Morning Of Timeline

So we finally figured out the hair and make-up situation.  Now we have to figure out exactly when everything needs to happen.

After talking to the photographer and the stylists that will be doing all of the hair and make-up, this is what I've come up with.

Me
8- 10AM - Just Glamorous doing my hair/make-up
10 - 11AM - Getting dress on/final touches/relaxing (I know - I'm so funny)
11-11:30AM - First look (start at hotel, then possibly go to downtown for some more pictures)
11:30- 1:45 - Bridal party pics, followed by family pics
2:00 Ceremony

Bridesmaids
8 - 10:30AM - Hair/make-up
10:30 - Finishing touches/helping me get ready/awesome getting ready pics
11-11:30 - Gather up everyone for pictures/relax (I know - so funny)
11:30 - 1:45 - Pictures
2:00 - Ceremony

Overall Picture Schedule
8-11AM - getting ready pictures
11-11:30/12PM - first look pictures
11:30/12 - 1:45PM - bridal party/family pictures
2-3:00PM - ceremony time 
3-4:30PM - cocktail "hour"
4:30-8:30PM - reception

That means that we will be having 12 hours worth of pictures taken!  WOW!  Does that sound right to everyone else?  I don't know how it typically works.  We got very lucky - dad is a photographer (check out our engagement pictures that he took) and so is his best friend - his best friend will be doing the whole day as a favor (and I'm sure my dad won't be able to stop himself from snapping some shots).  

How many hours of photos are you having taken?  How long are you setting aside for portrait type pictures - we have about 3 hours.  And are you doing a first look?  Please share!!

You're Beautiful It's True

Ok, so another snow day here = no school = more wedding planning.

So I briefly talked about options for hair and make-up here.  After reading a lot of different information and considering timing, costs, ect. we finally made some decisions.

Here's the deal - my bridesmaids cousin and step-mother will be doing hair for the bridesmaids and the bridesmaids will be doing their own make-up.

I decided that I wanted professional make-up (my dad is a photographer and said that I needed the professional stuff for the pictures since it lasts all day).  After getting price quotes, it made more sense for me to find someone that could do both my hair and make-up.  Which brings me to my decision - Just Glamorous Salon will be doing my hair and make-up!  I am so happy to have that all figured out.

Now do decide on a hairstyle.

I am thinking something along the lines of these photos.  As far as make-up goes I am leaving that up to the ladies at the salon to help me figure that out at the trial since I hardly ever where any make-up.

Any there brides that forgo make-up on a daily basis?  What are you doing for your wedding.

You're Done Searching

If you haven't ever heard of Thumbtack.com and you're planning a wedding or any other event you seriously need to check it out.  I only discovered it a few days ago and it it awesome!  You go on and enter what type of service you're looking for, when and where you need it, and any other details that you think might be helpful.  Then, the site will send out your request to any of their professionals that might meet your needs.  I randomly discovered this site the other day when searching for someone to do hair and make-up for the wedding.  I just put in my information and received several quotes (sent right to my email) within just a few hours.  So far, I have used it to get quotes on hair, make up, and limos.   Oh and I forgot to mention the best part - it's 100% FREE!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

I am getting married at Franklin Plaza in Troy, NY this September.  I am trying to figure out hair and make-up for myself and my bridesmaids.  My bridesmaids will be paying for their own hair and make-up.  I asked if they wanted to get one or both done and they all agreed that they wanted to get everything done together on-site and make it a girls morning.  

So, we have two options:

#1 One of my bridesmaids cousin and step-mother are hair stylists and offered to do our hair on-site for $35-$45 per person. 

#2 Find a salon to have come to our hotel.  
- Timeless Up- dos:  Charges $65 per bridesmaid and $90 for the bride. This is $30 more per bridesmaid and $45 more (twice the price for me).  
- Shapes and Colors quoted $75 per person (cheaper for me than the first salon, but more expensive for the bridesmaids).

At first, I thought it would take longer to have my bridemaids step-mother and cousin to do everyones hair with just two of them, but then I found out that it takes about the same amount of time to have it done by people coming in from a salon.

Pricewise, the choice is an obvious one.  However, I have one concern with option #1.  As far as make-up and hair goes am do I need a professional for the day of - someone with experience specifically in bridal hair/make-up?

Anyone with any experience at all I would greatly appreciate your help.  Also if you are specifically from the Troy/Albany area do you have any salon recommendations?  I know of Rumors, Make Me Fabulous, etc., but I don't think I can justify spending that much money on hair and make-up for one day.

Last Minute Decisions: Engagement Pictures

So as I've said, we are doing our engagement pictures this week.  We fly out tomorrow night and get into Albany just before midnight.  Thursday and Friday are booked for venue appointments.  Saturday and Sunday will be decision making (hoping to pick a venue)/engagement picture days.  I am looking for some last minute advice on the pictures.

Some questions I have are:

• How should I do my nails?  
• I was thinking either a clear coat or french tip for my fingernails.  As for my toenails, I was thinking a bright red to go with my peep-toe red shoes.
• What about hair?     
• My hair is naturally straight and boring.  I am definitely getting it trimmed before the pictures, but I was thinking of just getting it blown-out the day of the pictures.
• What about make-up?
• I hardly ever wear make-up and when I do its only basic black mascara and a little eye-shadow.  I don't know what do for the pictures.   
• How many locations?
• I currently have three locations in mind all within 5 minutes of one another and I have a different outfit for each one.
• Any other advice:  What did you wish you had known before taking your engagement pictures?

Please comment below.  I would to here your suggestions or maybe other questions that you have!