It’s not a surprise that I absolutely love makeup. I am in love with love and weddings and all things bridal. What can I say I’m a mush. I don’t know if people realize what it’s like to be the makeup artist at someone’s wedding. I’m going to share a little bit of that in hopes of helping everyone understand a little bit more how much this award means to me.

Someone has found the love of their life. They’ve decided to celebrate that love with a wedding. Sometimes it’s an elopement, sometimes it’s a planned out 2-year big extravaganza. No matter the type of wedding, it’s a wonderful and memorable moment in a person’s life.

Sure there are a bunch of vendors they’ll hire and each of them will be a part of making the couple’s magical moment one to remember but I, well I get to be with the bride.

She is the most important person in the wedding party and likely planned this event a long time ago. I get to chat with her and her closest friends. I get to laugh with them, help to calm her nerves and even stick around till after first look to touch her up before I go.

She has a vision of what she wants to look like. She’s nervous and happy, she’s scared and jittery. We’ve already done her bridal trial and she trusts me implicitly. With each bridesmaid that I doll up, she’s approved and taken photos. She sips her mimosa and nibbles her snacks while she waits her turn.

When she sits in my chair, she smiles, takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. This is the moment she’s been waiting for. She is about to transform into the most beautiful version of herself. I make small talk and make her laugh to ease her nerves. When I finish I hand her the mirror and then, MY moment arrives. She smiles so big, tells me how much she loves it and turns to show her girls. Then, she hugs me and thanks me before heading over to get dressed.

As I pack up and get ready to slip out, sometimes I’m able to catch a glimpse of the bride and her mom adjusting her veil. Those are the images that stay with me forever. As the photographer is doing his/her part to capture these memories, I’m taking mental pictures too.

One more beautiful bride for the books. One more memorialized celebration of love and I was a part of that. Not many people can say that they’ve used their passion to bring joy and beauty to someone else. I’m lucky enough to be one of those who can.

So to all my clients who gave reviews on The Knot, thank you. Thank you for choosing Cristina Rivera Beauty for one of the most important days of your life. It was an honor.