October 21st

Photo credit: 

Hannah Arista Photography

Tip of the Day: “If you’re having an outdoor wedding and the sun refuses to shine on the big day, all is not lost!” says photographer Hannah Arista from Hannah Arista Photography.

She says: “If the sun is being fickle, console yourself with the knowledge that the most gorgeous photographs are taken on overcast days with diffuse light.” Arista points out that the sun is high contrast and tends to be less flattering. “On an overcast day, colors will also be richer and more vibrant, and faces will be more open and natural — expressions won’t be marred by squinting eyes.”

Plus, check out How to Get Gorgeous Wedding Photos in the Rain.

October 20th

Suffering from post-wedding blues? You're not alone — psychotherapist and author Sharon Gilchrest O'Neill tells us that she's seeing more clients experiencing this than ever before thanks to the extreme nature of weddings these days.

"As much as every bride wants her day to be perfect, and have all the events flow without a glitch, acquiesce to reality a little. Promise yourself that the 'blips' will not get in your way of enjoying every moment." She adds: "There is a certain fantasy element in thinking about one's wedding. It's important to understand that when we have looked forward to something for so long, there will always be a little bit of a natural let-down, psychologically." Check out more of her tips at ashortguidetoahappymarriage.com.

Plus, find out how other brides Beat the Post-Wedding Blues.

October 17th

Photo credit: 

Avery House

Tip of the Day: Researching wedding venues? Kristin Crawford, W Austin’s Director of Catering and Events, says: "Check out wedding planners' and photographers' blogs to see real wedding photos of the venue you're interested in; since they're not staged, you'll get a much better idea of what things can and really do look like." This is especially important if you're getting married in a destination affair and are unable to scope it out in person.

She also suggests asking for referrals since many venues have great relationships with past clients who would be more than happy to let you know how their experience was.

Plus, check out our Venue FAQ: What to Ask Before You Book.

October 16th

Photo credit: 

Tanja Lippert Photography

Tip of the Day: Make sure you contract for enough hours of photography. "I can’t tell you how many photographers will sell a client on a five to seven-hour package," says Aviva Samuels from Kiss the Planner. "Sure the price is more appealing. However, when you sit down to create the wedding timeline, you will most likely discover that you don't have enough hours to capture all of the special moments and details."

She recommends an eight to ten-hour package in order to capture the wedding prep, the first look (if you have one), the family portraits and all of the key reception moments.

Plus, check out How to Get Gorgeous Wedding Photos.

Fragrance Oil

Another free-spirited fragrance, Warm ($40, warmny.com) is all about the scent of sun-kissed skin and endless-summer beach days. Handmade in Malibu, Cali, it's a feel-good blend of citrusy, musky and light floral notes.

Cosmetics Bag

Makeup genius Sonia Kashuk designed this Sonia Kashuk Completely Organized & Celebrate limited edition bag ($12.99, amazon.com) to hold more than just cosmetics. Load it up with your keys, sunglasses phone, business cards and wallet…once filled, you can just move it from one handbag to another — or use it on its own as a chic clutch.

Eyeliner Pencil

Not for me, the graphic eyeliner approach — I like a more lived-in, slightly smudgy take on my eye makeup: black pencil blended along the upper lashline and the waterline below — a look best achieved with a soft pencil like Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Intensifying Kajal ($8.99, target.com).

Skin Enhancer

Sisley Instant Perfect ($72, amazon.com) does exactly what it says. The silky gel emulsion mattifies, makes pores seem to vanish and adds a subtle allover-evenness to the complexion. This genius potion can be used under foundation as a primer, over foundation to tone down shine as the day wears on — or even instead of foundation.

Blotting Papers

It’s amazing how effectively Muji Facial Blotting Paper Linen Mixed ($2.25, muji.us) works to blot up excess facial oil instantly, leaving skin with a fresh, clean finish. I’ve tried many different facial blotters, but these are my favorite by far. I love the minimal packaging, the affordable price and the ease of use — no mirror needed.

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