What Brides are Saying

"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."

-Nicole

"I would absolutely recommend Rachel Z Riley for hair services to any future bride! Rachel is thoughtful, attentive, quick to respond, professional, knowledgeable, and so warm and friendly.

I felt confident in the service I would be receiving even before my bridal hair preview based on the presentation of her work on Instagram. After my hair preview, I really knew I had made the right choice! She effortlessly created the exact look that I was hoping for. I loved visiting her studio which has been thoughtfully decorated and stocked with refreshments.

Before the wedding, she created a wedding day schedule for me and my bridesmaids to follow. She also sent a very helpful guide for everyone receiving hair services about how to prep for the big day, including clear instructions on how/when to wash our hair, and how to choose a style with a friendly reminder to save inspiration photos and have them handy day-of. This took one thing off of my very full plate and I appreciated it!

On wedding day, she arrived on time and got right to work. Her warm and bubbly personality made everyone feel comfortable, and I know they would all agree when I say I felt like I had made a new friend. She listened carefully to each person when it was their turn in the chair and created a look that everyone absolutely loved.

She stayed on schedule and we were right on time for our bridesmaid photos. Our hair and all accessories (including my veil) lasted ALL day and night, through the first look, breezy conditions for photos and ceremony outside, lots of hugs, and two hours of dancing our hearts out on the dance floor. Finally, she even gifted each of us a touch-up bag to use throughout the night, if needed (we didn’t!!).

We received so many compliments on our hair and we all felt absolutely beautiful. I hated to take it down at the end of the night! For these reasons, I would not hesitate to recommend Rachel Z Riley Beauty to any future bride!"

- Sierra