Google+ Emily Plans a Wedding: Hair and Makeup! - Southern Weddings

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Welcome back to Emily Plans a Wedding, belles! I’m kind of jumping all around over here, but I trust you don’t mind. Especially since today, we’re talking hair and makeup inspiration, which is always a favorite with brides-to-be! I know that I personally can’t help pinning gorgeous updos left and right. You?

Image by Heather Kincaid, overlay by SW

Let’s get started! First, we’ll discuss my hair and makeup inspiration, and then I’ll introduce you to the lady who’s going to make the magic happen. We’ll save accessories for another day.

Right, so I was all set to come in here and tell you that I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to wear my hair up, down, or half up/half down. But then I looked at the inspiration images I’d been hoarding, and saw there was a clear pattern: they were almost all updos, as you’ll soon see. Here are a few favorites:

Credits from top: style by Naemmah Carre via Teen Vogue; unknown; hair by Hot Heads Salon and makeup by Bobbi Brown (photo by Tec Petaja via Weddingbee); photo by Jill Thomas via Style Me Pretty; photo by Tory Williams

Contrary to what these photos might be telling you, I will not be wearing a hair flower. I am, however, looking for a loose, modern updo with side-swept bangs and a bit of a Southern bump. I have fairly long hair that is naturally curly and pretty thick, so I think this is doable.

Though I think overall I prefer the look of an updo, and think it would look better with the neckline of my dress, I still haven’t completely given up on a half up/half down look. My two favorite inspiration images:

Credits: Kate Middleton photo by Getty Images via Glamour and Rachel McAdams photo courtesy of New Line Cinema

Yes, that would be Princess Kate and Rachel McAdams. I aim high. Though I love these two looks, I think I would get annoyed having my hair down all night while dancing. Thoughts, ladies who have gone with this look?

So that’s hair, and I think I have a fairly good handle on what I want. Makeup, though? That’s a whole other story. I don’t wear much makeup on a day to day basis, and it’s all pretty mysterious to me in general. (In fact, Marissa had to do my eye makeup for our last staff photoshoot!) Because I don’t wear much makeup normally, I don’t want to try anything too dramatic on our wedding day, because I still want to look like myself… but prettier :) In fact, that’s about the best direction I can give: pretty, please! Here’s what I mean:

Credits: Natalie Portman image by Tim Walker from Teen Vogue and image by Jamie Beck

I think I have similar coloring to Natalie Portman and Emma Watson, so I try to scope out what they’ve got going on. Do any of you do that? Who’s your celeb coloring twin?

Thankfully, I won’t be left to my own devices with this scanty inspiration. No, someone very talented is going to be on hand to get me prettified, and her name is Tia Reagan! Now before you all go thinking I’m crazy for flying a hair and makeup artist in from California for my big day, let me explain. Tia just so happens to be best buddies with our amazing photographer, Tanja Lippert, and the two work together all the time. Tia started out in the industry as a photographer, and she still second shoots on occasion with Tanja. When Tanja suggested Tia as the second shooter for our wedding, I jumped at the chance, knowing it meant she would be able to do our hair and makeup, as well! I’m so, SO happy it worked out like it did, and can’t WAIT to experience the dynamic duo that is T&T Dynamite! Here’s a little more of Tia’s work to give you a sense of her magical (yes, magical) abilities:

Clearly, Tia is a pro at exactly the kind of romantic, modern updo I’m looking for, not to mention soft, natural makeup. Yippee!! If anyone could set me at ease about my wedding day look, it’s her. All of these photos were shot by my girl Tanja, too. These two make beauty together!

What do you think, ladies? How are you planning to wear your hair and makeup on your wedding day? Comment and let me know!

In case you missed a post…
The main characters
Where we’re getting married
I go dress shopping
We choose a photographer
I ponder bridesmaid style
Mini food!
The music
We’re renting a tent!
We discuss bouquets + boutonnieres
We send out our save the dates

emily Written with love by Emily
16 Comments
  1. avatar Laura reply

    Emily, I love your hair inspiration pictures, the up-do’s are exactly what I want. But what I’m thinking about doing is have an up-do during the ceremony and pictures and then during the reception fix it so that it is half-up/half-down. I usually wear my hair down and free, so I understand how you want to make sure you “feel like yourself” and I thought this might be a nice middle ground. Get the best of both worlds, fancy up-do for your big-day and then be able to “let your hair down” during the reception.

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Laura! I love your idea! AND, since Tia will be with us all day, I’m sure she could manage a quick fix. Must think about this…

  2. avatar Marissa reply

    LOVE the Miss Dior shoot with Natalie Portman! You’re going to be a GORGEOUS bride!!

  3. avatar Madelynne Miller reply

    Our hair inspiration is SO similar!! I love the lower down updo with the gorgeous texture – so classy, elegant, and timeless. I will also have a gorgeous headband. fave hair – http://pinterest.com/pin/259660734735099117/

    My makeup top priority is false eyelashes – my sister had some and it kicks up the glam 10 notches! I am doing very neutral taupes and browns on the eye with a shimmer highlight on the brow bone and one swipe of black liner on the top. Topping it off with some pretty bold pink lipstick! love her eyes – http://pinterest.com/pin/259660734735063192/

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Madelynne! Yes, I think I will go with false lashes, as well! I use to wear them all the time for dance performances :) Not sure if I’ll go with a full set or just individual lashes, though!

    • avatar Madelynne Miller reply

      Emily: I’m doing individual for a more natural look :)

  4. avatar Lisa Edwards reply

    I am in your same boat :) I do not wear much make up (just bronzer and light eye shadow) and for hair, I want a soft romantic look. I am thinking hair down with soft curls, or 1/2 up and 1/2 down with soft curls. However, I ike the first up do you posted. It is loose with Volume. I believe my best friend is going to do my make up because I have had bad experiences with make up artist making me look so different and like I came out of a night club. I can’t wait to see your pictures! You will look amazing!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Lisa! I know lots of people have great experience asking a friend to do their makeup – heck, if Marissa lived in Connecticut, I might consider having her do mine! :)

  5. avatar tricia reply

    i love the very last hair style… and i reallly love the dress. anyone happen to know the designer? thanks for the inspiration!

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Tricia! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! That last dress is the Amsale “Calista.” You can see more from Annie’s wedding here: http://tinyurl.com/4cltltk

  6. avatar Jennifer reply

    I had a friend who had her hair half up half down for ceremony and she pulled it into a loose bun off to the side for dancing it looked great. Lucky you for having your hairdresser the entire time.

  7. avatar destination inspiration « garnishboutique reply

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  8. avatar Robin Mink reply

    Tia is the BEST!!!!! makes you at ease, exceptional. She styled my video shoot and another photo shoot. She let’s me be me and captures the best. I want Tia on all my shoots….. to dress me , do my make up….. and someday soon….Tia….we’ll do a photo shoot with Tia shooting film as well. Rock on Sisters.

  9. avatar Bespoke Brides Top 20 Unique Wedding Hair Styles to Inspire You! | Bespoke-Bride: Wedding Blog reply

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