It’s going to be an incredible year for weddings! In our January/February 2016 issue, we reveal the hottest new trends guaranteed to get you revved up for your own celebration.
We love the unique angle of this playful photo!
I still follow the tradition of counting my blessings each year on Turkey Day (my Pre-K teacher would be proud). This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful to be marrying the love of my life in less than a year. I'm also thankful to have supportive family, friends, vendors, and guests—it takes an army to plan a wedding!
In the spirit of the season, we've gathered some fun ways to give thanks before, during, and after your big day.
1. Keep a gratitude journal. Unlike a regular diary, which requires daily upkeep, jot down quick thoughts about your planning "highs" (e.g. what you felt like when you bought your dress) whenever you have the time. Also, use it to store fun mementos (like your gown consultant's business card).
2. Spend quality time with your maid of honor and best man. Before my friend's wedding (where I was a MOH), we had a beauty-prep day where we got massages and mani-pedis. We capped it off with lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. I loved getting quality time with her before wedding chaos took over.
Photo Credit: J. Wiley Photography
Photo Credit: Jacilyn M.
Tip of the Day: Collaborate with your stationer to create a one-of-a-kind illustration that's meaningful to you. For example, this invitation featured the church where the couple said "I do."
Plus, check out 50 Ideas for Your Wedding Invitations.
Dreaming of a Caribbean honeymoon but can’t decide which island? For a truly unique and memorable adventure, consider a private luxury yacht charter.
Tip of the Day: "Combined with cardio (which burns fat all over), working out with weights can help you change the shape of your body — within the limitations of your basic size and shape, of course. While you can’t give yourself model-slim hips if you weren’t born with a narrow frame, you can sculpt leaner legs, a more shapely rear and nicely defined arms and see initial results in just a few weeks," says top trainer Bonne Marcus.
Plus, check out The Best Workout Classes for Brides-to-Be.
A few weeks before my wedding, I was surprised when the hot topic of conversation became "to shave or not to shave?" amongst my groom, Jason, and his groomsmen. To be honest, I kind of assumed a clean-shave (or five-o'clock shadow at the most) was a given since Jason always buzzed up for special events, nevermind the most important and highly photographed day of our lives. Besides, he doesn't grow much facial hair to begin with.
What I never considered at the time was that almost every other groomsman was rocking some sort of beard ranging from David Beckham to Zach Galifianakis status, plus a few guys were growing their hair out. Thus, a debate ensued amongst the men about whether Jason would stick out in a bad way. (In contrast, I was shocked I didn't get as many questions from the bridesmaids, despite the fact that we all went with updos and a few of them had never worn their hair up before!) They assured me they wouldn't look like Lord of the Rings extras and each guy did their own thing. Don't they look handsome?
Photo by: Josh Lynn Photography
In honor of Movember — which raises awareness and funds for prostate cancer and other male cancers — I've gathered some photos of grooms who rocked facial hair at their wedding, from barely-there to the whole shebang.
Featured: Ridgeland, Mississippi
