- For the nails: I, personally, don’t love how acrylic nails leave my actual nails looking: weak, broken and bumpy.  Broadway Nails are an excellent option! They are sold at Target, Walgreens, and any other local convenience store. These nails are able to be applied in less than 5 minutes.  They come with a nail glue that you apply only a dot on your own nail along with the fake nail, press down for 10 seconds and you are ready to go! They stay on anywhere from 4-7 days too.

They look just as great as going to a salon!

For your smile: Wearing a beautiful, all white gown can draw attention to your pearly whites…or lack there of. Crest Whitestrips are the best investment I’ve ever made for my teeth.  In pictures, having a dazzling white smile just adds that extra sparkle. You only need a half-hour a day for a week (varies depending on teeth sensitivity.) I sometimes wear them when I’m driving, or even working out!

For your eyes: One of my favorite little extras that really glam up anyones look is fake eyelashes. No, you do not need to wear 5 inch long lashes or lashes so thick it looks like a caterpillar decided to stop and rest on your eyelid. But having a little extra length or thickness can help anybody! You can pick up a pair of ModLash fake eyelashes at Target, Walmart, or CVS. Make sure it comes with eyelash glue. The trick: use liquid eyeliner on your upper lid so its less apparent of where the lash is glued on.

The best number for a more subtle, girly lash: Modlash 53. Want something a little longer and more glam? I love the 105’s for a more intense look!

Pin curls provide that instantly classic and timeless look you’ve been searching for.

Just how are these beautiful curls created? I have to admit I was clueless what to do with the pins once I got them. Thankfully, the Internet has several helpful resources. Check out this website Hair Boutique for a step-by-step guide detailing how to create the perfect pin curls.

Pin curls have many advantages. One especially great benefit is that they are so versatile. Depending on your hair type and length, pin curls will look unique on every head. Pin curls will also save your hair from heat damage and chemicals, not to mention the fact that you can easily put in your pin cools before bed and sleep without getting a nasty crook in your neck.

Try out the pin curl look…maybe even tonight…and be amazed by the amount of compliments you’ll receive tomorrow.

If there’s one thing I love more than cake, it’s cupcakes! All of the same flavor concentrated into one, finger-sized portion…and cute, cute, cute.

For a fun spring or summer wedding reception, think about cupcakes! This cool couple took cupcakes one step further and decided to let their guests get in on half the fun of cupcakes – decorating!

Here’s another example for a cute set-up:

Check out Sweat Pea Bakery – the maker of these brilliant cupcakes – for other pastry ideas!

Couple the embroidery with the silver and gray tones and you get nothing but elegance.

A wedding-day example:

Take a tip from the stars for your fashion-forward wedding!

Initially, I don’t think of myself as a “ruffle” girl, but the more examples I see of how to wear them, the more I love them!

For weddings, ruffles can be as prevalent or as minimal as you please. The bridesmaids could be wearing a beautiful dress with ruffles on the straps. Or, for a bolder look, the bride could have cascading ruffles all down her skirt.  Having ruffles is a great way to add a feminine and romantic touch.

beautiful dress with ruffle straps

The ruffles can be simple and give a whimsical feel to the dress (see above) or it can take the main stage, like Charlize Theron’s dress pictured here:

Full dress of ruffles not your thing?  Add some flair to your tootsies!

Whatever your style preference, ruffles  add some ultra-feminine-romantic pizazz.

One great thing about the weather getting warmer (especially for us Minnesotans) is that outside weddings and wedding receptions are back!

When I saw this beautiful Santa Barbara wedding, I was amazed at how well they used lanterns to create a fun atmosphere at their outside reception. They’ve got color, light, ambiance…what more could you ask for?

Check out Chelsea Elizabeth’s website for more pictures from this beautiful wedding.

But why flowers?

Weddings and floral bouquets are actually not as timeless as you may expect. The first floral bouquets began showing up during the Victorian era. Prior to that time period, brides carried herbs like dill to – get this! – increase sexual desire.

Here’s a photo of an early, Victorian-era bouquet:

Floral bouquets came to be seen as a sign of fertility and life. These days they seem to be used more for tradition and beauty than for any greater symbolism.

But just because millions of brides have gotten hitched carrying floral bouquets doesn’t mean you have to! There are many fun alternatives to choose from. Here are a few ideas:

• THE FABULOUS FAN – Looks great and feels great, too! You can even use it as your “something blue”!



• THE CRAFTY BOUQUET – Shells, buttons, felt, origami – if you can make it, you can use it.

• THE FANTASTIC FEATHER BOUQUET – Like birds? Don’t have to! This is cute no matter what.



Don’t limit yourself in the search for a perfect bouquet. Choose one that matches your great personality!

Picking jewelry can be a nerve-racking experience–even more so when it comes to picking jewelry for your wedding day!

One great trend that I like this spring is the retro earring clips. We’re seeing less of the huge, dangling, 20-pound earrings and more throwbacks to earlier an older, elegant look. It’s also a great way to add a splash of color to your palette.

Check out these great antique looks:

Go scavenging at your local antique store to find looks like these for bargain prices.

How cute is this? These umbrellas are from Bella Umbrella, one of the best sources for umbrellas out there, and they certainly add a unique touch to the typical wedding photos!

Umbrellas can be used to decorate, to generate “awwws” as a flower girl carries one day the aisle, or to shield from the unfortunate drizzle.

Check out this beautiful Victorian-inspired umbrella from Umbrellas.net!

Besides looking great, there are many advantages to using umbrellas on your big day. Your bridesmaids will have a fun souvenir to take home and use again. Umbrellas can also be most cost-efficient than expensive bouquets (and they sure last a lot longer!). A small investment, but a huge impact.

Besides, what girl doesn’t like twirling around an umbrella and humming a little “Singing in the Rain”?

The weather has been so gorgeous lately! I was walking outside the other night and squealed in glee when I saw them: daffodils smiling in the evening light. One of my favorite things about spring is the daffodils – and mostly because I love yellow! If you are planning a springtime wedding, consider choosing a bit of yellow to add some character to your special day.

Check out the yellow flair of this fun couple:

Not only is the yellow adorable and unique, but the heels are versatile enough that this bride can rock them again and again!