Some wedding mornings are lovely, some are emotional, and some involve a hash brown, a conversation about unusual talents and a photograph that will haunt you forever.

Ruth’s wedding at The Mount Without in Bristol was definitely one of the latter!

From the moment we met, Ruth and I got on brilliantly. She was so lovely, and we spent the morning chatting, laughing and creating a bridal look that felt completely her. It was one of those mornings where you turn up to do someone’s hair and makeup and leave feeling like you’ve made a whole new group of friends.

Timeless bridal makeup with glowing skin

Ruth wanted a timeless bridal look with beautiful, glowing skin. Luckily, that is very much my speciality!

I love creating bridal makeup that enhances your natural features without making you feel like you’re wearing a completely different face. Your wedding photos are something you’ll look back on for years, so I always think it’s worth choosing a look that feels like you rather than chasing a trend that might not stand the test of time.

For Ruth, we decided on a slightly stronger eye than a traditional soft bridal look, while keeping everything elegant and beautifully balanced.

With her July wedding, we wanted to bring in those lovely bronzed, summery tones. Think sun-kissed skin, warmth through the eyes and a gorgeous glow that catches the light.

The overall look was polished but not overdone. It suited Ruth perfectly and felt just right for both the season and the setting.

As a Bristol bridal makeup artist, creating this kind of glowing, timeless makeup is one of my favourite parts of the job. I want my brides to look incredible, but I also want them to recognise themselves when they look in the mirror.

A beautiful summer wedding at The Mount Without

The Mount Without is such a distinctive wedding venue in Bristol.

With its historic architecture, atmospheric spaces and wonderfully unusual character, it offers something a little different from a traditional wedding venue. The Crypt has a particularly moody, intimate feel, making it a brilliant setting for a celebration with personality.

For Ruth’s July wedding, the contrast between the warm summer-inspired makeup and the atmosphere of the venue worked beautifully.

I love seeing couples choose a look that complements their surroundings without feeling as though they have to match everything perfectly. Your wedding styling should feel cohesive, but it should still feel like you.

The Mount Without has so much character of its own, and Ruth’s elegant, bronzed bridal look was a lovely fit.

The hash brown incident

Now, I would love to tell you that the most memorable part of Ruth’s wedding morning was a beautiful emotional moment or some incredibly profound conversation.

But no. It was a hash brown.

My New Year’s resolution was to eat more hash browns. An entirely achievable goal, I thought. Nothing too ambitious.

At some point during the morning, a plate of hash browns appeared in front of me (purely because I’d oh so casually dropped my love of hash browns into conversation at our trial). Naturally, I was delighted. A bride who supports my personal goals? We were clearly going to get along.

Then, as often happens when you put me in a room with a group of funny people, the conversation took a turn.

We started talking about strange things people can do, and somehow Ruth’s friend became involved because he apparently had some rather impressive foot skills. There was even talk of a foot fetish.

I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly how we got there.

What I can tell you is that Paul, from Gingerbeard Weddings, the photographer, captured a photograph of Ruth’s friend picking up a hash brown with his foot.

And that image is now permanently burned into my retinas.

I have seen a lot of things in my 15-plus years working in the wedding industry, but this was certainly a first. I suspect it will stay with me for quite some time.

It was worth sacrificing one of my hash browns for (no, I didn’t eat it afterwards!).

When your wedding morning feels like being with friends

Jokes aside, one of the things I loved most about Ruth’s wedding was how comfortable everyone felt together.

Wedding mornings can be quite personal. You have your closest friends and family around you, there can be nerves and excitement, and you are getting ready for a day you have probably spent months or years planning.

As your hair and makeup artist, I’m there to create your look, keep things running smoothly and help you feel amazing. But I also think the atmosphere matters just as much.

I want my brides to feel relaxed, looked after and able to enjoy the morning rather than worrying about every little detail.

With Ruth, it felt so natural from the start. We laughed constantly, chatted about everything and generally had the best time.

By the end of the morning, I genuinely felt as though I had made a whole group of new friends.

And honestly, those are the weddings that remind me why I love my job so much.

Looking for a Bristol wedding hair and makeup artist?

I’m a Bristol-based bridal hair and makeup artist with more than 15 years of experience creating wedding looks for brides across Bristol, Bath, Somerset, the Cotswolds and beyond.

My speciality is glowing skin, timeless bridal makeup and effortless hair that feels beautiful without being overcomplicated. Whether you want soft, natural makeup or something a little more defined, I’ll work with you to create a look that feels right for you.

I also travel internationally for destination weddings, so whether you’re getting married in Bristol or further afield, I’d love to hear about your plans.

And if your wedding morning happens to involve hash browns, excellent company and a few unexpected stories, even better.