<a href="https://www.laurelstratford.com" title="Laurel Stratford Hair Stylist" rel="home">Laurel Stratford Hair Stylist

Sunday, January 18, 2026

What do I bring to your Wedding day

Your Wedding day is almost here…

There’s been so much planning, so many Wedding Vendors to deal with and you’re hoping it all comes together to make a dream day for you and your Families.

Yes, I am one of your Vendors, I enable your hair dreams to come true. But not only that, I’m part of the morning of your Wedding. The ultimate pamper morning, secret women’s business and the time of trying to keep one’s head together while your body can be running on a weird surrealism or just free fall adrenaline.

I believe part of my job for the morning is about keeping on time for you. I give you a Timeline and work with your Makeup Artist to ensure we have you ready for your Photographer and then to leave for your Ceremony. Most of the time I have you ready at least an hour before that ceremony time and we can make more time if needed for travelling to your venue. It’s often about chatting with those last Vendors to ensure the timing is right but don’t panic you don’t have to make the Timelines we will all do that for you.

The other thing I like to do is keep the morning chilled so you can also be relaxed. To be fair I’m not too sure what it is but I’m pretty calm when I’m doing Bridal Hairstyling. I like to chat with you all and genuinely connect with you. Have a few laughs as that’s always fun. I’m not too worried about your Family, I’m sure it’s as crazy as mine. I know there’s always someone who is struggling with the enormity of the day, it’s a big one eh. So no judgement from me.

I love seeing your wedding gown and all your gorgeous details. I’m a Mother of three boys so your beautiful girly stuff ticks all the boxes for me.

I’m pretty inclusive, I think it’s the Mother of boys thing. I love seeing all the Mum’s involvement. Ask them, include them. Your future relationships are so much easier when you do. I know lots of Mum’s don’t wear makeup or even do their hair. Tell them it’s about the fun of the day, being together and enjoying someone else making the effort for them. They will love it. Invite them to your hair trial as well, then we can chat about their needs. They will be feeling the pressure to be looking good as they will also be in the limelight. Big day for everyone, very special & very exciting.

I love weddings, there’s something about them. So so special. Everything gorgeous. Every wedding is individual, telling a story about each couple, their story, your story…

Contact me to join your story, together we can make some magic…

Vendors: @gregcampbell.photo @katyjanemakeupartist @jessburgesphotography @k.joy.creative @no.10bridal @willows_ranch @wildivyfloralboutique @clauialouismarie @steph.maltby @gownandalter @florainthewild @thepapergazelle

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Saturday, October 25, 2025

Times of Change & Movement…

Am I the only one who feels like there is a lot of change happening right now? Folk seem to be on the move from town to town or City to City.

So although I haven’t moved from Kerikeri but I have moved to a new Salon location. I am so so happy with this move. I am completely independent now and loving it. If you follow my other socials you will see me. I’m working out of Hair by Chris, Kerikeri, with a fabulous group of ladies.

It completely works with the Bridal & Wedding Hairstyling of my business, as well as my Great Lengths Hair Extensions. I’m doing three days on the Salon floor. Cutting, styling, colouring, smoothing & perming and at last some customer orientated styling tutorials. Follow the link to book www.laurelstratford.com/gettimely.com I’d love to work with you and your hair needs.

I have Moroccanoil retail products. I adore these products and have been using them for a while now while styling my Brides in Northland. Beautiful clean products infused with Argan Oil. Their range of Haircare is also divine, clean and sustainable. Designed to give maximum care to your hair.

Touch base with me for any product recommendations.

I have the Chi colour range by Farouk Systems. Again this is a clean colour system. No Ammonia, no PPDs and plant based so also no harm to animals. It been fun to use and I’m enjoying seeing gorgeous colour results with its Hue Definition Technology, Aloe Vera, Silk Proteins & Hyaluronic ingredients. I also have the Royal Treatment ‘Bond Rebuilder’ support system which complements these colours for maximum damage control.

For Smoothing Treatments I have the QiQi (said Kiki) Hair Controller Systems. Three choices here for you. Minimum Control (Frizz reduction), Moderate Control (Curl & Frizz reduction) & Maximum Control (Straightening).

I’ve had a few different versions of Smoothing treatments over time and I’m a big fan. I have a good amount of hair, coloured with a few blondes in there as well as grey around my face. I live in a lot of humidity and these treatments make my life a lot more fun and hassle free. With heat it’s quicker to keep under control, I can still curl my hair or wear it in its natural state. A winner in my books.

I’m back to doing Great Lengths Individual Keratin Bonds Hair Extensions and now their new Essenza Tape-ins. The Keratin bonds are excellent for being almost invisible and filling where you might have thinness like through your sides, lasting 3-6 months. The tapes are a quicker version but with nice thin hair injected tapes, easily moved up every 6-8 weeks. These extensions are traceable, sustainable and very high quality. They feel like your hair. Come and see me to do a consultation for colour matching and suitability.

Anyway that’s where I’m up to. Weddings start for me in a few weeks time and I’m looking forward to bringing the calm, gorgeous hair and fun with me for your big day.

catch you soon

Lxx

#image of me below @twolittlestarfish

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Wednesday, August 13, 2025

From London to Russell…Harriet & John, Dec 2023

This international crew were just so great to work with. I had an early start, which is pretty normal in the wedding season and my first Bridesmaid was so wonderfully English! She started with ‘Can I get you a cup of Tea?’ Loved that!!

All of these women were gorgeous and I had six different hairstyles to do. Full volume in the front on med-thick hair with a half-up style, low bun with side dutch braid on very fine hair, low bun with full volume on the crown on very thick hair, smooth textured side bun on thick hair, low side French braid & side bun on fine-med hair. The Bride had a high smooth bun, with her med-fine hair.

This sort of styling is great fun for me. I really enjoy different styles for a Wedding day, where everyone has a style to work with their individual hair. Different hair types, lengths, colours keeps it interesting.

Thanks Ladies

Lxx

#location @weddingsattheduke #Photographer @jess.burges.photographer #secondshooter @kathyellistonphotography #mua @makeupbyannalisebergman #gown @lunabeabride #flowers @parlourevents_

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Thursday, June 26, 2025

It’s been a while…

Hello again, I thought it was time I popped back on here to say HI and show you a few of the weddings I’ve done over the past little while and not shown you.

But firstly I’d like to introduce myself to you once more.

I’m known as Laurel Stratford-Ellott. I leave the last part off for work as it’s easier, though I’ve been married to Pete for 14yrs now. I have three grown Sons, two are married (oldest & youngest). Two have children, two each, who call me Lala. I live in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand. I travel all over Northland to do Wedding Hairstyling. I average 30-40 weddings a season. Last season was my smallest due to a nasty back injury, where I could only work at half my capacity. So I had an assistant with me for all weddings post xmas except the odd smaller one.

I am passionate about Bridal Hairstyling & also continue to educate myself by going to workshops as well as belonging to an online academy in the Uk. I have even dabbled in education for stylists. I have won a National long hair competition, been a Finalist a number of times as well as placing with highly commended. I’ve competed in live competitions, won a section & then placed 4th in the Supremes for my cutting as part of that comp. I’ve been recognised in the “Bang Style” competitions. Recently I was one of three Finalists for the ‘Wedding Industry Awards NZ 2025’ for hairstyling & business.

I’m currently the ‘Lead creative’ for the Mid North Hospice ‘Battle of the Ballroom’, held every two years. In fact this is the third year I’ve organised it. I lead a team of hairstylists who style 8-12 dancer’s hair for 2-3 nights. So much fun and such a great fundraiser to be part of.

I am also getting ready for a Wedding Expo in Whangarei July 12, the following weekend is a local High School Ball. I also contract in a Kerikeri Hair Salon 3 days a week, just in case you thought hairstyling is all I get up to.

My down time is often spent fluffing around with all things hair, knitting garments or crocheting a temperature blanket (look that one up), seeing the family in Auckland & Hamilton or at the beach in our camper van with our Cat Blue.

My favourite holiday spots are Rarotonga & Perth (visiting Son number two & family), or on a Roadie with Pete & Blue in the Camper van exploring NZ. Next place to see is the Coromandel down to Tauranga.

My aim for Weddings is connecting with my Bridal Party, making hair dreams come true and getting you there on time. It’s as simple as that…oh yeah and having some fun along the way.

Lxx

#northlandweddings #bridalhairstylist #lifeinthefastlane #whoami #lovehairstyling #weddings

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