Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding - May/June 2019 (Issue 45)

88 STRIKE A POSE I'd love a stunning, pared-back hair style like Elle Gregson in last issue’s real wedding feature at The Colony HQ. How was this created? Charlotte says: Elle wanted her bridal hair to have a real Vogue Italia feel to it. Sleekness and shine were key for this style, so with this is mind she had her hairline threaded for that really sharp finish. I straightened her hair in fine sections, glossing each piece as I went. A lot of time was spent getting the razor sharp parting absolutely perfect, finishing with shine spray then securing everything into a super sleek low ponytail. Her ponytail was then backcombed leaving a smooth section underneath and rolled upwards to create a smooth, classic chignon. The whole look was finished with a dazzling rose gold crown – a piece from my collection, which is available for my brides to hire. Elle really was a total showstopper, a true Vogue Italia beauty. CONTEMPORARY CHIC What modern trends can I incorporate into my big-day look while still keeping a timeless feel? Elle says: It’s easy to get lost in current trends or what may or might not suit you, but the key is really focusing on enhancing your best features and softly building a look up. Always consider what you’re going to think of your bridal look in 20 years time.  To modernise a classic look go for a rounded soft blown smoky eye rather than a sharp harsh angled smoke. Try a matte lip for the day instead of satin but add a gloss over the top to glam up your evening look. If you want a defined flick then why not smudge and blur your liner out, then pair with matte shadows and a pop of shimmer pigment on the inner eye. For a smoky dramatic eye, keep the waterline clean with a cream tone for the day, but in the evening add a black or dark brown to create a sultry look. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new in your daily make-up regime. If you’ve booked a make-up artist, ask their advice or if you’re doing your own, pop to your local beauty counter. Sometimes you’ll try things you’d never previously dared to, but actually end up becoming obsessed with! If you slowly build your make-up and enhance your features, you can pull off a stunning timeless look that suits you beautifully. Q&A Fashion & Beauty Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best willowandwilde.com ONE OF A KIND I've tried on lots of styles but still haven’t found the dress of my dreams. My friend suggested having it made but I’m worried as I have no idea what’s involved. What is the bespoke process? Matthew says: Couture can often get caught up in the latest trend, being more about the dress than the model. Whereas, bespoke bridal is the other way around. It’s all about the bride; her ideas, needs, foibles and tackling those little problem areas we all have so that she looks and feels amazing. The process is simple. The first step is to make an appointment. You can either come into the showroom with a picture and a design in mind or, as most brides do, come in and try on lots of dresses to find a style or combination of styles you like and look at fabrics, from beautiful silk to exquisite lace. From here I can start to sketch your perfect dress.   The whole process usually requires three fittings and each time you can come along with a friend and relax with a glass of champagne cocooned in all things fabulous whilst we create your personal masterpiece. I never tire of seeing the delight on a bride’s face when they have their final fitting. CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Charlottle Medford, charlottemedfordbridal.com Elle Gregson , @MadeUpByElle Matthew O’Brien , mattobrien.co.uk