Sonia Ryan is well-known and well-loved by brides and wedding experts alike. She can be seen speaking at conferences, hosting make-up workshops and training newer make-up artists on the ins and outs of wedding day beauty. Sonia offers everything from image consulting to personalized on-site wedding day make-up for bridal parties. She's fun, inspiring, and destined to be booked solid with brides. 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..." Sonia said she quickly found Mary Kay, and the professional make-up artist industry that came with it, to be a natural fit for her. "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 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..."

Sonia has studied both fine art and the art of make-up application. She has studied through Robert Jones and Mary Kay, and is a Sales Director and trainer for Mary Kay.

For the past five years, Donna Smith has been working closely with Sonia but she has been involved in the beauty industry for more than ten years. Now a part of Sonia's talented make-up artist team, she is taking her own bookings. "Donna is a pleasure to work with. She is creative and extremely talented. Working together is a natural fit," Sonia told The Ring.

Bridal undercover

Married in May 2008, 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!"

Sonia & Donna on your wedding day

Sonia and Donna's make-up artistry begins before you even meet in person. By phone or email, they ask pre-profile questions. What is your skin tone, hair and eye colour? Does your face feel dry after a shower? "All looks are created specially for you, your colouring, your bone structure and face shape," says Sonia.

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 begins at the make-up trial. "You're not just going to get your make-up done. You're going to get a lesson in how it's done. After all, it's about looking fabulous every day, not just your wedding day!" 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 glamour. "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."

But Sonia and Donna need to get to know you. "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 Donna 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 or Donna 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 and Donna use (and retail) predominantly Mary Kay Cosmetics (especially the line of Mineral make-up) for wedding services. She told The Ring that she does so because it's a line she truly loves. "The quality is impeccable and it has staying power. When I apply eye make-up at 6 am, it's still there at 6 pm."

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 Makeup 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 $50 may apply.

MK makeover

Mary Kay's image has a fresh, fun, new look - which if you've see them at the big Bingemans Wedding Dreams show in K-W, you've probably noticed. Their make-up is no exception. "The lines are sleeker, stylish, with magnetic, truer colours... The products also offer even greater consistency, whether they're wet or dry."

Budgeting for beauty

The cost for Sonia or Donna to apply your wedding make-up depends on the number of people in the party getting their make-up applied, as well as the looks they want. Bridal make-up is typically $85 to $110, but if you add a few bridesmaids to the bill (which makes for a great gift idea!) it ranges from $65 to $85 each. "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.

Sonia or Donna can come to you or you can go to one of their locations, whichever you prefer. Make-up trials are most often at Sonia's location, but she's flexible. A trial costs $50 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 a Full Day package starting at $1000, which includes eight hours of service for the bridal party, moms and even the guys, if necessary. Don't worry, the guys won't get any make-up, Sonia just uses oil absorbing linen clothes to take care of the shine that inevitably happens to everyone in the hot sun to keep you looking fresh and gorgeous. "It's also great for a quick touch-up after tears at the church," adds Sonia.

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?)"

Sonia has recently added false eyelashes to her product line. "We've found that applying false eyelashes creates a dramatic difference with using less colour for only $20, including application."

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.

Beauty trends

With her years of experience and ongoing training, Sonia keeps up with current beauty trends, like a pop of colour on the cheeks and glowing make-up instead of a matte finish. She says that right now she's incorporating a vintage Hollywood glamour look into her make-up artistry with dramatic eye liner, bold lips and demur eyes. Despite 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

• Book Sonia at least 4 months ahead of your wedding.
• 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

Getting your wedding make-up booked...

Sonia welcomes all inquiries and is happy to check if either she or Donna are available for your wedding day make-up. A great way to reach her is on the phone, at 519-893-0864. If you aren't able to call during the day, feel free to email Sonia at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it anytime. Consultations are held at her home studio in the Doon Mills area of Kitchener. Check out Sonia's website at www.soniaryan.com to see different make-up effects and the many other services she offers.