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Bride changes ‘do to include groom's veil vision

Healthy Hair

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Lana Perry, the blushing bride.

Hair Chronicles

Loose-curl up-do perfect fit for birdcage, blusher veils

By Lana Perry, My Salon Scoop writer

Many times I've let accessories dictate the direction of my hair, makeup and outfit. My wedding look was no different. The accessory that ended up rightfully running the show was the veil—a bridal staple.

I had decided on a vintage inspired birdcage veil. I knew right away my hair would be down and out because not only is it my favorite look, but I also wanted my husband-to-be to see "me" at the end of the aisle—not me with a hairstyle, or makeup for that matter, which was out of character.

I thought I was all set. However, everything came to a screeching halt during my final fitting. I overheard one of the tailors tell a bride who was contemplating veil styles that, "many men have a fantasy of their bride in a traditional veil. (By) not going the traditional route, a bride may blow the groom's whole fantasy, which he'll never be able to satisfy again."

Makeup artist applies final touches prior to Perry's hair transformation.

This struck me like lightening because if there's one thing I know about my man, it's that he is indeed traditional about these sorts of things. I didn't want to burst his wedding fantasy! I urgently decided, with just a few weeks before the big day, that I needed a traditional veil for the ceremony, but would change into the amazing birdcage veil for the reception.

I found the perfect double-tiered blusher-length veil with embellished scalloped edges on Ebay. Once the veil arrived, I tried it on. It looked horrible with my hair down. I'm not sure exactly why, but the style just looked sloppy. My hair needed to be worn up to work. But with about one week before my wedding, I didn't have time to even think about making a salon appointment for an up-do and only managed to squeeze in about two updo style trial runs with both veils. Luckily, I nailed my look!

Perry with vintage birdcage veil.

On the big day, I washed my hair in the morning and slathered it with my normal leave-ins. I was having a radiant hair day! I kept my hair down until we arrived at the bridal house, and didn't style my hair until after I put on my dress.

The style was simple: I separated the back bottom hair into two parts then layered one over the other and pinned it. I kept twisting and wrapping the ends on top from one side to the other and pinning with a few inches of curls left wild. I achieved a polished, yet carefree look that showed off my curls and worked well with both veils. The veil transition from ceremony to reception was flawless and quick; however, the bustle on my dress was a different story!

At the end of the day, I was relieved my hair behaved and thankful it was up in that 86-degree Hotlanta heat. My husband told me during the honeymoon that he did indeed envision his bride wearing a traditional veil covering the face and all. I owe a big thank you to allowing the most iconic bridal accessory, the veil, to run the show!

Lana Perry in Atlanta, Ga. writes about hair, music and empowering teen girls.

All photos were taken by Lauren Nelson Photography — www.laurennelsonphoto.com.