When you walk into the inviting and stylish Blackfriars Salon & Spa, you're instantly greeted by the friendly staff, offered a beverage and escorted to their luxurious lounge - and this is just one of the personal touches they add to help make you feel welcome and taken care of. Owners Ryan and Audrey Yeo and their trained and experienced staff know that your wedding day is the biggest and most important day of your life to date, so their job isn't just to do your hair and make-up, it's to ensure that the day is smooth flowing and stress-free. "While here, brides and their parties will be pampered and made to feel special, so they can all relax and enjoy their time with us."
There are two Blackfriars locations in London, both conveniently open seven days a week and offering over 115 services from skin care to hair care and relaxing massages to nail services. The accommodating service they offer can customize a package that suits each bride's needs and the professional team can handle parties of up to twenty people. We met with Ryan in their comfy lounge and found out more about this easy going professional and what Blackfriars can do for London brides...
Personally speaking...
Ryan and Audrey always had a dream to own their own business; so, when the opportunity came up, they couldn't say no and in January 2008, Blackfriars opened on Wharncliffe Road in London.
Now, three years later and experience with over 100 weddings, Ryan and Audrey have two locations - the second one on Wonderland Road, known as Blackfriars Salon & Spa West (formerly Hairazors).
But no matter how busy both locations might be, Ryan says that his goal is “to make everyone happy, and to make an already stressful day less stressful. We like to think of Blackfriars Salon & Spa as a destination place where you can have a great experience. We pride ourselves on exceptional client service.”
The team at Blackfriars knows that your wedding day is the biggest and most important day of your life to date, so they make it their job to ensure it flows smoothly. This, combined with their creative make-up and hair designs, is what keeps them inspired on a daily basis. "As well as the many smiles and thank you's we receive when we finish the party," adds Ryan.
A Blackfriars team just for you
All of the team members are key to the success at Blackfriars, say Ryan and Audrey. "Each and every one has a certain job to perform and without them doing it, other members cannot do their job effectively... We have a true team environment so our energy is extremely positive and our team works together, which ensures a happy wedding party."
In fact, service and a talented team of professionals are just two things that Ryan and Audrey feel Blackfriars is known for in the industry. And with licensed stylists, make-up artists and professional skin therapists with experience ranging from two to fifteen years, we're not surprised that this is true.
All team members are graduates of many different schools from DeVoG Academy of Hair Design to Marvel Beauty Schools, and Fanshawe College to Elegance Schools Inc.. "All of the six Professional Hair Designers (PHDs) are colour technicians, licensed stylists, fully qualified, experienced hair dressers," Ryan told us. Plus, there's a Registered Massage Therapist and six Professional Skin Therapists.
Sara Bulhoes (PHD & Wedding Coordinator) and Ryan are the ones who meet with brides and assemble a wedding team for the day of the wedding.
Your wedding day haven
Blackfriars is the “Official Salon & Spa of the London Knights and the London Majors”, who both visit the Salon & Spa often, according to Ryan. The spa is also very involved with some London charities, including Bethany’s Hope.
The spa itself is open seven days a week, which Ryan says ”is unique to the London Market due to the fact that the other Salons & Spas of this caliber are closed Sundays and Mondays”. And while they have set hours, Ryan says that they can accommodate you outside of their normal business hours. In fact, they have even opened at 5 am for a wedding party. Now that's accommodating!
The large, 3000 square foot facility is accented with fashionable and trendy décor (courtesy of Audrey), and with seven hair stations, six manicure stations, eleven treatment rooms for skin therapy and massage, and over 115 services for their clients, it's no wonder that Blackfriars can accommodate up to twenty people. So, even the biggest wedding party shouldn't have trouble fitting everyone in here.
But, even if you're done before other people in your party, Blackfriars has a large and luxurious lounge and sitting area for your comfort - they even have wireless internet and a refreshment table. The food and drinks can either be supplied by the bride, or she can place the order and Ryan will get it and set it up.
"Here, brides and their parties will be pampered and made to feel special, so they can all relax and enjoy their time with us," says Ryan. "Each member of the party also receives a parting gift from us," he adds, though he didn't say what as he wants it to be a surprise.
What do you get for how much
With the aim to be inviting to all, Blackfriars wants to be your full service Salon & Spa that includes fine hair colour design, pedicures, manicures, waxing, electrolysis, threading, facials, make-up application, body wraps, peels and massage.
Their most popular product is Moroccan Oil Hair care (which decreases blow drying time by 40%!) and Dermalogica Skin Care - a skin specific treatment that they recommend based on your skin type.
Multi dimensional highlights and colour (Schwarzkopf Color) are one of the most popular salon services at Blackfriars, with the lay down pedicure being the most popular spa service.
A bride is likely to love any number of the services that Blackfriars offers for pre and day-of primping. Specifically, they offer make-up application for $55.75 for bridesmaids and $65.75 for the bride. Updo's start at $55. But, depending on your needs and if you need more than one service at Blackfriars, Ryan says they can “customize a package for each bride."
Obviously prices and totals range at Blackfriars depending on the service you book, but Ryan says they do their best to work with all budgets. The average bride spends between $100 and $300 - a fair price to pay to ensure your wedding day beauty needs will be taken care of.
Walking you through it
Ryan recommends booking with Blackfriars at least thirty days before your wedding day, and with their seven days of service and two locations, it shouldn't be a problem to get in; but, sooner is always better, we think. Email Ryan or phone either location to book an appointment to meet with Ryan and Sara where you'll tour the Salon & Spa and further discuss your needs.
You'll sit down with the two of them in their lounge, drink in hand, and discuss your wedding plan. They'll provide you some do’s and don’ts and customize a plan and package that meets your needs.
After your meeting, you'll be emailed a quote, and once it's agreed upon, a minimum of 10% is required to book.
Then, when you show up on your wedding day, all of the work is done on your end and you can let Blackfriars work their magic while you sit back and relax. But, before you leave for the altar, Ryan asks, “what else can we do to make your day special?” Just one last thing to ensure you get everything you deserve.
A few of The Ring's favourite things...
While you're relaxing in Blackfriars' double pedicure private room with one of your girlfriends, you can watch your favorite episode of Sex & the City. How fabulous is that?
In other words...
"I was in the salon yesterday afternoon and I have to tell you that you have done an amazing job hiring your staff. Everyone was super busy but with big smiles and I was offered a water or coffee at least three times by different people! ...I just wanted to let you know that you are being well represented even when you are not physically in the building!" -Krissy
"My first visit. What a great experience! I felt welcome and better yet, gorgeous when I left. I love my new look and Jessica and Kasia are awesome. You are lucky to have them on your team. Thank you so much. I will be back!" -Lisa
