The past few weeks have been difficult for me both physically and mentally. There are only 100 days until my wedding and I am still finding it hard to lose the last 20-30 pounds needed to reach my goal weight. I also have many important wedding plans to finalize, including ordering my invitations and booking transportation. I know feeling overwhelmed is normal while planning a wedding (especially for brides trying to lose weight), but I would prefer to not be so stressed. Working out has been my stress reliever these past few weeks and I thank God for it.

I didn't realize how stressed I was until I was arguing with my mother about the dress she would wear to my wedding. Fortunately, I was on my way to my trainer Bonne’s house for a kickboxing class. She was there to listen to my problems, and the kickboxing class was the answer to my prayers! I was able to sweat, kick and punch out all of my frustration and I felt a million times better once finished. That morning, I learned that trainers not only push you to be strong physically, but they will listen to you and offer emotional support as well. 

I’ve also increased my workouts, to help take more weight off and to keep my stress level down. I’ve been seeing Bonne at least once a week and she has been giving me routines to do on my own — which really helps me stay on track. We have been trying to "heavy up" on certain body parts in order to maximize the results in specific problem areas. Here’s an example of a routine Bonne gave me that concentrates on triceps and shoulders that you could try at home: 

One of the best things about being engaged is all the wonderful parties and festivities in the months leading up to your wedding day. In between the formal affairs, you and your fiancé will be celebrating with a slew of co-workers, friends and family members. So, lots of eating and drinking, right? All while you’re trying to stay in shape or get fit so you’ll look your absolute best on the wedding day. Which is why you must try a fantastic new wine I recently came across — Bon Affair.

This amazing wine spritzer boasts purified sparkling water, electrolytes, zero sugar and grape seed extract and is half the calories of regular wine. It’s available in both a Sauvignon Blanc and a Syrah. I’ve tried both and love the refreshing taste.

I also love the back story of founder Jayla Sicilian who, in her former life, traveled the globe for business where happy hour (and lots of toasting) was essential. Her drink of choice was a wine spritzer to avoid any dreaded morning-after hangovers. But bar-made wine spritzers didn’t quite pass the taste test for Jayla so she decided to improve upon them and voilà, Bon Affair was born. Some of you may have seen Jayla on ABC’s Shark Tank where Mark Cuban liked her pitch and decided to invest in the company.

So, beautiful brides-to-be treat yourselves and your friends to Bon Affair and I guarantee you will not only love its sparkling flavor but also appreciate the lower caloric intake (and no hangovers!). Visit their website to order or check with a retailer near you. Cheers!

Neon
The '80s and early '90s were a time when eye-popping designs and fluorescent neon shades reigned supreme. Electrify your special day by adding a few pops of color to your wedding décor — the brighter the better! From vibrant invitations to multicolor floral arrangements and even a Lisa Frank-inspired wedding dress, these ideas pack a punch.