"My best piece of advice for engaged couples is to find a moment to take in your wedding day together. I can't believe it's been fifteen years since ours, and July 1, 2006, is filled with so many happy memories for my husband David and me. We chose to get married in a tiny French medieval town called Cordes-sur-Ciel, and our guests flew in for a few days of festivities that included an authentic bull tournament in the village square! On the big day, we were married in a Catholic church and then migrated to an old chateau for dinner, dancing, and lots of champagne.
My bridal look was inspired a bit by our location, and when I met with Serge Normant—a close friend of mine—for hair, I said I wanted to look like Lady Marian from Robin Hood. He braided some pieces, added length with extensions, and I wore a beautiful headpiece made of twigs and light pink porcelain roses. My dress was by an LA-based designer Claire Pettibone, which had a really long train. I felt like I was walking on clouds.
As a makeup artist, I'm often asked about the perfect wedding look, and to me, that's looking like the very best version of yourself. Since our wedding colors were chocolate brown and pinks, I used a matte brown eyeshadow, a rosy blush on the apples of my cheeks, a touch of waterproof mascara to last in the heat, and a lip color that boosted natural tone. I played off my skin's natural tan, which isn't too different from how I always apply Beauty Butter Bronzer now! If I were to recreate the look today, other picks would be our Les Jours eyeshadow palette, Baby Cheeks Blush in Petal, and Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm in Garçonne. The key to timeless makeup you'll love forever is enhancing your natural beauty rather than a big, sudden transformation. Your spouse is marrying you for you!
My extra tips for brides includes having a friend pack a small bag of essentials like setting powder or foundation for touch-ups. With great application, that's all you'll really need. And when scouting a makeup artist, take a look at their work beforehand to make sure the aesthetic resonates with you. It's always helpful to show photos or references that articulate your vision.
On your wedding day, there's so much adrenaline and endorphins kicking in, and I think that joy translates into looking extra beautiful no matter what! Try not to sweat the small stuff—trust me it all works out. I'm so grateful to be celebrating this milestone with my best friend."
Looking for custom wedding makeup recommendations? Schedule a complimentary Clean Beauty Concierge session like Parisian bride Sofia Nebiolo did for her big day. Our Westman Atelier makeup artists are here to help with all your beauty needs.
