Photo Credit: BOA/Splash News

At the recent wedding of a friend, the bride (who I hadn’t seen in a long while) marched down the aisle in a while eyelet dress and light chocolate brown hair. I’d always known Vanessa as a blonde, so this recent turn of events was surprising—in a very good way! So many blonde brides I have known cling to their fair hair (even if their natural color is far from flaxen). Vanessa’s bold move made her eyes brighter, her skin glowier and her allover look much sexier than ever before.

Actress Hillary Duff pulled a similar move (albeit after her August 14th wedding to NHL hockey player Mike Comrie) when she swapped her trademark blonde for light brown (left). The reviews may be mixed, but I love the new hue. As with Vanessa, Hillary’s new hair is more flattering to her skin tone and eye color. And nothing spices up a relationship like fresh hair color.

Have you made a major hair color change before or after a big event? Share your experiences, below.