In general, when wedding make-up is done right, it’s the perfect balance of soft and natural, and professionally flawless. It’s tricky to hit that sweet spot, as one product too many can tip you over the edge into evening-only, and too little can leave you looking bare-faced. Follow our four rules every bride should know to avoid any make-up mistakes on your big day.
1 Stick to what you know
The one day you shouldn’t step out of your comfort zone is your wedding day. If you usually wear a statement cat-eye or love a bit of pink lippy, don’t opt for the opposite just because your make-up artist suggests a look you aren’t familiar with. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your make-up, as this will affect how you’ll feel for the rest of the day.
2 Liven up the lips
With that being said, today is not the day to shy away from lip colour just because you normally don’t wear it. When in doubt, go for a rose shade on the lips, as this gives the illusion of just-bitten colour and flatters all skin tones. We adore the long-lasting colour of Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Sweet Rose (R270)
3 Get glowing
You should already look radiant considering you are marrying your soul mate, but a little extra glow never hurt. Avoid glittery, overly-shiny products as these tend to enhance any imperfections and will leave you looking like an oil slick.
Mix a few drops of a liquid illuminator such as Yardley Radiant Glo Illuminator (R109.95) with your foundation for a lit-from-within look.
4 Pack the essentials
Try find samples or miniature versions of your favourite products to keep in your clutch bag. A translucent powder like Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder (R154.95) will keep shine at bay without drying out the skin.
Stila Convertible Colour Blush in Lillium (R295) is a great choice for a pretty flush in a flash.
Don’t forget your lipstick as you’ll definitely need to reapply after all that smooching.
Photography Andreas Eiselen/HSMimages.co.za, Courtesy images
I bet we all daydream about a honeymoon suite with all the trimmings you see in the movies: petals strewn across a four-poster bed, Champagne chilling on ice, romantic dinners…
Tasha Seccombe is a wedding and food photographer based in Elgin in the Western Cape. She finds beauty in life’s simplicity and has the gifted skill of capturing the beautiful moments shared between bride and groom. WA were excited to find out more about this talented artist.
How would you describe yourself and your work?
I’m a wedding photographer with an absolute love of happy tears, bear hugs, quiet moments and precious memories. You could say the style of my work is classic, crisp, real and feminine
What do you think separates you from other wedding photographers?
I don’t think I am alone in this, but I really feel that what separates dedicated wedding photographers from ‘I just found myself here’ wedding photographers is a real empathy with the emotions of such of personal day, as well as a happy spirit and approachable working style.art
What do you shoot in? (Film, digital/both?)
I shoot in digital format.
What keeps you inspired?
The potential for beauty in everyday moments, plus I’m a self-confessed idealist.
What do you enjoy about living and working in the Western Cape?
Living in Elgin in the Overberg is a real privilege and I love the Western Cape as a whole for its incredible natural beauty and inexhaustible choice of breathtaking backdrops!
Where’s your dream place to shoot?
At the moment it’s a toss up between Iceland and rural south of France.
A tip for couples who are looking for their wedding photographer?
Make sure you LOVE the work of the photographer you pick and feel it reflects something about your personality, rather than making the choice based on price alone. Go through a lot of portfolios and wait until you get ‘that feeling’.
How has being a wedding photographer made you a stronger photographer over all?
Without a doubt it’s because weddings are so fast paced, no-redos, busy and emotion-packed. It’s like a photography bootcamp every weekend to hone your skills and quick decision making. Plus there are a myriad of skills you need to face a wedding day, including strong documentary work, beautiful portraiture, macro and still life photography, flash work and low light photography – all in one day!
How has witnessing so many weddings impacted your life/work?
Wow, that’s a huge question… It’s hard to describe what an honour it is to share pretty much every single moment of one of the most momentous days in a couple’s life. I think it’s given me a deep appreciation for what a big decision it is to choose your photographer.
Favourite image you’ve taken?
It’s so hard to pick just one – some I love for the image itself while others for what was happening at the time. One of my favourites is of my gorgeous bride Ellie (featured), for its simplicity and softness – and that light.
What are looking forward to most right now?
Apart from the cup of Earl Grey tea I’m about to make? I’m looking forward to an incredibly diverse season ahead with weddings across the Western Cape with all sorts of amazing couples, plus working with other suppliers whose work I love and admire.
To get in touch with Tasha, email her on [email protected]. Visit tashaseccombe.com for more of her beautiful work.
Photographs Tasha Seccombe
Words Camilla Marsh & Josey Miller/BBC Travel If you and your partner share a combined love of food and travel, then these foodie destinations around the world are…
How to make a chair posy.
What you’ll need
• Fresh flowers and foliage
• Floral tape
• Floral wire
• Ribbon
• Pins
Directions
1. In this case, we used wild olive tree leaves (Olea africana), a rose (Rosaceae), rosemary (Rosemaryinus officinalis) and trailing amaranth (Amaranthus). If you wish to use more flowers, just make sure you use odd numbers, such as one, three or five flowers, in your posy.
2. Gather your flowers and wrap them together with floral tape.
3. Add your greens (olive leaves, rosemary and amaranth) or whatever filler you have chosen. These can be placed between the flowers or underneath the flowers.
4. Wrap it all together with floral tape and trim the stems if needed. Wrap the ribbon and secure the whole posy with a pin.
TIP: Use the floral wire to support the flower heads if they are drooping
Chair posy made by Floral Affairs. Contact them on [email protected] or visit floralaffairs.co.za.
Plant small flowers to brighten your windowsill, or herbs to add fresh flavour to home-cooked meals. Le Creuset launches its new herb planter, a perfect gift to add…
Perfecting islands for more than 60 years, Beachcomber Hotels is offering unmissable specials on their honeymoon, wedding anniversary and renewal of vowels offers.
For a match that is truly made in heaven, no destination beats Mauritius and Seychelles to create the perfect atmosphere in which to celebrate your life together. Leader and pioneer of the hotel industry in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels owns eight hotels built on the most spectacular shorelines in Mauritius and one exclusive resort on the private island of Sainte Anne, all providing the perfect backdrop for the most romantic time of your life.
Whether you plan an intimate honeymoon or lavish wedding anniversary, Beachcomber’s Romance Collection has something for your taste.
For reservations call Beachcomber on 0800 500 800 or email [email protected]. Visit their website at beachcomber.co.za
