I quite literally was the luckiest with all of my vendors, Rachel and her team being of the big ones. She did my hair on three different occasions, one for my engagement pictures, my bridal hair trial and then wedding. I asked if we could add glitter to my hair and she was up for the additional ask. She is very easy to talk to and very open to hearing if there is anything you would like to change. My hair is really heavy and I have a good amount of hair, yet none of my hair at the end of the day was out of place even after all the dancing and sweating. My bridesmaids when we started were wanting to do their own hair, but I promised them I found an amazing team and knew they would not be disappointed. Each of the ones that said that to me, after getting their hair done was so thankful she is who I chose. It made the morning of that much easier, it was fun chatting with her and it was not awkward having them around in the morning. I would recommend her to anyone that wants their hair done professionally for any event. Thank you for everything for absolutely everything you have done for us!!

Rachel is SO unbelievably talented when it comes to hair! I was incredibly nervous about finding someone to style the bridal hair of my dreams. Having been in many weddings over the years, I always ask for a similar style- a loose, romantic, low updo. And I will say, I have been disappointed 99% of the time. I have fine, straight hair without a lot of life, and this always shows when my hair is styled. That is, until I met Rachel! I could not believe how amazing she made my hair look at my trial and on my wedding day! While I loved the look of my trial hair, I pivoted slightly on my actual wedding day due to weather and changes in my dress. She listed to the changes I wanted, and was able to execute them PERFECTLY. Rachel exceeded every expectation that I had for what my wedding hair could look like. Not only did she give me the most amazing wedding hair, but EVERY SINGLE PERSON in my wedding party had gorgeous styles and totally RAVED about her skills! Even my mom who has similar hair to mine was given beautiful, voluminous curls and was stunned. Rachel is also the sweetest person and was such a joy to work with. She took the time to understand my hair and discuss my vision prior to even booking her services. If you want to have the hair of your dreams on your wedding day, you need to book Rachel!

How do you write a review about someone who quite literally played one of the most integral parts in creating the best day of your life? How do you put into words the absolute magic and joy that is the stunning Rachel Z Riley? I don’t know. But I’m going to try.

I genuinely did not know that hair stylists like Rachel existed outside of places like Hollywood or Broadway, let alone that I’d find such an artist near my little town in Virginia. Her talent and skill is unmatched and almost unbelievable. My hair has never and will never again look more beautiful than Rachel made it on my wedding day, and I will truly be forever grateful for the forces that brought her into my life. Her work will live on in my wedding pictures for the rest of time, and I will be recommending Rachel to anyone who will listen. She is an artist – a true artist – who creates so much more than simply a bridal hairstyle. Rachel’s work turns brides into princesses, queens, goddesses, and angels. She takes your hair – something that you see and touch and deal with every morning and night – and turns it into the ultimate bridal accessory: the catalyst for looking the best you could ever imagine on the most important day of your life.

Rachel revealed herself to be one of the loveliest, most vibrant, ebullient people I have ever met. From her hair trials with both my mom and me to the morning of my wedding, she truly put everything into making me feel like the most important person in the world. It was so easy to relax and be myself around her – to tell her what I wanted and describe to her my vision. Her loving and kind nature is one to be admired, and her professionalism and expertise are incomparable.

On my wedding day, Rachel and her associate, Jody, arrived perfectly on time and so excited for me. They were a lovely team. Rachel honestly felt like a part of my bridal party as we chatted and giggled and sang along to whatever songs I wanted to hear. She treated my friends like they were already her friends, and she made my best friend/maid of honor’s hair look better than I think she ever knew it could. My bridesmaids looked absolutely perfect, and their hair looked like it was straight out of a beauty magazine. And it stayed that way all day and night.

The updo Rachel transformed my hair into was the most beautiful hairstyle I – or anyone around me – had ever seen. The way she placed each strand so gracefully, so artfully, while showing off the colors and textures in my hair was stunning. My photographer even commented on her skill. My hair looked perfect all night – through the ceremony, the pictures, my parade down the street, the dinner reception and even after dancing the night away.

For those Type A brides, just know that Rachel was perfectly on time to every single meeting and appointment. She responded to my emails with lightning speed, while remaining thorough and precise. The website she uses has a super user-friendly interface where you can view your contract and any other items she shares with you (such as your day-of hair timeline) in just a couple quick clicks all in one place.

For the Type B’s (like me), rest assured that Rachel is kind and understanding. She knows how overwhelming the stress of the wedding planning process can be and doesn’t expect you to know exactly what you’re doing at all times.

I could gush and write forever, but the bottom line is this: if you’re reading this review, you’re incredibly lucky. You’ve found the best bridal hairstylist you could imagine, and now you can stop the exhausting search. Congratulations on finding the perfect bridal hairstylist for you, whoever you are. Rachel was the best wedding decision I ever made, and I’m excited for her to be yours, too.

P.S. If I were you, I’d find out Rachel’s availability, and pick your wedding date only after you know she’s available to book. No – I’m not kidding.