Posted by Maureen

It may be summer, but I’m still spring cleaning in my apartment…and let me tell you, it isn’t easy. Why? I’ve simply accumulated too much stuff! Honestly, I am a prime candidate for TLC’s “Buried Alive: Hoarders”. So, during my vacation week in June I tackled the living room and some closets. I rented a storage unit (absolutely no storage where I live, which is part of the problem) and lugged over three car loads filled with books, albums and other sundry items. I also set aside bags of things for family members to go through and made two trips to Salvation Army. Whew! But now, when I walk through the front door it looks amazing and it almost feels as if I’m visiting someone else’s home. Plus, I probably won’t miss any of the things that were tossed and donated.

This weekend my goal is to go through the kitchen cabinets, drawers, etc. and start throwing out, organizing and giving away what I absolutely don’t need (shouldn’t be too difficult as I’m not much of a cook). Then comes the kitchen renovation but that’s another story. Anyway, all this purging, tossing and giving away got me thinking about all of you and the fact that you’ll soon be merging two households if you haven’t done so already. According to an online Bridal Guide survey, 51% moved in together when dating but the other 49% of you will do so after getting engaged or right before the wedding.

To find these dresses, visit elizabethfillmorebridal.com, clairepettibone.com and douglashannant.com.

Posted by Naima

Morocco’s beauty and exotic flair have made it a popular setting for films—think Babel, Gladiator, and more recently, the Sex and the City sequel. As I watched my favorite foursome seek female liberation in the most unlikely place and fashionably trek Morocco in stilettos, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my own Moroccan getaway (albeit a third wheel with my brother and his girlfriend) some year-and-a-half ago. It’s one of my favorite places to travel to date and would consider it a great honeymoon spot.

Something old, something new: While Marrakech is made up of an “old city” and a more modern one beside it, I’d highly suggest choosing a hotel in the former so you can experience the richness of its old-world culture. I was very happy with the service and aesthetic of our hotel, Riad Amir Victoria. With enclaves for two sprinkled throughout the first floor, suites with an indoor balcony overlooking a mosaic of Arabic décor from the second floor, and relaxing rooftop seating among the endless sky, this hotel is a paradise in itself.
 

A look inside our hotel, the Riad Amir Victoria

Outside our hotel

The perfect place to relax: the rooftop

Cheryl Ungar, a photographer with a special interest in weddings, is a 19-year breast-cancer survivor on a mission to help other women affected by the disease. To that end, Cheryl has teamed up with vendors in her area—Denver, Colorado—to create The Wedding Pink, a program designed to award a wedding worth $25,000–$30,000 to a deserving bride whose life has recently been touched by breast cancer, whether it is herself, her mother, the groom’s mother or someone else close to her. The contest is open to brides nationally. For more information, visit cherylungargives.com or theweddingpink.com.

Posted by Naima

Here are some of Bridal Guide’s favorite, easy to find (read: cheap!) products to make you look fab in the waves or on the sand.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock with Helioplex, SPF 85 & 100 ($10.99)             

After watching my sister successfully burn herself to a bright red crisp this weekend, I realized it’s important to just suck it up and sun block! Neutrogena’s waterproof and sweat-proof formula is going to give all the protection us beach bunnies need, without the goopy lotions that are a pain to apply and can wreak havoc on the inside of a beach bag (or a ring!). The non-greasy spray won’t clog pores, making it a perfect choice for those who hit the beach sans makeup.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Sun Indulgence Lotion for Face, SPF 30 ($22.00)

You know who always forgets to put suntan lotion on her face? This blogger! With Estee Lauder’s new face lotion boasting protection from the most harmful of the sun’s rays as well as a great scent, you can just toss it in your suitcase and jet off to your sun-splashed honeymoon. Whether you’re on the beach, lounging by the pool or souvenir shopping for everyone back home, anytime you lift up your face to worship the sun, you know your skin will come home looking bronzed and beautiful, not battered.

To find these dresses check out justinalexander.com, carolinaherrera.com and jlmcouture.com.

Posted by Naima

Looking for a fun getaway with the girls or a relaxing couples’ weekend away from the wedding chaos? I think I may have a solution: Foxwoods Resort & Casino. Nestled in the woods of Connecticut, this resort features everything you could possibly need for a weekend away. I recently visited this property for a Ladies’ Weekend and it was amazing!

I stayed at the Grand Pequot Tower, one of four hotels at Foxwoods, which also includes the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. After I explored the nooks and crannies of my room, I decided to climb into my bed and rest a little before meeting everyone for cocktails. Let’s just say it was one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever been in—made it very difficult to leave my room.

My oh-so comfy beds. No, I didn't jump from one to another--but I was tempted.

A view of the other side of the room.

The view from my window.

I took this pic while I was waiting for the elevator. Look at all those trees!