Your Spring Beauty Weekend is Here!

Spring is in the air! Despite's the COVID-19, this weekend women everywhere can enjoy flowers bouquets, chocolates, diamonds, and something we just added to their Mother’s Day celebration. The temperature may not cooperate but that won’t stop showing moms everywhere, how much they are loved! Exciting, right? Well, to most this sounds endearing, but if you are are looking for the special gift for mom, we have just the thing for you. Get ready for the huge smile on her face when gifting this gift. Most women love the glamour that comes along with makeup and all of it’s glory. But some of us struggle with the application process and the majority of us would do more makeup if we were confident with applying it. Can’t get to the department store to purchase the perfect gift, don’t let that stop you from purchasing a “Private” Makeup Lesson with a beauty expert from Elite Secrets Bridal. With over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, makeup is the most popular accessory a woman will buy, (says CEO and Beauty Expert at ESB).

Give the gift of love. Click the buy now button below for the $100 gift card purchase. And receive the added bonus of $75 off purchase when scheduling the Makeup Lesson, (at a later date). Use CODE: MOMGIFT at appointment checkout.

Visit: www.elitesecretsbridal.com for appointments after gift card purchase.

We can’t wait to hear how you wowed her this Mother’s Day!!!

xoxo

Already the good at your makeup application but need help with choosing the right skincare products?!?

We can’t help but rave about our partnership Limelife by Alcone’s makeup and skincare collection.

We believe that true beauty is made up of inner confidence and outer radiance, and we’ve created LimeLife products with both in mind. You can trust that our skin care products are free of harmful chemicals and full of organic ingredients that get results.

Click here https://www.limelifebyalcone.com/elitesecrets/products/SkinCare to browse products options and purchase your favs. Have questions about products, orders, or discounts and savings: please email us at Latonya@elitesecretsbridal.com.

Click here for your appointments. 

Your go -to guide for bridal hair and makeup trials

Congratulations newly engaged brides!! Now that you've said yes to your life partner and yes to your dream dress, it's time to get hitched to your wedding day glam squad.

If you're thinking of working with your everyday stylist think again. Working with a team of wedding beauty experts will help make your Pinterest hair and makeup dreams a reality all while professionally maneuvering through wedding day chaos.

Your go-to stylists may be good but it takes an experienced bridal glam team to make your wedding day prep time the smooth, and memorable girl-bonding session that you've always envisioned.

Still, choosing a professional wedding hair stylist and makeup artist is not an easy mission which is why bridal trials are SO IMPORTANT. A bridal trial will give you an opportunity to test the looks you like and the skill of the artist. 

Here are a few tips for bridal trial success. 

1. PLAN THINGS AHEAD
Coming to your hair and makeup trial prepared will help you ace the look from the start. The more inspiration you pick up from the online Pinterest boards, magazines, and TV shows, the better your trial will be. The best way to be prepared is to have a rough idea of the dress, your hairstyle, and makeup - and communicate it clearly with us.

Book your bridal trial with elite secrets now and receive a free airbrush upgrade.

2. YOUR WEDDING DRESS COMES FIRST ON THE SHOPPING LIST
There is a big reason why you should purchase your wedding dress first. Wedding makeup and hair expert, LaTonya Turnage says, ”the entire look should revolve around your dress. Your hair and makeup should balance its style, length and level of detail.” That is why it is important to buy your dress first and bring a photo of it to the trial!

3. WEAR A WHITE T-SHIRT ON YOUR TRIAL
A crisp white T-shirt (or a color that resembles the color of your wedding dress) is a great way to get a better idea of how your hair and makeup will work with your dress. You can also cut the neckline to match your wedding gown and see if everything fits perfectly as you imagined.

Not only this will give you a better idea of your wedding look, but it will also help you choose the perfect bridal makeup and hair choice and whether they match the white color on your body.

Read related post: Everything you need to know about airbrush makeup

4. SCHEDULE A LONG ENOUGH APPOINTMENT
Your Baltimore bridal makeup appointment should be long enough, especially because of the different styles you may want to test out. After all, it is your wedding hair and makeup that we are talking about - and such things deserve special attention. 

5. GO CLEAN BEFORE THE TRIAL
For the makeup trial, it is always better to come clean and avoid putting on any products before the trial. A clean face holds makeup better and will let us make the look perfectly match the color of your natural skin without makeup.

6. TAKE NOTES
As soon as you book your wedding makeup and arrive at your appointment, you should start taking notes on how to touch up your look during the day- so you know how to fix any smudges in case they happen during the ceremony or afterward. At Elite Secrets we give every bride a touchup kit with all the items needed to keep your glowing look throughout the Big Day.

Big wedding party? No problem! We can accommodate large bridal parties at no additional cost. Book now!

7. MAP OUT YOUR GLAM

The key to a drama-free and organized day is a wedding timeline. Your planner will breakdown your ceremony and reception in time increments but remember your glam time happens before both of those events. Therefore, if your hair and makeup time runs off schedule everything runs off schedule. If you book your hair and makeup with us there's no need to worry. Every Elite Secrets bride gets a customized timeline for the wedding day prep. How’s that for convenience?

8. GO CAMERA CRAZY
Once your bridal makeup and hair are done, it's time to start snapping photos and taking them from different angles. Make sure to also switch the backgrounds and test photos in both daylight and nighttime. That way, you will have a better idea of your look in every minute during your wedding.

Ready to book with us? We have something special for you!  We’re offering free engagement and/or bridal trial when you book your wedding day service at the time of the trial or shoot.  Book your hair and makeup trial with Elite Secrets today.

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Book our space

Need a space to get ready on your Big Day? We’ve got you covered! We’ve curated the ultimate bridal suite for you and your bridal party – right here on Charles Street! Elite Secrets Bridal is in the heart of Baltimore’s Mount Vernon fashion boutique district and surrounded by historic venues and outdoor ceremony sites—sans bridal suites.  

Bypass the over crowded hotel rooms and rigid timelines enforced by strict venues. Reserve the Elite Secrets Bridal showroom for all the apace and time you need to get ready for the most magical day of your life. Your rental will include:

• Customized selfie station

• Two bottles of bubbly FOR YOUR champagne bar

• Unlimited use of our steamer

• Your very own venue manager, on-hand to help coordinate your vendors

• A personal bridal stylist to help with steaming your dress, veil, and assist with getting ready.
  

Drop off night your gown the night before then prepare to get styled, set, and ready for your wedding day. Contact us for rates and availability.

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words from our brides

“I had the best experience ever at Elite Secrets Bridal, especially as a plus-sized bride. If you are thinking of doing the Elite Experience, DO IT! It was absolutely amazing the amount of detail they put into making you and your bridal party feel while shopping. I had a magical experience! From sweet treats to the tunes of my own customized playlist, the vibe of the shop, and so much more! I didn’t even find my dress the first time I went, but I specifically went back to this shop to look and was treated with the same great customer service with a dash of magic. Once I said yes to the dress here, the shop still made sure I felt special and thought of. This really is an Elite bridal shop. LaTonya and her team are wonderful to work with and I’m so happy I am an Elite Secret Bride :) ”

— Indyah

Our Favorite Week of the Year is Here!!

Happy Tuesday, Elite Friends. Our favorite week of the year is here, and it kicks off TODAY, February 11th! If you haven’t guessed it, this week is Beauty Week! We get to treat you to all kinds of goodies all week long because we appreciate your support and the love you give us throughout the year.

Mark your calendars every day this week. We have something delightful planned each day just for you. Check out this sweet lineup for the details.

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Tuesday, February 11th

Tune in for Tuesday’s with Tonya on Instagram. Airbrush Makeup is the topic for this special” Instagram Live.” Our beauty expert will share insider tips on this sought-after makeup technique and demo the application process LIVE, so grab a pen and pad. You’ll want to take notes. Check our Instagram page for times and details.

Then after the session, book your bridal hair and makeup package for a FREE airbrush upgrade! Go for flawless glam on your wedding day with the technique all the celebrities are talking about.

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Wednesday, February 12th

We’re celebrating Wedding Wednesday with an EPIC contest. Enter for a chance to win you dream wedding gown (up to $1500 in value). To win:

• You must attend one of the two trunk shows this month. The Madison James by Allure show is over, but the Cristiano Lucci show starts this Friday!

• Follow Elite Secrets on Instagram (instagram.com/elitesecrets)

• Like the contest post on Instagram.

• Say “Yes” to your dress before we announce the winner on February 17th.

• You MUST pay in full upon saying yes (The winner will receive a refund of $1,500 issued upon announcing the winner on February 17th).

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Thursday, February 13th

There’s no way we could celebrate bridal beauty and fashion and leave out the bride tribe. Trending Thursday is all about the bridal tribe. Purchase three or more bridesmaids gowns and receive your choice of one FREE bridesmaid gown or a FREE flower girl dress. The choice is yours.

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Valentine’s Day, February 14th

For the LOVE of wine. Join us for a Valentine’s Day wine tasting courtesy of our partners at Vino Wine Bar and Shop.

And because we love you so much, we’re gifting every bride—who says yes to the dress—a bottle of wine to take home. It’s our Valentine’s Day gift to you. Stop in anytime! No appointment needed for walk-in Fridays.

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Saturday, February 15th

We reserved the best for last. Saturday is our Customer Appreciation Day. Get ready for The Elite Wedding Party! Indulge in our complimentary dessert bar and bottomless mimosas. Then stay for the reveal of our new selfie photo booth station. Be among the first to try this fun addition to our showroom. Make sure you're there. Attendees will have a chance to take away valuable door prizes, too.

We can’t wait to celebrate this EPIC week with you. Cheers! 🥂

ELITE SECRETS BRIDAL FEATURED IN BALTIMORE STYLE MAGAZINE

We are thrilled to share that Elite Secrets Bridal and CEO, LaTonya Turnage was featured in Baltimore Style Magazine. In the spread, our bridal beauty expert shares tips for flawless wedding day bridal beauty.

There are tons of tips for brides from starting a skincare regimen to what to expect during a bridal hair and makeup trial. “The goal, according to Turnage, is for the bride to be relaxed, excited, and ready to get glam on the morning of her wedding — not worried about whether her beauty appointments will run smoothly. The key to making this happen? The right planning and, of course, the right team, she says, adding that a trial run should be nine months before the big day.” 

Snag a copy of the Wedding Issue of Baltimore Style from your local bookstore, or read all about our expert at https://baltimorestyle.com/big-day-beautiful/.

Inspired by LaTonya’s bridal beauty tips? Book your appointment bridal hair and makeup trial NOW. We can’t wait to serve you. 

Marina Semone Trunk Show, January 16-26 and Tuesdays with Tonya

Marina Semone Bridal is coming to Elite Secrets for a bridal trunk show you don’t want to miss. Mark your calendar, January 16th through January 26th, for an exclusive 10-day event. This is the only Marina Semone Bridal trunk show in all of the D.C., Maryland, Virginia areas.

You’ll be inspired by the seamless combination of the classical and the new. Handmade, heirloom-quality details are combined with clean lines and minimal silhouettes. Textured laces accentuate sleek crepes and silk chiffons. These gowns are made for saying “I do,” then dancing into the night!

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NEW TO WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING? CURIOUS ABOUT BRIDAL TRUNK SHOWS? GET ALL THE DEETS AND LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IN OUR TRUNK SHOW GUIDE: 8 TIPS FOR WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING AT A BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW

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Book your appointment NOW to attend between January 16th and January 26th. You’ll get to bask in the beauty that is Marina Semone, plus receive an exclusive 10% discount on their stunning designs. Here’s how to attend this event and say yes to your dream Marina Semone wedding dress:

1. Book your appointment TODAY online at EliteSecretsBridal.com/contact or call 410.727.7000 (appointment slots fill up quickly).

2. Grab your bride tribe. We’ll supply the champagne!

3. Let’s make magic! Our professional staff is ready to serve you and your tribe—with bubbly in hand.

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Introducing Tuesdays with Tonya, January 14

We’re excited to introduce #TuesdayswithTonya. Debuting January 14th, the award-winning bridal beauty expert, entrepreneur, and boss babe will share stories, tips, trends, and good old-fashioned advice on weddings, fashion, beauty, and business.

Whether you’ve seen her at her sold-out events, caught her on BMore Lifestyle TV, or in the Baltimore Sun, this is the place to get answers to your burning questions and connect over love and laughs. Join the party on Instagram (@elitesecrets) every Tuesday! Be sure to check Instagram periodically for times and details.

We've Got a Love Jones: Alysha Says Yes Two Times!

What do you do when your friend and local blogger gets engaged and want to say yes to her dress at your shop? Pull out all the stops of course.

You may remember Alysha as the co-host for our annual spring bridal fashion shows. Or, you may know the influencer from her wildly popular blog, Discover Charm City. Recently, our uber-talented friend said yes—twice—in the most surprising and unconventional ways: once to her dream guy, Aaron, and once to her dream dress at Elite Secrets Bridal. She sat down with us and spilled the tea on both sweet and romantic experiences in an exclusive interview. Prepare to be inspired by this double love story.  

Tell us a little about yourself, your fiancé, and your engagement story.

There was nothing unusual about that weekend. My parents were in town, and we went to dinner the night before. But they come to Baltimore often, so it didn’t stand out. Sunday, we started the day like any other typical weekend day! I was super comfortable at home in my “mu-mu,” and was organizing my sock drawer (haha).

Aaron was working and said we’d meet up later. Eventually, he texts me and says to meet him at the monument. Again, this is pretty typical for us on warm Spring and Summer days. We like to grab a bottle of wine and relax in the park. So, this was all a part of our regular routine.

We spent some time sitting at the park, taking in the typical Baltimore sites. Kids were playing, cartwheeling. Some of the familiar neighborhood regulars were all enjoying their Sunday. We were talking and somehow got on the discussion of engagements and weddings. And I had shared how much I loved my friend’s story of their sweet and simple proposal in a taxi ride in NYC. And how the guy just couldn’t wait to propose to her a minute longer. That’s when Aaron said, “I don’t want you to wait any longer.” He gets down on one knee, and I still could not register what was happening. I look over and see the amazing photographer, Devin Allen, behind a tree, capturing the entire moment. I was hysterically crying, and one of the homeless guys in the park comes over and says, “I knew he was going to do it! I knew it!” We shared our champagne with him, which is SO Baltimore. Everything about it was just US and perfect! We Face-timed our parents in the rain. Then later, with all of our close friends, Aaron had organized a dinner for us at Duck Duck Goose.

A piece of advice I’d give to people awaiting an engagement is just to relax and try not to control the process. You will LOVE the shock and surprise of that special moment your partner plans for you!

You have several choices, in the area, for wedding gown shopping. What drew you to Elite Secrets Bridal? What are some of the reasons for your decision?

I knew from when I met LaTonya that one day, I’d want to get my gown from her shop. Not only because I’m passionate about supporting small business and black-owned businesses in Baltimore, but because LaTonya is a truly wonderful person. She makes you feel so special when she talks to you, and she and the Elite Secrets team make every bride who walks through their doors a priority! I also know how much she cares about being inclusive and welcoming of all body types. I knew I’d want that experience when it came to choosing my gown.

Tell us about the day your squad surprised you and took you to Elite Secrets Bridal. And tell us a little about your first impressions and shopping experience.

Again, like my surprise engagement, it was a normal day with my girls! My best friend, and one of my maid-of-honors, Jasmine, organized a trip to the local Wedding Expo. Honestly, it was just for fun and to get some good wedding inspo. Looking back, I recommend doing that with your girls. It just gets you in that wedding spirit, and it’s such a special memory! After the expo, we were riding in the car together when Jasmine (who is also a style consultant at Elite Secrets) said she had to stop by Elite Secrets to pick up a check. I didn’t think this was unusual at all! But, when we walked in the doors, there was LaTonya and Sabrina (an Elite Secrets Bridal Consultant) saying “Surprise” with a photographer and champagne! They had this special table set up with little snacks and gifts. Also, I really appreciated LaTonya keeping the pressure off. She just said, “We’re just trying on gowns today.” I loved that I didn’t have the pressure of choosing a gown on the spot.

Did you have any expectations going into your first wedding gown shopping experience?

Did you have a style of gown/or process of choosing a gown in mind before your shopping experience? I had no idea what style gown I wanted! I just went with LaTonya and her team’s expert advice. I didn’t have much expectation going into it. I loved that right off the bat, Sabrina just knew what was going to look perfect on my body. The rep for Allure Bridal was there as well, and they made me feel so comfortable!

How did it feel to try on your first wedding gown?

It was surreal. It felt like “wow” this is it! It just was such an amazing experience to be surrounded by my loved ones, cheering me on and boosting me! LaTonya and her team have these cute signs that your squad can hold up when voting for gowns. All of those little touches made such a difference in my experience.

When you finally said “Yes” to your dress, what made you choose YOUR dream dress? Were you surprised at what you did/did not like when you actually tried on gowns?

I was so surprised at the ones I tried on (per the team’s advice). The dresses weren’t exactly what I would have chosen for myself, but they knew what would look good on me! I really appreciated it! In the end, LaTonya encouraged me to choose a gown that made me feel like a princess. She was really good at reminding me that I needed a gown that really “wowed”! I don’t think I would have chosen one that was so dramatic without the team, reminding me that I needed something that would stand out and make a big impression! They found me a gown that is GRAND, and that stands out. They even helped me find a veil that went perfectly with the whole GRAND look! I appreciated that they got me out of my head and comfort zone!

What advice would you give to other brides as they search for their dream dress and prepare for their big day?

To relax. I can’t say enough about this. Something I recommend is to speak kindly to yourself (always but especially when trying on gowns). Recite positive affirmations to yourself daily. It’s all about the mindset! Spend time with yourself. Choose the right people for your bridal party. People who know you and will support you no matter what. Know your style and body type. And bring people with you who have your bests interest at heart.

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Treat Yourself and Your Tribe to a Private, Concierge-Style Service with Elite Secrets’ New Elite Experience

Elite Secrets Bridal is pleased to announce the introduction of a new service, The Elite Experience. Debuting this month, brides can opt to have this exclusive, concierge-style service making their dress shopping experience even more magical. 

The Elite Experience includes but is not limited to a two-hour appointment for a bride tribe of up to 10 people. Shut down the shop for a private appointment for you and your circle only. During the session, your group can indulge in a full champagne bar (with two bottles of champagne) and enjoy fresh sweet treats from our bakery partners. Your guests can sit back and look on as our bridal stylist meets with you for a full bridal styling consultation. No one from your tribe will be left out of the pics because they’re behind the camera, our team will capture the entire appointment and everyone from your tribe. You’ll get a customized hashtag to compliment your memories. We’ll even curate a personalized playlist of your favorite songs because no experience is complete without a soundtrack. The Elite Experience starts at $125.

Ready for us to roll out the red carpet for you and your tribe? We can’t wait to serve you! Book your appointment. Dates are available but filling up quickly.

Romantic Urban Fairytale in New York's Brooklyn Bridge Park

Carrie Bradshaw said, “Year after year, twenty-something women come to New York in search of the two ‘L’s: Labels and Love.” And, this stunning styled shoot is serving us both! Marissa Rose Photography and a team of amazing friendors partnered with us for a shoot so inspiring that it will have you packing your bags and heading to the Big Apple.

Planner extraordinaire, Jessica J Events, combined the perfect amount of whimsy and urban, city life with romantic vibes against the industrial setting of the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Elite Secrets styled the bride in a Cristiano Lucci gown. The wedding dress has a romantic lace overlay with subtle sequins for added sparkle and plunging neckline to up the wow factor.

Sara Gray-Foreman combined varying colors of roses, tulips, and greenery to complete the gorgeous bridal bouquet.

Check out the full gallery below to see how Marissa Rose Photography captured the real-life couple, as they made their way through the Brooklyn Bridge Park!

Are you just in love with the wedding gown and veil? Book an appointment with us to say to your dream dress. We have everything you need to become the bride you’ve always imagined.

Everything you need to know about Airbrush Makeup

He popped the question, you’ve set a date and picked the perfect venue, now its time to make some decision regarding your wedding day look. If you are deciding between airbrush and traditional makeup, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out which technique is best for you on your Big Day. 

What is airbrush makeup? 

Airbrush makeup is makeup sprayed onto the skin using an airbrush instead of being applied with sponges or brushes. A powered compressor is used to create an even and controllable airflow through a medical grade hose. The hose connects to a metal, trigger-actioned gun. An airbrush system can be altered to suit every type of makeup application by changing the air pressure (typically measured in pounds per square inch) for lighter, heavier, detailed, or broader makeups.

What is the difference between airbrush makeup and traditional?

Although traditional makeup and airbrush makeup are created to last throughout the day, the airbrush formulas are far more resilient than their traditional counterparts. This type of makeup can withstand sweat, tears, and rain better than conventional makeup, making airbrush the best option for emotional and nervous brides. The fluids bead up on the skin, as opposed to soaking into the makeup layer. So, there are no tear lines on your face after the ceremony.

Benefits of Airbrush Makeup

Hypoallergenic Application

One of the most significant benefits of airbrush makeup is how sanitary the process is. There is no need to touch the product at all, and the stylus does not affect your skin. This means that there won’t be any transferring of dirt, oil, or bacteria to your skin from the previous user. This is great for skin that is prone to breakouts.

Natural, Flawless Look

Whether the coverage is sheer or heavy, the mist of makeup looks perfectly natural. You can’t get a more flawless look. The composition is applied in thin, light layers, so it does not give the appearance that traditional makeup offers, despite providing flawless coverage.

Lightweight

Many people who opt for airbrush makeup agree that it feels as if they are not wearing makeup at all, while traditional makeup can feel thicker after prolonged us. The airbrush technique is excellent for your skin, too, as it allows it to breathe and is less likely to clog your pores.

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You’re Invited to our Annual White Friday Sale.

Join us this Friday.

Doors open at 6:00 AM

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Perfect Color Matching

There is an excellent range of colors available in airbrush makeup to match your skin tone. But, to make a perfect match for you, your professional makeup artist will blend two or more hues. Color matching will help the makeup to appear even more natural as it will absolutely match your tone.

Looks Amazing In Photos

Airbrush makeup creates a beautiful natural glow that looks fantastic in pictures, both up close and from a distance, as well as in person.

Ready to book your airbrush makeup appointment? We can’t wait to partner with you on your bridal beauty needs. Book your hair and makeup trial with Elite Secrets today.

7 Bridal Beauty Mistakes Every Bride Must Avoid

Your wedding day is the most memorable day of your life, so it’s only fair that you would want to make sure your bridal look is just right. With so many fashion and beauty trends on social media, magazines, and blogs, it’s tempting to get caught up in the hype and want to experiment for your Big Day. But trust us — you don’t want to look back at your photos and not recognize yourself. Before you head down the aisle, read on to find out what major snafus can happen, and LaTonya’s top tips on how to avoid them.

Not Testing Your Wedding Day Hair and Makeup: Surprisingly, many brides forgo a bridal hair and makeup trials to save time or cut costs, but that might not be the best plan in the long run. Scheduling a hair and makeup trial is always SO necessary before the wedding day. There are many benefits, but one of the biggest gains is saving time. You will not have the time to re-do your hair on your wedding day.

Wearing a Makeup Look Completely Different from Your Normal Routine: Your wedding day is not the time to try new eye shadow tricks or heavy contouring if it isn’t part of your usual style strategy. Whether you wear a lot of makeup or no makeup on a daily basis, for the wedding day, you shouldn’t go with a look that is dramatically different from your routine. After all, you want your significant other to recognize you walking down the aisle. We suggest talking with your makeup artist about intensifying your everyday method and makeup look versus going with a look that is a total deviation from the norm.

Not Wearing a Robe While Getting Glam: There is a reason that hair and make-up artists suggest wearing a robe or button-up blouse while getting hair and makeup done, and that is because you can easily remove these garments without smudging your makeup or ruining your hair. It’s especially important if you won’t have someone at the wedding venue to do touch-ups.

Not Using Waterproof Mascara: Even if you’re sure you won’t cry at the altar, it’s always a great idea to have a backup plan in place. Weddings are emotional, and even if you aren’t anticipating waterworks, you may shed a few tears at some point. Do yourself a favor and wear waterproof mascara to avoid having black streaks run down your face or raccoon eyes. Also, consider keeping a fabric handkerchief on standby for simple touch ups in between tears.

Tanning Mishaps: Avoid tanning before your wedding day. Poor spray tans are hard to reverse and will be in all of your photos. There’s no turning back from that. If you plan to get a spray tan, do a trial well in advance of the wedding, so you have time to get your skin back to normal in case there are any mistakes.

Ordering a Dress in a Size Too Small: You may have goals of dropping a dress size or two before the wedding, but you should still plan to order a dress in your current size. If you lose the weight, good for you. You will most likely have many fittings with the seamstress to make alterations— so keep it realistic. On the other hand, if you don't loose the weight you will need to order extra fabric and have additional modifications.

Wearing Heels That Are Uncomfortable: Figure out what your feet can handle before the wedding. Far too often, brides will choose style over comfort, and that’s never a good idea. You will be on your feet for most of your day, so having comfortable shoes is a requirement. You do not want to be unable to make it down the aisle or share in your first dance because of uncomfortable shoes! We advise buying a chic pair of wedges or keeping a pair of simple satin flats on standby.

Want more wedding style advice? Book an appointment with Elite Secrets Bridal today. We have experienced bridal stylists in our showroom ready to assist you.

Your Elite Secrets Bridal Guide to Wedding Day Hair and Makeup

We've all been there - experiencing makeup disasters and hair failures. However, when it comes to the most special day in your life, epic fails should never happen. That is why more and more brides choose professional bridal services for their hair and makeup. The truth is, only an expert can guarantee the look you want without any possibility of a disaster. 

Booking a professional will not only give you peace of mind, but you'll be able to relax and enjoy the planning process leading to your Big Day. Still, choosing a professional wedding hairstylist and makeup artist is not an easy mission, which is why bridal trials are SO IMPORTANT. A bridal trial will allow you to test the looks you like and the skill of the artist. 

Here are a few tips for bridal trial success. 

PLAN THINGS AHEAD

Coming to your hair and makeup trial prepared will help us ace the look from the start. The more inspiration you pick up from the online Pinterest boards, magazines, and TV shows, the better your trial will be. The best way to be prepared is to have a rough idea of the dress, your hairstyle, and makeup - and communicate it clearly with us.

YOUR WEDDING DRESS COMES FIRST ON THE SHOPPING LIST

There is a big reason why you should purchase your wedding dress first. We believe the entire look should revolve around your dress. Your hair and makeup should balance its style, length, and level of detail and always comply with it. Therefore, it is essential to buy your dress first and bring a photo of it to the trial!

WEAR A WHITE T-SHIRT ON YOUR TRIAL

A crisp white T-shirt (or a color that resembles the color of your wedding dress) is a great way to get a better idea of how your hair and makeup will work with your dress. You can also cut the neckline to match your wedding gown and see if everything fits as you imagined.

Not only this will give you a better idea of your wedding look, but it will also help you choose the perfect bridal makeup and hair choice and whether they match the white color on your body.

DON’T FORGET YOUR VEIL

The purpose of the trial is to get a good idea of your finished look before your wedding day, and you won't get the full effect without your veil or hair accessories. Also, it helps the hairstylist work out any snafus with tricky fasteners or positioning issues ahead of the Big Day. 

SCHEDULE A LONG ENOUGH APPOINTMENT

Your Baltimore bridal makeup appointment should be long enough, primarily because of the different styles you may want to test out. After all, it is your wedding hair and makeup that we are talking about - and such things deserve special attention.

GO CLEAN BEFORE THE TRIAL

For the makeup trial, it is always better to come clean and avoid putting on any products before the trial. A fresh face holds makeup better and will let us make the look perfectly match the color of your natural skin without makeup.

GO CAMERA CRAZY

Once we've completed your bridal makeup and hair, it's time to start snapping photos and taking them from different angles. Make sure to also switch the backgrounds and test photos in both daylight and nighttime. That way, you will have a better idea of your look at every minute during your wedding.

Ready to book with us? We can't wait to partner with you on your wedding beauty needs. Book your hair and makeup trial with Elite Secrets today. 

Your 2019 Fall Bridal Beauty Timeline

Next week marks the end of August. Soon the leaves will change, school will be back in session, and pumpkin spice lattes will return to Starbucks menus everywhere. Exciting, right? Well, to most this sounds endearing, but if you are a fall bride images of orange leaves and warm seasonal drinks may be overshadowed by all the looming tasks left on your list of wedding to do’s.

 Between seating charts and first dance song selections, you’ve got enough on your plate without having to worry about the beauty tasks, so we figured we could help with another way to avoid wedding day stress. Here’s your last-minute Elite timeline for all things bridal beauty so you will look and feel your most beautiful self ever on your wedding day.

 Two months before

• Test out tanning options. You don’t want to wait for this task. Starting early ensures that you won’t get stuck with a color you’re not proud to wear.

• Make an appointment to see an eyebrow specialist for shaping. Working on shaping those fine hairs above the eye now, gives them plenty of time to grow back and start over if you don’t like the outcome.

• If you haven’t booked your hair and makeup trials, it’s not too late. Book your appointment with us here.

• Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening or begin an at-home regimen for enhancing your pearly whites.

• If you’re thinking about making a dramatic change to your hair color for the wedding, this is the time to try it out. Figure out your desired hair color and work out a plan with your color specialist. This gives your plenty of time to grow it out or change the hair color before the Big Day.

 Two weeks before

• Touch up roots on your hair color. This is optional and depends on the color and the process. It’s best to consult your color specialist for customized instruction for keeping your strands flawless for your special day.

• Exfoliate your entire body 2-3 times a week. Slough off dead skin and reveal your natural glow all over.

One week before

• Start eating healthy from here on out. Cut sodium to beat bloating and start eating clean to boost your metabolism.

• Zen out with yoga and meditation to reduce your stress. Extra stress leaves your skin vulnerable to break outs. This important tip is sure to help keep your zit-free on your wedding day.

• Make appointments for all your waxing needs, brows, legs, lip, and bikini line, etc.

 Congratulations, your Big Day is almost here, and you have everything needed to look your best self. Book you bridal hair and makeup appointment with Elite Secrets Bridal to finish you look.

Your Spring Bridal Beauty Timeline Leading to your Big Day

Spring is in the air! Soon springs flowers will bloom, and the temps will start to warm. Exciting, right? Well, to most this sounds endearing, but if you are a spring bride images of pastel florals and Easter themes may be overshadowed by all the looming tasks left on your list of wedding to do’s.

 Between seating charts and first dance song selections, you’ve got enough on your plate without having to worry about the beauty tasks, so we figured we could help with another way to avoid wedding day stress. Here’s your last-minute Elite timeline for all things bridal beauty so you will look and feel your most beautiful self ever on your wedding day.

 Two months before

• Test out tanning options. You don’t want to wait for this task. Starting early ensures that you won’t get stuck with a color you’re not proud to wear.

•  Make an appointment to see an eyebrow specialist for shaping. Working on shaping those fine hairs above the eye now, gives them plenty of time to grow back and start over if you don’t like the outcome.

• If you haven’t booked your hair and makeup trials, it’s not too late. Book your appointment with us here.

• Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening or begin an at-home regimen for enhancing your pearly whites.

• If you’re thinking about making a dramatic change to your hair color for the wedding, this is the time to try it out. Figure out your desired hair color and work out a plan with your color specialist. This gives your plenty of time to grow it out or change the hair color before the Big Day.

 Two weeks before

• Touch up roots on your hair color. This is optional and depends on the color and the process. It’s best to consult your color specialist for customized instruction for keeping your strands flawless for your special day.

• Exfoliate your entire body 2-3 times a week. Slough off dead skin and reveal your natural glow all over.

 One week before

• Start eating healthy from here on out. Cut sodium to beat bloating and start eating clean to boost your metabolism.

• Zen out with yoga and meditation to reduce your stress. Extra stress leaves your skin vulnerable to break outs. This important tip is sure to help keep your zit-free on your wedding day.

• Make appointments for all your waxing needs, brows, legs, lip, and bikini line, etc.

Congratulations, your big day is almost here, and you have everything needed to look your best self. Ready to book your bridal beauty trial with Elite Secrets? Click here for your appointment. 

Elite Secrets Bridal to Host Second Annual Spring Bridal Fashion Show, April 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elite Secrets Bridal to Host Second Annual Spring Bridal Fashion Show, April 14 

Baltimore, MD—Elite Secrets Bridal, Baltimore’s premier destination for bridal fashion and beauty will celebrate their 2nd Annual Spring Bridal Fashion Show on Sunday, April 14th from 3 PM to 6 PM at Lift Studio.

An affair for the stylish, the Bridal Fashion Soiree, is a premier luxury bridal event, featuring the hottest trends in bridal couture. The event creates the perfect ambiance to preview some of the latest looks in bridal fashion, hair, makeup, floral design, and décor. The bridal house has teamed up with some of Baltimore’s top-tier wedding vendors to deliver this one-of-a-kind show. Guests can expect to see some of this year’s hottest trends including a flower wall and décor inspiration from Jessica J Events and Kirby-Jay Conyette, live DJ performances by DJ Drift, and more.

Mix and mingle with engaged couples, wedding tribes, vendors, and local influencers over cocktails and bites. Enjoy the pancake bar and bottomless mimosas courtesy of Hoopla Catering. Then, indulge in tasty seafood from Phillips Seafood.

Attendees will preview collections from some of your favorite designers, Allure, Pronovias, The Pearl Collection, and more. Guests will have a chance to win the wedding dress of their dreams (value up to $2000). Attendees will receive a raffle ticket upon entry. The lucky winner will be selected live during the show.

Local influencers, Alysha (@discovercharmcity) and Chyno (@theboywiththebluebeard) will once again grace the stage as co-hosts for the event.

When asked about the thought of creating a bridal fashion show of this magnitude, LaTonya Turnage, the Owner of Elite Secrets Bridal and Creator of Bridal Fashion Soiree states "I'm so excited about the upcoming fashion show! My company is curating the best in bridal fashion and beauty trends! This is not your typical fashion show. We have lots of surprises in store for this event."

To attend the Bridal Fashion Soiree, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elite-secrets-bridal-hosts-bridal-fashion-soiree-tickets-58106451962 for tickets. Care to join the conversation on the Bridal Fashion Soiree and share with your friends that you’re attending? Please use the official event hashtag #SpringBridalSoiree2019.

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Top 5 Things Every Bride Must Do to Look Amazing on The Big Day

How to look great on my wedding day is a thought that runs through the mind of many brides. The truth is, it is not rocket science - and it all boils down to a couple of important wedding day makeup, hair and dress tips you need to follow.

Speaking of which, we are outlining the best ones for making your look flawless - below.

1. STRIKE A POSE IN FRONT OF YOUR MIRROR

Knowing where your hands are at all times during your wedding, and what your pose is, can be helpful. The best way to practice it is in front of the mirror, by trying a few of your favorite celebrity runway poses.

Oh, and did you know that some poses can make you 10 pounds lighter in front of the camera? Grab a friend and have them help you out!

2. HAVE A PROFESSIONAL APPLY YOUR MAKEUP

Just because you have a bridesmaid who knows how to apply makeup, that doesn't mean that she will do a great job on your wedding day makeup. Most likely she will have a lot going on and things to do that day to get herself ready. You won't be her center of attention, and your makeup may suffer because of it. A professional makeup artist makes it their job to make sure that the bride is the most important face of the day!

3. LEARN HOW TO WORK YOUR FACE FOR THE CAMERA

Double chins are the enemy of every bride. In case you don't know what it is, it's the pose when you are looking down, and your chin is doubling and colliding with your neck. They can make even the slimmest of women look bad in pictures.

The best way to prevent a double chin from happening on your wedding photos and videos is always to move your head forward. Just make sure you are not looking at the ceiling or making awkward poses, right?

4. EMBRACE THE BEAUTY OF LAUGHTER

Sometimes, the best wedding photos are the ones where you and your friends laugh. Fake smiles are not flattering for sure - however, the same cannot be said for fake laughs. So, next time when you want to relax - let out a forced 'Ha! Ha!' - and do it again, again and again. The results? Natural photos that everyone loves!

5. BUY THE DRESS, THE SHOES, AND THE ACCESSORIES

Be sure to purchase your attire in the right order. First buy the dress, next select the shoes, and lastly the accessories. That way is the easiest to follow and the most hassle-free choice. And remember - always choose your wardrobe wisely. Try not to get caught up in the trend of the moment, but instead focus on your style and what flatters you most.

Want to look flawless on your wedding day? We’ve got you covered. Make your appointment today! Bridal hair and makeup trials are half off.

8 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping at a Bridal Trunk Show

Wedding dress shopping can be a bit overwhelming.

Not only are there so many choices (so many gorgeous dresses!) but the pressure is on to find a dress you love, look and feel fabulous in, and comes in (ideally!) under budget.

Add a sample sale or trunk show into the mix, and we’re officially bewildered. But fear not, we’re here to help!

What is a Bridal Trunk Show?

A trunk show is a special event in a bridal boutique where they invite a designer to showcase their collection. Sometimes it’s a one-day event, but for particularly popular collections, it could last for multiple days. Often the designers themselves, or stylists from the fashion house will be on hand to help you find the right dress.

Trunk shows are a particularly good opportunity to check out a visiting designer whose full collections aren’t stocked in your city.

8 Expert Tips for Shopping at Sample Sales and Trunk Shows

So, now you know what bridal trunk shows are, how do you get the most out of shopping at one? Here’s where bridal beauty expert LaTonya of Elite Secrets Bridal steps in.

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. The pedigree of founder LaTonya Turnage, bridal beauty expert, has been fundamental to our philosophy to combine expertise and excellent service with style and grace. Leaving pretense to the side, we focus on bringing the best designer and emerging bridal gowns from all over the world to Baltimore Brides!

1. What Lies Beneath

Feel your best underneath your wedding dress. The appropriate undergarments will not only help you feel your best; they will help your dress look the best. Opt for nude-colored underwear and a great strapless bra.

2. Bring a Companion

Take a trusted friend—someone you trust that will give you sound advice. Honest encouragement and constructive feedback can be extremely helpful and great company can up the factor for your bridal dress appointment.

Leave the whole entourage though. Too many conflicting opinions can leave you confused and stressed.

3. Mind Your Budget

Know your budget! Bridal trunk shows often offer a discretionary discount (usually 10%) off gowns ordered over that weekend.

It’s a great way to spend a little less in the event you find your dream wedding dress.

4. Do Your Homework

Research the designer first – for a trunk show the boutique will primarily present the featured designer only.

Make sure you are interested in their styles and silhouettes to get the most from your experience.

5. Necklines, Shape, and Silhouettes Oh My

There are so many variations to a wedding dress. Have an idea of what neckline, shape and silhouette you like best. Research the different styles, so you’re familiar will the lingo, too.

You will soon find you have narrowed down your style and what is flattering for your figure.

6. How High?

Bear in mind the height of your heels you plan to wear on your wedding day when you begin your dress shopping.

Keep in mind that hems cannot be lengthened, only shortened, so it’s a good idea to take the maximum heel height with you.

7. Ask the Expert

At a trunk show, if you are lucky the designer or stylist may be there in person, take full advantage of expert availability and ask for styling advice.

With their experience and knowledge, you are likely to find that they know what suits you—sometimes better than you! Check out Elite Secrets Bridal’s upcoming trunk shows here.

8. Consider Your Timing

Know your time frame. Some designer dresses need up to eight months to be completed and altered.

Learn beforehand, how long the designer needs for your dress and let your stylist know if you’re in a time crunch.

Put your new trunk show knowledge to the test and join us for the Pronovias show Sept. 27th - 30th. Affordable designer gown for every type of bride. Book your appointment to say yes to the dress. We look forward to serving you!

Our CEO, LaTonya Turnage, featured on Baltimore Bride Magazine

We are thrilled to share that our CEO, LaTonya Turnage, was featured in Baltimore Bride Magazine's new online series, "Ask the Expert." In the inaugural post, our bridal beauty expert shared her story on starting Elite Secrets Bridal.

There were tons of tips for brides about everything from how many people you should bring to your dress appointment (the answer might surprise you), the key to finding the perfect dress and her favorite part of helping a bride: “Once they find their perfect dress and they’re caught in the moment and everyone is crying, we do something special here. While the bride is in her dress, we put on a nice song for her and she’ll do a walk. We ask the bride what song, whether it’s her first dance song or one she’s considering. Everyone in the room is crying and emotional. It never gets old; every time I feel like family.” 

Read all about our expert and see more images at http://www.baltimorebridemagazine.com/blog/2018/6/21/ask-the-expert-bridal-shop-proprietor.

Summer is here and the wedding season is underway. Book your appointment today and say yes to your dream dress. We can't wait to serve you. 

Elite Secrets Featured on Every Last Detail

This wedding is for a special type of bride who envisions a tad more than an elopement, but less than a larger wedding. She wants the intimacy of close friends surrounding her on her special day, celebrating in the space she feels the most comfortable: home. The patterns and colors of the mid-sixties tied together envelope this grown-up, eclectic woman. The team at Jade & Joy Events wanted to capture the vision of a modern couple who loves mid-century design and wants a colorful, updated take on that style for their day.

VENDORS WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN…

Photography: Mary Sarah Photography // Venue: Women’s Club of Bethesda // Event Planning: Jade & Joy Events// Floral: Flor De Casa Designs // Stationery: Vintage Fleur Designs // Wedding Cake: Sorby Sweets // Rentals: Boheme’s Jubilee // Tableware: Ann Margaret Ceramics // Hair, Makeup, Veil, Wedding Dress, and Bridal Salon: Elite Secrets Bridal // Backdrops: DNicole Settings // Groom’s Attire: Christopher Schafer Clothier // Bride’s Shoes: H&M // Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids + Jenny Yoo + Watters Bridal // Jewelry: Blanca Flor Silver Jewelry// Headpiece: Ilieana George Couture

Love this bride's look? We've got you covered. Say yes to the dress, bridal hair and makeup at Elite Secrets Bridal. Book your appointment today. We can't wait to see you! 

Award-winning Bridal Beauty Expert, LaTonya Turnage, Featured on BMore Lifestyle TV

Founder and owner of Elite Secrets Bridal, LaTonya Turnage, sat down with the hosts of BMore Lifestyle TV this Monday for a segment on wedding dresses. The award-winning bridal beauty expert talked about the royal wedding looks in the West—similar to Duchess Meghan Markle’s style, and trends inspired by the East. In the segment, Elite Secrets Bridal featured designs from Allure’s Madison James Collection and a custom couture gown from Khemistry, LLC.—exclusively sold at Elite Secrets Bridal.

And, of course the hair and makeup was professionally by the award-winning beauty team at Elite Secrets.

Looking to say yes to your dream dress? Or, ready to catch a beat for your wedding day hair and makeup? We’ve got you covered! Book your consultation today. We can’t wait to service you and your bridal party!

Top 5 Bridal Beauty Trends for 2018

Bridal hair and makeup are two of the most essential parts of the wedding planning process. The goal is to have your Big Day perfectly exude “you” in every way and make you feel like the most beautiful bride to be on earth. That is why we have marked these noted beauty trends for this year, as the top 5 bridal beauty tricks that are the 2018 movement. These are chignons for your buns, tiny florals for your waves, magnifying colors for your lips, glow for your skin and authenticity for your hair.

The number one trend on the list is Chignons. Textured and styled to suit your hair, this new trick is a twist on classic chignon- you coil it around your bun. Loosely fitted on your hair this “non-bridal bridal” up do gives your hair a blissful embellishment.

Bold Lip is the second tip on the list to take full advantage of on your bold day. With a few layers of semi-matte lipstick, you can make a statement pout seamlessly comfortable. This trick makes your teeth look whiter and flow with your glamorous dress.

Trend number three are Tiny Florals. By layering your hair with barely-there florals, you get to be creative with styling your hair by simply letting it be with sprinkles of beauty on it.

Glowing skin is the fourth tip in the book. Having a radiant complexion by combining neutral lips and beautiful hair makes the gorgeous bride effortlessly beautiful.

Lastly, going natural and embracing your mane to the fullest on the most personal day of your life. The trend for 2018 is to flawlessly wear your hair in its true beauty; from full on afros delicately adorned with pretty flowers to braided updos and twists.

Ready to rock some of these hot bridal beauty trends? We've got you covered! Book your bridal hair and makeup trial with our award-winning team today.  

Elite Secrets Featured on MunaLuchiBridal.com

We are thrilled to announce that we are being featured on MunaLuchiBridal.com today!  Read all about the design details and inspiration for this lux "Black Panther" styled shoot.

Signaling a revolutionary moment in pop culture, Disney-Marvel’s “Black Panther” is one of the highest grosser of all time, with more than $1 billion. How can you not love the blockbuster film about T’Challa’s challenge to take his rightful place as the King of Wakanda and the Black Panther? The fight scenes are epic—it’s what makes a superhero movie, particularly a Marvel film—but, it’s the sub-storyline that intrigued planner and designer, Tami Brown of Blush Weddings & Events by Tami B. “In the film, there’s clear chemistry between T’Challa and Nakia, Lupita Nyong’o’s character. However, true Marvel Comic fans know that Black Panther marries Ororo also known as Storm from the X-Men group,” said Brown. Rumors are already swirling around Hollywood of Storm entering the storyline in the inevitable sequel. Can you imagine Storm and The Black Panther’s walk down the aisle?

This styled shoot takes us into Wakanda and right into the wedding of T’Challa and Ororo. The ceremony space was lavishly filled with royal elegance. Mirrored columns topped with lush arrangements of white orchids, hydrangea, and roses flanked the aisle leading to the ceremony. The queen-to-be wore a custom black trumpet silhouette adorned with a beaded corset bodice and a chiffon cape. The bouquet of white orchids added balance against her gown. The groom was outfitted in a black-on-black tuxedo befitting of the Black Panther. Patent leather shoes, of course, completed this regal look.

The reception featured black linen atop a mix of a king’s table and rounds. Gold chairs and chargers added rich depth to the tablescape. The centerpiece commanded attention with high and low blooms of white florals intertwined with glass votives and candelabras. A Wakandian wedding would not be incomplete with the country’s natural resource, vibranium. More drama was added with kisses of blue crystals in the floral arrangement and blue napkins made from Nigerian lace. The details were just as stunning. Black tiered cake with gold accents and a stationery suite with gold-on-black engraved lettering completed this royal styled shoot.

See the full shoot at https://munaluchibridal.com/lux-black-panther-inspired-styled-shoot/.

Vendors:
Photography - Clapp Studios
Planner and Designer - Blush Weddings & Events by Tami B.
Florals - Bella Fiori Couture Floral & Events Design
Venue - The Hotel at University of Maryland
Cinematography - C Spot Media
Cake - Fresh Bakery
Stationery - Designs by Robyn Love
Bride’s Dress - Khemistry
Groom’s Tuxedo - The Tuxedo House
Rentals - Select Events and Lush Couture Rentals
Bridal Hair and Makeup - Elite Secrets Bridal