Behind the Scenes: Creating Magic for Rock and Roll Bride Magazine

Behind the scenes of a Rock n Roll Bride cover shoot

The cover shoot for Rock and Roll Bride magazine was an experience I’ll remember forever, and I’m excited to share some behind-the-scenes details with you. As the hair and makeup artist, I had the privilege of working with a stunning plus-size model who is not only beautiful but also a talented tattooist. The day was a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and an unstoppable commitment to showcasing individuality and style.

Setting the Stage

The shoot took place at Clapton Country Club in London, a venue with a rustic yet edgy vibe. The space was the perfect backdrop for the shoot, with its exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and eclectic decor. From the moment I arrived, the energy was electric. The team—including the photographer, stylist, and content creator were buzzing with excitement, ready to bring the vision for the cover to life.

Behind the scenes image by The Costa Sisters

The Model: A Muse of Authenticity

Our model for the day, Lucie, was a dream to work with. As a tattooist, she brought a unique edge to the shoot, and her confidence was inspiring. She knew just what to do and it was a lot of fun. Her tattoos told stories, adding layers of personality to every frame. Representation matters, and seeing a plus-size, tattooed model gracing the cover of a wedding magazine felt good for diversity and inclusivity.

Crafting the Looks

For this shoot, I designed two makeup looks that complimented the model’s features and the outfits she wore. All the products I used were cruelty-free and vegan, aligning with my commitment to ethical beauty practices.

  • Look One: Natural with an edge The first look was all about enhancing Lucie’s natural beauty. I prepped her skin for a flawless, radiant finish, using lightweight, hydrating products that gave a healthy glow. Her eyes were accentuated with a classic eyeliner flick, adding a touch of bold without overpowering her natural features. For the lips, I chose a neutral shade that subtly tied the look together. This simple, understated look paired beautifully with the first outfit—Lucie’s actual wedding dress she wore in Vegas paired with the amazing veil by Mant Veils.

  • Look Two: Bold and Fearless For the second look, we amped up the drama. I added a bold red lip to make a statement, perfectly complimenting her striking tattoos and edgy personality. The transition from neutral to bold was seamless, thanks to the versatile base I created earlier. This look worked brilliantly with the final outfits, which were more daring and fashion-forward, reflecting the rebellious spirit of the Rock and Roll Bride aesthetic.

The Styling Process

The model’s wardrobe featured three different outfits, each telling a story of its own. From simple and understated to bold and daring, every outfit was styled meticulously to ensure it resonated with the magazine’s theme. Accessories played a key role, adding just the right amount of rock and roll attitude. Watching Kat and Lucie bring these outfits to life was definitely inspiring to be more creative with looks.

The Shoot in Action

As the shoot progressed, the synergy between the team was visible. The photographer’s vision, combined with the model’s charisma and the stylist’s keen eye, resulted in some truly breath taking shots. The natural light at the venue was perfect for adding depth and dimension to the images.

Between looks, there was a lot of activity. Touch-ups, outfit changes, and tweaks to lighting and props kept the energy high. The model’s infectious laughter and the team’s shared enthusiasm made even the busiest moments feel easy.

Reflections on the Day

Being part of this cover shoot was an honour and brings back smiles every time I think about it. It reinforced my belief in the importance of celebrating authenticity. I am proud that my look using all cruelty free and vegan products is good enough for a magazine cover, showing you that you don’t need to compromise on ethics to look amazing.

The cover of Rock and Roll Bride magazine will be more than just an image; it will be a statement of empowerment and individuality. And I’m proud to have played a part in creating it.

Team

Creative Direction & Styling: @rocknrollbride
Photography: @harri_bentley_photography
BTS Photos & Video: @thecostasisters
Hair & Make-Up: @tonisearlebridal
Model: @lucietattoo
Content Creation: @girlfriday.social
Location: @claptoncountryclub

Look 1 (tight dress)
Dress: @clubllondon
Veil: @mantveils
Jewellery: @mysticumluna
Boots: Model's own

Look 2 (white long dress)
Dress: @bridesofsouthampton1976
Veil: @l.o.m_fashion
Jewellery: @mysticumluna
Boots: Model's own

Look 3 (black dress)
Dress: @bridesofsouthampton1976
Jackets: Model’s own
Jewellery: @mysticumluna