Interview with an Expert: Hannah Leitch – Flawless Hair and Beauty

Choosing the right hair and makeup artist for your wedding day is almost as important as choosing the perfect wedding dress. Creating your ideal wedding look can often be a challenging task. I recently had a chat with Hannah Leitch from Flawless Hair and Beauty who was nice enough to answer a few questions for me. Hopefully you Brides to Be out there will find this as informative as I did!

What are the hottest looks for Bridal Hair and Make-up for 2012?

For make-up, it’s all about the eyes! Thick dark mascara and smokey eyes in whatever colour makes each individual’s eyes “pop”! Lash extensions and false lashes are all the craze at the moment, so this  really helps us to make our eyes stand out and be noticed, as they should be.For hair, I would have to say  the timeless elegance of the tousled soft curls, pinned to a loose, low bun is quite a popular style, it suits everyone and is flattering on any face shape.

What should Brides take into consideration when trying to find a Hair and Make-up Artist?

You want to find someone who YOU are comfortable with. Someone who encourages you to have a trial, and talks you through every step of the process, giving you the attention you deserve. Also if you can find a mobile make-up artist/hair stylist your day will be much less stressful!

What are your top tips to keep Brides looking fresh on their wedding day?

Plenty of sleep! Be kind to yourself in the weeks leading up to the wedding and make sure you are well rested. The night before, if you can avoid it don’t have a late night! A lot of bride’s also forget to eat and drink plenty of water on their wedding day as their minds are off in so many other places, please don’t forget about YOU.

What are the differences between airbrush and conventional make-up?

Like anything, there are pros and cons for both types of make-up. Conventional make-up is generally cheaper; it’s been around for longer, so most artists generally have a lot more experience with it. There are so many types and brands, so you are bound to find a specific foundation that is just right for you. Airbrush make-up has a “weightless’ finish, leaving your skin feeling like you have barely anything on it. It has amazing lasting power and is great for defining and contouring. I think that both can be equally as effective, as long as the artist does it properly.

What preparation needs to be done to Brides skin/hair in the lead up to the wedding?

I ask all of my brides to shampoo (x2) and condition hair the night prior to their wedding day. No products or styling. Clean, natural, fresh hair is best to work with. I also ask that clients carry out a basic skin routine by at least cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising, starting a couple of weeks prior to the wedding day. Again, clean, natural, fresh skin upon my arrival.

How long have you been in the industry and what do you love the most about being a hair and make-up artist?

I have been in the hair and beauty industry for over 10 years now and I still love every minute of it. Most of all I LOVE seeing the end result of any service I do. I love seeing my client’s reaction and knowing that I have helped make her feel great about herself.

Question from Amanda-What would be the most flattering but natural look for a young, fair-skinned, unnatural redhead Bride, for a garden wedding?

I would have to say  really soft, unstructured waves. This could be achieved by “scrunch drying” if you already have a natural wave, or using large hot rollers. You would then have the option of leaving it down; or even having it in a really lose braid, with a flower in one side. This would create a gorgeous natural look.

To get in touch with Hannah from Flawless Hair and Beauty, email flawlesshairandbeauty@hotmail.com

Image Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Interview with an Expert: Rebecca Ramsay – Mark it with a “B” Cake Decorating

Choosing your wedding cake can be an extremely daunting task. Lucky for me  I knew exactly what I wanted, but for a lot of Brides to be, this isn’t the case. The wedding cake is a tradition that dates back to Roman Empire. Traditionally, at the time, a loaf of bread was broken over the brides head by the groom. This act was to symbolise the dominance the groom had in the marriage over the bride. However, the modern wedding cake is far from being a historic institution. The modern wedding cake is a creation of the 20th century.

Now that I have given you a brief history lesson, let’s get down to business. I had a chat with Rebecca Ramsay from Mark it with a “B” Cake Decorating. Rebecca was lovely enough to answer a few questions for me in the hope that this will assist all of the Brides out there who still need to settle on a wedding cake !

How long have you been in the cake decorating business?

My passion for cake decorating begun as a little girl. My Grandmother is a cake decorator herself and I would go to her place on the weekends to watch her decorate cakes for people’s special occasions.  In 2001 I completed two cake decorating courses to help perfect my skills. I registered Mark it with a “B” Cake Decorating shortly after completing the courses and decorated my first wedding cake which was electric blue and covered with yellow flowers and a pig bride and groom as the cake topper.

What should couples consider when they are looking for a wedding cake?

I feel couples most importantly need to consider their budget –  if they wish to serve their cake as dessert or with tea and coffee and how elaborate they would like their cake design to be as this will affect the cost of their cake.

What are some of the trends you are seeing for 2012 in wedding cake design?

It depends on the theme of wedding. If they are going for Elegance then Stencils are becoming quite popular. If they are wanting something fun Push Pops are starting to become huge.

How long on average does it take to make a wedding cake?

It depends on the size of the cakes but I can spend up to 12 to 13 hours per cake.  All of my cakes are made from scratch using only the best  ingredients, which takes a bit longer to make.  The longest I have spent was almost a week (this cake consisted of 15 cakes with hand piped chocolate hearts).

 What cake flavours are available to choose from, is the sky the limit?

I don’t like to restrict my Bride and Grooms on the flavours of cake.  Its their wedding day and they deserve to have anything their heart desires. I cater for dietary requirements and If I haven’t made a particular flavour I research and do trials to ensure the cake is perfect.

How do you transport wedding cakes without them being damaged?

I have a non slip mat in the back of my car and drive very carefully (so far I haven’t had any disasters)! I usually take my mother as my quality controller.

What is one piece of advice you have for Brides and Grooms?

I have 2 pieces of advice:

1. Always make sure you have a contract between you and your cake decorator that outlines absolutely everything in relation to your dream cake this will ensure there no mishaps on your wedding day.

2. Have fun planning your special day, it’s an amazing time in your life!

What is your favourite cake flavour or combination of flavours?

I don’t particularly have a favourite flavour but my signature cake is the Coconut cake.  This flavour has been ordered so many times, I can almost make it with my eyes closed.   The Combination my clients usually go for is Coconut cake, Mud cake, White Chocolate Mud cake and a lot of bride and Grooms still like to follow tradition and order the traditional Fruit cake which they keep for their first anniversary or christening cake for their first-born child.

To get in touch with Rebecca from Mark it with a “B” Cake Decorating, email markitwithabcakes@hotmail.com

Images Courtesy of Mark it with a “B” Cake Decorating