I’m quite fussy when it comes to make-up as you can well imagine. I like make-up to go on and stay on. I like my brides to look absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. And I can tell you right now, that to make a girl look amazing and stay looking amazing for an entire day is no easy task. Unless of course you’re in Caren Blom’s hands. She makes it look all too easy (which it isn’t) and she has such a cool, calm and collected personality to go with it. I think that very often the role a make-up artist plays isn’t really appreciated. She has to get on with anyone and everyone who walks through the door, deal with the intrusions of the photographer and videographer, work in a limited space, use the available light at her disposal and then still make bride, bride’s mom, bridesmaids, x, y, z all look incredible. And trust me, Caren does just that. So here’s her website address: http://www.caren.co.za/ Okay, give her a call, because believe me, once she’s finished your make-up I’m going to be somewhat keen to start taking a lot of photographs of you!

So the first time I met Carla we were doing a bridal styling show together. She was doing the make-up, I was photographing. She was under a bit of pressure to say the least because she had half a dozen brides to get through. And she got through them without even lifting an eyebrow. The next time I saw her, was when I shot Tony and Wendy’s wedding. She did a fantastic job on Wendy (not that Wendy actually even needs make-up to look good). I really enjoy make-up artists who are calm, relaxed and in control. And Carla is all three and then darned good at her skill to boot. She’s also just a really, really nice person. So if you’re into nice people and all that sort of thing, give her a shout, she comes with my full blessing. Her e-mail address is: carla.beauty101@gmail.com

Jane Field. Remember Bo and Craig’s wedding in Hermanus. Okay, well Jane did Bo’s makeup. I call her JJ because that’s just the way I roll. You could probably call her JJ too if you booked her, but I’m first in line on the naming rights. Period. Our Jane (yes, yes, or JJ) is a highly likeable, very cool, totally stunning, very smiley-faced makeup artist who you won’t regret getting you into tip-top shape. She doesn’t fuss, she doesn’t flap, she just gets on with making you look like the bomb – which is the whole point of the exercise really. Jane began her career as a professional makeup artist in 2000 so she’s got some experience out there in the wild world of weddings. And for what pieces of paper are worth, has an international diploma in fashion, film and bridal makeup. But she’s far better than that piece of paper will ever be and has worked on major SA Fashion Events with local and international celebs and designers. So chew on that baby! I rate her. Use her, and you will too. Mail her on: jane@janefield.co.za You snooze, you lose…

Antoinette du Toit is cool. Really cool. She’s unobtrusive and gets the job done on time, every time. And she’s going to make you look like the bomb! Seriously, she’s going to make you look absolutely awesome before you take that long walk down the aisle! She’s a qualified Hairdresser, Make-up Artist and Facialist. She also has a tremendous amount of experience and has worked the wedding scene in New York, Copenhagen, Bermuda, London, St.Thomas and Key West. So it’s probably reasonable to say that Antoinette knows what she’s doing. Her attention to detail is impeccable and she’ll sort out any and all concerns regarding hair, skincare, eyebrows and even accessories when you have your consultation with her. Her packages also extend to the bridal party – so everyone gets to look good! Drop her a line on antdt16@gmail.com – you’ll be very glad that you did.