Ashley McNabb is a renowned hair and makeup artist and a go-to professional for Dallas-Fort Worth’s most discerning clients. She specializes in elevated, chic, and timeless glam, with a passion for bridal artistry that shines through in her work on weddings. Her sophisticated looks for special occasions make her a standout in the industry, and in this Q&A, she shares her journey, approach, and advice for brides seeking authentic beauty.
We love your work! Can you tell us about yourself and what sparked your passion for becoming a hair and makeup stylist for weddings?
When I started doing makeup, my intention was to move to LA or New York and work on movie sets, runway shows, celebrity work, etc. After doing that for a few years and moving back to DFW…I started getting asked all the time to do bridal makeup for weddings, which I had always done on the side while working corporately for cosmetic brands through the years, but I started getting asked over and over and that’s how Ashley McNabb Artistry grew. The big wedding business definitely was not intentional, and I never set out to be in the wedding industry—it found me. What started out as something small has completely transformed my life. It has been the biggest blessing.
How did you build your career in the wedding industry, and what’s been the most fulfilling moment in your journey?
Simply putting myself out there and offering my services to planners, venues, and anyone who would listen, it just started to grow. After a few years of showing up and saying yes, I realized this could be something really special. The turning point was building real relationships with others in the industry—earning their trust, and more importantly, the trust of their clients. That’s how everything took off. Word-of-mouth has been everything for us—today, nearly 90% of our business comes from referrals, and that means the world to me.
What is your approach to bridal hair and makeup? How do you collaborate with brides to design a look that feels authentic to their style and enhances their natural beauty?
Our approach to bridal hair and makeup is all about timeless beauty—classic, chic, and effortlessly elegant. If you’ve ever sat in my chair (or anyone on my team), you’ve probably heard us say: you want to look back at your photos 30 years from now and still look relevant. Elevated version of yourself!
We lean more toward soft glam, with a strong focus on radiant skin and complexion. A polished yet modern finish.
Trials are a must—they give you a preview of what to expect and help us make sure the final look reflects your personal style. I always tell potential brides: choose your hair and makeup team based on your personal aesthetic. It makes all the difference.
What’s the first thing brides should consider when planning their wedding day hair and makeup look?
Don’t stray too far from your everyday style—you want to feel like yourself on your wedding day, just slightly elevated. That’s the key to timeless beauty.
And a quick tip: when you’re showing inspo photos to your hair and makeup team, try to avoid overly filtered or AI-generated images. The more natural and realistic the photo, the better we can create something that’s truly achievable. Be realistic!
What are some of the top bridal hair and makeup trends you’re seeing coming up?
To be completely honest, I hate the word ‘trendy.’ I’m all about timeless over trendy any day. But—if I had to pick a few current styles I’m loving, it’s the slick-back buns, soft and simplistic glam, and that effortlessly polished look. Think Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie vibes—classy, elegant, and forever relevant. Nothing overdone, just elevated beauty that stands the test of time.
Are there any hair or makeup trends you think brides should avoid or that are fading out?
I’ll be honest—there are definitely some looks I’m not crazy about. But here’s the thing: there’s a look for everyone.
My style might not match the next artist’s, and that’s okay. As makeup artists, we all have different approaches—and that’s what makes this industry so creative and diverse.
Sure, some looks may feel outdated or overdone to me, but they might be someone else’s dream. That’s the beauty of artistry—it’s not a one-size-fits-all. And it shouldn’t be.
What’s one often-overlooked detail in bridal hair or makeup that can make a big impact on the wedding day?
It’s YOUR day. Your wedding day look should stand out, and the bride should be the focal point. We suggest no one in the bridal party should have the exact same hairstyle as the bride.
For makeup, keeping things cohesive is key. A uniform look across the party photographs beautifully. Trust me—after years of doing this, the one bridesmaid with a bold red lip and heavy smoky eye in a sea of soft glam will stand out in the wrong way. Aesthetic consistency makes all the difference.
What are common mistakes brides make when planning their hair and makeup, and how can they avoid them?
A common mistake I see brides make is choosing a hair and makeup team that doesn’t match their aesthetic. Your best friend’s team might’ve been perfect for her—but that doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for you.
Do your research. Look through real photos, not just one viral reel or work done on a bunch of models. Pay attention to how the team does hair and makeup overall, and make sure it aligns with your style and vision for the day.
You know what they say about the weather in Texas… if you don’t like it, wait five minutes. For our local brides, are there any specific products or techniques you recommend to handle our humidity and/or heat?
Our professional hair and makeup artists use the best products on the market—specifically chosen to withstand Texas heat and humidity.
We’re proud to be known for looks that last. I can’t tell you how many messages we get from brides saying their makeup and hair stayed flawless all night long. That’s what we’re here for!
For brides feeling overwhelmed by hair and makeup options, how do you help them decide on the perfect look?
I can’t stress this enough: be yourself. Don’t stray too far from your usual look just to chase trends.
Choose inspiration photos that feel realistic and true to you. Do your trial so everyone’s on the same page, and trust that the team you hire will guide you in the right direction… you are hiring pros for a reason. Confidence is everything on your big day!
What role does skincare play in preparing for wedding day makeup, and what prep do you recommend in the weeks leading up?
This might be my favorite question! Your makeup will only look as good as your skin. Makeup isn’t a magic fix—it can’t cover everything.
Taking care of your skin leading up to the big day is vital. There’s only so much a makeup artist or products can do. Keep in mind, many photos you see online are heavily filtered and edited to perfection. Real skin has pores, texture, and fine lines—and that’s beautiful!
We strongly recommend hydrafacials, dermaplaning, and even a good spray tan to get you glowing and camera-ready.
We’re here to guide you through it all and answer any questions you have.
How do you stay inspired and keep your artistry fresh in the fast-paced wedding beauty industry?
Being authentic and true to myself and my beauty standards. I believe in keeping my faith and staying positive. For me, I give it all to God. I try to be a light and a source for others. There is enough to go around for everyone!
What’s one piece of advice you wish every bride knew before booking their hair and makeup stylist?
Book immediately—don’t wait for your favorite vendor! We get booked up sometimes even two years in advance. Whether it’s your hair and makeup team or any other vendor, the best ones go fast. Secure your date as soon as you know it! Trust me!
Get in touch at ashleymcnabbartistry.com or in Instagram at @ashley_mcnabb_artistry