I recently met with Kate Harrison, creator of greenbrideguide.com and author of "The Green Bride Guide,” the definitive bible on how to have an eco-chic wedding on any budget.

It might seem strange to have Dad as your wedding planner, but with my circumstances, it just made natural sense. (As I've mentioned in past posts, my fiancé Michael is deployed in Afghanistan, so I'm planning our wedding in San Diego from across the country, in New York.) A couple of months ago, I realized I needed to call in reinforcements, so I found a planner in Cali who completely shared my vision. I was enamoured with her ideas—until I got the quote. I was seriously considering dropping $2,400 for her help, but when I brought it up to my dad, he enthusiastically offered to plan the wedding himself. I knew he'd always have my back, but I was surprised by just how thrilled he was to take part in my wedding. It was a big relief.

Since I've asked him to take over, my dad has secured the venue, DJ, rentals and linens, florist, and photographer. Basically, all the heavy lifting is done. Luckily, we haven't had any disagreements yet. He's happy to hear me out if I don't like something or would prefer a more affordable vendor, so I never feel pressured to go with his first choice or afraid to say no. The planning process is new to both of us, so we're learning everything together and having fun in the process! Dad's a natural—he talks to strangers with ease and even thrives on it (much to my embarrassment as a teenager). He loves to brag about his son-in-law, too, so he'll use any excuse to bring up his brave soldier in conversation.

From classic exits to fun thank-you cards, sparklers are everywhere lately in wedding photos.

Photo Credits: B&G Photography (left);  Ruth Anne Photography (right)

If you're thinking about using sparklers, keep in mind a few safety tips:

► Don't pass around already-lit sparklers. 
► Sparklers are not recommended for kids under 12.
► Keep your distance; everyone using a sparkler should stand six inches apart from one another. Also, when holding a sparkler, keep it at arm's length. 
► Check the legal status in your area; sparklers are banned in several states.
► Because the sparkler stick remains hot long after the flame is gone, drop used sparklers into a bucket of water.

And now, some of our favorite photos with sparklers!

Photo Credit: Heidi Rae Photography for Ron Parks Photography

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.

When you think about your wedding-day look, I'll bet you picture the beautiful, white gown you spent weeks picking out. However, your dress is just one piece of the puzzle: there are shoes, makeup, undergarments and jewelry to consider. But we brides don't stop there. Many of us, including myself, even want to accessorize our hair. And oh, the choices there are! Here, 20 adornments that made it into this brunette's Etsy shopping cart.

1. Jeweled Clips

I am head-over-heels about Swarovski crystal-encrusted clips and combs right now. Boasting a royal feel, these vintage-inspired combs and hairpieces are quite the statement piece. Big or small, these work on up-dos and down-dos flawlessly. 

Art Deco rhinestone hair comb by Etsy seller GlamorousBijoux 

"Reese" rhinestone-encrusted hair comb by Etsy seller SomethingIvory