Julie and Dave's Wedding | July 19, 2014

I've known Julie for years, and helped with two weddings that she was a bridesmaid in.  I'm really happy both weddings went well, because soon after she got engaged, she called me asking to help her on her big day! She explained that she didn't want to worry about anything that day, and really wanted to enjoy it! Julie was a VERY DIY bride, and worked so hard on her wedding day! I wanted nothing more than to make the day she planned so perfectly to go as smoothy as possible.

Olivia Grace Perspective

Something VERY important to the couple was that people had a good time, and they did! The DJ was great and made sure people were out on the dance floor all night long!  Since Dave is a DJ, and does weddings all the time, I knew he'd have the best DJ for his own wedding.

Olivia Grace Perspective 

Unfortunately it rained on and off all day, but they made it outside at the right time, and got some AMAZING pictures! Olivia of Oliva Grace Perspective did SUCH a beautiful job! She's so sweet, so easy going, and such a professional photographer for being so young!    

  

The best way to explain Julie is 'Classic Beauty'.  She has beautiful pale skin, that doesn't need a drop of makeup, and then that gorgeous dark hair a la Audrey Hepburn.  I couldn't wait to see how lovely she'd look on her wedding day, and as you see, she was stunning!  Julie told me how great the day was, and how happy she was to finally be married.  Dave on the other hand didn't need to tell me.  I don't know Dave very well, but what I do know is he absolutely adores Julie. Dave couldn't keep his eyes off his new bride the whole night, there was such love and happiness in that look.  It was very special to witness their love. 

Olivia Grace Perspective 

Olivia Grace Perspective

Chris of Chris' Floral worked very hard with Julie to get the exact color of flowers she wanted.  The bright colors REALLY popped with the bridesmaids classic black Vera Wang dresses. 

Olivia Grace Perspective

Olivia Grace Perspective

The team of stylist at MC Hair did an amazing job on hair and makeup for the bride and bridesmaids! 

Olivia Grace Perspective

Olivia Grace Perspective

Julie and Dave were a pleasure to work with.  I'm so happy they chose me to help them on their special day! 

XO, Val.

Bridal Make-up

So when it comes to bridal make-up there are a few great tips I have learned. 

If you're having your makeup professionally done, they will know all of these tips, so sit back, relax, and let the experts do their job!

1. Unless you are a huge makeup addict (like myself) you will probably have to buy a lot of products to get good quality makeup for your wedding day.  If you feel like you won't be using them ever again, get your make-up professionally done.  Yes it may cost you $50, but buying all the products you will need will cost way more than that. 

2. This one may be obvious but it doesn't hurt.  WATERPROOF mascara and eyeliner. even if you don't cry and even if you aren't getting married in the summer, your eye makeup might still run.  Also, waterproof mascara will hold your curl all day long!

3. Prime your face! If you have never used a face primer a day in your life, your wedding day is a great day to start! (but use it for a few weeks before to make sure it's not going to break you out). Benefit POREfessional is a favorite of mine and many others for good reason!

4. Don't wear anything with an SPF in it!! Not your moisturizer, not your primer and not your foundation.  The titanium dioxide in SPF will give you a white flashback on your face in pictures when there is a flash.  A white face is not something you want in your wedding pictures.

5. If you're doing your own make-up on your wedding day, use what you know and what your face is used to. Don't try anything new. Your face might not like it, and we want your face to be happy on your wedding day! :)

6. This tip is the most important! LOOK LIKE YOURSELF ON YOUR WEDDING DAY! If you are someone who doesn't wear a lot of make-up, or doesn't wear makeup at all (LUCKY), any amount of makeup will look like a lot. No matter what, you want to look like a better version of yourself.  If you wear a lot of make-up daily (GUILTY), try to find a look that works for you, and amp it up just a little. ;)

7. Light, neutral pinks are your best friend. Red nails are my go to nail color for any time of the year, but it may not be right for your wedding. Try a classic french manicure, or a light pink.  I like ballet slipper and blushing bride from Essie. Also, consider getting a shellac manicure.  It'll last all through your wedding and honeymoon, it won't chip, and it dries instantly. The week of your wedding you're not going to have time to sit and wait for your nails to dry!

8. Lips. You're also going to want something pretty, pink and neutral.  Even if you're getting your makeup done, you will most-likey bring your own lipstick.  I think this color is known as a "the perfect wedding color" and for good reason.  Angel by Mac is such a gorgeous color and it goes with every skin tone.

9. When your makeup is perfect hurry up and spray your face with a setting spray! this will keep your face looking perfect all day long. You won't have to worry about reapplying or getting makeup on everyones clothes when you hug them. Mac fix+ is great to make you look FLAWLESS, and take away the powdery look.  Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray is basically hair spray for your face, so your makeup won't be going anywhere! 

I hope these tips were helpful! 

XO, Val