International Bridal Makeup Tulum
Stepping into the tropics for the very first time, this bridal editorial shoot was a milestone for me and The Destination Collective – our debut long-haul destination job, and what a location to start with: Tulum, Mexico.
A sun-drenched and soulfully beautiful, set against a backdrop of palm shadows, cool stone walls, and sultry heat, this was everything you dream a destination wedding should be. This experience lit a spark in me, long-haul destination weddings? I am so in.
Tulum is known for its barefoot luxury, warm terracotta tones, lush greenery, and moody light. The setting, the architecture, and the styling were all sultry hacienda vibes at its finest. Our shoot embodied modern, unfussy elegance with a beauty brief of glowing skin, and sleek hair that could withstand tropical heat & humidity.
The Look: Polished, Heat-Proof, Effortless
When working in humid climates, everything you know about prep shifts. Skin needs breathability, and hair needs to encompass an element of sleek to combat the frizz. For the base, I focused on layering hydration without heaviness , think lightweight, oil-free skincare and a humidity resistant foundation. Greta’s makeup was minimal but refined: soft smokey eyes, radiant cheeks, and the glossiest glow that caught the light in all the right ways.
For hair, we went for a classic middle part and sleek low bun, not only to resist the heat and frizz, but to showcase jewellery and work in synergy with the sleekness of the Rat & Boa dresses.
Working Internationally as a Creative Duo
One of the most seamless parts of this trip was that I got to work alongside my husband, Matt of Matt Ebbage Photography. We travel incredibly well as a team both creatively and logistically, which makes the entire experience smoother for our clients. We set up our business Ceremony Experience, for this very reason, to offer a cohesive in-sync approach to weddings. We now travel worldwide to support couples planning destination celebrations.
When you’re planning a wedding abroad, having a hair & makeup artist and photographer team who work in sync, know how to manage timelines, and bring calm energy to the day? That’s golden. We’re always on the same page, and that synergy shows in both the prep and the final gallery.
Would I Do It Again?
In a heartbeat. While the heat pushed me to adapt everything, from product choices to keeping myself well on a long haul job, I thrived on the challenge. It confirmed what I already knew: The Destination Collective was made for long-haul.
From the Maldives and Bali to the Caribbean or Thailand, If you’re planning your wedding somewhere far-flung and fabulous and want a bridal team who can handle the pressure (and the packing!), I’d love to hear from you.
Supplier Credits
Photography: Matt Ebbage at Ceremony Experience
Hair & Makeup: Jess Hawkins | The Destination Collective
Model | Greta Milkovic
Dress 1 & 2 | Rat & Boa
Accessories | Love Is A Jewellery
