Oh how I loved my wedding day! I’ve been reminiscing and watching our incredible wedding video this week (ok, truth be told I watch it every week!)… and it made me think that I wanted to share my bridal makeup look with you. One of the most important things to me was looking like myself… I didn’t want to walk through the church doors and have Chris wonder, who is that?! It can be tempting to try new looks and go super glam for the big day, but I feel if there’s one occasion to really be your authentic self, albeit an elevated version, it’s your wedding day. Plus, you want to look back at the photos in 20 years and not say to yourself, “what on earth was I thinking?!”

I love effortless, pretty makeup and wanted to have a soft, feminine bridal makeup look. My vision was to do a bronzed ‘lit from within’ base, illuminated bright eyes with gorgeous lashes, a peachy rosy cheek glow and pretty pink lip stain. When it comes to doing my own makeup, I am quite good at it – but knew my bridal party would love to have someone do theirs. Also to be honest, it was very appealing for me to just sit back, relax and let someone else do my makeup on the wedding day.

I’m a huge believer in referrals, so I asked my super talented wedding hair stylist if she could recommend any fab makeup artists she had worked with on weddings and that’s how I found Kate Dove, makeup artist extraordinaire! After stalking her on Instagram here, I instantly knew Kate was perfect. Seriously, check out her Instagram to see her stunning makeup transformations and reviews on super popular makeup products – such amazing inspiration and tips!

We met a week before the wedding to do a makeup trial (I wanted to do this close to the wedding so we would remember everything) and it was such a fun experience! Kate knows so much about makeup and had the best of the best products in her arsenal. It was amazing to see her work and I was thrilled with how she created the natural, effortless and pretty vision I had.

My bridesmaids were equally in love with their makeup looks too, so much that they’ve asked me since the wedding if they can go to Kate for makeup lessons! I have never found a makeup artist that gave me a look I loved… until Kate. Before this experience, I was always scared to have other people do my makeup, because no one ever got it right and there’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable.

Feeling fabulous and confident in your own skin is what great makeup is all about. It isn’t always about changing your face dramatically, although that can be fun to play with. When it comes to wedding makeup, focus on enhancing your best features and stepping out as an elevated version of yourself. Kate listened and took the time to genuinely understand my vision… she’s amazing! If you’re looking for an incredible makeup artist for weddings and special events, Kate is definitely your girl! It’s also fun following her Instagram here for lots of inspo and pretty photos.

I’d love to hear from YOU! How do you feel about getting your makeup done? Do you like someone doing it or do you prefer to do your own? If you’re married, what vibe did you choose for your wedding day? I’m also sharing the products used to create my bridal makeup look below, including a fabulous spray to make it last all day and night.

With my beautiful sister, Georgia, on the morning of my wedding. Loved our makeup!

In case you’re new here, Style Sessions is live every Tuesday. It’s all about sharing what we’ve been wearing, or if you’re on a budget, a virtual outfit you’d love to wear! Every week I also select someone to showcase as ‘Head Stylist’ in the next edition – it’s a perfect way to meet new bloggers, showcase your personal style and your blog.

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My Bridal Makeup Look – Natural and Pretty Wedding Style

My Bridal Makeup Look:  Estee Lauder Mattifier Shine Control + Perfecting Primer    |    Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Ivory Beige    |    M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer in NC20    |    M.A.C Mineralize Loose Powder in Light Plus    |    Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder (best bronzer ever!)    |    NARS Blush in Deep Throat (my fave blush ever, it suits everyone and adds the most beautiful pop of life to your face!)    |    Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Volume Mascara    |    Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette    |    Estee Lauder Color Envy Lipstick    |    Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (this is incredible for keeping your makeup perfect all day and night!)

 

My gorgeous bridesmaid, Ariella

 

My stunning sister, Georgia, is getting a spritz of the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray to finish her makeup.

My beautiful bridesmaid, Florence, is getting a touch of NARS Blush in Deep Throat.