I'm lucky enough to work on a range of projects, from editorial to bridal, television to runway, but every now and then I'm lucky enough to work with a crazy talented team on creating a new advertising campaign. This stunning campaign, for lauded Australian bridal designer Jack Sullivan, was shot on location at the beautiful Casa La Vina in the Hunter Valley. 

I created a gorgeous Tuscan-sun inspired makeup look, with gleaming golden skin, a shimmering smokey eye and a soft rosy flush on the lips and cheeks. 

The amazing team that made this shoot possible:
Photography: Justin Aveling Photography
Gowns: Jack Sullivan Bridal
Makeup: Julie Elton Makeup Artist

This shoot was a collaboration between me, Hair Stylist Marc Armstrong from RAW Anthony Nader and Photographer Zahn Pithers. We wanted to create a series of photographs that celebrated natural beauty.

Elouise, our model, is so naturally beautiful. I used a very light hand to accentuate her best features, give her luminous, goddess skin and bring out her bone structure.

Photography: Zahn Pithers, Hair: Marc Armstrong @ RAW Anthony Nader. 

This shoot for Luxury Weddings Magazine is the epitome of queenly elegance. The gowns simply radiate grace, grandeur and nobility. I created an elegant, yet effortless makeup look on model Belle: with soft, warm smokey tones on her eyes, smooth, glowing skin, sculpted cheekbones and groomed brows. The soft nude-peach, glossy lips were the perfect finishing touch. It's a right royal triumph!

The amazing team:
Photography: Our Carousel Studios
Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler & Rosemary Slade
Hair: Paula Hibbard, Fabulous Hair Up using De Lorenzo
Makeup: Julie Elton using M.A.C Cosmetics
Hair Assistant: Mi To
Makeup Assistant: Georgia Tessier
Stylists' Assistant: Lauren Kessler
Shot on location at: The Great Synagogue, Sydney

Pages 1 & 2
Gown: Bizzaro Bridal Couture
Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories

Page 3
Gown: Bernadette Pimenta Couture
Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories

Page 4
Gown: Bernadette Pimenta Couture
Earrings: Roman & French

Pages 5 and 6
Gown: Mia Song Couture
Mirror: Harbourside Decorators
Earrings: Roman & French

Page 7
Gown: De Challie Haute Couture
Earrings: Wendy Louise Designs

Page 8
Gown: De Challie Haute Couture
Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories

To celebrate the 25th annual edition of Sydney Wedding Magazine, we created an exquisite silver themed couture fashion shoot for its sister title Gowns. Two of our shots even made the cover!

Gowns (in order of appearance): Brides by Francesca, Bizzaro Bridal Couture, Evermore Bridal Boutique, InStyle Bridal, Maria Elena Headpieces and Accessories, Ziolkowski Couture, Bizzaro Bridal Couture.

The amazing crew that created this shoot:

PHOTOGRAPHER: Justin Aveling 
STYLISTS: Kimberlee Kessler & Rosemary Slade
HAIR: Paula Hibbard, Fabulous Hair Up using De Lorenzo
MAKEUP: Julie Elton using M.A.C
HAIR ASSISTANT: Brittany Glover
SHOT ON LOCATION AT: Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa and Hopewood House, Bowral
SYDNEY WEDDING GOWNS CREW STAYED AT: Fitzroy Inn Historic Retreat, Mittagong

For Modern Wedding Magazine's Spring edition, we created a sultry, fashion-forward take on a glamorous bridal look with deep plum lips and nails and fresh, luminous skin.

Photographer: Petter Karlstrom at Our Carousel Studios, Stylist: Kimberlee Kessler, Hair: Paula Hibbard at Fabulous Hair Up, Shot on Location at Leicester Gardens.

Pairing energetic style with electrifying colours, this vivid look takes inspiration from Malaysian culture and Western streets. Daring combinations and defiant fusions add spice and soul. Free spirited fashion celebrates the artistry of design, showcasing sculptural, statement pieces that simply scream genius. 

As seen in Obvious magazine. This makeup look is all about the fusion of East and West. The freckles and the brows take centre stage. I created sculpted cheekbones to echo the defiant silhouettes of the fashion, statement brows to accent the model's exquisite bone structure and a smattering of freckles as a nod to the fun, frivolous nature of Western style. 

One of our gorgeous images even made the cover!

Photography: Michael Roses, Art Direction: Kimberlee Kessler, Hair: Paula Hibbard, Stylist: Jessica Chan, Photography Assistant: Marie-Edith Dugoujon, Location: Chinta Kechil, Retouching + Creative Treatment: David Howarth, Ausbrand, Model: Chandra @ Jaz Daly Management. 
 

There's something so utterly sensual about jewellery. Especially fine jewellery. It's worn close to the body, treasured and adored. For this feature in Luxury Weddings Magazine, I wanted to create a sense of luxury and sensuality, but it had to be effortless and easy... not too polished or primped. 

I created a light, neutral smokey eye to bring out the brilliance in model Sarah's beautiful baby blues. Brows were groomed, but natural and I created dewy, radiant skin by delicately highlighting the high points of the face. Everything about this look was carefully considered to enhance our model's natural beauty and allow the exquisite jewels to shine.

Jewellery + Fashion (in order of appearance): 1. Calleija, Gown: Bizzaro Bridal Couture 2. Fairfax & Roberts, Gown: Croce & Colosimo Couture 3. Gregory Jewellers 4. Gregory Jewellers 5. Calleija 6. Fairfax & Roberts, Camisole: Tanya Didenko Bridal Couture

Photographer: Justin Aveling, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler + Rosemary Slade, Hair: Monica McGowan, Wild Life Hair, Photographer's Assistant: Paul McMillan.

Sydney-based hair salon Bauhaus Hair is always leading the pack. I put together an edgy smokey eye and nude lip look for their recent collection.

Photography: Peter Steele Photography

Shot on location in the exquisite Hunter Valley, these gowns are a celebration of couture. I created a golden, glowing complexion, inspired by Spanish high society brides and Tuscan landscapes for this gorgeous feature with Luxury Weddings Magazine.

Photographer: Justin Aveling, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler and Rosemary Slade, Hair: Rhiannon Dimaria at Simon Bright Salon using Eleven Australia, Makeup: Me, using M.A.C, Shot on Location at: Tower Estate Hunter Valley and IronGate Estate Hunter Valley. Brides jewellery: Fairfax & Roberts 

Gowns (in order of appearance): Lora Eliss Couture, Suzanna Blazevic Couture, Croce & Colosimo, Rhonda Hemmingway Couture, Bizzaro Bridal Couture, Montagio Custom Tailoring, Aleem Yusuf Couture, Catherine Colubriale Couture, Lora Eliss Couture, Tanya Didenko Couture, Diane Lewis Couture. 

Shot on location at The State Library of New South Wales, this fashion editorial for Luxury Weddings Magazine was all about effortless elegance. Entitled 'Reign of Style', one of the gorgeous shots even made the front cover!

I created an effortless makeup look to accompany the divine couture gowns, featuring a light smokey eye, fresh but smooth skin and contoured cheeks.

Photography: Justin Aveling Photography, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler + Rosemary Slade, Hair: Rhiannon DiMaria for Simon Bright Salon and Frankie Endersbee for Frank&Co, Models: Nicola Elle @ Scoop Management and Samuele @ London Management Group. 

I had the pleasure of working with the divine Miss Samantha Harris, David Jones Ambassador and Aussie supermodel, on a project called thinkPINK.

Modern Wedding teamed up with David Jones to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Nine of Australia's top fashion designers created a unique pink gown to be auctioned off raising money for the NBCF. 

The designers: Steven Khalil, Easton Pearson, Carla Zampatti, Kirrily Johnston, Johanna Johnson, Karen Willis Holmes, Akira, Alex Perry & Lisa Gowing.

Photography: Justin Aveling, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler & Rosemary Slade, Hair: Sharon Blain at The Art of Hair. Accessories: Autore, Fairfax & Roberts, David Jones. Shot on location: 'On Seven' David Jones Elizabeth Street Sydney. 

 

There's something special about bridal couture. A gown made just for you. That was the driving force behind this photo shoot for Modern Wedding Magazine.

I created two different makeup looks for two very different models. For Roxy, the blonde model, I created a navy smoky eye with gold accents, lightly defined brows and a gorgeous, luminous base. I finished off the look with a gorgeous natural shimmer on her lips.

For Rebecca, the redhead, I created a strong smoky eye with a hint of green to bring out her eyes, naturally defined brows and a beautiful, flawless complexion. I topped it all off with a beautiful rosy flush on her lips and cheeks.

Photography: Justin Aveling Photography, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler  + Rosemary Slade, Hair: Paula Hibbard at Fabulous Hair Up, Paper Flower Wall: Kate Robinson KR Creative, Models: Roxy + Rebecca Moore @ London Mgt Group. 

I created this dreamy, romantic makeup look for Gowns magazine's 2015 edition. The look was all about flawless, glowing skin, with sculpted cheekbones and brows. I added a gold and copper smoky eye and a soft flush on the cheeks and lips.

One of the gorgeous images even made the cover!

Photography: Justin Aveling, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler  + Rosemary Slade, Hair: Rhiannon DiMaria, Simon Bright Salon using Eleven Australia, Cover Gown: Diane Lewis Couture.  

When Modern Wedding Magazine teamed up with David Jones to raise money and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, some of Australia's top fashion designers created pink gowns to be auctioned off. I created a soft, romantic makeup look for the photo shoot.

Photography: Justin Aveling Photography, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler + Rosemary Slade, Hair: Paula Hibbard for The Art of Hair, Beecroft, Model: Annie McGinty @ Viviens Model Management, Jewellery Supplied By: Autore, Swarovski.

This edgy, avant garde photo shoot for Hair Expo gave me the opportunity to flex my creative muscles. I created a dramatic strong brow, dark liner and statement lip look to enhance the hair stylist and colourist's work.

Photography: Kylie Coutts, Hair: Shane Bennett.

For this Modern Wedding Magazine photo shoot, effortless elegance was the order of the day. Shot on Maroubra Beach, while the storm clouds rolled overhead, the gorgeous white fabric caught the breeze perfectly. I created a soft, bronzed look for this shoot with copper eyeshadow and beautiful deep rosy lips and cheeks.

Photography: George Favios, Stylist: Kimberlee Kessler, Shoot Assistants: Isabel Arthur + Lauren Kessler, Hair Stylist: Jill Hutchings.

Boudoir Dreaming was a photo shoot I did with the team from Modern Hair+Beauty Magazine. It was all about creative ideas for medium length hair. I created a babushka doll inspired makeup look featuring doll-like eyes, lots of lashes and a pretty rosy flush on lips and cheeks.

Photography: Ian Golding, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler + Rosemary Slade,
Hair: The Art of Hair Creative team (directed by Sharon Blain), Stylists’ Assistant: Lauren Kessler, Nails: OPI

This decadent, yet relaxed shoot was for Luxury Weddings fourth annual edition. We shot with the beautiful Olivia Donaldson, winner of The Face Australia 2014. What a perfect canvas!

I created a strong smoky eye look, paired with a porcelain complexion and natural lips. The result was fresh, feminine and above all, effortlessly elegant.

Photographer: Justin Aveling, Stylist: Rosemary Slade, Creative Director: Kimberlee Kessler, Stylist's Assistant: Kathryn Kessler, Hair: Paula Hibbard, Shot on location at: Ruby Rabbit, Darlinghurst. 

Accessories: Autore, Bill Hicks Jewellery Design. Shoes: Cinderella Bella
 

For this divine garden wedding photo shoot, I teamed up with Modern Wedding Magazine to create a fresh, springtime beauty look. Inspired by the beauty of blooms, the makeup paired flawless, luminous skin with a soft peachy 'lit from within' bridal glow, and pretty pink lips that picked up the gorgeous colours in the flowers.

Photography: Petter Karlstrom @ Our Carousel Studios, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler + Rosemary Slade, Hair: Paula Hibbard @ Fabulous Hair Up, Flowers + Floral Styling: Annie Ledley @ Francis Floristry , Shot on Location at Kelvin Homestead. Models: Elouise M @ Scoop Management, Tommy McKeown @ Chic Management. 

Working with dancer Mitchell Woodcock for his portfolio shoot was a welcome change of pace. We shot these images for his portfolio to show diversity and versatility in his look, from boy-next-door to vogue supermodel. The looks I created took him from simple and clean cut, to dramatic and dapper.

Photographer: Tomasz Machnik, Hair: Leona Robinson at SUKI. 

For the 60th Diamond Edition of Modern Wedding Magazine, I created a strong winged eyeliner look paired with groomed brows, contoured cheeks and a soft flush on the cheeks and lips. The statement makeup look perfectly offset the gorgeous gowns and the simplicity of the white and mirrored backdrop. 

Photography: Justin Aveling Photography , Stylist: Kimberlee Kessler, Hair: Paula Hibbard for The Art of Hair, Shoot Assistant: Julia Price. 

The beautiful Clarence House set the scene for a modern fairytale, featured in Modern Wedding Magazine. I created an illuminated, glowing complexion, only enhanced by the beauty of candlelight and fairylights. Touches of shimmer and gloss, and lots of lashes made for a beautiful bride.

Photography: Ryan Schembri for XSiGHT Photography & Video Sydney, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler + Rosemary Slade, Hair: Monica McGowan for Wild Life Hair, Makeup Assistant: Georgia Tessier. 

I created these looks for a commercial portfolio for dancer/actor Lauren Elton. I love this dramatic red door as a backdrop for this statement beauty. But I also love how soft and beautiful she looks with more au naturale makeup.

Photographer: Jake Weisz. 

When Modern Wedding Magazine wanted to create a relaxed, outdoor Australian-style garden wedding, I put together a gorgeous makeup look for the photo shoot. 

The makeup was fresh and naturally flawless, allowing our model's natural beauty to shine through. I added a soft, rubbed-on look for lips and cheeks and finished with doll-like lashes to contrast the soft, backlit garden locale.

Photography: James Mills Photography, Styling + Concept: Kimberlee Kessler and Rosemary Slade, Hair: Paula Hibbard at Fabulous Hair Up, Stills Styling + Prop Hire: Jessica Colley at The Bridal Collective, Model: Sabrina Berner @ Chadwick Models. 

This collection was named the winner of Photographic Collection of the Year at Hair Expo 2009. I created a statement makeup look for the shoot by renowned hair stylist and educator Sharon Blain. 

Photography: Kylie Coutts, Hair: Sharon Blain at The Art of Hair.

When Modern Wedding Magazine wanted to create a bohemian beach wedding photo shoot, I jumped at the opportunity to create a soft, beachy makeup look for it.

The makeup was fresh, flawless and luminous. It was a golden goddess look, bronzed and highlighted to perfection and topped off with a soft rosy glow on the cheeks and lips.

Photography: Justin Aveling Photography, Stylist: Kimberlee Kessler, Hair: Paula Hibbard @ Fabulous Hair Up, Flowers: Chanele Rose Flowers & Event Styling, Teepee + Seashell Chandelier: Isabelle Poelmann, Be Dazzled, Models: Amy C + Arthur @ Chadwick Models. 
 

The purpose of this shoot was to get an amazing cover for Luxury Weddings magazine. We nailed it pretty quickly, so decided to have a little fun with some amazing couture dresses, bespoke headpieces by Viktoria Novak and Heavenly Collections and some pretty pearls by Paula Loves Paris. 

We ended up with not only a cover for Luxury Weddings, but a stunning shoot for Modern Wedding Magazine as well!

Photography: Justin Aveling Photography, Stylists: Kimberlee Kessler  + Rosemary Slade, Hair: Sharon Blain @ The Art of Hair.