Personally Curated Wedding Beauty
IL
Travel area: No travel restrictions See details
AWARD WINNER (4X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair, in Downers Grove, IL, is a wedding hair and makeup service that pairs clients with the beauty team that’s right for them. Since her early beginnings in 1980, Elana has trained with a variety of elite brands including Chanel, Clinique, Lancôme, Estee Lauder, and MAC cosmetics. Through a diverse career stretching from Marilyn Miglin Model Makeup to the Chicago Lyric Opera House, Elana has met a talented array of artists and stylists. Inspired by these connections and the creative energy they share, Elana launched her company in 2012. Today, Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair is a diverse network of experienced freelancers united by a genuine passion for ensuring every client feels their best on their special day.
Elana prides herself on hand-selecting the right makeup artist and stylist to match her client’s vision. Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair provides on-site and home studio services as well as destination weddings. To ensure her clients achieve their desired look, Elana offers a consultation and a trial run with both hair and makeup before the big day. Her team of talented artists and stylists is skilled in the art of enhancing every client’s natural beauty so they can feel confident in their own skin. Each professional brings their own unique flavor. Elana makes sure it's suited to your tastes. Beauty services include:
Blowouts
Extensions
Updos/styling
Airbrush makeup
Contour makeup
Natural makeup
Tattoo coverage
Eye makeup
Details
Beauty
Hair Stylists
Hair Trials Available
Makeup
Airbrushed Makeup
Eyelash Extensions
Makeup Artists
Makeup Trials Available
On-Site Hair & Makeup
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Elana Darrus
Owner & Makeup Artist
Elana has been working in the beauty industry since the 1980s. Her expertise stems from her work with various high-end brands over the years. She is passionate about creating beautiful looks that make her clients feel radiant as they walk down the aisle.
Reviews
4.9
out of 5.078 reviews
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
This hair and makeup team is praised as professional, friendly, and communicative, creating beautiful, customized looks that last all night. Trials are thorough and flexible; artists are punctual, efficient, calm, and often finish ahead of schedule while traveling onsite. Brides and parties felt confident and well cared for.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Jordan S
Highlighted review.
5.0
8/09/2025
Elana and her team are top notch! She did my engagement photo makeup and I knew that I made the right choice. She was so kind, insightful, and made sure the products she used worke...
d well for my face. Come wedding day, she and her team were so efficient and we got everything done right on schedule. My bridesmaids looked GORGEOUS! My mother in law and mother looked BEAUTIFUL and listened to them well (they are very particular). And me? Well...I'll let the picture speak for itself. Thank you for making me feel like a princess.
Katarzyna F
5.0
1/07/2026
Elana and Monika were the dynamic duo! They worked together so seamlessly the day of our vow renewal. They are professional, experienced, and so pleasant to work with.
On the day ...
of my trial, I described my hair style to Monika, and she was able to visualize what I wanted and recreated it exactly like I imagined, if not better. Elana also created a beautiful look, which brought tears of joy when I first saw my finished makeup in the mirror. She color matched my airbrush make-up perfectly to my skin tone and matched the right lashes and makeup style to the look I was going for, as well.
On the day of our event, both ladies finished in good time. Their positive energy filled the room, which helped create a very calm and peaceful morning before the big event. My hair and makeup stayed in place all day and all night, and even until the next morning! I woke up, feeling like a movie star! :)
Thank you for everything. I could not imagine doing what you do. You both are true artists with a skill set I would not be able to attempt.
Any questions?
Lizzie V
5.0
12/16/2025
Elana is one of a kind!! I scheduled a makeup lesson with Elana to learn techniques on how to apply stage makeup on my 8 year old for her first dance recital. Her home studio is we...
lcoming, spacious and full of natural light! As we began, she was able to find the perfect foundation match quickly and walked me through everything, step by step. She answered all of my questions and was above and beyond patient with me. The care and dedication she showed during the appointment is unmatched. Elana made the process sweet and fun for my daughter and productive for me at the same time! She is a ray of sunshine inside and out!!! I left the appointment feeling confident! I plan to use her services again and would highly recommend!!
hayley d
5.0
12/12/2025
Elana’s team did a fantastic job on my hair. I can be tender headed and also have thick, unruly hair, but they are always so gentle and get me to whatever look I’m after each time!...
Couldn’t recommend them enough. I’ve also gone to them for makeup and was equally impressed with the attention to detail and quality. They truly take the time to listen to what you want and bring your beauty vision to life.
Kathy D
5.0
12/11/2025
Athina is an incredible hairstylist! She takes the time to listen to what I want and offers thoughtful recommendations that suit me best, while still achieving the look I want.
He...
r attention to detail and technical skill are outstanding, and she delivers results that amaze you at the end! Beyond her talent, Athina is warm, genuine, and easy to talk to, which makes the appointment feel comfortable and enjoyable. I always leave feeling confident and completely satisfied. Highly recommend Athina!!
Elizabeth W
5.0
12/11/2025
I had an amazing experience with Athina! From the moment I sat in her chair, she made me feel completely comfortable and confident. She really took the time to listen to what I wan...
ted and offered helpful suggestions without ever being pushy. The end result was better than I imagined—beautiful, flattering, and perfectly styled.
Athina’s skill and attention to detail are truly impressive, and her warm, friendly personality makes the whole appointment enjoyable. You can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and loves what she does. Highly recommend Athina to anyone looking for a talented and thoughtful hairstylist!
Meghan S
5.0
8/11/2025
10/10 experience with Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair! From the moment I inquired, they had amazing communication and the experience was totally stress-free. Maria and Jessica were phen...
omenal to work with during the trial and the day of wedding! Extremely kind, friendly, and talented. My hair and makeup stayed put all day and night (despite many tears!!) and I received many compliments as did my bridesmaids and mom. Pricing very reasonable. I was so happy to work with them and would absolutely recommend to any other bride!
Emma H
5.0
6/15/2025
Athina styled my hair for my wedding and did an absolutely phenomenal job. She walked me through the whole process seamlessly, from discussing styles and sharing inspiration pictur...
es beforehand to bringing extra products and options for accessories the day of. She worked with my natural curls/waves, which was important to me. I think most brides get decision fatigue by the time they reach their wedding day, and as a particularly indecisive bride, I felt that Athina made it easy to communicate the style that I wanted without knowing anything about hair or being bogged down with details- she really took care of everything meticulously. I could not have asked for a better hairstyle for the wedding or better company getting ready before it!
Katie M
1.0
6/13/2025
I was in tears while getting my hair done for my wedding . I had read many reviews great of Elana Darrus company and seeing wonderful photos to show the great work as well which I ...
assumed I would get as well, however I was extremely disappointed when I did not get the same level of work as I had expected.
When I went in for my trial with Dana, I had a half up look with 2 twists back, the end result was messy and had Bobby pins sticking out a lot, I had assumed this was because it was the trial and we had moved the hair quite a bit and she didn’t need to take the time to clean it up as it was the trial. I was wrong as this was the same result on wedding day. I had decided to simplify my half up look that I did at the trial just a little and one twist per side instead of two, but my stylist questioned me for wanting to change and was resistant of going with a small variation. I showed her a photo for reference and was very clear in explaining and showing her what I wanted. My hair was nothing close to what I asked for, when she first showed me in the mirror what the back looked like I was left speechless and honestly horrified because it was nothing what I asked for and looked like a mess. I had to bring my mom and sister over to help see what she was doing with the back of my hair because she wasnt understanding how to clean up the style and to style it the way i asked. She didn’t listen to what I wanted, did the opposite of what I asked and I was in tears sitting in her chair because I knew that my hair was not going to look how I wanted on my wedding day and had little faith that she could make it look like what I even remotely wanted. Eventually I gave up trying to tell her and show her exactly what I wanted and accepted that my hair wasn’t going to be what I wanted because I was then running out of time and had to continue getting ready. I look back at the photos and am sad and embarrassed about how my hair looked that day.
My bridesmaids and mom also had issues with both Dana and her partner Monika of them not listening to what they wanted and the styles looking much different than the inspiration photos given.
My hair also did not stay secure and pinned up, it fell out completely during the reception and I resorted to putting my hair up myself. I am really disappointed and honestly wish I had done my hair myself, it would have saved me stress and tears on my wedding day and I know I would have actually liked my hair. I am not one to typically write about my negative experiences, but as many are looking for a hairstylist for your wedding day, I want the brides to have the best experience on their wedding day and to be happy, so to proceed with caution when booking. I could not in good conscience ever recommend them to any bride, I don’t want anyone to go through the awful experience that I did on the morning of their wedding.
Ashley S
5.0
12/07/2024
The most genuine and caring people I have ever had the opportunity to work with. Elana and team are so talented. They listened and made my vision into a reality for my wedding day....
They are all so friendly and my bridesmaids loved the conversations and professionalism. One of my bridesmaids immediately booked with Elana for her own upcoming wedding. Thank you Elana, Pamela and entire team for being part of our wedding day.
Maria G
5.0
10/20/2024
Samantha and Pamela were absolutely fantastic! They were complete professionals at the trial and the day of the wedding (not to mention super fun). Everything was reasonably priced...
, high quality, and the communication was incredibly easy. I highly recommend for any and all wedding parties looking for hair and makeup stylists!
Alyssa A
5.0
10/19/2024
I booked Elana and Kim for makeup and hair for my wedding and the entire process was organized, seamless, and relaxing-so important when planning a wedding. Elana did my bridal mak...
eup trial and did an excellent job, listened to my every need and did not rush me. I LOVED how it looked and I normally hate professional makeup on me, she truly enhanced my features. She was even willing to come to my getting ready location for a small fee, only to do my makeup and 1 other individual, where normally MUA/hair stylists would only come if 6+ services were booked. MOG had Kim for hair and loved it! Would book!
Nicole L
5.0
9/25/2024
Friendly, fun, professional, and incredible at their jobs. Elana and her team made me, all my bridesmaids, and mothers look beautiful!! They are also so accommodating. They all mak...
e you look perfect! I immediately recommended her team to one of my other friends getting married and just after the trial she knows she chose the right people. Her and her team are very versatile. Any makeup or hair style you show them, they can pull it off!! Your wedding day is very stressful but hiring Elana and her team is not going to be something you have to worry about or stress over. They make the hair and makeup process so smooth, easy, fun, and carefree.
Christina M
5.0
9/24/2024
Elana and her team were fantastic! They are all so sweet, kind and fun to talk with and they did such an amazing job for me, my bridesmaids, my mom, my sister-in-law and mother-in-...
law. Also Elana’s husband, Anthony, styled my husband’s hair and he also did a great job. We’re very happy and blessed that we had found them and I definitely recommend all brides to hire them!
Liz P
5.0
6/24/2024
Highly recommend working with Elana and her team! Elana was incredibly professional and responsive to emails, and was very on top of all required details! Athina and Kim did an ama...
zing job on hair for all of my girls, and Jessica made everyone’s make up absolutely stunning! Everything was incredibly easy and smooth on the day of, and I couldn’t have had a better experience!
Sonya S
5.0
6/01/2024
Elana Darrus did one of my friend’s weddings and they did such a great job that they were my first choice for my wedding. Elana was an absolute dream to work with. She is so flexib...
le and so warm I cannot say enough good things about the way she does business. Our hair and makeup artists were fantastic! The trial was so easy and they really listened to my input and gave me great suggestions. The morning of the wedding was so well run with no stress. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Arielle W
5.0
12/27/2023
My stylists were amazing! I had a hair and make up trial and on the day of my wedding my stylists were able to make the changes I wanted. I let my hair stylist know that the curls ...
fell out within 5 hours the day of the trial and she knew exactly what to do and on the day of the wedding they never fell! I did have both the makeup and hair stylist come to my venue and they both arrived right on time.
Brittany G
5.0
11/07/2023
Elana and her team are truly incredible and make your hair and makeup visions come to life! They do exactly what you ask for which all of my bridesmaids and I loved! They were so t...
imely and the best team to work with on my wedding day. All our hair and makeup stayed in tact for the whole wedding day!! Highly recommend this team for your wedding day!!
Melissa S
5.0
10/15/2023
We hired Elana Darrus for hair only and we were all very happy with the services. Communication was clear and professional throughout the process. We had Kristin and Maria and ever...
yone looked absolutely stunning. Kristin had done my trial and hair and I couldn't have been happier. All requested adjustments were executed day-of and I felt like an absolute princess for my big day, The best was that my hair did not budge at all even through all the dancing. My 9pm night shots looked as good as if I had just gotten it done. Would absolutely recommend both Maria and Kristin!
Kiara S
5.0
10/04/2023
Elana and her team were incredible! They arrived early, were prompt to set-up and get started. They were very flexible with me adding a few more people for hair and makeup in the l...
ast few weeks. AND all of the results turned out stunning. Everyone gave us complements on how our hair and makeup turned out. We really had a fun morning getting ready and Elana and her team helped us accomplish that!
anonymous u
5.0
9/17/2023
Elana, Athina and team were excellent! They were able to travel onsite to our wedding venue to have myself and the rest of the bridal party get ready in the bridal suite. Each team...
member did an amazing job on both hair and makeup. Everyone's hair lasted all night and make up looked natural and not overbearing. Everyone looked stunning when they were finished!
Nicole B
5.0
8/15/2023
Could not recommend these ladies enough. Such kind and talented women who made all of us girls feel and look absolutely stunning for my wedding. They arrived so prepared and wrappe...
d up ahead of schedule!!! We worked with Kim and Jessica and they were an absolute joy to be around. Highly recommend Elana and her team for your hair and makeup needs. They truly make you look and feel your best. 🤍
Abby S
5.0
7/22/2023
Elana and her team made my girls and I all feel so beautiful! They are extremely talented, prepared with all tools possible, and were able to be flexible depending on if people had...
picture inspiration or just wanted the artist's input. They were also so fast and we were ready ahead of schedule which I've never experienced being in other people's weddings. Elana was communicative, personable, and amazing to work with. I very much recommend them for your wedding or any event!!
Hayley T
5.0
7/18/2023
I couldn't be happier on how mine and my wedding party's hair and makeup turned out! Nicole and Vesna were so friendly and accommodating at both my trial and wedding day. They wer...
e on time and efficient! Elana and her team were so communicative from the beginning all the way to the wedding day and made me feel so comfortable in my choice. I am so happy to have worked with them!
Colleen B
5.0
7/10/2023
Elana and her team are incredibly professional, kind, and talented at what they do! Jessica, Joyce, and Athina did a fantastic job at hair and makeup for my bridesmaids and me. The...
trial was a great opportunity to prepare for the big day and ensure a relaxing morning before the wedding. I highly recommend Elana darrus and her team.
Jennifer P
5.0
7/02/2023
Hiring Elana Darrus as my Hair and Makeup Team for my wedding was one of the best decisions I made in terms of wedding vendors. Elana, Kim (Hair), and Jessica (Makeup) could not ha...
ve been more helpful, professional, or friendly, and I simply could not have been happier with how my hair and makeup turned out on my big day. I have never felt so beautiful, and a big reason for that is Kim and Jessica’s work! All the Bridesmaids looked absolutely gorgeous and everyone was so happy with their look. Both our makeup and our hair lasted the entire day, which is really impressive when you consider we were all on the dance floor the whole night! Do yourself a favor and hire Elana Darrus as your Hair and Makeup Team - you won't regret it.
Charlotte H
5.0
6/28/2023
We could not be happier with the makeup and hair services from Elana's team for our wedding day. Kim, Nicole, Vesna, and Joyce were all fantastic! We had a large wedding party and ...
the hair & makeup team showed up early, did great work, and had us finished ahead of schedule. They really listen to makeup preferences and are able to tweak as needed to ensure that everyone is happy with their work. Would highly recommend Elana and her team!
Elyse S
5.0
6/16/2023
Nothing but amazing things to see about Elana and her whole team! We had four artists total for a group of 8 and everyone was happy with their hair and makeup! They were efficient ...
but not rushed at all. I’m not great at explaining what I wanted so with some jumbled explanations and a few inspo pics I was blown away when Elana did my trial and my makeup looked exactly how I wanted and was envisioning! The same was true the day of the wedding and my makeup held ALL night even through lots of sweat and some tears! Athina did great with my hair and again brought my vision to life perfectly. Cannot recommend enough!!!
Amy G
5.0
5/11/2023
Elana and team were the sweetest group of ladies I have ever worked with! I hardly ever wear makeup so I was a little inexperienced with it all but they truly made me feel so comf...
ortable and transformed me to look my best! They were so personable and friendly towards everyone in my bridal party which led to us getting complimented throughout the entire night on how stunning we all looked. Super affordable too!
Michelle P
5.0
11/14/2022
Booking through Elana was a great experience. My trial run with Rachel went very well and when I modified my vision closer to the day of the wedding, Rachel did a really wonderful ...
job switching gears. I could not have been happier with my wedding day makeup! It was the best make up application I've ever had and one of my bridesmaids immediately came up to me and said, "Michelle, she's good! I've never looked this beautiful!" I would absolutely recommend working with Elana and team and felt the experience, value and quality were so much better than when I've worked with other makeup artists.
Jenny W
5.0
11/09/2022
Sheesh, I don't even know where to begin. I guess I will say I am someone who is very picky with makeup, and I don't wear much to begin with on a daily basis. Elana was one the onl...
y makeup artist I've ever worked with who began our trial with questions such as "how do YOU do your makeup if you are going out for the evening?" This meant so much to me that she cared about my preferences and not just getting the job done quickly & the way she would like. Aside from her kindness and warmth, Elana is an extremely talented artist who has a deep understanding of color, texture, and mixing formulas. Our entire process coordinating with her was extremely smooth and I highly recommend the rest of her team as well. They are all talented, thoughtful women who will make you feel like the best version of yourself! Thank you Elana & team!
Wesley J
5.0
11/20/2021
I am so happy that Elana and her daughter Athena were a part of our wedding day! I am someone who is very particular about my hair and I was blown away by what a wonderful job Athe...
na did with my hair. I even changed my hair style form my initial trial, and she was happy to come out and do another trial to get my hair exactly how I wanted it for my wedding day, and it was absolutely perfect! Elana and Athena are such kind, sweet people, they were such a joy to have while we were getting ready. They also did such a beautiful job on every single one of my bridesmaids. Throughout the planning process Elana was very responsive and flexible which was wonderful as well! I would absolutely recommend Elana and her team for your wedding day!!!
Jessica M
5.0
11/05/2021
I was in a wedding where Elana was the makeup artist and knew I had to have her for mine! Her warm personality alone is totally worth it - she is exactly the kind of energy you wan...
t on your wedding day. I don't wear a lot of makeup and Elana was able to make me feel gorgeous and confident while also still looking exactly like me. I showed her how I normally do my makeup and she elevated that so much. She was also so patient with all of my bridesmaids, mother, and mother-in-law as they specified what they did/did not want day of. I'm definitely going to miss working with Elana! With Elana came Sofia - who I cannot recommend enough! All of my bridesmaids commented on how much they loved her style and her friendly demeanor. Even though each bridesmaid has very different hair, she created a romantic, soft look for each that all went together perfectly. She was soooo patient with me as I wanted to do multiple trials because I couldn't make up my mind. My hair ended up turning out PERFECT and more than I could have imagined. If you are going to use Elana, I highly highly highly encourage you to ask if Sofia is available. I wish her studio was closer to the city so I could have her do my hair all of the time!
Keela S
5.0
10/25/2021
Booking with Elana Darrus for my hair and makeup for my wedding was one of the BEST decisions I EVER made! From the start I knew I was going to have a great experience. From start ...
to finish Elana was VERY responsive and would reply to any questions/concerns in a VERY timely manner! Her communication throughout the whole process was absolutely AMAZING! She made me feel like I was talking to someone I had known for many years!
For my hair I worked Kim R. and she was absolutely amazing! She listened to what I wanted and made my hair look exactly like I pictured it on my wedding day! She was very open about making sure that if there was anything I didn’t like that I tell her because she wanted it to be perfect just as much as I did! :)
Then, for my makeup I worked with Samantha! This was the first time I ever had professional makeup done and I could not believe how beautiful she made me look. She explained everything she was doing and using and why. She is very passionate about what she does and it REALLY shows in her work because she is sooooo good at what she does! She made sure to stay true to what I wanted and I couldn’t
have been happier with how my makeup turned out!
If I ever have another important event that I need my hair and makeup done for I will not think twice about booking with Elana! Absolutely top notch service, you will NOT be disappointed if you book with her!!! :)
Natalie A
5.0
9/10/2021
I hired Elana Darrus for my wedding September 2021. From start to finish, it was a great experience. Elana was very responsive with emails when I initially reached out, as well as ...
throughout the months leading up to the wedding. Something unique about Elana Darrus is that that a deposit is not required until after your makeup trial, which I feel makes more sense than before the trial. This allows the customer to ensure a good fit before booking a vendor for their wedding. This policy made me feel that this company is not just focused on money, but also on the customer and staff experience.
For my trial, Sarah came to my house equipped with a chair, a ring light, and all the makeup and supplies she could need. Sarah reviewed my inspiration pictures and talked with me about what I was looking for. She checked in throughout the process to ensure I was happy with what she was doing. Sarah also recommended lip products for me to purchase for the wedding day when I'd need to touch up my makeup. Sarah is very nice, personable, and great at making you look beautiful for your wedding day!
On my wedding day, Elana and Sarah arrived early so they could set-up and were finished ahead of schedule. They worked seamlessly and efficiently with myself, my 6 bridesmaids, and my mom and MIL. Elana and Sarah executed beautiful makeup for everyone and it all lasted for the entire day, even with a little bit of rain during our pictures. I requested airbrush makeup and it truly didn't feel like there was anything on my face, which was important to me as someone who wears minimal to no makeup daily.
Overall, we had a great experience- from communication, to service, to execution, durability, and affordability- we definitely recommend Elana Darrus.
Thank you Sarah and Elana!! I look forward to working with the Elana Darrus team in December for my sister's wedding!
Grace M
5.0
9/01/2021
Right from the start Elana made me feel like family. She was so warm, friendly, and kind. I instantly felt at ease with her. Elana was also so kind to my mom who was nervous about ...
having her hair and makeup done. Elana listened to what my mom wanted and worked with my mom to get a look she was happy with. I have never felt so beautiful as I did on my wedding day and it was all due to Elana and Athina. All four stylists who came and worked with my bridal party were funny, engaging, and fantastic at their jobs. All of them are artists! LOVED everything about my time with Elana and her girls.
Carly M
5.0
7/20/2021
Rachel (make-up) and Sofia (hair) did an AMAZING job on all of my girls and me!! We were all SO happy with our looks, and our hair and make-up lasted through the happy tears, laugh...
ter, rain, and dancing!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Caitlin S
5.0
7/13/2021
Great place for wedding hair and makeup. For the trial, the hair and makeup stylist came to my house which was convenient. I had 2 trials done and on the wedding day, they drove ou...
t to Wisconsin for my wedding hair. I paid a travel fee, which is common. Highly recommend them. Everything turned out perfect!
Lizzie C
5.0
11/05/2020
Elana and her team are simply the best! I am so grateful that a friend recommended them to me for my wedding. Elana was amazing to work with- so responsive, helpful, and flexible- ...
couldn't have been better! I had Athina (hair) and Jessica (makeup) for myself, my bridesmaids, mom, and MIL. Everyone looked absolutely beautiful and they were so happy with how it all turned out. It was the most relaxing, stress-free getting ready experience. I can't recommend them enough!! Thank you Elana, Athina, and Jessica!
Suzanne A
5.0
12/14/2019
I was so happy with Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair. I knew even before my hair and make-up trial that this was the hair and make-up place for me. Elana and her staff and amazingly ac...
commodating, and they made my bridal party and myself gorgeous for my wedding day. They are also very knowledgeable. I had an outdoor wedding, and both my hair and make-up lasted the whole night. I am recommending them to every bride. Elana was so very easy to work with, accommodating, and her rates are fantastic! Her staff is so very friendly, I felt like everyone knew each other for years!
Megan S
5.0
11/08/2019
After standing up in my best friends wedding and getting to work with Elana and her team and seeing how beautiful the entire bridal party looked, I knew I wanted them to be part of...
my big day someday.
I am so glad I choose Elana and her team for hair and makeup. My bridesmaids looked absolutely gorgeous and they were all raving about both their hair and makeup (which held up despite some rain the day of the wedding!!) Not only are they amazing at what they do, they are amazing people and were so sweet to work with.
From day one, Elana was so communicative via email and I did both a hair and makeup trial which was a fun and good way to test out things prior to the big day.
I would recommend Elana and her team to anyone who is looking for a dedicated, talented, and fun group to work with.
Stephanie R
5.0
10/26/2019
Elana was recommended by my photographer, and I'm so happy I was able to work with her for my wedding! Elana did makeup and Stephanie did hair for my two bridesmaids, my mom and me...
, and it was all perfect. Elana was patient and helpful during my makeup trial when I was indecisive about lip color, and she worked with me to find an alternative to the strip eyelashes we used at the trial because I thought they were a bit too much. She used individual lashes instead and they turned out so well. I don't wear much makeup generally so wanted a natural but enhanced look and she nailed it. I didn't get hair done because mine is short, but Stephanie still helped pin my headband on. My mom's and bridesmaids' hair looked great! She listened to them and made their hair look exactly how they wanted it. We all felt beautiful and our makeup and hair lasted all night. They were both so sweet and easy to work with. I highly, highly recommend Elana!
Mary D
5.0
9/23/2019
I LOVED working with Elana Darrus and her team! I had been in two other weddings that also used their services, so I knew I was in good hands. Hair trial was very easy to set up, a...
nd Mary Jo really listened to what I wanted, even trying out 3 different styles on me. Kelly also did the hair of my mother and mother in law, and they LOVED the simple touches she gave to their short hair. Cannot recommend them enough!
Lauren L
5.0
1/02/2019
I am so happy with how everyone's hair and makeup turned out for my wedding. Kelly was our hair stylist and Julia was our makeup artist, and everything came out perfectly. Not only...
that, but they were a ton of fun to have in our bridal suite all day while we were getting ready. The stylists were friendly, personable and talented, and Elana was very flexible, responsive, and easy to work with. Their rates were also much more reasonable than a lot of the other vendors I found in the area, without sacrificing any quality. I would definitely recommend using this company to anyone planning a wedding.
Laura K
5.0
10/03/2018
Elana Darrus Hair and Makeup was my saving grace for my wedding! I had a few hiccups trying to find a hair and makeup artist, when one of my bridesmaids found Elana Darrus I was so...
relieved! Elana is so sweet and responsive to any question or concern, and the ladies that did our hair and makeup (Pam, Judy and Jessica) arrived exactly on time, listened to what everyone wanted and once they were finished everyone looked beautiful! My hair and makeup lasted ALL day through countless ugly crying and happy tears! Thank you Elana Darrus Makeup and Hair for making me feel beautiful on my wedding day!!
Megan O
5.0
9/25/2018
Bridal party and bride got our makeup done and it was amazing! Bride and a few bridesmaids hair was done by Mary Jo! She is awesome! Elana is amazing at makeup. Such a beautiful to...
uch to our wedding.
Sara C
5.0
9/22/2018
I used Elana for makeup and Jessica M. for hair for myself and my 5 bridesmaids. I absolutely loved Elana's makeup - she kept it natural but made everyone's eyes pop for the photos...
. Whatever lashes she offered looked beautiful on everyone, so I would definitely recommend getting those. Elana also allowed me a second hair trial - I did a poor job of communicating what I wanted initially, and she matched me with a new hairstylist when I was better able to explain the look I was going for. Jessica did a beautiful job with my hair and with all of bridesmaids. I enjoyed working with both of them and would definitely recommend to any bride.
Heather L
4.0
5/02/2018
Elana and one of her hair stylists came to my hotel room and did hair and makeup for me and one of my bridesmaids. Beforehand, there was a cost to have a test run of the hair and m...
akeup. I opted to do a test run of the hairstyle but not the makeup to save money. My experience with Elana was fantastic! Even without the test run, the makeup was beautiful, and her warmth and positive attitude helped start my wedding day well. My experience with the hair stylist was more mixed; the hair styles of myself and my one bridesmaid were beautiful, but she (the hair stylist, not Elana) did try to push hard to get another bridesmaid to get her hair done as well, which I had not requested at all, and seemed hurtful as the other bridesmaid had already done her own hair and it looked lovely. We understand that Elana contracts out to different hair stylists for these sorts of events; my experience with Elana herself was top notch. I recommend Elana wholeheartedly and without reservation, but would suggest making sure to meet with the anyone else she may be working with ahead of time and make sure you are completely comfortable and clear about what services will be included.
Hailey J
5.0
2/20/2018
Elana helped schedule hair and make up for my wedding. She was very good about getting back to me and helping schedule timing for hair and make up on the day of my wedding! They di...
d a fantastic job and would highly recommend them to anyone!
Lindsay K
5.0
11/06/2017
Elana recently did my bridal make-up for me, my bridesmaids and my mom, and she did an absolutely beautiful job! My make-up was perfect and I felt beautiful on my wedding day. My m...
ake-up lasted all day and night. All I had to do was touch-up my lipstick a time or two. Also, my mom and bridesmaids really liked their make-up as well. Elana was so sweet, and truly an artist. She does great work and could not have been nicer to work with. I highly recommend her!
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Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair
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