Wedding Wednesday: Kaity's Bridal Glow in Cabo

Belles as Brides

"Remember why you are getting married. At the end of the day, you have your spouse. The time will pass and people will never remember the small details BUT they will remember the love they saw that day!"

 #HowHeAsked

Blake had one mission.... make it be a surprise! If you know me, then you know I can crack any surprise just by looking at someone. I was sick, so you could say I was a little off my game. We had planned on going to visit my family in Bend, Oregon for Easter. It was a cold rainy Easter Sunday, and we had just finished our Easter egg hunts and brunch at Brasada Ranch. With a beautiful view on a hill, he asked to take a picture with me. As I turned around he was down on one knee, rosy nose and all. I cried, he laughed and not many words other than "YES" were said after that! We gathered with our family who were ALL in on it the whole time!

What was your wedding style? The dress, the glam, the location?

Cabo San Lucas ba-by!!! We wanted a simple, easy and p-a-r-t-y! We couldn’t imagine our day any other way, but to be intimate and small with about 55 of our closest loved ones. My dress was very beachy and Spanish influenced, from BHLDN. The location was anything short of a dream. The perfect sand, ocean and a sky almost as good looking as my Husband!

What inspired you when you were planning your big day?

Truthfully, I started on Pinterest like any Bride does dreaming of her wedding. But after many disappointing "sticker shock" moments I decided to just use my hopeless romantic brain and dream about the perfect wedding for US! Plus, the colors rose gold/copper had a lot to do with it.

What was it like to be a Vanity Belle stylist as a bride?

I LOVE seeing and hearing how creative Brides are! It is so great to bounce off ideas with other women and see their dream and vision come to life. I also love sharing little tips that I learned prepping for the big day!

What was your favorite (or most surreal) moment of the day?

I had so many amazing moments on our wedding day! But, my most favorite one of all was one that I didn’t even expect.  While everyone was eating, we also took a moment to eat, or should I say shovel in our food (Brides, am I right?) I remember looking over at Blake, who was now my Husband (what!!!) and looking out at our Guests. Each person, all from different families, parts of our lives, and even friends who had never even met. However, in that moment, together, everyone was getting along and shared love for each-other. They had one thing in common, us! This moment was everything. We both took it in, feeling extremely loved and blessed. All of our favorite people in one place, all for us!

Did you cry?

Oh my goodness, did I ever stop? But can we talk about him! Ha-ha-ha P.S shout out to my girl Natalie, that full face of make up was A WARRIOR through those tears!

What song did you have for your first dance?

"Better Today" by Coffey Anderson

Where did you honeymoon?

We continued our destination wedding in Cabo for another week after our wedding! #Familymoon!

What advice do you have for other brides?

Remember why you are getting married. At the end of the day, you have your spouse. The time will pass and people will never remember the small details BUT they will remember the love they saw that day!

How did being a bride impact your job as a bridal stylist? 

I am more compassionate and understanding! I now understand all the decisions that have to be made that can add to tons of stress. I am a great ear for listening and professional problem solver!

Wedding Photography : Jim Kennedy Photography | Venue, Caterer & Hotel: Hacienda Cocina y Cantina | Wedding Planner: Momentos Los Cabos | Brides Attire Designer : BHLDN | 

Our beautiful blue eyed Belle Bride!

Congratulations Kaity & Blake! 

Wedding Wednesday: Unveil Your Inner Sexy Side

Nothing is more sexy than confidence! If scheduling a Boudoir photo session has been on your mind, then stop thinking about it.  Life is to short, do the photo-shoot! Whether you are a Bride-to-be or not, do it for yourself. Because sometimes the best moments in your life are the ones you can't tell anyone about. Show them instead, and let their imagination tell the story.  

When you are ready to unveil your inner sexy, make sure to start by booking your dream team. Glam Team + Photographer = Sexy Success. Even the best hair and makeup professionals need help to pull off the perfect boudoir, and that's why we use Chloe, boudoir camera master. The proof is in the pictures and we hope you enjoy!

This time, one of our very own OC Belle's, Joanna, got behind the camera. She's getting married this month, and is surprising her hub-to-be (shhh!!!) with the BEST gift EVER. Naturally, being a hair stylist, she had the luxury of being able to style her own hair and with the help of our fabulous makeup artist, Diane, she was camera ready! 

“Loving yourself isn’t Vanity it is Sanity. -Andre Gide”

"I was nervous at first, but Chloe made me feel very, very comfortable. It was an amazing experience and I just kept thinking my fiance is going to LOVE this!"  -Joanna

It's important to have fun, be playful and relax during your photo session. The more natural and calm you feel, the easier it will be to let your sexy side reveal itself.  So let your hair down, roll around and even laugh a little. 

Bring lots of outfits to create variety with your images. When preparing for your photo shoot, make sure to spend time trying on and testing outfits, says HUFFPOST in their article '10 Tips To Prepare You For Your Boudoir Session.'

Not only is it important to find outfits that make you feel sexy, but that your style also compliments your beautiful features. We love how this blue lace bra makes her blue eyes POP! 

Because sometimes noting looks sexier than a woman wearing only a mens dress shirt.... I'd say Joanna's inner sexy has officially been unveiled!

Photographer : Chloe Atnip Photography | 

Traveling Hair and Makeup Artists

The Belles have been on the move lately! From Michigan, Dallas and San Francisco to Mexico, twice! We love bringing the beautification to other parts of the world, getting to explore new places and celebrate with new brides!  

Most recently, we got to travel to Michigan. How gorgeous is our Michigan bride?

She's just as fun as she is beautiful. Her makeup artist, Natalie got to have a little down time celebrating with her on her trip! 

Right before that was CABO! This one was extra special because we were celebrating, one of our very own Belles, Kaity, and she couldn't get ready for her special day with out the VB squad! 

But, when you are hairstylist AND a bride, you are likely to end up working that day anyway. Look at Kaity in her element.

We had such an amazing time celebrating with Kaity and eating up all the Mexico views! #wefancy

Cabo holds a special place in the hearts of our owners, Victoria and Jonathan, as they got married there 8 years ago in July. They had a little time to reminisce as husband and wife on their trip also. 

That dress tho!

Kaity had the perfect setting for a wedding, and we were honored to be a part of her special day. 

Speaking of Mexico, we got the pleasure of bringing the glam across the border down to Ensenada to doll up a super fun bridal party. They put us up in the most amazing villa that over looked the water. Naturally, a good view in Mexico, calls for a cold beer too. You must check out this place, it's called Las Gaviotas. We will definitely be going back!

We even had a private beach to soak up some rays before the big day! 

Beautiful view, beautiful beach and the most beautiful lighting for the perfect selfie! Score!

Our bride Laurie, was beyond stunning, and so was her bridal party. 

One of our favorites, was a trip to the Golden State, San Francisco. The perfect place to tell a love story. Naturally, we acted like tourists to get a few photos while exploring the city. Looking good Diane and Kaity! 

And, last but not least, where everything is BIGGER - the Big D - Dallas, Texas! Yee-Haw! 

Yes, we must get our photo opps! BUT, the most important one is the bride. ARE YOU READY?

Belles as Brides: Sam's Everlasting Elope

Every wedding story is unique and wonderful. And while your story will always be your favorite, who doesn't love to hear another brides experiences. From the proposal, to all the planning & prepping, and even the emotional moments. We thought it would be fun to have our Belle Brides share their love stories with all of you! 

Everlasting Elope
    ~Sam Alcudia, Vanity Belle Hair & Makeup Artist

#HowHeAsked  
My husband and I had been best friends for several years. He came home from serving in Korea and took me out on our first "official" date. He surprised me by taking me to the house he lived in when we were younger, the house we had our first kiss in so long ago. He changed into his uniform and asked me to be his girlfriend then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. First date - going steady - and engaged to be married. Not a bad night!  Haha 

What was your wedding style? The dress, the glam, the location?
Our wedding didn't have a theme really since we eloped. I did my own hair and makeup and we got hitched in Vegas! My dress was simple. It was one shoulder and fitted empire waist made of lace. It went straight to the floor and had a slit on the side. I didn't want anything too crazy since it was such a small wedding. 

What inspired you when you were planning your big day?
Saving money. I honestly just wanted to not worry about details and have fun!

What was it like to be a Vanity Belle stylist as a bride?
I think it's made me truly understand how stressful weddings can be on their side of it. It made me want to focus more on my future with my husband than little details.

What was your favorite (or most surreal) moment of the day?
I would say my most surreal moment was on the way to the chapel. My mother in law didn't allow us to ride together so the anxiety I had was really intense! He's my safety blanket haha. I think the anticipation to see him was what was most surreal. It's like how it is in the movies when people say they're getting "cold feet" - well, mine get frozen lol. 

Did you cry?
I thought I would but I think the attention made me more nervous than anything! So I  didn't cry haha

What song did you have for your first dance?
We didn't have a first dance because we didn't have a reception.

Where did you honeymoon?
We held off on a honeymoon and I took time off to be with him for a couple of weeks. Our first home will be our honeymoon  we definitely plan to travel together more in the future!

What advise do you have for other brides?
I always say that the goal is to be married and to start your lives together. Don't lose sight of how important that is! And don't forget to be present and take the day in. It goes by so fast, make sure you make time to look into your partners eyes, hold hands, eat your cake and just be together with all your loved ones! 

How did being a bride impact your job as a bridal stylist? 
I'd say I'm careful not to tell my brides that I eloped. Sometimes they express how stressed out they are planning their wedding and I don't want to give them any ideas to forget everything & elope! Lol and I certainly don't want them to feel badly that my experience was less costly and less stressful. So I try and keep my experience to myself. 

Meet Dannielle - La Jolla Boutique Manager

Boutique Manager – La Jolla
Bridal Hair Stylist & Color Specialist
Instagram #vanitybelledannielle

I love vintage, timeless and a little funk to stir things up.

Why I love being a Bridal Artist: Being able to be creative and using that ability to help bring out the beauty in others, whether it’s some classic curls or neatly manicured updo and everything in between. I love giving and nurturing and working with my clients gives me the ability to do all of that and at the end of it all seeing their faces light up when they get to see their complete look…that is what I LOVE!

Best Tip For Improving One’s Style: Be you, if it feels good and right go with it! Be bold experiment and try new things…you are never too old to try something new. Also maintain your ends…best way to grow long luscious locks ESPECIALLY if you love those hot tools!

Something That Makes Me Smile: My family, the outdoors, flowers, yoga, baking, Frozen yogurt (although I am not supposed to have dairy) fruits and veggies, anything creative really, singing loudly in the car…and lastly Washington State…it’s my home state and nothing beats its vibrant beauty.