September 21, 2024 - Annie
Annie came to me in the Spring of 2023 at the Modern Wedding Show in Victoria. As soon as she inquired the following September I was elated. I have never been so excited to read a bridal intake form! She had created the cutest mood boards for the ceremony and reception, and when I saw the picture of her Madison Chamberlain Veil I just about fainted. I couldn’t wait to tell everyone about this booking and visionary bride! This quickly became the wedding of the Summer for me. It was so in line with my message - your wedding is only what YOU want it to be. “Bridal Makeup” doesn’t have to be a certain style to be bridal - it is about you, and feeling your absolute best. No ifs, ands, or buts! It’s so easy for this message to get lost amidst all the voices and opinions surrounding weddings. It’s one of the most personal days of your life, yet everyone seems to have a vision of what it 'should' look like. But in the end, the only thing that truly matters is the couple celebrating their love in a way that feels right to them.
All Photos by Iva Mariia Photo
The thought and effort that went into every detail of this wedding was astounding. There were the most personal, unique touches to absolutely everything. It was very obvious how much love went into planning their special day. The Prestige Oceanfront Resort was the ideal backdrop - a place where the stunning West Coast scenery felt both centering and serene, adding a natural magic to their special day. The planners at The Good Party brought each of these big, fantastic ideas to life with incredible skill and vision. They made every detail feel intentional, creating a day that was as thoughtful as it was unforgettable. It was a privilege to be part of such a memorable celebration.
For Annie’s wedding, I had the pleasure of working alongside another talented artist on my team, Dani. There’s something so energizing about teaming up with another artist - sharing the experience, exchanging ideas, and creating in tandem. Sometimes, bringing in a second artist is a practical choice, especially for early morning start times or to keep things running smoothly as the bridal season picks up. (And yes, it definitely saves your MUA’s back after a long season of bending over brushes!)
All jokes aside, having multiple artists is a fantastic option for a seamless getting ready experience. It means we can dedicate more time and attention to each person, ensuring everyone looks and feels incredible without the need for an early wake-up call. It was such a joy to create together and see everything come together so beautifully for Annie’s big day.
Deerleap Florals absolutely nailed these arrangements! For a fall wedding, the flowers were so lively and vibrant, bringing a burst of color that felt refreshing and joyful. I’m completely obsessed with the whimsical look of those long, elegant stems - they added such an airy, enchanting quality. And to top it all off, they paired beautifully with the veil!
Hair by Taylor Bartel was such a pleasure to work with! I’ll admit, I was a bit star-struck finally putting a face to the name. The wedding industry is funny like that - you can follow someone’s work for years, and yet never actually meet. Taylor's talent and vision brought Annie’s look together beautifully with a loose, effortless blowout curl that felt perfectly her. It was the ideal style for such an unforgettable day.
While this post is, without question, a love letter to Annie, it’s also a reflection of something deeper. Every now and then, you meet someone who aligns so perfectly with your values and vision that it leaves a lasting impression. This wedding was one of those moments - an experience that inspired me to step back and redefine what my ideal client truly looks like.
I've realized my heart is with brides who are unapologetically themselves. Brides who are confident, who know who they are and aren't afraid to let that shine on one of the biggest days of their lives. They don’t fit any mold, and they don’t strive to. They’re bold in their choices, daring enough to walk down the aisle as their most authentic self, whether that means a dash of sparkle, a pop of color, or a look that says, “This is me, take it or leave it.”
In working with clients like Annie, I’m reminded of the beauty in authenticity, in the kind of self-assurance that inspires every choice, down to the finest detail. These are the brides I feel most connected to - the ones who embrace their individuality wholeheartedly and make their wedding day a celebration of who they truly are.
To each and every one of you who dares to be different, who breaks away from the traditional to make your day yours, you are my inspiration.
