Blogs

My husband and I are throwing our wedding reception at the Soledad Club, a former women’s club perched high above Pacific Beach, with incredible views. We're having an evening celebration and we want to light up the interior in a special way. I’ve listed fifteen ideas here that will serve as inspiration.

1. Cluster candles into groups. After the sun sets, we’d love to have the tables glow, too. These centerpieces are compromised almost entirely out of candlelight.

In a quest to learn English, Jessica, 18, of Brazil, joined a language-learning website called SharedTalk. What she didn't expect was to fall in love with someone who lives nearly 5,600 miles away. After Kenny, 23, of Belgium contacted Jessica to help her learn the language, the two quickly became friends, spending hours "laughing and talking about everything and nothing." 

"It all started so natural," wrote Jessica on her website. "We had so much in common. He liked me the way I am, and I had the same feeling for him."

Soon, the couple found themselves talking for 12 hours straight and sleeping with the webcam on to spend more time together. After about a year of dating long-distance, Kenny proposed in a sweet video. Jessica, appropriately, responded with a video of her own, below. And on October 31, Kenny will fly to Brazil to meet Jessica and her family for the first time. 

"Two countries, two cultures, two languages, many obstacles and only one heart."

Tell us: Would you agree to marry someone you've never met in person?

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

One couple received a truly memorable gift from our Commander-in-Chief after he nearly became an unintentional wedding crasher at their September 1 nuptials.

President Obama planned a last-minute rally at the Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa on September 1, attracting about 10,000 supporters — but he and his team made sure to wrap it up an hour before the couple's wedding ceremony was scheduled to start so that the two events wouldn't conflict.

"The staff and Secret Service were very gracious about it, and when it was over, they received this gift and note," a friend of the couple posted on Reddit. 

Photo Credit: Loren Paul

What a great keepsake from their big day! 

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

We love the look of champagne, nude and ivory laces fashioned in a sheath silhouette. The look is ultra-romantic with a relaxed easy allure. This look would be perfect on the beach or at a vineyard, and we love how this style can either look bohemian or vintage lovely.

Here, a few of our favorites by Claire Pettibone, Elizabeth Fillmore, and Jim Hjelm Blush.

A great bridesmaids match to these gowns: Deeper champagne long whispy dresses in a lightweight, breezy chiffon. 

—Naima DiFranco

Our new issue, November/December 2012, is on the newsstands, and it’s filled with so many fantastic stories that I don’t know which one to talk about first!

But let’s start with fashion, since I know many of you are on the hunt for that perfect gown, and there are lots of beautiful — and affordable — dresses featured. You’re sure to love the gorgeous gowns that were photographed on the fabulous Disney cruise ship, the Disney Magic. Here’s our model with Captain Mickey himself:

This state-of-the art cruise ship was the perfect venue for showcasing dreamy dresses that exude grace, style and elegance:

You’ll also find more have-to-have looks in our “All An Illusion” story, showcasing romantic dresses with sheer necklines, backs and cover-ups:

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ NME, who has been DJing for over a decade and can often be found in the hottest nightspots in NYC, Miami, and LA. As a music taste-maker, he's frequently hired by discerning clients such as Ralph Lauren, Pepsi, Levi's and Saks Fifth Ave. DJ NME always strives to tell a story with the music, whether that's the excitement of a couple's wedding night, or the experience of a high-profile event. "Reading any crowd is like playing a game of catch. If I throw them the ball and they throw it back, then I know they want more. If they don't, then I have to find a better ball.”

Photo Credit: Matt Andrews Photography

There is something so deeply appealing about a cake stand, is there not? Lately, I’ve been obsessed with them. And if you’re a bride-to-be, you may be, too. If that’s the case, then get thee to The Shops at Target, a group of stylish pop-up stores, featuring all manner of carefully curated home goods, clothing, gifts and decor. Oh, and the keyword is “pop-up.” The Shops are open until the second week of October, while supplies last. 

The Curiosity Shoppe at Target ceramic cake plate, $25, target.com and Target stores.

Patch ceramic stag cake stand, $25, target.com and Target stores.

—Mary Clarke 

We've all been there: Going stag to a big event when everyone else has a plus one; telling your mom that your best friend is engaged and having her oh-so-gently remind you that you're running out of time to give her grandkids; dealing with your friends constantly begging you to let them set you up on blind dates... with the guys they rejected before finding "The One." The list goes on and on. So when we came across the hilarious Tumblr, My Friends are Married, we couldn't help but laugh. Here, the top times when your single friends may secretly want to wring your happily-in-love neck.

When my friend replaces "I" with "we" whenever she talks about anything:

When my friend has quotes about love and marriage hanging all over her house:

When my friend says "hubs" or "hubby":

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Umami. Entrenched in music since childhood, DJ Umami studied voice, piano and guitar before finding her true calling on the turntables. A renowned DJ in the San Francisco circuit, Umami is known for lighting the dance floor on fire at concerts, nightclubs, and exclusive private events. DJ Umami seeks to connect every crowd that she spins for, in order to leave an indelible mark in their musical memory. "I'm obsessed with understanding the crowd I'm playing for, and hitting the right dynamic to get everyone on the dance floor." 

Photo Credit: David Schwartz Photography

On the morning of your big day, getting primped with the perfect pre-wedding music can be just as important as picking the right DJ for your actual reception. Setting the tone with the proper soundtrack while you’re getting pretty is critical to building excitement for the evening ahead.  And a solid playlist should reflect the love between you and your soon-to-be partner for life but also foster some bonding (and lip-syncing) with your bridesmaids.  Here are my personal choices for striking that happy-romantic balance on the morning of your wedding.

This week was filled with bizarre wedding news, including what could be the worst proposal we've ever heard (a groom faked his own death) and bride-napping in Romania.

We launched an official partnership with Lover.ly, the ultimate visual search tool that allows you to easily search and save all of your favorite photos from BridalGuide.com. It's definitely a match made in heaven.

If you've also had a busy week, catch up now on our hottest features!

1. We've Got Autumn Fever

The end of summer is always bittersweet, but we can't wait for fall weddings. Caramel apple favors, adorable bridesmaid cardigans, bright fall leaves—sign us up.