Darling Studio

A note to my Darling friends...
Today begins a new chapter! I've officially joined the team to provide my signature services at ESSPA Kozmetika Organic Day Spa in Aspinwall. All of the same services that you love, just in a new, beautiful location.
The decision to close my studio isn't one I made lightly. After being a "solo-preneur" for 15+ years, I began to crave change, specifically the energy and companionship that being part of team offered.
When I met the owners, Scott and Eva, I was inspired by their space, vison of beauty and the community culture they have created at Esspa. I knew I had found the perfect new home. One where I could offer all of the luxury of a full spa experience, while still pursuing the principals of Darling beauty that made the studio so unique.
PSA to my ... I will still be offering on-location bridal services through Darling, and with this new collaboration with Esspa, Darling Brides now have the option to have a luxury "spa" getting ready experience right here in Pittsburgh, without having to travel to Nemacolin or Bedford Springs. Stay tuned for more information as we launch this year!

The end of season is always bittersweet, and yesterday marked the end of my 2025 season. For 15 years it's been my pleasure to spend a few moments with my brides and their family's on what is always an unforgettable day. To everyone who has placed their trust in me, I say a heartfelt "Thank You!" And I wish you all a very merry first holiday season as newly weds 💍

Beautiful photos courtesy of
Planning & Design:

Lighting and Draping:
Floral:
Rentals:
Hair&Mkup .studio.pgh
Paper:
Band: Studio E Entertainment
Strings:

Just love getting photos back from my brides and their amazing and KIND family members! Sending big love to the for trusting me with her self and her beautiful daughters.

Just had to repost this one, as it perfectly sums up what working with these beautiful humans is like.


“Lindsay and I drove 4 hours to Pittsburgh. We stayed in a hotel overnight and made our way to the studio the next morning. We were greeted with Dunkin Donuts and Disney music playing in the background. Then we got down to business.
Lindsay is apprehensive about new places (which is why bribery with food is critical if you want her to do something). In her defense, she’s been taken to many un-fun places in her life (countless doctors, dentists, etc). She’s also been coaxed into doing fun things in un-fun ways (swimming, getting her hair done, eating ice cream… etc). So, seeing a room full of bright lights and big dresses and makeup tools made her clam up a little. We opted to do my hair and makeup first to show Lindsay what we were doing, and it helped a bit. She didn’t squirm away or try to bite anybody, which is a win in our book.
That being said, our makeup artist was unbelievably kind and patient with Lindsay. She let her feel the makeup brush on her hand and made sure that she did any movements slowly and gently, and talked toLindsay throughout the entire process (most hairstylists, nurses, etc talk to me while they try to do work on Lindsay which is a big no-no in the disabled world).
Then it came time to get into our dresses. Heather worked with me beforehand to ensure that Lindsay would be comfortable. The dresses were big and bold and full of tulle, so we had to make sure Lindsay wouldn’t be on sensory overload and completely disassociate. 
Heather and her team were at the ready to do whatever Lindsay needed. On top of that, they made sure that I felt comfortable with them helping her. Truthfully, I really hate asking for help when it comes to Lindsay, so achieving that level of trust from me is hard to come by. For the most part, they were in charge of the dress and I was in charge of Lindsay (ie: running interference if she went rogue with a headbutt).
We got Lindsay to her spot, got the dress on and closed, and then started the photos.”

Continued in comments

Wedding Saturday Vibes... fall edition.

Such a subtle transformation... such a big impact. One row of new tape extensions adds a bit of length and so much fullness. I'm loving the results as we get to know this new product.

With fast installation and maintenance for every busy schedule. Lux hair is now accessible for anyone, on any budget. What could be better? And what are you waiting for?

The perfect princess hairstyle gets the most prefer captures thanks to 💎

👰🏼 at the .grand.resort

My from yesterday. Thanks for the sneak peek

What a difference a year makes... a year of rediscovering the courage it takes to open my heart to new possibilities.

"Divorce is not a failure, it's a courageous decision to reclaim your worth, find your voice, and choose your path that aligns with your authentic self. This empowering perspective sheds light on the transformative power of divorce.

Ending a marriage takes immense courage, especially when societal expectations and personal fears urge you to stay in a unhappy and unfulfilling relationship. However, divorce offers a chance to:
- Break free from toxic dynamics and emotional suffocation
- Rediscover your identity, interests, and passions
- Develop a stronger sense of self and personal growth
- Cultivate healthier boundaries and relationships
- Embrace a new chapter of life, filled with promise and possibility

Divorce is not a defeat, but a victory over the fear of change and the courage to pursue happiness. It's a declaration of self-love, a celebration of personal evolution, and a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and growth.
Remember, your worth is not defined by your relationship status. You are worthy of love, happiness, and fulfillment, and divorce can be a powerful step towards reclaiming your true self.

Embrace this new beginning and rise stronger, wiser, and more radiant than ever."

📸:

Can bridal hair bouquets become a "thing" for weddings?! .styling created this gorgeous updo for our today and then we added a little ✨magic✨ to it with perfect flowers from .

🐍 Snake Charmer 🐍
I guess I'll share a little of my personal life... while I love all things furry and soft, I have a real weakness for snakes and birds too. Our current menagerie includes three ball pythons and a murder of crows that live in the back yard that we feed peanuts to daily and watch their silly little antics.

The world is filled with of the most ✨magical✨ little creatures. And when you take a moment to pause and connect with them, the most incredible things happen.

And this translates to the studio! I want to help you look your best. But not at the expense of anyone, or anything, or even our little planet we live on. All of the products we use at the studio (and on location) are cruelty free and carry a commitment to sustainability.

Online booking is now available. And I added something I've been wanting to do for a long time...

✨SILENT APPOINTMENTS✨
Please don't hesitate to ask for a silent appointment if you're anxious, tired, mentally drained etc... or just want to avoid conversation and have some quiet time.
There will be no judgement ... there never is. Regardless of the reason, you are always welcome to utilize this option.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
♡

You can choose this option when booking online or simply turn the frame on my station to let me know your preference without having to say a word.