Polynesian Wedding at Hatley Castle | Victoria BC | Wedding Makeup and Hair

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry had the pleasure of working with SR Bride Janelle - she had an amazing day at the end of September in Victoria BC - it felt like summer - blue sky's, sun and warm weather!  Janelle & Itu choose to have their wedding ceremony at the Hatley Castle, because of the location - the views of the mountains and water.  The reception followed in the evening at the Da Vinci Centre in Victoria BC.

A month before the wedding, Janelle and two girlfriends arrived to the Studio for her Wedding Day Preview - she had her dress, shoes, selection of hair accessories and jewelry.  We had a chance to play dress up, trying different styles of makeup and hair, playing around with all her accessories and jewelry, while the girls enjoyed appetizers and sipped on wine. We kept working on different looks until we found the look we all loved!  Below is an image of the final look from the Wedding Day Preview:

On the Wedding Day, all eight ladies arrived to the morning to the SR Studio - where the girls got comfortable, and pampered with hair and makeup by the SR Team.  We also had Lily Kennedy from Lily Kennedy Custom Gowns join us at the SR Studio to help lace the wedding gown, and with Shane Deringer Photography capturing all the moments - including having a little touchup himself.

After finishing up at the Studio, we all headed to the Hatley Castle in Victoria BC for the ceremony.  Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry was on-location at the Hatley Castle before Janelle walked down the aisle, after the ceremony, and during her photo-sessions!  We provided a full day of pampering - to make sure every detail was perfect for Janelle & her bridal party.  We were with Janelle for everything - no hair was out of place, veil was perfect in all the shots, lips perfectly glossed, and skin shine free for her & her groom.  We also worked with her photographer, Shane to make sure the couple looked perfect in the shots (fluffing the dress, positioning the veil, hair piece, and bouquet)

Below is an image of Janelle with her Wedding Day Preview look recreated at the SR Studio on the wedding day, view more images of their beautiful Fijian Wedding.

Sikh Temple Wedding in Victoria BC || Union Club Wedding Reception

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry had the pleasure of working with SR Bride Christina for her wedding day.  We arrived on-location to her family home in the Uplands of Victoria, BC early in the morning.

Christina wanted her look to be elegant and flawless, one that suited her style.  We went with a smokey eye to define her eyes, with flawless skin contouring her structure.  With hair, we added in hair pieces and extensions to give a full look, to finish we added in Orchids which completed the look.

The wedding took place at the Sikh Temple on Topaz in Victoria, BC, and the wedding reception was held at the Union Club of British Columbia.

Christina wanted to look her best, a result that was achieved by working together on her wedding - she wanted it to reflect in the photography.  View more images from her wedding, by Ronnie Lee Hill a Vancouver based photographer, she did an amazing job on the photographs.

Arbutus Ridge Golf Course Wedding | Cobble Hill | Bride talks about her SR Experience

"Hiring Sharon and her team for my engagement shoot and wedding day was the BEST decision I could have ever made!"

"My advice for those thinking of hiring Sharon and her team is…DO IT! You will NOT regret it. Right from our first meeting Sharon was extremely friendly, welcoming, and put me at ease. I have always worried about my hair and make up for my wedding because I feel like it is hard to style. I am so glad I chose Sharon and her team because she made me look like I came straight off the pages of a magazine! She is the absolute best at what she does. Also, her team that she brought on the day of the wedding did such an amazing job on all my bridesmaids. I was worried from the beginning that my hairstyle would fall out, but Sharon reassured me that it would not. She was right! Everything was perfect. She came to my house on the day of the wedding, which made my day so smooth and relaxed. I did not have to worry about anything! Hiring Sharon and her team for my engagement shoot and wedding day was the best decision I could have ever made!"

Kristin Hitchen - Cobble Hill, BC

Wedding Location - Cobble Hill, BC

Butchart Gardens Victoria BC Wedding | On-Location Hair & Makeup Services Butchart Gardens

"I knew I wanted to look "amazing" for my groom on our wedding day, however, I am someone who wears minimal makeup and the idea of trying to do my own, and the idea of doing more than a quick pony tail for my hair was daunting! After finding Sharon's website and learning that she would come to the wedding venue and create a "signature look", I was interested in learning more.  I met with her and immediately felt comfortable.  Sharon was attentive to and respectful of my preferences for minimal eye makeup and wanting a "natural" look, and encouraged me to describe what I wished my hair to look like. I began with a vague concept of what I wanted and Sharon took those ideas on the day of my wedding and  "worked her magic"! The final look was so much more beautiful than I had envisioned; it complemented my dress perfectly!  My wedding photographer was complimenting me - saying it was the best updo he had seen. It was such a pleasure to work with Sharon; she has a delightful personality which made the wedding morning and the 3 hours of hair and makeup fly by!   I  loved the final "look" and most importantly, my groom loved the look, too!  Thank you Sharon for adding your expertise to our wedding day!  It was truly a special day!  Carla" 

Carla Clarke
Wedding Location:  Butchart Gardens, Victoria BC

No Sunshine - SR Bride Brightens the Day!

No sunshine today - but the day got brightened by the mail - we just received a card from our SR Bride - Angie all the way from Australia!  A beautiful card & picture of her looking amazing at her wedding - which took place at Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa.  The wedding was photographed by one of the top 25 most inspiring photographers of 2012 - Kim Kayln Photography.

"Sharon, Thank you for the simply stunning job you and your team did on me and the girls.  I felt so beautiful on the big day and I know Aaron certainly appreciated it too!  All the best for your future success.  Sincerely Angie"

The wedding was also featured in Destination Inspirations - Inspiring Weddings Around The World.

Bear Mountain Resort Wedding - Victoria BC Bridal Makeup Artist

We received a card from our gorgeous SR Bride Carlie!  On her wedding day, Carlie arrived in-studio for services before her wedding which took place at the Westin in Bear Mountain Resort - Victoria BC.  She incorporated a vintage-winter theme for her elegant wedding - which looked perfect!  Curtis Pelletier did an amazing job with the wedding photographs view the images.

"Sharon, I just wanted to send you a big THANK YOU for doing my wedding makeup you did the most fantastic job.  Words cannot express how grateful I am, you not only made me look & feel beautiful, but you calmed me down and made my morning stress-free.  I cannot wait for the next occasion so we can try other awesome looks!  Thank you, Thank you,  Carlie Smith"

Shaw TV Hairstylist & Makeup Artist - Sharon Rai

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry had the pleasure of pampering The Wedding Belles - BC Celebrities from Shaw TV with hair & makeup services at our relaxed urban-styled studio in Victoria BC.

The girls were fabulous to work with, we had Colleen from Foxgloves Flowers  join us - with beautiful bouquets, Kelsey Goodwin capturing the moments on video & photography.

Sarah had a beautiful dress - big & fluffy very 'Sex in the City' so we wanted a look to compliment the dress as well as her fun personality!  The SR Team gave her lots of volume and curls keeping it fun, with makeup we went with a classic look with a twist on the lip - with a hot pink.  Gwen Stefani's image below was used as inspiration for the look:

For beautiful Aubrey we went with a 'Old Hollywood Glam' inspired look.  We defined her eyes, and gave her skin a radiant look.  Kim Kardashian's image below was used as inspiration.

Watch the video to see how the looks were created before for the Launch of The Wedding Ring Vancouver Island at the Bridal Exhibition.  

Victoria Bride with her SR Experience!

"I felt absolutely beautiful as did my bridesmaids - we looked amazing!"  

"Before hiring Sharon Rai Hair and Makeup Artistry to stylize my wedding look I was skeptical of anyone being able to create the look I was hoping for.  From Sharon and her team not only did I receive the look I was hoping for but it was more elegant and refined than I had imagined it could ever be.  I felt absolutely beautiful as did my bridesmaids - we looked amazing!  Sharon and her team were professional and fun which made for a stress free relaxing afternoon.  My advice for those thinking of hiring Sharon and her team is to not think or look any further these are the most talented ladies your gonna find!!!!!  Thank you Sharon and your team for making my day that much more special!" Jennifer Harris - Victoria, BC Wedding Location: Victoria, BC

Edmonton SR Bride Talks about her Bridal Experience with Sharon Rai

"My advice to anyone considering hiring Sharon & her team - DO IT!  You will be like me and consider it the best decisions you ever made..." 

Other than AMAZING, I was unsure how I wanted to look on my wedding day so I knew I needed someone special to help in that department, after all, as we age all a bride has is her memories and photos and photos last forever!  Being from out of province I wanted to make sure I had someone very skilled and from everything I heard in the industry, Sharon Rai was the answer.

I booked four sessions with her:  wedding day preview, makeup lesson, wedding day session and a boudoir - simply radiant session.  For the wedding consultation I did my homework (had my top 5 photo picks of makeup and hairstyles) and from that she worked with me to create the vision I had in my mind.  The result was breathtaking!  For the boudoir, she just did what she does best – create the sizzle I needed and ensure it would look fantastic on camera.  The best part of both sessions was that I still looked like me but the best version of me in different flavours.  And on the wedding day……… I spent the morning laughing with my girlfriends and being pampered while overlooking the ocean because Sharon came to me!

From her I got the WOW factor.  She passed along knowledge of products and services and application techniques so I could replicate it again at my reception (scheduled for a few months later) and for whenever I wanted.  She was very gracious with all my detailed questions and there were lots, after all, when you are in the presence of an expert you want to learn as much as you can!  I can now look drop dead gorgeous in different ways and at any time.  My husband likes my new skills too.

As a result of all of this, my wedding day was only filled with the joy of my experience!  I didn’t have to wonder how I would look on camera or have to rush around.  Sharon came to me - it was relaxed, stress free and I was able to focus on relationships - not the details of the day.  The most rewarding aspect was knowing I looked my best when I celebrated joining my life with my best friend (let’s just say he was very appreciative of the fact – lol).

My advice to anyone considering hiring Sharon and her team – DO IT.  She is worth every penny and the knowledge you will gain is immeasurable.  Even if you are on a very tight budget, consider her teaching session or just booking her for the wedding day.  You will be like me and consider it one of the best decision you ever made.

Cindy Steinkampf - Edmonton, AB
Wedding Location: Sooke, BC

Engagement Session Victoria BC with Curtis Pelletier Photography

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry had the pleasure working with Carlie for her engagement session with Curtis Pelletier Photography.  Carlie arrived in-studio for her look - we created a flawless face with defined eyes, and soft bouncy curls for her hair.

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry PUBLISHED in What to Wear in the Weddings In Alberta Magazine

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry has been published in What to Wear  in the Weddings In Alberta Magazine.

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry featured on advertising at Victoria International Airport.

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry featured on advertising at Victoria International Airport.  The promotional advertising was done by Jennifer Dickinson Photography for Fixx hair products.

SR Bride Engagement Session with Glimmer Films | Abbotsford, BC

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry had fun creating SR Bride Bal's look for her Engagement Session with Glimmer Films.  We arrived on-location to her parents house in Abbotsford BC, the look we created was to enhance Bal's beautiful features.  We went with more of a smokier eye, contoured skin and neutral lip, for hair, we added in extensions to create a full look with soft curls.

The couple, Bal & Prince looked amazing, watch their fun Engagement Session with Glimmer Films, which took place at Grouse Mountain Resort.

Very excited to work with Bal for all her upcoming festivities - Congratulations on your Engagement!

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry featured in Plaid Magazine

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry is featured in the Spring Edition of Plaid Magazine.  The looks feature the season's prettiest palettes incorporating peaches & corals.

Learn how the looks can be worn, and update your makeup for the spring - Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry offers private one-one makeup lessons.  Learn the latest tips & tricks for this seasons makeup trends.

2012 Westshore Business Show - Best Decorated Booth Sharon Rai

2012 Westshore Business Show is coming soon!  Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry was featured in the advertising for the show - see below - as we won Best Decorated booth last year!

Lizy talks about her Experience with Sharon Rai

"When I heard I was working with Sharon Rai Hair and Makeup Artistry, I immediately went through her website looking at her pictures of the amazing looks she created for women.  The complete transformation of their most important days demonstrated not only her talent, but the care she gave to each client, ensuring that the personal touch she gave was above what any woman could expect.

My entire life I have looked the same. Parted my hair the same way, put on the same type of makeup, looked the same in every picture that I dressed up in.  When Sharon Rai took me into her studio and into her care, she transformed me into a woman I didn’t recognize!  I never knew that I could look so radiant and beautiful, in ways I never expected or thought of.  Her fresh approach to her styling my hair and the AMAZING job of my makeup gave me a brand new look, surprised not only myself and my husband, but my family, loved ones and friends.

The entire afternoon was about being pampered.  We enjoyed the lovely selection of fine appetizers and refreshments in the comfort of her studio.  As I had chosen her to stylize both myself and my husband for our photo shoot, I didn’t have to worry about a single thing.  It was a stress free afternoon, relaxing in her good company, trusting that she was doing a far better job than I could ever hope to do.  My husband and I enjoyed our afternoon without worrying about a time schedule, trying to fit in lunch, worrying about if my makeup was done right or if my hair was out of control or flattering.  I’d choose Sharon Rai for every special day!

When considering a styling team for your big day, or any day that you deserve to be taken care of, please consider Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry. Her stellar talent for transformation is met with her kind hospitality, enjoyable company and dedication to creating the perfect look for you on that day.  Don’t forget that a special day can be more than a wedding, graduation or other major event!

Thanks for making me look so amazing ♥"

Lizy Gipson

Couples Makeover

Couples Photo-Session with Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry - Victoria BC

The Ocean 98.5 Ultimate Couples Makeover Contest winners Robert & Lizy, talk about their experience with Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry & Edward Lai Photography after their photo-shoot!
Watch the video on the Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry Facebook Page!

Vancouver Island Wedding Ring Photo - Shoot || Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry was asked to be part of the Vancouver Island Wedding Ring Magazine photo-shoot for the spring edition.  The photo-shoot took place at the Hatley Castle, in Victoria BC - the theme of the photo-shoot was high-class castle beauty, the look we created was sophisticated, yet with a sexy royalty feel.  For Deanna's look - her skin was given a luminous complexion, with the eyes defined with a dark liner and a striking bright-coral on the lip.  Hair was given an elegant up-style with detailed pieces.

The shoot was beautiful, the castle breath-taking, it was a pleasure working with Vancouver Island Wedding Vendors!  The talented team of Vivid Photography from Nanaimo, BC captured the shoot!  Neil from the team wrote "Sharon, it was a real pleasure working with you.  You are an exceptionally talented person.  I hope we get to work together again sometime!"

The wedding dresses & accessories were provided by The Bride's Closet in Nanaimo, BC they were all  beautiful.  Fern from the Bride's Closet wrote "Sharon, it was great working with you.  You did an amazing job on Deanna's hair & makeup, she looked amazing!"  The photo-shoot was styled by Laura from the Wedding Ring & Marion from Ma Luxe.

Below is a sneak peak at the shoot, stay tuned to see images from Vivid Photography!

Four Points by Sheraton Bridal Open House - Victoria BC

Four Points by Sheraton presented the Bridal Open House which took place in the Westshore.  Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry along with many talented vendors had a great time with the newly engaged couples!  All the couples along with the vendors had an opportunity to try the fabulous cuisine by the catering staff at the Sheraton - all in all a great Sunday!

Epicure Selections Photo-Shoot at the SR Studio Victoria BC

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry had a pleasure working with the cast & crew of Epicure Selections, for their 2012 promotional photo-shoot.  They choose the SR Studio for their shoot, stay tuned for images!  Epicure Selections food stylist was hard at work, preparing the mouth-watering food creations and delicious drinks!  Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry was working with the models, styling hair & makeup.  Bonnie Pollard - had her racks of clothing and ironing board, styling the models!  A great team to work with, the day was full of fun, energy and yummy food!  Below are a few behind the scenes shots:

Plaid Magazine Photo Shoot - Editorial Hair & Makeup Artist

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry was asked to join the team for a Plaid Magazine Photo-Shoot.  The inspiration behind the shoot was the 60's with a modern twist - and a peach color trend.  We had a full day shoot, with creative looks, stay tuned for the published images.  The fabulous Victoria Team included:

Jennifer Dickinson - Fashion Photographer

Seungmin Yoo - Hairstylist

Sharon Rai - Makeup

Vincent Lee - Fashion Styling

Below was our Inspirational Look:

Below is an image from the Set:

Birthday Party – Makeover || Girls Makeover Party

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry, had the pleasure of working with Aneesha & her friends for her 14th birthday party.  The girls arrived to the SR Studio, full of energy – all wearing blue jeans and white tops!  Aneesha wanted all of them to have fresh makeup so one at a time we worked on the girls as the others chatted, sipping on their fruity pink drink, after everyone was pampered with makeup application the girls had fun with their cameras!

Below is the beautiful birthday girl!

Here all all the girls with their makeup done & ready for girls night!

Best of WedLuxe Magazine Excellence in Hair & Makeup

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry has been recognized with a Best of WedLuxe 2011 Award, for Excellence in Beauty - Hair & Makeup.  An amazing award, truly an honor!
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About the Awards by WedLuxe Magazine

The annual “Best of WedLuxe” awards were created to recognize the individual talent and contributions of Canadian event professionals whose work was featured in a published real-life WedLuxe wedding in 2011.

We receive hundreds of real-life wedding submissions each issue and of those, only 7-10 of the very best are chosen for publishing. Therefore, we truly believe the selected stories are the best-of-the-best. 

THANK YOU for your continued excellence. We look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2012!
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Wedding Featured in WedLuxe Magazine - Read all the Details!

Want a closer look at Stephanie & Clark's wedding which was featured in WedLuxe Magazine, learn about all the beautiful details that took place at their wedding on Poets Cove Resort, Pender Island.  Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry had an amazing time working with all the talented vendors involved with the wedding process, Jennifer Bergman Weddings, C.J. Scott Photography & Verbena Floral Design.

Read all the details now, below is the beautiful Bride before heading to the ceremony!

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry Vendor at the Sheraton Bridal Open House

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry will be part of the Four Points Sheraton Bridal Open House.  Are you getting married?  Come see some of Victoria BC's wedding talent on February 19, 2012 Sunday between 11 am - 3 pm.

Sharon Rai featured in Good Times Magazine!

Sharon Rai was asked to go in her personal cosmetic bag and interview for a story by Lola Augustine Brown a writer for Good Times Magazine.  Lola asked makeup artists across Canada for their personal recommendations, on beauty professional's favorite products.

Stay tuned for the March issue with the article "What do the Pros Use?" - to take a inside look at Sharon Rai's personal makeup-bag!

Victoria Wedding Photographer - Karen McNeil

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry featured on Karen McNeil Photography's 2012 Promotion Material.

Ocean 98.5 Ultimate Couples Makeover - Final Reveal!

After the 'Ultimate Couples Makeover' here is the beautiful Couple, Rob & Lizy Gipson, photographed by the talented Edward Lai Photography.

Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry was on-location making sure every shot was picture perfect, with hair, makeup & styling, as Edward guided us through the couples-shoot with beautiful scenery.  They were great models, as everyone was freezing with the cold weather, & snow!

Congratulations again, you two are an inspiring couple and truly do deserve the makeover prize.

SR Bride Famous in New Delhi, India

Beautiful SR Bride Priya, has been featured in advertising for a boutique in New Delhi - India.  She looked amazing on her wedding, with her complete look from hair, makeup, outfit, jewelry, and styling - reason they choose her for their boutique.  Read about Priya's experience as a SR Bride.

Ocean 98.5 Ultimate Couples Makeover - Full Service Hair, Makeup & Styling with Sharon Rai

Rob & Lizy arrived to the SR Studio, they were greeted with refreshments and appetizers, as they took us through their journey, of the the Ocean 98.5's 'Ultimate Couples Makeover'.  They completely changed their life-style, with fitness, eating habits, and day to day life.

An amazing couple to work with they were so excited - so happy - so in-love!  We were grateful to experience their finally journey and show-off the hard work & results!

Below Rob & Lizy, before being pampered with hair, makeup & styling services with Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry.

Stay tuned for images of the final reveal working with the talented Edward Lai Photography!

Ultimate Couples Makeover Showcase on Ocean 98.5 Radio Station

Congratulations Rob & Lizy Gipson the winners of Ocean 98.5's Ultimate Couples Makeover!

Ultimate Couples Makeover!

Do you and your significant other want a new fall look? Complete with new wardrobe, glasses, hair style, skin treatments and both a wellness and fitness package? Win it all with the Ultimate Couples Makeover!  Upload a photo of yourself and your partner or the couple you are nominating with a brief explanation of why you/they should win the Ultimate Couples Makeover.

Hundreds of people entered the contest, it was narrowed down to the top 5, and then to the top 1!

Read their compelling story:
"We're ready for a makeover!  We are the Gipsons, a hardworking couple that opens our home and their hearts to those that need comfort, safety and a great meal. We naturally take care of others and often don't find time to take care of and nurture ourselves.

As you can see, we would greatly benefit from weight management and learning how to take care of our health and wellness! Of course, losing weight also means that our wardrobe would need to be updated, it's hard to justify buying new clothes when you are a larger person. It would be an added treat to celebrate success in moving to take care of our lives and still keep good care of those we love."
 - Rob & Lizy Gipson
What they WON!

• Full pampering session with hair, makeup & styling followed by a couples photo-shoot with Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry
• A 12 week transformation program from Island Fit Life which focuses on long term health and wellness.
• A new wardrobe from Public Boutique and Citizen Clothing 
• $1500 Gift card for Mayfair Optometric Clinic towards premium Essilor lenses.
• $500 Gift card and a $500 gift basket from Pharmasave at Broadmead Village
• A series of facial and skin treatments including Botox/Juvederm dermal fillers and customized medical laser skin treatments as well as a naturopathic and acupuncture weight management package from Clearskin Victoria Laser and Wellness 

Stay tuned to see the results of Rob & Lizy's journey!  Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry will pamper Lizy with a makeover including hair, makeup & styling, and a royal treatment for Rob in our relaxed urban-styled studio!  Followed by a couples photo-shoot with the talented Edward Lai with on-location touchups!