When you’re planning a wedding, there’s a lot to think about so it’s easy to forget about your skin. Some skin issues can be covered with makeup but if there is something you’d like fixed or prevented we recommend you seek the expertise of a professional.  Dr. Olesen of Hemingway Medical Spa answers our top 7 skin care and treatment questions.

How early should a bride start on skin treatments before her wedding?

Ideally, 6-9 months. The skin life cycle is about 6 weeks, and these treatments take time. Various treatments require a series of sessions to achieve desired results. For instance, it can take 9 – 12 months to eradicate acne; but typically only 3-6 months for skin resurfacing and brightening. There are last minute options to help promote a healthy glow, but they are less long-term in effect, such as the red-carpet stimulator peel which can be done the week before the wedding.

What kind of treatment fixes color/pigment issues?

Intense pulse light therapy (IPL) with the Cynosure Palomar Icon laser lightens skin pigment (age spots, sun damage, freckles), lessens redness and stimulates collagen with noticeable results after one treatment, and usually ideal results after 3 treatments (each 4 weeks apart). This is the best treatment for improving an overall healthy skin tone and glow.

What kind of treatment fixes acne issues?

Acne should be treated medically, which is offered at Hemingway Medical Spa; however, there are services which can accelerate the resolution of break-outs and inflammatory acne. The Jessner treatment is like a chemical peel, but is superficial and targeted at acne.

What do you suggest for brides who want a sun kissed glow?

My personal favourite is the Mystic spray tan from Fabutan; it’s my go-to before heading on a tropical vacation.

How often should a bride and groom get facials?

Depending on the needs, it is recommended to use a quality and personalized daily skin care regimen. However, the microneedling service that we offer is comparable, if not higher yield, than your typical facial. We recommend microneedling 6 weeks before the wedding, and then again 1-2 weeks before, for optimal skin health before the big day.

How much should a bride budget for her skin the year leading up to her wedding?

It really depends on each individual’s skin health needs. Given we have a variety of services, we can customize a treatment plan with your budget in consideration. It could range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars for the year.

What is a good maintenance routine after the wedding?

A customized and effective daily skin care routine with products and services that are specific to each individual.

It’s easy to cave and shave when you’re swamped with wedding details. Programs, favours, flowers and rehearsals can have you running around to the very last minute, pushing hair removal to the very bottom of your to-do list. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a nervous novice, Sina Zere, waxing expert and owner of Buff Wax Spot shares five reasons with us to ditch the razor and book a wax before your big day.

Avoid Bumpy, Red Underarms

Most wedding dresses are either strapless or sleeveless, meaning your underarms will be on display all day. Razor blades can cause irritation and infection (folliculitis) if pieces of cut hair fall back into pore. Shaving makes you more prone to ingrowns and of course the dreaded never-stop-bleeding knicks that can occur. Bumpy, red or even inflamed underarms is not a good look on your wedding day. You’ll be lifting your arms a lot to hug your hubbie, your friends and family. Not to mention waving your arms around like you just don’t care on the dancefloor!

Stubble Be Gone

There is nothing worse than shaving the day before a big event and waking up to pesky prickles. Save yourself the time and last minute stress of battling with your razor the morning of your wedding day. At Buff Wax Spot, we recommend booking your wax appointment 3-5 days before your nuptials. One more thing off your mind!

Honeymoon Ready

Intimate wax services are the most requested wax service worldwide. Make sure your bikini line is on point for your first night together as a married couple and for your romantic honeymoon vacay by booking a brazilian or bikini wax. While you’re at it, we recommend the Buff Wax Vajacial service – a refreshing, professional treatment for your lady garden. It leaves your skin feeling velvety smooth, fresh, and free of ingrown hairs.

Pictures Are Forever

The truth is, we all have sneaky hair growth in sometimes surprising areas. Maybe you have a little extra fluff on your toes and you’ll be wearing open-toe shoes. Perhaps you’re upper-lip needs some extra TLC. Or maybe you’re insecure about your darker arm hair. Whatever it is, a wax technician can make it disappear in a flash. You don’t want to get your wedding photos back only to find you had a five o’clock shadow the whole day.

Insta-Worthy Skin

Waxing exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin, leaving a beautiful, healthy glow. Exfoliating and moisturizing are absolutely essential for Insta-worthy skin, sans filter!

Buh-bye razor, we’ll never shave together!

Najla Elwenni, the owner of Blush Magazine and Amy Bohn, the owner of Local Love have teamed up! With over 20 years of combined experience in the wedding industry, these ladies are ready to bring you a one-of-a-kind bridal event experience.

Blush Magazine has been a local wedding resource since 2009. Local Love was founded in 2016, the latest event was held at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald on Friday, February 20th attracting nearly 400 guests and 70+ local vendors. Guests and exhibitors enjoyed hor d’ouevers, champagne, custom wedding setups, fashion displays and more. With nearly 70 exhibitors this modern pop up wedding event was THE destination for all things bridal in Edmonton.

SAVE THE DATE
Local Love at Enjoy
Sunday, September 24th: 11am-4pm
The Enjoy Centre – St Albert, AB

“We’re excited to connect brides and grooms from all walks of life with local vendors that can help them achieve their wedding goals. Our aim is to promote the local wedding community by interacting and building relationships with industry professionals and the communities we service.”- Najla Elwenni & Amy Bohn

Vendor Inquiry www.locallovepopup.com/vendor-application/

Instagram: @locallovepopup

 

This retro tropical wedding is cool with a capital “c” and it has everything to do with the creatives behind it. They took a vision and created a retro tropical industrial fusion shoot with color and style like you wouldn’t believe. Michelle Larmand captured all these great shots which you can find in a spread in our Spring Summer 2017 issue. Check out the acknowledgments below for more local talent!

It’s one of the most universal traditions in the world. But, it’s celebrated differently by everyone. Different cultures have different customs, many of which extend to bridal style. We’ve created three bridal looks on women of different ethnicities.

North America

Soft pinks on lips, cheeks and eyes with just a touch of highlighter complement fair skin. A loosely defined fishtail braid adds dimension to sun-kissed strands.

East Asia

Peachy shades add warmth to olive skin tones, while a smoky effect created with colour emphasizes small eyes without overpowering them.

India

Full, dark lashes contrast with shimmering silver shadow to make the eyes this exotic beauty’s main accessory. Opt for a dramatic up-do over a tiara for a regal look.