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Apparently the three most stressful things that can happen in your life are moving house, having a child, and getting married. And yet some people do all three in 12-18 months which makes me quite dizzy. Buying my house last summer during peak wedding season was enough to make my head swim, and I didn't even have to move house!

No matter how exciting planning a wedding can be, and it really can be stressful, these stressful situations require some time off. It's a big life event, and you're already balance many things that come with life - work, relationships, running a house, trying to have down time. Don't let yourself be the one you put to the bottom of the pile.

I can't believe that Becca and Matt had their day a year ago today! Becca had to reschedule their wedding a stonking four times; from April 2020 to September 2020, then to March 2021 and finally September 2021! When they got married there were thankfully no restrictions in place at all and they could have the day they'd always wanted. 

Welcome to the first in an ongoing series of little Q&A-type interviews with my previous wedding clients! I figured these would be useful for future brides-to-be. First up today is Hannah, who married in July 2019 at her home in Lady Bay, Nottingham. 

You know when you get a phone call that just stuns you and you don’t know what to say? That was me when I had a phone call from Andrew Sutherland, Director and one of the head stylists at Sutherland and Barnett; a hairdressing and colour salon. I’d entered a Facebook competition to celebrate the salon’s 10^th birthday, and I won £1000 of hairdressing!

Zoe & Dan got married at The Mill at Rufford Abbey back in May 2021. There were still a couple of restrictions in place, like me having to wear a mask still while working, but as most photos of me at weddings just show the side of my head it didn't really matter!

It's a gorgeous venue, and I was pleased to be back at The Maypole at Wellow to get her and the rest of the wedding party ready before headed over to The Mill for the big 'I do!' and party. 

Being in the business for over a decade, I've picked up so many tips from weddings about beauty preparations before the big day that I'd love to pass on to my brides to be!

We all remember that super hot weekend in September, right? The one with the 35 degree weather? Yeah, that's when Kristy got married! She got ready with her bestie Nikki, and her Mum Sandy at The Mercure in Nottingham, before marrying JP at the The Lord Mayor's Parlour in the Nottingham Council House in an intimate ceremony followed by a meal and a knees up in the evening. It was THE HOTTEST morning I've ever known, but she absolutely kept her cool because she wasn't at all worried about her wedding and had planned the day exactly as her and JP wanted it. 

Remember that it's your day, so do it your way! Do exactly what YOU both want.

Red Robin Cakery is ran by the lovely Sophie, who's been baking for nearly seven years. I've only met Sophie once (during lockdown when she was creating incredible brownie boxes!) but we always seem to end up having weddings together and realise later in the day on Instagram when I see which venue she's been to drop off a cake that morning!

Kirsten and Chris had their festival themed wedding in September 2021 at the wonderful Sherwood Glade. Getting ready at home in Sherwood with her besties and brood, she then drove herself to the wedding at Arnot Hill in her open top car. What a rockstar!

Lottie and Emma got married at the lovely Cockliffe Country House in July 2023. They'd originally planned for 2020, but then EVERYTHING happened and they postponed to 2021. Seeing how things we're in early 2021, they decided to postpone their wedding reception to 2023 so that COVID could absolutely chuff off and they would be safe in the knowledge their wedding celebrations would be as full throttle as they initially planned!

And it absolutely was, but they had damn good reason to celebrate. Not only had they dealt with the pandemic, they relocated back to Nottingham after living in London for 10 years. Lottie also underwent emergency urgent spinal surgery the week of her legal ceremony. A rough couple of years, but these two were ready to let their hair down...!

Lottie and Emma both answered these questions seperately by email so don't know what the other answered, haha!

Where have the last five months gone, does anyone know?! There have been so many tier shifts, restrictions, and lockdowns that I haven't known if I'm coming or going. I know I'm not the only one in the wedding industry (or beauty industry, for that matter) who feels like this. The months have felt never-ending, especially when waiting to hear when we can return to work. I miss being a wedding makeup artist so much! I miss my clients. I got to see some in the latter part of 2020 which filled me with such joy!

One such wedding was with one of my recommended suppliers and super wonderful wedding besties, Mon Amie. We caught up at that wedding and despite not being able to hug as we always do, the warmth from being in her company again gave me such hope. She's a wonderful hairstylist and a wonderful human. Find out more about her, her lockdown, and her wishes for the future below!

(by Twig and Vine Photography)

I've been providing a vegan bridal service for over five years now, and it's been so great to hear from clients that they've booked me specifically because of this service. I've always been staunchly cruelty-free in my makeup kit for nearly 10 years, and I won't use brands that test on animals.

So what does it mean, cruelty-free or vegan?

Hello, lovelies! I'm back to tell you about another gorgeous boudoir makeover day I'm doing with the fabulous Tigz Rice in London's finest art deco bar, Fontaine's on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th November 2022.

I'm bringing back my recommended supplier interviews! There's still a few on my recommended list that I haven't interviewed, so I figured I'd catch a few more for 2023. Starting with the lovely Robyn aka Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing. I wrote about her for International Women's Day too as she's making great waves both in a hairstyling way, winning National awards, and for the LGBTQ+ community in setting up All In Love; an inclusive wedding fair in Lincolnshire. Here's a bit more about her and her business!

Well, this is a bit lovely isn’t it! I've won an award at the Hitched Wedding Awards 2023.

Sarah from Pin-Up Curl is my work-wife! We work on loads of vintage weddings together, and I know that any wedding morning I'm with her, we'll have an absolute blast. I'm gutted that it's now over a year since I've seen her and worked with her, and can't chuffing wait to see her! Here's a little catch-up with her about the last 12 months and her future plans...

(by Shot by Amy)

As we find our way through the rescheduling of many of the 2020/2021 rescheduled weddings, I figured it'd be a good idea to keep a list here of dates that I'm NOT available in 2021. 

If your wedding date is NOT listed below, please contact me to book in your wedding makeup. 

I've known Emma for a bleedin' long time now - over 10 years! I met her on the internet (anyone remembers LiveJournal?!) and we met up in 2006 when I moved to Nottingham. Not too long afterwards, I ended up stealing her from Newcastle and she's lived in Nottingham now for probably 8 years. We have a studio together in Hockley and work together as Flashes and Lashes when we're not shooting weddings. Flashes and Lashes have had to take a back burner in the last 12 months but that's no bad thing because we're both doing AMAZING weddings and sometimes we get to work together too - yay!

I shared this Beyonce retouch photo on my Facebook a couple of weeks ago. I've felt this blog post brewing for a little while, so decided to get my thoughts out after having spoken about it with other industry professionals.

Wollaton Hall needs no introduction; if you live in or around Nottingham, you'll know it! For those who aren't from Nottingham, it's a Grade II listed Elizabethan house within the Nottingham City boundaries and is a little slice of calm. It's home to Nottingham Natural History Museum, two different types of endangered Japanese deer and most famously known for being 'Wayne Manor' from Batman's A Dark Knight Rises.

I've known Jo probably about 9 years now through work, and she's always been a joy to be around. She's so kind and caring, her personality is just infectious and you can't help but feel good around her. I've done her make-up a couple of times for special occasions but when her and long-time boyfriend Damien got engaged, she booked Lucille's Locks and myself ASAP for her wedding makeover team.

It was back in January 2015 that Rozalind Williams contacted me about her idea for a shoot. She wanted to shoot portraits of a model with tense hands clutching onto items such as broken teacups, ripped up letters and scrunched up love letters. It was to be softly lit, warm tones with a romantic feel. She'd arranged for Ash Millman to be our model for the day, having fallen in love with her Cupid's bow and hair colour. And honestly, how couldn't you?!

The glee in my heart when Hannah contacted me to tell me she was getting married and was I available on her wedding day made me squeal at my desk.

Lilith contacted me in very early January this year to book me for her wedding make-up after following me on Instagram for a while. She wanted mega natural make-up, matte shadow and luscious lashes – and so we delivered! We had some emails back and forth about dry skin and irritated peeling lips so I gave her some advice to get her skin in tip-top condition for her wedding day and wedding make-up. She said (and I quote) "Thank you so much for your message and such kind words – I am now about 100000% sure I have picked the right person to do my wedding make up!"

So I know it’s a bit early to talk about Christmas but the time has come, and I’m feeling festive already! Maybe it’s the Christmas adverts on TV or mince pies in the shops or the fact that Baileys in on offer EVERYWHERE! Either way, I’m feeling jolly and in the festive spirit (okay, maybe that IS the Baileys...!) so from NOW until CHRISTMAS EVE at 11.59pm, my 1-2-1 make-up lessons are going to be reduced from £65.00 to £50.00!

I have a lot of transgender clients, providing monthly makeovers for nights out to my one-to-one makeup lessons in order to learn how to apply make-up. There's not much I love more than hearing back from clients and getting photos of their make-up and practice runs.

FAQ

Hey, I'm Sali! If you didn't know I'm a specialist wedding and events makeup-artist with well over 10 years of experience and pride myself on having really high standards of service.

If you're looking for a wedding makeup artist, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that I often encounter that might help you when considering booking me!

Getting to know me! I know that I have been around a long flippin' time in the make-up world, but I figured I'd let you into some bits and pieces about me!

Weddings are a big experience as well as a big expense; you’re in a place you probably won't know that well, wearing a dress and some crazy supportive/restrictive underwear! You probably won’t see your partner until you’re at the aisle, your family may cry, you’ll worry about the flowers/catering/table decorations. Being the centre of attention, everyone is watching you while you’re dancing, eating, crying and speaking. It’s one hell of an experience and can be a stressful one at that!

Emma got married in August 2021 at The Gilstrap, the Newark Registration Office. While we had some worries early in 2021 as to if the wedding would go ahead or not (pesky COVID!) she managed to keep her wedding date as planned and partied hard. Emma's not a big makeup person, and wanted a super light look that freshened her up.

Louise and Luke got married in Elvaston Castle in September 2019. You might have already seen some photos from their wedding day on my blog here, and you'll also recognise Louise from my interview with her as Kickass Gatherings. She very kindly answered my interview questions and so I wanted to share them here, and more images from her gorgeous day! One of the smiliest brides ever, and she also had my lovely vintgae hair pal Sarah from Pin Up Curl on styling duties. 

Starting a skincare routine can be daunting as heck. What order do you do things, what things should I put on - is there anything I can realistically leave out? Do I have to spend all that money? Now I'm no skincare specialist, and I'll never claim to be one. If you've a thirst for knowledge about all things skincare then I wholly recommend Caroline Hiron's Skincare - The No Nonsense Guide - it has incredible advice in it and more knowledge than you could ever imagine! There's also two incredible skincare specialists I recommend in Nottingham if you're looking to get specific help. 

However, here are my tips for all skincare types!

Jen and Josh's amazing wedding day was my penultimate wedding of 2019 but boy, what a wedding!

I'm in love with the colours Jen and Josh chose, and I always know there's going to be amazing photos from Emily & Katy Photography.  I think Julia from Curious Magpie must have had the time of her life, styling the Oxton Village Hall for the big day. Jen had assembled a beautiful team around her for the day; check them all out at the bottom of this very blog :)

Rebecca and Andy were married in June 2022 in the very lovely Abbey Farm, in Lincolnshire. I'd never been up that way before but I do love a roadtrip and it was a lovely day for it! I'm always happy to travel for my clients, just let me know where we're going - have car and passport, and will travel!

It was lovely to work with two of my recommended suppliers too! The lovely Pin Up Curl on hair, and then Andy from SaywellHQ on photography duties. You can see all my recommended suppliers here. 

You might recognise Louise on my blog, as she's been featured a couple of times now - both as a bride and on my International Women's Day blog this year! This time she's here in her professional capacity as a a professional Humanist celebrant, aka Kickass Gatherings!

Mel and Ian got married in October 2021 at Lower Damgate Farm in Ashbourne. They had orginally planned for October 2020 but when lcokdowns got extended, they bumped their wedding day by a year and decided to keep all toes and fingers crossed for the day they had always wanted, just 12 months later that originally planned. 

Hayley and Lisa got married a year ago today! Congratulations my lovelies! I've not blogged about it yet but it's up their for one of my most memorable weddings ever.

Next week is International Women's Day (it's 8th March) and I'm here to celebrate all the incredible women in my area of the wedding industry who drive forward and lift others up. With the theme of #EmbraceEquity here's some of the my personal favourites within my industry that I want to sing about, and are doing things that should be shouted about.

It's just a flick... one little, tiny eyeliner flick... 

SO WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO MAKE THEM EVEN AND POINT THE SAME WAY?!

(photo by Ed Godden Photography, one of my recommended suppliers)

Lucy contacted me in 2020 to book her and Adam's wedding in for 2021, full of hope that the world would've returned to normal. Alas it wasn't, so we shuffled to 2022 and her and Adam did the paperwork earlier. They weren't compromising on their big wedding reception at the lovely Setcops Farm! 

On meeting Lucy, she had two stipulations - she absolutely wanted me to use my Bridal Eyes eyeshadow palette, and wanted a red lip. So, that's exactly what we did!

On the big day, I got her and her three bridesmaids ready super early in the morning as Lucy had some engagement photos done with Adam and their dog Aria before guests arrived. They were super relaxed about their morning and because of it, they just had the absolute best time! As you can see from their photos below :)

I decided early on this year not to do Christmas presents with friends or family, but to donate to some charities close to my heart. I'm going to donate what I would've spent on presents (Framework, CALM, Heads Together and MOAS) and instead of going to be booking in some mates' dates! Exchanging time is far more valuable to me when I'm this busy so I'm looking forward to planning some of them in for the coming months.

Back in August 2018, I did a promo shoot for alternative wedding fair Tying the Nott - the next one is on 25 October 2020! It was a fabulous collaborative shoot with wedding suppliers from all over the East Midlands that were wonderful to meet and a joy to work with. Louise was one of the models for the day, despite having never modelled before and did a great job!

Louise mentioned she was planning her own wedding for 2019, and it was lovely when she got in touch to book me for her big day.

(Louise by Dave Fuller Photography for Tying the Nott)

Mel and Gawin finally got to say their "I dos!" in January 2022, having had to reschedule from October 2020 and February 2021. She married her beau Gawin at Morley Hayes, in Derbyshire.