Photo Credit: Larsen's Photography

Marriage is wonderful... weddings are beautiful. There’s the thrill of being in love and sharing your commitment with family and friends. There’s the joy of planning a day that’s uniquely yours and the happiness of celebrating with guests. And then there’s the after-the-wedding-day reality that inevitably sets in. After all, your marriage is bound to be an adventure, a roller-coaster ride filled with ups and downs, highs and lows and all sorts of unexpected detours and surprises. And if your relationship is solid and you two are truly the best of friends, committed to staying together and working through any difficulties that arise, then the rewards will be plentiful.

Which is why my blog today focuses on a couple of key points that both of you need to address — if you haven’t already — in these months leading up to the big day. We spoke with attorney Jennifer E. Paternostro, from the Sodoma Law firm, a leading family law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, for some expert advice. Here, her “I Do To-Do List.”

If you're fortunate enough to find true love, it never truly ends.

That's the poignant message behind the first mini-documentary by Humans of New York creator Brandon Stanton. His blog-turned-book project is dedicated to stopping strangers  on the street in the Big Apple and getting a fascinating glimpse into their lives. Over the past three years, he's collected over 5,000 portraits and generated a tremendous response with viewers online (he has over 4.6 million fans on Facebook alone!).

The interview subject in the video is centenarian Shirley Hyman, who recounts falling in love with her husband, Moe: "We didn't say we were going to get married, we just knew it. It was a meeting of the souls."  Brandon revealed to The Huffington Post that meeting Shirley "was the one time I ever cried on the street."

Her incredible story also moved us to tears — watch it below!

When Moe got sick and they knew he didn't have much time left, he wanted to ensure that his wife would continue to love and be loved, long after he was gone. "I said, 'Moe, what will I do without you?'" Shirley recalls. "He gathered up all the energy he could and he said, 'Take the love you have for me and spread it around. When love is spread around, beauty is found." What a beautiful example to strive to live up to in our marriages!

While relaxing at Lucky Llama Coffee in Carpinteria, CA, Larry Nimmer noticed a wedding ceremony starting outside — and immediately recognized the father of the bride: former Vice President Al Gore. Nimmer — a reporter who runs EveryoneHasAStory.org — headed outdoors to capture some footage of the nuptials. 

Gore's daughter, Sarah, married real estate agent Patrick Maiani in a low-key ceremony held beneath a historic Torrey Pine tree, the largest in the world. Wearing a lovely boho-inspired gown, the bride stood with her groom inside a heart made of flower petals. The couple enjoyed a lively first dance on the lawn before heading to Crushcakes & Cafe bakery with their guests for a reception. 

Nimmer had a slightly embarrassing moment when he asked the former VP for some advice on building a successful marriage, forgetting that Gore and his wife, Tipper, separated several years ago (oops!).

Watch the video:

—Kristen Klein

Last year, the Boston Marathon turned to tragedy for hundreds of participants and spectators. But this year, it turned into a celebration of love and overcoming for adversity. 

Greg Picklesimer was among the participants in last year's marathon; he finished the race well before the bombs went off but says the tragedy helped put everything into perspective. He ran again this year, and after completing the race, he proposed to his longtime girlfriend Carla White at the finish line. "After last year, I realized the people you love and your life can be taken so quickly,” he told CBS. “I didn’t want to lose that, so I decided to come back and seal the deal.”

Photo via Paula Ebben on Twitter

Photo via Joe Giza on Twitter

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.

Photo Credit: iStock

How often do you weigh yourself? Be honest. Here is a better question: How often do you feel like throwing the scale out the window?