Long Hair Don't Care

View fullsize

Photo: Sweet Lady Jane Photography

For all you brides thinking of wearing your hair down on your wedding day... this one is for you. I can't tell you how many people told me I should wear it up. Traditionally, when it comes to special occasions, up was the way to go. However, if you're like me and never do that in your everyday life, wearing your hair up just feels wrong. I say, go with your gut.

If you're going to let those luscious long locks fly free, you best come prepared. Here are three tips I took away from my Big Day:

Brush it out
I don't care if it's in your clutch, your Maid of Honor's clutch, or taped behind a toilet like the gun they hid for Michael in the Godfather... bring a brush to the reception. I didn't and I suffered the consequences. Only an hour in and the ends of my hair had separated, flattened and gotten a bit messy looking. Taking photos in the rain and wearing sleeves in August may have contributed to that, but a brush would have helped sort everything out. I have to say, the photos were worth it.

Dry it up
Whether it's a mini bottle of dry shampoo spray or a small container of dry shampoo powder, have some handy. Take a moment during dinner to run to the lady's room with your girls and give it a quick refresh. I didn't go to the bathroom once (which, was probably unhealthy now that I think about it) and never looked in a mirror. Needless to say, after a few toasts and a twirl around the dance floor, my fringe fell flat, the hair was separating... it was chaos. Of course, I didn't know until after because I was too busy going "Crazy in Love" to Beyonce on the dance floor. Yes, it's great that I was having so much fun that I forgot about my hair, but a quick flip and fluff wouldn't have killed me. I probably should have gone during the fifth chorus of Apple Bottom Jeans.

Photo: Sweet Lady Jane Photography

Pack the pins
If you have side bangs like I do (or "fringe" as my chic Newbury Street stylist would call it) pack some bobby pins to pin your hair back once the dance party really gets started. It would have taken me all of five seconds and I would have looked a little less like Jennifer Beal dancing to Maniac.

Take a look
If you don't have time to run to the ladies room and feel bad leaving your reception, bring a small compact with a mirror to the reception. At least pretend you're taking a selfie and do a quick fix. Any girl with bangs knows the shake and pat trick. If you don't, take four fingers, shake out your bangs, and then pat them softly into place.

When all is said and done, we had an incredible time. It was so much fun that I didn't even think about my hair. It was the best day ever and yours will be, too. 

The Saldarriagas Take Newport

After our wedding Stephen and I drove to Newport, RI for an amazing week of sunshine, seafood, and relaxation. It was one of the most romantic, yet low-key weeks ever and we loved every minute of it. Let's just say, we fell asleep around 8:30 the first two nights from wedding day exhaustion. From great food and cute shops to beautiful views of the harbor and the ocean, it was wonderful.

Stephen surprised me by taking me to an elegant lobster bake and beautiful sunset sail!

Initially, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to plan a big trip somewhere far away. Although we definitely want to do some traveling in the very near future, we also wanted to be smart with our time and our money. What we assumed would be a little trip, turned out to be perfection.

Our view during our first lunch in Newport.

We went to some really great shops including Shore Soap Company and ate at several restaurants along the harbor. One of our favorite places was our morning spot, The Coffee Grinder at the end of Bannister's Wharf. The owner was super friendly and the array of baked goods and coffee drinks was beyond impressive... but a small iced mocha was my favorite.

To end our week of trips to the beach, drinks by the pool, sailing and exploring Cliff Walk, we had dinner at the breathtaking Castle Hill Inn. It was a very special restaurant with gorgeous views and impeccable food. It was like a movie. We couldn't have had a more romantic end to such a special week. 

My advice to New England brides getting married in the summer... go to Newport. It is easily accessible; there is a variety hotels and inns at multiple price points; there is so much to do and it is truly stunning. What we saved on airfare and travel insurance (August is hurricane season in many places) we spent on having fun and saving for a home. So, break the rules, do what's right for you, and enjoy every minute!

Sneak Peek from Sweet Lady Jane Photography

On August 15, 2015 I became Mrs. Julie Saldarriaga! I can't even begin to describe how incredibly special our wedding day was. It truly was the outward expression of love from each person in the room that made it so unforgettably perfect. We could not have done anything with the support of our family and friends, specifically my parents, Michael and Phyllis and our Maid of Honor, Korinne. So many people helped to make our dream come true, including our fantastic team of vendors.

One sweet lady who we want to give a shout-out to is our photographer, Katie Hammond of Sweet Lady Jane Photography. Her patience, vision, and heart made us feel so at ease. She captured our day so beautifully. Although we haven't seen the full collection of images just yet (trust me, there is a lot for her to get through!), this sneak peek really touched our hearts. We hope you love it, too.

"Stephen and Julie's Sneak Peek"

I look forward to sharing more photos, inside details, how-tos, and stories from our Big Day. Here's to the next chapter!

Glass Glitter Wine Cork Place Card Holders

I was originally inspired by gold sparkling place card holders made by Kara Lamerato of Kara's Vineyard Wedding when I was looking for decor for my rehearsal dinner. We were having the dinner at an Italian restaurant in Boston and I thought something like the cork holders I saw would be perfect. I loved the concept, but was running short on time and really wanted to make something myself. So, I decided to DIY!

My amazing calligrapher Kate Yenrick had already created these beautiful place cards for me. All I needed was the holders. I didn't have enough time (or enough corks) to chisel out the wine cork myself. So, I took to Etsy to get the base. 

Then, I purchased some fabulous glass glitter from Michael's. I chose to go with a more champagne tone rather than a yellow gold. This made the glitter look like shattered glass and gave it a really modern effect. Here are the steps I followed:

1. Line your area with paper or cardboard. You want to be able to drip glue and spill glitter without worrying. 

2. While avoiding the slit of the cork, paint a thin layer in decoupage glue (I used Martha Stewart's Crafts Decoupage) onto the cork.

3. Dip your cork in a plate full of the glass glitter. Then, gently tap the bottom of the cork to remove any extra glitter.

4. Let the corks dry until the glitter is somewhat stiff. Then, add a second thin layer of decoupage glue to seal the glitter and you're done!

Creating something special for our rehearsal dinner was so fulfilling. Our wedding party loved them and it really added a personal touch to the night before our Big Day. Cin Cin!