Wedding day make-up is a delicate subject. To look your best without your photos looking dated within a few short years, you should aim for a more polished version of your everyday look. It's a fine balancing act-looking natural without appearing washed out.

 

 

 

Images (c) 2009 Mary Basnight.  All Rights Reserved.

Lauren Owen, make-up stylist

Thank you to Mary Lee, who graciously shared with OBWmag her make-over and photo shoot images.   

 

10 Tips for Wedding Day Make-up

1. With all the last-minute nerves on the morning of your wedding, it's worth thinking about having a steadier hand apply your make-up. Hire a professional make-up artist or ask a trusted friend to help.
2. Whether you decide to hire a hair stylist and make-up artist, you should visit their salon or ask the professional to come to your home.  Either way you go is not the point, having at least one trial run before the big day is more the issue. 
3. Avoid going for a dramatic new image on your wedding day. Stick to a more natural effect, so that you'll look like yourself-just a slightly more glamorous version.
4. Certain photography techniques, such as soft focus, can cause lost facial definition in your images.  Try to define your features as much as possible, while avoiding the hard lines of eye pencils and liquid liners. Blend a little eyeshadow instead.
5. Pinky-brown lipsticks whiten teeth whereas orange or red can make them look brownish. If you have very pale skin, a cherry red lipstick can look a bit harsh. Steer clear of overly pale or pearlised lipstick, and go easy on the lip liner.
6. Take extra care with your makeup if planning on having any black & white photography.  Dark red lipstick turns black and heavy-handed blusher will look even darker in black-and-white photos, while pastel colours can fade out completely.  
7. Make sure you wear waterproof mascara. Weddings can be very emotional and this way you'll avoid the panda look.  Kiss mascara from Blinc is one option as are faux eyelashes.  Both are worth looking into for "what to wear" on your wedding day.
8. Pluck your eyebrows and wax your legs at least four days before the wedding so any redness has time to calm down.
9. Treat yourself to a professional manicure. Your hands are likely to be the focus of attention, from the minute you sign the register to the cutting of the wedding cake-and everyone will want to look at your ring.
10. Remember to spare a few moments to freshen up your make-up throughout the day.  Ask your professional what items are best to keep in your Wedding Day Emergency Kit.

--by Lauren Owen, MACPro make-up artist and owner of All Eyes on the Bride.

           

 

He proposed!   Now it's time to start planning for the wedding of your dreams. Venue selection is the first and one of the most important decisions you will make. An intimate and classically designed resort and spa, The Sanderling is tucked between the ocean dunes and the tranquil Currituck Sound. It is the perfect setting to start your life as a married couple.  Imagine sharing your vows as guests are swept away by the breathtaking beauty of sea oat covered dunes, the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop for your wedding photos and the most spectacular sunset at day's end, casting it's warm rays over your reception.  From the reception site, envision a short walk down our dock to a charming gazebo lit by a fiery setting sun. Blue herons and other shore birds are wading in shallow water. Unforgettable.  Priceless.  Our professional staff  work closely with you on all phases of your event - from vendor referrals to rehearsal dinner options, ceremony details, reception menu guidance and wedding cake selection.  We make a personal commitment to eliminate any stress that planning a 'destination' wedding may present and we love working with you step-by-step. Our goal is for you to have a perfect wedding day from beginning to end.

 

 

 

 

 

Numerous lodging options and amenities, including houses and suites, restaurants, a swimming pool,  spa, and of course - the beach, allow your family and guests to park their cars and fully enjoy the celebration without ever having to leave the property. We offer a full-service Spa for wedding day make-up and hair as well as soothing massage for singles or couples.  At the Sanderling, you will find the same spa treatments as those available in major cities. Our restaurants feature something for everyone and are prepared by our world class chefs.  The same chefs who will ensure that your reception fare is designed to impress.

 

If you are looking for a venue that will ensure the perfect wedding experience from start to finish - visit the Sanderling. Natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and affordable elegance combine to make the Sanderling the perfect place to be.

 

--by Belinda Anderson, The Sanderling

 

The Castle on Silver Lake Bed & Breakfast Inn

 

  

 

Complete Your Fairy Tale Wedding with a Honeymoon in The Castle. . .

 

 

You're planning the perfect wedding. Of course you want to follow it with the perfect honeymoon. Imagine a picturesque harbor dotted with boats bobbing gently against the docks. Sea gulls and pelicans circle lazily overhead. Rising above the live oak and cedar trees are the multiple shingled towers and gables that are characteristic of The Castle on Silver Lake Bed & Breakfast Inn on Ocracoke Island. Lovingly and expertly built by local craftsmen as a private retreat for industrialist and local legend Sam Jones, the Castle and accompanying Castle Villas provide the perfect setting for an absolutely unforgettable honeymoon.

 

 

 

Jones, who first came to Ocracoke in the late 1930s, fell in love with the island home of his wife's relatives. The construction of the Castle began in the 1950s and took nearly two decades to complete. Once known as Berkley Castle, the final building encompassed 12,500 square feet as additional rooms were added over the years. In his glory days, Sam Jones hosted lavish parties in its ballroom. Used as a corporate retreat, costume balls and square dances were held, set to the music of talented local musicians. Guests played croquet on the bulkheaded lawns with the finest view of the sparkling Silver Lake harbor on the island. Local watermen traded fish stories and whale tales at the neighboring Whittler's house, also built for Jones.

 

 

 

 

Handpicked cypress was used to build the Federal style mantels that adorned the fireplaces and dancers dosey-doed on the quarter sawn fir used in the ballroom. Jones furnished the Castle with oriental rugs and ornately carved Victorian furnishings as well as the art deco style. It is said that he when he ran out of space for the rugs, he layered them on top of one another! The Castle's historic photographs chronicle Sam Jones' eclectic style and his deep connection with the island and its people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After his death in 1977, Jones' masterpiece lay vacant and neglected for nearly 20 years. In 1994 it was purchased and renovated by two local businessmen and longtime friends. They bought it along with the house known as the Whittler's Club, which is now a private residence. Every available inch of the enormous original structure was saved except the heavily deteriorated breezeway. A six year renovation project culminated in what is now The Castle on Silver Lake Bed & Breakfast Inn and Castle Villas.

 

 

The Castle offers 11 rooms, each with a private bath, television and a small refrigerator. Three rooms are equipped with whirlpool tubs and the unique third floor Lighthouse Suite has two sitting rooms in addition to the bedroom area. The downstairs den offers satellite TV and a custom made pool table. The entire Castle is furnished in exquisite style that reflects its rich history.  A sumptuous buffet breakfast is served every morning that includes eggs, biscuits, pancakes, fried potatoes, cheese grits, bacon, grilled sausage, fresh fruit, juices, muffins, and pastries.

 

 

Tucked behind the Castle are 16 courtyard one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury villas that complement the magnificent architecture of the Castle. Eight of the villas are designed with master suites. Each villa has a fully equipped kitchen, screened porch or deck, washer, dryer and whirlpool tub.

 

 

Whether you choose the Castle or the Villas, you can lounge around the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a relaxing massage or sit in the sauna or steam room after a busy day of touring the island. Stroll into Ocracoke's laid back coastal village for shopping and dining or use our bicycles to explore the village and beyond. Of course you'll want to dig your toes into the sand of the island's vast, pristine and never crowded beaches - recognized as the best beach in America year after year.

 

 

 

Getting here is easy. Drive your car onto the Hatteras Island Ferry for a leisurely (and free) ride to the island. Fly your private or chartered plane into the Ocracoke airstrip and we'll pick you up. Bring your boat or arrive by boat and enjoy complimentary docking. Our innkeeper is dedicated to the traditions of hospitality and service that have been the hallmark of the Castle since its inception. Experience the romance of Ocracoke by honeymooning at the most romantic and picturesque location on the island. Your fairy tale honeymoon is waiting for you at The Castle.

 

Don't you deserve the royal treatment?

 

--by Karen McCalpin

Images (c) 2009 The Castle on Silver Lake Bed & Breakfast Inn.

All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

In today's world of wedding planning, the traditions and roles of key individuals is ever-changing.  While many books today cover the role of the lead in this dance known as a wedding, the bride, there is one role that many times goes overlooked, the role of the groom.

 

The groom's role is one that goes undefined in many wedding books.  While today's wedding books tell brides about the roles of certain people such as the mother of the bride, the father of the bride, bridesmaids, groomsmen.etc, the books fail to mention the role of one of the key players, the groom.  They go to great lengths to stress the importance of the maid of honor and best man, their duties and roles, but what about the groom?  Remember brides, when your big day arrives, do not forget about that important person you're vowing to never leave for the rest of your life.  He needs some guidance as to what his role is in the show, and from the looks of the internet so do you ladies.

 

 

 

The groom is what I term as a floater.  He is the prize the bride is allowed to dangle, no offense guys, in front of her friends and family and say, "Hey! Look what I've got".  Grooms, to position yourself for the most enjoyable time of your life, I advise you take the role of the peacemaker.  While I agree this sometimes maybe a tough thing to do, remember that your job, whether you realize it or not, is to keep things peaceful and see to it that everyone the bride wants, makes it to the big day.  Groom, take care to assure that the squabbles that typically erupt during this tense time do not permanently damage relationships that were years in the making.  I advise to constantly remind everyone close to the bride "This day is about her and it is her wishes we wish to honor".  Put like this, most people involved in this process will be gently reminded to keep their opinions in check, thus making you the hero of the day to that special someone, your bride.

 

Another helpful hint to grooms, keep the communication lines open between both families.  During these tense times that surround a wedding, make sure to involve both families in the little events.  For example, why not offer each side the opportunity to do readings if the wedding is in church and toasts at the reception.  These are just a few of the many creative tidbits that surround this joyous day and can help ensure that it remains that way.

 

In closing ladies, I remind you to every now and again check in with the groom.  He may have valuable information pertaining to unstable conditions that just might save you from a disaster.  Don't forget, while the woman is normally the HEAD of the wedding planning, the groom is the NECK, and the HEAD cannot turn without the help of the NECK.

 

 

Michael Russell

Your Independent [http://wedding.guide-for-you.com/]Wedding guide.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell http://EzineArticles.com/?Grooms-Day---The-Grooms-Role-in-a-Wedding&id=181579

 

You're preparing for one of life's milestones.  Whether you've chosen North Carolina's Outer Banks for your destination wedding, or you're still exploring your options, OuterBanksWeddingMagazine.com is designed to give you fresh inspiration and ideas for planning your big day. It's sister site, OuterBanksWeddingMag.com, is filled with information about your wedding options on the OBX: photographers, florists, venues, and much more.

 

Meet Our Contributors

 

Mary Basnight is a native of the Outer Banks, is known far and wide for her emotive lifestyle photography, is a guest blogger for TheKnot.com, and a fan of all things wedding-related. Her work has been featured in several publications including Weddings Unveiled, The Knot, Outer Banks Bride and Grace Ormonde Wedding and Marriage magazines.  As a wedding photographer on the Outer Banks, she is known for her ability to capture the exquisite details, the fun and the romance of the wedding day.  Her passion for photography and weddings is evident, as you will discover when exploring our blog.

 

Vicki Holmes is the image editor for Mary Basnight Photography , blog editor for Outer Banks Wedding Magazine and Outer Banks Wedding Mag, a sister site with a local resource directory. Vicki and Mary have known each other since their early teens, when they would spend summers riding their horses bareback in Wanchese. Vicki's energy, wit and outgoing personality make even the most stressful days at the studio a little easier.

 

Schoshie, Mary's 99 lb., five-year-old black lab, heartily encourages "breaks" between work and play.  We've found this "play time" outdoors, away from the computer, often leads to a refreshed spirit and creative inspiration for the Outer Banks Wedding Magazine blog. Schoshie loves her blanket, playing fetch, and despite her large size, behaves as if she was a lap dog.  We love her genuine, 24/7 enthusiasm!  

 

Navigating Our Wedding Blog

 

Valuable information about planning your wedding on North Carolina's Outer Banks is right at your fingertips. Our wedding blog is organized into three parts:

 

•Blog -- Stay up-to-date on the latest wedding news and trends on the OBX. Feel free to add your own comments or questions. We regularly check and respond to comments, but for quicker response, contact us via email:  Mary@OuterBanksWeddingMagazine.com or Mary@MaryBasnight.com .
 

 

•Ezine -- Download useful information for your OBX wedding, view web sites linked to the ezine, email photos to other users, and more.  Coming soon!
 

 

•Web site directory -- Connect with local professionals throughout the Outer Banks. If you're looking for a photographer, florist, cake baker, wedding planner, or another wedding professional, you will find the  OuterBanksWeddingMag.com to be a fabulous online resource.
 

 

Check back frequently for up-to-date information about planning your wedding on the OBX, including weddings in Corolla, Duck, Nags Head, Hatteras, and Roanoke Island. Numerous couples from all over the world have come to this naturally beautiful area for their weddings. In fact, the Outer Banks has been named one of the top five wedding destinations in the United States. Discover for yourself what makes this area so unique.