This Rustic Fall Wedding in the Berkshires Is Giving Us All the Autumn Feels

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Bride and Groom Outdoor Photos

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

Television casting producer Liz Constantine met Chase Vine in 2005 at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The two lived next door to each other in their college dorms and became friends immediately. Shortly thereafter, the two became a couple but it wasn’t until ten years later, in October of 2015, that they took their relationship to the next level. The adorable pair visited Golden Harvest Farms, their favorite apple orchard near Liz’s parents home in Chatham, New York, and it was there that Chase knelt down on one knee and popped the question.

Although Liz grew up in New York City, she knew she wanted to get married in the Berkshires, where she and her family spend much of their time. “We wanted to escape the city and have a more casual laid back party surrounded by nature but ultimately wanted an indoor reception. We wanted the best of both worlds!” the bride says. After checking out five venues, the fact that Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, Massachusetts, had a barn with 16 guest rooms on site sealed the deal. With help from Jessica Herberger at Herberger Event Co., the future Mr. and Mrs. created a seasonal fall celebration with a rustic vibe. You’ll fall in love with all of the romantic details, photographed by Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio, seen below.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, White and Navy Invitation Suite with Apple Details

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

Liz and Chase invited 185 guests to their October 3, 2015, wedding with an apple-inspired invitation suite, a nod to their orchard engagement. Fittingly, the bride and groom chose to include tons of apples in their big day décor, too.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Lace and Tulle Watters Wedding Dress
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Bride in Lace and Tulle Wedding Dress
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Wedding Shoes
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Fall-Hued Wedding Bouquet with Garden Roses

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

The bride wanted a wedding dress that she could re-wear at future anniversaries, and this Watters gown, complete with illusion lace details and an airy skirt, totally fit the bill. Liz made it her own with sleeves and adjusted the original plunging neckline with additional lace details. She paired the beautiful finished product with Stuart Weitzman flats and earrings from BHLDN.

Liz’s bouquet was an autumn bride’s dream. It included an array of seasonal vines, like hops and jasmine, as well as garden roses, bay leaf, eucalyptus, ranunculus, and cymbidium orchids. The seasonal-hued arrangement was finished with trailing blue and ivory ribbons for a romantic look.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Bride and Groom Portrait
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Boutonniere

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

Chase wore a single breasted two-button bespoke suit and shirt by Bindle & Keep, which he paired with a pocket square from J.Crew. His final touch? A boutonniere of locally grown white spray roses, rosemary, agonis and eucalyptus.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Wedding Party
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Bride with Bridesmaids in Navy Blue Dresses
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Groom with Groomsmen

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

The couple’s wedding party looked great in their coordinating blue and gray attire. Liz’s bridesmaids chose varying styles of J.Crew silk chiffon dresses in an indigo blue hue, a constant in the wedding’s overall color palette. The maid of honor stood out from the rest of the wedding party by wearing a floor-length dress. To unify their looks, each ‘maid held a bouquet of antique garnet hydrangeas, eucalyptus, succulents, and red Mother of Pearl roses.

Groomsmen were dressed in light gray suits with blue ties and white pocket squares. They wore boutonnieres that included succulents, viburnum berries, and bay leaf — perfect for this seasonally-minded wedding day.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Outdoor Ceremony Decorations
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Wooden Chuppah Covered with Hops
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

The twosome kept their ceremony décor simple and seasonal, with a hops-covered wooden chuppah studded with white flowers. “We wanted a fall-inspired wedding, drawing inspiration from the Berkshires without feeling too cliché,” the bride says. “Overall, it was very rustic, romantic, and whimsical.”

The ceremony began with both the bride and groom being escorted down the aisle by their own parents while a jazz band played a guitar and violin rendition of “Lover’s Waltz.” Liz and Chase exchanged personal vows while standing on a Persian rug that the bride’s mother gifted the newlyweds.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Reception Exterior
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Welcome Sign
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Reception Fireplaces

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

Since the laid-back couple enjoys spending comfortable nights at home together, it was important to them that they carry a relaxed vibe over to their wedding. The reception venue’s comfy chairs, rugs, fireplaces, and candles helped make the October reception warm and cozy for guests.

During cocktail hour, passed hors d’oeuvres, including truffled mushroom risotto, apricot and brie in puff pastry, and BBQ pork sliders, were on hand for guests to sample. “We wanted our menu to have something for everyone, including the vegans and vegetarians who were attending,” Liz says.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Reception Interior Barn Space
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Decorations
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Long Tables with Low Floral Centerpieces
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Round Tables with Low Floral Centerpieces and Tall Candles
Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Guests Eating Dinner

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

For dinner, guests sat at round or rectangular tables covered in camel-colored tablecloths and finished with indigo blue napkins and tapered blue candles in brass candlesticks. Antique gold bowls held arrangements of ranunculus, garden roses, dahlias, zinnias, and lots of foraged greenery, including local foliage, viburnum berries, and geranium leaves. Gilded apples were sprinkled across tabletops for an extra dose of fall flavor.

“We wanted to make the best use of local ingredients that were in season,” the bride says of selecting their dinner menu. So Liz and Chase offered a fresh and delicious three-course meal that included an incredible selection of local cheeses, a field green salad with apples, and a choice of three entrees: salmon with cider vinaigrette, filet of beef with red wine sauce, or roasted portobello mushroom napoleon with red pepper coulis.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Wedding Cake with Badger Toppers

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

After sharing their first dance to “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele, guests joined the newlyweds on the dance floor. With a shared love of classic rock, it was only fitting that Liz and Chase hired a British rock cover band for the party. “It was perfect way to incorporate our musical taste into our wedding day,” says the bride. “It felt like a rock concert!”

Guests finished the night with a piece of the couple’s three-tiered carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, which was topped with two badger figurines in honor of the college that first brought Liz and Chase together. For an extra dose of cuteness, the toppers were placed on top of mini Wisconsin student union chairs they bought from their school store. While the newlyweds cut into their cake, the band played “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen.

Fall-Inspired Massachusetts Wedding, Bride and Groom Photo

Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio

After most guests had left for the night, the couple and their wedding party gathered around a fire pit in the courtyard to listen to their close friend play guitar. The newlyweds finally had a chance to snack on pizza and s’mores provided by the venue, too. “It was an amazing feeling to unwind with our family and closest friends at the end of the evening,” Liz says.

Venue & Catering: Gedney Farm || Wedding Planner: Herberger Event Co. || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Watters, purchased Kleinfeld Bridal || Jewelry: BHLDN || Hair & Makeup: Sonya Heimann || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew || Groom’s Attire: Bindle & Keep || Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse || Wedding Bands: Catbird NYC || Flowers: Crocus Hale || Invitations: Ladyfingers Letterpress || Additional Paper Products: Tucci Cursive || Wedding Signs: Papertangent || Music: The Lucky Five Jazz Band; The Brit Pack || Videographer & Photographer: Clark + Walker Studio

Find Local Vendors Wedding Wire

Want more fall-inspired wedding inspiration? Then check out another couple’s seasonal bash in the video below.

A Bride's Guide to Pulling Off a Mid-Wedding Shoe Change

Once you’ve found the perfect wedding dress, it’s time for accessories. From a veil to jewelry, there are so many beautiful ways to customize your bridal look — and shoes are no exception! Whether you go for classic ivory pumps or “something blue” embellished flats, we’re huge fans of having a special shoe peeking out from beneath your wedding dress. But as they say, sometimes beauty is pain and those stilettos may not feel so great beyond your walk down the aisle. So can you swap your shoes out when it’s time to hit the dance floor? Our experts weigh in.

Every bride has her own game plan for wedding-day footwear. Some splurge on designer heels (which can sometimes be more comfortable than their lower-priced counterparts because of the materials and construction), while others grab their go-to pair, choose boots, or stick to flats. If you’re concerned about how comfortable your shoes will be by the time the reception rolls around, by all means, bring a back-up pair with you! After all, you’ll want to be on the dance floor all night!

If you do think you’ll want to change your shoes mid-party, try to find a second pair that has a similar heel height to your ceremony shoes. A difference of any more than a half an inch will cause your dress to either drag on the ground or be too short and reveal your toes. Be sure to bring both pairs with you to your dress fittings, so your seamstress can offer some advice about making sure you don’t accidentally trip on your skirt.

A great way to increase your comfort is to change from a stiletto to a thicker heel or a wedge (possibly with a platform, which will give you height while giving your arches a break). If there was ever a time to wear a wedge sneaker, the dance floor at your wedding is it!

Getting married outdoors? You may want to do a reverse shoe switch. Don your reception shoes for those getting-ready shots, then change into a comfortable wedge for your walk down the aisle, especially if you’ll be on grass and outdoors for pictures immediately before or after the ceremony. Then, when you’re on solid ground for the reception, put your heels on and be comforted by the fact that you know you’ve got those back-ups nearby!

See more: You Won’t Believe These Wedding Shoes Are Under $150

Why Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell Are Attending Couples Counseling

lauren-and-ben-couples-counseling-main.jpg

Photo: Getty Images

Going from champagne-filled Bachelor paradise to the harsh realities of real life can be especially difficult, even for our fave duo Lauren Bushnell and Ben Higgins.

The adorable pair opened up about their relationship troubles and how they’re handling life out of the spotlight in a revealing new interview with People.

“We’re not the perfect couple,” Higgins told People. “Far from it! But we are trying really hard and we love each other a lot.”

After Bushnell’s Prince Charming gave her the final rose — and a stunning Neil Lane engagement ring, obvs — a mere 10 months ago, we’ve all been pretty curious as to what these sweethearts have been up to since The Bachelor‘s season finale. Luckily, Freeform’s new spinoff show Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? may reveal what we’ve all been itching to see. But until its much-anticipated premiere on October 11th, we’ll give you an update on their seemingly troubled relationship.

“There are so many weird elements to being in a relationship after The Bachelor,” Bushnell told the celebrity magazine. “We’ve gotten in arguments like any other couple, but about some things that other couples wouldn’t have to fight about, like the fact that we met when he was dating other women. You can say that’s what I signed up for, but it’s still real life and it’s still hard.”

lauren-and-ben-couples-counseling-3.jpg

Photo: Getty Images

But despite their many arguments, they plan on making their relationship work with couples counseling at their church. “We want to get a foundation that is healthy and pure and honest, with some help from a mediator,” Higgins said. “Bachelor or not, our life is not easy to navigate. We have our struggles. But we won’t give up. And for every argument, we’re stronger for it.”

See More: Why More Engaged Couples Are Attending Pre-Marital Counseling

And Bushnell feels the exact same way. “Even facing situations I didn’t know if I could handle, running away was never an option for me. I am so committed to Ben. I love him so much and at the end of the day, I want to spend my life with him.”

If that doesn’t sound like a couple madly in love, then we don’t know what does.

lauren-ben-couples-counseling.gif

Video: Giphy

The Perfect Bridesmaid Gifts for Your Fall Wedding

Perfect Bridesmaid Gifts For Fall

Photo: Getty Images

We all know being a bridesmaid isn’t always easy, and your girl squad certainly deserves a token of your appreciation for all they’ve done. But, don’t let the gift giving turn into yet another daunting wedding planning chore. Fall brides, be sure to check out our favorite ways to embrace the season and gift your girls’ festive gifts for being a special part of your big day.

Wrap Them Up
It’s finally scarf season, so embrace it! Select matching or mismatched cozy-but-trendy wraps for your best girls to rock not only on your big day, but all season long. You can monogram them, match them to your color scheme, or select a special print or pattern for each girl that reflects their unique personalities.

Rose Gold Everything

We happen to think that rose gold looks gorgeous all the time, but when it’s worn with pops of plaid, rich wine colors, and neutral fall tones, it’s really in its element. Custom monogram necklaces, symbolic bracelets, or simple rings are all wardrobe staples that are sure to please, especially in this warm, trendy pink-hued metal.

Seasonal Day Out

The older you get, the more you begin to realize that memories and experiences are worth far more than store-bought items. With this in mind, treat your best girls to a pre-wedding day or evening out that isn’t the bachelorette party. Host a pumpkin painting/carving party with a Pinterest-worthy tablescape, festive bites, and wines perfect for the season. Or, head out to the vineyard, orchard, pumpkin patch or outdoor festival and you’ll be able to spend non-wedding planning time with your favorite people while enjoying all the weather, fashion, and food that autumn has to offer.

Rich Colored Gems
We love the sentiment behind gifting your besties a unique piece of jewelry they can cherish long after your wedding. If you go this route, embrace the rich hues of fall and go for emeralds, garnet, rubies, or amber. Not only are these colors versatile enough to wear with virtually any ensemble — they are each representative of a different meaning and reflective of the season, too.

See More: 42 Pretty Bouquets for a Fall Wedding

Custom Coffee Mugs & Tumblers
With cooler weather comes a plethora of warm, delicious beverages (yes, we’re totally into PSLs and not ashamed). Since bridesmaids are consistently on the go, we love the idea of gifting custom tumblers or mugs to your bridal party that they can use the morning of your wedding (hello Instagram) and continue to use for their morning pick-me-ups and beyond.

Pajama Sets
Make “Netflix and Chill” complete with pajama sets to keep your girls comfy and cozy all season long. The season calls for warm fleeces and flannels — which of course can be completed with their initials, monograms, and other personal details. Gift your girls their sets the night before the wedding and have a slumber party — and upon waking up for a morning of pampering and glamour, you won’t have to do much to be looking picture-perfect. Not only will your girls look on point for the first set of getting ready photos, it’s a bridesmaid gift that they can actually use beyond the wedding — WIN/WIN.

Laura Prepon Is Engaged to Ben Foster! See the OITNB Star's Stunning Ring

laura prepon ben foster engaged

Photo: Getty Images

It looks like being on Orange is the New Black is the surefire way to become a fiancé this fall! After the news of Samira Wiley’s engagement broke yesterday, another OITNB actress bites the dust: Laura Prepon is engaged. The actress’ left hand was looped through her new fiancé Ben Foster’s arm at the premiere of Girl on the Train yesterday — and we couldn’t help but notice her new bling on a very important finger.

Even though Prepon, 36, keeps her relationship with her actor beau quite private on social media, People reported in July that the two were in what seemed to be a summer fling. Needless to say, after their red carpet debut last night and a source confirming the news, the two are clearly more serious than originally thought and are definitely headed to the altar.

laura prepon engagement ring

Photo: Getty Images

Now, onto the ring: it’s a brilliant round-cut diamond with a thin pavé yellow gold band — and quite the sparkler. Prepon rocked a light pink mani to match her new bling and a deep turquoise illusion lace dress to the premiere, while her man wore a gray suit. From the looks of it, they were by each other’s side all night.

The couple met through mutual friend and Prepon’s former co-star on That ’70s Show, Danny Masterson, who introduced the two back when they were teenagers. This is Prepon’s first marriage, and Foster, 35, was previously engaged to House of Cards actress Robin Wright before breaking off their engagement in 2014 and then continuing an on-again-off-again relationship for another year, per Page Six.

Rumors allege that Prepon and Foster bonded over Scientology. The actress openly practices the controversial religion and Foster has been linked to it as well.

While Prepon and her new fiancé are off celebrating, we can’t help but wonder if Wiley and Prepon are going to be trading wedding-planning tips over OITNB scripts! There must be something in the water at Litchfield…

See More: 20 Things to Do as Soon as You Get Engaged

Dancing with the Stars Pros Emma Slater and Sasha Faber Just Got Engaged on Live TV!

Forget the infamous disco ball trophy! Dancing with the Stars pro Emma Slater was prized with something just as special and sparkly on Tuesday night’s episode of DWTS, when her fellow dancer Sasha Faber dropped to one knee and proposed right there on live TV! And that engagement ring is scoring straight tens from all of our judges. Here’s how the over-the-top public proposal went down…

After being sent home last week, Slater returned to the ballroom floor last night to perform a dance with Faber. But little did she know that it was all an elaborate rouse for her sweetheart to pop the question!

“Sasha, I’ve always thought you had the potential to actually host,” DWTS host Tom Bergeron began, after the couple performed their routine. “So I’m going to give the show over to you.” Squealing with nervous delight, Slater looked on smiling as Faber took the mic. “I’ve been meaning to do this for such a long time,” the dancer said, dropping to one knee and revealing the engagement ring from his back pocket. “I love you so, so much. Will you marry me?” And if the moment couldn’t get anymore picture perfect, as Slater exclaimed her “yes” and the two embraced, streamers poured down from the ceiling and a giant screen flashed “She said YES!” behind them.

Emma Slater and Sasha Faber Engaged

Photo: Emma Slater via Instagram

Derek Hough and the rest of the DWTS cast soon rushed to hug the newly-engaged duo and fawn over the bride-to-be’s new bling — what looks like to be a morganite engagement ring with a halo and pavé diamonds decorating the band. Ahh-maze-ing…

“I really, really like colored stones and I saw this and it was kind of like a vintage, dusky kind of color and I love that,” Slater later shared with Entertainment Tonight, after the engagement excitement died down. “It was the same color that my mom had for her wedding ring and I love it. It’s everything.”

But back to that epic televised surprise! How did Faber even manage to pull it off? “I was dying, I’m not gonna lie,” the dancing pro said of his pre-proposal nerves. “I touched my hands and they were sweating, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, I’ve still got to do this dance. And then I’ve got this in my pocket, what if it falls out? I didn’t know what to expect.”

See More: Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec Are Married! See Photos of Their Beverly Hills Wedding

Meanwhile, his bride-to-be was totally overwhelmed by the magical moment. “As soon as [our dance] was over, I felt his energy get even worse, like even more nervous than when we danced, and I thought that was really strange.” Slater explained. “I turned to Sasha and he turned to me, and I was like, ‘Ahh!’ He didn’t even say one word and I think I started to hyperventilate and do all that really like, ugly crying stuff, which I’m sure I’m going to regret, but it was the best day of my life!”

Hey, the best is still yet to come — a.k.a. their sure-to-be beautiful wedding day! We’re already envisioning their obviously fabulous first dance

First picture of the ring! #Emsha is our everything goals right now. ???????????????? #DWTS

A photo posted by Dancing with the Stars (@dancingabc) on Oct 4, 2016 at 5:32pm PDT

10 Rules for Attending a Wedding After Having a Baby, Like Blake Lively Just Did

We’re going to go ahead and award Blake Lively the best friend ever award, considering she attended her BFF’s wedding this weekend. And while that might not sound remarkable, it is actually a major deal, considering she had just given birth to her second child, like, five minutes ago. Lively welcomed baby no. 2 on Friday, and was at her assistant Jessica Snyder’s wedding on Sunday like it was NBD. When, in reality, it is a BFD.

So what’s it like attending a wedding after a human has just emerged out of your womb? Sure, Lively makes it look easy (I mean, did she even use a filter on that pic?!) — but in reality, it’s kind of a G-D disaster. Here are some guidelines to help you get through it.

1. Plan to wear black. Blake Lively got one thing right: Black is forgiving. Black is slimming. Black will help hide the fact that, unless you are a pregnancy unicorn like Lively, you will still look six months pregnant.

2. Plan to wear a maternity dress. Ain’t nobody fitting into a pre-pregnancy dress two days after giving birth. Heck, even two months after giving birth. Nobody has to know you’re wearing Destination Maternity.

3. Plan to cry. Like, a lot. Post-partum hormones are no joke, and they will certainly not withstand even a chord of Canon in D. (Or commercials, for that matter.)

4. Plan to pump in the bathroom. There’s no avoiding it: That breastmilk is going to have to come out one way or another, and you’d rather it be via pumping than via leakage. (Attractive.)

5. Plan to get drunk on one glass of wine. It’s probably been approximately 10 months since your body has last tasted alcohol. The shock to your system will make you the world’s cheapest date.

6. Plan to pump and dump. On that note, all that breastmilk you pumped will most likely have to be tossed. Your BAC can’t be trusted.

7. Plan to have to wear a hospital-grade pad. Gory, we know. But, unfortunately, true. And bring extras.

8. Plan to be uncomfortable. Whether you had a C-section or a vaginal birth, sitting on a Chiavari chair with a rented cushion and hitting the dance floor in heels that you haven’t worn in nine months is not going to feel good.

9. Plan to pop ibuprofen. See above.

10. Plan to leave early. Because your precious newborn bundle of love needs to be fed in T-minus two hours. And you’re exhausted. And you miss him terribly.

See more:
These Quotes About Love From Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Will Hit You Right in the Feels
Ryan Reynolds Reveals He Fell in Love With Blake Lively While on a Double Date With Someone Else
Here’s How Blake Lively Knew Ryan Reynolds Was The One

BRIDES Northern California: San Francisco Fitness Studios to Get Wedding-Ready

San Francisco Fitness Studios

Photo: Courtesy of Pure Barre via Facebook

Given that your wedding day will be one of the most photographed days of your life, looking your best is a top priority. Perfectly coifed hair and flawless makeup, however, are just the finishing touches. The real prep work begins months beforehand with a fitness regime designed to get you in the best shape of your life. With the help of these seven butt-kicking San Francisco workouts, you’ll shed those few extra pounds, tone up, and be ready to walk down the aisle in no time.

Pure Barre
You’ll look tight and toned on your wedding day thanks to Pure Barre’s 55-minute full-body workouts. The technique incorporates a ballet barre and uses small, precise movements that target hips, thighs, butt, abs, and arms. Not only will you burn tons of calories, you’ll also gain lean muscle, flatten your abs, and sculpt and strengthen your arms.

Pop Physique
Craft the body of your dreams with regular workout sessions at Pop Physique. The one-hour ballet barre-inspired classes incorporate artistic dance movements that focus on your upper body, lower body, and abs. Strength work is then followed with deep, luxurious stretching on the ballet barre, which will help creates long, lean muscles for your wedding day.

SoulCycle
SoulCycle isn’t just a workout, it’s a cardio party. The 45-minute fat-burning indoor cycling classes make exercising fun thanks to dark, candlelit rooms and energetic music. The empowering full-body workout will also work wonders in helping you relieve any wedding planning stress.

See More: Dress Your New Bod in a Gorgeous Gown From These Local Bridal Boutiques

Equinox
With five locations throughout the Bay Area, Equinox makes it super easy to get in shape for the big day. Brides-to-be who love to switch up their workouts will never be bored here thanks to a variety of classes including hot yoga, cycling, and Pilates. For a more personalized wedding day-ready regime, future brides can opt for personal training. After the workout, brides can then relax with a massage or a facial at the full-service spa.

Barry’s Bootcamp
Even if your wedding day is just around the corner, Barry’s Bootcamp will help whip you into shape in record time. The one-hour sessions incorporate cardio and strength training using free weights, resistance bands, and medicine balls. Each class promises to help burn up to 1,000 calories. Opt for the Barry’s Academy class package, which includes five straight days of bootcamp classes, each day focusing on a different muscle group.

For more bridal beauty and fitness experts, head to our San Francisco Beauty page!

UPDATED Find Local Vendors Button

How Ashley Madekwe Nailed Her Wedding-Day Look

Ashley Madekwe Wedding Makeup Bag

Photo: Jeffrey Westbrook; Prop styling by Miako Katoh; Makeup bag by Tory Burch

Every bride should have an arsenal of must-have products at her disposal to get her through the big day primped, polished, and smiling — with a killer lip color, of course! But what makes up that makeup bag can be as different as every individual bride herself. Ashley Madekwe — the British actress and fashion blogger (@smashleybell), best known for Revenge and now starring in WGN’s Salem — offered us a peek in the bridal bag that she toted on her London wedding day, where she took a less-is-more approach when it came to her beauty look.

“I got married in a townhouse in London, so I did a relaxed version of old-Hollywood waves with a comb on one side — classic but not overdone,” the actress remembers. “An elaborate undo would’ve felt out of place, and I didn’t want to worry about touchups… I loved my natural makeup look. I checked the mirror just once to apply lip balm. Four days before the wedding, though, I got lash extensions that were too long and thick. Everyone said they’d fall out in time, but they didn’t. I don’t recommend this, but I cut them myself the morning of!”

So just how did Madekwe accomplish her natural wedding day glow? With the help of her makeup artist, Wendy Rowe, and a few face-perfecting products. “We did a muted ‘you but better‘ look that wore so well,” explains Madekwe. Going for a similar look? Try Burberry Eye Color Cream in Nude Glow and Light Glow Blush in Tangerine Blush. “I initially wanted a bold red lip, but Wendy talked me out of it,” adds Madekwe. “With the glam gown, it would’ve been too much of a look for me.” The star instead opted for a softer, dusty rose shade. (Cream eyeshadow, $30, Burberry; Blush, $42, Burberry; “English Rose” lipstick, $33, Burberry available at Sephora)

With the man who makes me smile more than anyone else on our wedding day… ??????Happy anniversary baby ??????

A photo posted by Ashley Madekwe (@smashleybell) on Jun 17, 2016 at 6:11pm PDT

To prep for the big day, Madekwe’s makeup artist gave her some homework. “The best advice [she] gave me after I got engaged was ‘Grow out your brows.’ I’m still growing them!” Short on time? Fill any sparse spaces in with Burberry’s Effortless Eyebrow Definer in Ebony. To get her skin glowing, the actress also moisturized like there was no tomorrow. “Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil nourishes my dry skin without looking greasy. And I drank lots of water, which I’m usually bad about,” says Madekwe. And finally, Madekwe quickly fixed a beauty emergency with a fan-favorite go-to product. “When I got to London, the change in water gave me a dry scalp, so I massaged in some tea-tree oil, and that cleared it right up!” (Eyebrow pencil, $33, Burberry available at Nordstrom; Face oil, $90, Sunday Riley available at Sephora; Tea tree oil, $5, Edens Garden).

See More: You Need These 17 Tips If You’re Doing Your Own Wedding Day Makeup

For her wedding day mani, Madekwe went with an oldie but a goodie. “I wore Essie nail polish in Ballet Slippers,” she says. “One of my bridesmaids did my nails — and bikini wax! — at her mom’s salon in north London.” And the bride was smelling sweet with a special fragrance she bought just for the occasion — but she still regrets not going with her signature scent! “I bought a rose perfume just for that day, but it smelled too old ladyish. I wish I’d worn my usual, Le Labo Thé Noir 29.” (Nail polish, $9, Essie available at Ulta; Perfume, $175 for 1.7 oz., Le Labo)

Natural? Check. Glow-y? Check. Totally timeless? Check. What more could a bride want in a wedding day look?

Subscribe to BRIDES now for the best wedding dresses, advice, and big-day inspiration.

6 Kitchen Tools Your Wedding Registry Doesn't Need

wedding registry what not to get

Photo: Getty Images

Getting married this year? Congratulations! Now know this: You’ve been going about your gift registry all wrong. Trust us, the last thing your future needs is a home cluttered with items that you thiiiiiink you’ll get around to using at some point. Like a juicer. You’ll use it once and then — never again. We’ve enlisted the help of the wedding experts at the registry site Zola to zone in on the items you really don’t need (unless you already use a monogrammed Belgian waffle maker regularly) and suggest a few purchases that you could use instead.

wedding registry what not to get vitamix

Photo: Courtesy of Vitamix

What Your Yoga Teacher Thinks You Need: A Juicer
What You Actually Need: A Vitamix

Guess what? You can make juice in a high-powered blender like this one. Boom. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.

wedding registry what not to get hand mixer

Photo: Courtesy of KitchenAid

What Your Great Aunt Edith Thinks You Need: KitchenAid Stand Mixer
What You Actually Need: KitchenAid Hand Mixer

To be clear, we fully encourage going for it and registering for the super pricey (but unquestionably covetable) stand mixer if you have the countertop space to display it in all its glory. But if your kitchen can’t spare an inch of space, go for the hand mixer instead. “If you know a stand mixer is just going to gather dust, register for a hand mixer — it’s as sufficient for most baking tasks,” Jennifer Spector, Zola’s Newlywed-At-Large.

wedding registry what not to get griddle pan

Photo: Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

What Your College Roommate Thinks You Need: A Panini Press
What You Actually Need: Lodge Logic Cast-Iron Grill Pan + Lodge Cast-Iron Mini Skillet

Pros: A panini press creates warm, crispy, gooey sandwiches on demand. Cons: It’s huge. Instead, satisfy all of your grilled cheese cravings by DIY-ing your own with two cast-iron pans (grill + mini) you can use for countless other recipes, too.

See More: 6 Kitchen Tools Your Wedding Registry Doesn’t Need

wedding registry what not to get toaster

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

What Your Out-of-Town Cousins Think You Need: A Waffle Maker
What You Actually Need: A Toaster Over

Your dorm days are over — so are your unlimited waffle breakfasts. Instead, buy frozen waffles and chill. “Toaster ovens these days are smart [ovens],” says Spector, who notes that the Breville toaster one she chose for her own wedding registry has a convection feature, a backlit screen, and automatic smart heating function that enables food to cook more evenly.

wedding registry what not to get all-clad

Photo: Courtesy of All-Clad

What Your Bitter Friend Thinks You Need: A Meat Tenderizer
What You Actually Need: A Decent Stainless Steel Pan Set

Just use a heavy pan, instead, ok? All-Clad and Cuisinart make durable sets that you’ll use all the time.

See More: 9 Wines That Get Better with Age and Make the Perfect Wedding Gift

wedding registry what not to get ice bucket

Photo: Courtesy of Barneys

What Your Frat Brothers Think You Need: Specialty Ice Molds
What You Actually Need: An Elegant Ice Bucket

Unless your motto is “Always Be Mixing,” leave the spherical ice to the pros and register for a sturdy, stylish ice bucket. This shatter-resistant resin design by Tina Frey is so sophisticated you’ll forget you that you used to use a garbage can for the same purpose.

See More: Wedding Desserts That’ll Make You Leave the Dance Floor