Maui Magic: Behind the Scenes of a Dream Destination Wedding
There are some places that simply feel like magic—and Maui is one of them.
This past May, I had the honor of traveling to Maui, Hawaii, to provide hair and makeup for an editorial wedding shoot that has since been featured in Over the Moon and Destination I Do. Being part of this creative collaboration was more than just a job—it was a chance to infuse a story with soul, beauty, and the unmistakable romance of Hawaii. From the salty breeze to the soft golden light, every moment felt cinematic. It was the kind of project that reminds you why you fell in love with this work in the first place.
The entire shoot took place at the Wailea Beach Resort, one of the most luxurious and picturesque venues on the island. The goal? To show how a single Maui wedding venue can inspire multiple, wildly different interpretations of bridal beauty and event design. We created two distinct weddings in one day: one modern and architectural with oceanfront drama, the other timeless, romantic, and lushly botanical.
As the lead hair and makeup artist for the shoot, I wanted each look to not only suit the bride’s fashion and surroundings but also feel true to the emotional tone of the editorial. It was important that the styling held up in the island elements (think: sun, humidity, and ocean breezes), while still looking polished and elevated on camera.
The Modern Oceanfront Ceremony
For the first editorial story, the vibe was chic and contemporary. The bride wore a stunning Danielle Frankel gown—structured, minimalist, and sculptural. It made a bold statement against the vast Pacific Ocean and black lava rock shoreline.
To complement the clean lines of the gown, I styled the bride’s hair into a softly textured romantic braid with a center part—timeless but very editorial. The makeup was soft yet sculpted: a semi-matte complexion, gentle contouring to enhance bone structure, and barely-there eyeshadow for an “undone but perfect” finish. I added a hint of warm highlighter on the high points of the face to catch the golden hour light, which was absolutely magical.
This look was all about restraint and precision—the kind of modern elegance that doesn’t scream for attention but commands it anyway.
The Lush Garden Romance
The second look of the day was a complete 180. We transitioned to a verdant garden setting with pastel florals, dreamy textiles, and soft, organic textures. The gowns here featured delicate details like floral appliqués and flowing silhouettes—pure romance. Think “secret garden meets island enchantment.”
For this look for the bride, I went with a more natural beachy wave style featuring soft airy tendrils around the face. The key was to keep it soft, touchable, and completely effortless-looking—even though the island humidity wanted to work against us! I used long-wear products and humidity-proof finishing techniques to make sure the look stayed fresh through the shoot.
The makeup palette shifted to warmer blush tones, petal-pink lips, and a dewy skin finish. I wanted the bride to look like she’d just stepped out of a storybook—natural, fresh, and absolutely glowing.
Behind the Scenes with an All-Star Team
Working alongside such a talented group of creatives is one of my favorite parts of editorial shoots like this. From the visionary lead photographer Sandra Aberg and other beautiful images featured by Chanel Productions to the floral designers Stoneblossom and Design stylists Taryn Stark Wyant and Dani Sabbag, everyone brought their A-game to the table. You could feel the synergy. Every detail—from the custom paper goods to the delicate table styling—was carefully curated to reflect the heart of a destination wedding in Maui.
It’s one thing to execute a beautiful look, but when the entire team is in sync, the final product becomes so much more than the sum of its parts. It becomes a visual love letter—something that inspires couples dreaming of their own celebration in paradise.
Why I Love Destination Weddings in Hawaii
As someone who’s worked on weddings all over the world, I can confidently say that Hawaii offers something uniquely special. The light is softer, the pace is slower, and everything feels more intentional. There’s a spiritual energy to Maui that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there. And when you combine that with couture fashion, luxury vendors, and a couple in love—it’s pure magic.
For me, creating hair and makeup for destination brides isn’t just about beauty. It’s about helping people feel like the best version of themselves—confident, radiant, and at ease. Whether that means building a look that holds up for hours under the tropical sun, or calming pre-ceremony jitters with a quiet moment and a deep breath, I see my role as part artist, part anchor.
Planning a Wedding in Maui? Here’s What You Should Know
If you're planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, here are a few tips from a beauty pro who’s been there:
Prep your skin before travel. Hydration is key! I always recommend a moisture-rich skincare routine leading up to your trip to keep your skin plump and fresh for your big day.
Trust the climate. Let your look reflect the setting. Dewy, breathable beauty almost always wins over full-coverage matte glam in tropical environments.
Choose long-wear, lightweight products. The combination of sun, salt, and humidity can be tricky—opt for pro-grade products that perform without looking heavy.
Hire vendors who know destination weddings. Timing, logistics, weather—it all requires extra consideration. Choose a beauty artist (and a vendor team) who knows how to roll with it and still deliver magic.
Let’s Make Something Beautiful
Make your memories stand out
Let’s create something timeless together. 🌺
Being part of this editorial shoot in Maui reminded me of why I started Lauren Shea Artistry. It’s not just about creating a beautiful look—it’s about being part of someone’s once-in-a-lifetime story. From the quiet moments before a bride walks down the aisle to the epic portraits framed by palm trees and ocean mist, I’m there for all of it.
If you're dreaming of a destination wedding in Hawaii—or anywhere else in the world—and looking for a hair and makeup artist who brings experience, calm, and creativity to your day, I’d be honored to be part of it.
Expert Q&A with Lauren Shea: Your Guide to Luxury Destination Wedding Hair & Makeup
On-location beauty for a tropical "I do" — luxury destination wedding hair and makeup by Lauren Shea, captured in Maui, Hawaii. Expert bridal styling that holds up to heat, humidity, and unforgettable moments. Now booking for weddings in Maui, Santorini, Cabo, and beyond. Captured by Taylor Lynn Photography
Planning a luxury destination wedding? From the Amalfi Coast to Maui, Paris to Palm Beach, your hair and makeup choices matter just as much as your dress and venue. Celebrity hair and makeup artist Lauren Shea shares her top insights to help you look and feel flawless no matter where in the world you say “I do.”
1. How do I choose the right hair and makeup artist for my destination wedding?
Look for an artist with experience in destination weddings, a versatile portfolio, and the ability to travel and experience working in different locations across the world. Read reviews, ask for published work, and ensure they understand different lighting, climates, and timelines. As someone who’s styled brides from the dry climate in Colorado to humid beaches of Hawaii and Mexico, I always tailor each look to the location and event vision.
2. When should I book my wedding hair and makeup?
For luxury weddings, secure your artist 9–12 months in advance, especially if you're getting married in peak seasons or high-demand locations like Italy, Cabo, or the South of France. Top artists book quickly, especially for destination dates that require travel and accommodations.
3. Why does luxury wedding hair and makeup cost more?
It’s not just the glam—it’s the experience, expertise, and service. Destination weddings require travel days, kit packing for different climates, early call times, and all-day touch-up or event coverage. I bring editorial-level tools and techniques, calm professionalism, and a luxury standard from start to finish.
4. What are the best hair and makeup tips for humid climates?
For tropical or coastal weddings like in Hawaii or Mexico, I recommend:
Lightweight, humidity-resistant skincare
Water resistant primers, foundation, and setting sprays.
Textured hair styles that embrace natural volume or wave
Anti-frizz, humidity resistant products and strategic pinning to hold the look all day
With the right prep, I design looks that last from ocean breeze to final dance.
5. What should I wear to my hair and makeup preview?
Wear a top in a similar neckline and color to your wedding dress, ideally white or ivory. Bring inspiration photos, and arrive with clean, dry hair and moisturized skin. A preview is about testing products, shapes, and comfort so we can perfect your final bridal look. Also have your skin color and hair color as similar to what it will be for the wedding day as possible. Make sure you have any wedding hair accessories and all in hand as well like hair clips, veils etc.
6. Is wedding hair and makeup worth it?
Absolutely. Professional hair and makeup is about so much more than just looking beautiful—it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and camera-ready from morning until the last dance. You’ll be photographed in every kind of lighting and environment, and a skilled artist ensures your look holds up flawlessly.
With over 16 years of experience and more than 300 weddings across the world, I bring expert technique, calm presence, and a deep understanding of what it takes to create a look you’ll love in real life and in your photos. These images last a lifetime—your beauty should, too.
7. What are the typical prices for luxury destination wedding hair and makeup?
Rates vary by location, artist experience, and scope. For full-day luxury coverage—including bride services, travel, and touch-ups—pricing typically ranges from $1,000–$3,000+. Custom quotes reflect travel logistics, assistants needed, how many days or events or services requested, and guest services. I provide tailored packages for weddings across Europe, the Unites States, the Caribbean, and more.
Ready to look your best anywhere in the world?
Connect to inquire about availability for your destination wedding
Lauren Shea: High-Fashion Hair & Makeup Artist for Editorial, Red Carpet, Luxury Brides, and Brand Campaigns
From Runway to Real Life: Fashion-Focused Beauty Artistry
Bold and artistic—Lauren Shea is a celebrity hair and makeup artist known for her elevated beauty looks in the worlds of fashion, red carpet, commercial campaigns, and luxury destination weddings. With over 15 years of experience and an international portfolio, she is trusted by industry professionals for her precision, professionalism, and grace amongst any environment.
Lauren’s career is defined by an unrelenting dedication to her craft. Known for her calm presence on set and detail-obsessed approach, she transforms beauty into visual storytelling. Her artistry has appeared in Vogue Italia, Time Magazine, The Knot, Destination I Do, on celebrities, and at New York to London Fashion Weeks. Whether crafting sculpted waves for an editorial shoot or soft glam for a luxury bride, Lauren designs every look to reflect the tone, story, and client vision.
Her signature style creates luminous skin, enhancing natural beauty, and creates hair shapes perfectly complimenting anyone. She’s equally at home backstage at Fashion Week, on fast-paced commercial or with celebrities on sets, or inside an intimate bridal suite preparing a couture look for a bride walking down the aisle. Lauren’s confidence and ability to adapt to any setting makes her a valuable creative partner across industries.
Campaign-Ready Beauty for Brands That Lead
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist for Olive Tree People marketing campaign located in Venice Beach and Time Magazine.
Her campaign and production work includes beauty for brands like Olive Tree People, Brother Printer Co., Noosa Yoghurt and more with features in Time Magazine and Good Morning America. Lauren specializes in high-visibility projects where trend awareness, visual consistency, and longwear performance are key. She provides full-service hair and makeup for commercial shoots, product launches, and brand visuals.
Avant-garde beauty completely styled by Lauren Shea | Bold red lip, soft glam makeup, and romantic waves for an editorial look.
With an intuitive understanding of camera, light, and character, Lauren collaborates seamlessly with creative teams to ensure beauty aligns with narrative. Her work consistently supports brand identity, enhances storytelling, and delivers flawless results across all visual platforms.
Luxury Bridal Beauty, Elevated
Stand Out…
Luxury bridal hair and makeup by celebrity stylist Lauren Shea showcases a sleek braided bun with anthurium and cascading white orchids for a Hawaiian destination wedding. This elegant look merges modern romance with high-fashion floral styling, ideal for elite brides wanting couture-inspired beauty.
In the luxury bridal space, Lauren has styled over 300 weddings in destinations like Hawaii, Ireland, Mexico, Aspen, and across the U.S. Her concierge-level services are favored by elite brides, luxury planners, and fashion-forward photographers looking to elevate wedding-day beauty with an editorial twist. From sleek buns adorned with anthurium to modern Hollywood waves, Lauren creates bridal looks that are timeless and statement-making.
“Female beauty is evolving,” Lauren shares. “Today’s woman wants to look like herself—but elevated, editorial, and absolutely unforgettable. She wants to turn heads.”
Book Lauren Shea for Editorial, Campaigns & Weddings
Now based in Denver, Colorado, Lauren remains available for global bookings. She travels regularly for film productions, fashion editorials, red carpet events, and destination weddings—offering beauty packages and on-set touch-ups tailored to each project’s needs. Lauren works seamlessly with photographers, creative directors, wardrobe stylists, and publicists to align her artistry with the overall vision of the project.
Lauren is currently booking editorial shoots, fashion productions, brand campaigns, and destination weddings worldwide for 2025 and 2026.
For publicists, producers, talent reps, and creative agencies seeking a reliable, editorially trained, celebrity-experienced hair and makeup artist, Lauren Shea delivers elevated beauty that tells a story—and leaves a lasting impression.
Explore her work: www.laurensheaartistry.com
Follow her latest editorials & travels: @laurenshea.artistry
Connect professionally: LinkedIn
Behind the Scenes of the CURVD Campaign: Celebrating Bold Beauty with Hair & Makeup Artistry
As a production and brand hair and makeup artist, few things are as exciting as being part of a creative campaign that celebrates individuality, confidence, and the beauty of human - no matter what they need. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to work on the CURVD campaign, a project that truly embodies empowerment and inclusivity. The CURVD brand, known for offering stylish, functional, and innovative earplugs for people with diverse needs, is a beacon of self-expression and confidence.
In this blog post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of the CURVD campaign shoot, where I had the pleasure of creating hair and makeup looks that not only enhanced the models' natural beauty but also aligned perfectly with the bold and inclusive message the brand stands for. Let’s dive into the creative process and explore how we celebrated each model’s unique beauty while bringing a touch of expertise to the set.
Behind the scenes
Hair and Makeup Artistry for Onset photo shoot for production campaign for CURVD
CURVD: A Brand That Redefines Your Style - Your Confidence
CURVD is all about embracing who you are and making bold choices that reflect your personality. The brand’s mission to make stylish earplugs that complement every look and lifestyle is a testament to the idea that beauty and functionality can go hand in hand. What I love about CURVD is their commitment to celebrating diversity and individuality—qualities that I believe should always be showcased in beauty, fashion, and design.
For this campaign, CURVD wanted to highlight the product and the people who use it—those who have lives who could benefit from CURVD earplugs in every aspect. As a hair and makeup artist, I embraced this opportunity to amplify the confidence of the models on set, helping them feel their best while showcasing the product in a way that felt authentic, fresh, and stylish. We had scenes in the campaign where I did hair and makeup for the brand for a travel setting, coffee shop, nightclub or night out, and a music festival or concert.
Creating Hair & Makeup Looks that Empower
The creative direction of the CURVD campaign was all about highlighting the individuality and beauty of each model. Every model brought something unique to the table, and it was my job to enhance their natural features while staying true to the bold and empowering vibe of the campaign. We were tasked with creating hair and makeup looks for four scenes.
Hair Styling: We wanted the hair to feel effortless but impactful. I worked with a mix of textures, from sleek and polished to voluminous and wild, making sure the styles reflected the models' personalities and fit the scenes. We kept things modern and chic, with loose waves, natural curls, and statement hairstyles that embodied confidence. The key was to give each model a look that was both flattering and easy to maintain, empowering them to feel amazing throughout the shoot.
Makeup: The makeup for this campaign was all about versatility and embracing bold and vibrant looks. From simplistic everyday looks to striking eyeshadows to bold lip colors, we played with hues that complemented the models' skin tones while making them stand out. I focused on creating radiant, glowing skin, using luminous foundations and highlighters to capture the light beautifully on camera. Whether it was a dramatic cat-eye or a soft, sultry look, every makeup application was designed to make each model feel fierce and confident in the scene they were shooting in.
Details That Matter: Small details, like perfectly shaped brows, bold lashes, and a pop of color, helped complete the looks and added depth to the overall beauty. I also paid attention to skincare to ensure the models’ skin was glowing, fresh, and flawless, and hair fit the vibe for each scene.
Me adjusting last minute final touches on set for hair and makeup.
A Luxury Beauty Experience for Every Model
Onset, my mission was to create a beauty experience that made every model feel confident, powerful, and at their best. Whether the look was glamorous or natural, the goal was always the same: to bring out each model's inner beauty, showcase the product, and feature them in each scene.
I used luxury products from top-tier brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Urban Decay , ILIA , Nars , and more to create long-lasting looks that stayed flawless throughout the shoot. From the hair styling products to the makeup palettes, everything was carefully chosen to ensure the looks would pop on camera while still feeling luxurious and comfortable for the models. The atmosphere on set was energizing, and seeing the models shine with confidence as they wore the CURVD earplugs with pride was incredibly rewarding.
Conclusion: Celebrating Every Look, Every Person
The CURVD campaign was a powerful reminder that beauty comes in many forms, and it’s something we should all celebrate. Whether you’re wearing the stylish CURVD earplugs or rocking a bold makeup look, beauty is about self-expression and confidence. I’m grateful to have been part of a project that showcased such a wide range of diverse beauty while promoting a message of utilizing a cool innovative product in your everyday life.
If you’re looking for a hair and makeup artist who believes in making every individual feel radiant and confident, look no further. I would love to help bring your vision to life, whether it’s for a brand or editorial photoshoot. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Why Cultural Intentionality Matters for Your Wedding Beauty
Planning a destination wedding is one of the most exciting and intimate experiences a couple can embark on, combining the allure of a dream location with personal meaning and traditions. At Lauren Shea Artistry, we understand that every detail of your wedding day should reflect who you are—down to your hair and makeup. As a luxury bridal stylist with years of experience in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with couples from around the world, each bringing their own cultural significance and personal touches to their celebration.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the importance of cultural intentionality in beauty for destination weddings, why embracing traditions is key, and how we can elevate your bridal look to embody both luxury and personalization, creating something as unforgettable as your love story.
Photo Credit: Sandra Aberg Photography
Planning a destination wedding is one of the most exciting and intimate experiences a couple can embark on, combining the allure of a dream location with personal meaning and traditions. I understand that every detail of your wedding day should reflect who you are—down to your hair and makeup. As a luxury bridal stylist with years of experience in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with couples from around the world, each bringing their own cultural significance and personal touches to their celebration.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the importance of cultural intentionality in beauty for destination weddings, why embracing traditions is key, and how we can elevate your bridal look to embody both luxury and personalization, creating something as unforgettable as your love story.
Why Cultural Intentionality Matters for Your Wedding Beauty
Incorporating cultural traditions into your wedding isn’t just about honoring your heritage—it's about telling your unique story and creating a deeper connection between you, your partner, and your guests. Your wedding day is a celebration of who you are, and your beauty choices should feel as authentic and special as the ceremony itself. Having a destination wedding hair stylist and makeup artist who has expertise and experience is KEY!
In recent years, more couples have leaned into cultural intentionality, seamlessly blending traditional customs with modern styles. Whether it’s through specific hairstyles, makeup choices, or symbolic rituals, every detail can contribute to the meaning of the day. At Lauren Shea Artistry, I take pride in crafting luxury bridal beauty experiences with high-end hair and makeup artistry that blend these elements ensuring that every couple feels radiant while staying true to their roots.
Customizing Your Bridal Beauty to Reflect Your Culture
From the elegant simplicity of a destination wedding in the tropics to the rich textures of a European celebration, each location and culture offers unique inspiration for your bridal look. When planning your beauty, think about the elements that resonate most with your cultural identity and how they can be woven into your overall wedding vision.
For example, a bride of South Asian descent may choose a classic yet bold look with rich, gold-toned makeup and an intricate hairstyle adorned with floral jewelry, while a couple with strong Latin American roots may embrace vibrant, textured hair and glowing skin to reflect the warmth of their heritage.
As your stylist, I work closely with you to integrate these elements with luxury techniques and products, creating a cohesive look that honors your traditions while ensuring your beauty remains timeless. The key is to stay intentional and choose the pieces that feel most aligned with who you are. Together, we’ll elevate your beauty, merging tradition with modern elegance.
Bringing Luxury to Your Destination Wedding Look
Destination weddings are a moment to indulge in the luxury of a personalized experience. The location, setting, and ambiance may be unique, but your bridal look should stand out, reflecting both your vision and the exclusivity of the event. From hand-tied hair extensions for added volume and length to balayage color corrections that give you a flawless, sun-kissed glow, we focus on high-quality techniques that leave you feeling confident and radiant.
For those incorporating cultural elements, we can elevate your look further with bespoke services that enhance and complement your bridal style. From intricate braids to delicate accessories that match your theme, every touch is carefully curated to create the perfect look for your destination wedding.
Whether you’re saying "I do" on a white-sand beach or in a glamorous mountain retreat, your beauty experience should match the luxury of your setting. I combine precision, innovation, and artistry to create a luxury bridal beauty look that’s nothing short of breathtaking.
How to Incorporate Your Traditions into Your Wedding Day Look
Hair: Choose styles that honor your heritage while reflecting your personal style. Whether it’s a traditional updo, a bold braid, or loose, natural waves, there are countless ways to integrate cultural influences into your wedding hairstyle.
Makeup: Your makeup should complement both your personality and your cultural influences. Whether you prefer a bold red lip or soft, neutral tones, we can personalize the look to suit your features and bring out your natural beauty.
Accessories: Many cultures have meaningful wedding accessories—whether it’s a veil, jewelry, or headpieces that symbolize love, unity, or good fortune. These elements can be seamlessly integrated into your wedding look while adding a layer of tradition.
Flowers: Flowers can symbolize love, hope, and unity, with different blooms representing different meanings across cultures. Incorporating these into your hairstyle or makeup can add a personal and cultural touch.
A Luxurious, Personalized Experience
Your destination wedding is an opportunity to create something extraordinary—a celebration that blends beauty, culture, and luxury. As a luxury destination wedding hair stylist and makeup artist, I’m dedicated to crafting a bridal beauty experience that reflects your heritage while also making you feel like the best version of yourself. No matter where your love story takes you, I am here to bring your vision to life with flawless artistry and a personal touch.
Embrace your cultural traditions, and let me help you elevate your bridal beauty to reflect the love, joy, and meaning that your wedding day embodies.
Ready to start planning? Contact me today at info@laurensheaartistry.com to discuss how we can create the perfect beauty experience for your unforgettable destination wedding!