Sonia Ryan, owner of Sonia Ryan & Co., is well-known (and well-loved) by brides and wedding experts alike. Depending on the day, she can be found speaking at women’s conferences, learning trade secrets in Hollywood, hosting make-up workshops in K-W, and training newer make-up artists on the ins and outs of wedding day beauty. Not only that, she recently styled the fabulous cover (concept, fashion and make-up) for The Wedding Ring Magazine's Spring/Summer 2011 issue. Offering everything from image consulting to personalized on-site wedding day make-up for bridal parties, Sonia is taking your look to your location. She’s fun, inspiring, outgoing, talented, and most importantly, tends to be a favourite with brides who want to rock their photos on their wedding days. Let us explain...

An artist in training

Sonia Ryan says she feels like she's been an artist in one form or another for her whole life. For the last seven years she's been a make-up artist, but for many years before that she was an artist specializing in murals and mosaics. "I've always been driven by art." After a while, she wanted something different. "I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, particularly in a female-targeted industry… I just switched my canvas from walls to women."

From make-up, came overall beauty, and from that, came image consulting for women. "I teach women how to dress for their body type, for their career - or the career they want... I include how they should wear their hair, using different looks for day and evening as well as special events..."

Sonia has studied both fine art and the art of make-up application. She has studied through Robert Jones and is currently being trained and mentored by celebrity make-up artist, James Ryder, out of North Hollywood. She makes trips back and forth to learn new tricks of the trade. You can occasionally catch her on Facebook sipping Starbucks coffee on Hollywood Boulevard (in between weddings and events in Canada, of course!) and finding inspiration in the obviously rewarding career she has built for herself.

Sonia has been the guest speaker for WPIC (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada), called upon to discuss a variety of topics like dressing for certain venues, types of occasions, promoting your business, image consulting and ultimately, she says, "...being the best you." When Sonia does a speaking engagement, it's always industry directed. "When I'm speaking with brides, we talk about make-up for the day and what you need to know when you hire a make-up artist..."

For the past five years, Sonia has built a team of make-up artists and stylists (including hair stylists) that she’s grown to trust. This past year, to reflect so much growth, Sonia changed her company name from Make-up Artistry by Sonia Ryan to Sonia Ryan & Co.

Bridal undercover

Married in May 2008, a past team member of The Ring, Ryann Blenkiron, scheduled herself for a make-up consultation with Sonia and her assistant Karen, for the purposes of her own wedding, but also so that The Ring could get a first hand look at what Sonia can really do for a bride.

When Ryann arrived at Sonia's in-home studio, Sonia's professional make-up case filled with her custom-colour palettes was spread out on the table, and a director's chair awaited her nearby. They got started by talking colours, wedding gowns, bouquet colours, complexion, hair style, and an overall vision of the day. As they spoke, Ryann had her make-up applied and by the end of the consultation, she said she realized a couple hours had flown by. Ryann admits that she was definitely gun-shy going into the appointment, thanks to past experiences. "Sonia really listened to what I wanted, and lent her own expertise to complete the picture. It was relaxed and fun - I didn't feel self-conscious at all - everyone there joked and laughed. And best of all, the end result was a big transformation for me. I looked the best I ever have!"

Profiling your look

Your styling begins before you even meet Sonia Ryan in person. By phone or email, you are asked “pre-profile questions” such as “What is your skin tone, hair and eye colour? Does your face feel dry after a shower?” Sonia says these questions are a must because all looks are created specially for you, your colouring, your bone structure and face shape.

Samia Mourtzakis, who had Sonia apply her, her bridesmaids' and mother's make-up for her September 2008 wedding, says that when she called to consult with Sonia "it was like talking to a friend and someone who understood my stressful state of mind. She put me at ease and tried to understand my needs to see if she was the right fit."

The real fun creativity begins at the make-up trial. Trials are recommended with each booking to make sure that you're getting the look you envisioned. This also gives Sonia a chance to help you deal with any skin issues or concerns that you may have months ahead of the wedding.

Sonia says that most of their brides are still interested in a bit of glam. "Everyone says they want a natural and fresh look, but when it comes down to the day, most often they opt for a bit of drama and smoky eyes."

For the ultimate look, Sonia says, "It's not just about what make-up colours you can wear, it's about what you're comfortable wearing, what brings out that inner beauty... It's also about giving you permission to shine on your wedding day, empowering you."

One of Samia's favourite memories of her experience with Sonia was "how she managed the bridal party with love and care. Each person had a different style and personality but she enhanced everyone's best features and made me feel like I was on top of the world… I was so confident with what she had done."

At the trial, Sonia and/or her team will take you through some things you should consider before the wedding day... Will you be tanning? How often? What is your skin care regiment? Are there areas of your skin that need improvement? Are there any other concerns, such as dry lips, that need to be addressed?

Sonia suggests that you consider the condition of your skin at least nine months before the big day, if not right away, especially if you have problem skin, as no amount of make-up can cover certain skin issues. Sonia told us, "I've worked with brides who have serious allergies to certain products, but I've been able to find solutions for them."

On your wedding day, Sonia Ryan & Co. arrives at the location of your choice. They'll apply the make-up for the bride, her bridesmaids and even the mother of the bride or the groom, if need be. "Of course I always spend more time with the bride. She's the one in the spotlight." In her experience, the tell tale sign that brides love their look is when they "can't stop looking at themselves in the mirror."

"I believe your make-up application should be a calming moment to just sit and enjoy getting ready for the day and anticipating the wedding."

Samia says that Sonia made the bridal party and herself "look fabulous, but so natural. Sonia is so understanding and delightful to be around. She worked around our schedule and was knowledgeable of current trends, products, culture and style."

Products are a girl's best friend

Sonia Ryan & Co is thrilled to offer their brand new line of products. These products can be ordered through the Sonia Ryan & Co Online Boutique and include a plumping lip gloss, make-up brushes, make-up cases (including an everyday or professional set), mineral foundation, a phototouch corrector and more. Check out the boutique here

They also have a list of preferred products including the Bobbi Brown, Benefit, Clinique, Les Watier, Mac, Make up Forever (water resistant, paraban free!), Smash Box, along with several others they keep to themselves as trade secrets. For Sonia, it’s about carrying only the lines she truly loves. "The quality has to be impeccable and it needs to have staying power. When I apply eye make-up at 6 am, I expect it to still be there at 6 pm."

Products used also depend on the bride, her look and her skin. But Sonia also uses Smash Box Cosmetics, MAC and Christian Dior. "The brand and type of products used depends on the bride, her look and her skin," explains Sonia.

They also offer a Bridal Make-up Shopping Service, which means they can source any cosmetic items you'll need for your special day. Depending on what you're purchasing, a 'Bridal Shopping fee' of $95 may apply.

Brand new services

Sonia Ryan & Co. now offers two exciting new services to complete your wedding day look.

Sonia now has two hair stylists on staff, one of which was a stylist for all four seasons of "So You Think You Can Dance Canada." Bridal hair costs $125 and anyone else who would like to have their hair done professionally will pay $95. You can even book a trial before the wedding for $85.

There is also a nail technician on Sonia's staff who will do shellac manicures, pedicures and french add ons. The entire beauty team will travel to you with their mobile spa- this could be a fun (and relaxing) way to get your girls together the weekend before your wedding to unwind!

On-location, Studio 2U styling

If you’ve ever seen Sonia Ryan’s mobile make-up studio and toolkit, you’ll know that she can do beauty anytime, anywhere! Having worked with her on photo and video shoots, the team at The Ring can certainly attest to this. And Sonia says the same goes for the rest of her team. From make-up trials and wedding day make-up to full day packages that offer you on-demand styling throughout the entire wedding, Sonia Ryan & Co. is all about coming to you, when you need them, to make sure you’re looking and feeling fabulous on your day. It’s about your look, at your location.

Your celeb-style, on-location make-up/styling costs $125 (for the bride) and $85 for anyone else who would like to have their make-up done (a great gift idea!).

When you’ve got such an important day, a professional photography and videographer on stand-by and your BFF’s about to stand up for you in their gorgeous gowns, you should consider getting all dolled up as a group. "Having the entire party done, not just the bride, ensures that all of the photos look great and there's opportunity for consistent colour or style within the party's looks," says Sonia. Of course, no one will be more stunning than the bride, but everyone will be flawlessly gorgeous.

The Sonia Ryan & Co. team can come to you or you can go to one of their locations, whichever you prefer (additional charges apply if you're outside of the KW area). They've recently opened up a new studio, another location option for your wedding day make-up.

Make-up trials are most often at Sonia's location, but she's flexible. A trial costs $85 and includes a skin care consultation and the look for the day is created. During the consultation Sonia finds out more about the wedding, such as colours, theme, indoor or outdoor locations, etc., so that the look reflects (and lasts) the whole day.

But in case emotions or weather diminish the lasting effects, Sonia also offers full day make-up services starting at $995, which includes eight hours of service for the bridal party, moms and even the guys, if necessary (on the men, Sonia often uses oil absorbing linen clothes to take care of the shine that inevitably happens to everyone in the hot sun to keep them looking fresh and gorgeous). "It's also great for a quick touch-up after tears at the church," adds Sonia.

If you’re looking to save on your beauty services, Sonia Ryan & Co. offer the Beautiful Bride Package for $255. In this you’ll get a wedding make-up trial and consultation, one make-up application (can be used for your engagement photos, engagement party or rehearsal dinner) and then the wedding day make-up application, on location.

Prior to Samia's reception, during the photo shoot Sonia proactively touched up the bridal party's make-up. "She knew how to work with the photographer to obtain the desired results, too."

"The prices did not match, but exceeded the value I received in every way," says Samia, who has recommended Sonia to other brides. "Sonia made me glow and she made everyone she touched happy (how can you put a price on that?)"

A deposit of 50% is due when you sign the contract and book your wedding day. The balance is due the day of the wedding, before make-up application begins.

How many weddings this team of make-up artists takes on will depend on the number of people in the party and the location. They refuse to rush or have you feel rushed. They spend an average of forty-five minutes with the bride and thirty minutes with everyone else.

Why brides choose Sonia Ryan & Co.

Kim Church had looked up a number of local make-up artists in search of the one she would trust her September 2010 wedding day look with. Then she found Sonia Ryan & Co. “I wanted to see the work that they did on people and wanted to see before and after photos. I chose Sonia Ryan & Co. after I read to the write up in The Ring about her… When I checked out the website, I knew immediately Sonja was the one. I was truly amazed at the work when I saw some of the before and after photos. Sonia and her team bring out the beauty in people. They aren't the type that just plaster make up on - what they do with the make up highlights what is natural and beautiful about each individual they work on, and I felt that what they did looked amazing.”

October 2010 bride, Erika, had an interesting story on why she (and how) she chose Sonia Ryan & Co. “I'm from Toronto but had my wedding in the KW region. When we got engaged two YEARS ago, I immediately hired a very popular Toronto make-up/hair artist for myself and my entire bridal party. We signed contracts, put deposits, and I thought everything was good... Until one week before my wedding when I got an email from that artist stating that she had an opportunity to make more money elsewhere so she was dropping me as a client (regardless of our contract). In a panic, I ran to TheWeddingRing.ca and clicked on the reviews for make-up artists. After taking a hurried overview at everything available, there was a certain style that Sonia Ryan had in the photos on her review that stuck out in my mind. I emailed her in a frenzy and got a reply almost instantaneously (thank goodness for Blackberries!). She was so understanding and helpful that without even meeting her in person I knew she would be a perfect fit for my wedding day.”

Jody Duin was also planning her wedding from a distance, and found Sonia in The Ring. Jody explained, “I used the Ring to the fullest and this is where I first read about Sonia.” But it was after speaking with her, that Jody knew she found someone who could do what she wanted for her October 2010 wedding. “I didn't want to be overdone or look like someone else, I wanted to be just an enhanced version of myself and I could tell she knew and understood that and I had a trust in her work right away.” She hired Sonia to do her lashes on October 15th and her full wedding make-up on the 16th.

Beauty can be taught

Sonia Ryan finds teaching second nature. She has done countless workshops, speaking engagements and even the odd ringTV video tutorial on how to achieve the ultimate look using proper make-up techniques.

And if you’d like to learn, Sonia offers a twenty hour course where you can become a certified make-up artist. The course is taken through the Sonia Ryan Makeup Academy which is licensed through a private career college. Once you've completed the course, you'll have complete certification as a make-up artist.

Dramatic, flirtatious lashes

A newer, popular service offered is the application of semi-permanent false lashes. These lashes, when applied professionally, can last up to three weeks, allowing you to bat them flirtatiously at the groom all through your wedding, and your honeymoon too! Getting your semi-permanent lashes will cost $85.

If you’d rather have regular false eyelashes, they can be done for $20, including application. In both cases, the consensus at Sonia Ryan & Co. is that lashes are a definite must if you’re looking to create a dramatic difference with or without using a lot of colour.

Make-up for men

Men’s make-up is also available at Sonia Ryan & Co. This is often taken advantage of by grooms who have challenging skin, scars, or who have shiny skin. The men are done so that they never look made up. “They look just clean and fresh. It’s great for wedding photos,” says Sonia.

Image Styling

Sonia Ryan has been offering image styling for a number of years. This service is ideal if you’re looking for help with creating the entire look. You receive a hand pulling everything together from head to toe.

With her years of experience and her current training and mentorship with Hollywood celebrity make-up artist, James Ryder, Sonia is always on top of the current beauty trends. Right now she sees artists adding a pop of colour on the cheeks and glowing make-up instead of a matte finish.

She’s finding herself incorporating a vintage Hollywood glamour look (see the fashion feature in The Wedding Ring Magazine, Spring/Summer 2011 issue) into her make-up artistry with dramatic eye liner, bold lips and demur eyes.

Sonia says that getting your make-up done for your engagement shoot is becoming very popular, though she doesn’t recommend using your make-up trial for this purpose. “Go with a completely different look. Use the occasion to have some fun, be casual or creative.”

And again, don’t forget your lashes!

Aside from the trends, though, Sonia just tries to pick your focus and enhance your best features. And even if it's not your wedding day, Sonia advices all women to use their "make-up to create a focal point; typically eyes are your best choice for focus."

Details, details, details

• Try to book Sonia at least six months ahead of your wedding.
• Additional charges apply for visits outside of the KW area.
• To hold your date, a 50% deposit is required, with the balance due before your make-up is applied.
• Get in touch with Sonia to talk about trials and pre-wedding consultations.

In other words...

"Sonia Ryan – my new best friend. With her magic wand she made me feel like a queen on my wedding day. Sonia's abilities with make-up are second to none and her wonderful personality just radiates through her generous smile. She is willing to listen, suggest, and has such knowledge of what to use and how to use it. Sonia met with me and took the time to teach me what looked best and how to apply it. I had a lot of preconceived ideas and she convinced me to try something new. Her confidence and her positive outlook are infectious. Sonia was even willing to come to the hair salon to do our make-up in order to ease the scheduling craziness of the day. We had such fun! We laughed, we cried tears of joy and we looked maaaaaaarvelous." - Rose-Mary Weinert

"We have referred Sonia's services to the WPIC alumni and clients... She speaks to the students about what to do to bring out their inner beauty, as well as the outer beauty in each person, regardless of size and age, and also what to be wary of... Sonia spoke to our attendees from across Canada about how to dress for success, colour palettes to use, and clothing to accentuate each style of person... We have always respected the way Sonia treats the coordinators and clients with utmost professionalism and enthusiasm. WPIC whole heartedly recommends Sonia Ryan as a professional in the industry, and we look forward to many more years of business with her." - Tracey Manailescu, Co-founder/ Instructor of WPIC