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Your Dream Wedding Hair Starts Six Months Before The Big Day

June 23, 2022 | marissa

bride putting on lipstick in mirror

We know picture-perfect hair is a very real wish for brides on their big day. No one wants to walk down the aisle with flat, lifeless, and thin hair. But how to get those dream locks is a much more confusing and frustrating issue–not unlike that tricky seating chart you’ve been putting off. If you’re anything like us, you’ve already tried a plethora of products to get stronger and longer hair. Shampoos, conditioners, masks, serums, oils–the list is dizzying.

Luckily, our team has found the must-have product for anyone yearning for hair growth. And we even got to chat one-on-one with a recent bride who experienced the healthy hair transformation firsthand.  Jackie Miller is here to share the good news–Nutrafol, a dermatologist-recommended brand of hair supplements, supports hair growth from within. Now you can clear out your shelves and drawers full of lackluster hair products. Nutrafol is the wedding day hair solution you’ve been wishing for. Learn all about Jackie’s experience using Nutrafol below: 

A Bride’s Journey To Healthier, Fuller Wedding Hair

Tell us all about your wedding day

We got married on April 16th, 2022, in Napa, California. I’m Italian, and my husband’s from the South, so I wanted to find a way to blend the two backgrounds. We ended up finding a beautiful barn surrounded by flowers right in the middle of a vineyard. I wanted the vibe to be romantic and whimsical. We also wanted to incorporate some unique vintage touches, so we used tall gold candelabras for the tables and mismatched vintage gold china for the dinnerware

bride and groom dancing at reception

bride uses Nutrafol before wedding day

When did you start taking Nutrafol in relation to your wedding day? 

I’ve actually been taking Nutrafol on and off for years. But I started taking the supplements consistently again about ten months before my wedding day. It can take a few months to see results, so I would recommend starting as early as possible. The longer you take it, the better your results will be.

Tell us all about your wedding beauty style. How did Nutrafol help you achieve it? 

I wanted a soft and romantic beauty style that still had an element of glamor. My dress and cathedral-style veil consisted of lots of delicate lace with just the right amount of drama. I kept my makeup soft and dewy. I had my hair in a low textured bun so I could show off the back of the dress. However, I still wanted my hair to look voluminous and vibrant. After taking the Nutrafol supplements for months, that’s exactly what happened. By my wedding month, my hair was so thick and healthy that even with it up, it still looked luscious and full.  

bride has beautiful wedding hair thanks to nutrafol

low messy bun wedding hair

Describe your hair now vs. before you started taking Nutrafol 

Before I started taking Nutrafol, the health of my hair was certainly declining. I started seeing more breakage, a small area of thinning near the temples, and I could never get my hair to grow past a certain point. After taking Nutrafol, my hair transformed into the best version of itself. The areas that were thinning started to fill in, and my hair felt stronger, thicker, and overall so much healthier. My hair also now has grown longer than it ever has before. 

Do you think other brides would benefit from taking Nutrafol before their wedding day?

Absolutely! Whether you are struggling with hair thinning, declining hair health, or just want more shine and volume, I truly recommend adding Nutrafol to your wedding prep routine. Brides focus a ton on their beauty and health regimen prior to the wedding, so why not do the same for your hair?

Nutrafol supplements for healthy wedding hair

Just as wedding planning begins months in advance, so does your wedding day hair routine. And if you’ve envisioned longer, shinier hair for your special day, then adding Nutrafol supplements into your life is a must. It’s the trusted way to achieve healthier hair from the inside out.

After purchasing Nutrafol, next on the agenda is selecting your wedding hairstyle. Whether you’re envisioning your hair down and natural or swept into a low bun like Jackie’s, we’ve rounded up seven of our favorite wedding hairstyles and accessories. Any style will look beautiful with your longer and stronger strands!

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Wedding Favor Ideas and Alternatives

June 23, 2022 | riley

Image by Meraki Weddings. See more of this real wedding here. Keep scrolling for wedding favor ideas

Wedding favors–although a small wedding detail–are an easy way to add a personal touch to your special day while also thanking your guests for celebrating your love with you. Because there’s no tradition for favors, you have complete creative freedom over what you gift your guests–whether it’s symbolic to you as a couple or something that ties in with your wedding aesthetic. So, if you’re struggling to figure out what to hand out, don’t fret because we’re rounding up wedding favor ideas and alternatives.

Wedding Favor FAQs

Do you have to have wedding favors?

As mentioned earlier, there’s no tradition when it comes to wedding favors. This means that you don’t have to have them if you don’t want to. If there’s no room in your budget or you just don’t want to deal with the stress of choosing one, don’t worry about it. After an epic celebration, your guests aren’t going to be upset if they don’t leave with a present.

How much do favors cost?

As of 2021, it was found that the average cost of wedding favors is $400-$450. This typically comes out to be about one to three dollars per person. Obviously, the smaller the wedding, the less expensive the favors will be, and vice versa for larger affairs. It’s also important to remember that this is an average and it’s very possible to spend more or less.

Should you personalize the favors?

Personalizing your favors is entirely up to you. But,  customizing your gifts and making them a little more personal isan easy way to ensure that your guests never forget about your wedding day.

When and how do you hand them out?

There are many different ways you can pass out your wedding favors. If you’re having a seated dinner, you can set them on their place settings—doubling as reception table decor. If you’re going for a more lowkey, casual environment, there’s nothing wrong with setting them up on a display. Your escort cards can even act as a wedding favor.

Wedding Favor Ideas

Image by Diana Ascarrunz. See more of this real wedding here

Can Koozies

For more informal celebrations, pass out customized can koozies. Add a logo, your initials, an illustration of the two of you, pictures of your dogs–whatever you want. Summer camp wedding, anyone?

Shop koozies: Cheers To The Couple Koozie; Custom State Wedding Can Cooler; Custom Pet Illustration Koozie; Venue Illustration Can Cooler

Image by Gina Brandt Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Mugs

Speaking of a camp-inspired wedding, tin mugs with you and your spouse’s names and wedding date also make for the perfect favor.

Shop mugs: Personalized Wedding Enamel Mug; Let The Adventure Begin Mug; Personalized Camp Mug

Candles

It’s no secret that pretty much everyone can appreciate a good candle, making it an easy favor idea. To personalize it, add a customized label or choose a scent that is special to you and your partner.

Shop candles: Handmade Soy Wax Wedding Candles; Bulk Wedding Candle Favor; Rustic Personalized Candles

Sunglasses

Tying the knot outdoors? If you know the weather is going to be bright and sunny, offer your guests some protection with sunglasses. Just be sure to pass them out before the ceremony.

Image by The Mclachlans. See more of this real wedding here

Succulents or plants

If you’re saying “I do” in the desert or you have a green thumb, offering your guests a plant is a cute nod to your special day or hobby. Plus, they can keep them alive for years to come, making them practical.

Shop succulents/plants: Let Love Grow Succulent Tags; 72-pack Assorted Succulents; Mini Seed Paper Plantable Cards

Olive oil

If your special day is inspired by the European countryside, this one is for you. Your guests will love cooking with it, and it’s a great nod to the culture–especially if you’re having a destination wedding.

Shop olive oil: Olive Oil Wedding Favor; Olive You Olive Oil Favors; Infused Olive Oil Wedding Favors

Cocktail kits

The party will never stop if you’re passing out mini cocktail kits. You can find all kinds of kits–from moscow mules to margaritas. All they need is alcohol! 

Honey

To sweeten up the day, offer small batches of honey in mini mason jars. This is a great favor option for a rustic or garden wedding.

Shop honey: Meant To Bee Honey Jar Favors; Found My Honey Jar Favors; Honey Jar Wedding Favors

Dessert

There’s no denying that everyone loves sweets. To satisfy the sweet tooth, consider some kind of dessert. This could be baked goods, a candy bar, macaroons, etc. To make it a more interactive experience, consider doing a dessert bar where they can pick and choose what they take home with them.

Image by David Bastianoni. See more of this real wedding here

Luggage tags

Whether you’re having a destination wedding or you and your significant other just have a love for travel, luggage tags are both adorable and functional.

Shop luggage tags: Bulk Wedding Luggage Tags; And So The Adventure Begins Luggage Tags; Personalized Leather Luggage Tag

Blankets

If your wedding is in the fall or winter, you can warm your guests up with blankets. They’ll be able to cozy up at the wedding and at home, too. 

Image by Joel and Justyna. See more of this real wedding here

Champagne 

Send your guests off with a mini bottle of bubbles to keep the party going even after everyone has left. It’s a favor everyone will enjoy, so you’ll know it went to good use. If champagne isn’t your style, you can also opt for mini bottles of wine, beer, coffee, juice, etc.

Wedding Favor Alternatives

Not a big fan of wedding favors altogether? These alternatives are great options for those that want to forgo the gift and opt for something a little more non-traditional.

Donate to charity

If there’s a charity that you and your partner believe in, consider making a small donation on behalf of your guests. Doing so means putting money into a good cause rather than on an item your guests may forget at the end of the night. 

Late-night snacks

We know we mentioned a dessert bar earlier, but why not take it a step further and offer your guests late-night snacks instead? This could be anything from your favorite ice cream truck to bringing in your favorite fast food. Your guests will appreciate the bites once the drinks are flowing.

Image by Morgan McCanne Photo. See more of this real wedding here

Photobooth

Photobooths have become increasingly popular at weddings these days, and we understand why. They’re a playful way to commemorate your special day while also acting as an instant souvenir. 

Welcome bags

If you’re having a destination wedding or a full-blown wedding weekend, a welcome bag is an easy way to say thank you while also helping your guests feel comfortable throughout the trip. Common welcome bag items include local snacks and drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, pain relievers, and small souvenirs such as postcards, keychains, etc.

Loving these wedding favor ideas? We’ve got even more from Etsy here!

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Extravagant Indian Wedding At Hayes Mansion

June 22, 2022 | riley

After five years together and an epic Hawaii proposal, Deepa and Gauri couldn’t wait to tie the knot and have the extravagant Indian wedding they dreamed of with their loved ones. After many changes due to the pandemic, the two brides faced another hurdle—finding a Hindu priest to perform the ceremony. But all the stars aligned, and everything came together at the right time. With the help of B Beloved Events, the pair celebrated their big day their way, proving that love indeed transcends all barriers.

With its lush landscapes and luxurious ballrooms, the Hayes Mansion was the perfect venue for their multi-day celebration. Their pre-wedding ceremonies were bursting with color, joy, and fun—from the festival-like atmosphere to the cheerful florals and parasol-themed decor., The swoon-worthy outdoor ceremony was a fairytale come to life, featuring a lush floral aisle leading up to a stunning mandap. And with all the thought they put into those celebrations, it’s no surprise that their ballroom reception was filled with spectacular floral installations, tablescapes filled with candlelight, and luxe gold accents.

And as if the lavish festivities weren’t enough, the glowing brides were serving serious wedding fashion goals. The couple was absolutely breathtaking in their complementing ornate lehenga, each different for all of their wedding functions. Scroll down and have a look at some of the most opulent decor, unique floral arrangements, and elaborate attire–all expertly captured by Junebug member Apollo Fotografie.

The Couple:

Deepa & Gauri

The Wedding:

Hayes Mansion, San Jose, California

Why They Chose The Hayes Mansion For Their Extravagant Indian Wedding

After many changes due to COVID–including needing to postpone our wedding date–it gave us a chance to think about what kind of theme we really wanted. When we saw Hayes Mansion, we absolutely fell in love with the opulence and beauty of the space. The cocktail hour patio had bistro lights, the ceremony on the lawn was the perfect location, and the ballroom inside was grand.

Having A Traditional Hindu Ceremony Was A Huge Win For Them

We didn’t think having a traditional Hindu ceremony as a same-sex couple could be a reality, especially because we haven’t really seen it done before. We had trouble finding a Hindu priest to perform. But when it all came together, this was the part we were most proud of.

Advice From The Newlyweds: Don’t Let A Few Bumps In The Road Ruin Your Celebration

Our advice is to be okay with things going wrong because they will, no matter how well you plan. Some things are just going to be out of your control. The good thing is that most people will not notice aside from you and your vendors. Try your best to go with the flow and enjoy any moments you can.

The Walk Down The Aisle Was The Most Unforgettable Moment

Walking down the aisle is when everything truly felt real. Time seemed to slow down after a lot of chaos behind the scenes. We both really soaked up the moment when walking down the aisle, seeing all our loved ones in the audience and our beautiful mandap waiting for us.

DIY Welcome Table With A Photo Guestbook

We decided to DIY our welcome table for our reception. We knew we wanted a photo guest book instead of just a standard guestbook. We got a Fujifilm Instax camera, plenty of film packs, and laid everything out for our guests to use. It was a huge hit, and it felt great knowing we had created that ourselves.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Apollo Fotografie
Event Planning – B Beloved Events
Venue – Hayes Mansion

 

Congratulations to Deepa & Gauri on their extravagant Indian wedding at Hayes Mansion. And a big thank you to Junebug member Apollo Fotografie for capturing all the intimate and vibrant moments that showcase their love! For more wedding inspo, check out their profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world.

When it comes to putting together a luxurious multi-day wedding like this one, it’s crucial to have an experienced team by your side to bring all the elements together seamlessly. With the right team of professionals, anything is possible!

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