Anniversary Photoshoot at the Shipyards: from Bridal Stylist to Family Photographer

I had the absolute pleasure of doing Nadia’s makeup and hair for her wedding day a year ago. We held her bridal trial a week before the wedding, and we bonded instantly. Hers was the last wedding I worked before taking time off for my own wedding, and we commiserated on the trials of wedding planning, the never-ending list of last-minute tasks to finish, and all the nerves leading up to it. There were a lot of emotions surrounding her wedding day for the both of us.

For her bridal look, she requested a smokey eye makeup using warm tones, and a textured half up half down curled hairstyle. I used bronze and gold on her eyes to make them pop, and kept the blush and lip colour fairly natural as to not overwhelm the look. Here are some photos of her and her (now) husband on their wedding day, taken by their photographer Joseph Povazan:

When my own wedding day finally came, Nadia messaged me with some kind words and sent audio affirmations which I referred back to several times to keep myself calm and present. I really appreciated that and it meant a lot to know I had made such a positive impact on her wedding day that she reached out on mine.

Fast forward to a year later, I was so happy to see a message from her asking if I would be interested in doing a couple’s photoshoot for her and her husband Naqib to celebrate their one-year anniversary. I jumped at the opportunity to work with such a lovely couple again and reconnect.

I asked Nadia and Naqib what they enjoyed doing together and where they like to go for fun. They said one of their favourite activities was just to toodle around town, window shop and spend a lazy afternoon exploring. They love a mixture of urban and natural scenery, so we thought the Shipyards Quay in North Vancouver would be the perfect fit.

I offer the option to include makeup and hair for all my photoshoots (folks love a one-stop-shop) so before we headed to the market, Nadia came to my home studio for some relaxed beach waves, and a subtle everyday makeup using cool brown tones on the eyes.

Nadia wrote me a truly heart warming review, here’s what she had to say:

“I’ll try to keep this brief, but it’s going to be hard because I will never run out of positive things to say about Lindsay, but please do read on and know that this review is genuine and I mean every word.

About a year ago, I was blessed to have Lindsay do my hair and make up for my wedding (she came as a recommendation) and let me tell you, it turned out more perfect than I could have ever imagined. I looked like a bride but it was a perfectly subtle and glamorous look. The whole experience from the booking to the trial to the day-of was nothing short of amazing. Lindsay just has a way with making you feel so comfortable and at ease.

Fast forward to a year of being married, and I saw that Lindsay was doing photography. I told my husband that for our one year anniversary I’d like a photoshoot with Lindsay and he didn’t ask any further questions, because he and I both knew how good she would be. And forget about good, she was phenomenal. Not only did she do my hair and makeup again (score!) but she totally made our vision come to life. Not to mention she was so flexible with the timing and location.

Lindsay made the shoot extra fun and natural, which can be difficult when you’re in a public space, but the shots she captured are ones we will cherish for a lifetime. Speaking of the shots, she has the quickest turnaround and the best editing skills!

Lindsay can literally do it all, of this I have no doubt. She’s got this sparkle that comes through in her work, be it hair, makeup, or photography. Will forever highly recommend her work.”

After a laughter filled day wandering by the seaside market, I went home with my heart feeling full. I am forever grateful for the wonderful people that come into my life through my career, and that I have the opportunity to do what I love for work. Nothing makes me happier than being creative, and making other people happy through art. Thank you Nadia and Naqib for trusting me with your photos, and I’ll see you next year for your second anniversary :)