This month I wanted to share something a little bit different. I had the privilege of spray tanning Jane for her Wedding back in July. When I asked her if I could share her story with you, her response had me in tears. Her story is honest, courageous and inspirational…
What made you try a spray tan for your wedding?
I am naturally quite pale, which normally doesn’t concern me, but there were two main reasons for wanting a spray tan for my wedding. The first reason was that I was worried that my pale complexion would look ‘washed out’ against a long ivory coloured dress. Not only my complexion, but I was also worried that my white décolleté and arms would look rather pasty! The second reason for wanting a spray tan is that I had just finished 1 year’s treatment for breast cancer, which included chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. This obviously took its toll on my body, and my family have watched me – amongst other things – lose my hair, lose my breast, become bloated through steroids and develop skin reactions. Some of our wedding guests hadn’t seen me since the beginning of my treatment, and so for these reasons and to help boost my inner confidence, I wanted to look healthy and radiant on my wedding day! Over the years, I had dabbled with trying various over the counter self-tanning products and they always left me blotchy and with stained clothes, so I knew it had to be my first ever spray tan or nothing for my wedding!
What were your thoughts prior to having your spray tan?
I was quite anxious about it, to be honest. I wanted a subtle colour, not too dark or orange. I didn’t know anyone who had had a spray tan and could recommend someone, so it was only 6 weeks or so before my wedding day and I still hadn’t done anything about it! I think Nina must have been listening, as I saw her Post on Facebook – she was local and I liked the photos showing natural looking tans, so I took the leap and contacted her. She sounded lovely and as a bonus she made home visits, which was perfect compared to having to leave home without make up and running the gauntlet of potentially bumping into someone I knew not fully ‘made up’! I was also reassured by her suggestion that we have a trial run a few weeks before the wedding so that I would know which day the colour suited me most and of course getting used to the new shade! She also advised about the pre tanning and post tanning routine for me to follow. By the time the trial date arrived, I was both excited and a little nervous. Nina talked me through everything and took her time answering my questions. We decided I should have the lightest shade 6%, of course, I worried about standing in front of her naked (minus a pair of panties) and boob-less! She couldn’t have been kinder with me though and put me totally at ease and ready for my first ever spray tan at 54!
How did you feel after your initial tan fitting?
I felt great! I could see the colour change immediately and couldn’t resist looking in the mirror constantly. Nina explained that some residual colour may come off overnight so suggested laying on a towel. As instructed, I showered in the morning. Nina had given me a little goodie pack which included a gentle body wash and which lasted two showers. She also advised how to keep the tan as long as possible by moisturising regularly. The colour was gorgeous and so natural. No orange in sight!
Which day did you like the colour the best?
Nina had advised me to take photos each day to help me decide which day I preferred the colour, which was an excellent suggestion. I decided I preferred my colour on Day 3. This was because, as I mentioned earlier, I didn’t want to look obviously tanned on my special day, just ‘glowing’!
How did your tan make you feel on your wedding day?
Having my tan made me feel so happy and confident! It actually exceeded my expectations in every way and when I put my wedding dress I had ‘a moment’ and from then on I couldn’t stop smiling all day. No one realised I had had a spray tan, everyone just said how healthy and radiant I looked.
What advice would you give to other brides who might be thinking of having a spray tan?
I would say go for it! Do your research and think about the kind of look and shade you want to achieve on your special day. Follow Nina’s advice and have a trial spray tan a few weeks before your wedding to give you the time to decide what shade is right for you and which day you prefer your colour. I didn’t give myself enough time, but I would also suggest trying on your wedding dress when you have had your trial spray tan to help decide which day works best for you.
A huge thank you to Jane for allowing me to share her story. If you would like any information about a Bridal Spray Tan, please feel free to get in touch via my Facebook page.
Love, Nina x
Caroline says
What a fabulous story, and so heartwarming you could make her special day even more special. Thank you for sharing
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Ah thank you Caroline, I’m glad you enjoyed it x
Anna Jones says
What an amazing and inspiring story! You should be so proud of the work you do and how you make your clients feel Nina! 🙂 x
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Ah Anna, thank you so much, that means a lot! I truly love making people feel this way! Jane really is an inspiration x
Mel says
I had no idea you had a spray tan!! The photos looked fabulous and every inch of your beautiful self popped out! Love you Jane! You’re one of the bravest people I’ve ever known xxxx
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Ah Mel, this is lovely and you are so right, Jane really is one of the bravest people I have ever met too! x
rebecca ronane says
You are like a fairy godmother NIna, giving a magic touch of confidence. An inspiring interview.
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Ahh Rebecca, thank you so much and I’m so pleased you enjoyed it x
Eileen Burns says
What a beautiful story, Nina and lovely to hear Jane’s honesty. Without a doubt you would have put her at ease
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Thank you so much Eileen, your words mean a lot, hope you are well lovely lady x