There are weddings… and then there are weddings like Michayla’s.
In February 2025, I travelled to Iceland to provide wedding hair and makeup for Michayla and her bridal party, just outside Selfoss. With snow-covered landscapes, a black and white theme, and a completely unexpected twist for the guests, it was one of the most memorable weddings I’ve ever been part of.
From Bristol to Iceland
A few weeks before the wedding, Michayla came to see me for her bridal trial. She knew exactly what she wanted — a modern gothic bridal look to complement the black and white aesthetic of the day.
We worked together to create something bold but still refined. A look that felt editorial, but still wearable and timeless in photographs.
Fast forward to the wedding morning, and I made the journey from Reykjavík to Selfoss in what can only be described as a serious amount of snow. Driving through nearly two feet of it felt like an adventure in itself – although, for the bridal party (all from Canada), it was apparently just a normal day!
A Relaxed Morning (and a Hot Tub!)
The morning itself was such a lovely balance of calm and excitement. I spent the morning getting Michayla, her bridal party and two mums ready, while the men made the most of the Icelandic setting by relaxing in a hot tub outside.
It felt intimate, fun, and completely untraditional – which perfectly suited the day ahead.
And in true iconic style, the guests had no idea a wedding was even happening. They believed they were attending an anniversary celebration, making the ceremony reveal even more special.
A Modern Gothic Bridal Look
For Michayla’s bridal makeup, we fully embraced the modern gothic brief.
We created a deep, black smokey eye with plenty of intensity, balanced with beautifully sculpted, chiselled skin. The contrast kept the look strong but still elevated and refined. To soften everything slightly, we paired it with a nude lip, keeping the overall finish modern rather than heavy.
For her bridal hair, we opted for a middle parting with sleek, pinned sides to frame the face. The rest of the hair was left down in soft, undone waves, creating that perfect balance between structured and effortless.
The final look felt contemporary, fashion-forward, and completely in tune with the black and white styling of the wedding.
Why I Love Destination Weddings
As a destination wedding hair and makeup artist, these are the moments I love most – stepping into completely different environments, working with incredible people, and creating looks that reflect not just the bride, but the entire setting and atmosphere.
From snowy landscapes in Iceland to countryside weddings closer to home, every wedding tells a different story – and it’s always a privilege to be part of it.
Planning a Destination Wedding?
If you’re planning a wedding abroad and looking for a wedding hair and makeup artist to travel with you, I’d love to hear more about your plans.
Whether it’s Iceland, Europe, or closer to home in the UK, I specialise in creating modern, natural (or editorial!) bridal looks that feel like you – just elevated.
Evie x
photography by the talented Michalina