Folake’s Wedding at the rancho bernardo inn
Being part of a bride’s wedding day is always such an honor, but Folake’s wedding holds a special place in my heart. As a San Diego wedding hair and makeup artist who values eco-conscious beauty, I was thrilled to work with Folake and her four bridesmaids to create the perfect hairstyles for her beautiful day. Her wedding, filled with love, excitement, and meaningful moments, was nothing short of magical, and I’m excited to share a glimpse into that special experience.
Morning Prep: A Calm Before the Celebration
The day started with Folake and her bridal party getting ready at the beautiful Rancho Bernardo Inn. There was a calm energy in the room as we began styling the bridesmaids’ hair. Each of them had their own unique look, from soft waves to elegant updos, and I used eco-friendly styling products to ensure their hair stayed fresh and polished throughout the day.
Folake had such a peaceful presence during the whole process. As I styled her hair into classic Hollywood curls—an effortlessly chic look that gave her an elegant, timeless vibe—she exuded joy and calm, even amidst the typical hustle and bustle of wedding preparations. One thing that stood out to me was how grounded she remained, which I later learned was because she had built moments of intentional reflection into her day.
A Moment of Stillness: Folake’s Favorite Memory
When I asked Folake about her favorite part of the day, her answer touched me deeply. She shared how, amidst the excitement of everyone getting ready, she found a quiet moment to herself to transfer her vows from her phone to her vow book. In that moment, she realized just how blessed she was to be marrying the love of her life.
"I was nervous and excited all at the same time," Folake told me. "I highly recommend finding a quiet place to sit still and meditate or find a way to ground yourself before the festivities." I couldn’t agree more. Taking a moment to reflect and appreciate the significance of the day is so important, and I love that Folake was able to find that peace during such a busy morning.
Managing Pre-Wedding Nerves with Intention
One of the things that stood out about Folake was how intentional she was about managing her pre-wedding stress. Leading up to her big day, she made sure to take care of herself both mentally and physically. "The week before the wedding, I took one last spin class at my local studio to receive all the best vibes," she said. As someone who stays active in her day-to-day life, this final workout helped her channel nervous energy in a positive way.
But it wasn’t just about physical activity. Folake shared that she tried to plan ahead as much as possible so she could relax on the wedding day. Naturally, some things slipped through the cracks (as they often do), but she leaned into the support around her. Her maid of honor was especially amazing, stepping in whenever she sensed Folake feeling overwhelmed.
After the wedding, Folake and her husband treated themselves to complimentary couples massages at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. "I highly recommend it!" she said. It sounded like the perfect way to unwind after such a meaningful celebration.
My Time with Folake: A Personal Connection
What made this experience so special for me was the connection I had with Folake throughout the process. "Dana, you were incredible and made my experience so enjoyable," she shared. "You were easy to talk to during the process and knew exactly the look I was going for." Hearing this filled me with gratitude. As an eco-conscious wedding hair and makeup artist, I strive to create looks that align with each bride’s vision, all while using products that are kind to the environment.
For Folake, the goal was a natural yet sophisticated hairstyle that would complement the coastal elegance of her San Diego wedding. We achieved this by styling her hair into Hollywood curls—soft, voluminous waves that added a touch of vintage glamour, while maintaining her natural beauty. Using sustainable styling products, her curls held beautifully, giving her a radiant, timeless look for her big day.
The Eco-Conscious Touch
At the heart of my practice is a commitment to sustainability. For Folake’s wedding, I used eco-friendly hair products that are free from harsh chemicals, making sure her look was not only stunning but also aligned with the eco-conscious values we both care about. From reusable styling tools to minimal packaging, each choice was made with the environment in mind, which added a layer of intentionality to the day.
A Lasting Memory
Folake’s wedding was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. Being part of such an intimate and special day is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Seeing the joy on Folake’s face as she walked down the aisle, her Hollywood curls perfectly framing her glowing smile, was a moment I won’t soon forget.
To all future brides, I encourage you to take Folake’s advice to heart: Find a quiet moment to reflect, surround yourself with support, and take care of yourself both before and after your big day. When you do, everything else falls into place—just like it did for Folake.
Her day was filled with love, beauty, and a commitment to sustainability—a combination that makes for an unforgettable wedding experience.
Photos: Haley Wilde Photography
