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When Michael Wolber and April Hartley planned to get married at Oregon's Rock Springs Ranch they never imagined a wildfire would threaten their perfect outdoor wedding. 

On Saturday June 7th, just as the couple's ceremony was about to begin, fire trucks arrived at the scene and told guests that they would need to evacuate due to a rapidly approaching wildfire. "It was like a movie. We saw a fire truck roll up with sirens blaring," Wolber told The Oregonian.

Luckily, the firefighters had a change of heart and told the couple that the ceremony could go on —  as long as it was brief. The couple quickly said their vows and minister Lisa Leavitt pronounced them husband and wife. Guests cheered the newlyweds and then hurriedly headed toward their cars to relocate to the backup reception space. The couple chose the backup venue in case of inclement weather, little did they know a fire thousands of acres long would force them to evacuate the space. 

While the entire reception was being packed up and taken downtown to the new location at Drake Park, the bride and groom snuck off with their photographer, Josh Newton, to take photos with the fire raging in the background.

The wildfire that set the verdant area ablaze — and nearly ruined their wedding — allowed them to take truly incredible photos.

Check out the spectacular images below:

Every bride wants to look (and feel) flawless in her wedding gown, myself included. We're all guilty of following certain trends or searching for the next diet secret. However, wouldn't it be great to feel like a more fit, gorgeous version of yourself without having to deprive yourself of anything or change everything about your current lifestyle?

As the daughter of a fitness professional who has been in the industry for over three decades, I have seen my fair share of "quick tricks" or "the next best diet." However, my mom taught me that it's about functional fitness and creating a personalized routine that sets you up for success. I've used this advice throughout every major fitness goal and I can truthfully say that it has never failed me. That's not to say that I haven't strayed from it from time to time, but when I get back to the basics, I feel that much stronger, healthier and happier. 

Here are a few myths I've encountered in my shape-up journey for the wedding:

Photo Credit: iStock

John Meis, the hero who disarmed a gunman during a deadly campus shooting at Seattle Pacific University on June 5, has had his honeymoon and wedding registry completely paid for by strangers.

Once it spread on Twitter that the 22-year-old electrical engineering student was planning a wedding with his fiancé Kaylie, the reaction was extraordinary. Dozens of strangers expressed their gratitude for his heroic actions by purchasing items on the couple's registry lists at Target and Crate and Barrel...but that's not all. Jessamyn MacIntyre, a producer at ESPN Seattle, created a crowdfunding campaign for their big day after logging on to purchase a gift and realizing that everything had already been bought. As of press time, over $50,000 has been raised for Meis and his future wife.

Meis, pictured above with his fiancé Kaylie, had been working as a building monitor in the lobby when the shots were fired. He tackled the shooter after spraying him with pepper spray. Onlookers helped him pin down the gunman until police arrived. According to The Seattle Times, friends of Meis describe him as a "quiet, brilliant man and devout Christian."

Disney fanatics, prepare to swoon over this adorable proposal! Henry Barnes, a 28-year-old graffiti artist from Bristol, England, painted an enormous mural featuring the characters from Beauty and the Beast to pop the question to his girlfriend Stacey Smith.

It took Barnes (who goes by the graffiti name "Fiver") two days and over 30 cans of spray paint to create the 50-foot masterpiece. When the mural was complete, he invited his girlfriend of three years to a coffee shop across the street.

The couple walked past the painting in silence...that is, until Smith, a PhD student at Bristol University, burst into tears upon realizing that it was meant for her! "It did all feel a bit unreal and then Henry got down on one knee. It was incredibly romantic and it also felt very strange because there were a lot of people around who started clapping and cheering," she tells the The Daily Mail.

How did Barnes manage to pull off such a huge surprise without his live-in girlfriend finding out? "I have never done anything as big as this before. I spent the first day painting the wall over and the second day, I spent all day painting the characters. It took me eight hours but I managed to catch Stacey completely by surprise," he says.

I have never been one to follow the crowd and my wedding will be no different. In middle school and high school I wore the biggest, baggiest boy jeans I could find and rocked all sorts of funky colors in my hair. Not much has changed since then aside from the pants, which have been replaced by more form-fitting jeans. My fiancé Mike fell in love with me because of my laidback demeanor and unique style, so he knew what he was getting himself into.

We're getting married at Disney World’s Wedding Pavilion in Orlando, Florida on Halloween and our wedding colors are purple and black. In December, we're going to have a masquerade ball-themed reception back home in Grand Rapids, Michigan since a lot of our extended family and friends won't be able to attend our destination wedding. The kicker: My dress is purple!

Mike hasn't batted an eye at any of this — he was previously married and went the traditional route already so he has no problem trying something different this time around. Halloween is our favorite holiday so when I told him I thought it would be fun to get married on that date, he was very excited about it.

Thinking about having a non-traditional wedding but you're not sure if you want to take the plunge? Here are a few things that I've learned so far on my journey: 

If you've spent any time on Pinterest, it probably feels like every couple does a "first look" before the ceremony these days. But the truth is, 77% of BG brides stick to the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. Wondering if a first look is the right choice for you? Here, the biggest benefits and drawbacks:

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Photo Credit: Joe Elario Photography

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

Engagement rings the size of moon rocks (ahem, Jenny McCarthy) are all well and good, but if your love is a little more low-key, why not get a gorgeous ring you don't have to finance? We've rounded up 10 stunning rings you can shop on Lover.ly — all under $500! With jewelry for every style of bride, you're sure to find just the thing that fits your taste and budget.

1. This beauty features a cubic zirconia solitaire on a pave band — and at just $178, no one will mind that it's not a real diamond.

A bride's worst nightmare came true on Saturday when she took an unexpected plunge into a Minnesota lake just minutes before saying "I do."  

Dan and Jackie Anderson, along with their 22-person wedding party, were posing for photos on a dock when it collapsed under their weight. According to their local news station, KMSP-TV, some of the bridesmaids and groomsmen were still wrapped in towels, waiting for their dresses and suits to dry, when guests showed up for the wedding!

Related: Download Bridal Guide's Latest Issue on Your iPad!

Despite being submerged waist-deep in lake water, the bride remained in good spirits and was "all smiles" as she walked down the aisle, according to videographer, Megan Frize. 

Frize captured the entire incident and set it to Iggy Azalea's song "Fancy."  Watch the hilarious video here: 

Let this be a lesson BG brides: no matter how pretty the backdrop may be, check that all platforms are safe before stepping on them to take photos!

Plus, check out more tips for avoiding wedding-day glitches.

Tell us: What wacky wedding incidents have you witnessed? 

— Mary Gillen 

Guest blogger: Bonne Marcus
A fitness industry expert for 27 years, Marcus holds numerous certifications from the Aerobic Fitness Association of America (AFAA), including Step, Spin, Bosu™, Pre/Post Natal, Youth Fitness, Aqua, and Personal Training. She has taught for New York City’s top health clubs, including Crunch, New York Health and Racquet, and Reebok Sports Club. A recognized name on Long Island, Bonne has taught at Dany Holdstein’s Two Worlds, North Shore Health Club, LA Fitness, Sport time, Equinox and currently teaches at the Sid Jacobsen JCC in Roslyn. Learn more at getfitwithbonne.com.

Fitness is all about muscle. Strength training builds muscle tissue, which in turn boosts metabolism, burns fat, and gives the body tone and definition. One of the most convenient strength training methods is using your own body weight as resistance — take your body anywhere and you’re ready for a workout. But is it better to use free weights or machines?

Free weights are portable and a lot more versatile than machines. With just one pair of dumbbells you can do hundreds of exercises. Weights require you to use several different muscle groups to move, balance and steady the body as you lift and lower.