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Don’t you just love vacations? The anticipation, planning and finally getting on the road is half the fun: tomorrow I’ll be heading out for a week-long break (yay!). Destination: The Outer Banks of North Carolina, one of my favorite places on the East Coast. The beaches are wide and beautiful and the natural scenery is gorgeous—nothing beats those amazing sunsets over the bay. True, the area has certainly been built up considerably in the past few decades, but there’s still enough of that laid-back beach charm to make it the ideal place for R&R. And if you want to honeymoon close to home, I highly recommend the Outer Banks: you’ll find great inns, hotels, restaurants, shopping and can choose to be active (biking, hiking) or just chill with a good book.

Of course, heading to the sandy shores got me thinking about beach weddings and how dreamy and romantic they are. Many of you may even be considering having a wedding away, so I decided to ask destination wedding expert Lisa Light to share some of her best tips. Lisa has been in the biz for 19 years and averages about 20 destination weddings a year. Her book DESTINATION BRIDE: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Wedding Anywhere in the World (North Light Books) is the bible for anyone getting married away from home. I was curious…with all those weddings she planned in over 40 destinations, what did Lisa consider to be the most important tips? Here’s what she said:

Pippa's gorgeous Sarah Burton bridesmaid dress set the fashion world a flurry! Although the Royal Wedding took place over a month ago, the BG editors are still entranced with Miss Middleton's modern style and the impact that it will have on bridesmaids in the next year. If you loved her the striking silhouette of her dress, here are some similar styles from Martina Liana, BHLDN and Carolina Herrera that would be perfect for your wedding day.

—Naima DiFranco

In my experience, not all honeymooners are content to lounge on a beach sipping piña coladas after their wedding. Some couples are thrill seekers that really want to get their hearts pumping post-swapping vows. For those of you looking for a lot more excitement, here are three perennial favorites:

New Zealand: You may have just gotten hitched, but have you zorbed together yet?! "Zorbing" involves rolling down a hill inside a large inflatable ball, and it’s become one of the Kiwi country’s signature adventure offerings. Adrenaline-seekers who head to New Zealand can also bungee jump (the activity was invented here), heli-hike on glaciers, and mountain bike, all against a breathtakingly beautiful scenic backdrop. For less of a scream, tour the wine region of Marlborough and enjoy some of the freshest and most innovative cuisine in the world.
*Ed. Note: For more on New Zealand, pick up the July/August issue of your fave bridal mag, on stands now!

Once Kim Kardashian's engagement news trickled into the blogosphere, it wasn't her decidely laid-back proposal (read more about that here) that BG brides were buzzing about—we were too busy staring at the dazzling, orb-like object on her People magazine cover! It turned out to be a 20.5-carat custom creation from Lorraine Schwartz, a renowned jeweler to the stars (her A-list clientele includes Beyoncé). Although we wouldn't have pegged the media mogul to be an emerald-cut kind of girl — little sis Khloe's ring is a radiant, so she was probably trying to avoid any comparisons — it definitely adds to the classic, Old-Hollywood feel that she's trying to emulate. Look familiar? The future Mrs. Humphries is a huge fan of Elizabeth Taylor, whose third husband gifted her a 30-carat emerald for their engagement.

(Photo Courtesy of People Magazine)

I’ve got Bali on the brain a bunch these days. I think it is due to the fact that three people I know have recently jetted off to the sun-splashed island. It could also be thanks to the story that I recently assigned (look for it in the November/December issue). But whatever the reason—Bali is beckoning big time. If you’re a bride that’s been bitten by the same Bali bug, here’s some fabu news from the ultraposh Ayana Resort & Spa. Long called the “best spa in the world,” by some of my most trusted travel colleagues, this cliffside 290-room, 78-villa resort just announced some new wedding packages. Choose from among three soup-to-nuts offerings and you can swap vows in a picturesque wedding villa or traditional Javanese home. Décor, the legal aspects and tropical flowers are included in all packages, which start at a totally reasonable price of $2,100. And customized add-ons like a horse and buggy, specialized menus and spa treatments are also available. Go to ayanaresort.com for more information.

*Ed. Note: Bali Hai is actually in the islands of Tahiti. I just thought the headline was cute. Don’t want my fantastic readers to think that I’m not on top of my geography. Swak.

—Jenna Mahoney

It’s that time again…another new issue of Bridal Guide hits newsstands today and you’re going to love what’s inside:

You’ll find the most gorgeous gowns for your wedding, from short flirty frocks (why not wear one to your rehearsal dinner or change at the reception or after party?)...

...To striking femme fatale gowns that will have him swooning and all your guests saying ahhh. We also have the hottest trends from the runway shows, chic accessories and a selection of perfect dresses to suit your shape.

After you have picked out The Dress, the fun part begins — deciding on what goes underneath it! Victoria's Secret has a line of bridal lingerie, "Sexy Little Bride," with the signature VS fit and price tags we are all comfortable with. I'm obsessed! It is now available in stores, online and through their catalog. The collection ranges from baby dolls, corsets, bras, panties, garters and thigh-highs. How much do you love the bow panties? Check out the bridal collection now! 

—Naima DiFranco

It seems that many couples today, including just-marrieds Prince William and Kate Middleton, are seeing green when it comes to planning their weddings. Those stately trees that lined the aisle in Westminster Abbey were all replanted afterwards at Kate’s request. The couple also chose local, in-season flowers and the majestic wedding cake was made from organic and fair trade ingredients. Obviously, eco-conscious Prince Charles has had some influence on his son!

Green is in and right here in the good ‘ole USA many florists, event planners and bakers are also incorporating eco-friendly values. One such wedding and event stylist is Kim Foren of Geranium Lake Flowers in Portland, Oregon. Kim purchases locally-grown, organic flowers and even grows many of her own. She uses a biodiesel van for deliveries and recycles leftover wedding and event flowers for donation to hospitals and nursing homes. I love this idea and any couple can easily arrange this.

Here are some of Kim’s eco-friendly creations to get you inspired for your own big day: