Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory August 2025

Page 1


Dunkeld House

Photoshoot
Styled photoshoot with Lauren Gilmour and Ailsa Doc Members
With Meigan Alessandra Bridal Hair
With Laura Fairley

BRIDES ONE STOP ONLINE MAGAZINE FOR ALL THINGS BEAUTY HAIR AND MAKEUP

Welcome to the Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory Magazine

Welcome to July’s edition of our online magazine. Our 7 Issue features a beautiful and elegant styled shoot at Dunkeld House Hotel with members Ailsa Doc and Lauren Gilmour. th

Yvonne Hannah Celebrant features in our Q&A all about wedding celebrants and what every Bride needs to know before booking the right celebrant for them. Gillian McLachlan from Forever Content discusses Content Creating at Weddings.

Laura Fairley shares her Wedding Energy Edit and Meigan Alessandra Bridal Hair answers our members Q&A.

Warmest Regards Hania

ScottishWedding Hair&Makeup DirectoryOnline Magazine

Editor

Hania McIntyre

Co Editor

Sara Bonner - O Hara

Contributor

Laura Fairley

Gillian McLachlan

Yvonne Hannah

Photographers

Rhona Wilson Photography

Angie B Photgraphy

Matthew Johnston Photography

Alison White Photography

Hemera Visuals

Janine Kirkwood Photo

The Brand Photographer

Camerashy Photograph

Laura Kemp Photogagraphy

Stevie Weir Photography

About Our Staff

Hania McIntyre

Hania is a Wedding Makeup Artist in South West Scotland and Founder of the Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory.

Sara Bonner - O Hara

Sara is a cruelty free Hair & Makeup Artist based in Scotland’s central belt. Sara also offers nail and facial services.

www.scottishweddinghairandmakeupdirectory.co.uk info@scottishweddinghairandmakeupdirectory.co.uk @scottishweddingbeauty

DUNKELD HOUSE Photoshoot

Images by Rhona Wilson Photography

Styled Wedding

Old Money Meets Modern Elegance:

Shoot

at Dunkeld House Hotel

Earlier this month we headed to the stunning Dunkeld House Hotel for our styled shoot, showcasing timeless elegance with a modern twist. With a creative brief of “old money, but make it modern,” the shoot brought together a talented team of Scottish wedding professionals including members Lauren Gilmour and Ailsa Doc

The dresses, provided by Brides of Scotland, were the epitome of sophistication, aligning beautifully with the old money theme. The setting – Dunkeld House Hotel – was the ideal backdrop, with its stunning grounds (sadly the rain stopped us from getting some outdoor shots but we improvised with the balcony in the Drawing Room). The showstopping Atholl Suite, known for its glamorous art deco style décor, providing the ultimate statement setting.

Rhona Wilson captured the entire shoot beautifully, while Cakes by Kirsten contributed a simple yet elegant wedding cake that tied the whole aesthetic together. Make Believe Events added their signature touch with stylish, refined décor, and Venus Content brought the shoot to life behind the scenes with expert content creation.

A special mention to the wonderful staff at Dunkeld House, whose warm hospitality and attention to detail ensured everything ran seamlessly on the day. Their friendliness and willingness to help did not go unnoticed.

Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory member Lauren Gilmour worked her magic on model Gillian Cheung. For the first look, Lauren created a soft Hollywood wave, designed to be glamorous yet relaxed –not overly structured, but still polished and luxurious. To achieve the look, Lauren used clip-in extensions to add volume and fullness, explaining that extensions aren’t just for length – they help give your style longevity. “They act like scaffolding for your hair,” Lauren says. She applied volume powder at the roots to keep the extensions secure, and finished the look with Maria Nila strong hold hairspray and Moroccanoil Smoothing Cream for a sleek, lasting finish

For the second look, Lauren quickly transformed the waves into an elegant low ponytail, wrapping hair around the elastic for a seamless, polished look. “It’s the ideal second style for a bride – quick, simple, and keeps the hair looking fresh into the evening.”

Makeup was expertly handled by fellow member Ailsa Doc, who used airbrush techniques to achieve a flawless, glowing complexion on Gillian. The soft, radiant look perfectly complemented the shoot’s luxury-meetsmodern vibe.

Credits

Images - Rhona Wilson Photography

Makeup - Ailsa Doc

Hair - Lauren Gilmour

Venue - Dunkeld House Hotel

Model - Gillian Cheung

Dress - Ellis @ Brides of Scotland

Cake - Cakes by Kirsten

Decor - Make Believe Events

Content Creator - Venus Content

HOW’S YOUR WEDDING ENERGY? WHY THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION YOU’RE ASKED IN THE LEAD UP TO YOUR WEDDING DAY: BY LAURA FAIRLEY

Wanna know the secret to remaining calm and grounded on the lead up to your wedding?

It isn’t having a colour coded spreadsheet, and it isn’t about finding the perfect dress. It’s being intentional and mindful of your ENERGY.

Holistic practitioner and Bridal Hair & Makeup expert, Laura Fairley, introduces her signature approach to wedding wellbeing:

The Wedding Energy Edit.

Image The Brand Photographer

From engagement to exhaustion.

You’re engaged and can’t wait to throw yourselves head first into wedding planning. You’ve found your dream venue, the dress and have a guest list full of your favourite people. Everything is perfect! But somewhere on the journey it suddenly starts to feel tiring and there’s a shift.

Decision fatigue kicks in, expectations start to show up and the outside noise gets louder. It’s starting to feel exhausting. Because while everyone is helping you tick off the to-do list (or adding to it!), no one’s asking how you feel – emotionally, energetically, spiritually.

As a wedding hair and makeup artist with over five years’ experience, I’ve seen it all. I’ve calmed anxious brides just before they get married, I’ve held space during tears of overwhelm, and watched women light up and relax when they finally feel seen not just styled. I began to see what was missing: support for the bride’s inner world and that’s what led me to bring energy work into the wedding journey.

Your Sanctuary before 'I do'

The Wedding Energy Edit isn’t a luxury – it’s the thing you didn’t know you absolutely need. If you’re exhausted from chasing RSVPs, multiple opinions, and endless decisions, this is your permission to stop, breathe and come back to yourself. This is your safe space. A sanctuary designed to melt away the noise and welcome clarity so you actually enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime season.

Through a variety of holistic practices including: Reiki, journaling, meditation & breathwork, I work with you to ground your energy, quiet the overwhelm, and reconnect with yourself in the most powerful way. These tools not only support you in this special moment, but ones you'll reach for time and time again as you begin married life and beyond You don’t just want to look radiant on your wedding day – you want to feel it on every level.

Why does energy matter?

Ever walked into a room and it felt off? That’s energy. Your energy is what people feel, and it sets the tone not only for the wedding day, but the start of your beautiful marriage. In the weeks & months before the wedding, you’re often carrying the emotions and expectations of others; family dynamics, conflicting opinions, balancing work and keeping on top of all the wedding admin (that feels like a full-time job in itself!) It’s no doubt there are moments when this takes its toll!

Energy work helps to channel out what isn’t serving you and renews and f h h l b l

So, what can you do? Here are some of the rituals I recommend you adopt ahead of the wedding:

5 ways to protect your wedding energy

1. Start your day with intention. Start each day with five minutes of breath work or journaling before looking at your phone. The power of this in shaping your day is incredible and if you can, go outside and soak up the sounds of nature at the same time.

2. Trust your intuition. Try to limit the number of opinions. Of course, you might want to ask your bestie or your partner for a second opinion, but ultimately you know you best and trusting yourself will save a lot of indecision.

3. Anchor yourself. Have a song, a scent, or a mantra that grounds you. Use it in moments of stress to come back to yourself.

4. Self-care. Take salt baths, journal about your thoughts, or treat yourself to a healing Reiki session to gently release energy that is stuck and needs to be cleared.

5. Visualise your wedding day. Visualisation is such a powerful tool. Write a letter visualising all the little details of your wedding day. Read this each day and really feel and tune into that energy it evokes. This is such a beautiful thing to do with your partner too.

Feeling radiant inside and out.

Whether you’re newly engaged or weeks away from your ceremony, there’s always time to pause and reconnect. The best wedding glow doesn’t come from makeup it comes from feeling fully, powerfully you.

Find out more.

Click here to find out more about the ways I can support you on the lead up to your wedding day and beyond.

Let's connect on Instagram: @thelaurafairley

Meet our Members

Meigan Alessandra Bridal Hair
Image Hemera Visuals

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the wedding hair and makeup industry?

My name is Meigan Alessandra and I have been in the hairdressing industry for 17+ years! I had been doing weddings alongside regular hairdressing in this time. A client, who was a photographer, invited me on a bridal shoot and this was the start of weddings for me!

I really niched down and started specialising mainly in bridal during lockdown. I had the time (as well all did ) to really level up my skill and made the most of it by taking several training courses with Kasia Fortuna, Ulyana Aster and Hannah Taylor.

How many years have you been working as a wedding hair and makeup artist?

12+ years doing bridal hair

Can you describe the range of services you offer to brides and bridal parties?

I offer bridal hair for the bride and bridal party I have also just started in the last two years offering hair extension rental, second looks for weddings, all day packages, rehearsal hair and post wedding party hair.

What areas do you cover?

There is no area I will say no to!! My studio is based in Central Scotland, but I have done weddings abroad In Spain, Italy and France and travelled down South to England and across to the Scottish Islands. I love that Weddings have allowed me to see so much of the world!!

Can you walk us through your typical process when working with a bride from the initial consultation to the wedding day?

You reach out via message/email/enquiry form - send me any pics, info about your day and vision.

I check my availability and if available send a personalised quote out for you. You review your quote on your own personal wedquarters - a place you can upload notes and photos and chat to me along the way.

Once you are happy, click accept quote, pay your deposit and that’s your date locked in!

I will then be in touch to arrange your hair preview appointment. We will meet at your preview, go over your vision and start bringing it to life! Wedding day!! The day has arrived and it’s time to bring your full vision to life and see everything come together.

What advice do you have for brides who are in the process of choosing their wedding hair and makeup artist?

My biggest advice, don’t just go with a hair and makeup artist because it’s cheap or seems like a good deal Wedding hair and makeup is an investment! It’s a luxury! Make sure you choose someone based on the style YOU love. Do your research and book someone whose styles you are obsessed with.

Do you have a favourite wedding location in Scotland where you’ve worked?

Ahhh there are so many!!

I love Neidpath Castle, Dunglass Estate, Cambo House. There are some venues I am excited to be working at soon; Pratis Barns, Rossie on the Earn.

What are your top 3 products in your kit?

KYK Magic Dust

Moroccanoil Dry Texture Soray

Moroccanoil Medium Hold Hairspray

How can brides get in touch with you to learn more about your services or to book a consultation?

My instagram; https://www.instagram.com/meiganalessandrabridalhair? igsh=cGRpbHQ0b25sMXR0&utm source=qr

My enquiry form; www.creativefreedom.app/enquiryform/meiganalessandrabridalhair892

My brochure; https://shorturl.at/8Gr94

Image Janine Kirkwood Photo

WHAT EVERY BRIDE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BOOKING A CELEBRANT IN SCOTLAND

WITH YVONNE HANNAH CELEBRANT

When planning a dream Scottish wedding, the dress, hair, and makeup might steal the spotlight - but at the heart of it all is the moment you say “I do ” That’s where a wedding celebrant comes in Whether you're drawn to a romantic lochside elopement or a full Highland celebration, your celebrant sets the tone for one of the most emotional parts of the day.

But here’s the catch: not all celebrants in Scotland are legally authorised to marry you, and the best ones get snapped up fast. We spoke with experienced celebrant Yvonne Hannah to find out what brides should really know before booking.

Image Angie B Photography

Are all celebrants legally authorised to conduct marriages in Scotland?

No, not all celebrants can legally marry you in Scotland and it is really important that if you are looking for a legally binding marriage ceremony, that you check this. This should be your top question to ask when meeting a celebrant with the view to them marrying you.Only those appointed under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977 are permitted to conduct legal marriages. Individual celebrants are nominated by a recognised belief body.

I’m a Humanist Celebrant nominated by The Fuze Foundation and I am authorised by the Registrar General for Scotland as a Marriage Officer. By contrast, independent or private celebrants who are not authorised by a belief body cannot legally solemnise a marriage.

They may provide a symbolic celebration ceremony only. What is very important when conducting a non-legal wedding ceremony, is that it must not closely replicate a legal ceremony. While a commemorative certificate can be signed, it must not in any way resemble a Marriage Schedule!

Before booking a celebrant, couples should ask directly:

“Are you legally authorised by the Registrar General for Scotland to solemnise our marriage?”

You can also ask to see official documentation or confirmation from the belief or religious body and placings on the national register of authorised celebrants. If unsure, couples can also contact the local authority registrar located closest to where the wedding will take place, they can confirm a celebrant’s status too.

How far in advance should couples book their celebrant?

This is a great question and one that catches a lot of people out. Couples should ideally book their celebrant 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if they have:

A specific date in mind (like a popular weekend or public holiday)

A particular celebrant they’ve been following and really want

A wedding during peak season (typically between spring and autumn).

Do celebrants get booked as quickly as venues or photographers?

Yes! Sometimes even quicker! Many couples are now prioritising a meaningful, personalised humanist ceremony, so they lock in their celebrant as early as they secure their date. My diary fills up super fast, especially those popular weekend dates. So, if you know who you want, it’s smart to reach out as soon as you have that date or venue locked in.

Image Stevie Weir Photography

What’s the difference between a registrar, a religious officiant, and an independent or humanist celebrant in Scotland?

In Scotland, couples have more flexibility than in many other countries when it comes to who can legally marry them. So what are the key differences?

A Registrar

Registrars are civil servants employed by the local council(Registration Service).

Ceremony type: Civil ceremony – non-religious, legally binding.

Where they can marry you:

At a registration office.

At an approved venue (like a hotel or castle )

Ceremony content:

Civil ceremonies tend to follow a standard script, but some registrars now offer personalisation such as readings or symbolic gestures – this can vary by local authority.

No religious or spiritual content allowed. Civil ceremonies can sometimes have timing restrictions (e.g.limited flexibility around twilight or early evening ceremonies) due to staffing or venue rules.

Legal authority? ✅ Yes, always.

Ministers, priests, imams, etc from recognised religious or belief bodies

Ceremony type: Religious or belief ceremony – includes faith-based elements and traditions.

Where they can marry you:

In places of worship or other agreed locations.

Ceremony content:

Includes prayers, blessings, and religious readings. Usually follows a format rooted in religious tradition.

Legal authority? ✅ Yes, if authorised by their religious body and registered with the National Records of Scotland.

Independent or Humanist Celebrant

Trained individuals affiliated with a belief body (like The FuzeFoundation).

Ceremony type: Highly personalised, meaningful and tailored.

Where they can marry you:

Absolutely anywhere safe and dignified – from beaches and forests to your own home (with the appropriate permissions if required)

Ceremony content:

Highly personalised and crafted around you.

Humanist ceremonies are non-religious. You can choose to include symbolic gestures such as hand fasting, sharing from a quaich, unity candles, readings, music, personal vows – totally flexible.

Legal authority? ✅ Yes – if they are authorised by a belief body that’s registeredwith the Scottish Government (e.g. Humanist Society Scotland,Fuze Ceremonies via The Fuze Foundation).

✅ No – if they are purely independent and not affiliated with a registered belief body (in which case, couples need to do the legal bit separately with a registrar).

Some independent celebrants may be ex-registrars and, in some cases, retain the ability to conduct legal marriages – so it’s always best to check their current status directly with them.

What makes a celebrant-led ceremony unique compared to a traditional civil ceremony?

A celebrant-led ceremony stands out from a traditional civil ceremony in several key ways, making it a more personal, flexible, and meaningful experience. Here’s a comparison to highlight what makes a celebrant-led ceremony unique:

Personalisation

With a humanist celebrant led ceremony, every element of the ceremony can be tailored to reflect your story, values and personality.

It’s written from a blank piece of paper and often includes anecdotes, symbolism, and gestures that resonate with you as people.

Image Matthew Johnston Photography

A civil ceremony typically follows a standard script with limited room for customisation. It’s more formal and legally focused.

Location Freedom

A humanist wedding ceremony can take place anywhere – a forest, beach, back garden, mountaintop with no restrictions (as long as it’s safe and permission granted if applicable).

A civil ceremony must take place at at a licensed venue (if it’s to be legally binding), often indoors or in a designated structure.

Tone & Style

With a humanist celebrant led wedding the tone can be whatever you want! Romantic, upbeat, funny, unconventional,or all of the above. It’s your day and I design it so it matches who you are as people.

Civil ceremonies are generally more formal, though this can vary by registrar Some are happy to include light personal touches where appropriate.

Relationship building

You get to know your celebrant over time. We’ll catch up and meet throughout the planning process and I’ll learn about you as a couple building a genuine connection. I am still in touch with many of the couples I have married over the years! It’s beautiful!

With a civil ceremony, you may not meet the registrar until the day of the ceremony. There’s little personal connection.

Legal Formalities

I am an authorised humanist celebrant and can legally marry you anywhere at all. The administrative paperwork side is handled by the registry office located closest to the place where you get married whether that’s in your garden or at avenue. I guide you through all of this and all the way up until the day too.

With a civil ceremony the paperwork process is the same however the registrar manages this directly with you ahead of the ceremony.

Can couples personalise every part of the ceremony including vows, readings, and rituals?

Absolutely! Couples can personalise every part of their ceremony, vows, readings, symbolism, music, even the structure itself.

Vows

Write your own to reflect your unique love story. I can help with this and guide you on how to get started.

We must do legal vows as part of a legal wedding ceremony but even then there are four options to choose from. As long as you both pick the same set we are good to go!

There are lots of other fun options we can include too that I talk you through to make saying your vows unique to you. Get in touch to find out how!

Readings

Why not choose from a favourite book, poetry, song lyrics, tv show or movie quotes that resonate with you I share with you lots of inspiration too.

You can Invite friends or family to write personal readings for you too, that’s always a bit of fun or deeply emotional. Symbolic Gestures. Many of my couples choose to include gestures like handfasting, unity candles, or sand blending. Or why not invent your own! Anything that’s meaningful to you is fair game!

Structure & Style

Make it short and sweet, long and romantic or something totally outside the box. You don’t even have to walk down the aisle if you don’t want to. For me it’s all about designing your ceremony so you feel comfortable and enjoy it!

You might want to kick off with a surprise, include audience participation, or mix traditions from different backgrounds. It’s all up for discussion and I have some kick ass suggestions!

Music, Entrance & Exit

Walk in together. Have an entrance each, sky dive in! Up to you! Dance out to your favourite song and have everyone sing along with you!

If it matters to you, it belongs in your ceremony. A great celebrant will help you shape it all into something unforgettable.

Image Laura Kemp Photography

What’s one thing couples often overlook when planning their ceremony?

One thing couples often overlook when planning their ceremony is how they want the ceremony to feel. Don’t just think about how it looks or what it includes, think about how you want to remember it. Ask yourselves, do you want your ceremony to feel relaxed and joyful?Emotional and heartfelt? Light and humorous? I’ll make it all happen!

Your ceremony sets the tone for your entire day. It isn’t just the bit to get out of the way, it is the most important part! A great celebrant ensures your ceremony fits into the day seamlessly and supports you with anything you’re nervous or unsure about, so you can truly enjoy the experience – not just get through it!

What’s your favourite moment during the wedding ceremony itself?

Oh this has to be the moment you say your vows and exchange your wedding rings. This is the most spine tingling moment of the ceremony, the moment just before I make the formal declaration that takes you from partners to married!

Image Angie B Photography

Can you walk us through what a typical planning process with you looks like from first meeting to “I do”?

Sure, things kick off with an initial meeting usually via video call so that I can share with you some key information and get an idea of what you are looking for from your ceremony and who will be involved. Then we meet again around 6-8 weeks before the wedding in person (if geography allows) and we have a good old chat through your love story and your journey together. I take loads of notes and take those away to start writing your wedding ceremony.

I send a first draft and we go back and forward until you are 100% happy with everything. I am always on hand though and always right here for you from booking to signing on the day Some couples like to have more meetings and that is totally fine with me. Others are happy to nail it with a couple of catch ups. It really depends on the individuals.

Do you offer guidance for couples on legal paperwork and the Marriage Schedule process in Scotland?

I do indeed, your main point of contact for your paperwork is always the registry office. However, I walk you through it all, let you know which registry office you need to submit your M10 form and ID too and to collect your marriage schedule from.

I will also guide you on any visa requirements you may need if traveling from overseas or if you live in the UK but were born in another country. If you have been married before, I will also guide you on any additional paperwork required. I also send you reminders when things are due so you can get it all submitted in good time.

Don't go over the 29 days before deadline, this can lead to a whole lot of unnecessary stress and paperwork!

How do you help calm nervous couples on the day?

By arriving early and seeing you before the ceremony starts. I am right there ready to steady any nerves and talk through what will happen step by step. I also coordinate with your other suppliers and chat with guests to get everyone hyped for your big day. I’ll even pin on buttonholes, relay updates between people, help setup, find bouquets, you name it, I’m on it!

Any funny, moving, or surprising ceremony stories you can share?

Oh I have so, so many! Best thing to do is visit my website and head to the weddings page! www.yvonnehannahcelebrant.com

What advice do you have for couples planning an outdoor ceremony in Scotland, weather and all?

Think about location. If you are eloping to the wilderness, we cannot change that plan, even if the weather is torrential rain or snow, we have to conduct a legal ceremony in that spot If you are marrying at a venue, the coordinators will arrange an inside and outside option and keep an eye on weather updates. The call isusually made by you. Dress for the conditions, especially footwear!

As Billy Connolly oncesaid, “There’s no such thing as bad weather – only the wrong clothes”

How can couples get in touch with you to book you?

You can visit my website and send me a message there, or you can email me, message me on insta, Facebook or TikTok or give me a call or send a text!

Website: www.yvonnehannahcelebrant.com

Email: yvonnehannah@fuzeceremonies.co.uk

Insta: Yvonne Hannah Celebrant

Facebook: Yvonne Hannah Humanist Celebrant Scotland

Phone: 07719136288

To find out more about The Fuze Foundation,visit www.fuzeceremonies.co.uk/fuze-foundation

A T W E D D I N G S B Y G I L L I A N

M C L A C H L A N

The photographer was setting up the perfect first-look shot everything framed, posed and beautiful Meanwhile, I caught something completely different: the bride taking a deep breath, pressing her hands to her stomach, and whispering “Okay… here we go” to herself before exhaling. It lasted seconds, but when I sent her the clip the next day, she said: “Gosh, that was exactly how I felt in that moment I’ll never forget it now ” .

Weddings have changed. Couples still want the elegant portraits and timeless photos to adorn their walls and sometimes the polished cinematic video but they also want more They want the in-between moments: instant, shareable and full of feeling. The real stuff. The shaky laughter. The hugs with friends they hadn’t seen in years. The chaos, the joy, and the quiet moments no one else notices. And they want to see it all before the confetti even hits the floor. That’s where content creators come in.

What Is a Wedding Content Creator?

A wedding content creator is there to capture your day in real time behindthe-scenes moments, raw emotions, and everything in between. Using just a phone and an eye for storytelling, I capture the moments that often slip through the cracks: the deep breaths before walking down the aisle, the bridesmaids fixing each other’s dresses, the spontaneous dance-offs no one planned.

I get to capture some of the most emotional and intimate parts of the day from morning prep the glam, the giggles, the nerves and the transformations – to that father and daughter dance. These are the moments that rarely make it into the wedding album, but they’re pure magic on video. Unlike a photographer or videographer, I deliver short-form content usually within 24–48 hours ready to share, save or simply relive while you're still on your honeymoon.

Why Content Creators Are Becoming Essential

A growing trend in the US and now making its way across the pond, wedding content creators are becoming more and more popular in Scotland. So why are more couples adding content creators to their wedding team? Here’s what makes us so valuable:

1. Instant Gratification: The day goes by in a blur and couples often feel a “wedding come-down” the very next day. Content creators provide highlights within 24 hours that help you relive it all straight away, while the excitement is still fresh.

.2. A Different Perspective: Photographers and videographers focus on artistry and cinematic shots. Content creators capture the day as it really felt the vibe, energy and atmosphere from the perspective of your guests and loved ones. We film the character of the day that makes it uniquely yours.

3. Candid, Unposed Memories: Some of the most precious moments happen when no one is looking: nervous giggles during bridal prep, hugs from friends, a cheeky sip of champagne in the makeup chair, little in jokes or dance floor chaos. We catch the tiny details that might otherwise be missed.

4. Social-Ready Content: From Reels to TikToks to story snippets, couples want shareable, smartphone-friendly clips that they can post immediately. We create polished but natural clips formatted perfectly for social media without the wait. This is ideal for instantly sharing with guests or family and friends who couldn’t attend.

5. Complementing, Not Competing: We don’t replace photographers or videographers we complement them, filling in the ‘gaps’ with emotional, casual storytelling. While they’re setting up perfect shots, we’re filming the “in-between” moments so couples get the full story of their day.

This isn’t about competition it’s collaboration. Photographers and videographers create stunning visuals you’ll frame on your wall. Content creators provide the energy, immediacy, and informal storytelling you’ll scroll back through forever. We respect the flow of the day, work around your photographer’s direction, and stay unobtrusive, blending into the background while documenting what unfolds naturally.

Capturing the Heartbeat of the Day

As much as I adore a confetti shot and those tender first looks, my favourite clips aren’t the big, orchestrated moments. They’re the quiet, blink-and-youmiss-it moments: A flower girl practising her twirl in front of a mirror and her excited little face when she gets her dress on and feels like a princess; a best man fixing the groom’s tie because nerves got the better of him, muttering a reassuring joke; and a quick high-five between the couple just out of sight before walking in as newlyweds.

These fleeting memories are often what couples replay over and over because they feel real. Today’s weddings don’t live in albums alone. They live in group chats, Insta stories, TikToks and highlight reels. We bottle up the laughter, the tears, and the little in-between moments you might not even see yourself so you can hold on to them forever

This isn’t just an added extra or a nice-to-have in today’s fast-moving, memory-driven world, content creators have become an essential part of the modern wedding story.

About the Author

Gillian McLachlan of Forever Content is a wedding content creator and journalist passionate about capturing the raw, unfiltered moments that make wedding days unforgettable.

She works alongside your photographers and videographers to create candid, short-form content delivered within 24–48 hours, helping couples relive their day almost instantly.

Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @for.evercontent & Facebook

As Scotland basks in an uncharacteristic heatwave, summer brides are facing a new kind of challenge: how to look picture-perfect from vows to last dance without melting under the pressure (or the sun!). Thankfully, our talented members have experience from across the globe and are ready to share their heat-defying secrets. Michaela Sands and Bridal Hair by Natasha share their top tips and products.

Makeup That Withstands the Heat

Michaela Sands, a bridal makeup artist who spent seven years working in the Australian tropics, knows exactly how to make makeup work in hot and humid weather.

Her number one recommendation? Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation. “This long-wearing, oil-free foundation is a game-changer,” Michaela says. “Its matte finish controls excess oil, allowing your skin’s natural warmth to create a subtle dewy glow over time without starting off shiny. Starting matte is key.”

To further lock in the look, Michaela swears by a mattifying pressed powder, applied with a powder puff, not a brush. “Pressing powder into the skin especially in your oily zones helps it stay put and keeps shine at bay,” she advises.

But even the best makeup needs a little help throughout the day. Michaela recommends a few touch-up essentials for every bride’s bag:

Blotting sheets to absorb sweat without smudging

A compact powder for quick fixes

A soft, fluffy brush to seamlessly blend

“Don’t be afraid of a matte start,” she assures. “Your skin’s natural oils will soften the look over time, giving you that radiant, lived-in glow without compromising wear. ”

The key to a flawless bridal look in extreme heat? Start matte, stay light, and plan for touch-ups. With the right products and pro-approved techniques, even the hottest summer day won’t stand a chance against your bridal beauty. Brides, take note and pack that powder puff!

When it comes to wedding hair in the heat, Natasha from Bridal Hair by Natasha advises to keep it practical and polished. Recommending to wear hair up and no half up styles. “Half-up styles just don’t hold when temperatures rise you’ll end up battling limp strands and frizz.”

Her go-to product? Dream Coat by Color Wow. “This stuff is magic for fighting frizz, especially around the roots,” Natasha says. “For brides with natural wave or curl, heat can bring out the worst in their hair texture. But Dream Coat acts like a mini umbrella, keeping everything sleek and smooth.”

Depending on whether the bride wears her hair straight or curly, Natasha recommends choosing the appropriate Dream Coat version (the original or the curly hair formula) to get the best results. Image Alison White Photography.

I hope you enjoyed this edition. Please feel free to reach out to us and if there is anything you want us to feature or discuss, please let us know.

Next Edition will feature our Members portfolio day and all the behind the scenes action.

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Editor’s Note

SCOTTISH WEDDING HAIR & MAKEUP DIRECTORY

INDEX

Photographers

Rhona Wilson Photography

Alison White Photography

Camerashy Photography

Matthew Johnston

Angie B Photography

Stevie Weir Photography

Laura Kemp Photography

Anna Dunlop

Connor Barrett Photography

Willow and Wilde

Chris Guthrie

Andrea Godfrey Photography

White Cherrie Photography

Jasmine Skye Photography

Emma Halliburton Creative

Love Skye Photography

Stevie Kyle Photography

Hannah Dalziel Films

Hemera Visuals

Janine Kirkwood Photo

AM Photography

Members

Makeup by Sarabel

Ailsa Doc

Lauren Gilmour

Meigan Alessandra Bridal Hair

Laura Fairley

Michaela Sands

Bridal Hair by Natasha

Beauty Products

Estee Lauder Doublewear Foundation

Color Wow Dream Coat

Moroccon Oil Smoothing Cream

Content Creator

Venus Content

Forever Content

Cakes by Kirsten Make Believe Events

Celebrant

Yvonne Hannah

Accessories

Ellis Brides of Scotland

Models

Gillian Cheung

Meigan Alessandra Bridal Hair

CHERRY BLOSSOM CAKE

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