Nothing does more for clear skin than relaxation, perhaps, and at Solace, brides and their attendants can tap into a number of resources on-site the day or two before the ceremony. Aside from the massage and facial services, “we have a relaxation lounge with a nice area with fresh fruit, tea and water,” Merritt said. “There is also a private area inside the women’s locker room that is perfect for bachelorette parties or special events.”
The bonding, good times and laughter that accompany a bride
and her best friends can be found at salons around the North, and
especially at the Tracy Lee Salon in downtown Petoskey.
Stylists are busy Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through peak season working with brides and their attendants on hair, nails and makeup, all under the Aveda line, which is produced with ingredients that are 98 percent naturally derived.
The salon works with wedding planners or the brides themselves to ensure the morning is light-hearted and enjoyable, said owner Tracy Sneddon. “A lot of times bridal parties will bring in Mimosas and bagels, or we can provide it for them,” she said.
Three of the eight stylists on staff handle make-up application, and the salon can accommodate facial waxing needs (suggested to be done a week or so before the wedding because of redness).
As the only Aveda Concept Salon in the area, Tracy Lee Salon is a busy place on wedding weekends; the salon is booking at least six months to a year in advance, particularly for those from downstate or out of the area. Sneddon recommends brides meet with their stylist in advance of the wedding to talk about and try styles as well.
“It’s really important to develop a kinship so you feel comfortable on the day of your wedding,” she said.
When that day arrives, expect a talented staff to work their magic. “My staff does an amazing job, everything’s soft and flattering,” Sneddon said. “And they’re fun and comfortable.”
Short and sweet
Long locks are being lopped this season, and
more brides are forgoing traditional up-dos in favor of sassy short
styles. Short-haired brides can look just as soft, glamorous and
perfectly accessorized as their long-haired friends. Veils work well
with any hair length, even the shortest pixie cut, and add a touch of
classic elegance. 1920s-inspired finger-wave and pin-curl hairstyles are
choices for bobbed brides, and a feather flower or large single hairpin
tucking the hair back on one side is the perfect accent for today’s
fresh take on a vintage style.
Want to try a little something special? Try using false eyelash glue to affix Swarovski flat-backed rhinestones to your hair. It adds a sophisticated and subtle sparkle to your special occasion, and washes out easily at the end of the night.
–Suite101.com
Pamper Pointers
Taking care of yourself should start months before those last days leading up to the wedding. To get wedding-ready in advance:
• Join a local gym, health club or yoga group.
• Get a
professional massage or spa treatment.
• Write in a journal or diary
daily.
• Plan time with friends doing things that have nothing to do
with your wedding.
• Catch up distant relatives and friends and use
them as sources for wedding ideas.
• See your dentist to ensure a
bright smile.
• Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure.
A few days before the wedding:
• Have quiet time to yourself to enjoy a good book with your favorite
tea or coffee.
• Make an appointment for your favorite salon
service.
• Make sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause
you to be cranky.
From Associated Content
Up North Bride Home » Spring 2009 Wedding Guide » Get Pampered - Hair and Makeup