When I ran cross country, I quickly learned that not all terrain is created equal. While the majority of a race would be spent running across grass, there were often unexpected stretches of gravel or pavement. Choosing the right shoes became a lesson in balance. Certain shoes were designed to handle grass terrain best, while others performed well on hard pavement. But no shoe was perfect for every surface. The key was to prioritize—selecting a shoe that would give me the best speed and comfort for the bulk of the race while accepting that it might not perform perfectly for those brief stretches of pavement or gravel. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about strategy—focusing on the part that mattered most.
This philosophy directly ties into the way we think about makeup, particularly for a bride. A wedding day is filled with different moments—up-close interactions, professional photographs, and video footage. Each of these mediums presents unique challenges for makeup, much like the varying terrains in a cross-country race. Some makeup techniques look flawless in photos, but can be too heavy in person. Others create a glowing effect on video but might not hold up well in the heat of a long ceremony. The question becomes: What is the primary goal for your makeup? Is it to look perfect in person as you greet guests, or is it to ensure your makeup is flawless on camera?
The decision should reflect your ultimate priority, much like choosing the right shoe for a cross-country race. Consider what will make you feel most confident and beautiful for the majority of your experience. For some, that means focusing on looking stunning in photos; for others, it might mean feeling natural and radiant in person. And then, ask yourself—can it be good enough for the rest?
At the core, the choices we make for our wedding day, like the shoes I chose for my race, reveal how we prioritize different aspects of our experience. When we focus on the majority goal, we set ourselves up for the best overall outcome. And just as no terrain is the same, no two brides or makeup needs are identical. What is your real intention for your wedding day look?
What part of your experience are you willing to prioritize, and what are you willing to let go? The answer might reveal more than you think.
