Feature: Urbanite Baltimore

Urbanite Baltimore gave us a shout out from this sweet shoot we did with Sweet Bakery and Cafe Boudoir. Check out the Good Enough to Eat article! 

Fun fact #1: She is only wearing icing! Even her necklace! 

Fun fact #2: I used all edible products for her eyeshadow and lips! 

Product of the Week: Urban Decay Setting Spray

We don't just wear makeup for an hour...we wear makeup all day.  So how do you keep that foundation, powder, eyeshadow, etc. on all day without smudging? Use Urban Decay's variety of setting sprays.  I like to describe a setting spray as "hairspray" for your face. 

 

As you can see there are different types. I prefer the All Nighter. This spray accommodates more skin types ~ oily, dry and normal.  The spray should be applied after your makeup is completed. It is the last step in your routine.  Hold the bottle about six inches from your face, spray all over. Allow the product to dry before touching up or adding anything to your face. There is no longer a reason to clutter up your purse with compacts to touch up your makeup! Just make sure you finish your look with your Up Do's For I Do's custom lip gloss!!!

Enjoy! 

xoxo Lindsay

Beauty Crush: Favorite Universal Products!

 

Mondays with Mindy: Up vs. Down

Before planning your hair trial, there are some things every bride should consider for her wedding day look. The most asked question…”are you wearing it up or down?” This is actually an important question. Here are 5 factors to think about that might help determine your wedding day hair style.

1.) Venue.  Is your wedding indoors or outside? Is it by the water? Do you have far to travel? Hairstyles are really put to the test when immersed in the natural elements. Heat, humidity, wind, etc are all things to think about when choosing a wedding day hairstyle. Also, consider the overall theme of your venue. Is it an elegant ballroom, a whimsical garden, or a romantic beach wedding? Your hairstyle, along with your dress and accessories, should mirror your overall theme and feel of the wedding.

2.) Time of year. Depending on where your wedding is located can determine the type of weather to expect. Is the area prone to harsh winters or even more brutal summers? Again, heat and humidity can do a number on hairstyles.  So if you know you’re getting hitched in July on a Southern Maryland beach at 2 pm, chances are it may be hot and steamy.

3.) Your everyday hairstyle. Do you want to look like “you” on your wedding day or are you going for a more dramatic look. If your go-to daily hairstyle is a ponytail, keep this in mind. If you want to feel like your normal comfortable self at your wedding, an updo may be a more comfortable option on your day. If drama is what you’re going for, wow your guests with luscious waves spilling down your back.

4.) Your hair type.  The texture of your hair can be a definite deterrent or determination for your hairstyle. Is your hair fine or thin and won’t hold a curl? An updo might be a better option.  Once it’s up, you don’t have to worry about your hair. If you have some natural wave to your hair, feel free to rock some curly length on your big day.

5.) Your reception plans. If you’re the life of the party and plan to be belting out Whitney Houston on the dance floor all night, please consider your hair. Dancing and sweating can really take a toll on certain hairstyles. If you choose an all up hairstyle, it may last longer than an all down hairstyle when put to the dancing test.  Trust me, I’m not suggesting being a wall flower at your own wedding but if all up is a must for you AND you plan to be a dancing queen, be prepared for your curls to loosen and get a bridesmaid to pack a few bobby pins in case you need to get your locks out of your way.

Think of these things if you’re stumped on what to do for your wedding day hairstyle or even if you’re trying to decide between two styles. If you’re concerned or have any questions about your hair, please ask your hairstylist at your trial. The trial is put in place to alleviate any anxiousness about your wedding day look, so you feel confident about your day. One less thing to stress about!

XOXO Mindy

Real Wedding: Christin and Julia

Up-Do's For I Do's is all about good details. Often on a wedding day, we are out the door before the flowers arrive and we miss all those little details that make up a big day.  We hear from our brides the hardwork that is put into those details. The ribbon tying, hot gun gluing and bedazzling should be shown off. Today we've included some of the detail shots from two of our favorite weddings. 

CHRISTIN

The weather channel reported a hurricane headed directly towards her venue. Kent Island was shut down and Christin and her fiance had to reschedule their wedding. In the past 8 years, we've never had a drastic change in wedding plans. Fast forward a month later and even though it was still a rainy day, Christin was able to walk down the aisle!

Floral arrangements by Intrigue Design and Decor

Venue: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Kent Island

Photography: Tara Hope

 Yummy cake created by Kirsten's Cakery.

 I spy Christin's custom Up-Do's For I Do's Lipgloss!

 The star fishes with the seating arrangements attached to them. Notice the surfboard with their orginial date. They officially wed the following month in September.

JULIA

Julia's wedding has been featured on several blogs on the web and we couldn't agree more with how adorable these details are. Thanks to Meaghan Elliott for the photos! We are loving the lemon theme!

Floral decor by My Flower Box Events 

Venue: American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore 

Bridal Show: Cinderella A Fairy Tale Wedding

    

Up-Do's For I Do's is proud to participate in this extraordinary event hosted by Wedding 411 to help raise money for Brides Against Breast Cancer. 

Castles? Check! Glass Slippers? Check! Prince Charming? Bring your own!

 Be sure to pre-order your ticket for either night. A stellar fashion show is lined up and we are honored to be providing our talents for the celebrity models! Hope to see you there!

Product of the Week: Aquage Texturizing Wax

This week's product of the week is one I'm passionate about, and one that I use almost daily! I have found the best texturizing wax! Aquage products are great to begin with, but this texturizing wax takes the cake in my opinion.  You have washed, dryed and are ready to style your do. You may not want the following look...

 

But some of us would like to go with this piecey look...

 

Or maybe this wavy style....

Aquage Texturizing Wax is perfect for ladies with thin or thick hair. Men can also benefit from using a product like this.  The wax gives you the ability to have pliable, non-heavy hair while keeping the ability to move and style as you please.  A bonus? It even adds shine to your hair! A little goes a long way with this product. I really love how easily it washes out of my hair too!

xoxo, Lindsay 

Real Wedding: Alicia, Laura and Katie

I cannot even begin to thank you both enough for making my bridal party, myself and my mom look like a million bucks on my wedding day. You both were so much fun to work with and everyone had a great time. I have already highly recommended the Updo's team to my engaged friends!

Thanks again!
Alicia

Laura

Photography by David Hartcorn

This was our first wedding at the gorgeous Four Seasons in Baltimore that opened earlier this year.  

Katie

Photos by Roman Grinev

Mondays with Mindy: With a Little Help From My Friends

Bridesmaids are the most important girls in your life. Sisters, sister-in-laws to be, high school friends, college roommates, co-workers...Whoever these ladies are, they are a representation of each chapter in your life. I honestly have to say, throughout my years of doing wedding hair, one of my favorite parts about meeting bridal parties is understanding how each bridesmaid fits into the puzzle. It’s like a little snapshot of the bride’s life.

Unfortunately, many times without even realizing it, brides get caught up in planning process and take advantage of these special people in their lives. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to getting help from your maids.

Sure, ask your bridesmaids for help during the planning process and be grateful for what they do. Just don't take advantage of these special ladies' kindness, time, or money. After all, you did ask them to be a part of the biggest day of your life!

XOXO Mindy

Feature: NewsChannel 8

Yesterday morning, Up-Do's For I Do's had the privilege of being featured on NewsChannel 8 Let's Talk Live! The segment promoted the Washington Bridal Showcase being held this Sunday, September 16th, as well as highlighted some current trends in the wedding world.

Of course we can't start our day without Starbucks!

Putting the finishing touches on Ashley's romantic, braided headband updo.

This beautifully hand-painted cake by The Happy Tart Bakery not only took over 20 hours to paint, but is gluten free!

Straight out of an English fairy tale, this flower and feather fascinator is sure to make any bride a trend setter.

This tea length silk dress, designed by Justin Alexander, is all about color and texture! Blush Bridal Boutique offers this gown along with other exceptionally luxurious wedding gowns.

Trying to stay out of the shot while snapping behind the scenes pics!

Ashley and I right after the segment aired. Success!!

Me, Marc McIntosh (Showcase Events), and Ashley

We were thrilled to be a part of NewsChannel 8 Let's Talk Live's Bridal Showcase segment. Come out and see us (and other wonderful vendors too!) this Sunday, September 16th at the Washington Convention Center.

Check out the Let's Talk Live: Bridal Showcase segment here!!

XOXO Mindy