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Weddings

About

Northern Waves is a highly experienced and referred ON-SITE wedding, hair and makeup service in the Northern Michigan area. Owner and master stylist, Emily Henning and her team, provide on-site award winning services to your bridal partry on your wedding day.

In addition to Northern Waves, Emily co-owns a salon in Traverse City called Mi Salon where she provides all services pertaining to hair. Not only is Emily just an artist and business owner she is also an educator. In 2018 Emily fulfilled her goal of becoming an professional educator to influence and share her passion of the industry. Totally emerced in beauty industry, success shows where energy flows. Making bridal parties feel beautiful and confident on this day is Northern Waves' main focus.

Experience
Emily has 20 years invested in the beauty industry. She loves keeping up with the latest wedding and hair trends. Recently in 2019, Emily traveled to NYC to take a master formal hair class from one of the industries leading stylist. Always investing in her passion, educating herself and her team allows them to stay excited to work with your bridal party, prides professionalism and passion for our craft on such an exciting day.

Services Offered
This team of expereiced artists works hard to make YOUR vision of beauty come to life on the wedding day.

Offering consultations for hair and makeup trials before your wedding day arrives offers peace of mind

  • Updo/ formal styling
  • Airbrush/standard makeup
  • False lashes
  • Facial THREADING
  • Blowouts
  • Hair coloring
  • Hair extensions
  • Hair relaxer
  • Haircuts
  • Texture services

Please allow Northern Waves to accomodate all your beauty needs for your upcoming wedding day. The honor of being selected is ours we cherish.

  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

What is the base price for blowouts for brides?

$70

What is the price of trial service for blowouts for brides?

$70

What is the base price for blowouts for attendants/family members?

$70

What is the price of trial service for blowouts for attendants/family members?

$70

What is the base price for updos/styling for brides?

$120

What is the price of trial service for updos/styling for brides?

$120

What is the base price for updos/styling for attendants/family members?

$120

What is the price of trial service for updos/styling for attendants/family members?

$120

What is the base price for traditional makeup for brides?

$155

What is the price of trial service for traditional makeup for brides?

$155

What is the base price for airbrush makeup for brides?

$150

What is the price of trial service for airbrush makeup for brides?

$130

What is the base price for traditional makeup for attendants/family members?

$155

What is the price of trial service for traditional makeup for attendants/family members?

$155

Does makeup price include false lashes?

No

What beauty services do you offer?

Consultations

What hair services do you offer?

Blowouts
Coloring
Extensions
Relaxer
Haircuts
Perm
Textured Hair Styling
Updos / Styling
Hair Trial
On-Site Hair

What makeup services do you offer?

Airbrush Makeup
Contour Makeup
Eye Makeup
Natural Makeup
On-Site Makeup
Wedding Party Makeup
Makeup Trial
Fake Lashes

What hair removal services do you offer?

Threading
Waxing

Reviews of Northern Waves

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Northern Waves consistently received glowing reviews for their exceptional hair and makeup services for weddings. Reviewers praised the professionalism, responsiveness, and skill of Emily and her team, noting their ability to create stunning and long-lasting looks. From meeting expectations to exceeding them, Northern Waves was commended for their attention to detail and accommodating nature, ensuring that everyone felt beautiful and confident on the wedding day. Clients appreciated the seamless communication, flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes, and the overall positive experience provided by Northern Waves for special events.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Northern Waves consistently received glowing reviews for their exceptional hair and makeup services for weddings. Reviewers praised the professionalism, responsiveness, and skill of Emily and her team, noting their ability to create stunning and long-lasting looks. From meeting expectations to exceeding them, Northern Waves was commended for their attention to detail and accommodating nature, ensuring that everyone felt beautiful and confident on the wedding day. Clients appreciated the seamless communication, flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes, and the overall positive experience provided by Northern Waves for special events.

Northern
Northern Sent on 07/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating

In response to the 1-Star review


This is Emily, owner of Northern Waves. I do not pay for advertising so I cannot reply to the 1-Star left on my page so I have to do it this way.

Please refer to the gallery to view her beautiful, unedited close-up photos from both makeup trials (her hair is curled in the first trial where the makeup is nearly flawless and blends perfectly without the strip lash being moved or any makeup wiped away-this one she shows in her review below). Her second makeup trial was complimentary (green sweatshirt), and she still chose Northern Waves for her wedding-day hairstyling.
I’m truly sorry you felt the way you did, especially considering the many efforts I (and others) made to resolve the situation. Northern Waves is my business, my passion, and I take everything I do seriously, especially when it comes to professionalism and transparency.
Throughout this process, I consulted with trusted industry professionals for support and guidance. Collectively, we agreed that I handled things with kindness, generosity, and flexibility. I rearranged important personal obligations—specifically, stepping away from a ticketed family event—to be present for your wedding, and I did so without resentment, simply requesting a few hours to arrange childcare, as we discussed. Additionally, I offered to settle for a lower balance than what was originally contracted.
You voluntarily signed a contract, without a trial, fully understanding that it was non-refundable. That policy was communicated clearly and repeatedly.
You were provided with two makeup trials, both of which were beautiful. At no point did I tell you that your preferences or opinions were wrong. However, your screenshots came through blurry, and it would serve no purpose for me to misrepresent that. You also acknowledged not being sure of what you wanted, which made things challenging. Even with inspiration photos, your vision was difficult to interpret—for both the artist and myself. That’s why we offered a second trial, featuring a different look—something we typically do not provide for free, but we wanted you to feel confident and beautiful.
I have a full record of our communications—demonstrating empathy, problem-solving, and multiple solutions (plans A, B, and C). I did everything possible to honor the contract. I remained patient and communicative, even when you asked for an immediate resolution to a significant financial matter. I never gave you an ultimatum—you demanded options, I provided them, and you selected “Option 1” with appreciation.
Regarding the backup artist: You were informed early on that she was attempting to adjust her schedule to accommodate your wedding. This wasn’t a last-minute request—we were both hopeful she could assist. She also expressed that your trial looks were beautiful and questioned whether she could improve upon them.
Our policies around makeup—such as providing your own lip color for touch-ups and mascara for hygiene reasons—were explained in advance. We do provide eyeliner, and your artist has confirmed she never said otherwise. All of this was detailed in the information I provided to ensure everyone was fully prepared.
Payment methods at the time of contract include credit card, Venmo, Apple Pay, or check. Clients are never pressured into a specific option.
Lastly, I was always open to a phone conversation. Every time you called, I either answered or returned your call promptly.
Many of the points mentioned above were discussed well in advance, both verbally and in writing.
My goal has always been to ensure that every person I work with feels beautiful, seen, heard, and supported. I strive to be fair and kind. But when I see an artist working tirelessly—mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally—to make a bride happy, I stand by her as well.
I sincerely hope your wedding day was everything you dreamed of.
Robin
Robin Sent on 09/18/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Emily and her Northern Waves Team were positively amazing!

I contacted Emily and her Northern Waves Team, knowing my Daughter was planning a destination wedding. We were extremely nervous at first because we were not familiar with any of the area vendors. Emily was extremely responsive and transparent regarding the services her Team offered and pricing for on-site hair and makeup. She was exceedingly professional in all her communication and gave a detailed description of hair and skin preparation leading up to the Big Day! My Daughter was a bit anxious on the day of her hair and makeup trial; however, upon meeting Emily, all her fears gave way to laughter and smiles! Emily was very positive. She listened to my Daughter's vision and made her feel (and look!) absolutely confident and beautiful! The wedding day was no exception! Emily and her Northern Waves Team arrived on time and prepared for my Daughter and her 4 attendants. They all had a fabulous morning together, laughing, listening to music, and sharing their stories with the Team. The overall results were truly stunning! The hairstyles and airbrushed makeup lasted throughout a very active night of dancing.
It was quite evident from our experience that Emily and her Team are highly experienced and skilled in the hair and makeup industry. I would highly recommend them for any special event!
Anna
Anna Sent on 12/13/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Great experience!

Northern waves did a beautiful job with hair and makeup for my 10/6/23 wedding at The Homestead. Emily always responded to my questions in a timely manner and was also the one to do my makeup on the wedding day. It looked flawless and was just what I was looking for! She also did a great job with all the bridesmaids and my mom's makeup. Kendra did all of our hair and I was so pleasantly surprised with it - I had a trial with a different stylist who ended up getting Covid and not being able to make the wedding way - so going in without a trial was a little nerve wracking, but Kendra absolutely killed it! She gave me what I was looking for and everything went smoothly. Thank you to everyone involved!
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Awards

92
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Dan and Melissa | Wedding Photographers Dan and Melissa | Wedding Photographers Wedding Photographers

Emily at Northern Waves is a great stylist and very professional. She is wonderful to work with.

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