This was my favorite challenge so far. I never had a wedding because my husband and I eloped. His family refused to accept our relationship because of racial, cultural, and religious differences. Yep, we picked the trifecta of star-crossed love. We were secretly engaged for 5 months before saying our vows and we see all the drama in a positive light as amazing stories to tell our future grandchildren. Despite the stress that such opposition can cause to flourish, we’ll be celebrating our 10th year (tin) anniversary this May.
I would have loved to have a vow renewal this year and dress the bride but that is not financially feasible at this time. So this Valentine’s challenge was my chance to look like the bride I imagined as a little girl but have yet had the chance to blossom into. And in this write-up, it is my chance to let you all know that true love really does conquer all as my romance exemplifies the power of love in the face of adversity.
Our challenge this week was to showcase wedding hairstyles with our natural hair with exquisite accessories sponsored by Beauloni (http://www.beaulonistyle.com/). I am truly excited to do so because I do feel that there are not enough images out there for brides-to-be showing formal natural hairstyles. I can hardly wait to see this challenge’s interpretations by Chassity, Desyray, Jalitia ,Kala, Nefertiti, and Reshonda. And in fact I wish all ten finalists could still submit pictures, even if not to be judged. I’ve seen first-hand the extra pressure placed on naturals to straighten their hair for special occasions as my younger sister who has always been natural was forced to straighten hers for her high school graduation and beauty pageants. In light of the irreversible damage that hair straightening can cause, my sister lost her edges, it is imperative that we demonstrate to others the natural beauty of natural hair for all occasions. Though I have yet to win a challenge, I will truly feel like a winner if some lucky lady out there is inspired by my shots to wear their natural hair on their wedding day.
I chose to present two different styles this week. The first is a romantic, easy, no-fuss look slightly resembling the feathered-shag of Farrah Fawcett. I call it the honeymoon-friendly wedding hairdo. The second is a more formal bun but still in the romantic style as it is a side-swept bun. But unlike the usual round bun often worn, it is a heart-shaped bun in honor of Saint Valentine. I think both styles are perfect for Valentine’s Day because they are friendly to lovemaking, being easy to style and easy to unravel.
As to how I feel in these styles and the accessories, well I feel beautiful. I’m so glad I decided to enter this contest. I’ve discovered new styles that are really not that difficult to do and yet look fabulous. I plan to wear one of my new styles to school this week because it makes me feel sophisticated and pretty. The Beauloni accessories make me feel like a princess, especially when I wear the headpiece like a crown. And every girl should feel like a princess on her wedding day! I love the versatility of the headpiece as a headpiece or a necklace. I also felt very romantic wearing my hair in the shape of a heart and wearing the jewels. Taking these pictures near sunset also quite enhanced the romantic feelings.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! And for the single natural girls out there, you should celebrate your love affair with your hair!
One should feel that one’s hair is beautiful everyday, but especially on one’s wedding day. Beauloni accessories can certainly enhance that beauty.
The bride can wear the headpiece during the wedding ceremony and wear it as a choker at the reception.
This is my natural wedding interpretation of the feathered shag made famous by Farrah Fawcett.
And finally, I just wanted to mention that like so many brides, I happen to get a nice zit on my chin the day of my shoot. So ironic!