Planning your bridal portrait session with your photographer is the secret to getting the style of bridal portrait you want.

First, have your hair and make-up trial runs scheduled for the same day as your bridal portrait. This will give you an idea of how the whole ensemble will look prior to the big day and, if there's something you want to tweak, you now have time to do some tweaking to get the look you really want.

Second, go into the bridal portrait session with a purpose. If having the 24x36 wall portrait of yourself gazing down at your bouquet isn't your style, that's ok. Many of the brides I've worked with in the past are not interested in the bridal portrait for themselves but their mother's have been the one's who wanted that image for their home. As your photographer, I listen and want to take care of both needs....the mothers and the bride's. If you are more interested in a fashion style shoot, we can do that too. Communication is key so ask questions, brings ideas with you and share what it is you want to receive from the session or, if it's easier, what it is you do not want to receive.

Lastly, be BOLD! If there's ever a time in your life where vanity is a "good thing" it's during your bridal portrait session. Your photographer will love you for it!!!

The bridal portrait session is steeped in tradition but doesn't have to be stuffy, all posed and the like. Depending upon the desired results that have been discovered and shared from the planning session, there can be a fashion twist added into the session that meets the tastes of both the bride and her mother. The traditional portrait can highlight the bride in her gown while the fashion twist can highlight the bride's personality while wearing her gown. Both go well together!

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.

The most renowned Miss Manners, Emily Post has now been followed by a lot of other people who have become specialists in the field and have themselves become Miss Manners on Wedding Etiquette. Presented here, are a few tips which would help all you blushing brides out there to get a grip on the Miss Manners you need to follow as per Wedding Etiquette.

1. The wedding gown

According to Miss Manners, the modern day Wedding Etiquette is not all that stern. Brides of today do not have to stick to the traditional ultra white, crème and beige wedding gowns. They can rather experiment with their favorite pastels or even with any color which would go along with the theme especially in case of a Destination wedding. An aquamarine or turquoise colored gown to match the fresh sea water is a great option in case of a beach wedding.

It is more important that you select a dress which would compliment your skin tone and the one which would, at the same time, accentuate your curves in the best way possible.

2. The shoes

Ankle strap and open toed wedding shoes are allowed by Wedding Etiquette say, Miss Manners and white is no more the indispensable color for the wedding shoe. Crème, beige, ivory or even a red colored shoe can be worn to go with a wedding gown in ultra white.In this regard, comfort and style score high. Miss Manners say, less ornamented shoes are most preferred, though rhinestones do not confront Wedding Etiquette in any way.

3. Announcement of the engagement

For the first time brides, the most economic and simple way to announce the engagement to close friends and family is during a dinner. However, in case you are ready to burn a hole in your pocket, an engagement ball can be hosted specially for this purpose or an announcement can be made for the same in newspapers, say Miss Manners.Miss Manners suggest second time brides to speak to their kids before making an announcement in public. Secondly, it is necessary to discuss about the plans to their parents prior to their ex-spouse. Wedding Etiquette is, however, not breached if the bride, who may not have an offspring from her ex-spouse, has neglected to tell him about the engagement. Unless the bride has joint custody of children with her ex-spouse, she is completely free from any kind of obligation towards him.

4. Who are to be invited? 

In the opinion of Miss Manners, it is totally in the hands of the hosts of the wedding to actually decide who are to be invited and who can be avoided or neglected. However, the parents can have a say, in case they host the wedding jointly. In general, it is the bridegroom and the bride who decide who are to be invited, as it is the day of their lives.The bride's father cannot invite the ex-guy or ex-spouse of the bride, who may be his best employee, if the bride and/or groom are not fine with it, though he might be the one who has hosted the wedding.

5. Cash gifts and wedding registry

Cash gifts are a complete no-no as stated by Miss Manners. It is one of the greatest errors of Wedding Etiquette. Miss Manners also say that asking for a cash gift would make the groom and the bride look materialistic. Miss Manners is not in favor of persistence of cash gifts even if it is for the purpose of charity.

Wedding registry cards are fine with Miss Manners though they should not be enclosed with the invitation. Online registry is an enhanced option to inform guests who would like to gift according to the couple's wish lists.

By following this, Wedding Etiquette is conserved and it would also present a pretty picture of the bride and groom, rather than presenting them as pushy people.

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Wondering what is in or out for weddings this year? The flowers that you choose for your special day will have a big impact, so you want to make sure that they look stylish and current. These are some of the latest trends in wedding flowers.

The most chic centerpieces this season focus on one or two key elements. Rather than having floral displays with a lot of different types of flowers in a variety of colors, pick one type of flower or one color to use. If you choose a single type of bloom, you can keep the look totally streamlined by using it in only one color, or go for a bit more drama by pairing two contrasting colors. The hottest choices are the boldest, such as fuchsia and orange or red with lime green.

If you like a bit more texture and variety for your centerpieces, then choose one focal color and mix together a variety of flowers in that hue. Any shade of green is especially in vogue right now. It is in keeping with the trend towards more natural weddings, and green flowers combine very well with colors like bark brown for an eco-chic wedding.

With all of these simple floral displays, it is up to the vessels to add some oomph. Many floral designers are getting away from the cookie cutter effect of matching centerpieces on every table. More special is to get a variety of vessels that tie together. This trend works with either the traditional round dinner tables or the long tables that are popular these days.

When you are looking for the perfect vessels for your centerpieces, think about what will work best with the overall style of your wedding. For instance, brides who are wearing formal ball gowns with opulent bridal jewelry sets will want to find centerpiece displays with the same luxe feeling. A perfect complement would be antique silver vessels in a variety of shapes and heights.

Brides who are going for a more modern style, with sleek gowns and minimalist sets of bridal jewelry, will need an elegant and contemporary way to display their flowers. Lucite vessels are an ideal solution. These clear forms, often done in square or rectangular shapes, will highlight the beauty of your flowers in an absolutely modern and unfussy way. The nice thing about Lucite vases is that they are clear, so they will make it easier for your guests to see around them on the reception tables.

Another trend in wedding flowers is not really about flowers at all. With the idea of bringing a touch of nature to the wedding, some couples are introducing other natural elements either to go with the flowers or instead of flowers. The trend includes things like smooth river rocks, moss, and tree branches, all artfully arranged. One great way to use this idea in your wedding is to fill a clear vessel with smooth pebbles or rocks, fill it with water, and float a single perfect blossom on the top. It is the ultimate in natural chic design.

With all of these ideas in mind, you may find it easier to narrow down the overwhelming options for your wedding flowers. You can still use your favorite flower, whatever that may be. Simply ask your florist to create a centerpiece design that uses your chosen blossom in one of the most current trends.

Ask Bridget for advice in areas of jewelry or weddings. She writes numerous articles providing information for the customers of Silverland Jewelry.com. Shop online for the best selection of fabulous [http://www.silverlandjewelry.com/Bridal-Jewelry-Sets.html]bridal jewelry sets

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