One of the best things about each of the two Sydney Sunday papers is their respective wedding section. Each Sunday I look forward to reading about the featured couples and their wedding day story. This morning I was very pleasantly surprised and excited to see Alison & Kieran as one of the featured couples in the Sunday Telegraph Weddings Section.
Seeing their photograph and reading the summary of their wedding transported me back to their wonderful and highly emotional celebration and it gave me great joy to replay elements of their special and amazing day in my mind. It also reminded me that the key to a fun and successful wedding is the pre-production work. Alison, Kieran and I committed a lot of time to this process and we certainly had a lot of fun along the way, but most importantly, the result was – a wedding day that dreams are made of!
Scan of Feature from Sunday Telegraph Weddings Section, 28 March 2010 (Click on Feature to enlarge) Alison and Kieran’s Wedding
I am pleased to announce a new feature on this blog called Wedding Professionals Unveiled. I thought my blog readers would enjoy getting to know more about the many wonderful wedding professionals out there, so I will be periodically posting brief interviews with various wedding professionals.
My first featured wedding professional is Rebekah Foxe from Makeup Artistry By Rebekah. Nothing is better than feeling completely beautiful and it is never more important to have that wonderful feeling than on your wedding day. I truly believe that the sign of an excellent makeup artist is one who will enhance the natural and internal beauty of the bride – Rebekah Foxe is a professional freelance mobile Makeup Artist, specialising in bridal, formal, glamour and photographic makeup that certainly meets this criteria.
Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
I am located in Sydney and service the Sydney Metro and Greater Sydney Area including but not limited to Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Hills District, Inner West, Blacktown, Penrith, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Parramatta, Wollongong, Sutherland Shire.
How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for about 6 years.
What drew you to Makeup Artistry as a a profession?
I have always had a love and passion for makeup and did a makeup course back in 2000, “just for fun”. I was studying law at university and Makeup was something that was an escape from the mundane tutorials and boring lectures. In 2003 I was asked to do makeup for a friend’s wedding and everyone commented on what a wonderful job I did. My friend encouraged me to start my own business – so I took the plunge and undertook more study in Makeup Artistry, as well as purchasing the start of my ‘kit’. I always knew in my heart makeup was what I would end up doing. It was my passion.
For a few years I juggled two jobs – I was working full time as a lawyer as well as seeing makeup clients on weekends. It was tough, but I loved it. Now I have put my legal career on hold while I have a family, and am able to wholly concentrate on my makeup clientele. I now have a thriving business with wonderful clients and I am so thankful to work in something I love, that doesn’t interfere with my job as a mum.
What do you feel sets you apart as a Makeup Artist?
I really do think I have the ability to highlight the beautiful features in my clients. I love what I do and am always willing to make an extra effort for my clients and to accommodate their every needs – no job is ever too big. I am often hailed as being friendly and laid back, which I think is important in a makeup artist – especially when you’re dealing with highly emotional and anxious clients who only want the best for the biggest day of their life. I think what also sets me apart is the quality of products that I use. I only use professional photographic makeup which really does last all day (just read the testimonials on my website to verify this!).
What do you love most about your job?
I love seeing the look on my client’s face when they see how glamorous and beautiful they really are.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
At the last planning meeting I had with Jacki and Frank before their wedding day, Jacki informed me that following some extensive research, there was a 75% chance of rain predicted for 27 February 2010 – well as it turned out, this delightful couple were blessed with an absolutely perfect day, not only in regards to the weather but also in every other aspect of their special day.As Jacki and Frank had first met at the University of Sydney, some six years earlier, it was very fitting that they selected a venue on the University grounds in which to celebrate their marriage. The Refectory, is the grand hall of the Holme Building and was built in 1924 and evokes an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance with its fine timber paneled walls, soaring ceilings and exquisite French doors opening onto the terrace. The room features the renowned mural “Mankind” painted by Vergil Lo Schiavo.
On arrival the 140 guests were made to feel very welcome with refreshments and canapes on the terrace overlooking the garden. A short time later, to great applause Jacki, Frank and the wedding party were welcomed into the Refectory. After Frank thanking everyone for being a part of their wedding day and complimenting Jacki on just how beautiful she looked, a lovely entree was served.
Heartfelt speeches from Jacki’s dad Peter, Frank’s dad Alteri and Jacki’s mum Joan followed before a delicious main meal was enjoyed by all. During the meal guests were surprised as the theme from Also Sprach Zarathustra started to play – before they knew it Elvis, actually the Elias2Elvis tribute, was entertaining everybody. I managed to get a short clip of part of this performance for your enjoyment. Elvis/Elias interacted with the guests and ensured many were actively participating in the show.
Elvis was obviously a hard act to follow, however not to be outdone by “The King”, there were great speeches from Bestman Joe and Maid of Honour, Penelope. Next up were the real stars of the evening, Frank and Jacki. Both made really lovely speeches with both becoming a little overcome by emotions during their respective speeches. Jacki concluded hers by reading a heartfelt poem which was absolutely beautiful. This was followed by the cutting of the wedding cake and then guests were served a delectable dessert plus coffee and tea.
Finally it was time for Jacki and Frank to ‘trip the light fantastic’ on the dance floor – their first dance was elegantly choreographed and judging by the applause, enjoyed by all. A very small snippet of the dance has been provided below, however is not really reflective of how lovely it actually was. Next Jacki danced with her dad, Peter to a song which they would listen to when he drove her to netball when she was young, “Frozen Orange Juice” by Peter Sarstedt. Mid way through the dance, they were joined by Frank and his mother, Angela.
It was now time to party and may I say, everybody really did not hold back, they all participated, danced, had the time of their lives and contributed in making Jacki and Frank’s wedding fun and extremely memorable. All too soon, it was time for Jacki and Frank to say goodbye to all these special people, but not before Jacki had the opportunity to make a special presentation of her bridal bouquet to her Mum, Joan as a token of her deep gratitude for everything she had ever done for her. The guests then formed a guard of honour as Jacki and Frank departed the reception to begin their new life as husband and wife.
Below: Jacki dancing with her dad, Peter
Below: Frank & Jacki dancing with Jacki’s grandmother, Win (who is 92) and Jacki’s sisters Josephine & Penelope.
A perfect day, a perfect couple who were meant for each other, a beautiful fun celebration inclusive of family and close friends, and memories which will be treasured forever – I believe it was everything that Jacki and Frank had wished for. Jacki and Frank, it was a pleasure meeting you both, getting to know you a little better and being able to contribute to your wedding day. I thank you for putting your trust in me and giving me the privilege and honour. May love and music fill your lives forever.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Wending Party Entry Song: “Love Is In The Air” Italian Version
Bride & Groom Entry Song: “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” by Abba
Cake Cutting Song: “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Something Stupid” by Instrumental
Farewell Circle/Circle Of Love: “Thank You For The Music” by Abba, “Dance Me To The End Of Love” by Madeleine Peyroux, “One Short Day” by Wicked Cast
Final Farewell Song: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
