So—you’ve found the love of your life. The venue is booked, the vows are getting there, and now it’s time to talk glam. Let’s be honest: your wedding look matters. Whether you dream of full sparkle or something effortlessly natural, finding stylists and makeup artists who get you—and respect every inch of your identity—is essential.
New Zealand isn’t just about epic landscapes, dramatic fjords, or sheep (though, yes, they’re adorable). It’s also one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly wedding destinations in the world. Since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2013, Aotearoa has embraced love in all forms—and that includes a vibrant, inclusive beauty scene for weddings.
💄 Beauty Without Boundaries: Stylists Who Celebrate You
Let’s get to the good stuff—artists who know how to beat a face and tame a curl while making every person in front of the mirror feel radiant, affirmed, and oh-so-loved.
1. Samantha Singh Makeup & Hair Artist — Auckland + Beyond
With over 12 years of experience, Samantha brings calm, confidence, and killer skills to every wedding. Her artistry ranges from bold editorial glam to natural dewy finishes. She’s worked across NZ and the Pacific and proudly supports LGBTQ+ couples.
👉 featureweddings.com
2. Stacey Banfield Makeup Artist — Wanaka Queen
A luxury makeup artist who’s graced the pages of Together Journal and Denizen Magazine, Stacey’s magic lies in enhancing natural features and empowering her clients. If you’re eloping lakeside in Wanaka or planning a full wedding bash, she’ll have you glowing.
👉 @staceybanfieldmakeup
3. Paige Shipstone — Queenstown Beauty Wizard
With a decade of experience and a heart full of love for all kinds of love, Paige is your go-to for confidence-boosting bridal beauty. Her style is polished, elegant, and 100% affirming.
👉 paigeshipstonemakeup.co.nz
4. EVE Makeup Artistry — Heartfelt Beauty in the South
Based in Queenstown, EVE specializes in inclusive beauty and unforgettable wedding moments. Their blog even features real same-sex love stories that’ll make you weepy—in the best way.
👉 evemakeupartistry.co.nz
🧡 Real Talk: Choosing Your Person (or Glam Squad)
This is more than makeup and hair—it’s about trust. You want someone who can handle nerves, touch-ups, and tiny last-minute freak-outs. Someone who understands your vision, listens without judgment, and makes you feel fabulous just as you are.
Here’s your quick checklist:
- ✔ Ask if they’ve worked with LGBTQ+ couples before.
- ✔ Book a trial and notice how you feel—not just how you look.
- ✔ Read reviews, stalk their Instagram (guilt-free!), and trust your gut.
- ✔ Don’t be afraid to ask about gender-affirming beauty experience.
🌈 Beauty Tips for Everyone — No Matter How You Identify
Because let’s be real: traditional beauty guides don’t always apply. Here’s the scoop from behind the scenes.
✨ Skin prep is king/queen/royalty. Great skin = great photos. Start early with facials, hydration, and maybe some gua sha?
✨ Brows deserve respect. Whether you’re going bold, barely-there, or androgynous, your brows frame your vibe.
✨ Non-binary brilliance. Makeup and hair aren’t about gender—they’re about expression. Your glam should reflect you, not a binary ideal.
✨ Confidence is the real highlighter. And maybe a little actual highlighter too.
📍 Bonus: New Zealand Wedding Locations to Glow Up In
Planning to tie the knot in:
- Queenstown — mountain-chic elegance.
- Wanaka — serenity with lakeside views.
- Auckland — city buzz + coastal vibes.
- Tongariro — epic national park drama?
Wherever your love takes you, there’s a stylist nearby ready to help you sparkle.
👋 From My Lens to Your Love Story
Hey, I’m Serg, the heart behind Your Happy Moments. I’ve had the absolute joy of photographing love in all its wild, beautiful, and unscripted forms—especially LGBTQ+ weddings. I believe your love deserves to be seen, honored, and documented with care, creativity, and heart.
✨ Check out my real love stories here: Your Happy Moments Blog
📸 Curious about my wedding photography packages? Head here: Photography Packages
💌 Ready to chat, dream, or plan your elopement adventure? Reach out: Contact Me
Let’s create magic that looks like you.
🏁 Final Note
Your wedding is a celebration of truth, connection, and joy. The right stylist will see all of you—not just your features. Choose someone who’ll laugh with you, cry with you (mascara-proof, of course), and help you shine exactly as you are.
Because this day? It’s yours. Let’s make it unforgettable.
