By: Kristen Kelly | @elveevents

After meeting on Hinge (yes, dating apps do in fact work)…

Lauren and Brian tied the knot in December of 2022. Instead of asking about details like the venue, color scheme, and florals, we obviously got down to the important stuff and chatted about all things skincare, hair care, and wellness. Hot brides don’t gate keep, so here’s the rundown on how she prepped to look and feel her absolute best. 

Gleb Freeman Photography

When it came to her go-to skincare products, Lauren kept it simple (we love a minimalist queen). Her favs were Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Almond Milk Cleanser, CeraVe Moisturizer, and Witch Hazel Toner. She incorporated some Vitamin C Serums for some extra brightness, as well.

As great as this routine was, Lauren understood the importance of bringing in a professional. She committed to six months of facials at Joanna Vargas leading up to the wedding (sorry, but there’s only so much you can do on your own), and received her last treatment 3 weeks prior to the big day. But Laurens biggest tip you ask? She recommends not introducing anything new into your routine too close to the wedding. Clearly, someone read our Master Timeline! 

VIEW OUR WEDDING PREP MASTER TIMELINE WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE BRIDAL BEAUTY BIBLE

Gleb Freeman Photography

You know what really helps great skin shine? A little bit of a tan. Lauren got a pre-wedding spray at Glow 2 Go in NYC, helping create a beautiful contrast against her white dress. 

Gleb Freeman Photography

In addition to looking her best, Lauren wanted to feel her best. Health and wellness have always been a big part of her life, but she “kicked it into a higher gear” about 3 months out from the big day. She chose to cut carbs on weekdays, but still went out to eat on weekends because “you need to live a little.” We couldn’t agree more. 

She doesn’t love the gym, so she opted to join Alo Moves, an on-demand program that includes unlimited classes for $20 per month. She added 30-40 minute home workouts into her routine, logging into the app 3-4 times per week. 

And while she prepped like a warrior, she shared that Brian “did nothing except get a haircut.” Just to go the extra mile, she also asked him to trim his eyebrows. Oh, the joys of being a man!

Gleb Freeman Photography

Speaking of hair, Lauren entered her marriage already knowing the most important part: compromise. Lauren revealed “My husband loves my hair down, and while I wanted it to be up the whole night, I did want to make him happy and surprise him. So, I chose loose waves with a headband for first look and most of our day, and changed into a party pony for cocktail and reception to feel more like “me.” Lauren even rocked a long pearl bubble pony thanks to her hairstylist, Andria Tobey, and Laurens collaborative vision for the rehearsal dinner. We love a party pony for any occasion but we’re really into how fun and different all of Laurens looks were.

REHEARSAL DINNER PHOTOGRAPHER Krista Stucchio

Her dress, on the other hand, didn’t exactly feel like her- which was a great surprise! She originally thought she wanted a simple gown without lace, beading, etc. But, the time of year and location of a wedding can really influence the dress choice. Once they locked in their December date, “the idea of wearing something that made me feel like a human snowflake felt right.” 

Gleb Freeman Photography

Overall, Lauren found the wedding prep experience to be a “complete dream,” until about 10 days out (relatable). She reveals “there was nothing in particular that stressed me out- it was the overall idea that 200 eyes would be on me.” Luckily, her fantastic prep work helped her feel confident and beautiful, which is exactly how she looked.

Gleb Freeman Photography

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