As you know, I’m thrilled to be down in the Bahamas covering Liz and Colin’s amazing wedding celebration at Sandals Emerald Bay Resort . It’s the “day-before-the-big day” here in Great Exuma, and it certainly couldn’t be a prettier one. Liz and Colin are out enjoying the beach with friends, and the Martha Stewart Weddings crew is buzzing away, putting the final touches on what will certainly be an amazing affair.
While the excitement grows and the afternoon gives way to a beach-side rehearsal dinner, I thought it would be fun to share some of Liz and Colin’s other wedding day prep… like the flurry of fun activities that took place on an entirely different {bustling, busy, and very citified} island less than two weeks ago. 
I guess that’s because I never met the famed Paul Labrecque, stylist to the celebrity and social elite, and owner of Manhattan’s three hottest salon and spas.
I imagine even a bang trim is a party when Paul’s doing your hair… Within moments, Liz and I were wrapped up in a world of celeb hair, misbehaving models and runways gone wrong. Liz left with fab highlights and I left with a wealth of expert information to share with you {as well as a mental note to wear waterproof mascara the next time I plan on laughing so hard}.
Anyway, here’s an excerpt from our Q&A. As for the runway chatter, well, you’ll just have to book a visit for that. 
Merci: What’s the most common request you hear from brides?
Labrecque: “Brides always say ‘For my wedding, I want to look like myself, but better,’ so we always suggest a consultation about six months before the wedding day. We leave the length and talk about color. Then we give the bride time to get used to the changes, and highly suggest a final touch-up two weeks before the wedding.” {Labrecque advises that cameras are notorious for picking up dark rings at the roots, so a two-week touch-up is a very important step}.
Merci: How interconnected are diet and hair health? What should a bride change in her diet to ensure beautiful wedding day hair?
Labrecque: “At the end of the day, you are your genes, but eating foods with vitamin B12, like olive oil and avocado, will definitely strengthen your hair.” {For a quick wedding day fix, Labrecque also suggests adding hair pieces or extensions for a fuller look}.
Merci: What are the biggest trends you have seen in bridal hair styling? Which seem to be the most universal?
Labrecque: ” ‘Uncontrived’ seems to be the word of the moment. It’s always harder to create styles that appear haphazardly put up rather than overly ‘done.’ Low, soft chignons are very popular, as are softly swept back styles. We saw a lot of those at this year’s awards ceremonies.”
Merci: For destination wedding brides like Liz, do you always suggest they wear their hair up {in case of wind}?
Labrecque:“We always welcome pictures and photos of what the bride wants first. It’s good to get rid of the options that her hair can’t pull off, and concentrate on making other styles work. For destination weddings, we don’t necessarily need to pull her hair up. If she’s keeping it down, we often add extensions and pieces to natural, long hair for a windy day. There’s less teasing, less spray, and you know exactly what you are getting into.” Merci: What is the one tip you give your stylists when they are working with a bride?
Labrecque: “Be clear with the bride. There shouldn’t be any surprises”
Recognized by Vanity Fair as one of the countries Top 3 Stylists, Paul Labrecque’s three award-winning salon and spa locations in Manhattan continue to offer the best of New York beauty without pretense. To learn more, or arrange an appointment, click here .
Images courtesy Jen Huang Photography for Merci New York.
