Top 3 tips for surviving/enjoying your wedding

So…I got married.

It was amazing, absolutely perfect (didn’t rain, thank goodness) and so much fun. Having endured 18 months of wedding planning and the subsequent big day, I now feel somewhat qualified to offer up this advice.

Top 3 tips for surviving enjoying your wedding

1. Don’t go on your honeymoon straight away.
I swear I had just as much fun in the two weeks after the wedding as I did on the actual day (almost). We spent it catching up with friends and family, sharing photos, talking about what happened, laughing over special moments and generally reliving the day. If you have family coming from overseas or interstate, you probably won’t get to see them much before the day, and if you do you will probably be too preoccupied to enjoy it. Make a date to see them afterwards and actually get to enjoy their company.

2. Get a wedding coordinator
Having someone manage my big day for me meant I could actually enjoy it without stressing. My amazing wedding coordinator Nikki set up the venue, liaised with the florist/DJ/MC/photographer/food service, made sure everyone was where they were supposed to be, packed up at the end of the night, and was generally the go-to girl. People kept asking me things like ‘where is the film for the polaroid camera’ ‘how do I organise a taxi’ ‘where do I get a drink from’ and I was like ‘see Nikki’ ‘see Nikki’ ‘see Nikki’. It took a huge layer of stress off and I got to be the guest of honour instead of the host.

3. Thongs
I don’t care how seasoned you are at wearing heels, I guarantee that by 9pm you won’t be able to stand anymore. I took my shoes off and switched to Havaianas, and was able to dance the night away with a huge smile on my face. I got lots of jealous looks from all my friends who had to suffer in their stilettos (until they just took them off – well played, girls).

Thank you to everyone who sent tweets of congratulations over the last few weeks. It really has been the most marvelous time and I have loved it all. But most importantly, I’m now married to my best friend. And we’re going to New York for 3 weeks to celebrate!

Top image courtesy of our amazing photographer Vincent Lai, flowers from Judy at Juds Buds

Here comes the bride – wedding prep part 4765

Oh look! A post! Seriously, I explain my extended absence in the video, but I’ll give you a hint…it starts with W, ends with edding, and is happening in 2 weeks.

The deets:

Shoes are Christian Dior Cannage Quilted Peep Toe Pumps – I paid $660US at Neiman Marcus Ala Moana

Earrings are Samantha Wills Amour Noir from the Samantha Wills Bridal Collection – I paid $99 + $9 shipping from Eve Boutique

Last minute inspiration: Lindt Christmas Chocolate Teddy Bear

Can we talk for a sec? We can?! Marvelous. I know how stressful the week before Christmas is. The boss is chasing you to wrap up those last minute projects even though you have mentally checked out already, the shops are a nightmare, the house is covered in glitter, the post office lost your etsy order, and you could really do with an extra nights sleep. You’re also living in a constant cycle of sugar high-sugar crash, lather rinse repeat, from the endless supply of festive sweets. Sadly, this post won’t help with that last problem.

If you’re like me and you hang out for Easter because it means Turkish Delight eggs and Lindt bunnies, then you’re gonna love this. I can’t help with the Turkish Delight eggs, but Lindt are doing a Christmas Teddy Bearthis year and it’s just like the bunny but cuter. He’s a handsome gold bear with a red bow and a red heart tied around his neck – so dashing (and delicious). In added-bonus news, I spotted him on sale in Target on the weekend for $5 (normally $5.49). That’s not many gold coins for 100g of beautiful, creamy Lindt milk chocolate. Grab one to go in every stocking next weekend. I did. Everyone gets a bear! You get a bear! And you get a bear! And you get a beaaaar!

If you want a bit of a variety with your chocolate bears (it is the spice of life, after all) Lindt have also produced a mini set of 5 baby bears, a little block of mini bars that have interchangeable heads and bottoms to keep you amused while you eat (they kinda remind me of those old Cadbury Furry Friends, but way better) and then a set of baby bears that are like kinder chocolate – milk on the outside and filled with creamy white goodness.

Launchpad Youth beauty workshops (and how to get leopard print hair)

I know I have been majorly slack with blogging lately (wedding – tick, lots of work – tick, Christmas – tick) but I had to jump on to tell you about the amazing, wonderful, inspiring workshop I did at Launchpad Youth.

Launchpad Youth provides housing and support to disadvantaged teens and young adults – kids who have ended up on hard times, on the street, in domestic violence situations, pregnant…each has their own story to tell. I wanted to get involved with these kids, so some of the amazing beauty brands I work with loaded me up with beauty products and I conducted a two hour workshop with a group of the most gorgeous and loving girls I have ever met. We talked, we laughed, we shared advice, and we connected over a shared love of beauty products. I espoused some of the wisdom I have collected along the way, and the girls bombarded me with questions as we discussed the pros and cons of bold lips, how to use setting powder, the perfect top knot, and why water plus eyeshadow equals excellent liquid liner.

One of the girls even taught me a new hair trick, and this was one I have definitely never encountered before – ‘how to get leopard print hair’. She explained that to get a leopard print effect in her hair when it was shaved short on the sides, she cut cheetos in half, dipped them in dye, and pressed them against her hair in the desired pattern. Genius, right? Such a clever little cupcake.

I discovered a new use for Cheetos

I can’t thank Launchpad enough for having me, and I can’t wait to do it again. I have to give a massive shout out to the brands and PR agencies who helped make it possible – True Solutions, Saunders & Co, Sweaty Betty, PR Chicks and OPI nail polish. Also, to the blogging community who supported me – Cosmetic Cupcake, Plastic Diaries, SASSYBELLA.com, Ms Critique, Hard Pretty Things - you girls continue to inspire me.

Finally, cheers for a great evening girls! Jamie, I can’t wait to see you master the smoky eye.