A Rainy, Dreamy Isle of Skye Wedding | Dunvegan, April 2025
There are some weddings that stay with you forever, and Michelle’s Isle of Skye wedding in Dunvegan is absolutely one of them. As a Bristol bridal makeup artist who also travels for weddings, I’m always honoured when people choose me for their day – but when a bride flies all the way from America and books me without a trial? That trust means everything.
Michelle actually found me because I’d been tagged in her photographer’s work – the brilliant Andrew Rae, who shoots the kind of windswept, magical Scottish elopements that make you want to pack your bags immediately. We hopped on a Zoom call before she travelled over, talked through her style, her hair, and all her plans… and we instantly clicked.
Keeping Her Natural Curls (In Scottish Rain!)
Michelle has the most gorgeous naturally curly hair, and we both knew we wanted to keep that true to her. Even though the forecast was… well, very Isle of Skye, we went for a braided half-up, half-down style to protect her curls from the rain and wind as much as possible, while still letting them do their beautiful thing.
And yes – it rained. All day. Proper sideways Scottish rain.
But honestly? No one cared. The whole day had this joyful, relaxed energy, and the rain just became part of the story.
Minimal, Natural Makeup for a Bride Who Doesn’t Usually Wear It
Michelle isn’t a big makeup wearer, so we leaned all the way into soft, natural, barely-there bridal makeup – enhancing her features, letting her skin breathe, and making sure she still felt like herself. This is always my favourite kind of look, especially for weddings in wild landscapes like Skye where the vibe is romantic, raw, and real.
I also got her bridal party ready, who were all such a joy… and yes, her husband-to-be ended up with flowers in his hair because why not? If the energy is right, I’m always here for it.
The Funniest Moment: The Coffee Run
A standout memory for me?
Her partner decided to drive down what can only be described as a “not really a road road” – if you know Skye, you know – to get everyone a coffee. He came back with… half cups. Every single lid had popped off from the bumps.
Nothing like a bit of mild chaos to break the wedding morning nerves.
Catching Up With The Team
It was also so lovely catching up with Andrew Rae, who is not only incredibly talented but just one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. And even though I’d never met her, hearing stories about their celebrant Rona made the morning feel even more personal and full of warmth.
Embracing the Weather
When I received the photos afterwards, I genuinely teared up. They embraced the rain. The wind. The wildness. And the images are all the more beautiful for it – dramatic, intimate, and authentically them.
Travelling for Weddings – And Being Trusted Without a Trial
One of the things I loved most about this experience is that Michelle trusted me completely. No trial, no in-person consultation – just a Zoom call and good communication. This is becoming so common for destination weddings and elopements, and it really can work beautifully when your artist understands your vision.
If you’re planning a destination or wild Scottish elopement and wondering whether it’s possible to book your bridal hair and makeup artist without a trial – the answer is absolutely yes. It’s about honesty, clarity, and choosing someone whose style feels right for you.
I feel so lucky to have been part of this day. Skye always feels magical, and this wedding was no exception – full of laughter, rain-soaked curls, wind-swept dresses, and the kind of joy you can’t stage.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, an elopement, or something beautifully intimate in the Scottish Highlands (or anywhere!), I’d love to chat. You can also read about how to weatherproof your wedding hair and makeup over on the blog.
