Spotlight On…Gemma Sutton
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Posted in Spotlight On...
Last week we introduced you to Chanelle of Segerius Bruce Photography , who was the photographer responsible for the fabulous images of our vintage peach shoot that was featured in both You & Your Wedding magazine and on Rock My Wedding .
Today I’m delighted to welcome to the blog the hair and make-up artist from the shoot, Gemma Sutton . Gemma is a super-talented lady who regularly works on fashion and editorial features, as well as transforming brides for their big day – I really do wish she could work her magic on me every morning!
Tell us about you and your company
I have been working as an internationally acclaimed makeup and hair stylist for the past 10 years. My work has enabled me to travel the world and work with a number of well established photographers, models and celebrities. Some previous clients include Vogue, TM Lewin, BBC Holby City, ITV3 Drama “Bodies”, OK Magazine, Louise Redknapp and Edward De Souza.
I love my job. Every day is never the same, and I get to meet some amazing and inspiring professionals. My week days are mainly Editional/Commercial and bridal trials, whilst weekends are always booked for my brides on the most important day of their life.
Due to the success and increased demand with all areas of Makeup & Hair, I have assembled an elite team of fully qualified and insured professional artists. Each artist offers qualities and different techniques and expertise within the industry.
Can you explain the ideas behind the different looks you created for our shoot?
The theme was classic vintage, pretty, soft/peachy, gorgeously girly look and feel. Makeup was kept minimal with neutral tones and peachy highlights to the cheeks and lips, making the eyes the main feature point of the face using dark shimming purple and brown shades.
I created two looks on both models. For the first look the hair was swept to the side with bouncy waves, simply pinned with vintage flowers, whilst the second look was more of a statement with a big bee hive giving lots of height, movement and body.
On the second model the hair was pinned up in a tight bun with the hair intertwining and hair pieces were added to give a much more of a hair statement. The last look hair was woven to the side of the head, again with hair pieces added for volume and texture.
Which was your favourite look from the shoot and what were the products used?
I loved all looks on both models for different reasons, but I do love the softer wave with hair swept to the side. Makeup was minimal but with most of the focus on the eyes for a very vintage pretty look and feel.
My top products for this look were:
- Babyliss Glamour Wave £204
- Mark Hill Heat protection spray £6.12
- Phot Fabuious Wave Spray £7.19
- MAC Face+Body Foundation £23.50
- Bobbie Brown Long-Wear cream shadow in glacier £16.50
- MAC Blushcreme Lilicent £14.00
What are the current trends for bridal hair and make-up, and what do you see being popular for 2012?
One of the best ways to find the latest hair trends is to look towards celebrities at award shows, as well as what’s current on the Wedding Dress designers runway shows. This wedding season is all about glamorous updos. From the look of big ballerina buns, to adding jewels and sparkling pieces to your updo to add a little something special to your style. You can follow this trend by simply wearing one big braid to the side and adding flowers for a more formal look.
For a vintage feel to your wedding try the trend of wearing a retro wedding hair style, or adding a small hat with a veil for even more of a retro vibe. Two other hair trends for brides are the look of half up half down hairstyle and bouncy, flowing curls. Remember to add traditional wedding accessories to your to hair such as veils and tiaras to keep things classic and elegant.
The keyword for 2012 is a natural look for makeup – makeup that adapts to our own style, which enhances the face and hiding any imperfections. Colours will be soft natural pink/pastel/gold tones and shades.
What would be your top tip to brides looking for a hair and make-up artist for their wedding?
You should always do your research when looking for a hair and makeup artist. Look online and talk to other brides who have had their hair and makeup done by that artist. Once you have chosen your artist, arrange a trial. You can arrange this as soon as you have decided on your dress, colour scheme and other details that are important to you about your wedding. Look online at different looks and styles you like and show your artist, so they have a clear idea of how you want your hair and makeup on the day.
Thanks Gemma for stopping by and sharing your expertise with us today. If you would like to see more of Gemma’s work or find our more about her wedding services, be sure to check out her website .
Stay tuned to the blog for an interview with Zoe Clark, one of my favourite cake designers who was responsible for the cakes and confectionary for our shoot.
Image credits:
All images courtesy of
Segerius Bruce Photography