Glowing Bridal (Audrey Crandell)

I recently did a boudior photo shoot as a gift to my FI. My original makeup artist fell through. At last minute I called Audrey as recommended by a fellow PW bride. She was very quick to respond and was very pleasant to talk to. Based on the reviews here and her professionalism and friendliness over the phone, I hired her on the spot.

On the morning of the shoot, she arrived on time and was so pleasant. Just as the other reviewers mentioned, I felt as if we'd been friends forever! She really made me feel comfortable. At the end, she held up that mirror and I was in complete amazement! Most of the images in her portfolio show simple yet elegant makeup so I didn't know what to expect since I had asked for a "smokey & sultry" look. Audrey hit the mark right on!!! I felt beautiful, sexy, but not over the top. Even the photographer wanted to know who did the makeup...seriously!!!

The biggest part to all of this is, I hosted a huge birthday party for my Mom that same night. After the boudior photo shoot, I ran around doing last minute preperation for the party. My makeup stayed in place and looked fresh the entire day and through the night...eyelashes and all! The only touch-up I did was the lips. Audrey exceeded my expectations by far...and I had big expectations with the high reviews here on PW.

Audrey is truly a GEM! She really deserves 10 stars :)

*A few photos from the shoot are now in bio under tag 'boudoir'*

I love Audrey! She is SUCH a cool person - very personable, honest and a ton of fun, not to mention incredibly talented. Her prices are very reasonable. We all had such a good time getting ready with her. She's exactly the type of person you want to surround yourself with when getting ready for the wedding. HIGHLY recommmended!

Audrey was awesome! She did everything I wanted and better than I could have hoped for. I wanted a natural look, but to have a slight emphasis on my brown eyes and she did some really nice shading around my eyes that brought them out nicely. Definitely 5 stars!

I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Audrey! Not only is she a very sweet person who is great to have around on your big day, she does AMAZING work! She totally gets what every bride is looking for easily and quickly. I got the more made up look that I wanted without being overdone, while my mother who usually never wears makeup looked amazing in a natural kind of way. Audrey really has the touch, I would definetly book her if you want to look the best you ever have on your wedding day!

I can see why Audrey has so many amazing reviews. I agree with all these other girls about how amazing she is! She made us all feel beautiful without looking like we all had a lot of make-up. I was so nervous that it wouldn't stay all night and it did. I don't like a lot of make-up so she was able to make me look like I had perfect skin and features without anyone knowing it was just the make-up. My friend already asked for her info because she loved my make-up! I highly recommend her for make-up!!

I don't even known where to begin. Audrey is all the wonderful things everyone else has said, and more. Talk about above and beyond... I was short on cash for vendor tips the morning of the wedding - which was a Sunday (banks closed). The ATM would only allow my dad to pull out a few hundred. Audrey said she had cash on her from the wedding she did the previous day and that I could write her a check for it! She also knew that I was doing a trash the dress video shoot a couple days later and had extra lashed for me to use for it.
She has such a calm energy (not too many others in the room did) and was so much fun to work with. I know she does weddings all the time, but was genuinely excited for me :) She is just an absolute doll!!!
Now, onto her work... WOW! I wish I could carry her in my pocket everyday. I wanted to look a little more made up than the "natural" look, and brought pictures of what I was looking for with me to the trial. I was running about 1/2 hour late (stupid traffic) and she still nailed it! Then again on the wedding day, she blew me away. I got a ton of compliments. Oh, oh, oh - I almost forgot, she did a little work on my mom and made her look so beautiful (and about 10 years younger). Do not hesitate to hire this wonderful woman for your wedding. You will be soooo happy you did! Audrey rocks!

I suck at doing makeup. My mom does too. We don't try to hide it, we just do. So, we knew we needed major help, while still trying to stay within the budget for my wedding. Enter makeup superhero, Audrey Crandell, owner of Glowing Bridal. Not only is Audrey an amazing artist that made both my mom and me look crazy gorgeous at my wedding, she's also beyond friendly and a joy to stare at for 45 minutes. Seriously though. Having someone do your makeup is like going to the dentist. You know you have to do it and you know you'll be happy when it's done, but you always hope that something makes the in between part fun, right? Well, Audrey does that and so much more. So if you need makeup help for any occasion, stop looking around and get in touch with Glowing Bridal today. Audrey rocks!

What can I say that hasn't already been covered? Audrey is the best! I met with her for a trial a few months ago for my upcoming May wedding. I knew I loved her style just from looking at her website. She in very thorough in her consultation and the makeup looked so fresh and glowing...just as the name implies! I am a make-up fan. My fiance is not, but even he agreed that it looked really special and pretty without being overdone.

On a personal level, she is a joy to work with. She's funny, laidback and really makes you feel comfortable instantly. Her communication has been the best of any vendor I've hired. She exceeds every expectation and I am so looking forward to having her there for my wedding. 5 stars!

Audrey is the best! If I could give 10 stars, I would. Booking her was an easy decision because of her incredible reviews on The Knot and PW. She is also very affordable when compared to other Bay Area make-up artists, which was great (she is probably too affordable- she could easily charge double!). I had my trial with her about a month before the wedding and wanted just a few minor adjustments. The day of the wedding went so smoothly and the make-up was incredible. I felt like a beautiful bride because of Audrey!

I love, love, love Audrey!...She was such a great artist! She is so nice and funny! She is also very reasonable priced...I went on two makeup trials with 2 different artists and she was the best!

Audrey was wonderful--so talented and so calming! Someone below said she's exactly the type of person you'd want around you on your wedding day and they hit the nail on the head. The first time I met her, I felt like she'd been an old family friend for years. She also recommended a facewash at my trial that has improved my skin 100%. Oh yeah, and my wedding makeup was amazing!

Audrey was absolutely a pleasure to have around. And she did a great job with the makeup too ;)

Audrey has the art of making everyone look like themselves -- only better! She listened to what I wanted, arrived on time, obvioulsy wants everyone to be happy with their makeup, and is just the kind of calm and happy person a bride wants to start her day with! Like all the other reviews say -- she is a gem!

Audrey truly helped bring a glow to my day! She did a wonderful job on my makeup and honestly listened to what I wanted. I looked like myself but even better, and didn't shock my groom with "wedding makeup" at the altar! I felt beautiful inside and out thanks to her kind energy and artisitic hands.

thank you, Audrey!

blessings,
Natalie Tilley
Petaluma

Audrey is terrific. In addition to being one of the most reasonably priced make-up vendors out there, she's also incredibly sweet. Turns out, I'm a high maintenance bride and she went out of her way to accomodate me (purchasing tons of new produtcs to try out and even doing a second trial with me). I loved my make up and adore Audrey. She also did a beautiful job with makeup for my mom, sister and bridesmaids.

Audrey is a great makeup artist! She is very organized and dependable which is such a plus on your wedding day when there are so many things that can go wrong. Audrey was on the ball every step of the way. She has a pretty laid back personality which fits perfectly with me. All my bridesmaids and both our moms looked wonderful. I loved my makeup as well and I felt like a Glowing Bride! I think everybody in my party would definitely recommend Audrey.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Audrey!!! I highly recommend Audrey to all brides wanting to look beautiful on their wedding day. She is amazing and just a blast to work with!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

My absolute, hands down favorite, Audrey Crandell of glowing bridal. She was phenomenal! My photographer, who mainly does high fashion photography and has worked with a lot of celebrity clients, recommended her. Obviously I trust an opinion like that. He just told me to look at her portfolio and I would be convinced. He was so right. Every picture shows a fresh-faced, classy, timeless looking bride. I'm sure lots of people can take classes and learn to do makeup...really well. But I think you have to be a true artist to take that knowledge and apply makeup in a way that still allows natural beauty to shine. Audrey has that art in her.

My initial contact through her website got a response in RECORD vendor time. She just seemed so open and friendly right off the mark and was totally down for helping an out-of-towner with major scheduling issues. We set up a trial in June on the weekend I was there for a this is it- mad endgame planning marathon weekend. I had literally an hour to meet with her in the whole weekend which I thought would be impossible. The girl drove to my hotel in Napa at 6:00 o'clock at night after working all day with a SEVEN PERSON bridal party in Palo Alto. I felt so bad, but she was fantastic, never complained, never acted tired or like she was doing me some huge favor. She was upbeat, cool and so fun. Everyone else says it, but she seriously seemed like someone I had known my whole life. (side note - for working all day, her kit and supplies were immaculately clean and well organized which is a total issue for my germ freak DH who was there with me.)

So then we get to the makeup. We consulted and talked about all the details of the wedding, my vision, etc. She had me bring pictures of styles I liked...and styles I hated and thought were too much..brilliant! She asked questions I would have never thought mattered, but as she explained why, it all made sense. Before she even put a brush to my face, I knew I would love the outcome. The foundation felt great (I use it everyday now). It was light but gave my multi-shaded weird red splotch when I am nervous skin amazing coverage and a beautiful glow. I had her do a very "bride-ish" classy look and then had her vamp it up a bit to see which I prefered. Even the vampy look was still classy. Why can't I ever achieve that??? Cut to the end, my DH came back from the pool and all he said was "Oh my God, Wow, you're stunning." I will take that as a YES!

We kept in constant contact regarding my ever changing timeline and Audrey was always attentive and easy going and flexible to a fault. The day of the wedding, she was there early to set up, got the schedule organized, kept the beauty timeline running perfectly smooth and kept my entire bridal party and very nervous mom laughing and chatting the entire time. I cried when I saw how gorgeous my mom looked. When it was my turn, there was a very sweet, handwritten card sitting on the chair thanking me for letting her be involved in my day...seriously..where do you learn to be that nice!?!

She did a flawless job on everyone. The makeup lasted and looked fresh and perfect from beginning to end. I never want to go a day without false lashes, but alas, unless I can convince her to move to NYC and apply them daily, I will have to only dream of my big bad lashes.

Hire her. Don't think twice, just do it. She was my best decision. She is number one on here for a reason. She kicks A$$!

Audrey was awesome. I was so lucky to find her available on my day. I had to cancel my makeup artist about 2 weeks before the wedding. Audrey was recommended by other brides and I was able to book a trial with her that weekend. She is super sweet and unbelievably talented. Audrey showed up promptly on the day of, even though there was bad weather. She is a great girl to be around on your wedding day because she has a very calming presence. I would recommend Audrey to anyone. :) I felt beautiful on the day of and my mom and bridesmaids looked incredible.

OMG where do I even begin with Audrey???????

ONE week before my wedding on 11/1/08 I got an e-mail from my make-up artist to say that she had a sudden "emergency" and could no longer do my make-up and would be mailing back my deposit. That was it...no other explanation, no alternate suggestions, nothing. Of course I went into a slight panic mode and started a frantic last minute search. Someone from theknot.com recommended Audrey to me, so after checking out her website/vendor reviews/photos and falling in love, I sent her a long and rambling e-mail (practically begging haha) to see if there was any way possible she would be able to do my make-up in Pleasanton that morning.

Not even one hour later Audrey called me and said that she did have 2 weddings later that evening in the Sonoma area (somewhat of a hike from Pleasanton) but she was going to see if there was any way she could squeeze me in if I was willing to get my make-up done a bit early (of course I was!). She first wanted to make sure her other brides would be comfortable with this, and wanted to work out the drive times, etc. In the meantime she sent me an e-mail with many alternatives/referrals should this not work out.

The next day she sent me an e-mail saying that she had worked it out, and she would be willing to do it. Talk about going above and beyond, I couldn't believe it. She showed up to my hotel right on time (SO sweet, friendly, and warm) and got right to work...I was absolutely thrilled with my makeup and it held up well into the night (even though we did it well in advance of the ceremony).

Not only is Audrey very talented and great at her job, it is obvious that she truly loves working with brides and will go to whatever lengths she can to make you happy on your big day. Audrey is the angel of make-up artists :-)

Give her a call, you will not be disappointed!

I loved, loved, loved Audrey! Her makeup was perfect, just what I asked for! She listened to exactly what I wanted as well as what my bridesmaid's wanted. I had one bridesmaid that had a rather large tatoo on her arm and Audrey covered it perfectly and it did not show at all in the pictures. I would not hesitate to use Audrey again for any event I need my makeup done for!

How can I top any of the five star reviews for Audrey? I will give her a SIXTH STAR because that is how much I love her. Wonderful, marvelous, kind, easy going, thoughtful, funny and endearing are the words to describe her personality and my experience working with her on my wedding. Stylish, classic, skilled, visionary, artistic and meticulous are the words to describe her talent. All you can hope for in planning a wedding is to hire people that you trust will carry out your plans in the best way possible. It's such a bonus when they exceed that expectation and actually seem to care about your day.

My makeup was beyond perfect. I love makeup, wear it daily, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I had four trials before finding Audrey. Everyone said I was being high maintenance and a little bit 'zilla about it, but I know what I like. No one else did what she did for me. No one came close. She understood my vision and improved upon it. I cannot sing her praises enough and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to everyone.

Audrey works wonders with wedding make-up!! She did the most amazing job and I received so many compliments on my wedding day! She is incredibly friendly, easy-going, and goes above & beyond to make sure you like your make-up. She traveled to my hotel room VERY early on the morning of my wedding to do my make-up, as well as my mom's, sister's, and niece's. She was super professional, but it almost felt like we had been friends for years! If you can book Audrey for your big day, definitely do it - I highly, highly recommend her!!

Audrey MADE US HOT. H-O-T.

I can't say enough great things about Audrey. I was nervous to have someone do my makeup for the wedding but I also knew it was a must. My biggest fear was that I was going to look good on camera but like a tranny mess in person. Cause let's be real girls -- on camera make up doesn't always look so good off camera. Audrey somehow pulled off both. The lady has skills.

She worked with me at the trial until I thought it was perfect. The day of the wedding she pleased three very different ladies and kept my mom from looking like the 1978 HS graduate (my mom prefers that look). She even threw on my lipstick

As an extra bonus she cracked us all up. She is hilarious!!

When my sister got engaged a couple years later and Audrey (and Bev Tanka) were the first two vendors we called. Book her way in advance cause she seems to book up fast.

Every aspect of working with Audrey, just as others have said, was easy, professional and fun. I'm a makeup snob, a product junkie, and Audrey's kit was a candy store in my eyes. What I love about her style is that everyone in her portfolio looks unique. No "cookie-cutter" brides. She doesn't follow a formula and it shows. Her skill for putting people at ease is remarkable. I had an ethnically diverse group of bridesmaids and everyone looked so gorgeous. My entire bridal party was so happy with her services and her personally, that my sister and my sister-in-law have both asked her to keep their dates in mind for next year. She is wonderful!

Because of her stellar reviews on Yelp, I eagerly enlisted Audrey for my wedding in July 2008. She responded to my questions via email very quickly. But plans changed... the bf and I decided to go quick and painless by doing it this New Years in Vegas instead. I cancelled with Audrey and -- even though I signed a contract stating the deposit was nonrefundable -- she sent me my $100 back.

Now, I'm sure she can't always make exceptions like that and who would expect her to? She has a business to run. But it shows what a nice and cool person she is. I truly appreciate her kindness and I know she'll do a superlative job at your wedding or special event.

Audrey did an awesome makeup job on my wedding day! I was really worried that my makeup would come off during the course of the day, and that I would look washed out in pictures. But whatever makeup magic Audrey worked - I looked fabulous until midnight!
Audrey was a really fun person to talk to and she was very supportive and encouraging of nontraditional weddings (as I was wearing a turqouise dress with white music notes among other things). She did my makeup so it would not "compete" with my dress, and I got sooo many compliments that day. Thanks so much!

We were married last June at Auberge de Soleil and I have been meaning to provide a review for the longest time!! Anyway, the Auberge recommended Audrey Crandell along with a few others. I am so grateful I chose Audrey. She has a special talent and huge enthusiasm for her work (and a warm fun personality!). Her make-up application was really personalized to suit me and the look I wanted...elegant and glam without being over the top. Also, I have extremely oily skin yet there no hint of excess 'shine' through the entire evening. Choose Audrey, look beautiful and have fun!

Concord, CA
5 star rating
5/17/2008

Audrey was fantastic! After realizing that the makeup artist my wedding site suggested was booked I scrambled to find someone else. Upon locating Audrey's site and reviewing her portfolio I knew she was the one I wanted. She was super quick to get back to me after my initial e-mail and we set up our trial run. Since I was going to be in her area I met her at the salon she works at. The shop itself was really nice and so was her station. She asked me tons of questions on what I wanted and what I didn't want. She had even suggested bringing in pictures of types of make up styles I wanted to give her a better idea. I honestly had NO idea what I wanted. She made it clear that she wanted to make sure I was 100% happy with the make up and if at anytime I wasn't to let her know.

On the day of the wedding she was so thoughtful. She was to meet at our hotel to do our make up (mine and my 2 bridesmaids). She thought she might be a tad late due to an accident and called me early to let me know. I truly appreciated it. She took care of my bridesmaids (who she just met) and did their make up beautifully. When I finally arrived after getting my hair done (rushing around, totally stressed out) she was there hanging with my family. She made me feel totally comfortable/relaxed and it seemed like she was a part of our family. I had e-mailed her a few days after my trial and told her some issues I was having with the eye make up and that I wanted to change the colors. She had no problem and made the requested changes on the day of. She was super easy to work with and even made it fun. My make up turned out perfect!!!

Audrey is the best and I would highly recommend her to everyone. She does a fantastic job and is really a nice person.

San Francisco, CA
5 star rating
8/26/2007 5 photos

Audrey is amazing! After weeding through tons of so-so makeup artist referrals, I stumbled on Glowing Bridal and could not have found a more perfect makeup artist!

Audrey is a bride's dream come true! She came to our house in SF for my makeup trial, and set up shop in my kitchen. I will admit that I am a makeup slut, and that I frequently spend every penny of my paycheck on lip gloss and eyeshadow. In other words, I spend way too much time decorating my own face....so I'm pretty hard to impress when it comes to someone doing it for me. All of a sudden, here I am with Audrey, her makeup spread out over the kitchen counter and I'm ready to invite her to stay for the weekend. She uses only top of the line products, and she treats her brides like they are queens for the day! She even gave me great recommendations for skin care products that would help me to keep my skin clear during all of the pre-wedding stress....and they worked! I was hooked...and probably would have asked her to move in with me if she didn't already have a family of her own!

Fast forward to my wedding day....Audrey got there EARLY and blended in perfectly with our girl-crowd. It was like having another girlfriend in the bridal suite! She artfully applied the makeup for my bridal party and my mom, making them look like glowing, beautiful versions of themselves...instead of made-up clown faces like other artists do. In fact, my MOH and my Mom rarely wear much makeup, and they LOVED what Audrey did. My MOH loved it so much that she didn't wash her face that night, and wore her makeup the entire next day! Kinda gross, but a compliment to Audrey all the same. Audrey even did a little gloss and blush for the little girls, and has a great policy about not making little ones look like mini-beauty queens.

And then there was my makeup. When I finally got to sit in Audrey's chair, she had written me a cute little card and left it on my seat thanking me for letting her spend the day with us! Then she started to work her magic and gave me fluttery long lashes, glowy/dewy cheeks, perfectly pouty shining lips, and sexy dramatic eyes....like the "me" that I always hoped to find if I could only figure out how to play up my features! I also have this great genetic predisposition to turn bright red when I'm nervous, anxious, excited, happy, sad...actually all the time. Audrey managed to make my skin look fantastic, and even in the 90 degree Napa heat my face stayed a lovely shade of peach/cream perfection. Not a red cheek in sight! Audrey even stuck around to touch up our makeup once we had gotten dressed and posed for the first round of pictures!

Audrey is incredibly affordable, friendly, and a pleasure to be primped by! Thanks to her, I felt like a sexy glowing goddess on my wedding day!

San Francisco, CA
5 star rating
11/9/2008

I'm a guy, and I'm not a big fan of makeup.

Fortunately, my bride heard me when I made this request, and honored it. A perfect balance was found with Audrey, where it was no distraction at all as I stared at her face through wet eyes.

(and my wife chimes in) Audrey was very accommodating, and let the real her shine radiantly, not through a mask.

And for whatever it is worth, there were no delays, she professional, efficient, and allowed an easy transition for us from preparation to the ceremony.

Santa Rosa, CA
5 star rating
11/10/2009
I've been meaning to write this review forever. Well, since my wedding, anyways.

Audrey. Is. Amazing. Let me tell you what Audrey did for me:

1) I wrote a long, convoluted introductory email to Audrey trying to explain that I wasn't sure what I wanted for makeup--that I knew I wanted to play up the Indian bridal jewelry I'd be wearing, but I still wanted to fit in with our casual afternoon at-home wedding. I was afraid that those two things would be totally contradictory.

Audrey wrote back right away, saying, "I'm familiar with the look you have in mind, modified of course for the relaxed style of your day....Backyard Bollywood, if you will...."

Backyard Bollywood! Not only was I totally reassured, but the phrase that Audrey coined immediately became my own little catchphrase as I put together my wedding ensemble. I mean, she, like, GOT me.

2) We ran into some time constraints, and we weren't sure that we'd actually be able to have Audrey do my makeup the day of. Just in case, Audrey turned my makeup trial into a makeup lesson--and then wrote the whole thing out and emailed it to me, along with a clear shopping list so I could buy the same products that she used. No weird, proprietary secrecy--I really felt that Audrey was so committed to making sure I felt taken care of--and I did!

Oh, and then when I couldn't find some of the products in time, she dropped off little containers of those products on my doorstep! That is how awesome she is.

3) Happily, Audrey was totally there on the wedding day, and she did the most unbelievable makeup I have ever had done. I felt SO pretty. I mean, totally conceited, super-confident, could-not-get-out-of-the-mirror pretty. Which is a really nice way to feel on your wedding day. And I felt that way all day, till the party wound up at midnight or so.

4) Audrey did my sister's makeup too, and my sister is usually totally uncomfortable getting her makeup done, but Audrey's lovely manner put her right at ease--and of course, Audrey made my beautiful sister extra-beautiful.

5) Audrey was so easy to get along with, so easy to talk to, and so open to hearing my ideas and implementing them. She never once made me feel like I was asking too much--even though she constantly went above and beyond.

I know this is an awfully long review, but she was just that great to work with.

Oh! And 6) Besides feeling super-pretty on the day of, the makeup looked great--and natural!--in the photos, too.

Audrey...HELLO!

I just wanted to send you a quick email to say a great big THANK YOU for all of your hard work on my wedding day. Everyone looked just stunning and you were a major part of that! All of the girls were so thrilled with their makeup, as were the moms and of course...me! I honestly didn't want to take my makeup off at the end of the night because I loved it too much :)

Anyway, thanks again! You were such a pleasure to work with I kind of wish we could do it all over again! A few of Ben's friends are getting married next year and I'll be sure to refer the brides to you when the time comes. Also, if you ever need a reference or anything, please use me! I'd love to sing your praises! :)

You're such a professional and true joy to work with...thanks a million!

Take care, and I hope our paths cross again someday!

Cheers,
Kellie Samson

IL
5 star rating
5/11/2009

It was such a pleasure working with Audrey and having her do my wedding makeup. There are people who work to please others because they're paid to do so...I believe Audrey does it because she truly cares about her clients, and she won't be satisfied until you're completely happy with the results.

I was initially a little hesitant to book her b/c she didn't do airbrush makeup. However, after reading so many great reviews and then seeing how friendly and responsive she was over email, I decided to book a trial with her.

The first trial lasted about 1.5 hrs as I don't generally wear makeup so wasn't quite sure how I felt about the initial look. Audrey was incredibly patient and was willing to tweak things here and there until I seemed to be satisfied. After the trial, she emailed me to make sure I was truly happy with the results. She even went out of her way to talk to another popular Bay Area MUA to get some tips about working with my Asian eyes and also offered to do a second trial with me a few days before the wedding just so we could be sure everything was to both our satisfaction.

On the wedding day, everything worked out better than I could have imagined. The half hour or so I spent in Audrey's chair was probably the most relaxing time I had all week, and the results were amazing! She totally nailed the look for me, and I felt absolutely gorgeous.

Her presence and personality just makes you feel happy and calm, which is exactly how a bride should be feeling (only wish this could have been the case for ALL our vendors). I have absolutely no regrets hiring Audrey and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone!