International Weddings

Diary of a travelling bridal make-up artist…

The Bride: A Dream Wedding in Florence for a bridal make-up artist

In 2019, I embarked on an incredible journey to Europe for the first time, attending the breathtaking wedding of my client, Reyjeanne, in Florence, Italy as her bridal make-up artist. As the founder of That Skinny Bitch Candle, Reyjeanne is an unstoppable force, and her wedding was the catalyst for something new and exciting: the Festival of Dreams, created alongside event planner Anne Mann, floral artist Heike from Fleur Le Cordeur, and Reyjeanne herself. Join me Behind the Scenes with a Destination Wedding Make-up Artist in Italy:

The Make-up Artist’s Journey

My relationship with Reyjeanne began back in 2014 at Mac Cosmetics in Cape Town where I was a in-store make-up artist, where fate brought her to my make-up chair. Since then, I’ve been by her side for every significant event, from birthdays to her engagement party until her wedding in 2019. So when the announcement came—“WE ARE GOING TO ITALY BABY!”—I was beyond thrilled.

View more about Monique’s make-up artist journey

The Wedding Destination: Florence, Italy

Upon my arrival, Florence captivated me with its stunning architecture and rich history. Every corner seemed to tell a story, and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in this unforgettable celebration. We had three events lined up, ensuring it was a busy yet exhilarating trip.

The Make-up Looks

Day 1: The chic pre-event overlooking the Arno River was nothing short of magical. We went for a vibrant pink look, featuring Kelly eyeshadow from Mac and the timeless Saint Germain lipstick, both classics from the Mac archives.

Day 2: The wedding day unfolded at a stunning chateau in Siena. For Reyjeanne’s bridal look, I opted for a classic style that perfectly complemented her Elie Saab gown, completed with Velour lashes. As I added the final touches, I couldn’t help but shed a tear—it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Day 3: We capped off the celebrations with a Middle Eastern brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence. This look featured warm tones that beautifully highlighted Reyjeanne’s striking green-blue eyes.

The Wedding Planner

Collaborating with the talented wedding planner Anne Mann Celebrates was an honor. Her meticulous planning transformed Reyjeanne’s dreams into reality. The ceremony, set against Florence’s iconic skyline, was truly magical.

The Bridal Hairstylist

One of the highlights of the trip was working with the amazing hairstylist, Mario. His creativity brought Reyjeanne’s bridal vision to life, and our time together was filled with laughter and shared stories. Plus, my “travel husband” made for the perfect companion as we explored the enchanting streets and indulged in delicious Italian cuisine.

The Florist

We can’t forget the exquisite floral arrangements by the renowned Heike of Fleure Le Cordeur. Her artistry added an enchanting touch to the wedding, with blooms that perfectly matched the romantic atmosphere.

As the sun set over Florence, the celebration came alive, and the love between Reyjeanne and her partner was palpable. It felt as if the entire city shared in the magic of their special day. Capturing these moments was a privilege, and being part of such joy is something I’ll always cherish.

Reflecting on that trip fills me with gratitude for the connections made, the beauty experienced, and the love celebrated. Here’s to more adventures and unforgettable weddings in the future!