Wedding Post - Venues & Car

Richard and I had a church wedding - Richard is not catholic so we had a mixed ceremony, meaning we couldn't do the communion but for the rest was pretty similar to a traditional catholic wedding.

I think everybody enjoyed it - the priest, which married us, is quite funny and It went quite fast so I think people didn't get bored. Also, he invited one of his friends (other priest), which spoke English, to 'co-host' so the ceremony was a mix of both languages and everybody could get involved.

outside of the church

me arriving with my dad, in the main square

 There are, actually, 2 churches in the main square of my hometown; we picked the smaller one because we're having a small wedding, but also because it's the same church my parents got married, 33 years ago.

The car... yeah, you may have spotted it: I knew, from the start, that I wanted a vintage Fiat 500, which is my favourite car of all time -I want one!!!
People kinda tried to change my mind or advised that it was too small... but other brides used it before and in the end, it worked very well!
On the way there, I was sitting in the front and after the ceremony, on the way to the restaurant, me and Richard could fit fine in the back and had a driver.

getting in the car, outside my parent's house

After the wedding, we moved to the restaurant which was only about 10 minutes from the church, in the countryside.
The restaurant is called Tenuta Canta and it's an old converted barn, refurbished in a rustic style.
They, also, have their own organic products and grow goats, chickens... plus, it's a mini B&B (only 6-7 rooms), ideal for some of our out-of-town guests.
It looks very pretty for photos, too. :)

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Inside:

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Next week... last post: bits &bobs :)
xxx

Wedding Post - Jewellery

This is the most requested post, wedding-wise :)

Necklace is a present from my parents and my sister - from a local jeweler.

Cuff is vintage inspired piece from Jo Barnes

Earrings are from Swarovski, actually. I saw them last autumn and kept an eye on them... I didn't find anything else which I liked more and I got them when they went on sale on Boxing Day. I thought they went well with the general theme. Model: Phoebe.

... and wedding rings, of course! 

 Richard decided to use his dad's wedding ring, which I thought was very touching.

I went for a simple band with semi round setting; I wanted something easy to wear everyday and to polish off and I like how it goes with my engagement ring.

We got both rings engraved with our names & wedding date.

Present from the groom: Tiffany & Co. 1837 Bar Pendant in Rubedo metal.

We got it whilst we were in Paris at Galeries Lafayette, few weeks before the wedding.

I wanted something from Tiffany to keep forever, but I don't like these hearts and padlocks charms that seems to be the only effordable things to buy... then in march, this collection came out.

It's 2012 limited edition to mark 175th anniversary and they introduced this rubedo metal which is rose gold and I love rose gold. I, also, love the contrast with the silver chain... sorry but didn't manage to take better pictures, it's so difficult to photograph jewellery... you better have a look on the website!

 I wore this in the morning whilst getting ready in the house.

Finally, Richard's mum also gave me her engagement ring. Isn't it beautiful? I was very touched and it fits perfectly.

I didn't wear it on the day as I already had enough going on but I totally love it and I already wore it few times since then... it's so me! ;)

Next week... Venues!

Wedding Post - Dress & Shoes

Here comes the expensive stuff ;P

My dress was a Manuel Mota for Pronovias: Sagrera.

I got to say, It was pretty easy to find - actually; I did looooads of research for about 8 months (time between engagement and when I started try dresses) and I did have a clear idea in mind of what I wanted.

I knew I didn't want a strapless sweetheart neckline (which seems to be so popular),  also I wanted LACE definitely (don't like the satin finish) and NO meringue, please!!! My dress was a bit bigger, actually - it had some tulle and underskirt which I have had removed.

From there, I tried about 9 dresses in total in 3 different shops - many pretty similar, actually so at least, I knew I was being consistent with what I liked. I did try some other styles but they just didn't suit my body shape.

Once I knew it was THE dress, I had another 6 months 'cooling period' where I still had time to change my mind... but I didn't!

The shop where I bought it has been amazing (FYI if you live around Turin - Samuela Spose)!

They followed me in every single step - and accommodated me perfectly with the various fittings, you know living in UK.

In the final 2 weeks before the wedding, they pretty much customize the dress on me like a glove: I had a lady which just dealt with 'underskirt adjustments', another one only worked with the lace, another for the accessories.... and they were all sooo nice - let me tell you, not something  to take as a given as I encountered some serious bitches, in other shops.

 

 

Because the dress was already 'busy', I went for a simple medium length veil.

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 Shoes are Rachel Simpson' Hettie. Theme was Sapphire & Coral so I went for blue shoes - white are so boring! Beautiful, suede shoes, very comfortable - I wore them all night without being in pain. Also, they have anti-slipping soles and they are not too high.

Unfortunately, I lost the diamante & pearl accent on my right shoes straight away... it was already missing when I came out of the church. :(

Also, I bought mine from lovemedobrides.com because they were a bit cheaper - but I can only recommend to avoid them like the plague!!! I ordered more than one size and then I returned 2 pairs and it took 2 MONTHS to get my refund - we are talking about some serious money here, I had to chase them over the phone, they kept making excuses and being very rude.

Hope you're still enjoying these wedding posts... my next post is about jewelley - my favourite part! :)

Wedding Post - Make up (part 2)

I did my Mum's Make Up.

She has beautiful skin and, apart from creams and potions, she never wear any make up; we did a couple of  trials beforehand and decided to go with something really natural.

I only applied the L'Oreal Studio Secrets Primer to smooth the skin but no foundation at all. Actually, I think I used some concealer under the eyes but I can't remember for sure, sorry.

Then I went with some Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal to highlight: this was the perfect shade for her skin colour and finished off the skin with a pop of Mac Sheertone Blush in BlushBaby.

On the eyes just a wash of colour of an eyeshadow my sister had: Maybelline Eye Studio Duo in 62 Mocha Mirage - this is a baked eyeshadow, really cream and easy to blend.

I thicker the eyelashes with Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner, followed by few coats of Dior DiorShow New Look mascara.

Finally on the lips, Paul & Joe Lower East Side Lipstick - perfect mix of neutral and pink.

I think, my mum was pleased with the end result an enjoyed a bit of pampering. :)

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My sister, instead, went for a bold statement lip! I love it!

Again on the skin, she only needed a bit of Garnier Roll-On Anti Dark Circles Concealer under the eyes and Clarins Instant Light Blush in Tonic Coral on the cheeks - this works both as blusher and highlighter.

Eyes were kept pretty simple too with Nee Make Up Deep Black Extension mascara and Clarins Eyeliner Pencil in Black.

Finally, lips were the centre of attention: Rose Petal Salve to hydrate and Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 38 La Fascinante.

pre-lipstick

 

You can check the Bride make up post, here :)
next up... Dress & Shoes

Wedding Post - Make Up (part 1)

Hi guys!

Many of you know that I got married recently and got many requests about the dress, make up... 

so, I've finally got around to write about my big day - I've scheduled few different post... 

We had a great time and loved every minute, I can't believe it was over a month ago already!!!

Hope you enjoy :)

Let's start with make-up (of course!!)

I got ready in my parents' room - I thought the furniture would suit best for the vintage feeling and taking the pictures.

I did my own make up (and my mum's); at first, I decided to do my make up because I didn't know any make up artists in Italy and to be completely honest I knew I just wouldn't trust somebody else's. I wanted to have control on the products used and the end result, of course.

I must admit that a few days before I started to get very nervous and having second thoughts: what if I was too nervous to cope with the pressure? It could have easily been a disaster... Well, it was too late to change my mind... and luckly, I was pretty calm on the morning and everything went smoothly. :)

Here is what I used:

I started using Clarins Flash Balm as a primer and the foundation I chose is Nars Sheer Glow in Deauville; I used the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply the foundation - definitely the best brush for foundation, in my opinion.

Concealers - under my eyes: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in 1 pink, followed by Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer in 07 Warm Light.
To perfecting the skin, I used Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3.

Eyes - started with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in original and then patted Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in 86 Ebloui on the eyelid with my fingers; this product is amazing! I've been using it for some time now and I really like the quality - want more colours (review to follow soon).
Then added a layer of Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour in Crystal Beige; this colour works well with the Chanel - also, the powder shadow helps to set the cream shadow.
Both are between brown and purple: brown is ideal for a classic look and the purple is perfect to bring out the green of my eyes.
Finally, i brought both under my eyes too.
I used YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Shocking just a thin line to thicken the lashline; I like how glossy this product looks and the felt tip is foolproof to use, even with shaky hands :P
I, also, added a bit of Revlon Grow Luscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso on the upper waterline and bottom outer corner.
I curled my lashes with Shu Uemura and first applied a coat of L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra-Black (to separate) and a second coat of Clinique High Impact (to volumize). Finally, I used the Clinique Bottom Lash wand for applying the L'oreal to the bottom lashes (the actual product of the Bottom Lash mascara is definitely NOT waterproof - be aware of that!).
In the end, I decided to leave the false eyelashes.

On the cheeks, I used Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl as highlighter - Nars Blush in Sex Appeal to sculpt under the cheekbone (I'm not a fan of bronzers).
Then, I applied a first layer of Benefit Posie Tint on the apple of my cheeks and a second layer of a powder blush - I chose Givenchy Sari Glow in 43 Maharani Pink... this product gives the most beautiful radiance to the skin and I don't use it enough!

Lips were, heavily, moisturised with Lanolips and then a touch of Lancome French Touch Lipstick in Sweet Marmalade, for some colour.

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These are the body products that I used in preparation towards the big day:

I brushed my skin everyday, before showers, with the Bliss FatGirl Slimulator to boost circulation.
Collistar Talasso scrub on alternating days and Collistar Intensive Anti-Cellulite Serum twice a day on problematic areas. Also, The Beauty Parlour gel on my chest twice a day.
St Tropez Firming Gradual Tan Lotion three times a week for the last month to get a bit of glow and maintain it - on chest and arms.
PRTTY PEAUSHUN in medium on the morning of the wedding - this is such an exciting product and I can't wait to speak about it extensively very soon!!! This deserves a post of his own!!!

Finally, essentials that I took with me to touch up, during the day:

Chanel Le Vernis in June - actually, this is the nail polish I decided to wear; I decided to go with something special for the occasion and, being the colours of the wedding Sapphire & Coral, this was just bang on theme. I only applied two very thin coats - I only wanted some colour.
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in medium to keep shine at bay.
Simple Eye Make-up Corrector Pen to touch up any smudges (although, I need to say I didn't have to use it: even with tears, both mascara and liner hold up well).
L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream - everybody knows your hands are at the centre of attention and this is a great hand softener plus smells divine.
Lanolips - of course!!!
Avene Thermal Water Spray to freshen up the make up (used it only once, Nars foundation really didn't need any help - it did a fantastic job!).

... and that's it - I think I mentioned all the products...

I'll follow with a post with my sister's &  mum's make up :)