The Wedding Industry Awards awards night, best makeup artist, finalist

a little bit about me

Andrea O’Connor

Bridal Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist, Educator

Doggy mumma, festival goer, always planning my next getaway


Hello, I’m Andrea O’Connor and I specialise in refined, editorial-leaning bridal beauty with a modern boho edge.

Bridal makeup artist touching up lipstick with Charlotte Tilbury- red head bride with hollywood wave- the bridal collective in cambridgeshire

Irish born and English raised, I’ve got one foot in London (my soul-city) and the other firmly in the countryside. When I’m not painting faces, you’ll find me with my nose in a book, binging a good crime series, or planning my next gig or festival. I’ll take any excuse to celebrate with a glass of wine, preferably with good music and great company.

I live in Hertfordshire with my family and our golden retriever, Luna, who occasionally steals the spotlight at preview appointments. Before returning south, I spent seven wonderful years in Edinburgh, working in some of Scotland’s most breath-taking venues and falling even more in love with bridal artistry.

Alongside my work as a makeup artist, I’m also a teacher with nearly two decades of classroom experience. I now bring that same passion for education into my artistry — teaching women how to feel confident in their own makeup, and mentoring fellow artists to create elegant, age-inclusive looks for brides of all ages.

currently listening to:

CMAT on repeat

ideal Sunday:

A muddy walk, a country pub, and the perfect roast

next travel destination:

Seville, Spain

most recent gig:

Future Islands at Kelvingrove Bandstand

currently reading:

The Wax Child;

Olga Ravn

my why…

My journey into bridal makeup began around the time of my own wedding. I have always loved playing with makeup and had a clear vision of how I wanted to look: elegant, radiant, natural. But I struggled to find someone who had a similar vision (and wasn’t booked out years in advance!). I realised there was space in the industry for an artist who valued authentic beauty and subtle enhancement over transformation.

I know first hand how nerve wrecking it can feel to hand over control of your makeup to someone else, especially on the one day when all eyes are on you. That’s why it’s so important that your vision aligns with mine. If you're looking for full glam, bold lashes, and dramatic winged liner, I might not be the right artist for you. But if you're dreaming of a soft, refined, and effortlessly radiant look that enhances your natural beauty, I’ve got you covered.

Since then, I’ve honed my craft and expanded into hairstyling, allowing me to bring a bride’s entire vision together seamlessly.

Things that are important to me

Connection

This isn’t just a service; it’s a collaboration. I take time to understand your vision, your comfort zone, and what truly makes you feel beautiful.

Authenticity

I believe makeup should enhance, not alter. You’ll still look like you — just effortlessly elevated and confident.

Calm

Your wedding morning should feel unhurried, peaceful, and joyful. I bring a sense of stillness and warmth to the room, helping you stay grounded and present.

Kindness

From first message to final touch of lipstick, kindness underpins everything I do. I want every interaction to feel genuine, considered, and calm.

A woman in a white dress helps another woman in a white dress adjust her clothing by a window in a stately home with wooden walls. Brocket Hall.

your wedding

Your wedding morning should be calm, unhurried, and filled with quiet excitement. My role is not only to create a look that feels elegant and timeless, but also to give you space to breathe, to enjoy the moment, and to feel completely yourself.

More about your day