Bridal Magazine Photo Shoot (A Behind-the-Scenes Look)

You know, I have a pretty fabulous life. It’s not something I really stop and think about that often, but it’s true. I have everything I could ever want … I’m healthy, I’m about to marry the man of my dreams, I have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in every night, I have a family with the kindest hearts, and friends I love dearly. But on top of all that, as if that’s not enough, I have experienced so many incredible things that most people probably don’t get to experience. Call it luck, but I’ve done some pretty neat-o things. For example, last year I was on the TLC show Randy to the Rescue. See, that’s neat-o, right??!! My BFF Brittnee got married last October, and she was selected to be one of the brides that Randy (yes, THE Randy Finoli) rescued in Savannah. I was her MOH, so she invited me to be a part of her entourage during her appointment with Randy. You can read all about that here.

I tried to get Randy to come rescue me (especially when I was having second thoughts about my wedding dress), but he wasn’t filming in my area this time. Bummer. It’s okay though, because I got to experience a kick-ass wedding-related experience of my own, and it reassured me on my dress decision without having to consult Randy.

I got to have a photo shoot in my killer wedding dress. Not your typical bridal portrait photo shoot. A bridal magazine photo shoot. Oh yeah, baby.

A few weeks ago, my friend Aliera asked me if I’d be interested in getting a makeover for her friend’s bridal magazine. They were looking for a ‘real bride’ to feature, so knowing I’m getting married in December, she extended the invitation to me (thanks, lady!). Of course I agreed. How could I pass up an excuse to have my makeup done? After a few date changes, I was told to be at a location at Jax Beach at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 24. I was already staying the weekend with my mom in Savannah, so I had to wake up bright and early (as in 5:30 a.m.) to quickly shower and make the two-hour drive to Jacksonville. And I was on time! (Score!)

I found the location, threw my [what feels like] 30-pound wedding dress over my shoulder, and headed inside. All I knew what that I needed to bring my dress and come prepared for a makeover. That’s all. I walked inside a little warehouse-type building to find a full-on studio, complete with lots of professional cameras and equipment, backdrops and stagings, makeup stations, and models doing their thing.

After meeting the crew and talking with the Editor, Amanda, I learned that the magazine I was “modeling” for wasn’t just a little Jacksonville bridal magazine like I’d initially thought. The magazine, Bridal Beauty, is a 100+ page national publication with four publications a year: two of which go to print (all four are available digitally), and this would be one of those two print issues. And I have a two-page spread. Oh, and it’s being distributed at New York Fashion Week in October. (WHAT?!?!)

Moments after finding this out, the unthinkable happened. I was instructed to stand in front of the camera and pose for a “before” photo. I don’t really mind the no makeup thing, but I was wearing a terrible, completely unflattering outfit (because I was just dressing comfortable!). So not only will I be pictured with no makeup and day-old hair, I also looked like a slob. Ew.

Then it was time for hair and makeup with the fabulous and extremely talented Brooke Smith! The theme of the October issue is “ballerina bride,” so everything in the magazine will tie in with that theme – including my look. She had a hair and makeup look in mind, but I wasn’t allowed to look in any mirrors until the very end. All I knew was lots of pinks and purples.

Before moving on to hair, Brooke was called to the set for a step-by-step bridal makeup tutorial piece that will be featured in the issue. If you love the Urban Decay Naked 2 pallet, be sure to check it out!
(P.s. How precious is Abby?)

While Brooke was working magic on my hair, the rest of the crew was shooting a piece on DIY hair styles and another on ballerina fitness. A few final touch-ups to my makeup and it was time to get dressed.

Okay so, let me back up for a minute. About a month ago, I found another wedding dress that I fell in love with. I loved it on the TV show where I originally saw it, I loved it hanging on the hanger in the bridal boutique that I drove 75 miles to, and I loved it even more on me. But I also loved my original dress that I already owned and paid for. I’d been wracking my brain for a way to come up with an additional $2K to buy that other dress, but it wasn’t looking too promising. This would be the first time I put on this dress since I tried on “the new one,” and I was nervous.

Ten minutes, three people and four covered-up mirrors later, I had my gown on, and it fit like a glove (whew!). The girls laced me up, accessorized me, and Brooke added a silk flower in my hair.

Then I turned around and looked into the full-length mirror, seeing myself for the first time as an actual bride. It took all I had not to cry! There’s something just so emotional about seeing yourself as a bride, and the overwhelming happiness that shoots all the way through you is inescapable. I loved that feeling and loved what I saw – dress and all! Fortunately, Amanda has a “no cry policy” for brides when they see themselves (because it’ll mess up the makeup!), so it forced me to laugh instead.

The next few minutes were filled with lots of clicks, flashes, and moments of extreme awkwardness. I hate being alone in front of a camera! I think I asked, “How do I stand?” and “What do I do with my arms?” a dozen times. Then the photographer said, “Do you remember when you first looked in the mirror a moment ago? And did you like what you saw? I just want to see that same expression and happiness.” That helped, and I had fun pretending to be a model :).

Aliera snapped a few photos on her phone during the shoot and shared them with me (thanks for the pictures!). I’m not going to post the full pictures here – you’ll have to wait until the issue comes out in October! – but here’s a little teaser for ya. Jimmy, the magazine is off-limits to you until 12/14/14!!!

I didn’t want to take the dress off. It was a total blast, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the issue next month to see it all come to life. It was definitely an experience that I will never forget, and a magazine I will hold on to forever. Thank you, Bridal Beauty team, for allowing me to be a part of this issue!

P.s. As incredible as this entire experience was, the best part about it all was realizing that I DO love my wedding dress, and reassuring me that I might the right decision. Whew!

Five hours later, it was a wrap!

With that, I will leave you with a few more photos from the day.