When it comes to choosing a hairstyle for their wedding ceremony, many brides feel pressure to go with traditional looks like sleek buns or big curls.
For decades, wedding hairstyles have often been dictated by trends and Eurocentric beauty standards.
The internet is flooded with countless bridal hairstyle ideas, from cascading curls and sleek updos to flawlessly installed extensions, which leaves many women, especially Black brides, searching for something that aligns more closely with their identity.
But one bride, determined to stay true to herself, changed the narrative; she decided to wear braids on her special day.
Photo: Richard Lui/Lulan Photos Throughout her wedding planning, Erin Jones-Wesley found herself struggling to find a hairstyle that felt right. She scrolled through Pinterest and wedding magazines, but everything seemed too fancy or just didn’t match her style.
Most wedding inspiration focused on styles that didn’t represent her Black heritage, and this made her feel like she was missing something important.
After thinking it over, she realized that she didn’t want to wear something just because it was “traditional” or popular. She wanted her hairstyle to reflect who she truly was. Braids felt like the perfect choice; they were a part of her identity and culture, and they would allow her to feel comfortable and confident on her big day.
Braids had always been an important part of her life. Growing up, they were a way for her to embrace her natural beauty. And for her wedding, she wanted something that represented her heritage. The bride and her husband were blending their cultures on their wedding day, and she wanted her hairstyle to honor her Black roots.
The bride’s decision to wear braids didn’t come without some doubts. When she shared her idea with her friends and family, some were unsure about her choice. They suggested more traditional wedding styles, but the bride knew that no matter what others thought, she needed to choose what made her feel happiest. Her husband was fully supportive, and this encouragement gave her the confidence to follow her heart.
Photo: Richard Lui/Lulan Photos Months before the wedding, the bride-to-be knew she wanted to wear braids, but she wasn’t sure exactly how. After some searching, she found a style she loved; the “Zoe Kravitz braids,” which were sleek and modern. She booked a trial with her hairstylist, and when she saw how beautiful the braids looked, she knew it was the one.
On her wedding day, erin chose to do everything herself, she didn’t hire a stylist or makeup artist. She had experience from her pageant days and felt comfortable doing her own hair and makeup. Styling her braids gave her a chance to connect with the moment and feel more relaxed before the ceremony.
At first, she planned to style her braids into a neat bun, but as she worked, she felt drawn to leaving them down. She let the braids flow naturally, adding a simple bridal headband to give it a touch of elegance.
To make it even more personal, her bridesmaids took pearls from the wedding decor and used them to decorate her braids. The whole process was quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes.
When Erin walked down the aisle, her veil made her look like a classic bride. Her braids were subtle but added a unique and beautiful touch. They didn’t distract from her gown or veil; instead, they made her feel like herself.
At the reception, the bride took off her veil, and her braids became the star of the show. As she danced with her husband, her braids stayed in place, thanks to their simple and sturdy style. They looked beautiful all night long, and the bride felt confident and carefree.
Later on, she decided to change things up and styled her braids into a half-updo with soft waves. It was the perfect look for the rest of the celebration. The beauty of wearing braids was that they were practical, stylish, and comfortable, allowing her to enjoy every moment of her big day.
Photo: Richard Lui/Lulan Photos In the end, this bride’s choice to wear braids was more than just about hair, it was a way for her to embrace who she truly was. It was a celebration of her heritage, her beauty, and her love for her husband.
Her story shows that your wedding day should reflect your personal style, and your hairstyle should make you feel comfortable and happy. Whether you choose braids, curls, or something else entirely, the key is to stay true to yourself.
After all, it’s your day, and you should look and feel the way that makes you most confident.
Photo: Richard Lui/Lulan Photo
