Happy Sunday!

My second blog in this series is Rebecca’s wedding, that had taken place at The Bond in Birmingham City Centre on Fazeley street, right next to the canal.

I also met Rebecca at ‘The All about Ewe’ Alternative Wedding Fair that was held at the Bond. She is a talented writer and performer and is used to having her hair and makeup done, so I had to up the amp for her own wedding.

The Inspiration

Rebecca wanted a nod to the 50s, so this was my opportunity to flex my love of this era and revamp her into a 50s starlet.

The Venue

Another part of my job I really love is finding out all about the history of the lovely wedding venues and the surrounding areas I am incredibly lucky enough to visit.

The Bond is a unique group of beautifully restored industrial buildings, the largest building was a Gasworks between 1837 and 1875. All located next to the Grand Union Canal with it’s striking gated entrance and cobbled courtyard, it is a perfect venue for an urban wedding.

In 1156 Birmingham becomes a trading hub, the attraction to settling in Digbeth was how close it was to the River Rea, for easy access to drinking water and irrigation for crops. In 1368 the Old Crown opens, this is one of the oldest buildings in Birmingham and is a central hub for Digbeths’s community.

In 1643 Digbeth becomes really important during the English Civil war producing thousands of swords for Parliamentarian armies and then in late 1790’s it is named the “first manufacturing town in the world”.

In 1837 Birds eye custard is born, this stays operational in Birmingham until 1960 and the factory also supported British armed forces in World War 1. Then in 1993 funding is secured to restore the Custard Factory into offices and small businesses, the area continues to thrive with amazing restaurants, music venues and small independent businesses.

Hair and Makeup

Rebeccas makeup was simple but glamorous with a light antique gold eyeshadow and flicked black classic liner teamed with lots of eyelashes and a blueberry sorbet shade lipstick, a dusting of bronzer and a light shimmering champagne highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones finished the look.

I curled Rebeccas hair into large curls and then pinned them to set so the curls would be structured and last longer. I wanted a firm quiff too so the pin curls were pinned in the same direction in that area to create height.

After I had finished the bridesmaid’s hair and makeup and Rebecca’s makeup it was time to style her hair.

I took out the pin curls and tried not to disturb them, I pinned the back of the hair into a gibson roll and then backcombed the hair at the crown to create height, I separated the front quiff and added extra hair at the front and brushed this out to create a soft wave that would then flow into the gibson roll at the back.

She looked amazing and oozed Hollywood glamour!

The bridesmaids had very simple makeup with a blended winged brown eyeliner and golden lids teamed with a soft bubblegum pink lip. One of the bridesmaids had a large beehive and a halo braids and the other bridesmaid has soft brushed out waves.

I also did Rebecca’s lovely mommys makeup, she was wearing a pale pastel pink so we kept the makeup really simple and focused on a fresh looking healthy skin and a nice pretty watermelon pink lip.

I also had the pleasure of meeting lovely Simon Brettel who’s photo is below.

Rebecca’s dress was by Caroline Catigliano and the stunning necklace was her Nanny’s 21st Birthday present from the 1950’s.

tHE REVIEW

I met Nicky at the EWE wedding fair and it was clear she had a great mix of vintage and contemporary ideas and a creative flair. As a lover of make up and someone who has their hair and make done a lot this was very important to me. I was impressed with her portfolio as well as I could see she clearly changes her style according to brides styles and for bridesmaids and Mommies, etc.

My trial was great, Nicky really understood what I was after and got my hair and make up perfect. She gave me a lot of confidence in my choices and she is also very personable and easy to get on with. On the wedding day she was brilliantly calm and organised. Ready to lend a hand to anything required and clearly an expert in getting people ready for weddings.

She did a lovely job of the hair and make up and was more than happy to listen to us and tweak as well as being extremely professional and having high standards . We welcomed her creativity.

I didn't worry about my make up all day, I didn't touch it once or even check it in a mirror. My hair didn't move. I felt amazing! Like a 1950s Hollywood Star.

Thank you! Xx

Again I had such a wonderful morning spending time with these lovely people and I just have the best time at each and every wedding.

What’s your favourite era for hair and makeup inspiration?

As always, Bee Lovely

Nicky xx