So you’ve booked and made an investment in your wedding day photography. You’re spending a pretty penny on those forever memories, so you want to look your very best in your pictures. Here are top tips from the pros that we work with on how to look your absolute best for your Destination Wedding.
Wedding Hairstylist Gail Riggs – Romancing the Magic
Gail Riggs specializes in Bridal and Event Hair and updos. She can be found at the Hideaway Spa on St Croix or will come out to your location for your special day!
Wedding Day Tips:
When I talk to Brides to get a feel for their needs, it’s all about what is going to make them look and feel their best on their special day. Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook are great resources for finding style inspiration. I also love Etsy for hair accessories.
- Clip-on Hair Extensions
. Some of my favorite hair accessories are hair extensions. They have become more accessible, and can be used to create volume, length and even help to keep your style in longer.
- Most hair stylists will ask you to wash your hair the day before. NOT the day of, because it can make the hair too soft and fuzzy, or just limp. However, If having clean hair on your wedding day is really important to you, we can work around it. Since it takes time to create an updo, it is recommended that you have dry hair when the stylist arrives so that you won’t be running late.
- Cut and Color. Never wait to the last minute to do either one of these. If you get too much cut off or a color or highlight that are just not right, you might not have enough time to correct this. For haircuts, 4-5 weeks before your wedding is a good time-frame. And for colors or highlights, I recommend no less than two weeks before. A color or highlight in two weeks will not show much of an outgrowth. Three weeks is kind of pushing your luck.
- Communication with your stylist before your special day can put your mind at ease and keep you on schedule. My advice to a bride on their day has always been to make sure to eat and drink plenty of water throughout the day. I have seen many brides simply forget to eat. And that can make for a long, miserable day.
Remember to enjoy the day, everything always comes together. And when everything is said and done, you are married to a wonderful person that you love. And that is what everyone really sees. I love weddings because it’s such a magical time filled with love and excitement.
Makeup Artist Merlisa George – Merge Makeup Artistry
Merlisa George specializes in making the ladies look stunning. She provides makeup artistry for pageants and weddings and specializes in onsite services on St Croix.
Wedding Day Tips:
Every bride wants to be flawless on the day of her wedding, so start early! Blemishes can be a result of birth control, that time of the month and your eating habits. Prevent blemishes and breakouts with a great cleaning regimen for your face. Eat clean and healthy, avoiding a lot of junk foods and excess sugar. Don’t change your face care products or schedule fancy chemicals facials less than 2 weeks before your wedding day (especially ones that you have never tried before).
Favorite Product:
I love doing wedding makeup! I love it even more because getting to do it in tropical weather is an added bonus. My go-to product is Bronzer. I love it! You can use it all over your face to add color, detail, define and highlight. You can even use it as a blush, eyeshadow or shimmer in gloss. There are thousands of bronzers — so depending on your skin tone choose one that is best for you. Remember bronzers are not only metallic – many have pink, peach and chocolate undertones that blend well.
Destination Wedding Planner Cindy Clearwater
Cindy has been planning weddings on St Croix since 2002 with her Destination Wedding Planning business SunCelebrations. Now, she’s bringing her expertise to you!
Wedding Day Tips:
Schedule plenty of time for your hair & makeup appointments. Start by planning for the time you need to be done with hair & makeup and add on a half-hour to 45 minutes to give you plenty of breathing room. Then estimate the time it will take for each of your services (consult with your stylist and makeup artist) and calculate your start time. And don’t forget to add in any other ladies. The bride should be the last for hair & makeup so that she is the freshest face. With Destination Weddings here in the US Virgin Islands, be sure that you are getting ready in an air-conditioned room with plenty of air-flow so that you don’t sweat through your makeup while you’re waiting. Wear a button down shirt or a tank top with a wide opening that you can easily take off OVER your head after you are finished with your hair. And remember to EAT! Plan ahead by ordering sandwiches or a big fruit tray for you and your girls to gnosh on while you’re getting ready … and don’t forget the champagne! (and water, plenty of water)
Favorite Product:
I’m not going to lie, since I found Moodstruck 3D lashes by Younique I have been OB-SESSED. This amazing mascara is made from green tea leaves and is gentle enough for my super sensitive eyes when I’m wearing contacts. It washes off easily with makeup remover, but most of all it makes your eyes POP!! And this is so important in your wedding day images. Great lashes can make your eyes look younger and fresher… check out the dramatic difference in my own pictures below! The 3D fibers can be applied over your regular mascara for extra drama and take only minutes to apply. At $29 you can buy them in advance and use it daily when you’re going out … you can even buy it for each of your bridesmaids.
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Images on this page courtesy Lindsay Kammerzelt | Kelly Greer
The pineapple has long been a symbol hospitality. Sea Captains in New England would bring them home after sailing to the Caribbean and set them out on their gateposts to signal that they were home safe and ready to share gifts of tropical fruit and rum along with their sea-faring tales.