I’ve met Raeanna twice, once during the Bridal Trial and the second was on her wedding day. When I went to her apartment, what greeted me was a tray of cookies just freshly baked and her mother and boys waiting to be fitted by their tailor and designer. Introductions were immediately done and I also met her fiancee who made us feel at ease. Raeanna immediately ushered us (my hairstylist and I) into her room to start the trial where she made sure our comfort was being attended to.
While our communication was through SMS, I got the feeling that Raeanna had that easy going vibe, which made communication seamless. All she wanted was to be her best version of herself without the feeling of being too made up. She hardly wears makeup, according to her, a swipe of lipstick and sunblock is all that she can do to make her ready for the day. I don’t blame her as this is also sometimes my 5 second makeup routine when my day is about to get overwhelming.
Below is how our day was spent :
1). Please tell me about yourself, what do you do for a living? What are your hobbies, passion?
I work for a hotel and restaurant management company, working on new projects. I like to run, I was a former triathlete and I bake.
2). How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist), what made you want to work with me?
You were referred to me by my friend Monica Alturra, I wanted to work with someone who came recommended by someone I know. There are a lot of Hair and Makeup artists out there, and some of them would change the Bride beyond recognition and I didn’t want that at all. As an “older” bride, I wanted to still look and feel my best but age appropriate. I didn’t want to look “matronic” or a “Tita of Manila”. I also appreciated that the Bridal trial was incorporated as an option, other HMUA didn’t.
3). How did you like the outcome of our time together for your special day?
I loved the outcome, it was exactly what I wanted to look like. Very light and natural in the photographs. You captured the personality of each of us, (the Maid of Honor my younger sister had a more dramatic look while my older sister had a natural look).
4) What is the one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
Every moment was very special, to be surrounded by close family and friends.
5). What was a good beauty moment for you during the wedding day?
The entire experience of the hair and makeup was “a good beauty moment” because it was easy and effortless, no fuss. I didn’t have to worry about anything.
6). Favourite Beauty product, application used during your wedding day.
We loved it all! We ended up buying the eye pads, water gel exfoliation peel, and we tried to get the same Dior lip and eye palettes. The Vichy Face mask was the best since I have very dry skin.
7). Any Bridal Tips you want to share for future brides planning their wedding?
Get a team that you can trust preferably recommended by someone you know. All my suppliers were tried and tested so I didn’t have to worry about whether they would be Ok or not. Be organised, don’t leave things to the last minute. Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t go overboard with little details that unnecessarily cost money. Make a realistic budget and stick to it. After all the bills were paid, I was happy that I was less than 10K over my budget estimate! Focus on the marriage, not just the wedding.
8). What is the one thing you could change during your wedding preparation?
I should’ve made sure that you and JM ate lunch on time!!!! So sorry about that…
9). Any beauty rituals you did or received that you want to share?
I did the regular facials every month leading up to the wedding. I should’ve insisted that the groom apply sunblock while at the beach and pool before the wedding so he wouldn’t look so dark and peeling on our wedding day.
10). Favourite photo of you during the wedding and why.
It was so hard to choose a favourite because there were so many good ones that just captured the moment.
Thank you Raeanna and family, may your new life ahead be filled with joy, happiness, love and support and moments that will bring out the best in each one of you.