Sewn Together: Magical Makeup Power!

I woke up, alone in a huge suite, on the morning of our wedding day. It was really, really early. And since I obviously could not fall back asleep, I first spent some time in prayer. I watched the still-slumbering streets of Waikiki from the lanai, taking in the perfectly warm morning weather with a relaxed, calm mind.

I booted up the laptop and waited for the internet to behave itself - and read all the beautiful comments and emails of encouragement and support that everyone sent. It was the perfect start to our wedding day, and I cannot fathom a better one. Thank you.

But eventually I got hungry.

After showering, I went downstairs to my parent's suite and consumed half a loaf of sugar-glazed Hawaiian bread with some fresh-brewed hotel coffee. I awkwardly dodged my parents attempts at getting me to share how I was feeling. I've never been good at sharing my emotions, especially if they are of the mushy variety. In fact, I forbade Sak from even holding my hand when we were around people I knew for the first five years of our relationship. I guess I couldn't turn on the sappy, even on my wedding day.

Anyway, upon the arrival of our hair and makeup artist, Dorys, it was time to get ready.

The whole process went by quickly as the Maleana team worked magic on two mothers, one sister and one bride. It was very similar to the trial session I had, and she had all the shades we used last time written down. Apparently I got one shade darker on my face! How's that for a couple days on an island!

Sak showed up at some point, and someone forced a camera into his hands since he was just standing around.

He took some pictures of us ladies, at least until he got hungry.

There would be no grand, emotional "first look" for us - and I'm okay with that. We are the type to embrace the process just as much as the end result, so I think it is fitting he was around to watch me get made-up.

Dorys started with my hair. Like a good bride, I remembered the no-wash rule that morning!

An assistant did my mom's makeup in the meantime.

Yay, I've got pretty curls!

Next, Sak's mom took a spin in the magical chair.

And after a huge wad of concealer, I headed to the bathroom for some airbrushing!

Dorys also airbrushed my shoulders in an attempt to even out the nasty sunburn I had accumulated at the zoo and beach. Yeowch.

Now what about my sweet little sister?

Well, she had quite the experience during her makeover.

But does she approve?

That's a yes, believe it or not.

With the fine spray of foundation applied, it was back to the chair for finishing touches.

Who is this person?!

Dorys added my homemade hair flower and some lip color, and we were finished! Bravo, Dorys - a true makeup artist.

And lastly, to celebrate our new fancy selves - my mom and I snacked on some poke and sushi. So, so good.

I look entirely too excited. Let's get this day started!

(Photos courtesy various family members)

Our wedding week in review:

• We took care of some last minute DIY details, and officialized everything.
• We vacationed with our out-of-towners, and threw a yummy welcome beach brunch.
• Sak saluted an angry dragon during our wedding rehearsal, and we sniffed at our dinner.
• Wal-Mart crashed my bachelorette.