Northern Waves On-Site Bridal Stylist

lease refer to the gallery above to view her beautiful, unedited close-up photos from both makeup trials. Her makeup was complimentary, and she still chose Northern Waves for her wedding-day hairstyling. I’ll also include those stunning images. I’m truly sorry you felt the way you did, especially considering the many efforts I (and others) made to resolve the situation. Northern Waves is my business—my passion—and I take everything I do seriously, especially when it comes to professionalism and transparency. Throughout this process, I consulted with trusted industry professionals for support and guidance. Collectively, we agreed that I handled things with kindness, generosity, and flexibility. I rearranged important personal obligations—specifically, stepping away from a ticketed family event—to be present for your wedding, and I did so without resentment, simply requesting a few hours to arrange childcare, as we discussed. Additionally, I offered to settle for a lower balance than what was originally contracted. You voluntarily signed a contract, without a trial, fully understanding that it was non-refundable. That policy was communicated clearly and repeatedly. You were provided with two makeup trials, both of which were beautiful. At no point did I tell you that your preferences or opinions were wrong. However, your screenshots came through blurry, and it would serve no purpose for me to misrepresent that. You also acknowledged not being sure of what you wanted, which made things challenging. Even with inspiration photos, your vision was difficult to interpret—for both the artist and myself. That’s why we offered a second trial, featuring a different look—something we typically do not provide for free, but we wanted you to feel confident and beautiful. I have a full record of our communications—demonstrating empathy, problem-solving, and multiple solutions (plans A, B, and C). I did everything possible to honor the contract. I remained patient and communicative, even when you asked for an immediate resolution to a significant financial matter. I never gave you an ultimatum—you requested options, I provided them, and you selected “Option 1” with appreciation. Regarding the backup artist: You were informed early on that she was attempting to adjust her schedule to accommodate your wedding. This wasn’t a last-minute surprise—we were both hopeful she could assist. She also expressed that your trial looks were beautiful and questioned whether she could improve upon them. Our policies around makeup—such as providing your own lip color for touch-ups and mascara for hygiene reasons—were explained in advance. We do provide eyeliner, and your artist has confirmed she never said otherwise. All of this was detailed in the information I provided to ensure everyone was fully prepared. Clients are never pressured into a specific option. Lastly, I was always open to a phone conversation. Every time you called, I either answered or returned your call promptly. My goal has always been to ensure that every person I work with feels beautiful, seen, heard, and supported. I strive to be fair and kind. But when I see an artist working tirelessly, mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally to make a bride happy, I stand by her as well.

gret not researching more. Since I don’t live locally, I made a special trip for my makeup and hair trial on May 15, and it was shocking. The makeup was heavy, unblended, and nowhere near professional quality. The products felt cheap, and the results were so poor I took photos when getting back to my hotel, which was 15 minutes after leaving, because I couldn’t believe how I looked. When I contacted Emily (owner) with my concerns, she eventually admitted the first trial was “not normal” and offered a second, but only after defending her artist with “better” photos taken farther away in poor lighting. She even implied my photos were old. I sent timestamped images to clarify, and she said she couldn’t read the time. (iPhone to iPhone... really?) The second trial was slightly better, only because I insisted on minimal makeup. It still felt like homecoming makeup from a friend, not bridal professional work. I didn’t feel confident, beautiful, or like a bride. To be clear: I brought reference images and asked for a soft, natural look. After raising concerns again, I was told a different artist could do my makeup, which I agreed to. Less than 24 hours later, that artist was “no longer available.” Emily said she would try and adjust her schedule to be there, but after hearing nothing more that evening, I knew I couldn’t risk it. What if she didn’t show? What if results were the same? The next morning, I canceled makeup and moved forward with hair only. By then, I’d paid $923 via Venmo and $342 in cash. I thought that was more than enough to cover hair for four — especially after my experience. Instead, I met defensiveness. Emily said she’d get back “on Monday” — four days later — with just three weeks to my wedding. When I asked for faster resolution, I was given an ultimatum: cancel and lose all money, or pay an extra $300 in cash for hair only. She then said she no longer felt comfortable providing makeup, which conveniently aligns with her contract’s liability protections. Red flags I wish I had noticed earlier: - Signed contract March 10, no phone call to review details. - Cards are “accepted” but clients are pushed to Venmo or cash.. with bold, highlighted contract sections and reminder texts. Card payments need pre-approval and have steep fees. - April 24, she requested my wedding schedule. I sent April 28 after confirming with photographer. On May 15, less than a month before, I was told stylists had a hard out for childcare, and I was blamed for “not communicating sooner.” - Expected to bring my own eyeliner, mascara, and lip products. For a luxury service, that’s wild. Despite all this, I stayed polite and professional. I genuinely tried to work with Emily in good faith and what I got in return was stress, shifting blame, and a situation that left me feeling taken advantage of. In the end, I paid $1,565 for trail and four day of hair services. Brides: do your research. That contract language exists for a reason, and I suspect I’m not the first bride to be taken advantage of. Don’t ignore the red flags or assume it will just work out. There are many professional, caring vendors who will treat you with the respect you deserve on one of the most important days of your life. Please think twice before booking Northern Waves.

ried going into my trial. All worries evaporated afterwards, as both Sarah and Alyssa took my collages of photos and created a style that was all my own but absolutely in line with the whimsical, romantic look I wanted so badly. When I looked in mirror, I saw "me", nothing jarring or unfamiliar. For my actual wedding day, the application looked natural but held up all night and I noticed it never rubbed off on people's lapels after giving them a hug (I'm short lol). I was told all night how beautiful I looked and all I could really say was "thank you, I feel that way too". As for coordinating my family and bridesmaids, the team also killed it. Everyone got made up on schedule, looked beautiful, and their natural features and gorgeous hair were catching eyes the entire evening. Thank you to the entire Northern Waves team, everything went flawlessly and stayed that way -Kelly

o my makeup on the wedding day. It looked flawless and was just what I was looking for! She also did a great job with all the bridesmaids and my mom’s makeup. Kendra did all of our hair and I was so pleasantly surprised with it - I had a trial with a different stylist who ended up getting Covid and not being able to make the wedding way - so going in without a trial was a little nerve wracking, but Kendra absolutely killed it! She gave me what I was looking for and everything went smoothly. Thank you to everyone involved!

time and didn't let us leave till it was perfect. Highly recommend.

d highly recommend them to all. Easy to work with! She knows her stuff! Thanks again Emily!❤️💕❤️

ld friend. Loved having her as part of our special day. We lost our hair/makeup option at the last minute and Emily saved the day! Even though my daughter didn't get a trial run with Emily - it didn't matter. Everything was perfect. She even made this MOB look lovely. Thank you, Emily, for everything. Worth every penny!! Lisa B. (MOB)

xceptional! Emily has such talent and passion for her work, and truly wants you to be happy and confident in your look. Emily nailed the exact look I was going for on my wedding day, and my hair and makeup held all day in 90 degree sunny weather, even through all of our kissing during photos! I am so unbelievably happy to come across Northern Waves. We had a bridal group of 11 that had airbrush makeup and hair being done the wedding morning. The morning was so laid back and relaxing but all stylists kept everyone on schedule to make sure we were all ready in time. All my girls and moms raved about their hair and makeup even days after the wedding. I have truly never felt so beautiful in my life than on my wedding day! Beyond Emily’s amazing talent, she is a down to earth and hard working mom. She is truly a joy to work with throughout such a busy time with wedding planning. I am so bummed I live in southern Michigan, otherwise I would see her regularly for hair services. Emily, thank you again from the bottom of my heart! I am so happy to have met you! Thank you and your team for being apart of my wedding day!

all 6 ladies an hour early!! My hair and make up we’re in place and flawless from sun up to sun down! She knows her craft very well and if shows!

nd everything stayed put perfectly! Having a hair and makeup stylist come to the venue itself made the morning of my wedding easy and carefree!

e. She made sure everyone was attended to and looked and felt beautiful without imposing any makeup or hair style, just suggesting and going with the flow... I personally look at my photos now and can't imagine even how beautiful and natural she made me look. I looked like myself, only enhanced to look glowing with natural hair and makeup, nothing overdone or theatrical... I feel blessed to have found Emily, my photos and memory of my wedding day were made tenfold more beautiful with her magic touch!

n absolute princess. Her prices are very reasonable, and her work is excellent. I would absolutely recommend her work, without any hesitation!

current trends. With the exception of one up-do downstate, no other stylist has been allowed near my hair. From style to color, I know and trust that her judgement will fit my profile to a T. She is professional, friendly, and loves her profession. She has always taken her job seriously, as she knows that people are judged by their first appearances. She strives for perfection and is highly recommended by me! My wedding up-do was stunning. I didn't even need to bring in a picture or go for a practice styling session. I have that much trust in this woman! As a bride, my hair and make-up were never a stress. I had faith that she would make my hair beautiful. And that is just what she does- with every cut, style, up-do, and several other specialties in her profession.