Desiree + April | Our Story

D+A Bridal was created out of friendship and the love of all things beauty.

In early 2017, we met completely by chance on the set of an editorial photoshoot. We instantly connected and had appreciated the others work so much that we both began referring each other to our brides. In a span of just a few months we were found working the same weddings week after week, till one night (probably after a glass of wine or a shot of tequila) we both thought ‘hey, let’s make this official!’

By the end of 2017, D+A Bridal was born and we both gained a work wife for life. 

We love the organic nature in which D+A was created and it’s been such a fun journey for us. There’s really nothing better than doing what you love and doing it with friends.

One of our core values as a company is sharing that feeling of friendship and camaraderie with every bride we work with. This is one of the most important occasions a person can experience, it should be full of as much joy as possible. When hiring us, you’re not only hiring a top rated beauty team but guaranteed laughs, fun, and positive energy as well. We focus on providing an elevated beauty experience: not only from using high end products, but being your beauty gurus on your big day! We are business partners, but also friends that love to have fun, and offer a relaxing vibe to the getting ready part of your big day. We love weddings, love stories, and love making others feel and look like their most beautiful selves.

Are you recently engaged and don’t know where to begin with your look? Not only do we offer hair and makeup, but also offer bridal style consulting, where we will also be your style gurus, creating a curated look for you and your bridesmaids to fit your wedding style and your personality.


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Desiree Peñaloza

Hi! I’m Desiree, or Dez for short!

I’ve always been makeup obsessed, since my pre-teen years when I dreamed of perfect skin and begged my mom for those bright-pastel-sparkly eyeshadows at the mall kiosk. Fast forward many years, I am living my dream of giving my clients photo-ready skin and making amazing memories in the process with one of my best friends/business partner, April.

I have a degree in Visual Communications, which is basically a fancy way to say that I went to school to learn how to make a business out of making all things (and people) beautiful. After living in New York, I learned that the fashion world wasn’t for me, and I fell into doing makeup, and LOVED it. I’m passionate about the styling aspect of makeup and hair: it’s truly the icing on the cake of any outfit, and I love creating makeup and hair looks that help tie everything together. I love connecting with our brides, learning about who they are, and helping bring the wedding day look of their dreams to life.

When I’m not working, you can find me sipping on tequila or rose with friends, vintage shopping, furniture thrifting, or spending time my husband and cats.

I’m pretty much a total girly-girl, I light up over floral anything and love just the right amount of sparkle. My makeup style has always been to still look like myself, with a bright pop of color. I do the same for my clients, I always want them feeling like their most beautiful version of themselves on their wedding day!

Follow me on Instagram! @desiedes


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April Hall

Hello, my name is April and I looove all things hair!

I am a licensed hairstylist and have been doing hair for 15 years. I got my start styling hair at a blow dry bar, where I learned how much I love doing updos. I am the co-owner of Reflejo Hair Studio in Oakland, and do everything from cuts, color, foliage, balyage, blowouts, updo's, and tape in extensions. (All brides receive a discount of 15% off any cut + color services.) What I look forward to most though are my weekend weddings with Dez and our lovely brides. Whether you are more boho or glam, I ‘m here to help create a look that helps tie your whole look together and feel your absolute best. Creating hairstyles that compliment the facial structure and personal style of my brides is what I am most passionate about.

When I'm not working, I am studying UX design, going on hikes with my dog, doing yoga, browsing the MOMA with my headphones in, or maybe planning my next travel adventure. Next up: Japan!

Follow me on Instagram! @aprilmayhair

To book a salon service visit: aprilmayhair.com