Our nails are designed to protect the fleshy fingertip and help us manipulate small objects. Our nails are incredibly absorbent; they can take in 20 to 25 percent of their weight in water. When they do, the keratin (the same protein that makes up hair and skin) swells and splits which can cause the nail to become weak and brittle.

Although nails are actually dead tissue, they grow in a matrix of living flesh beneath what is called the nail bed. A complete nail grows in six months — as the cells push up from the fold, they harden and become keratin. A fun little-known fact: if you are right-handed, your nails on the right grow faster because the additional activity stimulates circulation. And believe it or not, nail biting actually stimulates nail growth (through this isn’t a good enough reason to do it).

All of us should really have our own manicure kit and bring it to each appointment we go to (or have your manicurist keep it for you) to protect us against the risk of infection. Even though most nail salons sterilize their equipment between clients, don’t put yourself at risk of infection from someone else’s germs, bacteria, or fungus, as these are highly contagious.

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On the day of the wedding, brides have to prepare beforehand the following items prior to the photographer and videographer’s arrival. Normally before the bridal shoot, photographers take pictures of the bride’s paraphernalia. This is to properly document all the wedding details such as:

1. Wedding gown in body form
2. Bride’s veil
3. Arrhae
4. Rings
5. Veil (Secondary)
6. Cord
7. Matches
8. Bible
9. Pillows
10. Copy of wedding invitation
11. Sample souvenir
12. Shoes
13. Garter
14. Bridal bouquet

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