A recent bride-to-be wrote this in an email after we met for a makeup trial-run: “You do a great job, and I love what you do, but I really didn’t feel comfortable with it, and as it’s a daytime wedding I’d like something lighter and more natural.  Had a look through your portfolio and this is more along what I’d prefer…” She had emailed through some photos from my portfolio of brides wearing darker makeup than I applied on her…How did this happen?  Here’s my reply: “You’ll be interested to know the makeup on these ladies was – in person – slightly darker/more than the makeup we did in your trial.  This is the beauty of good photography!  And makeup looks softer and more natural on camera, partly because we’re not looking as close-up as you would have been at your own photos.  If we took a photo of your after your trial like these photos, you might look the same – all creamy and natural and gorgeous.” I then explained how I could lighten the makeup for her…Bride’s response: “Ahaha.  Isn’t it funny how we never think we look as good as somebody else.” The problem with using photos […]

If you’re considering using a makeup artist for a special event, such as your wedding (or a super-important ball, school reunion, special date, business function or job interview), here are some tips to how to avoid “makeup meltdown”! Makeup Meltdown: That HORRIBLE realisation you booked the *wrong person* to do your makeup…when it’s too late and you’re stressing out because you’re stuck with bad or dated, old school makeup or a look that is so-not-you. Three must-do’s to avoid a makeup meltdown: 1. When researching a makeup artist to book for your big event, check if they have an online makeup portfolio or pictures of their work on their website.  Look at the pictures and ask: Does the makeup look evenly applied? Does it suit each woman? Is it the makeup that’s dominant, or has the natural beauty of the model been enhanced and highlighted? Does the colour of the face seamlessly match the neck or is it a ghostly couple of shades lighter? Do they show variety and flexibility, ie. can they can do more than one ‘cookie-cutter’ makeup look…or is every face the same? 2. Book a makeup consultation & trial-run before the day. If you’re makeup artist’s […]

I never say I’m booked for your makeup myself, then send someone else on the day. Unlike some business horror stories you might have heard, if you book one of my Lillybeth team for your makeup, you know who you’re going to get on the day!  It’s important to me you know what to expect from your makeup on your wedding day, and you know who will be serving you. Why do I mention this?  Because this is how a local photographer used to do business. 🙁  And I didn’t like it. A couple of years ago in Tauranga there were many surprised and upset brides who had a different photographer turn up on their wedding day with no warning, who they’d never met and possibly not seen the work of.  These couples were adamant they’d booked the owner himself as it was confirmed in their contract and through face-to-face communications.  They’d tell me this after I’d warned them it might be one of his team who shows on the day, but more often than not, my fears for them were realised when a different (though smiling) face showed up at the door and the brides nerves would increase because […]

Want some help to plan your New Zealand wedding? If you’re planning a wedding you might love my FREE WEDDING EBOOK and email mini-series.  I wrote it the eBook and emails for New Zealand brides and couples planning their wedding day OR international couples having a “Kiwi wedding”.  It’s a free subscription.  Bride-to-be’s all over the world are loving it!  It’s a free download it here. In the eBook you’ll find some bonus interactive worksheets to help you inject your authentic personality into your special day. You’ll also get a short email mini-series of even more insanely-good tips and advice to avoid the common mistakes couples make in planning their wedding day. Get yours here! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it’s this veneer – that the designers are handed this box and told, ‘Make it look good!’ That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.