Whats happened to the blog

A couple of people have emailed this week saying that they are missing the blog, it is still there and I will  get back to regular posting very soon. I’ve been incredibly busy the last couple of months and I just don't seem to have the time to keep it updated. I have Weddings going as far back as July to post so keep watching and very soon normal service will resume.

Make up for your big day

Sandra Cormack kindly agreed to be the guest writer this month, Sandra is a very experienced make up artist and hairdresser so if you need someone to help you on the day of your Wedding then you'd not go far wrong with Sandra. Please check out her website at http://www.scmakeupartistry.co.uk/

Here she offers Brides a few helpfull tips for the big day.

I was delighted when Angus invited me to provide a guest blog piece offering tips and advice for your wedding day hair & makeup and hope that this helps in some small way to looking fantastic on one of the most important days of your life.

Whether you do your makeup yourself or hire a professional the most important piece of advice is to cleanse tone and moisturise your skin and exfoliate with a mild exfoliant daily to slough off dead skin cells. I recommend Dermalogica skin care as they are unperfumed and chemical free (always a good thing!) No matter what makeup you apply, without a good skin care routine your makeup will not look as good. There are other less expensive brands available so shop around to find what suits you best.

Finding a hair stylist and make up artist - word of mouth or blog recommendation is always helpful as you can waste time and money on trials that can be less than satisfactory. If someone has a professional site with a good range of examples of their work then that is usually a good indication of their skills and professionalism. Arrange a consultation with them to discuss your ideas and requirements and discover if they can meet your needs.

Cost
You only get what you pay for! If you want to look your best and have the best products around then it is worth paying for. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and an occasion when you want to look like a princess. I have had brides contact me to say that they have had trials elsewhere and they commented that 'makeup felt tight' on their skin and that they 'looked like a clown'. No one wants to feel like that ever, let alone on their wedding day! Ask what cosmetic products they use; as a freelance professional artist I use many brands such as MAC. Dermalogica, Bobbi Brown, Nars, Laura Mercier, Chanel, Benefit (to name a few). They are expensive but their colours are long-lasting and highly pigmented. Charlotte Tilbury's 'My Face' range at Boots are also very good and split into skin types to make it easy-peasy for you.

The Look
Most Brides don't want to look dramatically different; but a flawless, more glamorous version of themselves. What that may be is individual to the Bride herself; some women's everyday makeup may be winged liner and red lips therefore they wouldn't want to look natural on the day. There is no one wedding day style but it is essential that you feel comfortable with your chosen look and not artificial.


Hair
There are lots of styles to choose from and what will suit you will depend on your face shape, dress etc. Don't worry if you feel your hair is too fine or not long enough, track hair extensions add length and volume and 'doughnuts' also add volume (available from 'Sally's' and other hair suppliers). A large number of brides on my site have hair extensions, the trick is to make sure that they don't look like extensions.


Eye Colours
Violet shades suit most eye colours and are very flattering. Soft bronzes and golds look amazing on tanned skins, while silvers and greys combined together look amazing. Layer shadows and different colours as this will create staying power. To finish, waterproof mascara is a must but despite this it's best to not mascara your lower lashes if they are prone to smudging.

Concealer is important but avoid 'Touche Eclat' on your day as you can end up with a 'Reverse Racoon' eye effect in photographs which is never an attractive look! Aim for a colour that is approx 1 to 1.5 shades lighter than your own skin, tapping the concealer under eyes and remember less is more... I love Bobbi Brown's concealers personally and also Benefit Erase Paste.

Sculpted and highlighted cheekbones and jawlines can enhance your face and look amazing in photographs although avoid frosty or too shimmery colours as they don't photograph well.

Having your photograph taken while you are in the throes of hair and makeup is never flattering and can impact on time. A good tip is to ask your photographer to take pictures after it's done and you and your hair/ makeup artist can pose with brushes etc and is much more flattering.

Trials
Always have a trial at least a month before your wedding and bring along any hair pieces, accessories or veils too.

Never be afraid to ask your hair stylist or makeup artist to try a number of different styles on you if you wish and if you are not completely satisfied at your trial then say so. It's your money and special day and you want to look your very best. A good tip is to collect images of hair and makeup styles you like to discuss and ensure you achieve your desired look. Take pictures of your look and combine your trial with a special night out to obtain feedback if possible.

Lastly, remember it's your day so ENJOY it - with a professional hair and makeup artist you are assured of looking fantastic !

Get Married in a Scottish Castle

If you fancy the idea of getting married in a Scottish Castle, then you are spoilt for choice. Just in the east central part of Scotland there is a huge number of castles where you can have a fairytale Scottish Castle Wedding. 2 of my favourites are :

 

Castle Menzies - This spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society welcomes vistors. Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulant history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746. Architecturally fascinating, it is a splendid example of the transition between earlier rugged fortress and later mansion house.

Birkhill Castle - Set in glorious countryside, right on the coast in North East Fife, Birkhill was built in 1780. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and guests can wander through these and see a number of rare trees and plants. Birkhill is primarily a family home and offers a warm welcome to all that cross its front door.

Other castles to look at are

Guthrie Castle
Dalhousie Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Fingask Castle

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Wedding Photography Perthshire, James and Kelly

Despite the forecast, last Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day here in Perthshire. James and Kelly were to be married in Kinclaven Church on the banks of the Tay then hold their reception in the Paddock behind Kellys Parents home near Snaigow.


The flowers were ready
The Marquee was ready

The flower girls were ready

The Paige boy was ready




The Bride was (almost) ready!

 

 


I think, if the dress had permitted it, Kelly would have been under the table at this point!


The dogs were there in a virtual sense

This was on of (if not the) best first dances I have ever seen



Dont think she was enjoying the band as much as everyone else
And as the sun was finally disappearing over the horizon, it was time for me to leave them to the dancing.

Wedding Photography throughout Scotland

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Cornhill House Wedding Photography, Lynsey and Reuben

For the first time I was in Cornhill house last week where Lynsey and Reuben had decided to tie the knot. What a stunning venue and the staff were excellent. A quick wander round found some nice locations for photography.

I started, as always, in the Brides room.



For a change, I wasn’t the only man in the Brides Room

What a stunning venue and a great day.









I love this shot!

 

 

 

The band were fantastic, easily one of the best I have seen at a Wedding.

Wedding Photography throughout Scotland

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