Funny how things happen sometimes. When we first peeked at Cara and Michael’s photos on the Ciro Photography website, we were completely smitten with their wedding day. Of course, Cara looked absolutely beautiful. But there was something so glamorous {yet soft}, and modern {yet vintage} about her style. We immediately sent a note to her photographer, Rich, to learn more… and {voila!} found out that the bride in question was Cara Sullivan, deputy editor at Martha Stewart Weddings .
Knowing that Cara not only planned a tres-beautiful wedding, but was also a seasoned beauty professional, we asked her to share some wedding day beauty tips alongside the gorgeous photos of her big day. We’re beyond thrilled to share Cara and Michael’s autumn wedding at the Angel Orensanz foundation with you.
How would you describe your wedding style?
Modern and romantic, but not in the traditional sense. We wanted it to feel like a dark, cozy fall night in New York City. It poured on the morning of the wedding, but I was actually really psyched about it. The gray skies made the reception feel warm and inviting—it literally glowed. If we had wanted it to be bright and sunny, we wouldn’t have chosen to get married in a Gothic cathedral in November!
Do you have any advice for brides on pulling together their wedding day look with hair and makeup?
Be sure to have at least one consultation. It may add to your overall budget, but it’s so worth it. You spend so much time and money perfecting what you’re going to wear, but the hair and makeup are really what tie it all together.
Did you do your own wedding makeup?
Yes! I wanted it to look clean, classic, and just a little bit retro. My inspiration was Angelina Jolie’s makeup at the 2007 Golden Globes : a glossy nude lip, black liner, major lashes, and glowing skin.
Do you have any advice brides wanting to do their own makeup on their wedding day?
Practice, practice, practice. It’s not Friday night out with the girls, it’s your wedding day. Tear out pictures of makeup looks you like, map out a plan, and spend time mastering the techniques you’re not so skilled at, whether it’s winged-out liquid liner, a red-lip that doesn’t budge, or dewy skin that doesn’t look cakey. And play around with products you may not normally wear, like individual false lashes and primer. In photos, they make a world of difference.
Have a friend take pictures of the finished look with and without flash, and in and out of daylight so you can see how it’ll all come together on film.
Another must? Test out all the products you plan on using well before the big day rolls around. I once heard of a bride who was late to her own wedding because she’d had an allergic reaction to eyeliner she’d bought that morning.
What is your best advice for brides looking for a makeup artist?
Ask for recommendations from your wedding planner, hair stylist, or friends who’ve recently tied the knot. Once you’ve gathered a few names, browse through their websites and ask to see photos of their recent work. If you’re not into their style, don’t bother scheduling a consultation—there are tons of other makeup artists in the sea. At the consultation, communicate your likes and dislikes as clearly as possible, bring lots of photos {you at your best, red carpet looks you love, etc}.
Rather than showing up freshly scrubbed, wear your typical “going out” face. It’s a great way to give your makeup artist an idea of your style. And if you don’t like something, speak up! That’s what consultations are for. Requesting a different lipstick doesn’t make you a diva.
What was your wedding splurge? Why was it important to you?
The venue. The first time we saw it, it literally took our breaths away. It was way out of our price range, but we cut back in other places to make it work. I’m so glad we did. Two years later, our guests are still talking about how special it was.
What was your vision for the ceremony?
The venue was super ornate, so I wanted the palette to be neutral. I went with antique gold bridesmaids dresses (to play off the gilded walls) and simple bouquets of ivory hydrangeas. I asked my florist to hang antique moss from the chandeliers, and the altar was backlit in pale gold. The only other light came from candles, and I remember it being really dark as I walked down the aisle. The drama queen in me really loved that part.
Additional Style Ingredients:
Flowers: Ariston Flowers
Wedding dress: Junko Yoshioka
Bridesmaids dresses: Jim Hjelm
Many thanks to Cara for sharing her gorgeous wedding and bridal beauty tips with Merci New York readers. Want more? Be sure to visit Martha Stewart Weddings to learn more about how Cara documented her big day with DIY details .
All photos courtesy Rich Ciro Janniello of Ciro Photography .
