Formby Beach
BEACH
BRIDE
by Leigh Meakin
BEACH BRIDE
Ultimate beach wedding vibes for the elegant, care-free bride.
Ultimate beach wedding vibes for the elegant, care-free bride.
Hello lovely people. I’m so happy you’re here to read my second blog post, albeit a lot later than I expected it to be!
After a successful start to MUBYLEIGH – Hair & Makeup Artist in 2017, I decided to leave my full time job in March 2018 and take the leap into full time self-employment (scary!). Throughout the year, I have continued to add to my repertoire whilst personally developing my brand and building a strong client base. I have had the pleasure of prepping many beautiful brides and teaming up with some exceptional suppliers. I have also had my work featured on a number of wedding blogs and magazines.
2018 was a great year and I feel extremely grateful, especially for the support that I have received. But, running a business is never without its challenges. As a small business owner you not only take on the responsibilities of your official job title, you become the customer service team, website builder, social media ‘expert’ and accountant… to name but a few. As a result, keeping up to a blog becomes a much more difficult task than originally imagined!
In any case, after receiving wonderful feedback from ‘Woodland Bride’ and because I never say no to a challenge, I am determined to get this baby up and running and provide some epic inspiration to brides and grooms to-be!
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at this utterly dreamy beach wedding shoot at Formby Beach, Merseyside.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sarah and I have now worked together on many occasions. I was thrilled when she asked me to join her on this gorgeous beach wedding shoot! Steering away from the traditional bridal feel, Sarah wanted to create a more editorial style fashion shoot. We both love to appeal to the more edgy, bohemian brides. Sarah’s background is in film photography and traditional darkroom practice. As a result, she provides expertise in a number of different mediums and adds a real narrative to the images she produces.
Here’s what Sarah had to say:
“I was so happy to work with Leigh on this shoot. I felt really confident that she understood the look we wanted to go for and I was happy to trust her creativity completely. The final look she prepared for us was perfect and I’m so happy with the results!”
I thoroughly enjoy working with Sarah and absolutely love her thoughtful, relaxed nature and effortless style of photography. If you’re looking for comfortable, stress-free wedding photography with exceptional results, I really can’t recommend Sarah enough.
Splitting her time between the UK and Vienna, she offers a range of packages for brides and grooms to-be throughout Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria as well as further afield. Sarah and I already share a number of 2019 brides, so why not add yourself to the growing list!
MAKEUP
I absolutely love the photos taken of Emma and I throughout the ‘getting ready’ process. It’s so satisfying to see how the look develops as each application step is taken. As you look through the photos, you see the makeup really begin to enhance Emma’s natural beauty.
For me, before and after photos are so important (although I don’t always remember to take them)! They provide a clear representation of a Makeup Artist’s skill, showcasing exactly what can be achieved to potential brides. They also show just how much of a difference the makeup application has made, even when creating a ‘natural’ makeup look.
The preparation part of a bride’s big day is such a special time, one that I do believe should be documented. Emotions are high and everyone is excited. It can often be difficult to take a step back in the moment and really take everything in as it happens. It’s a great opportunity to be able to look back at your photographs and relive your day from start to finish.
TOP TIP: When you have your bridal trial, ask your Makeup Artist to take a before and after photo. By looking between the two photos, you’ll be able to see just how much of a difference the makeup application has made. You will also be able to see whether you’d like to further enhance any specific features.
Base: MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ | NYX Cosmetics Photo Primer & Conceal, Correct, Contour Palette | Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, The Retoucher Concealer & Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder | Kat Von D Beauty Lock-It Setting Mist
Eyes: Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance palette in ‘Tempera’, ‘Buon Fresco’ and ‘Vermeer’ | Illamasqua Precision Gel Liner in ‘Infinity’ | Maybelline ‘Go Extreme’ Waterproof Mascara
Brows: NYX Cosmetics Control Freak Brow Gel | Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake in ‘Thunder’
Define: Sleek Cosmetics Face Form Contouring Palette | Morphe Blush Palette | Anastasia Beverley Hills Sweets Glow Kit in ‘Marshmallow’
Lips: MAC Lip Liner in ‘In Anticipation’ | Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in ‘Blushing Mauve’
HAIR
Products: Schwarzkopf got2b Beach Matt Salt Spray | V05 High Volume Hairspray
Styling: GHD V Coral Pink Styler
BRIDE
At the age of 22, Emma was scouted at Y-Not Festival. Subsequently, she signed with Manchester agency Nemesis Models two years ago. Since then, she has been scouted by a number of London agencies with whom she is planning to meet. She continues to build an impressive and diverse portfolio. With experience in fashion shows, editorial magazines, lifestyle and e-commerce, Emma is already a well-rounded model and really knows how to work the camera.
“I was so happy when people started to see my potential and time has flown since!”
Emma has a degree in Psychology and is currently studying a masters in Forensic Psychology. She is not only an extremely talented model but also a very intelligent young woman. She has a passion for learning about the human brain and the way our minds work but, admittedly, modelling has been her true dream since childhood.
“It‘s super fun meeting so many creative, lovely people and it’s especially exciting when you see images that the whole team are happy with, knowing that you played a part in the outcome and helping people to express their art through images.
I loved working with Leigh because she is so sweet and kind! It would be a pleasure to work with MUBYLEIGH again soon.”
FLORALS
by SASSFLOWER
Our stunning bouquet was created by Altrincham based wedding and event florist Sasha, of Sass Flowers. Sasha took inspiration from the sand dunes and created a bouquet full of dried florals and neutral accents. The key flowers used were blousy, fresh roses and dahlias, mixed with an array of dried grasses. To add an autumnal feel, Sasha finished off the arrangement with trailing peppercorn berry.
“With a focus on wedding flowers, SASSFLOWER create floral designs bursting with colour harmonies and decadent textures for couples who want something a little less ‘off the shelf’ for their own beach wedding.”
Location: Formby Beach
Photographer: Sarah Longworth Photography
Hair & Makeup: MUBYLEIGH – Hair & Makeup Artist
Florist: SASSFLOWER
Model: Emma Woodhouse
Thank you for reading ‘Beach Bride’.
To see more photos of my work, head over to my gallery. If you’d like to know more or book an appointment, then please do get in touch.
Finally, be sure to like the MUBYLEIGH Facebook page and follow me on Instagram for offers, updates and more.
Until next time. Leigh x
I’m a North Durham based professional Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist, prepping Brides and their parties across the North East and Yorkshire. I love that my job often requires me to travel further afield. Planning a wedding? Let’s chat!
