Bardmony Estate Styled Shoot with Audrey McCarthy Makeup Artist
JANUARY 2026 | ISSUE NUMBER 12
Welcome!
Welcome to our first Magazine of 2026! So many exciting things to come this year from us, with a new website launched and more styled shoots and Portfolio days planned. I will be heading to London in January for a Personal Branding Event and I cant wait to share more about it next month. This months Cover feature is from a Bridgerton Inspired styled shoot at Bardmony Estate with member Audrey McCarthy Makeup Artist. Meet our Members this month is Shanna from Collective Studios and meet Amanda from Mrs Brain Trainer who will be doing a monthly feature for Brides to Be.
Helping Brides find the perfect wedding hair and makeup artist for their Scottish Wedding www.scottishweddinghairandmakeupdirectory.co.uk 2
CONTENT BARDMONY ESTATE STYLED SHOOT - 5 Looking back at our styled shoot with Audrey McCarthy at Bardmony Estate in Perth & Kinross.
MEET OUR MEMBERS: COLLECTIVE STUDIOS 20 Shanna from Collective Studios joins us for this month’s Members’ Q&A.
WEDDING HAIR & MAKEUP MYTHS: BUSTED-23 Top hair & makeup suppliers share the myths and bust them for you. SPOTLIGHT: AMANDA TRAINER — MINDSET & LIFESTYLE COACH - 27 Leading mindset & life coach Mrs Brain Trainer joins us as our monthly guest expert.. NEWLY ENGAGED GUIDE 2025- 31 Expert top tips for Brides to be recently engaged over the festive period to help with the overwhelm.
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Scottish Bridal Beauty Directory Online Magazine Editor
Photographers
Hania McIntyre
Bosie Photography AM Photography In the Name of Love Photography Alison White Photography Kk Snaps Rezakio
Co Editor Sara Bonner - O Hara
Contributor Amanda Trainer
About Our Staff Hania McIntyre Hania is a retired 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 @scottishbridalbeauty
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bardmony estate styled shoot A look back to a fab styled shoot at the newest venue in Perthshire, Bardmony Estate with member Audrey McCarthy Makeup Artist. 5
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We travelled to Bardmony Estate earlier this year for a romantic, Bridgerton inspired styled shoot at the newly opened Venue, one of Perthshire’s most exciting new countryside wedding venues.
The shoot was brought together seamlessly by Rebecca Barnett Weddings, with stunning floral artistry from Ginger Blossom Florist and a statement cake by Cakes by Kirsten.
The vision was timeless elegance with a natural, contemporary twist, beautifully captured by Bosie Photography. Our model couple, Model Couple Scotland’s Chani and Jonathan, brought the look to life, styled to perfection by Audrey McCarthy Hair & Makeup.
Dresses were provided by our friends at Opus Couture while kilts from Piob Mhor of Scotland added a touch of Scottish heritage.
Audrey created soft, radiant bridal glam for Chani and a polished updo to add to the vibe.
Beautiful linens from 88 Events Company completed the elegant tablescape styling along with stationery and design created by Rebecca.
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Behind the scenes, Capture Create Co documented the magic, bringing a fresh, content-creator’s perspective to this collaborative celebration of Scottish wedding talent. This styled shoot at Bardmony Estate perfectly showcases what’s possible when creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration come together, a true reflection of Scotland’s thriving wedding industry.
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C R E D I T S
Images - Bosie Photography Venue - Bardmony Estate Hair & Makeup - Audrey McCarthy Dresses - Opus Couture Model Couple - Model Couple Scotland Flowers - Ginger Blossom Florist Wedding Planner - Rebecca Barnett Weddings Linen - 88 Events
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MEET OUR MEMBERS SHANNA/ COLLECTIVE STUDIOS
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in the wedding Hair & Makeup Industry? II’m Shanna, the founder of Collective Studios and Collective Training Academy. Im a working mum of 2 beautiful children and I’ve worked in the hair and beauty industry for over a decade. Hair styling/ up dos has always been a passion and I love how creative I can get. I started out doing hair and beauty mobile after leaving college.
I stumbled into the wedding industry really, I did a lot of hair ups and a few regular clients had asked if I would do the hair for their wedding and I think from there, word of mouth helped to build my bridal business before social media became a a platform I used regularly. Seeing how confident and calm the right hair and makeup can make a bride feel on such an important day is what truly made me fall in love with bridal work. I won bridal stylist of the year 2025. At the SHABA awards 20
what is your typical process when working with a bride, from the initial enquiry to the wedding day?
How many years have you been working as a wedding hair & makeup artist? 12 years in the Industry. What services do you offer to Brides and their bridal parties? I offer hair styling services to brides, their wedding party and also wedding guests what areas do you cover? and do you travel out of scotland for weddings? I work in the Aberdeen / Aberdeenshire area but do travel around Scotland when needed. Ive always fancied doing a wedding abroad so I am always open to travelling further a field.
It all starts with an initial enquiry and consultation where we discuss your vision, dress, venue, and overall vibe of your wedding. From there, we book a bridal trial to perfect the look and make any tweaks well in advance. On the wedding morning, I create a calm, organised, and enjoyable experience, ensuring timings run smoothly and everyone feels relaxed and confident. My goal is that you feel looked after from start to finish. what advice do you have for brides who are in the process of choosing their artist? Choose someone whose style you genuinely love, but also someone you feel comfortable and relaxed around. Your wedding morning sets the tone for the entire day, so having a stylist who is organised, calming, and experienced. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions.
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what are your favourite wedding venues in scotland and why? Scotland has so many incredible venues, but I especially love working in castles, for example drumtochty castle and fasque, there’s something so timeless and romantic about them. I never get tired of seeing how different each wedding feels at the same venues and how each couples vision and style differs from another
how can brides get in touch with you? Brides can get in touch via Instagram, email, or WhatsApp. I always recommend enquiring early, as popular wedding dates book up quickly. I’m more than happy to answer any questions and chat through ideas to see if we’re the right fit. https://scottishweddinghairandmak eupdirectory.co.uk/listing/shannacollective-studios/
what are your top 3 products in your kit? 1. My volumisimg powder. Absolutely my must have product! Osis Dust It 2. Smoothing cream - to tame those fly aways and smooth curled looks. Makes such a difference to the finished look. My fav is Osis bounty balm 3. Flexible hairspray No crispy hair over here! I love the schwarzkopf silhouette one!
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Wedding hair & makeup myths: busted Industry experts set the record straight. From camera-ready makeup to “must-have” hair rules, bridal beauty is full of well meaning advice and just as many misconceptions. We asked our members to share the myths they hear most often, and here’s what they want brides to know instead.
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Myth: You need to wear a lot of makeup for it to show on camera Busted by: Ailsa Doc This is one of the most common fears brides have that natural makeup won’t photograph well. In reality, expertly applied makeup is about placement, texture, and balance, not heaviness. Cameras pick up definition, not layers. With the right techniques, you can look polished on camera while still feeling completely like yourself.
Myth: You have to grow your hair for your wedding Busted by: Alter Ego Hair Art Many brides are told they must grow their hair, even if they don’t love it long. While a bit of extra length can help with certain styles, it raises an important question: Why don’t we talk more about choosing a style that suits the length you genuinely feel best in? Your wedding day look should reflect you, not a version of you that feels unfamiliar.
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Myth: Oily skin needs to be dried out Busted by: Andrea O Connor Over drying oily skin can actually cause it to produce more oil. Balanced, well-hydrated skin allows makeup to sit better.
Myth: The bride should go last for makeup There’s no universal rule but many Hair & Makeup Artists won’t do the Bride last as there can be many delays in the schedule and if the Bride goes last they could end up feeling rushed.
Myth: You need a 10-step skincare routine before your wedding Consistency, simplicity, and suitability to your skin type matter far more than an extensive routine. Myth: You should dermaplane or wax the day before your wedding Last minute hair removal can leave the skin sensitised and make makeup harder to apply and stick.
Myth: There’s a “right” way to wear makeup Busted by: Erin Burgh Makeup Makeup is a creative outlet, not a rulebook. If blush works as eyeshadow, brow gel works as eyeliner, or lipstick works as blush, and you love how it looks, do it. Express yourself. Have fun. Your wedding makeup should feel like you, not a set of restrictions.
Myth: Brides want a full transformation on their wedding day In reality, most brides don’t want to look like a different person, they want to look like the best version of themselves.
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Myth: Dirty hair styles better Busted by: Bridal Hair by Natasha One of the biggest myths is that dirty hair styles better, this isn’t true. Any oil on the scalp can actually affect how your hair holds, so your stylist will usually prefer hair that’s washed either the night before or the morning of, then blowdried using a heat protectant and ideally a light styling cream. If you use a hair mask, make sure it’s rinsed out thoroughly, as leftover product or oil can interfere with styling. Just like a skincare routine preps your skin for the big day, regular trims are essential to prep your hair, as dry or struggling ends will be visible. Thoughtful colour placement, such as highlights or lowlights, can also emphasise detail in an upstyle and create the illusion of thicker hair—especially helpful if you have fine hair. And when it comes to extensions, many hairstylists actually prefer clip-ins over permanently fitted extensions for wedding styling, as they offer more control, flexibility, and a cleaner finish on the day.
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Guest expert Amanda Trainer Images Rezakio and KKsnaps
MRS BRAIN TRAINER A new year is always a time to reflect and to make changes. One of the biggest changes you can make is your mindset, and I am delighted to announce Leading Mindset & Life coach, Amanda from Mrs Brain Trainer, will be our Monthly Guest expert. Amanda will be sharing her tips and expertise for Brides to be and anyone looking to build their confidence.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Amanda and my brand is Mrs Brain Trainer. I have been fascinated with all things human, minds, why we do things, why we don’t do things and how to make our brains work better. I started my journey when I was 19, I was a single parent, a teenage mum. I came from poverty and now I live a life that I only ever dreamed of.
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I had poor mental health, was in the wrong crowd, and doing the wrong things. I didn’t believe I could ever get a job, now people describe me as an inspiration and motivational. In one sentence, what do you do? I help people to retrain their brain, to work to their advantage, to help to think better which in turn makes them feel better. What inspired you to work in mindset and lifestyle coaching? I had a wee girl and I didn’t feel worthy as a person and I knew I had to change my life to give her a life that she deserved. I started to become obsessed with the mind and got introduced to it at a young parent group by chance, and it changed my life. I then studied it, and studied it, and studied it and eventually started doing training courses. I had a great mentor. I used to work one to one in an office then covid hit, and I went online and realised I really love working with groups of people. My biggest industries are fitness and beauty so far. I also host private events and me and my other half run private wellness retreats from home. I also go in and do corporate events.
Why is mindset so important for brides? It’s important for us humans in general but I just think if you have put all that money into this special day, I think a lot of Brides don’t really get to take that moment in because they are terrified of walking down the aisle with everyone looking at them and I feel it just steals the magic from them in that moment. I am all about women empowerment and helping them to feel present in the moment, taking it all in.
My trait is if you hang about with me you will start to believe in yourself no matter what Who do you work with most? About 10 years into my career, I realised I had done all the trauma and I thought I know what I like and its confidence, all the positive lives, the empowerment, the mindset coaching so I niched into women and business owners, and Mums because I am all of these things and that is where my passion lies.
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What can our readers expect from your monthly column? So having worked with the mind for 20 years and basically figured out the fast tracks of how to change, how to improve, how to make your brain work to your advantage. I come with a toolkit, I love to share tools and techniques because I think that is the missing piece. Everything I teach is simple, efficient and effective. It can be done in 2 minutes and I suppose to umbrella all of it, it comes under emotional regulation because if we can regulate our emotions we can interrupt negative thoughts. We can rid anxiety and scam and soothe our nervous system.
To help think more positively and make good decisions. I will be sharing my tips, tools and techniques that people can use. This is most valuable but I would love questions to answer too, so any Brides to Be, pick my brain while I am there and that’s my duty to you guys.
I started my journey when I was 19 and a single mum, I wanted to give my wee girl the life she deserved
If you have any questions for Amanda that you would like her to cover in any upcoming magazines, please reach out to us and we will pass this onto Amanda.
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YOU’RE ENGAGED. NOW BREATHE.
Before You Book: 7 Things Newly Engaged Brides Should Know You don’t need to have your look figured out yet Pinterest is inspiration, not instruction Your dress will influence your hair & makeup more than trends Your everyday style matters more than what’s popular Booking early is about availability, not pressure You don’t need to grow/cut/change anything if you don’t want to Trials are collaborations, not tests 31
1. You don’t need to have your look figured out yet One of the first questions newly engaged brides are asked is, “Have you decided what you’re doing with your hair and makeup?” The honest answer? You don’t need to know, not yet. Your wedding beauty look isn’t a single decision; it’s something that evolves as your plans take shape. Your dress, venue, season, and even how you want to feel on the day will all influence it. Right now, the most useful thing you can do is notice what you naturally gravitate towards and what already makes you feel confident. There’s no deadline on knowing your look. Clarity comes later. 2. Pinterest is inspiration, not instruction Pinterest can be a brilliant tool, but only when it’s used gently. Saved images often feature professional lighting, filters, editing, hair padding, extensions, and makeup designed specifically for photography. That doesn’t make them wrong, but it does mean they aren’t a step-by-step guide. Instead of asking “Can I have this exact look?”, try asking “What do I like about this?” 3. Your dress will influence your hair & makeup more than trends Trends come and go, but your dress sets the tone. Necklines, fabrics, silhouettes, and details all play a huge role in how hair and makeup are balanced. A sleek, modern dress will often suit a different beauty approach than a romantic lace dress or a structured ballgown dress. This is why many brides find their beauty vision becomes clearer after choosing their dress. It’s not about copying a trend, it’s about creating harmony between everything you’re wearing. Let the dress lead. The rest will follow naturally. 4. Your everyday style matters more than what’s popular When you look back at your wedding photos, you won’t be judging how on-trend you were, you’ll be looking for yourself. If you rarely wear heavy makeup, your wedding day probably isn’t the moment to debut a completely unfamiliar look. If you love polished hair and clean lines, overly undone styles may not feel like home. Your everyday style is full of clues. The colours you wear, the makeup you repeat, the hairstyles you return to, these are all hints at what will make you feel most confident on the day. Timelessness often comes from familiarity, not trends.
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5. Booking early is about availability, not pressure Bridal hair and makeup artists book up early, especially more sought after artists, so don't leave it too late if you have a particular artist in mind. You don’t have to book early because you need to decide everything quickly, but because there are only so many weekends in a year. Booking early simply secures your artist and is about peace of mind, not pressure. 6. You don’t need to grow, cut, or change anything if you don’t want to This is covered in our myths mentioned before by Kiera from Alter Ego Hair Art. There’s a persistent belief that brides need to do something to their hair or appearance once they’re engaged, grow it longer, cut it differently, change its colour, overhaul their skincare. You don’t have to. If you love your hair at its current length, there are countless beautiful styles designed to work with it. If you feel best with minimal makeup, that can be elevated without being transformed. Your wedding day isn’t about becoming someone else, it’s about feeling comfortable, confident, and completely yourself. 7. Trials are collaborations, not tests A trial isn’t an exam you can pass or fail, it’s a conversation and a way for your artist to create the dream look you have in mind. It’s a chance to explore ideas, adjust details, give feedback, and work together to refine a look that feels right. Sometimes the trial confirms exactly what you imagined; other times it gently redirects you toward something better suited. Speaking up, asking questions, and being honest about how you feel is part of the process. The best results come from trust, communication, and collaboration, not from aiming for perfection on the first try. A trial isn’t a time to test out lots of artists before committing, often an Artist won’t hold your wedding day on the basis of if you like your trial or not. So if you have a list of artists you want to try, I would suggest narrowing this down and working with the one that appeals to you most. And work with them at the trial, if you want changes speak to them, don’t automatically go elsewhere as they can make changes. Too many Brides don't speak up about their trial or don’t know what they want so they start looking for another artist. Be honest but also be realistic. Final Thought You don’t need to rush, reinvent yourself, or have all the answers right now. Wedding beauty works best when it’s built slowly, thoughtfully, and with space to breathe. You’re engaged, not on a deadline.
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Just Engaged? Stop Doing These 5 Things to Your Hair & Skin Don’t overhaul your skincare overnight Don’t panic buy products because someone else used them Don’t start extreme hair growth routines Don’t book treatments without professional advice Don’t compare your engagement photos to wedding makeup Your Wedding Beauty Timeline: What Matters Now vs Later Now (0–3 months engaged) Book key suppliers Save inspiration Observe what you naturally love wearing Mid-planning Trial timing Colour refreshes Skin consistency Final months Maintenance only No experiments Focus on feeling good
How to Use Pinterest Without Letting It Ruin Your Wedding Look I get that Pinterest is a great place for inspiration, especially wedding inspo, but in terms of hair & makeup, it isnt the best place to go to. The majority of Pinterest images are heavily filtered or AI images so they aren’t even on real people. Brides can often get too hung up about hair and makeup looks on Pinterest and it can become overwhelming. And often, if you type in natural makeup, the looks coming up are anything but natural. My advice as a Wedding Makeup Artist is to find a stylist you like and if you are booking them, use their work for inspiration as you can see what their work looks like on real people.
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Thank You! Thank you for supporting our online magazine. If you want to feature in our magazine or website, please contact us on our website via the contact form. We are now featuring real weddings so please feel free to submit your wedding, or if you are a Photographer or supplier reach out to be featured. Keep up to date with us on Social Media, our handle is @scottishbridalbeauty
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INDEX Photographers Bosie Photography In the Name of Love Photography JK Photography AM Photography Bear & Butterfly Rhona Wilson 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
Members Audrey McCarthy Makeup Artist Shanna Collective Studio Ailsa Doc Bridal Hair by Natasha Andrea O Connor Alter Ego Hair Art Erin Burgh Makeup
Florist & Linen
Venues & Cake
Dresses & Accessories
Ginger & Blossom Florist
Bardmony Estate
Opus Couture
88 Events
Cakes by Kirsten
Piob Mhor
Models
Wedding Planner
Content Creator
Model Couple Scotland
Rebecca Barnett
Capture Create Co
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NEVER MISS Subscribe AN ISSUE! to The Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory
VISIT US ONLINE WWW.SCOTTISHWEDDINGHAIRANDMAKEUPDIRECTORY.CO.UK 37
Jill Rowan Makeup 38
Jill Rowan Makeup
Image TBC
Elegant Bridal HAIRSTYLING
Elegant Bridal Hairstyling
Image Willow & Wilde
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Alcheme Beauty 40 https://www.alchemebeauty.co.uk
Image Chris Guthrie
Alannas Artistry Studio 41 https://www.instagram.com/alannasartistrystudio/
Image Andrea Godfrey Photography
Aimi Clark 42 https://ac-hair.co.uk
Image White Cherrie Photography
Audrey McCarthy 43 https://www.audreymccarthymakeupartist.co.uk
Image Connor Barrett Photography
Meigan Alessandra 44
Meigan Alessandra Bridal Hair
Gemma Black Hair 45
Gemma Black Hair
Ailsa Doc 46
Ailsa Doc Skincare & Makeup
Image Rhona Wilson Photography
Bridal Hair by Natasha 47
Bridal Hair by Natasha
Image JK Photography
Rebecca Hastings 48
Rebecca Hastings
Image TBC
Bridal Hair by Morgan 49
Bridal Hair by Morgan
Image Bear & Butterfly
Hannah Bailey 50
Hannah Bailey
Image In the Name of Love Photography
Victoria Buckley 51
Victoria Buckley
Image TBC
Rebecca Cairns 52
Rebecca Cairns Makeup
Image TBC
The Bride to Be 53
The Bride to Be
Image In the Name of Love Photography
Catherine Taylor 54
Catherine Taylor MUA
Image TBC
Lindsay Cloughley Makeup 55
Lindsay Cloughley Makeup
Image TBC
Michaela Sands 56
Michaela Sands
Image AM Photography
Jennifer Louise 57
Jennifer Louise Studio
Image TBC
Makeup by Sarabel 58
Makeup by Sarabel
Image TBC
Carol Fairfield 59
Carol Fairfield
Rachel Spence 60
Rachel Spence
Bridal by Regina 61
Bridal By Regina
In The Name of Love Photography
BACHILTON BARN WEDDINGS & EVENTS THAT ARE INDIVIDUALLY YOURS
https://www.bachiltonbarn.co.uk
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FOLKERTON MILL LANARKSHIRE WEDDING VENUE www.folkertonmillweddings.co.uk
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CHERRY BLOSSOM CAKE
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01506 798987
https://www.cherryblossomcakedesign.com/
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