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Couple Rock-Climbs 900 Feet for a Mountaintop Wedding Ceremony

With its awe-inspiring views and intimate, serene vibe, the South Peak of Seneca Rocks in West Virginia is a stunning place to tie the knot—if you're daring enough to climb up to the 900-foot summit. Avid rock climbers Bob and Antonie Ewing did just that earlier this month. 

"Seneca Rocks is our absolute favorite place in the whole world," said Bob. "It's the perfect place to spend the weekend: breathtaking views, good-hearted people, fantastic climbing, and no cell phone reception." 

rock climbing wedding
Photo Credit: John Ewing

Back in March, Bob proposed to Antonie at the top of their favorite route on Seneca Rocks, called Ecstacy. After Antonie happily said yes, they continued up to the South Peak summit just before sunset. Antonie remarked that she wanted to get married on that summit in her mom's wedding gown. "I thought that sounded perfect.," said Bob. "Her mom even joined us for the mountaintop ceremony."

Their fun save-the-date video also featured Seneca Rocks:

Avril Lavigne is Engaged to Chad Kroeger!

avril lavigne engaged to chad kroegerPop-punk singer Avril Lavigne’s love life might have been complicated, but she’s finally found her counterpoint in Chad Kroeger, the frontman of rock band Nickelback!

People magazine reports that Kroeger, 37, proposed to Lavigne, 27, on August 8th with what appears to be a 14-carat pear-shaped engagement ring. The Canadian singers first met back in February, when they co-wrote some songs for Lavigne’s upcoming album, her fifth, which will be released by the end of 2012.

"I knew I was falling for her," Kroeger has said of working with Lavigne. "It was incredibly powerful and something I'll never forget."

"We usually go to the studio together [but this time] he had gone before me," Lavigne recalls of the proposal. "I had been making this scapbook of my time in the studio with a polaroid camera... [so] I walked into the studio and he was putting a picture in the book and I was like 'what's he doin'? All of a sudden I walk over and [see that] he had taken a photo of himself holding the ring box and put the polaroid in my scrapbook... [and because] I had stickers everywhere, he put in 'will you marry me?' It was really romantic." 

Their collaboration-turned-romance became a hot topic on Twitter yesterday, where fans (and haters) expressed their disbelief and messages of congratulations. Maroon 5 singer and “The Voice” judge, Adam Levine, even joined in on the hilarity by posting, “Just to clear up the confusion, I am NOT engaged to Chad Kroeger of Nickleback (sic).”

Bridesmaid Dresses They Can Wear Again (Really!)

Being a repeat bridesmaid is a great honor, but it can leave you with a closet filled with unwearable gowns (we've all watched 27 Dresses). Bridesmaid dresses can be very costly, so do your 'maids a favor and select a style that is not only comfortable, but versatile enough to wear again. Sounds like an impossible feat? Follow these tips to ensure that your bridesmaid dresses won't get dusty in the back of your friends' closets!

1.  Select a flattering silhouette with straps. The draping of this Mori Lee dress is what makes it so versatile. Unlike long bridesmaid gowns, this short style can be worn again to a cocktail party, office function, or special dinner.

Morri Lee DressDress by Mori Lee, Style #185

2. Give your bridesmaids a color and length requirement, but let them pick the style. Your bridesmaids all have different body types and tend to know what looks best on them, so why not let them select the silhouette? The bride should have the final say to ensure that all of the different dresses will look cohesive as a group, like these two pretty options from Eden Bridals and Liz Fields.

Find the Perfect Gift for Each of Your Bridesmaids

When it comes to deciding on a gift for your bridesmaids, there are any number of ideas to consider, from jewelry and silk scarves to evening clutches and scented candles. And, of course, the more personal your gift is, the better. That's why I love the amazing products from Initials, inc. This company, founded by sisters, Ivy C. Hall and Britney C. Vickery, not only offers a wide variety of fantastic gift ideas for your gal pals (and yourself!), but with their iCare Foundation, it’s also dedicated to “supporting women who are making a difference.” In fact, $5 from each sale of the company’s $18 Zip Around (a clever compact case that unzips into a large tote) is donated to a different cause every six months.

initials inc zip around

Right now, the proceeds are going to support Registered Nurse Katherine Roberts’ dream of building a new sewing training center in Solwezi located in Zambia, Africa, where she currently lives. With this sewing center, the town’s disabled will be able to support themselves by making products they can sell in their local marketplace. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

You’ll find so many other handbags, wallets, totes and more on initials-inc.com that you’re sure to spot something unique for every member of your bridal party. Plus, almost every item can be personalized with your besties’ initials.

Here are a few handbag options:

The Soho Shopper, $40, holds a multitude of items:

Trend We Love: Lavender-Infused Weddings

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a new wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna discusses one of her favorite trends right now.

Lavender is one of our favorite things to see in weddings these days, especially with the popularity of outdoor rustic and green weddings. Carrying lavender on your big day was once thought to ensure a long, happy marriage. The bloom also symbolizes love and loyalty, making it a perfect choice for weddings. From bouquets and boutonnières to cakes and cocktails, there are so many gorgeous and creative ways to incorporate this herb into your wedding-day décor.

Bridesmaid Bouquetslavender bouquet
Photo Credit: Samm Blake

Why I'm Having 'Wing Girls' Instead of Bridesmaids

When I think of bridesmaids, I imagine a row of identical, pretty faces standing duitfully by my side while I recite my vows. However, my husband Michael and I already had a simple wedding ceremony last November, so we're only throwing a reception this second time around. I still wanted to find a way to incorporate my girlfriends into my special day, so instead of asking them to be bridesmaids, they're my "wing girls."

I figured that if guys can have wingmen backing them up in tricky situations, why not have my best gals around to support me? Wing girls help out with planning and provide emotional support, but unlike bridesmaids, their tasks are on a volunteer basis—not mandatory. I don't want them to feel obligated to throw me a lavish bridal shower or wear identical dresses to the wedding.

There’s Kate, my best friend since the eighth grade; Carrie, a fun, sassy coworker from San Diego; Kelsey, my best girlfriend from college who I studied abroad with in Spain; Christina, my lovely sister-in-law; and Minty, my newest friend who I study journalism with here in New York. They’re all really sweet, awesome girls, and although they didn’t know each other beforehand, they get along great.

BG Cheat Sheet: What's Hot This Week

We succumbed to Jennifer Aniston wedding mania this week, swapping dress predictions and waiting for photos of her incredible rock (she can't keep up that hiding-it-under-a-towel shtick forever).

Another highlight was chatting with an inspiring couple from the U.K. They've had 23 weddings around the world and counting — don't miss their spectacular photos, here. Their most recent nuptials: A tango showdown in Argentina.

We'd also like to give a shout-out to our Web Intern, Paulette, on her last week at BG. She will be sorely missed! Take a look back at her "What Victoria Beckham Taught Me About Having a Hot Husband" and "Marriage Advice to Miley Cyrus" stories, both funny and insightful reads.

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

Soft and romantic, these boho-chic wedding gowns exude a relaxed, ethereal feel. Think: Kate Moss' and Natalie Portman's weddings.

wedding gown

25 Beatles Songs to Play at Your Wedding

Beatles’ songs, beloved by wedding guests young and old, live on as timeless crowd-pleasers and go-to hits for DJs. In fact, we see that couples request Beatles songs for their special wedding moments more than any other artist (and the music still never feels overplayed or trite).

From beautiful harmonies to feel-good melodies to emotional lyrics, the Fab Four created such a wide and diverse song library, we could pick a Beatles tune for every wedding moment! And so we did. Read on to find some creative Beatles tunes that will perfectly suit your special day.

couple dancing
Photo Credit: Muriel Silva Photography

Ceremony Processional or Recessional


► “All You Need Is Love”
This may be the most well-known Beatles love song, but it hits the right notes every time.

► “Two of Us”

A more unique song choice for recessional, perfect for a couple with a long and strong history.  

Cocktail Hour


► “Michelle”
► “Norweigan Wood”
► “Penny Lane”
We could go on! You can’t go wrong with any popular Beatles’ song during cocktail hour or dinner.  

Reception Entrance


► “Love Me Do” 

Guests can’t help but clap, foot-tap and cheer along with this feel-good early Beatles hit.  

Couple Has 23 Weddings Around the World (and Counting)

Think about all of the joy, energy and resources that went into planning your wedding. Now, imagine going through that experience not once, but 23 times. It sounds like a fantasy (or a nightmare, depending on who you ask), but this is actually one couple's reality. 

Alex Pelling and Lisa Gant have made it their mission to not only travel the world together, but to throw a wedding in each country that they visit. Their initial goal was to have 30 wedding ceremonies, but at the time of publication, they had already completed 23 in 15 different countries, and were aiming for even more. By the end of the trip, they will select one destination to throw a final hurrah with loved ones present and make their marriage legal. They're even flying out two lucky winners—enter to win a trip to their wedding, here.

Check out their collection of amazing wedding photos, below!

Peru

Photo Credit: Luis Chiang

Mexico

Photo Credits: Dean Sanderson

DIY We Love: Wedding Garter

Are you the type of bride who cringes at the thought of wedding DIY? There are tons of smaller projects that you can take on to add your personal stamp to the big day without giving up hours of your time. This tutorial from Ren Ariel Sano, the artist and jewelry designer behind All The Good Girls Go To Heaven, takes just four easy steps that you can complete in about an hour. Designing and wearing your own garter — even if just your future husband sees it — will give you a secret thrill thoughout the night. Take a look!

wedding garter

 

Materials

  • Stretchy, lace ribbon
  • Rhinestone appliqué ($6 and up at shinetrim.com)
  • Needle and thread
  • Hot fix rhinestones and rhinestone setter or iron (optional)

wedding garter materials

 

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