After exchanging "I Do's" Joe and I took pictures in Washington Square Park, where a saxophonist began playing Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" as we walked past. It couldn't have felt more right. We began dancing and as the busy hustle and bustle of NYC was happening all around us, we stood still in the energy... for that moment. Just married.
The rain stopped and the sun came out. My friends and family claim I was the chillest bride they've ever met, but I still don't see what there would've been to stress over with such a talented glam squad and the truest friends and family around (don't get me started on my dress). Guess who was ready to get married?
Something old: my grandma's prayer book that was incorporated into my bouquet. Something new: my dress. Something borrowed: Joe's mom's bracelet. Something blue: my pedicure plus and wedding day scent. I chose a new scent for my wedding day that Joe approved of before hand so that each time I wear it, I think back to the memories of those romantic moments – getting ready with the girls, arriving at the church, dancing in Washington Square Park with him, being introduced into the ceremony as Mr. & Mrs., our first dance... So, how can a scent be something blue? Better yet, you'll love how I wore it.
I spritzed Oscar de la Renta Something Blue into my veil so when the wind caught it or when it moved as I danced, a sensuous uplifting scent filled the air. It was romantic and he noticed.
It's wedding week on BeautySweetSpot! I told you about my wedding day glam squad before I got married (today marks four months!), but now, I'm excited to show you the behind the scenes of the beauty prep and inspiration.
Up and off the neck was the direction I gave my bridesmaids for their hairstyle on my wedding day. Inspired by a ballet, they chose their own style Amsale chiffon and lace dresses. Since their necklines were all different, it only made sense to show them off as they walked down the aisle and stood by my side. My hairstylist, Liam Carey, assisted by Jan Marie Arteca, crafted all of their updos as well as doing my hair for the biggest day of my life. With the help of extensions, I ended up with the Angelina Jolie inspired look I envisioned. Enjoy the photos. Oh yea, my final look will be shown at the end of the week!
Liam Carey and Jan Marie Arteca can be found at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC. How did I choose my stylist you ask? Great question. I go to both Liam and Jan regularly for my cut and color and did my first and only hair trial with Liam. Because I was comfortable with them and knew their level of talent, it was only fitting for wedding hair. My trial was perfect and having friends there on my big day was a lot of fun for all of us. Their positive energy added to the environment and all of my bridesmaids were happy with their hair.
Two months until my wedding! While I've booked my glam squad and already went for my hair and makeup trial, I'm not sold on what I'm doing on my nails yet. Wedding day nails are important, especially since there are a lot of picture of the bands. I was thinking maybe my pedi will be my something blue. We'll see. This week in NYC is bridal fashion week and when I stumbled upon the photos from backstage at Monique Lhuillier I started brainstorming.
Butter London launched a bridal set inspired by an ethereal daydream at the Monique Lhuillier fashion show called Sweet Somethings. I'm into it. What do you think? Have any suggestions for my wedding day nails?
Three months from today I'll be exchanging "I Do's" so I thought it was only appropriate to post about three months in the Bridal Beauty Countdown series. When I first got engaged, I spoke to some of my favorite artists to figure out a wedding plan. Are you there, too? Maybe you know someone who is. At this point, you've picked out your dress and now, it's time for hair and makeup trials. Celeb Stylist, Ted Gibson and Makeup Artist, Mai Quynh weigh in.
If possible, book hair and makeup trials with two to three artists. This is your day and you need to feel confident with the way you look. Remember, they're going to be around you and your bridesmaids all day so personality matters almost as much as talent.
Hair
“Always bring a picture of yourself in your gown,” says celebrity stylist Ted Gibson. “It will help you and your stylist have a clear picture of how you want your complete look to flow on the big day.” I'm bringing inspirational images from the red carpet to my hair trials along with clip in extensions. Even if you don't wear extensions regularly, nows the time to add some hair as it always photographs thinner.
Makeup
Pictures say a thousand words. Make sure you have inspirational images of how you’d like your wedding day makeup to look. “You should look like you, but slightly enhanced,” explains celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh. Now's not the time to try a new look. I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to my wedding and there are lots of hair and makeup pictures on there in case you want to use them.
Addicted. Hi, my name is Jeannine Morris (soon to be Jeannine Morris Lombardi) and I'm addicted to Pinterest. Oh, you too? Glad you understand my need to endlessly pin and upload, pin and upload and of course... search for more. Lately, it's wedding day finishing touches I've been searching for with my hairstyle top of mind. Nine months and counting... here are some elegant ones that caught my eye so far. Let me know what you think!
Last week I had the opportunity to privately interview Adam Levine's new fiance and Victoria's Secret Angel, Behati Prinsloo at the Victoria's Secret fragrance launch event celebrating their latest, 'Victoria,' held at 620 Loft & Garden overlooking NYC's 5th Ave. While I was anxious to get my hands on the latest scent and meet the fresh faced Spokesmodel, I really couldn't wait to see her new rock (which was vintage and gorge) and get to know the future Mrs. Levine.
While the Victoria's Secret brand had prepared a speech for her to give to all of us about the fragrance and partnership, she was completely overwhelmed with emotion and truly spoke from the heart. A real humbled girl, I liked her right away. Here's my exclusive interview:
What did you just do to your feet (she did something before she slipped her shoes on)?
Because it's so hot outside, I put powder in my shoes so my feet don't slide around. It's a trick from the trade.
Why did you get so emotional when you spoke about your collaboration with this fragrance?
This fragrance is me, but the emotions are more about Victoria's Secret coming to me and asking me to do the collaboration. They said I was the perfect person for it. The fragrance was fresh and young and still beautiful and feminine and they thought I was the perfect person for it. I just got so touched by it. It smells beautiful and I love roses. It's such an honor to have a fragrance created off of who I am.
This is a huge career highlight for you! What do you hope to do in the future?
I never thought about modeling. Then I got scouted and everything happened from there. I never in a million years would have thought I'd be sitting here as the face of Victoria's Secret's biggest fragrance. I wouldn't want to know what happens next. I like surprises and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Congratulations on your recent engagement! What was the best advice you've ever received on love or marriage?
It's not advice per say, but my parents have been married for 35 years and I've watched them and always wanted what they've had.
What advice do you have for people who are looking for love?
Be yourself and be honest. Honesty and communication are the most important things.
Is there a product that you steal from Adam or he steals from you?
Not so much, but we both are obsessed with rosewater spray, which is funny!
All of my friends are getting married! Recently at one of their bridal showers I was asked what color manicure was appropriate to wear to a wedding? The bride's mom was looking for a neutral and it got me thinking. Of course we associate pale pinks and peaches with formal events, especially during the summer, but this year, I'll be wearing a new neutral on my tips for my friend's summer weddings and think you should consider it too.
The shade: pale gray. You can rock this one of two ways, with lavender or blue undertones. Of course choosing your shade is just like choosing the perfect red lipstick. It depends on your skin tone and what you're wearing. If you have a paler complexion, blue based grays are best, but opt for a lavender based gray if you have olive to dark skin.
Some of my favorite blue based grays are Dior Vernis in Gris Montaigne and Butter London Nail Lacquer in Billy No Mates. For lavender based options, try Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Earl Gray.
Wedding bells are ringing and Joe and I have our first wedding event this Saturday, our engagement party! With our venue booked and the date set, we're beyond excited to celebrate with our families and close friends. Of course, I'm prepping for the day in a big way from my golden glow to the decor and can't wait to share photos with you. After finding the perfect outfit, my skin was begging for some color. That's when I turned to the pros from St. Tropez to customize a blend and spritz me golden.
I stripped down and worked with St. Tropez's Skin Finishing Expert, Sophie Evans who created a custom blend to give my pasty skin a natural glow. She's perhaps the most talented person to ever make me glow (and I've gotten a lot of spray tans). When she gave an extra dark shot to my eye lids I knew exactly what she was doing and deemed her the queen of contouring.
Of course pre tanning, you have to follow the rules. Here are Evans's tips:
* All hair removal should be done the night before * Exfoliate the night before * Remove all fragrances, lotions, and deodorant before your tan * Wear/bring loose fitting clothing for after your tan
Before a big event I always get a spray tan (or self tan) two to three days prior. In this case it was on Wednesday and my party is on Saturday. Post tan you're encouraged not to shower until the next morning and even then just to do a rinse. Waiting until your second shower to use a body wash is best. On Friday night before my big day I plan on using the St. Tropez Self Tanning Bronzing Lotion for Face, which doesn't clog your pores and if I feel my legs and arms need an extra boost I'm going to also use the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturizer just to keep it fresh.
I'm excited to share more wedding prep with you as the events develop! Stay tuned!
