Photo Credit: Daniel Kim Photography

Honeymoon plans have been the main topic of conversation lately for my fiancé Corey and I, which led me to wonder about how we can maintain our entire honeymoon phase—not just post-nuptials, but during the actual wedding-planning process as well. With to-do lists that put grocery lists to shame and DIY centerpieces lining the walls in our kitchen, the wedding is constantly at the forefront of our minds. Sure, the engagement's main purpose is for couples to plan their dream nuptials and prepare for the future together, but it's also one of the few times you can be shamelessly giddy, starry-eyed and lovey-dovey with your husband-to-be.

To say I'm clueless when it comes to makeup is an understatement. My daily beauty routine consists of undereye concealer, loose powder, a dab of blush, and a swipe of black mascara. Rather than wear lipstick like an adult, I finish my application with a thin coat of ChapStick. 

So when I arrived at my makeup trial two weeks ago and Barbara, the makeup artist, asked how I want to look on my wedding day, instead of whipping out a photo of the look I was aiming for, I replied, "Pretty!" She asked me to elaborate and I answered, "Well, I prefer a dark lip, rather than a smoky eye." (I know, very descriptive.) Then, I told her how much I love red lipstick. Insert exaggerated eye roll from all of the other BG brides reading this, who unlike myself, recognize the countless shades of red lipstick that exist in this world.

Needless to say, I was 0 for 3, but the results of my trial were positive in spite of my lack of direction. The application was flawless and I would definitely like to work with Barbara on my wedding day. But my friend Nora said it best: "The colors you selected for your eyeshadow and lipstick just aren't you." The shade of red I picked could have passed for bright pink, and the eyeshadow, which was a light plum, seemed to clash. She suggested visiting my local MAC or NARS to sample different hues to decide which would work best for my wedding day. (Thanks, Nora!)

This time, I don't plan on going empty-handed! I gathered some inspirational makeup styles below—would you like to help me out by voting for your favorite?

One of my favorite wedding-planning tasks doesn't really feel like a "task" at all—researching honeymoon options! Just staring at the crystal-blue water and swim-up bars on my laptop screen is enough to put me in a zen-like happy place. My fiancé Corey and I haven't finalized our honeymoon destination, nor our hotel of choice (Cancun and Riviera Maya in Mexico are at the top of our lists). However, we definitely want to take the all-inclusive route after having an amazing first experience at the RIU in Cabo, San Lucas, which is where we stayed for my sister's wedding back in 2010. We loved not having to whip out our wallets during vacation. For those of you who have never been to an all-inclusive, I’ll describe the experience...

You end up paying significantly more per person upfront, but once you’re at the resort, all meals and drinks are covered (check your hotel's policy for any exclusions). Some hotels may offer amenities free of charge as well, which could include kayaking, snorkeling, and use of their gym facilities. The more extravagant indulgences (such as spa treatments and couples' massages) usually require an additional fee, but some properties offer a discount towards spa treatments if you book overnight stays or a suite.