Bride and groom among clipped cypress hedges on the wedding day, Samantha Pretto
Hair and make-up · Venice and the Veneto, Italy

Samantha Pretto

Samantha Pretto is a bridal hair and make-up artist based on Lake Como, leading a small team that styles brides and their wedding parties on location across Italy and selected European destinations.

5.03 reviews
Start planning togetherSamantha PrettoSamantha PrettoBridal hair and make-up artist, founder
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Samantha Pretto

Samantha Pretto is a bridal hair and make-up artist who has worked in the beauty and fashion trade since the mid-1990s, starting with an apprenticeship in Vicenza and moving on to Bologna. In 2002 she joined the Equipe Vittorio group and went on to direct its creative space, Spazio Officina, and to work backstage at Milan Fashion Week for houses including Laura Biagiotti, Giorgio Armani and Max Mara.

She opened her own studio, Estro Equipe, in the Veneto in 2008 and moved to freelance work in 2013, concentrating on international bridal hair and make-up. Her approach is skin-first and restrained: make-up and hair that reveal natural features rather than replace them, and that last through the day and photograph well on stills and video.

“My purpose is simple: that you feel entirely yourself, quietly radiant, and held in calm on a day that will be remembered.”

Samantha Pretto

Samantha works with a trusted team, so the bride and her wedding party can be styled together on the morning, in the villa, hotel or home where they are getting ready. Hair and make-up for bridesmaids, mothers and guests can be added to the bride's booking, along with a second look for the evening or next-day styling.

Her base is Lake Como and she works across Italy and selected European destinations, from the northern lakes and the Veneto to Tuscany, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily, and in Greece, Spain, France, the United States and beyond. Her work has been published by Brides, Vogue Wedding Japan, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, Green Wedding Shoes, Ruffled and Rock My Wedding.

She has worked alongside photographers including David Bastianoni, Bottega 53, Cristiano Ostinelli, Oliver Fly, Julian Kanz, Daniele Vertelli, Vittore Buzzi, Andrea Corsi and Gianluca Aldovasio. Products include MAC, Urban Decay, Tarte, Hourglass, Laura Mercier, Nars, Make Up For Ever, Giorgio Armani and Dior for make-up, and GHD tools and Cotril for hair.

At a glance
Based in
Venice and the Veneto
Destinations served
Venice and the Veneto, Lake Como, Tuscany, Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily
How they work

From the first message to the day itself

  1. 01Private enquiry

    Brides write through the enquiry form with the date, location and size of the wedding party. Samantha replies personally within 48 to 72 hours, and a date is held only once a booking is agreed.

  2. 02Alignment and investment

    Samantha does not work from a fixed menu. Once the vision and scope are clear, she shares a private investment proposal built around the bride's timeline, the people to be styled and the extras she wants.

  3. 03Design session and trial

    Trials are offered once the booking is aligned and are treated as part of designing the bridal look: hair, make-up and skin brought together into one finished image. International brides who cannot attend a trial are also welcomed.

  4. 04Bridal party and inner circle

    Bridesmaids, mothers and selected guests can be styled in the same visual direction, with timings planned around the photographer and the ceremony.

  5. 05The wedding morning

    Samantha and her team arrive at the getting-ready location and style the bride and her party on schedule, so the look is finished in time for photographs.

  6. 06After the ceremony

    For longer days, the booking can include touch-ups after the ceremony, all-day direction, a second look for the evening or styling the next day.

Samantha Pretto

Gallery

29 photographs
Bride and groom among clipped cypress hedges on the wedding day, Samantha Pretto+29View Gallery Couple embracing in a stone cloister, bridal hair and veil styled on location, Samantha Pretto

Images courtesy of Samantha Pretto

Reviews

What couples say

5.0 3 reviews
Verified wedding

Phenomenal.....

She was perfect from every point of view. She quickly figured out my tastes and was able to advise me in the best way. The result was phenomenal! Her kindness and availability were priceless and her artistry is undeniable! It’s not every day you come across such a professional, so I strongly recommend her to every future bride or whoever wants to be pampered and made beautiful.

Luna2023-04-24
More reviews
Verified wedding

So Talented!

I can highly recommend Samantha Pretto, she is so talented and professional. She understood exactly what I was looking for on my special day and she brought out the best in me. She also did hairstyles for my 3 bridesmaids and my maid of honor and they were all very satisfied! Thank you so much for making my wedding day 9th of September 2016, in beautiful Torri del Benaco in Italy so special. You made me relax on a stressful day, and both my makeup and hair were done perfectly! I wish you all the best

Karianne2023-04-24
Verified wedding

wonderful job

Samantha did a wonderful job on my bridal hair and make-up. Her team did the hair and makeup for our entire party. Samantha was lovely and very kind. Thank you for making my wedding so special!

Vanessa Webb2023-04-25
Where they work

Based in Venice and the Veneto, serving Venice and the Veneto, Lake Como, Tuscany

Via Oltreagno di Mezzo 28, Trissino, 36070, Veneto, Italy

  • Their base
  • Venues nearby
What they do

Services and fees

Bridal hair and make-up

  • Bridal make-up, skin-first and natural to soft glam
  • Bridal hair design, from loose waves to updos
  • Hair and make-up trial
  • Veil, tiara and hairpiece styling

Bridal party

  • Bridesmaids and maid of honour
  • Mothers of the bride and groom
  • Selected guests

Extensions of the day

  • Post-ceremony refinement
  • All-day aesthetic direction
  • Second look for the evening
  • Post-wedding or next-day styling

Destination weddings

  • On-location styling at villas, hotels and homes across Italy
  • Selected destinations across Europe and beyond
  • Collaboration with wedding planners and photographers
Fees

Fees on request

They quote for each wedding, from your date, guest numbers and plans.

Ask for a proposal
Questions couples ask

Before you write to them

How much does wedding hair and make-up with Samantha Pretto cost?

Samantha does not publish prices or fixed packages. She prepares a private investment proposal once the scope of the bridal party, timeline and extras is clear.

Does Samantha offer a hair and make-up trial?

Yes. Trials are offered once the booking is aligned and form part of designing the bridal look. International brides who cannot attend a trial are also welcomed.

Can bridesmaids, mothers and guests be styled too?

Yes. Additional services can be added once the bride's booking is confirmed, so the whole party shares one visual direction.

Where does Samantha work?

She is based on Lake Como and works across Italy and selected European destinations, including the lakes, Tuscany, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily, as well as Greece, Spain, France and the United States.

How far ahead should I enquire?

As early as possible. Dates are limited, and every enquiry is answered personally within 48 to 72 hours.

Does Samantha work with wedding planners?

Yes. She regularly collaborates with planners and other wedding creatives.

Can Samantha take last-minute bookings?

Occasionally, and only when the day can be styled without compromising the work.

Does Samantha work from a team?

Yes. She leads a team of hair and make-up artists, which allows the bride and her party to be styled together on the morning.

Check your date

Is your date free with Samantha Pretto?

Your message goes straight to Samantha, with your date, guests and the kind of wedding you have in mind.

I would love…

Call +39 3421646778Official website

Please mention 5 Star Wedding Directory when contacting Samantha Pretto.

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