Discover One of Raleigh's Premier Wedding Beauty Artists: Ariel K. Beauty
As a wedding planner based in central North Carolina, I have the privilege of connecting with top-notch wedding vendors across the state. From Asheville to Charlotte to Raleigh-Durham, I'm always on the lookout for exceptional vendors to enhance my couples' special day.
Today, I'm thrilled to spotlight the remarkable skills of Ariel Kountouris, the owner of Ariel K. Beauty (check out her work on Instagram: @arielkbeauty).
With five years of experience in the industry and the launch of her own business in 2022, Ariel K. Beauty has become synonymous with exquisite bridal hair and makeup not only in Raleigh but throughout North Carolina. Her willingness to travel for weddings as far as Virginia or South Carolina demonstrates her dedication to making every bride feel her best, regardless of location.
Ariel in action. Photo by Cass & Co. (Photographer’s IG: @casscophoto).
I’ve been following Ariel’s work on social media for a while, so I knew she was talented. However, I had no idea how stunning her work was until I saw Ariel’s work up close, on one of my brides and her bridesmaids.
The bride and her crew were already gorgeous, but wow! Ariel’s work enhanced their natural beauty perfectly. The bride’s makeup lasted the entire day and all night, surviving hours of dancing, food, and laughter. At the end of the night, the bride looked just as fresh as she did at the start of the party.
To top it off, as a planner, Ariel was so easy to work with, and she was so sweet and kind. I would work with her again in a heartbeat.
For all of these reasons, I wanted to ask her a few questions.
One of Ariel’s brides. Gorgeous! Photo by Ariel Kountouris.
Curious to learn more about Ariel's perspective, I asked her about her favorite aspect of bridal makeup artistry:
“I love the uniquely personal approach bridal makeup entails! Makeup is such a passion for me, but bridal is absolutely special in how much of a relationship I’m able to build with my brides and how much joy it brings me to help them achieve their vision. There is something so rewarding about being the first vendor on their timeline and creating a relaxing environment to start their day.”
Ariel’s love for that personal connection, and for setting the tone for the rest of the day, was obvious to me even as a wedding planner from afar. A good HMUA sets the tone for the morning and helps guide the bride and her party into the rest of the wedding day.
Ariel and a bride. Such joy. Photo by Cooks Photo & Film (Photographer’s IG: @cooksphotoandfilm).
I wanted to know more, so I asked her, “What do you wish your clients knew about you? About your business?”
“I wish my clients knew how much I respect that we are a team in achieving their vision! While I’ll come with product and technique expertise, they are the experts of their own face and I’m here to respect that while enhancing their natural beauty to match the formality of a wedding day.”
This is so important. Talking to Ariel, it’s obvious how much she cares about her clients. It’s no surprise to me, especially after all of the time spent talking to her!
I also asked her what inspired her to become a makeup artist, since I love a good story. She didn’t disappoint:
“Honestly, I checked out a book from the library called ‘Cool Hair’ by Vincent Roppatte when I was 12 and was just SO fascinated by hair and makeup artistry! That really began a journey that led me here because I was so intrigued by the creativity and fun of it all. I loved that I could blend the two: helping others feel beautiful with something that allowed me a creative outlet!”
Look at that soft glam on this bride! Ariel is so talented. Photo by Ariel Kountouris.
I had to look up that book afterwards, and the photos gave me a bit of a chuckle, since it feels so 2000’s! Total Britney Spears vibes.
Photo of Cool Hair from Amazon, the 2003 edition.
I wanted to know more about her, so I asked if there was anything personal she wanted to add:
“Outside of hair and makeup I work a day job Mon-Wed and enjoy baking, and spending time with my husband! I’m a recent bride myself and that guides a lot of how I operate my business.”
As a recent bride herself, Ariel's firsthand experience of the wedding journey informs her approach, ensuring that her clients feel not only beautiful but also supported every step of the way.
Ariel concentrating on finishing touches. Photo by The Axtells Photography & Films (Photographer’s IG: @theaxtellsphotofilms).
It’s no surprise that working with Ariel is a joy that’s worth every penny. I highly recommend her to all of my couples.
If you want to chat with her, click here for her website.
If you need a wedding planner with connections to amazing North Carolina wedding vendors like Ariel K. Beauty, click here to chat with me.
With love,
Katie Sautter
Owner & Wedding Planner at K.S.Otter Events LLC
Blog post’s cover: Photo by Dove & Fox Photography (Photographer’s IG: @doveandfoxphotos).
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