Tag: wedding planning

Categories
love: weddings

5 Things Brides Regret Skipping at Their Wedding

Wedding planning is a lot… You’re constantly facing new decisions, and these decisions have so many factors (cost, timing, your happiness, happiness of your guests, etc.).

I have dug into various wedding-related social networking groups and rallied up 5 of the most common things that brides regret not doing at their wedding.

So, if you’re in the midst of your wedding planning, keep reading and make sure you give these 5 things a little extra thought before tossing them to the side.

#1… Not giving the photographer a must-have photo checklist

Your wedding photos are so important. Plus, you most likely end up spending a fortune on a wonderful photographer.

Not getting the fun photo of you and your partner walking down the aisle after the ceremony, or the sentimental photo of yourself with your grandparents, is a big deal.

Before the big day, send over a checklist to your photographer of any photos you absolutely can’t miss out on.

Consider the following:

  • Front and back pictures of you (just you) in your wedding dress
  • Group pictures if your bridal party, and 1 on 1 pictures of you with each one of them
  • Locations at your venue that you want a picture near
  • Special moments you want captured (dances, speeches, etc.)
  • Anything else that you must-have photographed, or not photographed at your wedding

#2… Not wearing comfortable Wedding Shoes

Of course, you want the dreamy bridal heels you’ve been eyeing up for months now.

Just keep in mind that you will be in these shoes all day, and night long.

Can you do it? You don’t want to sacrifice dancing the night away because the blisters on your feet are killing your vibe.

Consider getting a second pair of shoes to switch into after the ceremony. There are loads of beautiful bridal flats that are both comfortable and stylish.

#3… Not making a bridal emergency kit

It’s important to look your best and feel your best on your wedding day. I’m sure you also want your bridal party and close family to feel this way too.

Bring an emergency kit (or ask you MOH to help put one together) that is filled with everything you just might need on your wedding day.

Here’s some great examples of what to stock in your kit:

  • Bobby pins, hair ties, hairspray, curling iron
  • Chapstick and lipstick
  • Concealer and powder
  • Blotting paper – we don’t want oily foreheads in pictures
  • Tide-to-go
  • Gum or mints
  • Floss
  • Advil, tums, eye drops
  • Kleenex (lots of it)
  • Phone charger
  • Tampons
  • Bottles of water

#4… Not hiring a videographer

I contemplated this one for a while, and I’m soooo glad that I hired a videographer.

Think of all the amazing moments that you can capture on video…

The happy tears you and your best friend share while getting ready. The tears your mom sheds while helping you into your dress. Your first look, or you walking down the aisle and the look on your partners face when they see you. All of the speeches. Your first dance and all of the other special dances.

Many couples watch their wedding video together on their anniversaries as a tradition.

(Tip: Ask your videographer if they supply both an edited highlight video of the entire day and also the raw footage with speeches etc.)

#5… Not spending some alone time with your partner

Unless you and your partner do a first look, you most likely won’t get much alone time, if any.

Many brides recommend putting aside 10-20 minutes after the ceremony, before dinner, or after your first dance to run away with your partner.

You will be so busy all day, having some time to sit and soak it all in with your newly wedded is important.

There are so many guests to talk to, so many things to do and keep on schedule throughout the day… You might realize the end of the night is near and you’ve barely been able to speak with your new husband or wife.

Go hide in a closet somewhere and get some quality 1 on 1 time that you’ll remember forever.

This one is a bonus…

My biggest regret from my wedding isn’t on this list, so I figured I’d quickly share mine – just in case it helps any of you!

Squishing too much into too little time.

From the time that speeches and dinner started until I finished my first dance, I felt like I was constantly being pulled in different directions.

We had many speeches (each groomsman decided to surprise us with lengthy and very un-prepared speeches, when we were only planning on hearing a speech from the best man).

During dinner, my photographer pulled me to do sunset photos outside. This isn’t on her! I understand that sunset photos need to be done at a certain time to get them just right. I just didn’t plan for it being in the middle of dinner.

Once I got back from sunset photos, my DJ was pulling me saying we’re behind schedule and dances need to start…

Basically, I crammed too many things into too little time. I barely got to eat any of my dinner.

The worst part… we purchased cupcakes for all of our guests, and spent a good chunk on a beautiful cake that was meant for the head table and all of our closest family.

Guess what? With all the craziness going on, not a single person, not even myself or my husband had a piece of this cake… not one single piece all night long. It was completely forgotten about.

Thanks for listening to my little vent sesh (lol).

Just remember to plan a schedule with the times that each “event” at your wedding with start and end – but add LOTS of wiggle room in between. Things will run behind schedule.

Categories
love: self-care

Get FLAWLESS Skin

Check out Farmhouse Fresh for my #1 recommended skincare products to give you the best skin of your life.

Are you a bride trying to prep and prime your skin for your big day?

Maybe you’re not a bride… But are you someone who is sick and tired of using expensive skincare products that lack real results?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, this post is exactly where you need to be.

Did you know it typically takes 6-8 weeks to see real results with a new skincare routine? That being said, now is the time to begin a fabulous skincare routine to prep yourself for your big day.

Skincare routines aren’t one size fits all… Everyone has a different skin type: combination, oily, dry, or normal.

Not only are there different skin types, but each person has their own skin concerns as well: acne-prone, aging, wrinkles, dark spots, etc.

I am a skincare fanatic – honestly, skincare psychopath is probably a better term. I am PASSIONATE about my skincare, and I have been since I was a freshman in high school 15 years ago.

The amount of medicated creams, gels, home remedies, and expensive skincare products that I have tried in the past is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

But in that same breath, I have been able to find out what works and what most definitely does not. (Insert sad face emoji… you live and you learn.)

There is one skincare brand that I can honestly say I have loved every product that I’ve tried…

Farmhouse Fresh.

real results

for real people

with real skin concerns.

Aside from that, their products are all natural and organic. You’ve heard the term “farm to table” when eating at a restaurant? What about “farm to face”? If you care what you’re putting in your body, you should also care what you’re putting on your face and absorbing into your skin.

The feel, scent, packaging, and price point of this skincare and bodycare line is incredible. You’ll feel like you’re using the most expensive, luxury products, getting real results, but with spending only a fraction of the price as you would with other “popular” skincare lines.

WAIT, there’s more 🙂

(Yikes, I sound like an infomercial… but seriously I’m just obsessed with these products.)

Each purchase you make from Farmhouse Fresh literally saves abused and neglected animals. :*)

There’s even a way that you can track the product that you purchased to see which animals you helped… Whether it’s a horse that was left starving to death at a sale barn, or abandoned dogs waiting at a euthanasia shelter.

Okay, I could go on and on about the goodness of this company forever, so I’ll try to stop here and instead I’ll rant about the amazing products I’ve incorporated into my skincare routine, the results, and hopefully you’ll give them a chance in your own skincare routine, because I promise you… you’ll be obsessed with them all.

New Groove Hemp – Gel Cleanser

I’ve used all sorts of facial cleansers – but this one takes the cake.

Benefits:

  • Deeply purifies skin
  • Easily removes makeup, dirt, and oil
  • Fights signs of aging and delivers firmer skin
  • Naturally brightens and smooths skin instantly
  • Cannabinoid full spectrum hemp oil
  • 60mg of CBD helps achieve a perfect complexion
  • Leaves you with firm, bright, calm, matte skin

Best for:

All skin types. Especially oily skin, acne-prone skin, or aging skin.

Timescape – 2 Minute Renewing Face Polish Exfoliator

Fans of this product literally call it the 2 Minute Age Eraser.

Benefits:

  • Tiny plant-based fibers create a microdermabrasion effect with spending $300 on a microdermabrasion service
  • Wipes away imperfections and shows real results in only 12 days
  • Super preventative care! The sunflower oil protects skin prevents moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated (but not oily) all day
  • Infused with vitamins and antioxidants that improve the look, feel, and texture of your skin – Giving you an amaaaazing complexion
  • Leaves you with instantly glowing, smooth, healthy, younger-looking skin

Best for:

All skin types. Especially aging skin.

Guac Star – Avocado Mask

I truly recommend alllll of the Farmhouse Fresh face masks… but because I’m such a huge avocado fan, I decided to first recommend the Guac Star mask.

Benefits:

  • Avocado provides key fatty acids and vitamins that are vital to your skins health
  • Protects skin from oxidative stresses like UV lights and pollution
  • Delivers instant COOL hydration (this is a god send if you’re sunburnt)
  • Reduces redness, inflammation, and dryness

Best for:

Dry or dehydrated skin. Sunburned or sensitive skin. Acne-prone skin.

Wine Down – Overnight Recovery Serum

This serum is the best of the best! I haven’t met a person who didn’t absolutely LOVE Wine Down.

Benefits:

  • Works while you sleep – Shows results after just 2 HOURS!
  • Clinically tested peptides that totally reduce dark circles under your eyes and dark spots throughout your face
  • Makes pores VISABILY smaller – it’s amazing
  • Intensely hydrates and fills in any fine lines
  • Best seller for complete skin repair
  • Fans say they wear way less makeup now all because of this product
  • Wake up with silky, smooth, bright, happy skin

Best for:

Literally every skin type – Everyone should have this product in their skincare routine.

Vitamin Berry – Facial Tonic Mist

Instantly flawless complexion in a bottle.

Benefits:

  • Alcohol-free. How many other toners can say that?
  • Natural filter effect makes pores disappear
  • With pristine rose water for a light, long-term exfoliation
  • Boosts moisture with vital nourishment from aronia berries – a miracle fruit with one of the highest antioxidant contents every recorded
  • Visibly reduces the look of fine lines
  • Spritz in the morning or throughout the day for instant refreshment and ultra-minimized pores

Best for:

All skin types

Watermelonaid – Silky Gelee Serum

Delivers the most transformative results yet with watermelon extract, full spectrum hemp oil, and top performing all natural active ingredients.

Benefits:

  • Contains hyaluronic acid to visually fill fine lines and wrinkles after the FIRST use
  • Incredible smoothing effect
  • 170mg of calming, complexion perfecting CBD
  • Fixes skins uneven texture and uneven tone

Best for:

All skin types. Especially aging skin or for someone looking to prevent aging skin.

Each of these products can be used together! I hope you trust my reviews and try these out for yourself!

Once you get your order, check the bottom of your product bottle for a batch number. Type the number into the Farmhouse Fresh website, and it’ll let you know which animals you helped save with your purchase.

Stay glowing, lovely!

Categories
love: weddings

10 Questions to Ask Venues Before Committing

You’re starting to dig into your wedding planning adventure. Selecting a wedding venue can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be! This part of the planning process can be such a fun experience for you and your fiancé. Just like a book… don’t judge a venue by its cover – good or bad.

You’ve found a venue that you really like, maybe you’ve found 3! How do you pick the venue that will be best for your wedding? Below are some key questions that are so important for you to ask your venue before committing and signing the contract.



Consider printing these questions to bring with you when you check out a venue!

  1. Is my preferred date/time available?
    You might have a specific day and time already set in your head for your wedding day, or maybe you’re lenient and okay with different dates as long as it’s during a specific season. Either way, talking to possible venues about this is obviously important. Some venues (especially since Covid) regularly book out weddings 1-3 years in advance! Don’t let yourself fall in love with a venue only to find out that you’d have to prolong your engagement longer than you were wanting to.

  2. What is the guest capacity?
    This question speaks for itself. Some venues can accommodate 300+ guests, while other venues only have the space for 50-75 guests. Be sure to sit down with your fiancé and consider your guest list before deciding on a venue… Trust me, friends, cousins, and co-workers can really bulk up the guest list if you’re not being careful and specific enough.

  3. How late can my wedding go?
    Some couples might not be all about the dancing and celebrating late into the night, but some want to party ’til the sun comes up! Most venues will set a curfew between 10pm and 1am. Find out if this also includes clean up time.

  4. Do you provide a day-of-coordinator?
    Before I got married, I barely knew what a day-of-coordinator was. My venue included a woman named Dorothy as my day-of-coordinator and ooooh my goodness she was fantastic! I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her. Not only was she there to assist during the rehearsal and to help with anything I needed on my wedding day, but she even helped me through the entire planning process. We had multiple meetings before my big day to go over set up, layout, food, tablecloth colors, etc. It’s a huge plus if your venue provides a day-of-coordinator!

  5. Is there a backup plan in case of inclement weather?
    Here is another one that is personal to me and SUPER important. Part of the reason why I chose my venue was because of the stunning view in the ceremony space – up on a mountain. Of course, there’s always the (sad) possibility that it will rain, storm, or in my case… multiple severe thunderstorms, during your ceremony. It’s important that if you are planning an outdoor ceremony or reception space that you have a backup in case of bad weather. Make sure you check out the backup plan too, just to make sure you would be fine with the space if need be!
    (My planned ceremony space vs. My indoor backup ceremony space.)


  6. Do you have a preferred vendor list and are we limited to that list?
    Some venues allow you to bring in any food or beverages for your wedding; while other venues require you to stick with either their catering and beverage service or from a company on their preferred vendor list. Though it’s not as common, sometimes vendors such as the DJ and florist are even on a preferred vendor list. This is a good question to ask just to confirm the vendors you are planning on using are allowed at the venue

  7. Do we have access to a bridal suite and groom’s suite on the day of?
    Though not all brides and grooms think it’s necessary, a bridal suite and a groom’s suite are both very helpful! If you are getting hair and/or makeup done on-site, the services are usually done in the bridal suite. These rooms also aid as a place from the bride and groom to stay hidden and away from each other until the ceremony or the first look. Plus, imagine how fun it would be to enjoy mimosas with your girls to calm your nerves before walking down the aisle!

  8. Can we set up the day before?
    If at all possible, setting up all your decorations and signage a day or two before the big day is so incredibly helpful. It can take some time to get everything arranged just how you want it and you already are busy enough on the morning of your wedding. As long as there isn’t another wedding in the same location or room the night before, you can usually set up in advance!

  9. What is all included in the price?
    Many venues will supply items such as chairs, tables, linens, dinnerware, etc. You can save a lot on rentals if your venue offers these types of items at no extra cost!

  10. What is your cancellation/reschedule policy?
    This question might also sound like a no-brainer; it’s very important. God forbid something happens where you have to either postpone or cancel your wedding (especially now with Covid), you want to make sure you are covered and that you aren’t out all of the money that you spent on your venue.