16 | Mid-Western Living | WEDDING 2026/27 Never in her wildest dreams did Elka imagine she would one day walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards. That she would sit in the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood surrounded by the best in her industry. That she would grace the stage while accepting the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 88th Academy Awards. Changing direction at the height of one’s career is not something you would expect following such a lifechanging experience. But that’s exactly what Elka did after the birth of her daughter. Film work is not family-friendly. There are 16-hour days, 3am starts, night shoots, away jobs. It’s allencompassing, demanding and exhausting. Much like motherhood! But trying to do both was not going to work. Elka wanted a life with her daughter—not one spent on film sets while her little girl grew up without her. So she put her film career on hold and founded Belle Blue Bridal. Having her own business means she chooses where and when to work. She still does the creative work she loves - just in a way that aligns with her life now. Now she’s available for school pick-ups and drop-offs. Sports days and sick days. At the same time, she brings that film-level artistry to the Blue Mountains and Central West, because brides in these regions deserve the best professional experience possible. Oscar-winning makeup artist serving Mudgee, Central West and beyond. From Hollywood to the Aisle
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