SIMPLY GORGEOUS BRIDES

Turning your hair & makeup dreams into reality!

Hello and welcome to my page!
My name is Sophie and I am delighted you've found me!

With over 8 years experience, as a professional bridal hair and make up artist it is my job to make you feel like the best version of yourself, on one of the most important days of your life.

My aim is to create the vision of your fairy-tale wedding and make it a reality. By creating flawless, soft and beautiful looks, outstanding hairstyles on a day you will remember forever.

Offering a mobile service in and around Dorset, Hampshire, The New Forest and Somerset, whilst also travelling to venues throughout the UK and Europe, it’s safe to say, I have you covered!

Please feel free to have a look around, I can’t wait to meet you and share your special day with you.

Sophie xx

Get to know your Artist

Home: Welcome

GET IN TOUCH

St Leonards, Hampshire UK

simplygorgeousbridal@hotmail.com

07850188775

Sophia, my American bride from June last year 🤍

I’ve been waiting for these photos … and they were so worth it ✨The most special morning getting ready with her bridal party, such a calm and happy atmosphere.

Set at the most beautiful spot right on the coast at @thepennestate, it couldn’t have been a more perfect setting 🤍

Honestly one of those weddings that just felt so lovely to be a part of 🥹

More to come ….. ✨
Photography by @nicolastreaderphotography
Makeup by @bridesbylydia
Flowers by @floralcouturebyjay
#dorsetbridalhair #bridalbun #2027bride #modernbride #dorsetweddingsuppliers

A morning at Brympton House ✨

Soft waves, a timeless half up, half down…
effortless, romantic and made to last 🤍

Assisting the lovely @botiashairandmakeup on this one ✨
#dorsetbride #softwaves #halfuphalfdownhair #bridalhairinspo #bridesmaidhair

Bridal portraits, done properly ✨

Glowing, skin first makeup.
Softly sculpted features.
And a low bun designed to feel effortless from every angle.

Nothing overdone, Nothing forced.
Just refined, modern bridal beauty that will always feel timeless 💫

Would you choose a bun or wear your hair down?

#bridalportraits #dorsetbride #modernbrides #lowbun bridalhairandmakeup

Photographer and creative lead- @kellyhiscoxphotography
Venue- @minternehouseweddings
Wedding coordinator - @emily_rose_events
Dress- @julita_ldn_bride
Flowers- @_studiopetal
Model- @wanderlustruby
Veil- @sashandveil
Lace embroidery- @theembroiderednapkincompan

A soft, modern French twist ✨

Timeless, elegant and the perfect choice for this bridesmaid look.

Swipe to catch a glimpse of the girls… 💚
Each bridesmaid chose her own style in green and I honestly can’t get over how beautifully it all came together! Different textures, tones and silhouettes but still so cohesive. Just utterly GORGEOUS!

Assisting the lovely @botiashairandmakeup on this one at @brymptonhouse what a great start to the season!

#moderntwist #frenchtwist #dorsetweddinghair #2027bride #trendingbridalhairstyle

A little late to this trend… but I couldn’t not do it.

I think I owe it to my younger self.

Looking back at these photos feels so nostalgic. This little girl had no idea where life would take her.

I’m beyond proud of how far I’ve come and now I get to share these moments with you, on a day you’ve always dreamed of 🤍

#thisiswho #90sbaby #nostalgia #behindthebrand #proudmoment

Professional photos taken by @kellyhiscoxphotography

Some of the most emotional moments on a wedding morning happen between a mother and her daughter. 🤍

The quiet support.
The proud smiles.
The moments shared while getting ready for one of life’s biggest days.

Being part of these mornings is something I never take for granted. From helping mums feel beautiful to watching daughters light up when they see them… these are the memories that make this job so meaningful.

I feel so lucky to witness these special moments and work alongside such talented photographers who capture them so beautifully.

Today we celebrate the women who shaped us, supported us and stood beside us through every chapter.

And for those who may find today a little harder — whether you’re missing your mum, longing to become one or remembering someone special. I’m thinking of you too. 🤍

Happy Mother’s Day.

If you’re celebrating today, tell me something you love about your mum below. 🤍
@photosbylucymay @darrenlovellpf @photographybybethwilson @photographybychantel_
@phoebe_dill @keith_bridle @kellyhiscoxphotography

Refined bridal beauty ✨

Soft skin, fresh blush and delicate definition. The kind of makeup that enhances rather than transforms.

Modern bridal makeup is all about balance. Enough polish to feel special but still completely you.

Are you team soft glam or team full glam? 🤍
#refinedbridalbeauty #bridalglow #modernbridalmakeup #dorsetbridalmakeupartist #softglambridal

Six faces. Six different approaches to bridal makeup.

One of the things I’ve loved most about taking part in this year’s endorsement course with @kristinagasperasacademy was the focus on adapting bridal makeup rather than simply recreating it.

Every face has different features, proportions, colouring, skin texture and those differences should guide the decisions we make as artists.

For this assignment I created six bridal looks:

• Sculpted monochrome bridal
• Modern glam bridal
• Elegant mature beauty
• Effortlessly refined bridal
• Statement bridal lip
• Modern bridal smokey eye

The slides show the before and after of each look highlighting how subtle adjustments in colour, placement and balance can completely transform the overall finish.

For me, bridal makeup has never been about covering or changing someone. It’s about enhancing what’s already there in a way that feels timeless, polished and true to the person wearing it.

#KGAcadEndorse2026 #dorsetbridalmakeup #2027bride #modernbridalmakeup

Six bridal hairstyles, each thoughtfully adapted to suit the person wearing it.

This year I took part in the online bridal hairstyling and makeup endorsement course with @kristinagasperasacademy .

The focus of this year’s course goes beyond creating beautiful bridal looks. It’s about understanding how to adapt hair and makeup to suit different face shapes, proportions, colouring and hair types because that’s exactly what modern brides expect.

For this assignment I created six essential bridal hairstyles:

• Glam waves
• Modern half up
• Classic low bun
• High vertical bun
• Voluminous ponytail
• Sleek chignon with a twist

Each look was adjusted to suit the model wearing it, considering balance, hair density and overall proportions.

The following slides show different angles of each style.

Because bridal hair shouldn’t just follow a trend, it should be designed around the person wearing it.

Which is your favourite look?

#KGAcadEndorse2026 #dorsetbride #dorsetbridalhair

@wanderlustruby looks as though she’s stepped out of a painting 🥀

There’s something about soft waves, glowing skin and a long veil that just hits differently in a setting like this.

Romantic. Timeless. Effortless.

This has to be one of my favourite shoots to date. Photographer and creative lead- @kellyhiscoxphotography
Venue- @minternehouseweddings
Wedding coordinator - @emily_rose_events
Dress- @julita_ldn_bride
Flowers- @_studiopetal
Veil- @sashandveil
Lace embroidery- @theembroiderednapkincompany
#dorsethairandmakeup #romanticbride #softwaves #asianbridalmakeup #mantillaveil

Updos aren’t your only option

The modern bridal pony is sleek, secure and seriously underrated!

Structured at the crown.
Soft through the lengths.
Designed to move beautifully in photos and last all day.

Proof that polished doesn’t have to mean traditional.

Would you wear your hair fully up… or choose something like this? Tell me in the comments below 👇🏽
#bridalponytail #dorsetweddingsupplier #dorsetbridalhair #modernbridal

Redness doesn’t need more foundation.

It needs the right technique.

Instead of masking the skin, we corrected it… strategically.
Targeted colour balancing.
Lightweight layers.
Glow placed with intention.

No heaviness.
No flat matte finish.
Just balanced, seamless skin that still feels like you

Swipe to the end for the before 👀

Full coverage or skin first glam — what’s your vibe?
#skinfocusedmakeup #flawlessskin #colourcorrectivemakeup #dorsetmakeupartist #softglam

✨ Is the sleek bun the bridal hairstyle of 2026? ✨

We’re seeing a shift away from boho waves and into ultra polished, red carpet bridal hair and I am obsessed!

This style is perfect if you:
• Love a clean girl aesthetic
• Want your dress & makeup to shine
• Are getting married somewhere chic
• Want hair that lasts ALL day & night

It’s giving modern royalty.
It’s giving Sofia Richie energy.
It’s giving quiet luxury bride.

Would you wear your hair sleek for your wedding day or are you a soft waves girl?
👇🏽Tell me in the comments below👇🏽

Save this for your bridal hair inspo board 🤍
#sleekbridalhair #luxurybride #modernbridalhair #2026bride #bridalhairspecialist

Bridal but make it editorial ✨

This shoot was all about modern luxury bridal beauty. Luminous skin, refined structure and hair that moves naturally.

Editorial work keeps my artistry sharp but what my real brides get is more than technique.

They get calm in the chaos
They get someone who knows when to hype you up… and when to quietly steady the room
They get energy that feels organised, grounded and completely in control.

Because luxury isn’t just how you look,
It’s how you feel on the morning.

Timeless. Elevated. Effortless.
With a little bit of Sophie magic 🤍

2026/27 brides — my diary is open
Photography by - @kellyhiscoxphotography
Model - @content_by_bridgette
Venue - @coastland_events
@sabrinaduparcqhairmakeupagency

#dorsethairandmakeup #bridalhairdorset #luxurybridal

Modern bridal hair is all about structure with softness.

This low, sculpted bun gives timeless elegance from the front and beautiful detail from every angle.

Polished. Refined & Effortless.

If you’re a bride who wants to feel elevated but still like yourself, this is the direction 2026 weddings are moving in.

✨ Save this if you’re leaning towards a modern bridal look
🤍 2026 brides — would you choose sleek or textured?

Model - @wanderlustruby
#modernbridalhair #lowbunbride #bridalinspiration #dorsetbride #elegantbridalhair

Wait for it… 👀✨

Before → After

What’s the first thing you noticed?
#makeuptransformation #dorsetmua #asianmakeup #beforeandaftermakeup #makeuptransitions

Mature makeup isn’t about more product, it’s about better decisions.

This transformation was all about skin refinement, soft structure and letting Andi’s features lead the look, not fight them.

No heavy layers.
No harsh contour.
Just thoughtful placement and modern technique.

This is how I approach makeup for women who want to look like themselves, just elevated.

✨ Share this with your mum or grandma if you’re planning a wedding 🤍

#maturemakeup #skinfocusedmakeup
#luxurymakeupartist #makeupartistdorset #motherofthebridemakeup

A modern French twist 🤍

A refined, contemporary take on a classic bridal style. Designed to feel effortless but built to last.

This bridal updo was created with careful sectioning and hidden structure to enhance balance, comfort and confidence at every angle. Every detail is intentional.

Timeless bridal hair is about tailoring the design to the individual 🤍

For brides who value experience, calm energy and considered artistry.
#modernbridalhair #frenchtwist #dorsetbridalhair #luxurybridal #elegantbride

Old world luxury, reimagined for the modern bride ✨

Soft sculpted waves, luminous skin and intentional detail. Bridal beauty designed to feel timeless, refined and editorial.

Created for brides who value artistry, calm expertise and a considered wedding morning experience 🤍
2026 dates filling up fast, now taking bookings for 2027. Please enquire via my website to check my availability.

Photographer and creative lead: @kellyhiscoxphotography
Hair & Makeup by Me, representing @sabrinaduparcqhairmakeupagency
Venue: @coastland_events
Dress: @prettylavishbridal @prettylavishuk
Veil: @sashandveil
Model: @content_by_bridgette
Florist: @_studiopetal
Candle holders and vintage tub: @winterbornehireandstyling
Oysters: @dorsetoysters
Stationery: @white_orchid_print_and_design
#luxurybridalbeauty #modernbride #bridaleditorial

✨ Soft, glossy waves …. without the Hollywood structure ✨

If you love movement, softness and a more natural finish, this is for you.
These waves are relaxed, modern and effortlessly romantic. Not stiff, not over styled and definitely not Hollywood.

This look is all about flow and texture.
Hair that feels light, photographs beautifully and still looks like you when you move, laugh and dance 🤍

Perfect for the bride who wants something current, refined and timeless without heavy structure.

Save this if these waves are your wedding hair vibe and enquire early to secure your date!

👉🏽 Comment “SOFT” if this is your dream bridal hair
📩 Enquire via my website in my bio
#softbridalwaves #trendingbridalhair #dorsetbridalhair

Luxury bridal makeup doesn’t erase skin.
It refines it.

This look was about balance, allowing natural skin to exist while enhancing structure, glow and softness in a way that feels modern and editorial.

I don’t believe bridal makeup should look flat, heavy or overworked.
I believe it should move with the face, photograph beautifully and still feel like you.

This is skin first makeup — intentional, elevated and timeless.

✨ Save if you love refined bridal beauty
✨ Enquire via the link in my bio

Photographer and creative lead: @kellyhiscoxphotography
Hair & Makeup by Me, Representing - @sabrinaduparcqhairmakeupagency
Venue: @coastland_events
Dress: @prettylavishbridal @prettylavishuk
Veil: @sashandveil
Model: @content_by_bridgette
Florist: @_studiopetal
Candle holders and vintage tub: @winterbornehireandstyling
Oysters: @dorsetoysters
Stationery: @white_orchid_print_and_design

Fine hair doesn’t mean flat or limited.

This bridesmaid had long, very fine hair which I styled to look full, soft and secure using her natural hair only.

If you’ve ever thought “my hair won’t hold” or “I don’t have enough hair for that”… this is exactly why technique matters.

💬 Fine hair girls - do you prefer your hair up or down for weddings? Tell me in the comments below 👇🏽
#finehairupdo #bridesmaidhairinspo #dorsetbridalhair

This is the bridal hair and makeup that brides are actually asking for in 2026.

Soft waves that move, skin that looks like skin and makeup that enhances … not hides. This look is trending because it feels modern, timeless and effortlessly elevated.

More and more brides are choosing softness over structure, glow over heaviness and confidence over tradition.

Designed to photograph beautifully and feel comfortable all day 🙌🏽

Would you choose this for your wedding day?
Follow for modern bridal hair and makeup inspiration.

Portfolio day organised by - @sabrinaduparcqhairmakeupagency
Model - @gingersophie
Location - @cloudgreystudio
#2026bride #softbridalwaves #hairandmakeupdorset

Not every bridal hairstyle needs volume, texture or drama.

It’s about simplicity, intention and choosing a style that feels like you!

This sleek chignon is all about balance. Refined, elegant and designed to sit perfectly throughout the day without distraction.

A style for brides who want to feel polished, confident and completely themselves.

Save this if timeless bridal hair is your style 🤍

Hair by Me, Makeup by @oliviamarshallmakeup - Representing @sabrinaduparcqhairmakeupagency Models @anhelinazania @dimazania
Photographer @jennyappletonphotoandfilm
Concept, planner & stylist @maroux_uk
Venue, glassware, F&F supplier @maisoncarlton
Content Creator @han_picked_memories
Bridal Boutique @avalouisebridal
Florals @bemoreflori
Cake @cake_design_by_becky
Stationery @_studioeast
Newspaper @photopressuk
Jewellery @davidmellorjewellery

#luxurybridalhair #modernbride #timelessbridalhair #bridalhairdorset

Elegant makeup isn’t about trends, it’s about balance, refinement and understanding the face in front of you.

For special occasions, many clients worry that professional makeup will feel too heavy or look unlike themselves.

This look on my client Sam was created to feel polished yet effortless … softly defined eyes, refined skin and a finish that still feels comfortable and wearable.

Makeup should enhance your features, not overpower them! Whether it’s for an event, an evening out or a once in a lifetime moment.

✨ Timeless, considered and designed to feel like you.

SAVE this post for your next special occasion
#eventmakeup #bournemouthmakeupartist

Hi lovely brides! I thought it was about time I reintroduced myself 🤍

I’m Sophie your bridal hair & makeup artist based in Dorset creating soft, modern and effortlessly elegant looks for brides who want to feel like the very best version of themselves.

Here’s a little about my journey…

💇🏽‍♀️ Believe it or not, when I started hairdressing at 15, I was absolutely terrible at updos! I was never chosen to do wedding hair in the salon I worked at and that lit a fire within me. As soon as I qualified, I was determined to get good, really good. I practiced constantly… and it quickly became the part of the job I loved the most.

💄In 2018, I trained professionally as a makeup artist at the DFMA Makeup Academy, later completing additional training at the Plouise academy in Manchester.

🎓 I’m also a proud member of the Kristina Gasperas Academy and I regularly attend masterclasses to stay on top of trends and keep my skills sharp for my brides.

🏡 Since 2023, I have welcomed brides into my beautiful home studio in St Leonards, Ringwood, where I also offer colouring, cutting and hair extensions ahead of their big day.

Outside of work…

🐶 I have a French bulldog called Gizmo, who lives his best life with my grandad.

👩‍🎨 I’m a creative by heart and enjoy everything from arts and crafts, wreath making, drawing, pottery painting and more

🧩 I absolutely love a jigsaw puzzle!

✈️ Travel is my thing - In January, my boyfriend and I travelled around Sri Lanka by tuk tuk 🛺 One of my favourite adventures ever!

🎢 I’m a bit of a thrill seeker - This year I jumped out of a plane from 10,000ft in a skydive with my grandpa 🪂

🌺 I’m part Mauritian and visit my family there every few years. It’s a stunning honeymoon destination… so I’m always happy to recommend places to my brides.

🍰 I love to bake and cook - every Sunday, me and my boyfriend have “slowcooker Sundays” we choose a recipe each week to cook and have made it a weekly tradition.

If you’re a 2025/26 bride still searching for your hair and/or makeup artist, my inbox is always open. I’d love to hear all about your plans ✨

Photos by @rhiannoncaptures
#letmereintroducemyself #dorsetbridalhairandmakeup

The high, textured bridal updo is having a moment and it’s easy to see why!

It lifts the face, photographs beautifully from every angle and keeps you feeling secure all day (yes, even through a full night of dancing) 💃🏽

One thing my brides always worry about is whether an updo will feel too tight, too flat or come loose halfway through the day.

This style is the perfect middle ground. It’s soft around the face, secure in the structure and looks timeless in photos.

If you’re torn between wearing your hair up or down, consider this your inspiration for a look that feels timeless, luxurious and undeniably bridal.

✨ Would you wear this for your wedding?

Portfolio day organised by @sabrinaduparcqhairmakeupagency
Location - @cloudgreystudio
Model - @gingersophie
#dorsetweddinghair #hampshirebride #highbridalbun #luxurybridalhair #highupdo

✨”Will the makeup be too much for me?”✨

A question I hear all the time from mums and grandmas of the bride or groom.

So many of them worry they’ll look overdone… or that makeup “at their age” won’t feel flattering.

But here’s the truth:
Makeup is meant to enhance your features, not change who you are! And when it’s done well, it brings out confidence you didn’t even know was hiding.

My beautiful client Carole was attending an awards ceremony and wanted to feel elegant, polished and still completely herself.
And the best part? She had so many compliments on her makeup throughout the night!

If you have a mother or grandmother who’s feeling nervous about their makeup on the big day…
✨ SAVE this post for inspo
✨ Or send it to them to reassure them they’re in safe hands

Soft, Timeless & Age embracing
It’s never “too much” when it’s done right. 🤍
#motherofthegroommakeup #motherofthebridemakeup #maturemakeup

Another beauty from that morning 🤍

I loved creating this soft, low bun for all of Bronte’s bridesmaids. So elegant, relaxed and perfectly in keeping with the feel of the day. The little pearl pins just finished the styles off so beautifully!

I always love how the same hair style can look completely different depending on someone’s hair colour and texture. On this bridesmaids hair, the soft twisted bun looked so glossy and defined. The perfect match for her bridesmaid look.

I’ll never get tired of mornings like these, surrounded by lovely people, good energy and hair that makes everyone feel amazing 💕
#bridesmaidhairinspo #bridalbunhairstyle #dorsetbridalhair

Soft, sculpted and effortlessly luxe. This is the 2026 bridal ponytail brides are obsessed with!

There’s something special about a look that feels modern and timeless at the same time.
For this shoot, I created a sleek, lifted ponytail paired with soft, romantic waves. A combination that photographs beautifully from every angle.

This style is perfect for brides who want polish without losing softness… luxury without the “overdone” look… and a silhouette that enhances the face and the dress.

Every part of the look is designed with purpose, creating a smooth, polished finish that holds effortlessly throughout the day

If soft glam ponytails are your vibe, save this post for inspo 🤍 Brides to be, comment BRIDE and I’ll send you looks that match your style + neckline.

Hair by Me, Makeup by @oliviamarshallmakeup - Representing @sabrinaduparcqhairmakeupagency Models @anhelinazania @dimazania
Photographer @jennyappletonphotoandfilm
Concept, planner & stylist @maroux_uk
Venue, glassware, F&F supplier @maisoncarlton
Content Creator @han_picked_memories
Bridal Boutique @avalouisebridal
Florals @bemoreflori
Cake @cake_design_by_becky
Stationery @_studioeast
Newspaper @photopressuk
Jewellery @davidmellorjewellery

#bridalponytail #luxurybridalhair #modernbride #bridalhairdorset

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