Choosing a Hair & Makeup Artist for Your Adventure Elopement

There are great benefits to choosing a hair & makeup artist who is familiar with what your adventure elopement might actually entail. Unlike a traditional, mostly indoor wedding, an elopement day spent in the mountains presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Despite choosing a more unique approach to your wedding day, you still want to look and feel amazing throughout the entire experience. And the good news? You can.

Not Your Average Stylist

Meet Ashley Easton of A Vow to Artistry— a hair & makeup artist who specializes in adventure elopements and outdoor weddings, sharing the same deep passion for the outdoors that resonates with so many of us. 

Ashley is the type of teammate you want in your corner on your wedding day—always prepared for anything. I once watched her help a couple fix a flat tire while she worked on the bride’s hair!! She’s down-to-earth, kind, and incredibly encouraging, always ready to lend an extra hand to ensure your day goes off without a hitch.

Ashley will enthusiastically wake up at any hour of the night to make sure you’re ready for your sunrise (or pre-sunrise) adventure elopement. And she does it all with a smile. Plus, she can work fully remotely! With cordless curling irons, crimpers, airbrush makeup—she can style you beautifully, even on top of a mountain peak if that’s what you want.

Real (Fun) Adventure Elopement Stories

It’s funny to think of how many times Ashley Easton and I have crossed paths in the middle of the night. One thing I appreciate so much is that Ashley is always up for an adventure. Here are a few fun stories of times we’ve shared together:

• Off-roading to meet a couple at the (very) remote Bonnie Belle cabin
• That time Ashley helped a couple fix their flat tire on their wedding day, of course
• Numerous makeup by headlamp sessions in the middle of the woods or high at an alpine lake
• Countless laughs, smiles, happy tears shared with really incredible eloping couples, like on C & R’s adventure elopement & intimate wedding in the San Juan Mountains
• Seeing a huge moose while doing touch ups

The Secret to Long-Lasting Hair & Makeup for Your Adventure Elopement

Tips and tricks from Ashley herself!

• Hydrate, hydrate hydrate leading up to your elopement. Not only will you thank yourself, your skin will glow rather than crust (although I can fix that)
• Plan accordingly with weather, if it’s going to rain opt for an updo which can withstand complete submersion!
• Hair and makeup can be applied with the ultimate longevity in mind, but you can almost always expect the unexpected on an adventure. I’ll bring complete cordless and portable tools to take care of anything that could happen
• Multiple looks?! Heck yeah! I can style an updo before the hike that I transition into a beautiful flowing down style, anywhere, with my good ole Dyson or GHD
• Don’t be afraid to really dream about what your adventure elopement can look like. I’ve done a 14er with a bride, helping with driving the RZR and directing the day. I’ve cut a bride’s hair after her ceremony at an alpine lake (cosmetologist of 15 years). I’ve even snowboarded alongside a bride down a ski slope – I’m literally here to make things happen!

How the Weather and Location Impact Your Look

A handful of things come into play when choosing the right look for your wedding or elopement, and the weather and location are two big factors.

Here are a few things a hair and makeup artists like Ashley considers before she even arrives:

• Will you be sweating either from a hike or the brutal sun when you’re high in elevation? 
• What kind of attire will you be wearing such as a backpack or jacket? What is exposed? Will that change throughout the day? Ex: hiking attire to low V wedding dress
• Weather – what’s the wind going to be like? Will we combat moisture? 
• Any driving with the windows down after hair & makeup?

The Ideal Timeline for Hair and Makeup on Your Elopement Day

So, how much time should you allow for hair, makeup, or both? Every hair & makeup artist could give you a different answer here, but for Ashley at A Vow to Artistry, here’s how much time to factor in:

Set up time takes at least 15 mins and breakdown time also takes about 15 mins. These factors are often overlooked so remember to always include some buffer time! 

A Vow to Artistry offers two bridal package options which will ultimately aid in determining the time frame.

• Simple hair and makeup: 1 hour roughly per service, so 2 hours total. 
• Luxury hair and makeup: 1.5 hours roughly per service, so 3 hours total. 

Services can be broken up, so maybe you want to do makeup and prep your hair before your adventure and then we complete the look when we’re at your destination!

Hiring A Dream Team for Your Adventure Elopement or Intimate Wedding

The best part about hiring vendors you can trust for your adventure elopement or intimate wedding is that they’ve got everything covered. With vendors who have experience working together, we form almost a team, and that efficiency, confidence, and professionalism will truly help elevate your wedding day experience. Plus, everyone has your best interest at heart—we all deeply want your day to go smoothly and for you to have the best possible time (and capture the most beautiful photos).

As a hair and makeup artist, I’m not JUST a hair and makeup artist. I’m a major support system for your vision and day. Along with any and all aesthetic help I can provide I’m also there to ensure everything is running as smoothly as possible and Amber is able to capture your moments. From holding dogs while you have a ceremony to finding a clear path, I’m your girl! Always ready for an adventure and to provide the ultimate support. 

Ready to Plan Your Adventure Elopement with Us?

Well, we’re so ready to help you! Reach out below to get started.