I’ve been thinking a lot about my weight-loss journey and progress so far, and I realized a few things I haven’t really thought about along the way. I’ve been so focused on “getting skinny” for the wedding that I forgot all of the other benefits this journey has given me.

1. I’m happier. Being thinner and healthier has also made me a happier person. Not that I was ever miserable, but working out and eating right has helped me smile more, feel more confident, and look at life differently.

2. I love working out. I can’t believe I went so many years without exercising. Now, if I miss one day, I miss it and can’t wait for the next day. If you aren’t working out, I highly recommend it — for so many reasons. It makes me feel good and keeps me healthy and fit; it also gives me more energy, something to focus on, and an outlet for any anger or negative feelings. 

3. I’m confident. Even at my heaviest, I always thought of myself as a confident person. Turns out, I was wrong. Now that I’ve lost some weight, I finally don’t have trouble getting ready in the morning. I don’t worry about the way my body looks to other people, I don’t wear baggy clothes to try and hide my fat, and I feel comfortable in clothes like I never did before. I even enjoy wearing lingerie now so much more!

4. I’m healthier. I got a physical about two months ago, and my doctor was happily surprised by my results. Aside from losing weight, my cholesterol is down, and all of my blood work came back good and normal. I’m not tired all of the time because of eating crappy food, and I have enough energy to get through my crazy days. I drink more water, which has also had a great effect on my skin! There is really nothing better than feeling 100% healthy.

Bride-to-be Maja Nogic certainly had a bachelorette party to remember! While celebrating with her bridesmaids in Sydney, Australia, the group planned to spend the day boating around the Sydney Harbour. When they arrived, the manager of the boat hire company told them he had a little surprise for them on board.

"We thought it was a stripper, because it was a hen’s party. But then we saw [Gerard] standing on the boat. We all just started screaming," the bride's close friend, Dragana Ogorelica, told the Daily Mail.

Photo courtesy of Dragana Ogorelica via Twitter

The star is currently filming his latest movie, Gods of Egypt, in Sydney. When the group approached, he called down to the girls, "Is this a hen's party? Can I join? We're going to dance a little bit, drink a little bit."

The group was enamored with the Scottish star, remarking that he was "so nice and relaxed. We all love him... His accent, oh my goodness, it was so beautiful. You couldn’t understand him half the time, but you didn’t care because it was just gorgeous."

He reportedly told his management that he wanted to stay and party for a bit, and he snapped some fun photos with the group.

This past weekend, singer/actress Mandy Moore and indie rocker Ryan Adams celebrated five years of marital bliss with a formal '50s theme party with their closest friends, including actress Minka Kelly and Cupcakes & Cashmere blogger Emily Schuman. 

"Everyone was told to wear their best '50s prom outfits," a source told Us Weekly. " People were toasting Ryan and Mandy. They were lovely together. Slim Jim Phantom performed all night and was playing hillbilly rock tunes." 

Photo courtesy Emily and Merritt via Instagram

Photo courtesy of Mandy Moore via Instagram

Photo courtesy Emily and Merritt via Instagram

Photo Credit: D. Park Photography

Q: My parents are paying for the wedding and do not want liquor served at the reception. My fiancé and I disagree, and we have enough money saved to pay for it ourselves. How should I tell my parents, or should we offer a cash bar?

A: First of all, no cash bar! Guests should never be expected to pay for any of the food or drinks at a wedding. If you and your fiancé can afford to provide alcoholic beverages, then by all means do so. Let your parents know that it’s important to you that alcohol is served and you’re more than happy to pick up the tab. They may not approve, but ultimately, it’s your choice, and as long as you’re footing the bill, they shouldn’t object. 

In order to save on the cost, consider serving only beer and wine, and compare the price of the house liquor as opposed to name brands. You may to able to save more than you think. Stocking your own bar? Here's how much booze you'll need ► 

—Diane Forden