Beauty bridal boot camp part 1: Engagement photos

As my 4^th wedding anniversary approaches later this month, I think back to that time and all of the excitement, anticipation and chaos with fondness.

I also remember how much time and research I put into planning my look for that day. And with so many things to plan, I forgot to carve out time for prepping and pampering—including my nails, which prompted an emergency mani a few hours before walking down the aisle!

To help all of the soon to be brides, I'm enlisting the help of local and national industry professionals and doing a three part beauty bridal boot camp to make sure you feel your most beautiful on your special day.

First up are engagement photos. Freelance photographer and beauty blogger, Christina Nicholson at MascaraMavenAndMore.com notes, "You always want to look like yourself, but a little better. No over the top hair or makeup, but a little more than usual because you want to see it in the picture."

Hair

Plan color and cut ahead of time: "Make sure to plan ahead. Have your hair cut, colored and styled at least one week prior to pictures. Don't overcomplicate it. Keep your hair neat and simple and stay true to yourself. Make sure whatever style you pick is comfortable and looks like you. If your hair usually gets frizzy and it's humid outside, put it up or wear it in a more controlled style. For men, have your hair cut a week prior to pictures. Don't try a new stylist or new style beforehand. Keep it simple and clean cut."

- Karri Wagner Colorist/Stylist, Suede Salon Spa and Body 

Be prepared for the elements: Most brides wear their hair down during engagement sessions, this is great, but remember, your hair will most likely have a natural or windblown look as we'll most likely be shooting outside.

- Rebecca Barger of Rebecca Barger Photography

Enlist the help of a professional: Make sure hair is blown out the same day as the photos. Clean hair does actually make for a perfect updo. But don't forget to make sure the hairline is also blown out perfect. This is a detail you will see in photos but not think of on the actual day.

- Michelle Frost, celebrity hairstylist George the Salon

Makeup

Makeup is a must, even if you normally don't wear any: Please consider wearing a reasonable amount of makeup. The camera tends to not show makeup. Foundation, lip color and eyebrow attention is particularly important. Lip-gloss rarely shows in photos, and I suggest a somewhat heavy pigmented lip color. It can be a natural color, should you prefer. Sheer shades will not show well. Don't forget your nails. Your hands will be in the photos and so will your ring!

- Rebecca Barger Rebecca Barger Photography

The "no makeup" look actually requires some makeup: Photos tend to amplify imperfections like dark circles and hyper-pigmentation in the skin so you will need to wear some makeup even if you are normally fresh faced. Use foundation, concealer or a BB cream/tinted moisturizer to even out your complexion. A primer and setting powder will help control shine and minimize the need for touch ups between shots. This applies to men as well.

- Karol Young Moses, makeup artist http://www.icartistry.com/

Prep skin and eyebrows in advance: Make sure your eyebrows and skin are properly taken care of. Start growing out your brows and working on the shape, and find a proper skin care regimen to get that radiant, glowing skin for pictures. Meet with a makeup artist and decide on the look you want that day. Bring invisible blotting powder with you so you're not shiny for your pictures. Q-tips are a must for eye makeup smudges and runny eyes. And always bring your lip color to reapply."

- Toni DeCicco makeup artist Suede Salon Spa and Body

Skip foundation with SPF: My go-to product for bridal and engagement makeup is Mehron Celebre Pro HD Foundation. A good quality HD foundation is a must to create a flawless look that photographs well and looks natural. At the very least it is vital to use a foundation without SPF. SPF does not photograph well as it reflects the light and causes 'flashback' on your face. Not a good look! I would recommend also using a translucent powder that photographs well, such as NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder.

- Catherine Close, makeup artist www.makeupedinburgh.com

Next week in the series is makeup and hair! Have any questions? Let us know and we will do our best to address them!