photo credit: Retrospect Studios

Small French Veils or Birdcage veils are a great option for brides that want a small veil.  They are more versatile than many think… you can wear them fully covering your face, or maybe just swooping over one eye.  There are many options…

photo by: Justin Hackworth

Adding accessories to your net veil is another great option.  You can add feathers, jewels, flowers, etc…  The great thing about a small net veil is that it’s just subtle enough to be noticed.  Strange how that works, huh!?!

photo credit: Posh Veils

photo credit: Posh Veils

photo credit: Posh Veils

photo credit: Posh Veils

Photo Credit: KGOODPHOTO

Boudoir photos are typically used as a creative and sassy gift for a loved one, for a special occasion or just for fun. The most popular occasion is for your fiance as a pre-wedding or honeymoon present – talk about a wedding gift he won’t forget!

I think that the most appealing thing about a boudoir photo is that it gives you an opportunity to celebrate yourself – the sassy gift is just the perfect excuse. You can look back on these images anytime – way in the future or when you’re just having one of those days.

Ask your wedding photographer if he or she also does boudoir shoots. Male photographers typically don’t offer this service, though there are some that do and it’s completely whatever you are comfortable with.

The best way to find your boudoir photographer is to ask your friends. Boudoir photography is very popular and chances are that someone you know has already done a session and would have some excellent advice for you. Whether it’s word of mouth, online or in publication, it’s important to go with a photographer that you have a good feeling about – quality of their work and personality.

Photo Credit: KGOODPHOTO

How do I prepare for a shoot like this?
In advance of having these photos taken, I would recommend stretching first as arching the back may be strenuous if you are not used to it. Girls will usually have an appreciation for modeling after this – it’s a bit like power yoga. Be sure to notify your photographer if you have any physical limitations.

I would also recommend having your hair and makeup professionally done – it will give you a confidence boost and help get you into character – not to mention it’s lots of fun and you can use your bridal trial for this or test-run a potential wedding day stylist. Your photographer will likely have someone in mind.  Go a bit over the top with the hair and makeup – false lashes and some extra eyeshadow. Your reflection will shock you, but the camera will see it much more tame.

Photo Credit: KGOODPHOTO

What Can I expect?
A bride’s expectations should be to feel amazing and relaxed during the shoot, and be pleased with the results, as the photos will most likely exceed your expectations. As women, we tend to focus on our physical flaws. As photographers, we see you differently, and put you in a light and angle that will highlight your assets and cause you to appreciate yourself.

For this reason, I would not recommend being very specific about poses for your shoot. Though if you have something very specific in mind, definitely explain your vision, or provide the image of inspiration.

Trust in your photographer is the most important thing, especially in a shoot of this nature. Some poses will feel silly and exaggerated, though just like the hair and makeup, the camera needs exaggeration in some positions to make it work. Just laugh at yourself and unleash your inner vixen.

Investments vary among photographers based on experience, quality, length of shoot and services. The average range is $300-800. The shoot itself will typically last one hour.

An experienced photographer will know exactly what they are going for, enabling them to pose you effortlessly as well as utilizing the entire surroundings for optimum variety in your images. If the photographer is confident, you will feel confident and at ease during the shoot. Some photographers offer options like a hair and makeup stylist, hotel room setting, and albums.

Above all, be sure to choose a photographer with work that speaks to you and makes you feel something.

KGOODPHOTO

Where does it happen?
Most photographers will have a studio setting available or an option to rent one. Many photographers come to your house and photograph you in the comfort of your own home, or a friend’s home (if it’s a sweetheart surprise!).

With portable studio lights, anywhere is a studio! Hotels are extremely popular, and your photographer may have an affiliation with one. It has a more artistic feel without the studio background, and I recommend doing it on location instead.

KGOODPHOTO

The most common question – What should I wear (or rather, not wear)?
Wear anything that makes you feel sexy or confident. Corsets, garters, swimsuits, funky lingerie, pearls and heels are popular. Sometimes we will incorporate a prop that relates to the husband/boyfriend/partner.

For example, don an apron for your chef or hug a guitar for your musical beau. Some popular themes are Cowgirl (cowboy hat and boots), pin-up (vintage lingerie + red lipstick), and the man-shirt (or sports jersey).

Talk to me about the airbrushing!
The #1 reason why women are hesitant about doing a boudoir shoot is because they can’t believe that they would know how to pose, or could look sexy in front of the camera. This is understandable because it’s the unknown, it’s natural to feel anxious when you’ve never modeled before – It’s not unusual to take a swig of wine or tequila shot before you get your bearings!

The truth is, as long as you’re relaxed and having fun, you’re going to look great! If you feel you would not suit a boudoir shoot because you are older or heavier – pish posh. I once did a groupon deal for boudoir photo shoots and shot over 200 in one year. During that time, I had the pleasure to photograph all different shapes, sizes and ages – just last week I photographed a boudoir with a 65 year old (and she rocked it).

Everyone feels sexy after a shoot like this! I promise you will be surprised with how comfortable you will feel, and how much fun it actually is!
Photoshop doesn’t hurt either! I edit the images like I would edit myself – conscious of small bulges and skin retouching but nothing major as I like to preserve your natural beauty.

KGOODPHOTO

Posing Sexy 101
Your photographer will be with you every step of the way – instructing you into the correct angles and poses, right to your fingertips.

I even have names for certain poses: when your eyebrows shoot up and you get those forehead wrinkles, I call that the “boudoir nemesis” (it sneaks up on everyone). To counteract, tilt up your chin and focus on lifting your eyelashes instead of the brows.

“The Turtle” is where you roll both shoulders forward into a concave position, hug yourself and rest your chin on your shoulder. This is great for those elegant bare-back shots.

Whenever you touch the furniture or your body, raise your wrist slightly, keeping the fingers straight, I call it “the pet”. It gives your hands and arms a dainty and feminine shape.

Always keep your neck long and relaxed, and arch your back.

Arching your back is like shoulder-checking, if you feel like you are doing it too much, you’re probably not doing it enough!

Finally, the secret to the sexy face is actually quite simple. Relax your entire face into your street-walking no-expression. Then, tilt your head slightly to one side and let your lips part. Try it a few times in the mirror, and, as Tyra says, don’t forget to “smize”!

KGOODPHOTO

Can you say Staggette?
This makes a great staggette activity! Some photographers will offer a boudoir stagette package including a hotel room or studio rental, plus professional hair and makeup. The bride usually gets her shoot free if a certain amount of bridesmaids sign up.

After the shoot, you and all your best gals are ready to hit the town with your new makeovers and an amazing experience.

KGOODPHOTO

Ideas on how to give this gift to the lucky recipient:
Sexy calendar
Photo album
Wallet-sized prints
Prints (in random places around the house, medicine cabinet, under pillow or in suitcase etc.)
Canvas Print (some moody abstract photo from your session is the perfect accent to your own boudoir)
If your man travels a lot, email him one during each trip

Can a male do a boudoir shoot?
Each photographer has their own policies on whether or not they do “Dudeoirs” as I like to call them.

I always keep it tasteful and PG. I once did a sexy shoot with a firefighter (sometimes I wonder how I get paid for this…)

For more information and photo examples, check out my boudoir site: http://kgoodphoto.com/#/boudoir/

KGOODPHOTO

Photo Credit: Getty Images

This trend is hitting at just the right time for Winter Brides.  With the weather in-check anyone can get away with a down do.   So what’s the trick to getting long lasting waves for your Big Day?  Follow the DIY steps below and rejoice in the season -  ‘let it flow‘… 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

1. Wash and dry your hair using Paul Mitchel Sculpting Foam and a round brush

2. Heat up hot rollers while you section your hair into four sections: 2 side, 1 top, 1 back

3. Beginning at the bottom of the back section, wrap hair with medium rollers (small if there are only 2 sizes)

4. Next, starting at the front of the top section (by forehead) wrap hair towards the back of head in large rollers – this will look like a mohawk

5. Then proceed and wrap each side with large rollers so that the rollers face down towards the shoulder.

After 2 hours gently ‘drop’ the rollers working from the bottom to the top, spray a mist of Sebastian Shaper Plus on each row.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Flip your head upside down and shake, shake, shake.  Flip forward and tweak in the mirror.  If the curls are too structured flip over again and gently pull your fingers from scalp to ends, flip forward, tweak again and spray with Sebastian Fierce.  Voila!  No teasing needed.  Pin in your veil and go get married!!

DO let me know how this worked for you in the comments below ~ xox  Jacki Norrie

Photo Credit: HouseOfBeauty.ca

Whether you are looking to create a simple style or a glamorous updo, you’ll want to invest in high quality styling tools. Our favorites are from Babyliss Pro, a manufacturer of curling irons, flat irons and hairdryers with advanced technologies that keep your hair looking healthy and shiny! Many of the Babyliss Pro hair appliances feature tourmaline titanium heating elements that emit negative ions to reduce frizz, and far-infrared heat, which promote gentle styling. The irons can also reach temperatures of 465 degrees F within seconds, for super-fast styling!

Photo Credit: WomensBeautyLife.com

Not only will you be thrilled with your beautiful hairstyle and overall wedding look, but you will also be saving yourself some serious cash. You can find Babyliss Pro tools online for a great price at Image Beauty, an online retailer of beauty supplies, hair products, and cosmetics. They have everything you will need for DIY hair and make-up looks for your special day. Enjoy!

Partnered Post with Image Beauty

Photo Credit: Ashley West Leonard

What inspired you to start your business?
I had already been working as a makeup artist in NYC for years at the time. I’d done everything from design for theatre and film to runway shows. It was when I did my first wedding in 2007 that a giant lightbulb went off in my head. I got such a rush from being part of the getting-ready process of someone’s most special day. I realized that forming such close, personal connections was the thing that had been missing from my makeup business, so I shifted gears toward the bridal industry. Now, I get to work with brides to make one aspect of their wedding day the best it can possibly be!

What options for customization do you offer?
During the trial process, I work with the bride to achieve her perfect, ideal wedding-day makeup design. I take into account many things – current trends, her personal preferences, skin type, bone structure, product longevity, etc…and together we create the makeup design. Therefore, each client gets a completely original, fully customized makeup design by me!

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
Book ahead! If your wedding is a Saturday during peak season, it isn’t out of the question to book me 8-10 months in advance. Better safe than sorry, and this way you’ll get to work with vendors you really want to work with. If your wedding is on a weekday or not during peak season, you can play things a bit more loosely.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
I trained most of my life as a singer and am a total musical theatre superfan!

What is your one must-have item/product/tool to have on-hand when you’re working?
My brush belt – it holds my whole arsenal of makeup brushes. Without the proper tools, it’s tough to be a great artist! You won’t see me without it while I’m working.

If you had to choose one word (or phrase) to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Committed to the Art of Pretty.

5 Things that make you happy?
Sushi, kitty cats, showtunes, my friends, traveling.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I really do believe that true beauty comes from the inside, and no woman “needs” makeup. But that being said, when you’re looking your absolute best, you will radiate and glow with a confidence and a joy that is just amazing. I love being able to bring that out for someone on their wedding day. It’s beautiful and exciting! And I feel absolutely honored by each and every client that chooses to spend part of her wedding day with me.

Photo Credit: Sophia Negron

Photo Credit: Daniel Krieger

Photo Credit: Julia Newman

Photo Credit: Julia Newman

1. First and foremost is fashion tape.  Trust me, no wedding planner leaves home without it.  It can fix a ripped hem in a jiffy or if you have a bridesmaid that is constantly doing the strapless dress shimmy to cover her chest, this would also be perfect for her.  Plus, look at this darling tin it comes in!

Photo Credit: RiteAid.com

2. You should have a mini/travel size hairspray for when your dance moves are more than your hair can handle.

Photo Credit: Shampooline.com

3. While you are getting your hair done, ask your hair stylist to give you a dozen hair pins just in case.

4. Blotting papers will take away shine without adding un-needed makeup.  They will soak up oil so you can still look great in pictures at the end of the night.  Don’t be afraid to use them on your groom too!

Photo Credit: CherryCulture.com

5. Kissing your groom and kissing the cheeks of your guests will take that color right off your lips.  Be sure you have your lipgloss or lipstick handy.

Photo Credit: TheGloss.com

6. Dental Floss will be your best friend after your meal.  Keep that smile shining!

7. Find a purse size perfume.  You’ll need a little spritz at the reception, by that time, the perfume you put on before you said “I Do” will be wearing off.

Photo Credit: Nordstrom

8. Tears may be falling so be prepared with some tissues.  Etsy has a lot of options for tissue holders that come in all different colors and patterns so you can coordinate it with your wedding colors!

Photo Credit: EdwardandLilly Etsy Shop

9. Eye drops will come in handy if you know you are going to cry to give your eyes a pick me up.

10. A compact mirror is a must!

Photo Credit: ByMiMi Etsy Shop

photo credit: www.bride.ca

This henna necklace is divine.  As with all henna, I absolutely love the details and the silver is just beautiful! The shoulder henna is another beauty … simply gorgeous.

photo credit: www.bride.ca

To honor an amazing henna artist, Pavan, I have to share some of the designs she created for brides.

photo credit: makeupartist.ae

photo credit: makeupartist.ae

I absolutely adore the designs and the jewels used in these designs.  The brilliant reds and silver tones are stunning!

Photo Credit: PavonOnline.com

Photo Credit: PavonOnline.com

Pavan is the Guinness World Record holder for the fastest henna artist.  Not only is she the fastest, but as you can see from the photo’s, she is extremely talented as well.  Her work is stunning!

Photo Credit: PavonOnline.com

Photo Credit: PavonOnline.com

Photo Credit: BridalWave.tv and the book “Buff Brides.”

Here are a few tips to help you achieve your bridal body:

*Disclaimer:  I am not a health professional. Please consult your doctor before embarking on a new exercise or diet routine.

Monitor Your Food: Weight loss is about 70% based on having a better diet.  There are many free websites, such as The Daily Plate or Spark People which can help you keep track of what you eat.  They also make recommendations for weight loss daily calorie goals.  If you monitor your food and force yourself to write it down, you might not reach for that second piece of cake.  It provides accountability.

Put Down the Fork at Restaurants: Restaurant portions are outrageous!  I always like to eat about half of my meal, and save the rest for lunch the next day.  By doing this, you’ll leave the restaurant feeling confident, in control, and NOT stuffed.

Eat Better: Fruits, vegetables, whole, grains, lean meats; these are all your friends.  Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals as well as fiber, which helps to keep you full.  They are also low in calories.  An added benefit to upping your fruit and veggie intake is that it often times helps to clear up your skin and increase your energy!  Lean meats provide lots of protein to help build muscle and also play a role in keeping you full.

Trusty Guides

Shop Smarter: Stick to the outside of the grocery store.  This is where you will find unprocessed foods such as produce, meat, and dairy.

Take the Stairs: Work exercise into your daily life.  Take the stairs wherever you can: at work, at the mall, at the airport.  Take a walk at lunch or after dinner.  A reasonable goal is 10,000 steps per day.  Get a pedometer and see how many steps you take.

Find an exercise that you love: If you hate spinning or running, chances are you might find excuses to miss class or quit running after a block.  Try something new like Zumba or Power Yoga.  The more you enjoy your activity, the more likely you will be to continue your routine on a regular basis.

Lift Weights:You can do the elliptical all you’d like, but if you are not challenging your body, then you are not maximizing your potential.  Weight lifting builds lean muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat cells.  If you are new to weight lifting, I recommend looking at your library for books such as “The New Rules of Lifting For Women”. It has suggestions for simple exercises with dumbbells or a stability ball.

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Get Enough Sleep: I know that you’re busy planning your fabulous wedding, but take time out to get a good night’s sleep every night.  It reduces stress and makes your body more efficient to burn fat.  Also, if you are sleep deprived, you are more likely to reach for less healthy options to put into your mouth.

Be realistic: Don’t plan on losing 100 lbs in the next 6 months.  Heck, maybe not even in the next 9 months.  A healthy rate of weight loss is 1-2 lbs per week.

Remember, no matter how or if you try to get into Bridal Shape, your future husband loves you just the way you are.  You are sure to be beautiful on your wedding day, with the love you share beaming from your face.  Best of Luck!

Photo credit: www.transdesign.com

Listen up ladies! I wanted to let you in on some great news in nail products that I have just discovered. This wonderful product is called ‘OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel.’ OPI Axxium Gel manicures can last up to 3 weeks … how cool is that?

This means that OPI Axxium Gel nail polish may be the perfect wedding day nail polish! No more going to get a manicure and a pedicure the day before or the day of your wedding. You can get your nails done a few days before your wedding and your nails will still be prefect for your wedding day! This is such a fantastic idea because you wouldn’t have to take time out of the pre-wedding day rush … when you’re busy touching up all of the last minute details, calling your guests and vendors and getting ready for the wedding rehearsal and dinner.

Photo credit: www.artbydot.com

The idea of the OPI Axxium Gel nail polish is to use actual ‘gel’ polish that is painted on your nails by a paint brush. After, you must use UV light to dry your nails. The ‘gel’ nail polish permanently drys in minutes, and cannot be peeled off! You would need to go back to the nail salon if you want to take off the color. (The ‘gel’ nail polish uses a special OPI Axxium ‘Soak Off’ that the nail salon will have.) The price of the new OPI Axxium Gel nail polish manicure varies but is roughly around $40. This sounds a bit pricey, but it is completely worth it on your wedding day. A regular manicure is priced at $15-25, and your nails end up looking terrible by the second or third day. OPI Axxium Gel nail polish manicures lasts up to 3 weeks, which in the end, is more bang for your buck.

Photo credit: www.imabeautygeek.com

More information can be found online, www.opi.com and www.imabeautygeek.com

Oh, and the best part is … you would have great looking nails on your honeymoon too!

Happy Planning

Photo Credit: Brides.com

Trying to figure out how to wear your hair on your wedding day is no easy task.  Especially with the Internet at our fingertips, there are so many pictures of updos, down-dos and half updos.  I’ll try to help you narrow it down.

Photo Credit: Jose Villa Wedding Photography

First and foremost is to think about the weather and time of year you are getting married.  If you are having an August wedding in Chicago, you better be ready for some hot and humid weather and make sure that your hair can survive.  Your best bet for hot and humid is all up or half up if you know your hair can handle it.  If you are having a winter wedding, your options are open as far as frizziness goes but keep in mind that you are already going to be cold (in most states) so having your hair all up will make you that much colder.

Photo Credit: Nicole Deanne Bridal Hair and Makeup

Now that you have given thought to the weather, it is time to give some thought to your dress.  If your dress is heavily beaded at the bustline and/or shoulders and you have long hair, be prepared for your hair to get caught in the beading.  This is probably something most brides don’t think about until they are in their dress on their wedding day and they feel their beautiful hair getting snagged!  … Just keep it in mind.

Photo Credit: Bakati.com

The last thing is to figure out what is “you”.  Most of us aren’t used to having a fancy do so it can be tough trying to figure it out.  If you always wear your hair down, don’t go severe and wear it all the way up in a tight updo (or vice versa). Make sure your hair is loose or it might be a shock and you could end up feeling uncomfortable. Work with your hairstylist to find the perfect balance and try a few different looks at your trial until you find one that fits!