Oscar-winning makeup artist based in the Blue Mountains
The question has been asked, and you’ve answered with a resounding "Yes!"
Now, you're stepping into the starring role and preparing for one of the most significant celebrations of your life!
When I planned my wedding many years ago, I faced challenges staying true to my personal style;
I wanted to "feel like me" rather than look like I was just "playing the part."
I think it’s even harder to do that today, especially with the constant influence of social media. While I would love to encourage you to take a break from the socials for the next 12 months and follow your instincts, I know it's not a realistic option.
I can offer my experience and support during the planning stages and on your big day.
Whether you have a clear vision for your makeup or a file full of inspiration images, my process prioritises research and collaboration to ensure you look and feel beautiful, confident, and, most importantly, like yourself on your big day.
A little bit about me...
I'm Elka! I have over twenty years of experience in makeup for film, television, theatre, and events and have worked on productions such as The Matrix, Moulin Rouge, Star Wars, The Great Gatsby, The Narnia Chronicles, Aquaman, and Mad Max.
A highlight of my career was spending eight months in Africa on the set of Mad Max: Fury Road, where all my sweat, tears and devotion to keeping makeup on in the desert (aka a 40-degree sandblaster) was rewarded with a surprise Oscar win and a trip to L.A. for the ceremony!
After all this film talk, you might wonder how I have come to bridal makeup. In 2019, my life took a different direction with the birth of my daughter. This new chapter has led me to pursue work close to home, allowing me to be present and available for my family. Belle Blue is more than a business; it represents my efforts to create a better work-life balance while using my skills to help brides realise their wedding vision.
I'm a hardworking Capricorn, I love dark chocolate, nature gazing and having adventures. I am a hippy at heart with a rebellious edge, and have been with my partner (now husband) for 27 years! People often tell me I don't look my age, but even if I do, I'm ok with it! Life's too short to worry about wrinkles.
"I want to use my skills to help women feel beautiful, confident and most importantly, like themselves on their wedding day."
My Bridal Makeup Style...
I am a seasoned makeup professional with a diverse portfolio that includes work ranging from aliens and mythical creatures to period glamour, fantasy characters, and everyday looks. For bridal makeup, I favour natural and soft, glamorous styles simply because I believe that on your wedding day, it's important for everyone to notice you first rather than your makeup.
However, I want you to know that there are no rules; my hope is that when you see yourself in the mirror on your wedding day, you will feel another resounding "Yes!" Whether your vision is of a minimalist natural beauty, a glitter-enhanced ethereal princess, or a vintage Hollywood glamour featuring bold red lips, I’m here for it!
This is about creating a story that is uniquely yours, and I am dedicated and excited to help you achieve it.I take a customised approach with every client, collaborating closely to create a look that is just right for you.
Alongside my credentials, what sets me apart in this field is my ability to accurately colour-match your skin tone to create a beautiful, natural-looking finish using targeted coverage. I invest a lot of time on your complexion, but I also love creating softly defined eyes and adding a touch of drama with individual lashes.
Kind Words
Elka took the time to understand what I wanted in terms of make up for my wedding. In a trial session she listened to my ideas, but also extended them and created an amazing look. I wanted to look gorgeous but still feel like myself and Elka definitely made me shine. Having Elka do my make up made me feel confident and polished. Elka emphasised my natural beauty rather than transforming me - I looked radiant and I still remember my husband's face as I walked down the aisle. It was important to me that amongst all the ceremony and fanciness he could recognise the woman he fell in love with. Elka's skills and attentiveness enhanced a most special moment in my life.
Bronwyn Mather
Elka, thank you so much for sharing in our wedding day…
The make-up looks you created for me, my mother, and my sisters, were just what we wanted. Being someone who rarely wears make-up, I didn’t want to look to “overdone”. The look you created was natural and soft, with a hint of glam and whimsy. From our first contact I felt listened to, and I loved the energy you brought to the trial and the big day. Not only did you nail the brief, but you truly helped to make me feel calm, confident, and absolutely beautiful. I am so glad we had you on our team.
Jenna Verhoeven
I had the pleasure of meeting Elka when she did my makeup when I was bridesmaid for a friend and I was thrilled with the result. As soon as I began planning my own wedding I knew I wanted Elka to do my makeup again. Not only does she put you at ease with her lovely, happy personality she is truly an amazing makeup artist. I was unsure of exactly what I was after and Elka spent a lot of time questioning me and coming up with a look that was perfect for me.
On the day I felt that Elka created a beautiful, natural and long lasting look that made me look like the best possible version of myself. She also did a great job for all of my bridesmaids and was very efficient. We were all ready on time!
I would recommend Elka to anyone who wants to look and feel amazing on their big day.
Julia Murphy
Fun Fact - The dress I wore to the Oscars was my wedding dress!