I can't say enough good things about Elyssa Anderson! She is a hair health advocate and you will come out of your appointment much more educated than you went in. She is very personable and has the biggest heart! Elyssa specializes in hair but is excellent at bridal and simple makeup. I was so lucky to have the chance to interview Elyssa and she had the best answers to my questions as well as tips and tricks to pass along!

How to prep for getting your hair and makeup done? (the month of or day of) Should they send a mood board or do a trial appointment?

Our goal during your bridal consultation appointment is peace of mind! We schedule time to talk about your inspirations pictures, your dream hair and makeup, and all of the fun details for your wedding then we work together through through styles and options until we find the perfect fit for your wedding day!

When do you start scheduling wedding prep appointments?

3+ months before wedding (ideal)- Bridal consultation appointment for hair and makeup, reserve dates for engagement photos, bridal photos, and wedding day.

1+ months before wedding- Test any new skin products, facials, or sunless tanning. Within 1 month of wedding- Refresh hair color & maintain your skin routine.

Within 1 week- Manicure, haircut for the groom.

Day before wedding- Very light facial exfoliating, wash & dry hair, moisturize, relax, try to get some sleep. Wedding day- Eat breakfast, get pampered, marry the love of your life, party, live happily ever after.

What's the booking process like, and what should they expect on the day of?

After first reaching out in a message or e-mail, you’ll be invited to a bridal questionnaire so we can make sure that all of your details are well cared for! Once we know that your dates are available you’re be able to book through my online scheduling site.

A credit card will be placed on file in order to book, at your consultation appointment you can choose to make one payment in full for your wedding services or to pay for each service individually.

Do they need to touch up on the wedding day? What should they bring with them to touch up?

The most common and frequent wedding touch up will always be lipstick! During your bridal consultation we’ll mix, blend, and swatch a custom lip color that you love. For the most comfortable experience on your wedding day, I’d recommend “shopping the swatch” to find a lip color that you can keep handy with your maid of honor in order to re-apply throughout the day!

What tricks are there for making makeup last longer?

Each season will have it’s own unique and unpredictable weather that might pop up on your wedding day. In your bridal consultation we design specific elements right into your look to help it last through the day! Whatever that weather may be, once you’ve left the styling chair the name of the game is to plan ahead for ways to stay cool and dry! Umbrellas, cold water bottles, hand held fans, and of course…… air conditioning!

Any tips for extreme weather?

In all kinds of extreme weather, an undo is your best chance at having a style that will last through the rain, snow, extreme heat, and anything else that could pop up! In addition to making sure that you have your plans in place to stay cool and dry like we talked about a few questions ago, I’d say that in winter comfort conquers all! Do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable; wear warm boots under your dress, wrap up in a gigantic blanket, fill every pocket with hand warmers, duck into cute shops and take shelter under archways! As a fellow winter bride I can say that some of my favorite memories from our wedding day came from all of the funny little things we did to huddle together and keep warm!

Tips for picking hair accessories?

Hair accessories are a fantastic way to elevate your look and help you feel special! When looking for a hair accessory I’d recommend finding accessories that lay flat (or mostly flat) to your head. Larger accessories like ones including flowers can be a fun addition but can also create an off-putting silhouette that will be seen from a side-view in your photos.

To get the best results, be sure to bring your hair accessories with you for your bridal consultation so that they can be planned into the original design of your hair so you look good from every angle! Also, make sure to bring your veil/ hair accessories and any hair extensions that you’re considering along with clean hair and your freshly washed and exfoliated cute face!

What are your thoughts on spray tan, fake eyelashes, or hair extensions?

When done professionally, spray tanning creates a beautiful contrast between your skin and the color of your wedding dress. At your consultation appointment, remember to let your makeup artist know that you’ll be getting a spray tan so they can adjust your colors for you!

On your wedding day I recommend either going for full lash extensions or rocking your natural lashes! Both looks are gorgeous and, unlike false or strip lashes, they photograph well and you won’t need to think about them throughout the day!

Do you recommend doing it onsite at the wedding or at your studio/salon?

The biggest factor in choosing where to have your styling done for your wedding day is feeling. What do you want to feel when you picture the start to your greatest story? Is it a peaceful escape, does it feel familiar, are you surrounded by bridesmaids or by family, are you rushed for time or is the day relaxed? Both styling at the salon and on location are great options! We’ll talk through your vision for your wedding day to find the perfect fit.

Favorite tips or products for everyday hair and makeup?

The best thing you can do for gorgeous hair and makeup is to prioritize the small and simple things that keep your skin and hair healthy! Both a licensed cosmetologist for hair and a licensed esthetician for skin will be able to review your individual needs and help you to find the routine that’ll give you the best results.

In the everyday getting ready process we generally are making choices about our hair, makeup, and clothing. If I were to give one piece of advice that will make the biggest difference in your day to day styling, it’s choosing where to invest high, medium, and low energy.

What's your favorite thing about doing hair and makeup on the wedding day?

My favorite part of every wedding day is getting to be with each amazing woman as she sees herself as a bride for the very first time. Helping her to see herself with as much love as her family, friends and soon-to-be husband have for her is an incomparable honor.

Any last things you wish brides knew before getting their hair or makeup done?

I wish each bride was able to see herself clearly. Any insecurities or doubts you might have are most likely something that no one around you has ever seen. You’re already beautiful because of who you are, it’s my job to help you see it!

I would definitely recommend Elyssa! Contact her to book your consultation today!