The Day We Wed, Part One

At the end of May this year, I married my love, Dan. It was the perfect day we had dreamt of for so, so long. Here begins the story of our day...

After a full day of preparation, bridesmaid Becka, my Mom and I stayed in the most beautiful little cottage on the Calke estate for a night of watching tv, eating pizza and drinking bubbly in anticipation for the big day ahead of us. Becka and I, who shared a bed, stayed up in to the wee hours, gossiping and trying desparately to sleep. Of course we were up at the crack of dawn (literally) watching the sun come up through the tiny window in our room. 

The morning of the wedding was so relaxed. We made preparations for getting ready, sat down to an enormous continental breakfast and ended up watching Rosemary and Thyme whilst waiting for Anna and Zeke (our amazing photographer) to arrive. Then it was operation bride!

After all the important people arrived, we got down to the business of hair and make up. I decided to do everything myself and I am so pleased with the outcome. Becka and I did a fantastic job with my vintage style up do which was the perfect solution for my all day hairstyle. It gave the 1920's feel that Dan and I had been dreaming of for all of the years we have been together.

Then I slipped on my wedding gown. I chose my gown after seeing it on Pinterest a very long time ago. When we decided that we were actually going to get married, I hunted it down, had it ordered to our local Phase Eight boutique and we bought it then and there. Due to my size, we did have to make a few alterations  and we ended up adding 50 hand sewn buttons to the back and also some pearls to the waistline. I am still so in love with the Mariette gown, it was the perfect dress.

Then it was time for a few bridal shots before rushing down to Calke!

All images copywrite Ezekiel Taylor Photography

To follow; Part Two - The Ceremony



With thanks to;

Honeysuckle and Castle - Wedding Planning Services
Ezekiel Taylor Photography - Wedding Photographer for the East Midlands
Phase Eight Bridal
The National Trust

Essentials

 

A big clear out of my make up bag, stripping it down to the bare bones for every day.

Bare Minerals Original, Fair

I was seriously sceptical about this product but it is seriously amazing. I have noticed a marked improvement in the quality of my skin in the two weeks of using this mineral powder which was more than I ever expected. I love how easy it is to achieve a natural coverage.

Bare Minerals Concealer, Bisque

The little magic pot. I was blown away by this concealer, never before have blemishes been covered so successfully without even a hint of caking. I had no intention of buying a concealer when I visited the counter but as soon as it was applied, I knew it was coming home with me.

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil

After watching a lot of bridal make up tutorials, I learned that a finishing powder was a must, so I bought one of these not long after Christmas and have been using it to set my make up. Of course, I find it works much better with the rest of the Bare Minerals range but it sure does its job, and gives a gentle glow to boot.

Urban Decay Naked Basics

I love this palate, you can create so many different looks and the quality is just fantastic.

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint, Pink and Plenty

I have always loved eye shadow sticks. Just a quick smudge and off you go, simple and effective when you don't have ages to apply make up!

Clinique Airbrush Concealer

A totally reliable concealer which I now use as a back up for really dark/red blemishes.

The Body Shop Define and Lengthen Mascara

An old faithful and something I can't live without!

Loving...

This week I am loving...

Cowshed Cowlick Shampoo and Saucy Cow Conditioner
Every time I go up north I notice how the hard water here in the Midlands makes my hair feel like straw. After our trip to Maiyango, I fell in love with the Cowshed range, especially their haircare. It makes my hair smell amazing (even late into the night!) and my hair is perfectly soft without going lank by the evening.

Fat Face Pyjamas
I was long overdue a pair of pyjamas at Christmas time. When I sadly didn't receive any as a gift, I knew I had to have the pair that I had eyed up in the Trafford Centre before Christmas. Nice and snug new PJ's. I love them!

Bare Minerals Prime Time
What a stunning little product. So light, this primer glides on. I was a little surprised at how orange it was as it came out of the bottle but it smoothes the skin beautifully. A perfect base to any makeup for that flawless finish.

Lush Cupcake Face Mask
Ooh, a pot of chocolate but not for your tum, what a tease! This smells so yummy and is very relaxing. It leaves your skin nice and clear, perfect for a girlie night in.

Clinique Repairwear Uplifting
A little miracle cream. Really hydrating and great for dry patches, puffy eyes and dark circles. And the tub lasts for ages and ages! A definite staple in my overnight bag.

For Hannah - My Daily Regime

Hannah over at tea.three.sugars posted about what is inside her makeup bag, and in her nosiness, encouraged me to join in even though mine is really not very exciting, but I am sure there are others just as nosy.

So here we go!
I start off with my lovely Liz Earle cleanse and polish, toner, soothing eye lotion and skin repair light moisturiser (for my combination skin). This is an every morning without fail routine that I have stuck to since last December and now would not be without. Highly recommended!

After a good wash goes on my make up. As you can see, my make up bag is rather spare. I don't wear make up every day, sometimes I wear just a little and on others I make a proper effort (well to my standards anyway).

1. Body Shop Vitamin E Illuminating Cream - I tend to dab a small amount on my cheeks to give me a little bit of an alive look most mornings.
2. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions - As some of you will know from my previous post, I tend to get a lot of spots (hormonal) and I have found this foundation is wonderful. It is really gentle on the skin and luckily it is pale enough (just about) for my whiter than white skin.
3. Liz Earle Spot On - I wouldn't be without this spot stick, it is marvelous. At the first sign of one coming I dab this on (repeatedly if I remember) and it really reduces the spot down and makes it less of a scary mess.
4. Natural Collection Concealer - this has been a staple in my makeup bag since I first started wearing make up. It is just a basic concealer but it is pale enough for my skin so it fits the bill.
5. Ecotools makeup brush - I prefer using a brush so naturally it is an eco friendly one.
6. Body Shop Illuminating Concealer - This has been a godsend since all the sleepless nights. It does a pretty good job of hiding the bags under my eyes!
7. Virgin Vie Time Proof Eye Creme - This was a gift at Christmas and it is an eye shadow that fits all occasions and is simple, quick and easy.
8. Body Shop Lengthening Mascara - Does what it says on the tin!

 And last but not least, my modest (and random) selection of nail colours. I always seem to have my nails painted these days, and the Topshop one on the left (Barefoot) is my absolute favourite, closely followed by the grey one!

Well there is my very modest, very boring beauty regime, I hope it has fulfilled your nosy for the day!