β€œI built Simply Elegant Bridal Beauty on something simple: the belief that how a bride feels on her wedding morning matters just as much as how she looks.”
— Jessica St John founder
A woman with long dark hair and gold jewelry, smiling while holding a bouquet of pink roses, against a plain white background.

Jessica St John

Founder/ Creative Director / Lead Make up Artist

I have spent over a decade doing work I love. Standing beside brides on the most important morning of their lives, building a team I am endlessly proud of, and growing a brand that has become one of the most recognized in the Hudson Valley. The Knot Hall of Fame. Best of Weddings. Those recognitions mean something to me, not because of what they say about my resume, but because of what they say about the standard we have held, year after year, without exception.

I am a licensed Esthetician, Makeup Artist, and Reiki Master. I specialize in regenerative skincare and I have a deep, genuine obsession with beauty longevity. The kind that goes far beneath the surface. Biohacking, cellular health, sauna rituals, skin refinement, the intersection of science and intention. I believe beauty is not just something you apply. It is something you cultivate, protect, and come home to. That philosophy lives in everything Simply Elegant does.

I started this brand because I saw what bridal beauty could be when it was done with real care. Not just technically. Energetically. The presence an artist carries into a room on a wedding morning matters. The calm they bring, the warmth they hold, the intention behind every brushstroke. I built Simply Elegant Bridal Beauty around that belief, and I have spent years finding the artists who share it.

What I have built is bigger than me now, and that is exactly the point. This brand belongs to every artist who shows up with heart, and every bride who trusts us with her day. I am just proud to be the one who started it.

Circular logo with a large letter 'E' and 'L' inside, with the years '2011' and '2020' on the sides.
β€œOver a decade in, and I still believe the most important thing we bring into a bridal suite isn’t a kit. It’s presence”
— Jessica St John

When I’m not working I may be found…

  • Curled up with my Siberian husky Sierra, who is, without question, my absolute best fur baby. Spending slow mornings with my husband and the people I love most. Making memories with my girlfriends β€” the kind that remind you why connection is everything.

  • Dancing. Always dancing. With friends, with my husband, or completely by myself. Dancing is my therapy. There is stillness in movement, and I believe that with my whole heart.

  • Exploring new places, practicing yoga, eating my way through the Hudson Valley like the proud foodie I am, and soaking up every bit of this beautiful corner of New York I get to call home.

  • And then there is the other side of me that my clients love to discover. I am a licensed Reiki Master, and I specialize in regenerative skincare. Beauty longevity, biohacking, sauna rituals, cellular health β€” this is not just a professional interest, it is a full obsession. I am endlessly fascinated by what it means to refine, restore, and care for the skin and body at every level. The science, the ritual, the intention behind it all. To me, beauty has always been bigger than what you see in the mirror, and that belief shapes everything I do.

The Simply Elegant Team Standard

Every artist on this team was chosen for three things: heart, reliability, and the commitment to always do their best. Everything else follows from that.

We are independent artists unified by something bigger than any one of us. A shared belief that this work is sacred, and the people we serve deserve nothing less than our very best.

I built this team the way I wish I'd been invited in, with honesty, warmth, and a genuine belief in what we're creating together.

The Simply Elegant Bridal Artist

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The Simply Elegant Bridal Artist *

Jessica

Founder / Lead Makeup Artist

Ivy

Senior Bridal Stylist

America

Senior Makeup Artist

Bridal Hair Artist  

Hi! I’m  Leanna, a hairstylist for 8 years. I work behind the chair in salon and on location weddings. I love bridal hair and the environment it brings. It is a nice change from salon life which I love as well. I enjoy the  excitement and fun behind wedding mornings and of course the amount of extra glam that goes into it. I have always been artistic and passionate about my craft it is not just a job for me it is something that’s always been in me since I was a kid. The beauty industry has always grabbed my attention and now it is how I feed my artistic side with juggling family life and my career. I’m a mom and a wife but still an artist and the peace that creating beautiful styles brings me I try to bring to every event and every person who I have the pleasure of working on! 

Leanna

Senior Hair Artist  

Hi! I’m  Ivy, With 28 years of experience behind the chair and 25 years as a salon owner, Ivy brings both passion and artistry to every bride’s special day. Although she still love the creativity and connection that comes with doing hair, weekends are now reserved for two things closest to her heart β€” family and bridal styling. A true hopeless romantic, Ivy loves being part of the excitement, emotion, and unforgettable moments that make weddings so special. Her goal is to help every bride feel confident and beautiful on one of the most important days of her life. -XO

Ivy

Senior Makeup Artist  

Hello I am America ! With over 18 years of expertise in the beauty industry, spanning back to 2005, I have devoted my career to accentuating natural beauty. As a former head makeup artist at Sephora, where I spent four years perfecting my craft, I have developed a keen sense of artistry for various occasions, including weddings, fashion shows, and model makeup. My expertise lies in empowering individuals to feel confident and radiant through bespoke makeup applications and skincare treatments. Let's collaborate on a personalized beauty journey.

xoxo

America

β€œWhen we walk into your getting-ready space, we bring calm with us. That’s intentional. That’s the Simply Elegant way.”
— SEB Team

Assistant Artist & Stylist


VIEW OUR BRIDAL GALLERY

TIMELESS & ROMANTIC BRIDAL Beauty

  • "She masters anything from a soft/natural look to a super glam look. She takes her time, yet stays on task. She never lets a client feel rushed, in fact she always leaves each client feeling educated about their skin, gives tips on beauty products, and she tailors each client’s makeup inspiration photo perfectly to THEM."

    -Brittany W

  • "I had wanted a very elegant and natural glow for my wedding and she executed my vision perfectly"

    -Erin M.

  • "Not only was the makeup beautiful but she was an absolute pleasure to have on my wedding day! She was so sweet and kind and so easy to work with!"

    -Danielle F.

  • "I would highly recommend Jessica for makeup I got tons of compliments and felt like a flawless version of myself day of! She listens to exactly what you want and is very professional and talented. She also helped me prep before the wedding with facials,lashes & microblading my skin felt amazing every service I’ve received from her is amazing!"

    -Kristie R.