Rachael Divers Makeup Artistry

My most memorable wedding was at a beautiful location in the countryside. The weather was gorgeous for my lovely bridal client and the setting was completely idyllic. I was applying my bridal clients' makeup when she caught a glimpse of her groom arriving at the venue through the window. She was suddenly overcome with emotion and looked at me and said 'I'm so truly happy and overwhelmed that I think I might cry.' and a single tear rolled down her face. It was such a special moment for me to share with her as it was a beautiful connection between artist and client while we were alone together away from the mad rush of the bridesmaids in the other room. We had a big hug, I told her how beautiful she looked, wiped her tear away and we continued on with her makeup. We kept in touch long after her wedding and still talk today!

Beautiful, Bespoke, Elegant, Polished, Empowering

My business offers a highly bespoke service to each and every client which I am very proud of. I believe in quality over quantity so I will only ever take on one wedding per day to ensure that should any of my bridal clients suffer from any hold ups on their big day, they can be safe in the knowledge that their makeup will never be rushed. I love to spend time with my clients getting to know them and learning what aspects of their personality I can play up in their makeup looks, and I take pride in the fact that many of my bridal clients turn into friends after their big day and like to stay in touch. Keeping a human aspect to my work is so important to me, it's not about 'bums on seats', it's about a personal connection, learning about somebody's story, and tailoring their makeup to reflect exactly who they are. It's about empowerment and not only making somebody look beautiful, but making them feel beautiful too,

Plan early and make sure that you remain true to yourselves throughout. Brides and grooms can be under so much pressure from family and friends that it's easy to get lost in what everybody else would like to see at your special day. Take your time to carefully orchestrate the perfect day that YOU both want. Include your little quirks and eccentricities, they're what make you unique and what makes your day that extra special.

My favourite personal touch I saw at a wedding were the wedding favours that the bride and groom had made themselves. They'd made their own Sloe Gin and made a small corked bottle up for each guest with their name and a beautiful heart decoration attached to the bottle. It was all very Alice in Wonderland and a really thoughtful touch.

Typically, my bridal client would have telephone or email contact with me initially, then I'd them send them my information pack to look over, talk over their requirements, take a booking fee to secure their date and arrange a date for their trial. The trial includes a full consultation, a skin analysis and a bridal makeover with the opportunity to ask questions, try out different variations of their look and generally relax and enjoy the experience. This all happens in our beautiful studio with refreshments provided throughout - fresh coffees, flavoured teas and juice etc. Afterwards, I take photographs of the makeup, and the bride can request a full list of all the products used in case they'd like to pick any up ahead of their wedding day. The bride will be sent the list of products and their photographs so that they can take a closer look at their makeup on camera and reflect on how it looks, have peace of mind that they're happy with their makeup and can address any concerns with me should there be any. I have constant contact with my bridal clients before their big day and will always offer peace of mind by contacting them the day before as a courtesy so that they know I'm prepared for their big day and will see them soon. I really believe in making any makeover experience a special one, so for bridal makeovers on the wedding day, my gorgeous bridal party will be greeted with complimentary fizz and a sweet treat - anything from pastries to cupcakes - to enjoy whilst they have their makeovers. And of course, fresh coffee and tea is always on hand too!

I love making brides both look and feel beautiful. There is nothing more special than being asked to be such a huge part of a bride's special day, and nothing more heartwarming than seeing a bride to be absolutely beaming with happiness at her makeup look. I love empowering women and helping them to feel like they can take on the world. Having a bride tell you that she has never felt so beautiful and is honoured that you applied her makeup for her is the most wonderful thing to hear and it makes me beam with pride each time.

My number one beauty tip is to take a trial beforehand (I won't take on any wedding without a trial because I feel it's so important that the makeup is created just as you envisioned) and don't try anything drastic before your big day. For example, don't change your hair colour from blonde to black or have a dark spray tan before the big day. You may not feel like yourself and always have regrets when looking back at your photographs. Be yourself and be beautiful.

It's important to keep calm and level headed should any problems arise on the wedding morning. I pride myself in being cool, calm and collected and helping my bridal clients with any issues they may have from loose stitching on their dress to their hair falling down before they leave for the church. I keep an emergency kit on hand with sewing needles and thread, pins, scissors, tissues and little bits and pieces that just might come in handy when you least expect it. I sometimes dab a little Lavender oil on my wrists before applying bridal makeup too so that my bride can breathe in the relaxing aroma as I work and feel calm and collected. I also find that a mini facial massage before the makeover and a fridge-cooled beauty blender for applying the makeup is always soothing.

A retouch kit always comes in handy. Carry blotting papers and a top up of your lipstick to keep your makeup looking fresh and beautiful.