Golden, Glowy Makeup & Effortless Waves: The Modern Wedding Look at Dorney Court
Image by Serene Visuals
A modern wedding calls for a beauty look that feels fresh, radiant, and effortlessly chic. For our latest bridal shoot at the stunning Dorney Court in Berkshire, we embraced a golden, glowy makeup aesthetic paired with soft, natural waves—perfect for the contemporary bride who wants to shine while still looking like herself. Featuring exquisite gowns from Mothers Daughter, this look was all about enhancing natural beauty while complementing the romance of this historic venue.
The Magic of Golden, Glowy Makeup on Brown Skin
When working with deeper skin tones, a golden, dewy makeup look enhances natural warmth and gives the skin an ethereal glow. For our bride, with gorgeous Mauritian skin, we focused on rich, sun-kissed tones to highlight her features in the most flattering way.
1. Skin Prep is Key
A luminous makeup look starts with well-prepped skin. Hydration is essential, so we used a lightweight, moisture-boosting serum followed by a luminous primer to create a smooth, radiant base. On deeper skin tones, a primer with a golden or peachy undertone helps enhance warmth and glow.
2. A Flawless, Radiant Base
For foundation, we chose a lightweight, dewy-finish formula that provided coverage while still letting the skin breathe. Rather than a heavy matte look, we focused on a natural glow, setting only the T-zone with a finely milled translucent powder to keep unwanted shine at bay while allowing the skin’s luminosity to shine through.
3. Warm, Sun-Kissed Contour & Highlight
To add warmth and definition, we used a creamy bronzer in deep caramel tones, blending it seamlessly into the skin for a natural sun-kissed effect. Highlighter was key to achieving the golden glow—on brown skin, champagne and rose-gold shades work beautifully. A touch of highlighter on the high points of the face—cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of the nose—brought dimension and light.
4. Soft, Golden Eyes & Full Lashes
For the eyes, we kept it soft and romantic with warm, golden shadows that enhanced the bride’s rich skin tone. A blend of bronze and copper hues across the lid created a seamless, glowing effect, finished with a black eyeliner flick for definition. Lashes were kept full and fluttery—wispy and weightless, adding drama without overpowering the look.
5. Lush, Glossy Lips
To complete the look, we opted for a glossy, peachy-nude lip. On deeper skin tones, warm-toned nudes with a hint of caramel or golden undertones are the most flattering, adding just the right amount of colour while maintaining a fresh, modern feel.
Image by Serene Visuals
Effortless Waves for a Modern Bride
Nothing says romantic and modern quite like soft, natural waves. This hairstyle was kept simple to let the makeup. dress and bouquet by Kim Wright flowers stand out, working beautifully with the setting at Dorney Court.
1. Prepping the Hair for Lasting Waves
To create waves that last throughout the wedding day, we started with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a lightweight heat protectant before styling. This ensured the waves had bounce and hold without feeling stiff.
2. The Perfect Loose Wave
Using a medium-barrel curling wand, we wrapped sections of hair away from the face, leaving the ends slightly out for a more effortless feel. Once cooled, the curls were gently brushed out for a softer, lived-in texture.
3. Finishing Touches
A light mist of texturizing spray added movement and volume, while a smoothing serum on the ends kept the waves looking polished. .
The Dreamy Dresses from Mothers Daughter
To complete this glowing bridal look, our bride wore beautiful gowns from Mothers Daughter, a brand known for its luxury craftsmanship and modern silhouettes. Each dress perfectly complemented the effortless beauty of our golden makeup and natural waves—flowing fabrics, intricate details, and flattering shapes that celebrated femininity in the most elegant way.
The setting of Dorney Court—a Tudor manor house with stunning gardens and historic charm—provided the ideal backdrop. The warm golden light, rich textures, and timeless beauty of the venue enhanced the overall aesthetic, making it a perfect inspiration for brides seeking a modern yet romantic wedding style.
Image by Serene Visuals
A Look That Feels Like You
The beauty of this golden, glowy makeup and natural waves combination is that it enhances rather than transforms. For brides of colour, especially those with deeper skin tones, it’s about working with the natural warmth and glow of the skin, celebrating radiance rather than masking it. Paired with effortless waves and a breathtaking dress, this look is perfect for the bride who wants to feel modern, romantic, and entirely herself on her wedding day.
Whether you're getting married at Dorney Court or a dreamy destination, this glowing aesthetic is timeless, elegant, and effortlessly beautiful—just like you.