Choosing my make up artist was as important to me as picking the right dress. Make Up is a major love of mine and it just had to be perfect.

Following on from my first trial last April, I just wasn’t happy with the end look. I was surprised the MUA used Mac Face & Body for bridal as I don’t believe it has the coverage or longevity needed for a wedding day. It was back to the drawing board…

I went to school with Alyson, she was the year above me and while flicking through her previous brides looks on her Facebook page gallery, I found EXACTLY what I wanted. The previous bride had similar colouring, features & even a Stephanie Allin dress

So naturally she was my next call. In May I had my trial and I was so happy. Delighted.

Since booking Alyson Smyth for my bridal make up I had been back to try the amazing LVL Lashes treatment and I was so impressed, I had them redone the week of the wedding so I could be beach beautiful with no mascara on Honeymoon.

On the morning of the wedding, Alyson was a pleasure to have as part of my special day. It was like having another friend join the party and be part of the atmosphere. Alyson worked her magic with me, my two bridesmaids and helped my Mum with her eye makeup.

Alyson arrived well on time and everything went like clockwork. I cannot recommend her enough. She also workes brilliantly with Sian Sharkey, my hairdresser for the day, more on Sian to come…

Alyson’s kit was like make up porn!!!!

Pretty photo heavy from this point on:

My lovely Bridesmaid, Alice.

My finished look

Alyson used Laura Mercier foundation and I have to say I’m buying it next time I need some. It didn’t move a muscle. All in all, I felt I totally looked like me, natural but a bit more polished that usual! The make up was perfect for the photos too. Alyson also agreed to use a little bit of my FAV Mac eyeshadow, Satin Taupe, so I knew it was there. It was like a safety blanket, so glad she agreed!

For my evening look, to change it up a bit, I put on some Revlon, Cherries in the Snow (440) to bring the look from day to night, you can see it in this photo with Brian’s cousin Seamus Cherries in the Snow is a much loved, much blogged about Raspberry shade. I <3 it!

I cannot recommend Alyson Smyth enough, prices are very reasonable too.

Alyson Smyth Make Up Artist, 086 8107969 or info@alysonmakeup.com,www.alysonmakeup.com

* All images with thanks to Claire Wilson of Gingerpixel.ie