I’ve never had a shower before. A shower of gifts, that is. I must say, I wish we could have them more often! My girls really knew how to make me feel special with lots of beautiful details and small touches that we so, exactly me.
I had a Coco Chanel Parisian-inspired bridal shower complete with the cutest little party favors (that I’m so obsessed with) Postino’s bruschetta, Sprinkles cupcakes and cute glitter cutouts for one of our games. And so. much. food. And a bubbly bar too! (Sorry, I got so caught up with everything I forgot to take photos of it!)
My closest friends and family were there and we had plenty of food, drinks, good laughs and, of course, presents! I couldn’t have dreamt up a more beautiful bridal shower myself. Want a behind-the-scenes peek? Check out the Behind the Veil episode below on my bridal shower!
We had our tasting for our rehearsal dinner at the Millenium Scottsdale. Their Executive Chef has a special menu in mind for our guests!
We started our dance classes. It’s been fun and they even get me a skirt to practice having that extra weight and fabric.
I got to meet with my florist, Shelli at Community Florist, who brought along some beautiful bases for me to choose from for our centerpieces. Luckily, she found one that’s just perfect and I’ll be the first bride to use it! It’s all crystal, tall, elegant and really quite stunning.
Speaking of shiny, sparkly things, on my quest for the perfect pair of wedding earrings, I stumbled upon Scottsdale Marketplace. How had I never seen this place before? Stay tuned for much more on that adventure later.
Are you ready to book your hair and makeup trial for your wedding? It wasn’t until I was assigned a similar story and went in for my own hair and makeup trial for Behind the Veil (video below) that I realized how you really do need a little prepping! Here’s 5 things you absolutely need to know to ace your wedding hair and makeup trial.
1. Bring Your Hair Accessories With You
I can’t stress this enough: whether you’re thinking of a headband, jeweled barrette or just a veil, bring it with you to the appointment! You wouldn’t want to wait until the day of the wedding to realize the headband isn’t what you’d imagined after all.
2. Speak Up
If you aren’t a fan of something by all means, speak up! Your stylist and makeup artist want you to feel happy, beautiful and confident so don’t let someone talk you into trying something you just don’t like.
3. Bring Photos
It’s one thing to say “I like curls” and another thing to show a photo of Julia Roberts curls vs. Kim Kardashian waves. Bring as many photos of inspiration you have so the stylist has a clear idea of what it is you want.
4. Don’t Bring an Entourage
Just like when you go wedding dress shopping, an entourage of opinions just isn’t necessary. Bring one or two trusted pals or family members at most but more than that is just asking for trouble. And it’s distracting to the stylist.
5. Ask Questions
Before booking, call and ask the salon exactly what you’ll be getting. Some charge you for a full hair and makeup session while others only charge partial. But some of the latter will also only partially do your hair and makeup! Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you set your appointment. Ask if you can try multiple styles (up to 3 is best) and go with your hair already washed so your stylist can spend more time doing your hair than on a blowout.
Here’s my own little makeup and hair trial for Behind the Veil!
In this week’s episode of Behind the Veil, I get to meet with my wedding coordinator who gives me some great tips on cute bridal shower games! I’m not a huge fan of games during showers, but I understand they can make the flow of an event a little less awkward. I got some great inspiration online on how to take the typically stale games up a few notches…enjoy!
In this week’s episode of Behind the Veil, I finally get to see my engagement photos. I was so thrilled with how they turned out but let me just tell you, I totally agonized over what to wear! Like any bride, I really wanted them to turn out perfect. I wanted to look stylish, but not like I tried. I wanted us to look complementary, but not like we color coordinated. In short, I wanted to truly achieve effortless style (with a hint of glamour, too.)
So to keep things simple and not kill myself overanalzying, I aimed for three looks:
Cute and casual
Almost dressy
Evening glamour
For our “cute and casual” look, I figured there could be no wrong with jeans and a tee. After all, there’s no use in having engagement photos shot that aren’t true to your life. And no matter who you are or what your style is, chances are you and your beau probably do spend some time wearing a few basics.
I had the hardest time settling on an “almost dressy” look. We shot at McMormick Stillman Railroad Park, so while I wanted to look date night ready, I didn’t want to look crazy out of place with stilletos sinking into the grass. Here are a few principles to keep in mind:
Color always looks great. Try to look outside your black and white or nude-toned comfort zone.
Don’t wear something you wouldn’t wear in real life.
Be comfortable. Confidence shows in your pictures!
You don’t have to wear matching colored shirts, but you can find colors that are complementary.
Keep your venue in mind. At the park, wedges were most appropriate for our picnic date.
Lastly, I wanted a formal look. If it’s not quite a fit for you as a couple, I would recommend something cocktail-hourish like a little black dress and heels.
For more tips on getting great engagement and wedding photos, check out Episode 4 of Behind the Veil below.
Do you know what you’re wearing for your engagement photos?
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