Grooming Tips for the Groom

When you’re planning a wedding, we believe every little detail matters. You have spent hours choosing your color theme, putting together your guest list, perfecting the florals, preparing the menu, and putting together the playlist-just to name a few. With such a long list to do before the big day, often times the Groom’s preparation is the last thing on your mind. After all, he doesn’t need to worry about whether he should wear his hair up or down, getting that makeup just right, or fitting into the dress. However, it is his special day too, and there are some steps he can take to look and feel his best on his wedding day. We have compiled some grooming tips for the groom before the wedding with a little help from Harry’s.

STYLING YOUR HAIR

When it comes to how to style your hair for the big day, you don’t want to do anything drastically different. Since it’s your wedding day, you want to choose a hairstyle that best represents you.  If you choose to go for a new haircut, it’s best to do a “trial run” at least three months before the wedding date. You want to give it time to grow in if you decide it’s not the right look for you. Also, be sure to take photos of the haircut right after you get it done, so you can replicate it later. It’s best to stick to a barber you know and trust; talk to friends and colleagues to find out who they recommend if you are still not confident with yours.

If you plan to use hair products, again, you should do a test run a few days before the wedding. Since the event itself will be long, you need to be certain that your hair won’t look oily or limp by the time the night ends. Try to avoid products with lots of chemicals, as you don’t want anything that will irritate your scalp during long term use.

GROOMING YOUR FACE

Much like your haircut, deciding how to groom your face should not be a last minute decision. It’s best to know in advance exactly how you want your face to look on the big day. If you plan to have a beard, make sure it’s trimmed neatly. If you plan to shave your face, make sure you use a new and sharp blade. Using a cheap or dull razor can leave cuts on your face, and you don’t want to have to photoshop your wedding photos later.

If you don’t already, you should get in to the habit of washing and moisturizing your face as soon as you set the wedding date. It can take some time to start seeing the effects of a daily cleaning regime, so it’s a habit that has long term benefits. Planning a wedding is stressful, and forming a routine early on in the process will help eliminate any breakouts related to stress. When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, first make sure it’s designed to work for your skin type. You can take a test to determine your skin type. As a general rule, when you’re starting out with a product, try to avoid harsh chemicals, and don’t put anything new on your face at least a week before the wedding.

ENJOYING YOUR DAY

Worrying about grooming shouldn’t be an additional concern during an already busy day. Having the foresight to be diligent in your grooming habits leading up to the big day will not only ease your mind, but will make your special day a lot more fun and carefree.

photo credit: Kate Ignatowski 

florals: Sebesta Design

tuxedo: Tom Ford

wedding dress: Marchesa

 

A French-inspired Mallard Island Yacht Club Wedding- Part Two

Hopefully you have caught Part One of this wedding on my blog, but if you haven’t, make sure you check it out! There are just so many details from this wedding that I had to share with photos from Love & Light Photographs.

Moving on to the reception, Jess and Rob are “party ready” and the room is set. Guests were welcomed into the cocktail hour with delicious food and flowing cocktails. They mingled, ate, drank and listened to music awaiting what they would find upstairs in the reception room.

Guests were invited to their seats with French blue calligraphed escort cards from Design House of Moira with their custom wax seal and gold ink. Classic and elegant.

The reception room was picturesque. Reynolds again outdid themselves with the floral arrangements of blush and white peonies, cascading greenery, garden roses, ranunculus and sweet pea to name a few. We had three variations for the centerpieces. The rounds held gold candelabras from Two of a Kind with trailing flowers and greens  or clear compote pieces with garden-inspired arrangements. The bridal party table was an extra long rectangular table to host their closest friends and their dates. This table had a mix of bud vases, compote, votives and candelabras in various heights. It was absolutely the focal point in the room.

Our paper goods were chosen with care such as the menus and these table numbers, one of my favorite details, to make sure that all elements were beautiful and cohesive with our vision. Victoria is a true artist!

We made sure to make their sweetheart table extra special. Their table featured a lush garland of white and blush flowers lying across the front of their table and down one side. Jess requested a little sparkle so a white on white sequin tablecloth fit the bill. I always think it is a good idea to make your bride and groom chairs stand out. We added pale blue chiffon fabric to the venue’s gold chiavari chairs and finished them with floral accents.

The newlyweds and their guests danced the night away until it was time for the cake cutting and some sweet treats. This cake topper was made especially for the Soaves by Table Setting is My Life. It is made of paper and I love how elegant that white on white is. The cake is classic and created by Carlo’s Bakery. Of course we couldn’t resist a gold cake stand with lots of candlelight.

At the end of the night, we strategically placed one hundred pillar candles to create a romantic glow. Their bridal party gathered around for a sparker exit and to wish the happy couple a happily ever after. If this wedding is an indication, I think they will have a beautiful marriage and a fairytale ending.

In case you haven’t gotten enough of this wedding (we wouldn’t blame you), you can visit part one and part two of the features on Style Me Pretty here and here. Jess- I can not say enough what a pleasure it was to work with you and get to know you during this process! I wish you nothing but the best! xo

Photography: Love & Light Photographs | Cinematography: Endless Wave Studios | Event Design: Gilded Lily Events | Floral Design: Reynolds | Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal | Cake: Carlo’s Bakery | Stationery: Design House Of Moira | Jewelry: Jenny Packham | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier| Makeup: Make Me Up Eva | Hair: Up & Out | Band: Almost Easy Band | Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein | Groomsmen’s Attire: Calvin Klein | Officiant: Reverend Donald Gebhard | Ceremony Music: Shrewsbury String Quartet | Transportation: ShooBoo Shuttle | Venue: Mallard Island Yacht Club | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Bridesmaid’s Accessories: Olive + Piper | Bridesmaids’ Robes: Cloud Hunter | Cake Topper: Table Setting is My Life | Candleabra Rental: Two of a Kind | Ceremony Lighting: Ocean Tents | Custom Hair Accessories: Foolish Ginger | MOB + MOG Robes: POSY | Maid of Honor Dress: Adrianna Pappell | Rentals: Dovetail Vintage Rentals | Ring Bearer Pillow: JfyBride | Signage: Design House Of Moira | Veil: Mark Zunino | Vintage Hat Box: Trousseau & Co | Welcome Gifts: That’s Darlin’