I’m so thrilled to finally share some of our wedding photos with you. A few sneak peeks made their way onto Instagram, but now that we’ve received the full collection from our incredible photographers, Scott and Kristi Redman, it feels like the perfect moment to let you in on more of the behind-the-scenes details. In particular, I want to talk about one part of the wedding prep that made a world of difference: my hair.
When I first started thinking about the big day, my initial instinct was to keep everything as DIY as possible. But let’s be honest—there are moments in life when putting yourself in the hands of professionals is the best gift you can give yourself. For me, that was wedding hair. I was fortunate enough to work with Matrix stylists, and the experience was not only transformative but also calming in the midst of pre-wedding jitters.
The Trial Run
Months before our wedding, I traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina, to test styles with Danielle Keasling, one of Matrix’s top stylists. That day was a turning point—it was the first time I truly felt like a bride. Up until then, the wedding had been a swirl of logistics, emails, and Pinterest boards. But sitting in Danielle’s chair, chatting about my dress, the venue, the colors, and even the unpredictable October weather, something shifted. I could actually picture myself walking down the aisle.
We tried a handful of looks from Matrix’s Style Link Little Black Book of Styling: Weddings Edition. Each was beautiful in its own way, but we ultimately landed on a soft, romantic up-do. It had that “undone” elegance I’d always loved—structured enough to hold, but loose enough to feel effortless. That trial run gave me so much confidence going into the big day, not to mention it was incredibly fun to play hair model for the afternoon.
The Morning Of
On the wedding day, Danielle and the Matrix team arrived three hours before the ceremony. The energy in the house was buzzing—last-minute decisions, relatives arriving, florists arranging bouquets. While chaos swirled, I tucked away with my mom, sister, and closest friends in my mom’s bedroom, turning it into a little sanctuary of calm.
I actually did my own makeup that morning. Call me strange, but applying makeup is soothing for me, and I needed that quiet focus before stepping into the whirlwind of “I do.” While I worked on my eyeliner and blush, Danielle worked her magic on my hair.
Step by Step: The Wedding Style
Here’s a peek into the process, because I know so many of you love the how-to as much as the finished look:
- The Foundation – Danielle began by setting my hair in loose barrel curls using the Matrix Style Link Heat Buffer and a 1-inch iron. She wrapped each section away from my face and clipped the curls in place to cool.
- Building Texture – Once the curls set, she added Style Link Texture Builder at the roots for grip and fullness, then gently separated the curls with a comb.
- The Braided Up-Do – My hair was parted to the side, and Danielle created a mix of twists and braids from around my face, pulling them back into a low braided bun. The key here was her artistry—loosening, tugging, and reshaping until the style felt organic and relaxed.
- Finishing Touches – She sealed everything with Style Link Style Fixer for shine and hold, then tucked a small comb with fresh flowers into the bun to tie the look to our ceremony florals.
By the time my sister helped me into my dress, I felt completely transformed—still me, but elevated into that glowing bridal version you dream about.
More Than Just Hair
What made the experience so special wasn’t just how gorgeous the hairstyle turned out (though it held strong all night, even through zombie makeup and a late-night pool jump at our Halloween reception!). It was the calm, intentional space the Matrix team created. Being surrounded by the women closest to me, sharing laughter while Danielle worked, gave me a sense of grounding I really needed.
Even Jeff, my dad, and our officiant joined in on the fun—Matrix styled their hair too, and the guys loved it. It turned a practical task into a moment of pampering we all shared.
Inspiration That Lingers
Since the wedding, I’ve found myself experimenting more with braids and up-dos inspired by what I learned that day. On our honeymoon in Tokyo, I wore a braided bun nearly every day—it felt like a lovely extension of my wedding look.
Looking back, I’m so glad I didn’t leave my hair to chance. I can’t imagine how stressful it would have been to figure it out myself, especially seeing how beautifully it all photographed. If there’s one thing I’d tell future brides, it’s this: invest in the right people to help you feel your best. On such an emotional day, having experts in your corner is worth everything.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To the incredible Matrix team—thank you for making me feel not only beautiful but also calm, cared for, and confident. You were such an important part of our day, and I’ll always remember the experience with so much gratitude.
I’ll be sharing more soon about my dress, my final makeup choices, and, of course, the wild fun of our Halloween reception. But for now, I just want to say how deeply touched Jeff and I are by the love and well-wishes we’ve received from our friends, family, and readers. You’ve made this already unforgettable season of our lives feel even more special.
