Your make-up is arguably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day – besides your dress and hubby-to-be, of course. There are a number of questions you should ask your bridal make-up artist, and once having had them answered confidentially, you can have peace of mind.

1. CAN I BOOK A TRIAL BEFOREHAND?

This is essential since it will give you the opportunity to tell the artist exactly what you do and don’t like. You’ll also be able to see how your make-up will look on your wedding day; if you’re happy, they’re hired! Make sure you book a few months in advance and ask for a trial guideline – the artist will be able to provide this in full detail.

2. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY?

We all know that life happens, but on your big day, you need complete peace of mind. Find out if your artist has a solid cancellation policy should there be an emergency on her side. Will there be a backup plan in terms of an assistant or another artist attending on her behalf? What is their policy regarding a refund? What if the artist is late? All of the above need to be answered by the artist in the form of a contract. If not, think twice.

3. DO YOU WORK ALONE OR WITH A TEAM OF ASSISTANTS?

If you and your entire bridal party need to be done and dusted (or powdered, rather) by a certain time, ask the artist if she will have some capable hands to jump in and help. You can also ask her to set up a timeline for you, with each member of your retinue assigned to a specific artist and the time they need to be ready. This will help the process run more smoothly, and everyone will feel much more relaxed.

4. CAN I USE SOME OF MY OWN PRODUCTS?

Make-up artists usually use their own products and tools, but if you have particularly sensitive skin or are allergic to anything specific, ask the artist to use some of your own trustworthy products that you are comfortable with. Make sure you let them know during your trial so that they can also plan accordingly.

5. DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES I CAN LOOK AT?

This is purely for you to see what the artist is capable of, or particularly good at. If her other work photographs well, you can be sure yours will look good too. If they don’t have anything to show you, be wary. You won’t have any ideas as to their skill level, even if you’re still in the trial phase.

Photography: pinterest.com

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