Top Five Trending Fall Nail Colors

October 3, 2013 Leave a Comment

Hey bridal beauties! Fall is officially in full swing, and here at Bridal Hot List we could not be more thrilled. Last summer was all about beachy brights, and this fall is all about sophisticated shades that will look good at all your upcoming bridal events. Let’s go ahead and grab the nail files as we dive right into fall’s trending nail polishes.

 

A Sunset-Worthy Bronze

If you were looking forward to fall foliage all summer, a burnt bronze is the shade for you. “Rising Star” by OPI ($9, beauty supply stores) is a gold based bronze that shimmers like autumn leaves in the wind. The formula is warm but still packs a beautiful punch. How cute would this shade be wrapped around a mimosa at a bridal brunch?

 

An Elegant Neutral Tone

If you like shades that are more sophisticated and work well with anything, opt for a muted earthy tone. Pair with similar neutral tones creates a polished, put together look at dinner, or with red or navy to give a little edge to a classic. We’ve been loving “Toasted Almond” by Covergirl Outlast ($5, drugstores) for its’ creamy mocha look and beautiful, long lasting formula.

 

Calming Cool Tones

Were you loving last summer’s turquoise tone Turquoise & Caicos from Essie? A deep teal-turquoise will be your new favorite shade. “Vested Interest” from Essie ($8, beauty supply stores) isn’t anyone’s standard go-to green- it’s so much more than that. This edgy teal is complementary to cool tones and can easily be dressed up or down for bridal events of any dress code.

 

Cute Creamsicle

If you’re looking for a shade that will look great when you’re dancing with your bridesmaids, but still be appropriate Monday morning at the office, opt for a muted peachy shade with a yellow undertone. We love “Sunset Sails” by China Glaze ($5, beauty supply stores) because it’s classy, it’s feminine, and it’s a perfect fall color. This shade would be appropriate for a ceremony or any slightly more formal or conservative event, but still looks warm and romantic.

 

Deep Navy

Deep complex colors are perfect this fall, but keep it cute by not doing black. Try a deep navy like “After School Boy Blazer” by Essie ($8, beauty supply stores) It’s an edgy shade for fall without being too grim or depressing. If you want something smoldering for a bachelorette party or edgy for an engagement party, this is your shade.

 

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Five Universal Bridal Beauty Essentials

September 29, 2013 Leave a Comment

Hey there bridal beauties! As you know, Bridal Hot List is your one stop blog for everything trending in the bridal world (seriously, we’re talking gifting, grooming, and everything in between!). Today we’re going to take a step back and go over the beauty basics that work for everyone (and I mean everyone!) for all your upcoming wedding events.

Lash Curler

Whether you’re heading out to a bridesmaid brunch or you’re prepping for the big day, a lash curler is always handy. Do a quick squeeze with some tinted moisturizer for a seriously low maintenance look, or use it to help set your falsies for an epic bachelorette party. I am obsessed with the legendary Shu Uemura lash curler ($20, Shu Uemura website only) and I trust it to curl every single lash without pinching.

Creamy Gold Eyeliner

This may be one of the more un-basic basics, but I swear by it night and day. All it takes is a touch of gold on the inner corners of your eyes and bam- you’re glowing. A creamy gold will work on any complexion and make your eyes sparkle. This pairs well with either low key events or you can glam it up for bigger events. My go-to has been El Dorado by Urban Decay ($6, Urban Decay website only) for that perfect sun-kissed gold. It has since been discontinued (boo), but is currently still in stock on Urban Decay’s website at a great discount (yay!).

Red Lips

Red is the color for love and romance, and isn’t that what a wedding is celebrating in the first place? It is my personal belief that every woman should be able to rock a great red lip without breaking a sweat. Even if you’re going a little more low key to an event, a red lip look is a fantastic tool to have in your arsenal. Yes, it can be intimidating, but when you find the right shade you’ll just be mad at yourself for not finding it sooner. Your specific red lip shade may vary depending on your skin tone, but I’ve never had a problem with anyone wearing Ruby Woo by MAC ($15, MAC Counters). The website describes Ruby Woo as “matte vivid blue-red”, but I’ve heard it moreso described as “essential”.  If you’re in the market for your holy grail red lip look, start here.

An Any-Time Palette

Instead of buying a bunch of individual eyeshadows or a ton of quads or trios, invest in one palette that you will be able to create any look from. The Naked palettes ($50 each, Urban Decay counters) are some of the best selling palettes in the world for this reason- you can create any look from pretty  and natural to bold and adventurous.  I personally have been loving the Lorac Pro Palette ($42, Sephora) which has more shades than either of the Naked palettes do and has both matte and shimmer formulas. With any of these palettes, you’ll be prepared for all your upcoming wedding events. Plus, if you’re traveling, packing all your makeup just got much easier!

Setting Spray

Setting sprays really took off in the last few years, but don’t be fooled- they’re not a trend, they’re here to stay. For years stage performers have been using variations of setting sprays to keep their looks intact under bright lights and high pressure, and now there’s a ton to choose from. I love the De-Slick setting spray by Urban Decay ($29, Urban Decay counters) because it keeps my look intact and my oily skin from getting shiny. You should find yours based on your skin needs though, many brands like Ben Nye, NYX, and Make Up For Ever all make excellent setting sprays. Find one that works for you and your look will last through any wedding event.

 

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The Mission Inn Bridal Boutique Recap

September 23, 2013 Leave a Comment

Bridal Hot List recently attended the Bridal Boutique hosted by the beautiful and historic Mission Inn located in Riverside, California.  The fabulous hotel put on a grand boutique featuring various reception locations and their picturesque chapel.  Each room was decorated by a different vendor and offered multiple selections in decor, cake, music, attire and everything in between!

The first stop was the Music Room which offered the grandest decor.  The hall was elaborately adorned in gold while the tables were set with blue accents and white bouquet centerpieces.  In the middle of the hall,  a wedding gown with a corset as sparkly and grand as the hall itself commanded the attention of all who entered.

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Next we were off to the Spanish Art Gallery.  This reception room was smaller and decorated in gold with black accents.  The centerpieces were black candelabras dripping in crystals, just divine!

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We then traveled to the courtyard where we mingled with a mock bride and groom, styled in a classic tux and lace gown.  Also present, Casey’s cupcakes – the resident bakery and Cupcake Wars winner.  Trust me when I say they live up to the title!

In the afternoon it was time for a mock ceremony in the St. Francis Chapel.  A string/ piano trio played traditional wedding themes as the faux bride and groom exchanged quick vows.  It provided an inspiring glimpse of the romantic and intimate potential of this ceremony venue.

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The next two reception rooms were the smallest and each provided a different atmosphere.  The first definitely gave off the party vibe with light projections on the walls, loud music on a central dance floor and a photo booth that was begging to be tried!  The next stop gave us more of an elegant feel.  The room was full of flowers which made it smell delicious and the colors were soft and pastel.  Both were beautiful.

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The final stop, and my favorite was a trip to the hotel’s private Spa.  We received a guided tour of the tranquil facility and learned about pre-wedding day packages for the bridal party and the newlyweds.  To top it off, we all got complimentary chair massages!  It was the perfect way to end a day of wedding fun.

Our over all experience at the Mission Inn was absolutely inspiring.  We saw scores of beautiful flower arrangements and bridal fashions.  Our taste buds were excited by treats from multiple bakeries and we fantasized about spending the day at the luxurious Spa.  The Mission Inn is one of those places that can inspire wedding day dreams even if they are in the distant future.  I recommend that any future bride visit a wedding boutique to find inspiration for your special day.

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Five Budget Friendly Groom Gifts

September 15, 2013 1 Comment

Hello Bridal Hot List beauties! We love grooms here at BHL, and it’s our duty to help you show your appreciation for them too. The groom gift is an important way to show not only your appreciation for your man, but also create a statement based on who you are as a couple.  Flasks and personalized cufflinks are a classic for a reason and won’t go out of style, but these fun gifts will definitely score you some points for creativity. Plus, they’re all wallet-friendly (because you don’t need to be stressing over another wedding expense right now).

First Date in a Basket

If you’ve been together for a long time, it can be good to take a look back at how far you’ve come. Did you go out for a movie on your first date? Pick that movie up on blu-ray. Did you go to a concert? Pick up a live album or a greatest hits compilation. If you headed out to a bar, go see if that bar has shirts for sale. Recreate your first date in a gift bag that will make him remember falling in love with you. These can be done fairly inexpensively (around $50-$75, depending on how much you can add to your basket) and you can probably get everything you need at target or at least on amazon.com.

Puzzle

If your groom is more of a critical thinker, get a puzzle made of either a collage of the two of you or your engagement photos. Give him all the pieces jumbled up in a keepsake box and give him something to work on for a while. For bonus points, write him little notes or inside jokes on the back of the pieces. Shutterfly, or even Walgreens can turn your pictures into a puzzle for under $30.

Personalized Wine/Beer

If he’s a wine snob or a beer aficionado, celebrate that! Pick up a case of his favorite brew or a bottle he loves and get a special label made for him. It’s a sweet gift that he’s more than likely to share with you. You can get labels made online on sites like bottleyourbrand.com for around $10-$15. If you throw a few extra bucks at it, you can add pictures and make it super sentimental and sweet.

CYOA Book

Do you remember those choose your own adventure books from elementary school? Yeah, they’re still pretty awesome, and they’re surprisingly easy to write. Instead of creating a photo album, write a choose your own adventure book with photos of you both. Tell the story of how you met or how he proposed, doing a page for each milestone you overcame. Write it in second person, so the narrative is making decisions that affect where the story goes. At the end of each page, get the reader to go to one page to progress your story (turn to page four to go in for the first kiss, etc) and another page to go to (to blow her off, go to page twenty). Have one page set aside as a gag page and the rest as a linear story (just numbered and out of order like a true choose your own adventure book!). These can be done for under $50 on websites like Shutterfly or Picaboo, and you can use photos from facebook and flickr. You’ll score serious creativity points without breaking the bank, plus you’ll have a cool way to look back on pictures of you two over time.

The Ultimate 3-1-1 Travel Bag

Heading out of town for your honeymoon? If you’re flying, you’ll score some serious wife points by creating an awesome 3-1-1 travel bag. Remember, if you’re going to bring liquids on a plane one person gets one quart transparent bag and each liquid has to be in a three ounce container (it’s actually 3.4 ounces, or 100 ml but 3.4-1-1 doesn’t have the same ring to it).  Pick up tiny bottles of his favorite spirits to kickstart the honeymoon. Pick up some rum and ask for orange juice on the plane for a make-shift mai tai, or grab tiny tequila bottles to relax him before a long flight. Just make sure you get behind the wheel of the rental car when you land!

 

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Fusion Indian Wedding Seminar Recap

September 9, 2013 Leave a Comment

A couple weekends ago, Bridal Hot List got a chance to explore the exciting culture of India at the Indian Fusion Wedding Seminar at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The event was hosted by Wedding Store 24 who transformed the patio space into a beautiful and exotic garden with multitudes of flowers interspersed with iconic Indian statues and symbols. We were surrounded in the richness of Indian culture, enjoying delicious food, pulse-pounding dances and gorgeous gowns as we learned how to incorporate ancient traditions with new American modernism.

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To kick the night off, we enjoyed a cocktail hour on the patio where there was an abundance of mouth watering appetizers, and my own particular favorite being the spicy fish turnonver. Not far off was a cute bar boasting three tempting specialty cocktails. I chose a pink drink of berry vodka, raspberry liqueur, fresh lemon juice with a sugar rim. It was simply divine! After our cocktail, my guest and I had some fun at the rickshaw photo booth by L. A. Rickshaw and Souzerazzi Photo Booth. We donned oversize glasses and made numerous goofy faces at the camera which made for some memorable photo moments. The cocktail hour was intimately lit with candles, while soft live Indian music was played by Scott Cummings Music.

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After the cocktail hour fun, we were ushered into the main ballroom for the seminar. The room was decorated in soft lighting with ornate light projections on the ceiling and walls. In the center, the stage was shrouded in white flower arrangements and pastel color draping. The seminar featured numerous vendor presentations about fusion invitations, beautiful wedding attire by Frontier Heritage, reception lighting and spectacular dancing by Karmagraphy. The host, comedian Rajiv Satyal, kept us laughing the entire time.

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After the seminar it was time for dinner and the vendor garden. Chef Sathi Jayawardena of the Four Seasons, a Sri Lanka native, created the Indian inspired menu that was absolutely delicious. There was so much food I could not even fit it all on one plate! I’ll admit I even went back for another serving of the Coconut and Ceylon Cinnamon Saffron rice, it was that good. The vendor garden was set up in a half circle on the lawn with tables and a linen canopy in the middle. The walk through allowed us to meet with vendors for bridal jewelry, beautiful centerpiece design by Square Root, garment design, wedding registry ideas and delightful dessert options. My favorite station, however, was the Henna station. I learned it is the traditional first gift from the husband to his new bride and I even got a Henna of my own! Until it wears off, the wife does not have to lift a finger. But once it’s gone she must then begin her wifely duties.

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The Fusion Indian Wedding Seminar taught us so much about Indian culture and fusion weddings. We enjoyed experiencing the traditions and culture in ways we have never seen. The richness and strength of Indian tradition is something really special and we were lucky enough to explore and learn how to cohesively fuse valued tradition with emerging modern taste.

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Eight Maid of Honor Must Haves

August 22, 2013 Leave a Comment

Being maid of honor is no easy task. You’re going to be juggling tons of tasks, keeping track of the whole event, and doing it all in heels. After all, the blushing bride needs her right hand lady to keep her glowing! The wedding day is going to be a busy one, so it pays to be prepared. Keeping a survival stash in your bridal bag could save your skin, and maybe even a wedding photo or two.

Mints

These seriously have the potential to save the day. The bride is about to have the most public, photographed, and remembered kiss of her life, so her breath situation is high priority. Altoids come in little tins, so they won’t explode in your purse. Mentos are incredibly refreshing and give the chewy-ness of gum without the unattractive smacking noises.

Lighters

Lighters are a tool, not just something you’ll need if the bride needs to sneak a cigarette. If you catch any frayed strings or anything, a quick pass over with a lighter can typically fix that. Candles go out? No worries, the maid of honor is here to save the day. If the groom and groomsmen are doing cigars to celebrate, you become their go-to girl. You get bonus points for getting one that works with your outfit, or even painting one to match your outfit.

Makeup Removing Q-Tips

Even if you’re not maid of honor, these lil guys are a lifesaver. You crack them at one end, and it releases makeup remover to the tips. These are perfect for touch ups, smudges, smears, and anything else you can think of. They are a little hard to find, but I love the Almay oil-free makeup eraser sticks ($5-$6 for a box of 24, drugstores). A wedding is a beautiful and emotional day, so the maid of honor needs to be prepared for any potential makeup smearing.

Rollerball Perfume

It’s a good idea to have a rollerball in your purse ready to dab on wrists just in case. If your bride has a hair stylist worrying about hair and a makeup artist worrying about makeup, perfume can go overlooked. Stash her favorite scent in your purse just in case. I love Daisy by Marc Jacobs ($22, Sephora & department stores) because it’s light, fresh, and romantic.

Blister Block

Yes, it works. Rub this miracle stick ($4-$5, drugstores and pharmacies) on your heels and dance the night away without worrying about blisters. If the bride isn’t usually in heels, this will save her life. Keep it on hand even if the bride is a stiletto queen- one of your fellow bridesmaids may need a little heel help.

Floss

Not to sound like your dentist (or your mother!) but flossing is important. No one wants to look back on wedding photos and be haunted by food in your teeth. Toothpicks may crack and break in your purse, and you can find minty floss that will leave your mouth feeling extra clean. Plus, it looks a little more chic in your purse than tons of toothpicks.

Midol

Come on ladies, you know why you need to keep a few of these stashed. I like the ones that come in the tabs, not the bottle. Keeping a few tabs in your purse, or even your wallet is much more discreet than toting around a rattly bottle. You never know when cramps or a headache may strike, so it’s great to have a few handy.

For Outdoor Weddings: Nasal Spray

Blushing beauties, you get one bonus tip for all my maids of honor sweating it out under the sun. If you’re heading to a wedding outside, in a field, or generally around pollen, it can be for the better to bring nasal spray. You may look a little dorky for a second, but it’s better than constantly blowing your nose or struggling with your allergies.

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Seven Groom-Friendly Grooming Rituals

August 19, 2013 Leave a Comment

Brides and bridesmaids have a lot of help and support in getting glammed up for the big day. Particularly, we’ve got you covered whether it be nail polish, hair, lip looks, or even simple ways to stay cool in the heat. Here at Bridal Hot List, we love what’s trending in the beauty, fashion, and style aspect of weddings, but we’re also here to help. That means you, grooms and groomsmen! A wedding isn’t a time for just the bride to look her best; grooms and groomsmen should also be looking especially handsome. Beauty routines may be intimidating for some men, but we’ve got quite a few groom-friendly grooming rituals that are sure to leave all men looking handsome.

Nasal Strips

Nasal strips are one of the easiest, most low-maintenance things that a man can do to look great and feel fresh. Most work in the same way- wet your nose, stick them on there, and leave them alone for a few minutes. Once they come off, you’ll be ripping off all those unsightly blackheads and your guy’s nose will feel especially clean. This doesn’t feel super girly and leaves a groom feeling fresh. My favorite man-approved nasal strip is the Deep Cleaning Pore Strips by Biore ($6-$7, drugstores).

Deep Conditioning

Many guys tend to either neglect their hair or abuse it. Either way, a good deep condition can help them realize what their hair potential could be. Going to a salon may be too intimidating (or expensive) for some, but doing an at home deep condition is an easy, private affair. I like the Aussie Three Minute Miracle deep conditioning treatment ($3-$4, drugstores). Have your guy shampoo his hair first, then apply this liberally while the hair is still wet. It says three minutes, but I would leave it on for longer (20-30 minutes, if you can!). Wash it out afterwards and his strands will be silky soft to the touch. Just be prepared for a major boost of confidence, and the constant request to touch his hair.

Face Masques

If your guy liked the nasal strip, the next step you can take is a face masque. This may feel particularly girly, but the payoff is excellent. I’ve found that the Queen Helene peel off masque ($3.50, drugstores) is pretty guy-friendly, particularly because there’s a scene in American Psycho where Christian Bale’s character uses one. It goes on a little thick, but then hardens to a plastic-like consistency that is fun to pull off. The masque will leave the skin tight and and soft to the touch, and they are fun to do.

Teeth Whitening

This may not be a fun one to do, but it is necessary. I like the Crest 3D White Strips ($35-$40, drugstores) because they’re easy and very convenient. I started noticing a difference after about a week, and white teeth are a major essential to a good looking groom.

Undereye Treatments

Eye treatments are great to start if you have a few weeks to go before the wedding. The results don’t show up overnight, so you have to remind him to be patient. I like the Garnier Nutritioniste Eye Roller ($10, drugstores) because it goes on very easy and is gentle but still effective. Start having him work it into his nightly routine by keeping it next to his toothbrush. It feels very fresh going on and is a great low maintenance way to combat dark undereye circles.

Lip Conditioning

Lip balm is something that I’ve noticed more male interest in over the last few years. Jack Black makes an exceptional lip balm ($7.50, specialty beauty stores) targeted at men that provides excellent hydration. They come in several flavors and even have some SPF worked in. Some men may be resistant to lip balm, but reminding a groom or groomsmen how important soft, kissable lips are may sway them. Slathering on the lip balm before bed is a guaranteed way to wake up with soft, luscious lips.

Manly Mani/Pedi

When it gets down to the last days before the wedding, you may want to seriously consider a mani/pedi. Yes, this has the potential to be the most intimidating for men, but with high risk comes high reward. Good looking, well manicured hands are particularly important for the groom. There could very well be a lot of pictures of his hands and rings, so you want to make sure they look their best. A lot of men associate manicures with nail polish, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Many men get manis and pedis with no polish, but just to have their nails groomed professionally. For the man that is a little more weary on the subject, offer to go to a salon a little out of your neighborhood. A small chance of being seen may sway him. If your guy is still a little shy, remind him that there is a foot rub involved with the pedi. A nice spa chair and a good foot rub is usually an easier sell for men.

Author’s Note: A special thanks to the handsome Tom McLaughlin for modeling for Bridal Hot List! You’re looking even more dashing, thanks to these groom-friendly tips!

 

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Seven Questions to Ask your Wedding Makeup Artist

August 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

The process of actually getting and booking your makeup artist is a bigger task than you may realize, but we got you covered. Now that you’ve narrowed down your choices to the artist of your dreams, both of you need to be prepared. Here’s a few things that you’re going to want to go over during your test runs.

“How long will you be around?”

You need to agree on how much time your artist will be committing to you. If you feel that you may need extra touch ups between the ceremony and the reception, it is essential to communicate this to your artist. Your artist may even suggest staying later to assist in touch ups during photo opportunities, or changing your look before the reception. Be sure to factor this in with your pricing as well.

“How long will you need to set up and apply my look?”

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the clock during your trial run for this. Your artist will need at least a few minutes to unpack all their supplies and find the best light to work with. Factor this in with all of your planning! Your wedding day will be a hectic one and it pays to plan ahead. Have someone there to let your makeup artist set up and get ready for you so your time isn’t wasted waiting around.

“Will you be available for my bridesmaids?”

If your bridesmaids want to get their makeup done as well, you want to make sure your artist is up for it and prepared. Some artists will charge purely on hourly, and some will charge based on the amount of product/work put into a look. They may only be comfortable doing makeup on one person, so keep that in mind.

“Do you suggest any skin treatments before the wedding?”

Many artists that I know recommend that a bride go bare-faced the day before their wedding (save for sunscreen, of course). This prevents any build up of product, and leaves your face extra clear for your wedding look. Some may also suggest doing a peel or an exfoliating treatment prior to your wedding. Pick your artist’s brain for any suggestions to ensure your newlywed glow.

“What products will you be using on me?”

It’s good to have an idea of what you’re wearing and how your skin takes it. If you have more sensitive skin, stick to hypoallergenic brands or brands that are more organic. You should be clear if you have any allergies or known skin sensitivities. If you’re not sure about a product,  you may want to pick it up and test it for a few days at your leisure. Also, if you’ll be wearing false eyelashes you may want to pick up some more heavy duty makeup remover. Lash glue is not fun to take off.

“Will my lips stay on through dinner?”

Your artist is going to be honest with you. If your lips look amazing in photos but slide right off after your first sip of champagne, this is something you need to know. When you have the perfect lip shade for the big day, you are going to want to keep an eye out for touch ups. This shouldn’t make you feel pressured to change your perfect shade in favor of one that won’t budge. It’s your day, wear what you love and what makes you feel good, even if it’s more high maintenance. If your artist sticks around through the ceremony and reception, have them keep this as one of their top priorities. If they are relieved of their duties more quickly, stash your touch up products with a bridesmaid. Ask one of your girls to be dedicated to keeping you look fabulous all night long.

“Do I need to bring anything?”

If you wear a special foundation that is hard to find or even discontinued, your artist may need that to work with. Your artist may even ask that you pick out the false lashes that you wear for the big day and bring those along. Most freelancers are fairly prepared and have a well-equipt makeup kit, but there’s a chance they may need your help too.

 

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Live! Your Wedding Day Recap

August 5, 2013 1 Comment

The Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach recently hosted ‘Live! Your Wedding Day’- the wedding sensory experience. The sensory experience was an all-inclusive event with wedding vendors on site to provide a taste of what they have to offer on your special day. Vendors included florists, musicians, wedding coordinators. Team Bridal Hot List was there on the scene to report.

The day began with a short mock ceremony accompanied by both a four piece string quartet and an acoustic guitar.  The musicians took turns showcasing different takes on classic wedding songs.

The mock ceremony included a couple doing a quick walk through in full wedding day attire. Even though they weren’t a real couple, they looked fantastic together!

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Following the ceremony, we moved on to a cocktail hour in another reception area the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach has to offer. The cocktail hour was accompanied by The Marieve Herington Band and a dessert bar provided by the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. During this time, several models were on had to showcase trending wedding dress styles.

Lace was a big trend being showcased, as well as beautifully detailed backs. One of my favorite dresses was this short, mod-style wedding dress. The lace and the buttons are a major trend right now, and the detail on this is mesmerizing.

Following the gown showcase were the floral showcases courtesy of Paradise Delight Floral & Event Productions. The arrangements ranged from classic and beautiful to progressive and trendy.

My favorite arrangement was the display of calla lilies in the large flute glasses. The tones of the chevron runner and the flowers were beautiful, and the floating candles made the arrangement perfectly romantic.

This gorgeous reception hall also featured  Undercover Live Entertainment, where they got us dancing, and having a great time. Super high energy and fun!

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There was another reception area set up with a DJ, beautiful floral arrangements, and a 3D photobooth. The arrangements here were provided by White Orchid Productions. Simply stunning!

Live! Your Wedding Day was an absolutely amazing experience and incredibly inspiring. Events like this are an excellent resource for newly engaged looking for inspiration. It was great to be able to window shop different wedding looks in all aspects of the wedding. The Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach was incredibly accommodating, as well as a gorgeous location for events.

Niloufar, Chief Editor of Bridal Hot List Andrea Carter, Contributor of Bridal Hot List

Niloufar, Chief Editor at Bridal Hot List
Andrea Carter, Contributor at Bridal Hot List

For more information on Live! Your Wedding Day, please visit them at: http://liveyourweddingday.com/

 

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Five Sun Safe Must Haves for Summer Weddings

July 22, 2013 Leave a Comment

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.

 

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