Tips for a Traveling / Destination Wedding Makeup Artist
Did you know France is the most visited country on earth? Last year, over 23 million travelers flocked to Paris to soak in the culture and history that “the City of Love” has to offer. (Holy smokes — that’s a lot of people!)
I was one of them! My visit to Paris July 2018 included some pretty memorable highlights: Bastille Day fireworks, perfect 75–80° weather, and France winning the Men’s World Cup (!!). I’ll never forget parading down the Champs-Élysées with thousands of cheering fans — one of the coolest experiences of my life.
So why was I in Paris?
Aside from my wanderlust heart constantly whispering that I should sell my house and spend the rest of my days traveling, I was there for work — and maybe a little play. Photographer and bride, Casey Hendrickson, invited me to Paris to do her hair and makeup for an intimate ceremony and engagement session with her then-fiancé, Chad.
When you get the opportunity to travel to another country to do hair and makeup, your response looks a little something like this:
France, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Greece… any of these are a heck yes for me! And if we’re really getting specific — Hawaii, Jamaica, Bahamas… sign me up. 🌴✈️ Anywhere new (or just plain amazing) is an automatic YES in my book. Call me your go-to destination makeup artist and hairstylist, because honestly — who doesn’t love to travel?
So how did Paris even come about? (click to read more)
-
Casey (the bride) is a talented local photographer here in Charlotte, NC (Casey H Photos). I’ve had the joy of working with her on several occasions — from weddings to styled shoots and photography workshops. When she asked if I’d travel with her to Paris, I was beyond thrilled — and incredibly grateful — that she wanted me to be part of such a special moment.
Once we nailed down the logistics (flights, lodging, dates, the whole nine yards), my husband decided there was no way he was letting me have all the fun — so he booked the exact same flight, six nights, seven days in Paris… out of Atlanta. ❤️🇫🇷
Artist Note: This is a great example of why building strong relationships with vendors is important. Be the person that’s easy to work with — customer service first, then skillset. It pays to volunteer your time for styled shoots and workshops. People will always remember how easy (or difficult!) you were to work alongside.
✈️ Destination Makeup Artist Tip #1: Carry On Your Kit
Day 1: Something told me to keep my hair & makeup kit separate and carry it on the plane — WOW am I glad I did. Air France lost my luggage for the entire trip (yep, the whole thing), and they were absolutely ZERO help. So yes, I had to buy all new clothes (darn 😉), shoes, a bra, toothbrush — you name it.
But that pink carry-on suitcase with my kit? Total lifesaver. Had I checked it, I would have been without my entire setup. Pro tip: never risk it — keep your kit with you if you can.
😴 Destination Makeup Artist Tip #2: Build in Jet Lag Days
Day 2: Jet lag is REAL, my friends. If you’re traveling for a destination wedding, give yourself two full days to adjust before the big day. Think of it as “downtime before go-time.” You’ll deliver your best work if your body and brain have a chance to catch up.
For me, those first two days looked like: buying an entirely new wardrobe (because… lost luggage), walking 10 miles a day, and soaking up everything Paris had to offer. You’ll still be a little tired with the time adjustment, but when you’re on a tight schedule, your body runs on adrenaline — so suck it up, get out there, and explore. Your creativity will feel supercharged.
🔌 Destination Makeup Artist Tip #3: Don’t Forget Your International Power Converter
Day 3: Casey arrived at our apartment at the crack of dawn — literally 5:00 AM — so we could get her ready for a sunrise engagement session at the Eiffel Tower. I am SO thankful I ran into a photographer friend before leaving who reminded me to pack a power converter with the correct wattage for my airbrush machine, curling irons, and hair dryer.
Otherwise? I would have landed in Paris all giddy and prancing on cloud nine… then realize none of my tools would work. 😱 That would have been a total nightmare. Lesson learned: always pack a converter that matches your tools’ wattage requirements — don’t just grab the first one you see.
Casey and Chad’s session was pure magic — sunrise at the Eiffel Tower, strolling through the surrounding gardens, and capturing photos that looked straight out of a movie. And of course, my husband and I had to sneak in a few kisses for our own little Parisian moment. 💋✨
engagement
Jess & Brantley
Day 4: We traded the streets of Paris for the quiet charm of the French countryside and headed to Château de Bouthonvilliers — where Chad and Casey shared their intimate ceremony.
We rented a car from the airport and drove about two hours through rolling fields and quaint villages to get to this incredible château. I’m so glad I brought my camera along because my husband was able to catch a few behind-the-scenes action shots of me working —
The setting — lush gardens, a romantic château backdrop, and two people in love. It was one of those “pinch-me” moments where you’re grateful your job allows you to experience places like this.
I’m sure you’re ready to see the real thing so I will share some of my favorites below from Abby Grace Photography. If you want to see all the pretty pictures from Casey’s wedding in Dangeau, France [ here ]
Which brings me to my next adventure as a destination wedding makeup artist! This August 2018, I’ll be traveling to Ireland for a wedding at the breathtaking Dromoland Castle. (If you haven’t seen it — pause right now and Google it!) We’ll also be doing bridal portraits at the iconic Cliffs of Moher a couple of days before the wedding. Both spots are so magical they’ve been featured in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die — and honestly, they deserve it.
Paris will be tough to beat, but I have a feeling Ireland is going to give it a run for its money. 🌿 We leave August 4th for a quick stop in Iceland, then fly into Ireland on the 7th and stay through the 12th. From there, the adventure continues as we head to Malta, Italy, and Portugal. ✈️✨
Can’t wait to share the next chapter with you!
