Product Review – Byron Bay Bronze – Fake Tan

It's 2019 and most people are "sun smart" and therefore avoid harmful sun-baking…because of this, the good old fake tan has become increasingly popular!!! This is true for most of my clients, especially my brides and their bridal parties.The advice I give all my brides is to have a "fake tan trial" at least a few weeks prior to the wedding to make sure you love the colour you end up with on your big day. Most of them do adhere to this advice, thankfully! Unfortunately, however, there is still a minority that end up with a fake tan that is not ideal. Too green…. too orange… streaky… patchy… dirty… smelly….. uneven!

Before the 2019 spring wedding season started, I decided that I was going to find the perfect fake tan to recommend to all my brides. Something that wasn't smelly, that wouldn't transfer onto their gowns, and importantly one that was even and natural looking with no sign or green or orange anywhere!!!!

I did my research. I spent hours reading online reviews and looking at "real life" photos from customers.

I discovered Byron Bay Bronze and didn't find one single bad review… so it had to be good, right?

Byron Bay Bronze's natural and organic ingredients are sustainably sourced and their products are NOT tested on animals. Their tanning products are odourless, easy to apply, and will not stain your sheets or clothes. Their packaging is made from ocean waste plastic and $1 from the sale of every bottle is donated to charities that help enhance our planet.

I purchased two bottles of dark tanning foam, a luxury microfibre tanning mit, and of course a bamboo exfoliating glove so I could prepare my body properly before applying the tan. You can purchase all these online directly from https://byronbaybronze.com.au/

Now, I don't have much experience in fake tanning as I have always been "turned off" by the bad tans I've seen over the years… but I knew I had to try it for myself before I could recommend the product to anyone.

The first thing I noticed when applying the tan was the "instant" colour! I looked tanned instanty! There was also no smell and the product dried immediately. I slept in it overnight on my WHITE sheets, and there was zero transferance. Not even a single stain on my clothing. A quick rinse in the morning and voila! I looked like I had spent a couple of days tanning at the beach! I was so impressed that I decided to go even darker so I re-applied the following evening.

The results – a very natural looking tan with NOT A SINGLE TINGE OF GREEN OR ORANGE! It went on evenly, my hands, feet, elbows and knees look evenly tanned and there are no dirty patches anywhere! I have converted! I am no longer afraid of the fake tan and know that I will be using Byron Bay Bronze fake tan regularly. I cannot recommend this product enough.

This is NOT a sponsored post, and I purchased these products myself.

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Dance makeup

There's nothing like watching your child dance up on stage at an eisteddfod or dance concert. Hair and makeup is often just as important as the costume, and it's important to get it right so each dancer can shine on stage.

It can be very daunting for some parent's (and children/teenagers old enough to do their own makeup) having to apply stage makeup for concerts and eisteddfods, especially if makeup really isn't your forte!

So here are a few tips on how to achieve DANCE MAKEUP that really stands out on stage.

We will start with a before and after photo of the beautiful Isabella. The makeup enhances her features to make them stand out.

before-and-after-bella

BRUSHES: The secret to good makeup is in the brushes. It's worthwhile to invest in a good (but reasonably priced) set as it can make all the difference. Crown Brushes sell good quality brushes at very affordable prices – like this 15 piece set for $35 http://www.crownbrush.com.au/products/brush-sets/set-r15 plus you will need to add this fluffy brush for blending eyeshadow http://www.crownbrush.com.au/products/crown-pro-line/pro-blending-fluff-1

You can also buy affordable brushes at Priceline including the Manicare and Models Prefer brands. The Real Techniques Brushes are some of my favourites!

STEP 1 – PRIMER

Often dancers are required to wear their makeup for an entire day, so it's important to use products that will ensure the longevity of the makeup. Primer is very important for two reasons – it increases the staying power of the foundation, and it prepares your skin for a more perfect foundation application. My favourite primers are the Laura Mercier primers (available from David Jones), but a good budget option is the Face of Australia primer available at Priceline for less than $12. You can buy it here https://www.priceline.com.au/face-of-australia-face-base-primer-50-ml

If you're a teenager with oily skin, use a mattifying primer in the t-zone where the skin is prone to shine. I like to use the Make Up For Ever Step one Mattifying Primer.

Prepare your lips by applying a lip balm like Lanolips or Paw Paw ointment. Exfoliate them often using your tooth-brush (it really helps to get rid of all the dead skin).

STEP 2 – EYES

I prefer to start with the eyes first, especially when doing stage makeup as under the eye area can get quite messy with fall out. This allows me to clean up under the eye before applying foundation for a cleaner finish. It also allows the primer to settle into the skin before applying foundation.

It's important to go over the eye-lid and under the eyes with the foundation you are using. Then, use an eye primer all over the eye lid to create a smooth base and something for the eye-shadow to adhere too. This step will also increase the longevity of the eye makeup and prevent smudging. I recommend the Too-Faced Shadow Insurance eye primer which is available from Mecca Maxima/Cosmetica for $28 http://mecca.com.au/too-faced/shadow-insurance/V-005534.html

The Urban Decay eye primer is also great, not to mention the MAC Paint Pots.

A good budget alternative is the Face of Australia eye primer available from Priceline for less than $9 https://www.priceline.com.au/face-of-australia-stay-on-eye-primer-15-ml

If you don't want to use an eye primer, applying concealer to the entire eye lid can do the job.

Once you've primed, go over the entire lid with a nude eyeshadow. Then, with a small fluffy brush apply a soft brown eye-shadow in the crease, bringing it down to the lash line. With the same fluffy brush, apply a medium brown/taupe to the outer part of the eye lid, making sure you blend it in. Then again, build up the eye-shadow by applying a darker brown and then a black so that the black is the smallest section of eye-shadow on the outer lid, closest to the lash line. Blend the colours in with a clean fluffy brush.

Apply a shimmery gold/bronze eye-shadow to the inner lid, and the inner corner to open up the eyes.

Apply a pearl shimmer shadow to the top of the brow bone just below the eyebrow.

With an angle brush, apply eyeshadow to the lower lash line using lighter colours toward the inner part, and darker shadows along the outer part of the eye, toward the ear.

A good eyeshadow palette with great colours for dance makeup is the CHI CHI Nudes Palette, available from Target for less than $23 https://www.target.com.au/p/chi-chi-glamorous-eyes-palette-nudes/52114243

Models Prefer have some great nude palettes too – available from Priceline.

Clean up any fall-out from the eyeshadow, using a Micellar water on some cotton buds, or even makeup or baby wipes.

Line the top of the eye with a gel or liquid eye-liner, and the bottom lash line also needs to be lined (you can also use a pencil). Stop the bottom eye-liner just short of the outer corner, and bring it out horizontally to open up the eye.

Next, apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes.

Trim your strip lashes to size before applying the glue. Make sure the lash glue is tacky (wait about 20 seconds after applying to the lashes) before adhering to the eye lid. On the outer part of the eye lid, lift the lash in an upward direction placed slightly above the lash line and onto the eye lid, to open up the eye.

I use and recommend Modelrock lashes. The Pick and Mix set are really good value at less than $2 a pair. 212, 259, and 236 are great "stage" lashes. You can buy them here http://www.modelrocklashes.com/categories/bulk-pick-mix-lashes.html

Make sure you press the lashes into your real lashes with either tweezers or your fingers.

eyeshadow

STEP 3 – BASE

Now that eyes are done and your face is primed, it's time for the base. Using a buffing brush, buff a waterproof foundation in a colour one or two shades darker into your skin. I've used a professional brand of makeup called Atelier Paris on Isabella, but you can use something like Revlon Colourstay. The foundation is probably something you should splurge on as it will last you a very long time, and will prevent you having to re-apply. You can purchase the Atelier Paris Waterproof Liquid Foundations through Making Faces Makeup at https://www.makingfacesmakeuponline.com.au/face/waterproof-fluid-foundation

(For all my local dance mums and students, I am available for colour-matching if you would like to order these).

Apply concealer with a smaller buffing brush under the eyes in a V shape, down the nose, centre of the forehead, and chin. I've used MAC Pro-longwear concealer here.

Maybelline also make some good budget alternatives.

base

STEP 4 – CONTOUR / BLUSH / HIGHLIGHT

Once that's all blended in, dust and pat the face down with a translucent powder to set the foundation. A colourless powder is best. I use and recommend the Ben Nye Translucent powder available from Scotty's http://scottysmakeup.com.au/collections/ben-nye/products/tp

Using a Contour powder Draw a line underneath the cheek bone and blend upwards (do a fish face if need be to see where to place the contour powder). Apply and blend also to the temples and down the sides of the nose as well as under the jaw line. I've used the Anastasia Contour Palette on Isabella here, but a great budget alternative is the Models Prefer brand available from Priceline for $10 https://www.priceline.com.au/models-contour-palette-16-g

Apply a rosy pink blush to the cheek bones using a fluffy brush. I've used Nars Deep Throat on Isabella here.

Apply a highlight powder across the upper cheek bone. I have used The Balm Mary Loumanizer here which is the best highlighter I've ever laid hands on. You can purchase this from David Jones http://shop.davidjones.com.au/djs/en/davidjones/mary-lou-manizer or from Sephora for under $30. It will last forever. A great budget alternative is the Models Prefer Brand for less than $11, available from Priceline https://www.priceline.com.au/models-fame-fortune-highlighter-quad-7-4-g

powder

STEP 5 – BROWS AND LIPS

Fill the brows with a brow pencil or an eye shadow one shade lighter than your brow hair (applying with an angle brush). Remember, eye-brows are the frame to your eyes!

Line the lips with a red lip liner, and then fill with a long-lasting red lipstick. You can't go past brands like Revlon Colourstay.

lips

STEP 6 – SETTING SPRAY

Set the makeup using a Makeup Setting Spray to ensure longevity and that the makeup stays on under all those stage lights. I use the Skindinavia setting spray, but a great budget alternative is the Models Prefer brand, available from Priceline for under $15 https://www.priceline.com.au/models-finale-make-up-setting-mist-120-ml

bella

Let the show begin!!!!!

Feel free to email me with any questions at info@makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Product Review from LUXOLA – The Balm Bahama Mama, Betty-Lou Manizer and Mary-Lou Manizer

I recently purchased The Balm Bahama Mama matte bronzer, as well as the Betty-Lou Manizer and Mary-Lou Manizer highlighters.

I've read so much about these products online and thought I would give them a go.

The Bahama Mama matte bronzer is a beautiful matte bronzing powder which can also be used to contour and is great as an eyeshadow. What I love most about this bronzer is that it gives that sun-kissed look without any orange undertones (so there's no risk of looking like an oompa loompa!). The pigment is intense and long lasting. A thumbs up from me!

The Mary-Lou Manizer is a honey-coloured highlighter powder that is also great as an eyeshadow. I love it to highlight the cheekbones, the brow bone, the tear duct, and the cupids bow. It can go on intense, or you can use it lightly. It's not as chunky as a lot of other highlighters on the market but the pigment is super intense! The skin lights up and looks completely luminous with this product! I am really liking it!! Luminous skin and 'strobing' is all the rage at the moment!

The Betty-Lou Manizer is a shimmery bronzer that adds the right amount of shimmer and subtle colour to your face. It is great as a highlighter and gives your skin a subtle glow. Another great product from The Balm.

The verdict – LOVE The Balm products and would definitely purchase again!

Here's one of my client's, Rebecca, wearing all three products.

I purchased all these products through LUXOLA at http://www.luxola.com/au

The service at Luxola was SUPER fast and I got my package within a couple of days.

And the beautiful people at LUXOLA have offered a 15% discount to all my readers – so make sure you enter the code BLX-MAKEUPARTISTRY at the checkout to get your 15% off products!!!!!!!! The offer is valid until 31 July 2015, and cannot be used on the non-discountable brands.

Thanks for reading and HAPPY SHOPPING!

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artist

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Sydney makeup artist, bridal makeup sydney, wedding makeup sydney

Product Review – Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow

I have been lusting after this Charlotte Tilbury face sculpt and highlight duo for ages! The reviews were pretty much amazing, and lots of my makeup artist friends were saying it was a must have in their kits!

I finally gave in and purchased it online from Net-a-Porter for around $100 – you can buy it here http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/418026/Charlotte_Tilbury/filmstar-bronze-glow-16g

After the first time I used it I was blown away!!! No other sculpting powder is as natural and uplifting as this one. And the highlight is so subtle, yet effective. I fell in love instantly!!!

You can see an incredible video of how to use it by the sensational Charlotte Tilbury herself here: http://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/filmstar-bronze-and-glow.html

There are so many over-the-top contour powders and highlighters (and artists!!) on the market at the moment. And anyone who knows my style knows I am just not into that OTT sculpting that looks like mud smeared across the cheekbones, down the nose, and across the forehead! It's all the rage on instagram at the moment, but I think people have forgotten that contouring is not meant to make women look like drag-queens!!! It's meant to softly and subtly sculpt the face… which this Charlotte Tilbury product definitely achieves! The subtle pearl also creates a lovely bronzing effect for that sun-kissed look! But remember – less is more!

The highlighter is delicious!!! It has a golden base that flatters most skin tones. The Light reflective technology captures the light and gives a luminous complexion. And as you can see from the video, it can be used to highlight not just the face, but the decolletage and parts of the body like the arms.

I absolutely love this product and I think everyone needs it!!!!

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

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What do I apply first, foundation or concealer?

I get asked this question all the time – what do I apply first first, foundation or concealer?

There are no real "rules" when it comes to makeup, and everyone does things differently.

I can only offer advice based on what MY preference is.

Generally, if I have to colour correct, I will do that first (so correcting under eye darkness with a peachy corrector, for instance. Or correcting redness with a green colour corrector). I only do this when really necessary and use a small amount of product.

I will then apply the foundation all over the face (I tend to use at least two different coloured foundations on various areas of the face).

Then once the foundation is applied I will then conceal ONLY WHERE NEEDED in a shade close to the natural skin colour. Some people say to go one or two shades lighter than your natural colour, but I prefer to closely match the natural skin colour, and then brighten under the eye with an under eye brightening powder! When applying concealer under the eye, make sure you bring it down into a V like the picture depicts below:

The problem I find when concealing before foundation, is that you are concealing areas where you probably won't need to because the foundation will do a good enough job!

Applying concealer AFTER foundation means you are applying less product, ( saving you money AND you're avoiding excess makeup or a cake face!)

My favourite concealers at the moment include the M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer (pictured below). The M.A.C. Select Cover concealers are also very good:

I also really like the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye (pictured below). The trick is to use the TINIEST amount, however, and to lightly set with a powder:

You can purchase these from PM STUDIO for $39.

My favourite way of applying concealer is with a small fluffy brush like the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush (in the purple eye set) – second from the left, pictured below :

This brush is great for applying concealer under the eye area. A flat brush like the "accent brush" is great for patting concealer onto pesky pimples and blemishes.

By buffing the concealer into the skin as opposed to patting it over the top, it creates a more natural finish! Let's face it, no one wants to have an obviously concealed under eye area!

INSERT BAD CELEBRITY UNDER EYE CONCEALER PHOTO…. (sorry Rihanna!)

Once the concealer is lightly buffed in, I then set it with a light powder like Ben Nye setting powder, and then an under eye brightener like the Laura Mercier Under Eye Brightening Powder.

My favourite brush for setting powders under the eye is hands down the Real Techniques Setting Brush, pictured below:

You can buy all the Real Techniques brushes from PRICELINE

So in a nutshell, foundation first followed by small amounts of concealer buffed into the skin (or patted onto blemishes) and set with powder!

Easy!

If you have any questions you want to ask me, please contact me via email at info@makeupbyrebekah.com.au or via my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MakeupArtistryByRebekah

I am happy to answer any beauty and makeup questions you may have.

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

http://makeupbyrebekah.com.au

PRODUCT REVIEW – Clarisonic Mia Skin Care Brush

Every makeup and/or beauty junkie I know has been raving about the Clarisonic skin care brush for a very long time. With the $250+ price tag, I wasn’t in a huge rush to get it.

So while I was in Hawaii last month on a family vacation (and makeup/skincare purchasing expedition!!!!) I saw the Clarisonic Mia for US$99 in Sephora. In the basket it went, without hesitation. The Mia is the one-speed version of the original (as opposed to three-speed), but that suited me fine. I just had to see what all the fuss was about! (The price of the Mia in Australia is AU$150+)

Straight from the website, the Clarisonic sonic method is explained:

Unlike spinning devices, our patented sonic technology works with skin’s natural elasticity, oscillating at a sonic frequency that produces over 300 movements per second. The resulting flexing action created between the outer and inner brushes work to loosen dirt and oil, removing deep-seated impurities from pores and priming skin to better absorb topical treatments.

http://www.clarisonic.com.au/

I am not exaggerating when I say that I noticed results INSTANTLY! My skin has always been quite dull, with regular breakouts, dry in some places, large pores, super sensitive, with an oily t-zone. If I leave the house I have to at least have some BB cream on to even out the skintone a little as I just hate the look of my naked skin. At times my skin looked and felt like that of a teenager, which was quite depressing for someone in her twenties (ok, ok…. thirties).

I have been using the Clarisonic now for about 4 weeks (together with my new Boscia Skin Care, also purchased from Sephora, which I will also be blogging about at a later date) and my skin has never, ever, ever felt or looked so good. It has transformed my skin!! My pores are disappearing, the texture is smooth, my skin feels and looks radiant, and the breakouts have decreased significantly.

Highly recommend this vibrating little gadget to everyone!!!!

You can buy them here: http://www.clarisonic.com.au/shop-our-products/cleansing-devices

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Real wedding: Kara and Brett – Sydney – 29 March 2014

I had the absolute pleasure of being the makeup artist for Kara's wedding back in March of this year. Kara was the sweetest young lady, and we hit it off from the moment we met. When Kara told me she was getting married in an old dance studio, and walking to the reception with her guests I knew this wedding would be unconventional and unique. These photographs from Lucy Leonardi really capture the rustic charm of this wedding, the beauty of this couple and the love they share.

Congratulations Kara and Brett!

Below, Kara talks about the vision for her wedding, and writes about various Sydney wedding suppliers she used, and her experiences with them.

The vision

When we begun planning our wedding, I started to wish I’d been one of those girls who had been planning my dream day since age five. I had no idea what I wanted! But it all unfolded perfectly with a feel that was just right for us. I would describe it as a modern-vintage garden soiree with a few DIY rustic touches.

Make-up

Choosing the right make-up artist was one of the most important decisions for me. Beautiful make-up can make you feel confident and amazing, but the opposite is true when you feel it’s not right. I wear a full face of make-up almost every day, but I remember forgetting to put mascara on one day when I was going to an event – instead of enjoying myself I felt really self-conscious (and it was only a bit of mascara missing!) I definitely didn’t want to feel like that on my wedding day! I also wanted to look like me – just a little more glamorous!

I am so grateful to the friend who recommended Rebekah. In great frustration I had been telling her of the first trial I had which was a less than positive experience. Meeting Rebekah put all my worries at ease. She asked questions about our wedding, about me, listened to everything and talked through some ideas so she could work my make-up to suit me. We tried a few small variations of lip colour and intensity of eye make-up so it was just right. She was patient and made me feel extremely comfortable and confident in her ability. And above all – I loved my make-up.

On our wedding day she was exactly the kind of person you need in a room – calm, relaxed, warm-spirited. She turned up on time and absolutely professional – she’s also a perfectionist! My Mum and two bridesmaids all whispered separately to me on the day “wow, she’s really good!”

During my trial I had explained to Rebekah that we would be walking over a kilometre from our ceremony to our reception venue and I was worried about my make-up sweating and coming off. I had nothing to worry about – it lasted to the end of the night and it still looked great.

I cannot recommend Rebekah enough – she is so talented, such a professional and a truly lovely person to be around!

Wedding dress

For my wedding dress I wanted something romantic, feminine, a little bit vintage and a little bit elegant. After trying on a few dresses I also realised I didn’t feel comfortable in anything that sparkled too much, or was too full in the skirt – it just wasn’t me! I went for a lace, slimline gown with a chapel trail and a waist belt by Sottero & Midgley, purchased from Abbey Bridal. Not only did it suit my personality and style, it also suited the garden wedding venue. Abby Bridal an extensive collection with something for everyone at prices that won’t blow the budget – I’d recommend stopping in for a look around (although you need an appointment to try on the gowns).

Location, location

Choosing a venue was one of our biggest challenges. I knew I wanted an outdoors element, and Brett’s only request (next to great music) was the option to select our own caterers. We really wanted the flexibility to choose food, beer and wine we liked. We also wanted somewhere fairly central and easy to get to, as a lot of our guests were flying in from interstate and overseas. The combination proved harder to find than we expected! But we came across Lion Gate Lodge in the Royal Botanic Gardens and immediately loved it. It was a blank canvas so we could do whatever we wanted style-wise, and it was surrounded by not only beautiful gardens, but also the city skyline.

Our ceremony venue was a little unconventional – a ballroom dance studio in the St James Trust building, which we initially looked at it as an alternative to Lion Gate Lodge because I was worried about the possibility of rain. The minute we walked into the space though we were really taken by the enormous arching windows, high ceilings, lovely natural light and overall ambience, and decided we would get married there.

Our two venues were on opposite sides of Hyde Park and this worked perfectly for us. We led our guests from St James Trust Building through the park and into the Gardens on one of Sydney’s most beautiful walks, with a musical procession featuring many of our musician friends. We had our ‘formal’ photos along the way!

Catering

We wanted a cocktail style wedding to give people the freedom to move around and mingle with others rather than spend half the night in one spot at a table, but we were very conscious of making sure everyone’s bellies were full with hearty wholesome food. We were extremely lucky to work with friends of ours from the Full Circle community. Full Circle takes a really special approach to food, and believes its something that should be shared and celebrated. They source and cook with fresh in season produce from local farmers and put a great deal of passion into work. Many of their days are spent organising festive food events, secret dinners and pop-up food experiences. We explained the concept of our wedding and type of food and experience we were after, and they agreed it was a good fit. We were absolutely blown away with what they came up with, the menu was divine and received compliments from every corner. I was really grateful for Brett’s insistence and persistence in being able to self cater so we could work with these guys – they really are amazing!

What else I loved

Next to my make-up, I absolutely loved my bouquets – Sevi from Lulu flora couldn’t have made them more perfect. To top it off they were hand delivered by her husband!

I also loved every moment with Brett, but his speech was particularly special – I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room (and my make-up managed to withstand it!).

We had the most wonderful, magical wedding day. I would be lying if I said planning a wedding is not crazy and stressful, but it sure is worth it! We had so much fun; and rare and special is the occasion that you get all of your most treasured friends and family in the same place at the same time; that was the greatest gift.

Suppliers:

Make-up: Makeup Artistry by Rebekah Foxe makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Hair: Sophia

Dress: Abbey Bridal (Sottero & Midgley) abbeybridal.com.au

Bridesmaid dresses: Review review-australia.com

Photography: Lucy Leonardi lucyleonardi.com

Bouquets & Boutonnieres: Lulu Flora luluflora.com.au

Ceremony venue: Step-up, St James Trust Building, Sydney http://www.stepupstudio.com.au

Reception venue: Lion Gate Lodge, Royal Botanic Gardens http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

Catering: Full Circle fullcirclecommunity.com.au/

Wedding Cake: Miss Delish (my talented sister!)

Bomboniere – Cookie Queen Kitschn facebook.com/CookieQueenKitschn

Real wedding: Elisha and Craig – 15 March 2014

I had the pleasure of doing the makeup for the lovely Elisha and her bridal party. Elisha and her friends and family were such a pleasure to deal with, and I wish her and Craig all the best for their future together as husband and wife!

Elisha writes about her wedding, including her Sydney wedding suppliers:

MY FAIRYTALE WEDDING…..

Our theme and vision:
Choosing the theme for my Wedding was a little difficult. l wanted it to have some meaning that reflected who l am as a person.

l ended up choosing a 'Bling' theme, with a black and white colour theme as l thought all these three aspects would work well together. l wanted my wedding to be modern, romantic and elegant, so l went with fresh flower arrangements as the centrepieces for my tables. Along the front of the bridal table l had glass mirrored boxes filled with fresh cream and white flowers and l chose glass cylinders filled with water and floating tea light candles as my bridal backdrop, to create the romantic atmosphere l was after.

Why l chose Rebekah to do my makeup:

l chose Rebekah to be my bridal makeup artist as her work is natural yet beautiful. l didn't want to be a bride covered in thick makeup on my wedding day. l wanted a more natural look, which Rebekah seemed to specialise in.

Rebekah is so professional and has a lovely personality, she knew exactly what l wanted from the start. I was so happy with my makeup trial, feeling absolutely beautiful at my Bridal shower. I knew l had picked the perfect makeup artist for my upcoming special day.

Rebekah takes her time and doesn't make you feel rushed or hurried. She is very hygienic, which l think is very important. My mother and bridesmaids were just as happy with Rebekah as l was. You could really tell Rebekah enjoys her job, and is so experienced in what she does.

l was truly blown away with my wedding makeup and felt like an absolute princess, just like I had dreamed of.

Why l chose the venue:

My ceremony and wedding reception was at Doltone House- Jones Bay Wharf in the loft http://www.doltonehouse.com.au/doltone-house/choose-your-venue/jones-bay-wharf, which is a two story reception room. The dance floor and bar are located downstairs, and the formal dining area is upstairs. Choosing the wedding venue was a very challenging task as we looked at so many beautiful places, but we wanted to have a wedding reception venue that was a little different and unique. When we saw our room at Doltone House for the first time, we looked at each other with a big smile and knew this was the room. The loft had a beautiful outdoor balcony with views of the Sydney harbour bridge in the background. We just fell in love with this venue !

Decorating/flowers/bouquets/wedding cake/candy buffet:

l had only one supplier for all of this and that was "Bling Events" www.blingevents.com.au.

One thing l didn't want was to have to deal with lots of different suppliers. Rather, l wanted to deal with the one person, who knew my theme and taste and knew exactly what l wanted.

My bouquet featured white roses, phalenopsis orchids, and dusty miller, with a diamonte handle and bling sticks scattered in the bouquet.

For my centrepiece's l had preston bailey vases with real white floral arrangements on a mirrored plate with two tea light candles.

Dealing with Bling Events took the stress out of planning my big day without breaking the bank!!

List of our suppliers:
Makeup: Makeup Artistry By Rebekah www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au
Hair: Anastasia's Hair Design
Photography: Paeonia Wedding Photography and Filming www.paeonia.com.au
Venue: Doltone House- Jones Bay Wharf (Loft) http://www.doltonehouse.com.au/
Wedding dress: Two Birds Bridal www.twobirdsbridal.com.au
Flowers: Bling Events www.blingevents.com.au
Wedding Cake: Bling Events www.blingevents.com.au
Bridesmaid dresses: Peter Trends Bridal www.petertrends.com.au
Wedding Cars: Pure Limousines (Chrysler 300c) www.purelimo.com.au
Bridal Jewellery: Peep Toe
Photobooth: Bright Box Photo Booths www.brightboxphotobooths.com.au