Putting on my bridal face

Earlier this month, I talked about my wedding day make-up and how I wasn't sure if I'd go the pro route or do a department store counter DIY tutorial. Well, during my hair trial, my stylist talked up the new make-up artist at the salon, and I just couldn't resist booking a trial to see if having someone else apply my make-up was worth it.

After my trial, I can confidently say it's worth it, if only because it's so blissfully relaxing to shut your eyes, face away from a mirror and let someone else take care of the dirty work for you. And I'm pretty pleased with the results. I didn't end up bringing my inspiration pictures along with me (oops) but I feel like the look I got is similar.

What do you think?

I liked it, and while The Backyard Groom loved the eyes, he thought the lips were a wee bit intense, probably because he's never seen me in red lipstick before. I'm pretty much a neutral gloss kind of gal, so he took another photo of me wearing some neutral gloss.

Sorry about the goofy face. I was tired of smiling at this point, as you can probably tell by my strained smile below.

So which look do you like best - bright lips or low-key gloss?

Catching up

After the flurry of posts during Decision Week, I took a break from blogging to get some wedding-related tasks done. So now I'm playing catch-up.

First up, we got our marriage license! Woohoo! I should have thought to take a photo of us standing outside the non-descript office of the Travis County Clerk but I forgot. Oops. The day we got our marriage license also marked the day that we had our very first date six long years ago. I thought that was some nice symmetry.

Next, there have been alterations galore! The Backyard Groom's suit completed its round of alterations, while I (finally) took my dress in for my first fitting. I have to admit that when I was standing in front of a full-length mirror with my dress pinned into place and my red shoes on, I may have gotten a little giddy. I just felt so much like a bride. Between the stress of planning and everything else, I think it's good to get a little reminder of that feeling every once in a while.

Then I had a bridal shower. And it wasn't just any bridal shower, but a lingerie shower. With my old-coworkers. Including my male superiors. Which was admittedly a little awkward and untraditional, but it was still a great time including three of my favorite things: pizza, cake and gorgeous lingerie! I was fully expecting to get something bedecked in pink maribou feathers, but everything I got was beautiful and soft. I can't wait to bring it all on the honeymoon. And they gave me a bouquet of pink roses that have been making my apartment smell lovely all week.

Finally, last night, I had my make-up trial. I'd hemmed and hawed over having my make-up done and ultimately decided to give a formal run-through a try. I loved having my make-up applied. It felt really relaxing, so I think for me it's worth the $45 if only to make things a little less stressful on the big day. I took pictures of the results because I need your opinion on some lip options so I'll be posting those soon.

Thanks again for participating in Decision Week!

Decision Week Day 5: Blue over blue

Thank you all so much for your opinions and advice throughout Decision Week. I've got one final open-ended question for you guys today. But first, a recap.

Back in May, I posted confidently that I had all my "somethings" figured out, from the old and new to the borrowed and blue. Turns out, I was a bit overconfident.

When I went to get my dress altered late this week, I brought all my undergarments, including my blue "Bride" Hanky Panky thong. With my dress on in front of a full length mirror, I felt giddily bridal. It was fabulous. And then I turned around to admire the back and the pinned French bustle and saw a peek of blue just above my bum. I turned to the seamstress, "Um, can you see the blue through the dress?" She answered, "Oh definitely, but these aren't what you're going to wear on the day of, right?" Um, er, right.

So now do I not only need to get a nude Hanky Panky thong (which I've been wanting to do anyway since I've started purchasing a rainbow of Hanky Panky thongs), but I've also got to figure out my something blue. With three weeks to go. Yikes!

With most of my accessories already determined, what's an easy way for me to get my blue in that won't distract from my overall look? Any ideas?

Decision Week Day 4: Battling indecision

So I know I promised to show y'all photos from my hair trial yesterday, but I don't have anything to show. Why? Well, even though we tried about four different styles, I didn't really like any of them.

What is it about being a bride? Does it raise your expectations to levels that are just too high?

I'm not sure if my problem was that or simply the problem of having fine, thin, shoulder-length hair that is too thin and too short for many bridal 'dos and too fine to hold one lick of curl.

We tried half up and all up, and none of them tickled my fancy.

So what's a girl to do? I paid for my trial and left with reassurances from my stylist (who is exceedingly awesome and not at fault for my meh feelings) that we would figure it out on the wedding day.

I also left with the remnants of a nixed 'do that included some braids on the side (you can see the inspiration if you scroll down about halfway on this post), and when I got home, I asked for The Backyard Groom's opinion. His response? "You look like you're going to a Bob Marley concert." And then I laughed and didn't care so much about the failed trial.

Today I looked through some photos online and came across an updo that I think might actually work for my curl-challenged, thin hair. Check out Mrs. Sea Breeze's DIY updo from Weddingbee a while back. While I don't think I'm capable of doing my own hair, I think I'll bring these photos along on my wedding day. And as an added bonus, I might still be able to incorporate the hair flower from Decision Day 2.

What do you think?

Decision Week Day 3: Bridal baubles

In addition to the veil and hair flower, I'll be bringing my jewelry to my hair trial tonight in hopes that she can also weigh in on what will work best with my hair.

I actually never gave much thought about my jewelry until now. When I bought my dress, the bridal consultant at Alfred Angelo talked me into getting a necklace and earring set that she said complimented the dress. I never planned on wearing both together, because that's just a bit too matchy-matchy for my taste, so I figured I would just wear the necklace.

The next time I tried on my dress, I wasn't really digging the necklace look anymore. I'm not sure why; maybe it's because I've always been paranoid about my short neck. And especially once we started tossing around the half-up hair idea, I thought earrings might be the way to go. So I tried on the set that came with the necklace and called it a day. I wasn't in love with them, but I thought they looked nice.

Then when The Backyard Mom and I were hunting for her accessories this weekend at Francesca's Collection, I stumbled across something I liked for me. Yep, another pair of earrings. I like the way they look vaguely vintage.

So, faithful readers, which pair of earrings do you like better?

Decision Week Day 2: What goes on top

Thank you for your input on the shrug situation!

I've got my hair trial tomorrow night, and I'll be bringing along two different hair accessories. Keep in mind, I'll probably be wearing my hair half-up. I won't know for sure until after the trial, but before that, I'd like to get your opinion on the accessories.

First up, we have the veil. I don't have a good photo because I haven't taken it out of the bag it came in yet, but it's ivory, beaded and fingertip length. And here's what it looks like in a plastic bag:

I'm sorry the photo isn't very helpful, but suffice to say, it's a very traditional veil. I know at the very least that I want to wear the veil for the ceremony, but I'll probably be ready to get rid of it by the reception so I can get my bridal boogie on.

So how about replacing it with a hair flower? I know they are one of the biggest trends in weddings right now, and I never really thought about getting one, but I ran across this one at Nordstrom and decided to try it with my dress. And somehow it actually matches really well.

Here is a close-up of the inside of the flower, which I think echoes the pearl and crystal beading of my dress nicely.

What do you think of the hair flower? Is it a good idea or too much of a good thing?

Decision Week Day 1: Shrug it off

This weekend was uncharacteristically cold for Austin. We hit the 50s, y'all. Even though it was 90-something on Thursday, the temperature became pretty chilly, which helped remind me that it could very well be cool in November for The Backyard Wedding. So in order to be prepared for that possibility, The Backyard Mom and I went on a hunt for a wrap, shrug or bolero to wear during the reception. I'd seen some boleros I loved on Etsy, but they were way out of my budget.

After hours of shopping, we came up with two contenders, and now I'd love to hear which you like best. As a refresher before you make a decision, my dress is ivory, strapless and beaded with a little lace. It also has a pretty simple shape to it. And I'll be wearing red shoes.

Here is option 1:

It's an ivory shrug made of sweater material with some ruffling. Take a look at the detail below.

Here is option 2:

It's kind of a satiny material with a little shimmer to it and some ruffling as well.

So which do you like best? Any and all opinions would be much appreciated!

Introducing Decision Week!

The Backyard Mom was in town this weekend, and the two of us spent pretty much the entire weekend running around Austin (like chickens with their heads cut off, as The Backyard Dad would probably say) picking up things for the wedding. We accomplished a lot between getting all the wine and beer and finding lovely accessories to go with The Backyard Mom's beautiful dress.

BUT in our running around, I ended up finding a few new pieces that have left me with some decisions to make regarding my wedding day look. Hence Decision Week! I would be extremely grateful if any readers out there would give me their opinions on some special posts this week showing different options for my wedding day accessories. I've even got my hair trial on Wednesday so hopefully I can post some photos from that too to get y'all's input. Now, I know many of you readers haven't seen my dress since I haven't actually posted a photo of it, but opinions are all welcome.

Before we get started on those decisions, here's one decision I already made. I posted before that we won't be having an official wedding party, which is all fine and good, except that it turns out that some wedding party members are actually needed for tasks like holding the bride's bouquet during the ceremony and holding the rings. Since my dad will be officiating the whole shebang, I hope either my mom or The Backyard Groom's mom will volunteer to hold the rings. And thanks to a $12 impulse buy at Francesca's Collections, we now have a place to put them. Check it out:

It's a small silver ring holder with a heart on it that says "Today, Tomorrow, Always." Fitting for a wedding, right?

Here's a shot with our wedding bands on it.

So now that is taken care of, and we'll be moving on to more Decision Week festivities. Thanks ahead of time for offering your input!

One month!

One month from today, I get to become Mrs. Backyard Groom.

I can't believe it's nearly here. I can actually say, "I'm getting married next month." Eek!

On the one hand, we have so much left to do, like figure out our entire playlist and finish booking all our hotel stays for our Japanese honeymoon and get my dress altered. But on the other hand, I am extremely grateful for all the things we don't have left to do and more than anything all the things we're omitting entirely, like programs, table numbers, escort cards, menus and favors.

And more than anything, I just can't wait to marry The Backyard Groom.

War Buddies

This past weekend The Backyard Groom and I avoided any wedding planning whatsoever and hung out for three straight days with our 65,000 closest friends at the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. This was our fourth straight ACL Festival to attend, and we love going. But even though you get to see some great shows (Pearl Jam and Kings of Leon headlined this year), there are some logistical kinks that tend to make the experience a bit of a pain too, from 30-minute lines for the Port-a-potties to Port-a-potties in general to hour long lines for food to $8 beers (coincidentally the bar line is never long) to sky-high parking prices. But for us, we generally think it's worth it.

Usually heat and dust are the major negative points of the festival, but this year, the weather went the complete opposite direction. Friday was one of those rare perfect days in Austin where the temperature hovered in the low 80s. Saturday brought out the rain and the fog, leaving us thoroughly soaked. Here's a photo The Backyard Groom took of the Austin skyline obscured by fog behind the main stage.

See all that pretty grass? Zilker Park was closed all summer for it to be planted. But after all the rain on Saturday, the grass was gone. In its place was mud. Good thing I wore wellies on Sunday, but The Backyard Groom's shoes were ruined.

A ton of people ended up just going barefoot in the mud on Sunday, and after Pearl Jam finished rocking in the free world, the mud all around the park was strewn with beer cans and abandoned flip flops.

So what does this have to do with wedding planning? Well, it reminded me of another reason why I'm so excited to marry The Backyard Groom and so sure of the future that we've been building together. We have been through a lot together, from muddy music festivals to emotional upheavals to trips to foreign countries, not to mention our two-plus years of cohabitation. After all we've seen and experienced together, we're a bit like war buddies. When I hear statistics about divorce all the time, I feel better to know that we have that shared history, and no matter what trials and tribulations we've been through, we always come out stronger on the other side.

Mrs. Pam Halpert!

The wedding I'm most looking forward to this fall other than my own is of course Jim and Pam's on "The Office." I may have even teared up a little last night during the preview for next week's wedding episode (I'm blaming PMS). And look, their wedding made the cover of the new issue of Entertainment Weekly:

In last night's episode, Pam received a check as a wedding present from co-worker Kevin and it was made out to Mrs. Pam Halpert, instead of her maiden name of Beesly. When she realized it was the first time that she'd seen her new name in writing, she got really excited.

I feel the same way. I know it's a deeply personal decision and kind of a hot-button issue, but I can't wait to change my last name to The Backyard Groom's.

I love my family, and I'm deeply proud and grateful to be my parents' daughter. But, honestly, I just think changing your last name when you get married is so romantic. Yes, it even makes me swoon a bit when I think about my new name, and I've already reserved my new email address and domain name.

What do you think about last name changes? Or are you excited to watch Jim and Pam tie the knot?

Make me over

I like make-up. A lot. I could easily lose myself for hours in either a Sephora store or their website. I think maybe it's sort of an aspirational thing, where you always think you're going to stumble across one product that's going to change your life, but even if it doesn't, at least whatever you buy will be pretty and fun and make you feel a bit more glamorous for a few days.

Even though I love make-up, I by no means consider myself an expert at applying it. I usually end up with not enough blush and way too much eyeliner. I'll admit it - I've got an eyeliner addiction. I feel like I don't look like myself without it. And I know that I probably apply it a smidge too thick. Take a look at this goofy photo below (which The Backyard Groom took and loves, for some silly reason) for evidence:

As much as I like the way my eyeliner looks in the mirror, it doesn't always photograph well. Sometimes instead of defining my eyes, it just makes them look smaller. I don't want that to happen in my wedding photos. So, I'm trying to decide if I should hand my make-up duties off to the professionals (which means $$$) or just go to MAC or Sephora for a tutorial and learn how to do it myself.

Either way, I know I need to have some inspiration photos on hand of make-up I like that emphasizes the eyes without too much eyeliner. So I did a trusty old Google search for the two celebrities who first came to mind when I thought of people with light eyes, light skin and light hair.

Here is Amanda Seyfried:

She is just gorgeous, and I like the way her eyes stand out without being all smoky. Here is another example.

The second celeb is Claire Danes. I really like the way she's able to balance bright lips but still have her eyes as the dominant feature.

I think the make-up in this next photo isn't as dramatic as what I want but I do like her updo.

What do you think about my make-up inspiration? Any suggestions on how to get the look I want?