EFFORTLESS BRIDAL BEAUTY FOR MODERN BABES
Bridal doesn’t have to mean traditional, stuffy or boring – and especially when you have the incredible Nicola Beddoes as your hair and make-up artist. Gorgeous, glowing and goddamn delightful is her vibe, with the kind of elevated, elegant, effortless looks that will not only last the whole day but stand the test of time too. We caught up with Nicola to discuss her inspirations, her portfolio and what she can do for you below:
WHO ARE YOU + WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Heyyyy, I’m Nicola, a London based Hairstylist and Makeup Artist.
I’m a HUGE lover of effortless, modern and cool hairstyles (like the non-traditional type) + gorgeous, glowing makeup.
Helping someone feel amazing on their big day makes me SO happy.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORKPLACE
I’m freelance and travel all over the UK and worldwide for weddings. In fact, any excuse to do a bit of travelling!
When I am not working at weddings or shoots, I work on my business from home or at one of the local cafes in Crouch End (well at least before lockdown anyway).
WHERE/HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
I started my career 10 years ago, originally in the TV & film industry. After doing a couple of weddings I instantly fell in love with doing them and knew this was the career path for me.
FAVOURITE WORK TO DATE?
Oooh such a tough question. I’ll go with a wedding I did back in February this year. The bride and bridesmaids had such great taste. They all chose gorgeous, modern hairstyles. The venue in London is one of my faves to get brides ready in (The Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green) and her dress & flowers were sooo stunning! The pics looked insane!
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I am inspired by Emma Chen, Charlotte Tilbury, Lisa Eldridge and Sabrina Dijkman. All amazing artists with a similar style to myself.
DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY
During wedding season (before the pandemic) I’d typically be up at the crack of dawn (any time from about 5am). All my kit would have been cleaned, packed up and ready to go the night before. So all I’d be doing first thing is having a 5 min shower, slapping on a little bit of makeup, making myself a coffee (obvs) and grabbing my overnight oats from the fridge. I always aim to get to the bride about 15 mins before I am due to start to give me a little bit of time to eat breakie before I start. After the wedding job has finished I’m normally completely shattered so may have a quick power nap. Generally, weddings are on weekends so I’ll either be meeting up with friends for a few drinks or going for dinner somewhere with my boyfriend. I love eating out and have really missed doing this the last 13 weeks.
When I am not working a wedding job or a shoot that starts mega early. I’ll always do a work out first thing, it’s the best way to start the day (for me anyway) and then it’s done and out the way. I’m definitely a morning person. Since lockdown, I’ve got myself into a good routine of doing a 10-15 min mediation practice too. Let’s see how long this lasts, I hope it does though as it’s nice to start the day with some proper self-care and ‘me’ time!
WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO?
Another hard question so I’ll name a few;
Holiday – Bali
Beach – Koh Lipe
Park- Hampstead Heath
Restaurant – Roka
FAVOURITE WEDDING VENUE?
I am a huge lover of open-air weddings, so the one I did last year in France really sticks to me. It’s called Castelnau des Fieumarcon. Although getting the bride ready with no air con wasn’t so fun during the heatwave last July!!
TRENDS YOU HOPE TO SEE THIS SEASON
Simple, textured, unfussy hairstyles are on trend for weddings. Get yourself some cute hair pins or a striking headpiece or statement veil.
Natural, glowy makeup. Skin that looks like skin. Makeup that enhances your unique features. Brushed up brows get a big yes from me!
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
How to get the best lighting for your hair and makeup shots (when taking your own images). Good lighting is key to getting a good photo and one you are happy to add to your portfolio.
