balmorhea Wedding | melody + Alan
How we met
Melody reached out to me to inquire about beauty services for her wedding. Initially she wanted me to do both her hair and makeup services but after showing me some of her inspiration photos, I suggested she go with a makeup Friendor (vendor friend) and let me focus on her hair. As a hairstylist in Houston, I know quit a few people and I believed that for the look she wanted she needed a powerhouse squad…and that’s what she got!
I know you’re probably thinking “why would you let her book with someone else and lose money”? The answer is “I didn’t lose any money”. At the end of the day it’s all about the client and I knew that the makeup style she wanted was not my style. I wanted Melody to look AND feel beautiful on her day. So in the end I won because she trusts me enough to know that I have her back even if it means me not doing a particular service for her.
We chatted over the phone a few times and she even came in to my studio to get a relaxer service so this gave us time to connect and really get to know each other more. It was as if we’d known each other for years because we laughed and told stories like gal pals would do. That would be the start of a great relationship that we still have today.
The Wedding Day
Wedding day vibes were that of a typical wedding day but a bit cloudy. Melody and her bridesmaids arrived and unloaded dresses, shoes, and things needed for the day. I immediately started setting up my work station since we were responsible for doing her mom, mother-n-law, and sisters hair for the wedding along with Melody.
Her Hair: Melody wanted to wear her hair down and wavy but has fine hair so my suggestion was clip-ins. Being a full time Houston hairstylist, I work with all types of hair and when I make suggestions, most of the time clients listen. Melody was no different. She trusted my expertise and experience and for that I am grateful.
I installed two bundles of clip-in extensions (14”) and curled her hair pinning it to one side and adding her headpiece.
Outfit Change: She had not one…not two…but three outfit changes but we only changed her hair for the second outfit. She incorporated her Rwanda culture and had the most gorgeous headpiece to wear so I did an simple updo (with the clip-ins) so that the headpiece would be the star of the show.
What did she say?
UGH! No idea where to start. I found Nyoka a little later after I had gotten engaged. I had initially hired someone else that was more in my budget but let me tell you that was a MISTAKE. They did not know how to do hair and makeup for women of color unfortunately so I left my trial looking like a pale ghost and my edges weren't laid Y'ALL. Anyway! I kept searching for a hairstylist after that and reached out to Nyoka. She resent me her brochure, answered all my questions, and was so professional. I ended up going to her to get a relaxer first as an unofficial trial and after meeting her and seeing how great my hair looked I knew she was it! The experience only got better. Being a 2020 bride, I had to postpone my wedding twice. She was patient with me and worked with me towards my availability and kept in contact the whole time. The week of the wedding my mom and sister went to get their hair done at her salon and loved her too! On the day of the wedding, she was on time to show up and even brought me a cute gift. She and her assistant did several of my family member's hair efficiently, and worked with the makeup team to create a timeline (which I know was difficult given that I had a large party). I looked like a princess, and she stayed later to fix my hair for an outfit change. She was honestly one of the best vendors I worked with and I will be forever grateful. Although I've moved away from Houston she's my forever hairstylist whenever I'm around and my mom and sister plan to visit her when they're in town. Also, one word of advice. You get what you pay for. She gives excellent service and she is worth the price. I tried to go cheap the first time and ended up wasting more money. So a.k.a HIRE HER.
READY TO BOOK YOUR WEDDING DAY BEAUTY SESSION?
Are you in need of a wedding hairstylist at Balmorhea or any destination? Don’t be shy, you can leave me a message and let’s set up a time to chat!
Want to see more wedding inspiration? Click here to see a Mustard & Blush inspired styled shoot.
Melody’s Vendors
Venue: Balmorhea Events
Coordination: Notably Yours Wedding & Event Planning
Photography: @kindredsoulphoto
Hair: Nyoka Gregory Beauty
Clip-in Extensions: Mari Ari
Makeup: Beauty By KayRosh
Florals: Monica’s Brides
Linens/Decor: Linens and Events
Dessert: Desserts By Holly
Catering/Bar: The Hometown Chef Catering Co.
DJ: Signature Eventx Entertainment
