CurlReading / Special Occasion /
Blooming Brides

Text by Michelle Breyer
Photography by Rudy Gonzalez

Forget the fancy veils and tiaras. Put roses in your ringlets; tuck a calla lily into your curls.

Fresh flowers are one of the hottest hair accessories for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls, according to wedding planners. Suitable for all ages, and appropriate for both formal and informal events, flowers are an easy, yet noticeable way to add a unique touch to a wedding without spending a lot of money. And flowers work especially well with curls and kinks, which have the texture to hold them.

“It’s a way to have a more finished look,” says Kathi Thomas, an Austin floral artist with Kathi Thomas Designs, who created a headband of stephanotis and gardenias for her own wedding.

Flowers can be used as a subtle accent or a dramatic fashion statement, depending on what varieties you select and how you arrange them. They can range from a single full blossom to several small buds to a elaborate combination of several varieties. They also can be combined with other decorative items such as beads or jeweled bobby pins to add an interesting touch. Flowers can be incorporated into almost any wedding hairstyle, whether one’s hair is pulled half-way up, completely up or simply styled.

The bride can have flowers from her bouquet individually wired to make them easier for the hairstylist to position. Another option is to have flowers attached to a hair comb or clip.

To prevent wilting, dip the flowers in a anti-transrespirant, which seals in the moisture, There are specially preserved flowers that have been dried in a way to keep them looking good throughout your special day.

“The flowers shouldn’t go in more than an hour or two before the wedding,” Thomas says. “For an outdoor wedding, put them in right before you go out.”

Silk flowers are another good option for brides who want the look of fresh flowers but want more longevity. They are available in a variety of colors and styles and require maintenance, and can be reused for other occasions. They are guaranteed not to wilt or wither throughout the course of the event, regardless of the temperature or humidity level. And silk hair flowers tend to be lighter than their “real” counterparts.

To show off some of the fresh flower bridal possibilities, NaturallyCurly.com gathered six curly models — along with a generous selection of calla lilies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, roses. peonies and proteas — at Austin’s Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa. The stylists used the wedding dresses and each model’s curl type and personal style to inspire them.

Special thanks to:

Ann Kelso Salon + CitySpa
Stylists: Brooke Michie, Jason
Kirkpatrick, Meredith Herndon
and Maya Nusbaum
Makeup Artist: Heather Belanger
Gowns: Alexia Gavela Bridal, Austin, Texas
Jewelry: Lisa Harrison, available at Aviary, 512-916-4445
Photographer: Rudolfo Gonzalez

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