One very important aspect that is often put off and sometimes even overlooked is bridal makeup. As  a photographer, I can say that makeup should be prioritized in the same category as the venue, photographer and dress. Some may ask why and the answer is simple, the bride is the center of attention for the entire day and makeup can make or break a photograph. Can you imagine looking at a photograph and saying the scenery is beautiful and the bride looks so happy, but what is that shiny spot on her forehead or why does her face and neck look to be two different shades. Believe it or not, I have seen this happen. Sometimes I wish that I could fix it for them before I capture the image but I am just the photographer.

I would encourage brides to ALWAYS hire a professional makeup aritst. Looking at the big picture (pun intended), it is an investment that will be worthwhile each time you look through your wedding book. I recently asked my wife Kelley Woods, one of the most talented makeup artists that I have worked with, in all of her years of experience working with brides, what are a few pieces of advise she could share with a prospective bride who may read this post and she responded by saying,

1. BE VOCAL! Don’t be shy in discussing what you want. Your makeup Artist can’t make it perfect if you don’t tell them what you like and what you dislike.  It’s YOUR wedding day!

2. BE HONEST! about the results. Let him/her know what you liked and what you disliked. You want to look and feel like you, only better.

3. ENJOY being pampered! This should not be a stressful event, it should be relaxing, and assuring that your Wedding Day look  is achieved. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about what brand and type of make-up that works for you.

4. Your make-up should look natural to the naked eye and flawless in photographs. Yes, you may need more than you normally wear… but it shouldn’t feel or look as if it has been caked on. I always ask my brides how their skin feels when I am done with foundation. It should feel light and airy, not heavy.

5. Drink a lot of water! It will hydrate your skin, and your make-up will wear so much better. Don’t start the week before the wedding! Start NOW… 8 to 10 glasses a day.

6. Try to schedule your preview in the morning or early afternoon so you can really see how your makeup will hold up for the rest of the day. This will help you determine if it’s enough coverage and just how well your makeup will withstand the weather.You should only need to touch up with powder and lipstick. Also try to schedule your preview on a day where you will be meeting with someone, or will be around someone who can give you an honest opinion.

Below Photograph Details:

Makeup Artist: Kelley Woods
Bride: Shante Calloway
Location: Sandals Resort, Antigua

Here are a few images that I took at today’s shoot: