10 Lessons I Learned from My Wedding
By Lindsay Ellingson
Calling all future Byrdie brides! Wedding season is just around the corner. Last year I had just six months to plan my destination wedding. It was so important for me to stay organized and calm, because, as we all know, stress can wreak havoc on your skin (and more!). As a “veteran bride,” I have so many beauty tips to share with you, as well as advice on how to look and feel your best on your wedding day. And hopefully you can learn from some of the mistakes I made as well!
Keep reading for a peek inside my wedding day!
Start the Primping From the Inside Out
Photo: Lindsay Ellingson
Every woman wants their skin to look clear and glowing on their big day. I started prepping my body from the inside out a few months before. I love this BB Detox Tea by Kusmi. Inspired by BB creams, this tea uses a combination of detoxifying ingredients, including dandelion, grapefruit, and rooibos to keep your skin looking clear and hydrated.
Give Yourself an Energizing Boost
Photo: Lindsay Ellingson
I regularly dry brush when I wake up in the morning. Not only does it exfoliate your skin, but also it increases circulation, giving you a boost of energy—which became especially important as the big day approached. I follow with my favorite oil by Jiva Apoha, a blend of 100 percent natural pure essential oils, to keep my skin hydrated and smooth—a must when you have your arms and back exposed in your gown.
Pay Extra Attention to Skincare
Photo: Lindsay Ellingson
The process of planning a wedding can be exhausting at times. I swear by these SK-IISigns Eye Masks to decrease puffiness and dark circles. They’re also great to use the morning of your wedding! Soveral’s Angel Balm Deep Pore Cleanser and Regenerative Mask is my newest beauty find! I love that it’s multi-functional: Not only is it a deep pore cleanser, it’s a super-salve balm that keeps your skin supple and healthy, perfect to use the night before your wedding. You can even apply it to dry patches like elbows.
Relax and Get Gels
Photo: Perry Vaile Photography
The most important tip I can give any future bride is to have all of their planning done a week before their wedding. Unfortunately, I had a long to-do list up until the last minute—I was running around NYC and ended up exhausted! So make sure to pamper yourself and relax the week before. Also, I recommend getting a gel manicure ahead during that week. I got French gel manicure with mini pearl accents on my ring fingers, and it lasted over two weeks!
Pick Out a New Perfume
Photo: Perry Vaile Photography
Here’s one of my favorite tips! Choose a new perfume for your wedding day—something your fiancé loves as well. The scent will always bring back wonderful memories. I chose this Jimmy Choo fragrance.
Choose the Right Glam Squad
Photo: Perry Vaile Photography
I was so fortunate to have a hair and makeup team (Dominick Pucciarello and Meredith Baraf) who are not only talented, but also great friends whom I’ve worked with numerous times. I definitely recommend choosing a team that you trust and vibe with. Go through their portfolios and make sure their style matches what you’re looking for. It’s also very helpful to create a Pinterest board with your hair and makeup inspiration. Most of all, trust your intuition when choosing an artist.
Embrace the Weather
Photo: Perry Vaile Photography
The weather and style of your dress are major factors when choosing your hairstyle. Our rehearsal dinner was outdoors, hot, and humid with a chance of rain, so I opted for a messy side braid styled by Dominick Pucciarello. Once the rain started to pour, I undid my braid, which left sexy texture in my hair, and I danced the night away!
Consider Your Dress
Photo: Perry Vaile Photography
My wedding gown was custom made by Sophie Theallet. Some of the most beautiful details were on the back, so Dominick and I chose a deep side part and classic chignon to show off my dress and keep me cool.
Highlight Your Favorite Features
I wanted a light and ethereal look on my wedding day. Makeup artist Meredith Baraf prepped my skin with Tom Ford’s Illuminating Primer to keep my skin looking dewy. She emphasized my eyes with individual false lashes, and kept the look soft and fresh with gold- and bronze-toned eyeshadow creams. Meredith finished off my look with peachy-pink cheeks and lips.
Eat!
Photo: Italian Traditions
My wedding planner reminded me months before my big day to make sure to eat before the ceremony! Well, nothing went as scheduled as we were prepping, and before I knew it my wedding planner drove up to our cottage saying “It’s time!” I quickly grabbed a few bites of my chicken Caesar salad, but really wish I had taken an hour to sit, relax, and enjoy a meal with my bridal party. Make sure to schedule lunch into your day!
Most importantly, no matter how stressful the planning and prepping may be, once you take that first step down the aisle, let everything go, lock eyes with your future husband, and enjoy every second of your ceremony and reception because it goes by way too fast! I remember the most amazing sense of peace came over me during the ceremony and the rest of the night was so magical. I hope my advice has helped and wish you the happiest day ever!
More From Byrdie:
6 Simple-but-Elegant Updos for the Low-Key Bride
5 Major Makeup Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)
