For most couples, the first year of marriage is usually wedded bliss. As your lives begin to intertwine and mesh into one, it’s not uncommon to see the glow on a newlywed’s face, long after the honeymoon’s over. Although we did have one short week together after getting married, my husband Michael and I have had to experience the aforementioned bliss over the phone, not in person. Like many other military couples, we have to think of creative ways to keep the romance alive.

We talk as often as our schedule allows. However, it's difficult to find time because of our packed schedules and the nine and a half hour time difference (between New York and Afghanistan, where Michael is deployed). We try to talk about twice a week, but we send Facebook messages more often, almost every day. There’s nothing like seeing his number and hearing his voice, even if we have to deal with a three-second delay and lack of privacy on his end.

We’ve only seen each other once since he’s left. I learned more about his deployment during those two weeks we shared in New York than I had in six months of back-and-forth phone calls. There's something about being face-to-face that fosters a special type of intimacy where you open up and say things you just can’t during a 30-minute phone conversation. I won’t experience that again until he comes home for good in November.

We real brides are constantly planning ahead, painstakingly plotting all the grand details of our big day. One thing you definitely don't want to forget: The exit. I honestly don't know what Corey and I are doing for ours, because as a fun surprise, my mom is coordinating it! I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve. Sure, it'll be tough to top a dramatic, long walk down the aisle for your entrance, but if you plan it right, the exit from your ceremony or wedding party can be just as memorable. Here are some romantic, funny, unique exit ideas we love.

What could be better than boarding a plane with your new hubby and jetting off to a breathtaking locale, where you can (finally) spend some romantic time alone? But travel — whether for your honeymoon or anytime thereafter — often comes with out-of-this-world price tags. Peggy Knipp, a honeymoon expert and the Senior Travel Specialist at Honeymoons Galore travel agency, says her clients spend anywhere between $4,500 to $20,000 on their honeymoon (not too far off from the cost of an average American wedding). Here's how to plan an incredible post-wedding trip for less, no matter what your budget is.

Photo courtesy of Kamalame Cay

In the latest issue of InStyle, Jessica Biel opens up about her engagement to Justin Timberlake. 

"I had no say whatsoever [in the ring]. I don't micromanage," she told InStyle. "He is fearless in his choices and has a real eye for design. And I'll be honest: He has better taste than I do."

I'll be honest, too: I told my husband exactly what I wanted for my ring — a round-cut solitaire with a white gold band. I think I even drew him a picture at one point. And he was so grateful that I did — ring shopping can be overwhelming for a guy who doesn't have JT's "eye for design," and the last thing he wanted to do was present me with a ring that wasn't my style. 

Tell us: Did you and your fiancé talk about the ring beforehand? Or did he pick it out by himself (or with some help from a little birdie like your mom or BFF)? 

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Photo Credit: Josh Shearer/iStock

During her July 8 concert in Amsterdam, Madonna heard a rumor that someone in the crowd was planning to propose that evening. And she gave the excited bride-to-be the chance to propose in front of a few hundred thousand other fans! 

"Do it with feeling. From your heart, baby," Madonna advised the woman before handing over the mic. 

Check out the proposal (starting at 1:00)!

Madonna's marriage advice for the happy couple? "Never go to bed angry."

Tell us: Would you propose in public? Would you want to be proposed to in public? 

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

We all want gorgeous locks on our wedding days. I sat down with bridal hair expert Mario Russo from Salon Mario Russo (considered one of Boston's top salons) for some wedding-day hair advice. As always, he did not disappoint. Following is a rehash of our bridal beauty conversation:

Best wedding hairstyles for a hot, humid day:
Generally, brides should choose a hairstyle that ensures the ends of the hair are either secure (tucked in with bobby pins) or blown out smooth, like a basic ponytail, bun or updo. When choosing a style, work with your natural hair texture. If you have curly hair, use your natural curl! And if you have straight hair, go for a smoother, sleeker look. Do not challenge your natural hair texture during a humid day by attempting to curl straight hair or smooth curly hair!

Best products to beat the heat:
An anti-humecant product will help retard frizz. We suggest trying Mario Russo’s Miracle Creme and Inflation (mariorusso.com). When choosing a hairspray, look for aerosol — using an aerosol spray over a non-aerosol spray makes layering easier. Finally, avoid using heavy products, such as spray waxes, pomades, and gels — they tend to weigh down the hair, especially on humid days.  

Music Monday with Scratch Weddings is back! Each week, we feature music recommendations from the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week, enjoy eight songs that'll get guests of all ages out on the dance floor!

When the guestlist includes both friends and family, you’re bound to have a wide variety of age groups to please. How do you get everyone out on the dance floor? Our DJs know those secret songs that no one can resist. Set the right groove with these cross-generational crowd-pleasers.

Photo Credit: Viera Photographics

►"Dance to the Music" — Sly and the Family Stone
The lyrics and funky beat send one message to your guests, young and old: Get up and dance!

►"Now That We Found Love" — Heavy D & The Boyz
Now that you’ve found love... all your family and friends were there to see you get married. But now what? Well, it’s time to dance. Show your younger guests all those old dance moves you mastered and maybe learn some new ones.