Seven Tips on Getting Fit for the Wedding Day

Wedding Wednesday is here and we are getting fit today! Yep, that’s right. Fitness and good health are super important, and not  just so you can fit into your bridal gown, or that slim suit, but it is a good habit to have all the time. Regular exercise is associated with a whole host of psychological, physical, and emotional benefits, and can have a tremendous impact on one’s overall wellbeing. So why not get fit and be refreshed and feeling oh so good for the big day?  Many times, however, with all the wedding planning, you may struggle with incorporating enough exercise into the mix. So we have seven fabulous fitness tips to get you into shape. Ready to get fit and feeling amazing?

  1. When working out some soreness is normal, but pain is not. Working out is often uncomfortable as you are working to increase your endurance and limits; however, it should not be outright painful. If you ever experience severe pain when working out, stop what you are doing immediately. If the pain does not subside, head to the doctor, as you may have suffered an injury.
  2. When working out, make sure you take your time and focus on doing any and all exercises properly. Even if you can’t do as many or goes as long as you could if you were using short cuts, you’ll get much better results by doing fewer perfect form exercises. Not to mention that by using short cuts or improper form you could end up injuring yourself.
  3. Don’t sign up for a gym membership sight unseen. Gym’s can vary wildly in terms of there decor, atmosphere, focus, and equipment. The feel of a gym can make a huge impact on how often you go. Make sure you like the layout, the amenities, and even the other people working out. If a gym isn’t a good fit for you, you won’t go so make sure you check them out in person.
  4. A simple way to improve overall fitness can be done right at home. Whenever an individual is at home they can go up and down the stairs an extra time for every time they use the stairs. By doing this one will double the amount of exercise that they would get from using the stairs.
  5. Running is one of the best forms of exercise you can do to get into shape. Try your best to at least attempt a jog every other day or so. You can slowly increase your pace and before you know it, you’re burning a lot of calories. When it comes to running it’s all a mind-set, so get your mind strong and your body will follow.
  6. There will be days when you have zero motivation to workout. On days like this, commit to doing just ten minutes of exercise. If you get started, chances are you will continue exercising past the first ten minutes. Even if you don’t continue exercising, ten minutes is better than no minutes.
  7. In order to build better abs, don’t work your abdominal muscles too often. Your ab muscles are just like the other muscles in your body and require rest. Don’t work your abdominal muscles two days in a row, only work them two or three days a week, with at least one day of rest in-between.

People who exercise on a regular basis often notice a dramatic improvement in their mood, energy level, and stamina. The health benefits of regular exercise are well documented. We hope these tips have helped you to stay fit not only during the wedding planning time, but hope you will keep physical fitness a priority in your life! Happy  planning and exercising!

Bridal Makeup from Pure Beauty by Danielle

When I woke up this morning and realized it was the end of July, I got sad for a moment because it meant that summer is almost over. I love the summer months, and it makes me sad to see it go.  However, my heart jumped a beat when I realized that we still have one more full month of summer left to enjoy.  Whew! My summer loving heart just got happier. Yep, I am pretty excited. What I am also excited about today is introducing a fabulous and talented makeup artist who has some serious skills. I am talking about Danielle Davison of Pure Beauty By Danielle.  When it comes to looking oh-so-gorgeous on your special day, Pure Beauty By Danielle will not disappoint. Danielle can transform an everyday look into a total bridal perfection. I mean like jaw-dropping gorgeous and beautiful. So make sure to scroll through the prettiness that Pure Beauty By Danielle brings to each and every bride.

 

nicole leever photography

 

nicole leever photography 2

Nicole Leever Photography
marsha mcneely photography
Marsha McNeely Photography
tommy von huynh
Tommy Von Huynh Photography
View More: http://jasonburnsphotography.pass.us/nickanddanielle
Jason Burns Photography
rebecca dever photography
Rebecca Dever Photography
manda aiello photography
Manda Aiello Photography
kara stewart photography
Kara Stewart Photography
michael dunn photography
Michael Dunn
dont know photographer

 

Pure Beauty specializes in professional makeup and hair services throughout Southern California. Including bridal, boudoir, commercial, special occasions, personal photo­shoots, bachelorette parties, and personal makeup lessons and classes.

 What I offer brides for that day:

 I offer a personalized one-on-one bridal consultation where I create a customized makeup and hair look that suits the brides style, personality, and brings out her Pure Beauty! For the wedding day, I come to you! I offer on location makeup and hair services that are customized to each individual and reflect the overall beauty of the wedding. Everybody in the bridal party and the bride are made to feel special, beautiful, and taken care of. In addition to that, each services includes false eyelashes. If there are flower girls in the wedding, they are included as well, with a complimentary light makeup application.

What makes me unique and stand out from other makeup artists:
I believe what makes me unique is my ability to see someones natural beauty and bring that out through a makeup application that’s not overpowering or understated but simply flawless. I have 10 years of experience and knowledge which helps me give personalized recommendations and the ability to create custom looks for all types of people. I’m incredibly passionate about what I do and I love being creative, working with people, and taking part in someone’s special day. To me it’s not just a service I’m providing but an experience that can be remembered for years to come. When a bride chooses Pure Beauty she chooses the best!

Beauty Timeline for Brides

The question has been popped (along with some champagne, hopefully)! Congratulations, now all you have left to do is plan the most spectacular party of your life! A bride has a lot to juggle for her wedding, so being organized is imperative. Your makeup look on your wedding will be photographed constantly, so you want to make sure it works for you. This timeline will help you be prepared for all your makeup needs for the big day.

Six Months To Go

This is when you should be deciding on your wedding’s theme. Depending on your theme, look into what makeup looks fall into that category and what would work for you. If you are a bride who is organizing a classic wedding, consider red lips and full lashes. For more modern weddings, you have more room to play with colors like fuchsia or orange. Also consider your wedding colors when planning what style you will be going for. You may love a peachy tones, but it may clash with your surrounding colors. Aim for a color palette that will work cohesively with your wedding color palette. It may be handy to save looks that you like or find flattering and compare them to your wedding theme. If you’re having trouble finding colors and looks that work, ask your bridesmaids to help.  You may love doing big blue eyeliner when you go to parties, but it may clash with a classic romantic style wedding.

You don’t want to end up with too many color options. It’s good to narrow it down to a core family of colors early on.

Three Months To Go

With your theme in mind, it is time to shop for makeup artists. Beauty advisers at department stores are more often than not freelance makeup artists, and they are a great resource for trying colors and products out. You can go to a counter of a brand you like and talk to someone there, or if you are a little more lost you can try a counter like Impulse at Macy’s or MAC. Impulse at Macy’s carries many different brands, and MAC has a very wide range of products geared towards creating many different looks. Find a beauty adviser that you find friendly and explain your theme to them. It is free and perfectly fine to ask what kind of look they can create for you. You should not feel pressured to buy anything or give them a definitive answer at the time. This is more for you to see what works for you and get acquainted with make up artists. Talk to a few different people and see who you click most with. From there you can take business cards and decide who you want to work with. It can be handy to take a bridesmaid with you who can take pictures of any makeup tests you do.

One Month To Go

With only one month left, it is important that you settle on a makeup artist. You should discuss and confirm the date, time, and location of your wedding with them. With only a few short weeks left, you and your artist should have a final foundation test. If you will be doing any tanning or spray tanning, let them know so they can be adequately prepared for your wedding. During your makeup test with your artist, have a friend (preferably your maid of honor) with you to take pictures. You want to make sure you know how exactly what your makeup routine will consist of.  This can also help you plan your preparation time before your wedding.  It is also good to talk to your makeup artist about your skin type, whether it is oily, dry, or combination. This helps give them an idea of what kind of primer and products they should use for you.  The more prepared your makeup artist will be, the smoother things will run on the actual day.

One Week To Go

With a week left, you want to make sure you confirm again with your makeup artist. It’s good to follow through and keep everyone on the same page. If you will be getting a manicure or pedicure, you should confirm that you have appointments secured. You should also start skipping any oily food or carbonated drinks. Use this last week as a cleansing week so that your skin will be as refreshed as possible. If you do facials, it’s best to do one within the last week so your skin won’t be red or irritated on your wedding day. If you’ve never done a facial, this is not the time to try it out. Opt for a mud masque instead- there’s far less risk of possible irritation. I like the Queen Helene line ($4-$6, drugstores) for at home masques. They are easy to apply and make my skin quite soft.

One Day To Go

The day before your wedding, keep your makeup to a minimum. Keep your skin as clean as possible and make sure to wear sunscreen. Consider it keeping your canvas clear. That eliminates any chance of build up or leftover product on your big day. The day before the wedding is your opportunity to take care of any skin cleansing you may need to do, such as pore unclogging. I like the Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($6-$7, drugstores) for clearing out pores. If you have any stray hairs, this is your last chance to pluck them. Any redness will be gone by the next day, and you won’t have to worry about it on the day of your wedding. The night before your wedding, consider putting vitamin E oil or lip conditioner on before going to sleep. Carmex ($2-$4, drugstores) is excellent at moisturizing lips and is quite easy to find. If you lather it on, your lips will be pillow soft in the morning and perfect for your first kiss as a married woman.

 

Everything You Need To Know About Throwing The Perfect Wedding

We’re always looking for ways to simplify the complicated things in our lives. This definitely holds true for something as large and as complex as a wedding. Just the thought alone is enough to overwhelm you. Here are some great wedding tips that you can use to make the process a little bit easier.

One of the most vital things that you will have to do is to stick to your budget when you are getting married. You will have a lot of temptation to spend a great deal of money, but will have to understand your financial restrictions to avoid getting into a hole.

Before you get married, make sure you discuss the subject of children with your prospective mate. Having this discussion beforehand will avoid any disagreements after you’re married.

One of the most vital aspects of your wedding is going to be the music that you play. Make sure that the music is modern, but is very personal too, as it should represent the two parties tying the knot. This will add to the ambience of the overall experience of your wedding.

When thinking of what to give your guests as a wedding favor gift, consider who you’re inviting. If half your family are recovering alcoholics, then a bottle of wine is probably not a good idea. If they’re diabetics, then candy won’t work, either. Choose something they’re likely to keep as a memento and not throw out when they get home.

It might initially seem as if planning a wedding is something that couldn’t possibly be simplified, but all you need is some practical advice to help guide you along the way. What you just read are some tips dealing with weddings, in general. Hopefully, this information will help you out when that big day comes.

Seven Skin Care Tips for Healthy Skin: Wedding Ready

Your wedding day is coming up, and there are many fabulous details to take care such as planning the menu, picking out the gorgeous flowers, or finding the perfect groomsmen gift. However, another very important detail to take care is your skin. You really do not want to miss this detail. Your wedding day will be a constant photograph session, with snaps from every direction. Not only do you want your skin to be fresh and photo ready, but you want to feel good too.  The proper way to care for your skin isn’t always obvious. Acne breakouts, dryness and sun damage are a few of the many skin conditions you can experience. Through life, you will experience many types of skin, so it is important to have all necessary treatment information available. Here are some great tips for keeping your skin glowing.

  1.  Guys, this one is for you. Avoid shaving your skin when it’s dry. In addition, you should never shave when you don’t have any shaving cream or any other similar product that can lather. You can irritate your skin by shaving it dry. This can cause razor burn and/or ingrown hairs to develop. After shaving, apply lotion to your skin. You can reduce the inflammation and irritation.
  2. Exfoliate your skin if you want it to be healthy and glowing. Dead skin is removed and new skin is allowed to breathe. Exfoliation works to unclog pores, which helps eliminate acne-causing oil buildups.
  3. A good treatment for enlarged pores, acne, or oily skin is a face wash that contains some lemon juice. Once or twice weekly, use the lemon juice to shrink enlarged pores and soak up excess oil.
  4. For a do it yourself way to get gorgeous skin, make a facial mask at home. Grind raw almonds with olive oil and milk until a paste is formed. Mix in a bit of ground orange peel. Apply the mask to your facial area and then let it remain for a quarter of an hour. Afterwards, wash your face gently and then, rub with an ice cube.
  5. After you’ve gone to the gym, try taking a shower to get rid of sweat. Towel drying won’t get the oil out of your pores. Also, your water should not be too hot or cold.
  6. Honey is a great mask ingredient. This will stop any redness and cause the skin to look brighter. When used weekly, this can greatly improve the overall appearance of your skin.
  7. Use a sponge to apply sunscreen. This will allow you to apply a smooth and even coat of the lotion on your body. Using the sponge gives the sunscreen a better chance to penetrate into the skin, allowing it to absorb to the best of its ability. In addition, it keeps your hands dry and clean.

 

If you follow these tips, it will help you obtain incredible skin. It’s important that you keep in mind that your skin needs to be taken care of so that it looks great, no matter how old you are. Use what you learned here and your skin will thank you.

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Wedding Island” Episode 3: July 25

I am pretty excited because it  is almost time for the weekend. Yes, I know it is only Thursday, but hey why not get a head start? To help get going on the weekend, how about we go and visit the gorgeous island in the Caribbean and dive into another episode of  TLC’s “Wedding Island”?. Does that sound fabulous or what? I am ready to pack my bags and head to this stunning island. If you missed the first two episodes last week, do not worry, I will catch you up and tell you a bit about this fun wedding reality show.

This show features wedding planner extraordinaire, Sandy Malone and her team as they go through the logistical challenges of coordinating nuptials on Vieques Island, a tiny rock in the Caribbean. Vieques Island is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible and stunning views, and unfortunately, limited resources and supplies.  This island is a perfect destination for any couple who is in love and wants to share their love in the “island” way.  For wedding planner, Sandy who is the only wedding planner on this remote island seven miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, it’s all business. She organizes and coordinates strict schedules, large crews, and endlessly complex details.   Sandy is a wedding planner with determination and wants to just “get it done”. She is the only one who can deliver the most perfect wedding day for her  bride and her groom.  With the current obstacles that exist with this tropical paradise, Sandy and her small team, including her husband,  Bill, must rely on vendors who set their watches to the unpredictable and usually lackadaisical “Island Time”. At the same time,  they have to pray for the weather to be cooperative on wedding day. Then there are the demanding brides-to-be, who will keep pushing until they have the wedding of their dreams.

32194_ep103_209On tonight’s episode:

Sandy Malone is faced with a double wedding weekend. For one the weddings, Sandy and her team need to create a balloon arch that can withstand the Vieques winds, while keeping it fun and gorgeous.  While on the same weekend, only two days prior to the wedding day, the bride requests that she arrive in style-via helicopter! Sandy’s first wedding is for a couple who is pretty adventurous, and wants a waterfront wedding location. The colors are pink and orange, and they like to have the aisle covered with pink and orange rose petals. The second wedding is a couple with a tight budget. They will have balloons instead of flowers, a sister who will play as their DJ, all happening at a gorgeous villa on the island.

How will Sandy and her team be able to pull off a double wedding on the same weekend? Will the helicopter be available for the adventrous bride to arrive in on her wedding day? Will the balloons be able to withstand the island winds? You will have to tune in and find out!

“WEDDING ISLAND” is on tonight at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight! You will not want to miss this episode.

 

Four Tips on Planning a Memorable Wedding

Wedding Wednesday is here and we have some amazing wedding day tips to share.  When the advice from your friends and parents just isn’t what you’re looking for when planning a wedding, you need another source you can turn to for inspiration. So when you’re ready to have a great wedding, use the tips in today’s Wedding Wednesday  to guide you.

  • When sending out your wedding invitations, remember that it is your day, so avoid any person or combination of people that will ruin it in any way for you. It may be an insult to someone not to be invited, but if having them at your wedding will cause even the slightest of issues for you or your future spouse, it is really in your best interest to keep them off your guest list.

 

  • Have an unexpected twist at your wedding to make it more memorable. If you are planning to have your wedding during the summer, consider having a winter related theme. If your wedding is planned for the winter, you could try a beach theme. Guests will remember that your wedding theme was different from the actual season.

 

  • If you’ve been asked to photograph a wedding but are new to the job, your most important task it to create a shot list. Ask the couple what kind of photographs they would like you to take and then make a checklist to guide you through the wedding and ease your stress level.

 

  • Make sure that the groom has appropriate socks for the wedding! Socks are such a small item that they may seem insignificant, but when he realizes that all his good socks are in the wash he may end up scrambling to buy a new pair at the last minute. Save him the hassle by picking him up a pair of “wedding socks” and keeping them aside for the big day.

As you can see from these fabulous tips, a wedding doesn’t have to be a complicated or stressful thing. You can use some practical advice, streamline the process, hit every note, and ultimately pull off a simplistic wedding that you can truly make you proud.

 

Bliss Monique Lhuillier Bridal Gowns from Nordstrom Weddings

As a total lover of all things bridal, from the hair accessories, the pretty makeup, the fabulous stylish shoes, and the lovely jewelry…I love it all! But what I am really in love with is the bridal gown. That gorgeous piece of clothing that dresses up the bride, and makes her even more beautiful, and says ” I am ready to get married!”.  That is why I am beyond excited for what has hit the site today. Our lovely friends at Nordstrom Weddings have done it again. I mean it is not like Nordstrom Wedding Suites did not pretty up brides enough, and now they are carrying a fabulous bridal gown line called Bliss from Monique Lhuillier. Can you say “wow”? I can not handle this kind of gorgeousness! This stunning collection is modern with a feminine touch. There are all kinds of styles such as A-line, ball gown and trumpet. There is a unique and lovely gown that pretty much matches any wedding theme.

Each gown is made-to-order and available in select Nordstrom Wedding Suites.  One beautifully talented designer, and nine fabulous looks.

Here are five of the nine Bliss Monique Lhuillier gowns that Nordstrom is carrying, but take a moment to check out the rest of this killer collection in the look book.

I am having a total swoon moment. I can not stop staring at each and every one of these beautiful gowns. Romantic, modern, and oh so chic. What a brilliant  collection! Which gown fits your wedding style?

 Ruffled Dress Silk Organza Gown with Asymmetric Draped Elongated Waist and Textured Circle Skirt

Ruffled Dress

Ruffled look 2Embroidered Lace Modified Trumpet Gown with Beaded Belt

Lace

LACE2

Fitted Trumpet Gown with Embroidered Lace Sweetheart Neckline

 Lace all 1

LACE ALL over2

Silk, Embroidered Lace and Chantilly Lace A-Line Princess Gown

A Line Princess

A line princess 2

Ivory Strapless Dress with Drop-Waist Lace Bodice and Hand-Tufted Organza Skirt

Organza

Organza2

Five Sun Safe Must Haves for Summer Weddings

We’re knee deep in the summer season and that means we’re knee deep in the heat. Outdoor weddings are fun, but now with the weather so hot here are a few products you may want to consider picking up.

Load Up on Sunscreen

Being outside should always warrant sunscreen, but be sure you’re packing it on for weddings. It’s something that’s easy to forget in the rush of things, but is incredibly important. A wedding is a day you want to remember, and you don’t want to remember it as the day you got a horrible sunburn! Pick something non-scented and not greasy, so it doesn’t affect your outfit or perfume. If you know you’ll be dancing, pick up a sport sunscreen like this one from Coppertone ($7-$9, drugstores). It covers both UVA and UVB rays and is water and sweat resistant.

SPF Everywhere

Remember that SPF counts everywhere! Having a sunburn on your lips is a nightmare. The Maybelline Baby Lips ($4-$6, drugstores) line are all SPF 20, and offer a light tint on your lips. They stay moisturized and help block out any sun damage. I also love the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm ($7.50, beauty specialty stores). It’s an incredibly moisturizing line and makes lips feel pillowy soft. The SPF 25 doesn’t hurt, either!

Seriously, Everywhere

I like to use a leave-in conditioner in my hair to keep it from drying out, particularly when the air is more dry. Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Leave-In Cream ($8-$10, drugstores) has a UV Shield, which helps protect your hair from sun damage. Your hair won’t get a sunburn, but it may get damaged or dry out in the heat. Dab a little in your hair and work it out to the ends before you style.

A Flawless, Sun Safe Face

Laura Mercier is known for their tinted moisturizers ($42, beauty specialty stores) year round, but the SPF 20 really helps out in the summer. The tinted moisturizers offer fantastic hydration as well as light coverage. Plus they offer a wide range of shades to accommodate all complexions.

Full Coverage and Sun Safe

If you’re looking for a foundation with more coverage, the MAC Matchmaster Foundation ($33, MAC counters) is for you. It offers SPF 15 and a wide range of shades. I find that it goes on moe matte to absorb any oiliness you may encounter. It goes on light but covers blemishes and redness very well.

In addition to wearing more products with SPF, just remember…

Ditch The Soda

Yes, soda is bad for you, but carbonation in general can throw off your fashion game plan completely. Skip any bubbly sodas the day before and the day of to avoid any unwanted bloat. If you need something sweet, stick to juice or a flavored water. Being bloated and in the heat is no fun at all. Plus, you’ll absolutely avoid any accidental burping.

Opt for Water

Going hand in hand with ditching soda, stick to water until the reception. It keeps your teeth from getting stained, it’ll keep you hydrated all day long, and if it does happen to spill, it’s not a major crisis. Yes, it’s fine to have a glass of wine (or two) but be sure to pair your glass with some water to avoid becoming sloppy. You don’t ever want to be that girl.

 

5 Tips On Registering For Wedding Gifts

Combining your things with your new husband or wife is one of the most difficult things to do when your tastes are polar opposites. If your style is Old Country, and he’s into the Roaring Twenties, merging those two very different styles is going to be challenging. That’s the great thing about the wedding registry, you and your fiancé get to choose pieces for your new home. The pieces that you choose together, will help you merge the items that you’re bringing from your single home to your new marital home. However, there is a method to this madness. So, here are five tips on registering for wedding gifts:

Be Considerate- When that little scanning gun is placed in your hand, there is this overwhelming feeling of excitement that comes over you. This is the moment, you get scan things that you don’t have to pay for, and you float around the store and scan everything. The problem with this is, your friends may not be able to afford everything that’s on your list. You may also scan things you can’t really use. The best thing you can do while creating your registry, is be considerate. Think about your friends, and what they can afford, and choose your items with them in mind. Remember, this isn’t your money, just your style.

The Talk- Speaking of style, the items you choose for your marital home will represent both you and your future husband/wife. Before walking into the store, you and your partner should discuss what you want your home to look like. You need a general idea of what is needed in the home. A list is always good to organize your thoughts. Ladies, this is also a great time to get rid of your fiancé’s ugly blender or toaster that doesn’t fit into your beautiful kitchen.

Ask Questions- Look into the rules of the company that you register with. A lot of companies have a perk that gives you a discount on all of the items that are not purchased by your friends. It’s a great way to get everything on your registry, even if you have to buy it yourself.

Include Him- Often times the men hand over this responsibility to the bride and her maid of honor. Try to include the groom, he will be living in this house also. However, if he chooses not to participate, that’s ok too. This ladies, is your time to register for whatever you want.

A Timely Matter- Do not wait until the last minute to register. If you rush, it will show. When looking at a registry, you can tell just how much time was put into it. If you don’t care about your registry, those who shop for you won’t care either. Can you just imagine opening a gift that consists of a leopard shower curtain, and a fire fly soap dispenser? A badly done registry will only lead to a long day of returns for you.