Real Weddings
Bowing Oaks Wedding Hair and Makeup: Keely's Wedding Morning
Inside Keely's wedding morning at Bowing Oaks — a preview that set the tone, a joyful getting-ready with her bridesmaids, and vows beneath the oaks.
On February 12, 2023, Keely married Adam at Bowing Oaks, a rustic-elegant venue here in Northeast Florida — and her wedding morning is one I still think about. I was Keely's hairstylist, working alongside makeup artist Ashley of Beauty by Ashley Taylor, and together we had the joy of getting Keely and her bridesmaids ready for the day.
A preview that set the tone
Keely's preview session in January is where her wedding look really took shape. We took her inspiration photos and translated them into something that fit her hair, her features, and her venue — so that on the actual morning there was nothing to figure out, only a plan to enjoy. This is exactly what a preview is for: the decisions happen weeks early, and the wedding day gets to be calm.
The wedding morning
Getting-ready hours at Bowing Oaks were full of the things I love most about this work — laughter, stories, and a bridal party genuinely excited for their friend. While Ashley perfected makeup and I moved through hair for Keely and her bridesmaids, the room settled into that easy rhythm where the styling becomes part of the celebration rather than a task before it.
Keely also did something I'll never forget: she thanked us with a personalized recipe book, a small handmade gesture that said more than any review could. It is the kind of thoughtfulness that tells you exactly what sort of bride — and person — you are working with.
Vows beneath the oaks
Keely and Adam exchanged vows surrounded by loved ones under the property's sprawling oak trees, and as evening fell they shared their first dance as husband and wife. Her finished look — styled to last from an early call time through photos, ceremony, and a full night of dancing — carried her through every moment of it.
Vendor credits
- Venue: Bowing Oaks
- Planning: Francesca Cooper, The Eventful Gals
- Photography: Southern Palms Studio
- Florals: Seawalk Custom Florals
- Catering: Chef's Garden
- DJ: ProShow Disc Jockey
- Wedding dress: Love a Bridal Boutique
- Live painting: Melissa Munger
- Makeup: Ashley, Beauty by Ashley Taylor
- Bridal hair: Maureen Ella