You’ve made a big investment in photography (and possibly videography as well) to help capture your big day. You want to make sure you absolutely look your best. Although I’m sure you do a very nice job on your everyday makeup and hairstyle, I strongly recommend looking into hiring professionals for your big day.

Here’s why:

Even though you’re great at doing your own makeup and hair, a makeup artist (MUA) and hair stylist can do it so much better. I mean, after all, that is their job. We especially recommend hiring a good MUA if you don’t normally do your own makeup. They know what will look good on you and can make it look natural and flawless.

Makeup artists use high-grade makeup – nothing runs, shines, or smudges, ensuring that you don’t have any makeup malfunctions during your big day. They also know what works well with the flash, the lighting at different times of the day, etc.

On your wedding day, you’re going to be moving around all day and you want your makeup to last and your hair to look well put together. You’ll need to be wearing about 30% more makeup than normal. It may seem like a lot in real life, because you’re not used to it, but it won’t look like a lot on camera. Makeup artists know exactly how much to put on.

A MUA and hair stylist knows how to accentuate your features to make sure you look your best for portraits and close ups. They know that cameras alter lighting and colors and how to avoid common makeup issues with photography. Some everyday makeup can make you look oily or shiny on camera – MUAs make sure the makeup they use will photograph perfectly. Also, on your wedding day, you’ll be wearing a lot of white. You don’t want to look washed out in your photos and a MUA knows how to make sure that doesn’t happen.

You can choose the soft and romantic look, or go glam - the MUA and hair stylist will work with you to make you feel and look great. And lastly, these professionals know your schedule and can help keep you on track by making sure to have you ready on time.

Check out the photos below of Kristin and Daniel, a fun-loving and happily married couple. Don’t they look flawless? The bride’s hair was done by Monique Flores (Instagram.com/moniqueflorres83) and her makeup was done by Arizona Wedding Makeup (Instagram.com/diangelmakeup). (Other participating vendors are listed at the bottom of this post.)