About Your Wedding Hair + Makeup Team

Thank you sooo much for checking out our website and considering us for your wedding, project, or event!

I am a quirky mix of boring and reliable, yet creative and whimsical. I love plants and cheese and I'll try to pet literally anything with a face. My passion for artistry was a constant throughout my life, but making it into a job happened much later after 20 years in Corporate America. My clients see the benefits of that experience in my professionalism, preparedness, and reliability. I am technical, detailed, creative, and organized. Am I fun at parties? No, lol. Am I going to think of everything that could make your experience better and what could help me service you better? Yes. :-)

I have had the opportunity to network with and learn from veteran artists across the globe who offer me a huge support system and have helped me grow into the artist I am today. Paying that forward: I am proud to be part of an elite team of talented Instructor Artists at Multimedia Makeup Academy, where we prepare new and aspiring artists for work in the real world by not only sharing our knowledge and experience but committing to student success beyond the classroom.

Our Core Values:

Details

We are 100% weirdos for the details. The small things are what make a service great vs good. From infection control to your Bridal Preview to the supplies in our set bag for the wedding day, we have thought of nearly everything.

Micro-Photo Shoot at Bridal Preview to test the hair and makeup
HIgh-quality, custom-curated skin prep to ensure skin is ready for makeup
Artists trained in and serious about sanitation and infection control
Products chosen for performance, not brand name or trend
Precision foundation match because your body and your face should look like they are friends
Customized lashes for your eye shape
Customized timeline for wedding prep and handle communication with your bridal party

Experience

Fifteen years in business gave us a lot of time for trial and error. We know what works, what is needed, and what is practical after all of this time.

In-depth consultations to truly understand your vision or guide you if you don't have one
Prepared for the unexpected (because we've seen a lot)
Network of vendors we've worked with over the years. We probably know half of your vendors
Established and reliable

Inclusivity

Representation is important to us. You should be able to see yourself in our work -- find people who look like you in our portfolios and when you read our website, not feel like you're reading about someone else's wedding. Your wedding is unique and we make sure that your experience is customized to you.

Artists are trained to match any skin tone or type
Years of experience servicing East + Southeast Asian clients
Years of experience servicing South Asian weddings
Prioritizing making it clear and obvious that we service all weddings

Education

I am a professional, licensed educator and 99% of my team were my former students. 100% of my team were formally trained to be makeup artists and stylists -- no one is self-taught.

Additionally, artists receive specialized training regularly and the entire team is encouraged to pursue continuing education to hone their skills.

State-required safety, sanitation + infection control protocols
Professionally educated artists understand why we do certain things in hair and makeup so we can make recommendations

Love Notes!

Anjana

Crystal Drake Artistry were the best hair team I could possibly imagine working with during our wedding weekend!!! As soon as I met Crystal during our trial and watched her nail all 3 of my looks, I knew she was the perfect fit for me. Throughout the process, she was timely, organized, and so accommodating to all the last minute changes in the timeline. During a chaotic Indian wedding weekend, Crystal had the BEST attitude and brought so much ease when I was sitting in her chair (which was probably close to 5 hours total). She truly goes above and beyond and clearly cares about her brides - for example, giving me ice packs when my knuckles were sore from all the bangle changes :), helping with mid-ceremony outfit changes, etc. Most importantly, Crystal’s skillset is exceptional as she was able to create the perfect South Indian braid that I envisioned. She is well-experienced in all the accessories Indian brides wear and made the day-of process seamless. Her looks for our moms were also spot on! I cannot recommend Crystal enough, especially for any South Asian brides!!!