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6 Breathtaking Gowns From the Sweet-as-Pie Wedding Dress Designer Who Has the Bridal World Buzzing

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Somewhere between Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, you might have noticed a wedding dress by Tara La Tour amid my picks for the best wedding dresses of last season.

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I mean, come ON. Breathtaking. And utterly original.

If you didn’t notice Tara’s dress amid all the pretty there, I suggest you sit up and pay attention now. Everything this girl touches is magical—and it doesn’t hurt that she’s one of the nicest designers I’ve ever met.

Here are two more from her latest collection that’ll make your head spin:

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And hot damn, does she have a way with color. She has plenty of dresses in whites and ivories, but she says brides are snapping up bold colored gowns like these left and right. I don’t blame them.

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I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they start popping up on the red carpet, too.

You can check out all of Tara la Tour’s wedding dresses here.

Thoughts on Tara la Tour’s wedding dresses?

I can’t wait to see more from her.


Hey, Fashion Lovers: Marchesa’s Designing Engagement Rings, and They’re Supremely Pretty

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If you love fashion then it goes without saying that you love Marchesa. Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig have been turning out iconic, timeless designs for more than a decade, and celebrities adore the brand. (We all remember Sandra Bullock’s 2010 Oscars dress, right?) So I’m excited to tell you that in two short days, Marchesa’s launching a fine jewelry collection with Macy’s that includes gorgeous engagement rings that are just as iconic and timeless as their gowns. Here are some of my favorites.

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Engagement Ring 5
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I also adore this band, which could be a wedding band or an engagement band—a la Nikki Reed’s new engagement ring—if that’s your thing.

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This is Georgina’s second spin in the fine jewelry world: She previously did an incredible collection for Garrard, per our Sophia. The new collection will be available at Macy’s stores and on macys.com starting on Sunday.

Thoughts on Marchesa’s engagement rings? Which is your favorite?

Speaking of fashion and weddings, here’s what to wear to a winter wedding:

This Might Be Your Only Chance to See Mila Kunis in a Wedding Dress

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Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcherengaged since February—are notoriously press-shy, so I don’t think we’ll see their wedding pictures splashed across the cover of a tabloid. I’m a little bit sad, since I adore Mila’s style, and I’d love to see what she picks for her walk down the aisle.

And these pictures from her latest movie, Jupiter Ascending, in theaters next month, make it sting a little more. Mila’s going to be a stunning bride. Here she is in her wedding dress:

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And a rear view:

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And another pretty costume shot, just because I would maim and pillage for a chance to wear that gold dress. Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.

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All the ultra-pretty gowns were designed by costume designer Kym Barrett, who incorporated more than a million Swarovski crystals into the costumes. Also, how amazing would it be to walk down that candle-lined aisle? It’s pretty much the most insane fire hazard, ever, but you’d look SO pretty in all the candle light.

Thoughts on Mila Kunis’ Jupiter Ascending wedding dress? Do you think her actual wedding dress will look anything like that?

I can totally see her in that silhouette, but probably with fewer 3-D elements. And maybe not the red. Although I really like it. And it wouldn’t be that bananas if she lost the headdress, right?

Here’s Mila at her Glamour cover shoot:

6 Bridesmaid Dresses You’d Pick If You Got Any Say In the Matter

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Lots of times when you’re a bridesmaid, the bride will send you a “Buy this dress NOW” link, and you do, because you love her. But if the bride is merciful and asks for your input, you might want to point her to Gather & Gown, a new collection of bridesmaid dresses designed with the bridesmaids in mind. How considerate. The dresses are affordable, ship quickly (no more 8-week wait), and if you give ‘em your email address, you save 10 percent. Sweet. Here are six of my favorites from the inaugural collection:

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Porter Dress in Navy, $120.


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Lake Dress in Dove, $150.


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Sullivan Dress in Navy, $175.


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Elizabeth Gown in Black, $165.


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Allison Dress, $99.


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Eaton Dress in Cobalt, $180.


I love the rear view on this one:

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The dresses were designed by Gather & Gown co-founder Michael Shettel, whose goal was to turn out dresses girls could for-real wear again. Obviously the dresses with lace and the long dresses are more expensive, but there are some seriously affordable options in there—especially when you factor in the discount code. (Michael also designed one of my all-time favorite wedding dresses, so this guy knows what he’s doing.)

Click here to check out all the offerings from Gather & Gown.

Thoughts on the Gather & Gown bridesmaid dresses? Which would you pick?

I would totally wear the last one. The color’s a lot bolder than I usually wear, but I like it. (Obviously since it’s a bridesmaid dress it comes in more colors, but I’m feeling the blue.)

10 Celebrity Engagement Rings That You’ve Probably Never Seen

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Obviously the second a celebrity gets engaged, I’m all over her left-hand business. But there are plenty of engagement rings you might’ve never seen: those that belong to girls who got engaged before Save the Date was born. Even I wasn’t familiar with most of these rings until I started digging. So what better way to spend your Friday afternoon than reviewing some of the best celebrity bling pre-2009. Enjoy!

Engagement Ring 1: Anna Kournikova Anna and Enrique Iglesias are majorly hush-hush about their relationship, but there’s nothing quiet about this ring, a giant, pear-shaped pink diamond flanked by pear-shaped diamond side stones.

Engagement Ring 2: Pink Carey Hart presented his bride with striking round solitaire. The two would go on to marry, have a baby, break up, and make up.

Engagement Ring 3: Melania Knauss There’s no way The Donald was going to gift his bride with something discreet, right?

Engagement Ring 4: Beth Ostrosky A post-divorce Howard Stern swore he’d never marry again, but he did just that, swapping vows with the model in 2008.

Engagement Ring 5: Nicole Richie Before we were all abuzz about Cameron Diaz marrying Benji Madden, Benji’s twin brother, Joel, proposed to Nicole Richie five years prior.
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Engagement Ring 6: Halle Berry Of course we’ve already glimpsed Halle Berry’s ring from Olivier Martinez—the two were married in 2013—but this is the first time I’ve seen a picture this clear, so I thought it was worth including.

Engagement Ring 7: Anna Paquin The actress and her True Blood co-star, Stephen Moyer, announced their engagement of August of 2009. Her ring features a moonstone at its center.

Engagement Ring 8: Elisha Cuthbert The Happy Endings actress married hockey player Dion Phaneuf in 2013. Not sure how her super-size pear-shaped sparkler escaped my radar.

Engagement Ring 9: Katherine Heigl I love how Katherine Heigl wears a gold band on either side of her engagement ring from Josh Kelley, who she married in 2007.

Engagement Ring 10: Camila Alves How perfect are the leafy details on the ring Matthew McConaughey picked for his boho bride.

Is this your first time seeing these celebrity engagement rings? Which of these engagement rings is your favorite?

All the Details on Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s Private Island Wedding. (It’s Next Weekend!)

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So much for “cold feet”: Despite reports that their wedding might not happen at all, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are set to marry next weekend, sources confirm to Page Six. The two will swap vows in “an intimate ceremony” at Johnny’s estate on his private island in the Bahamas. The bride will reportedly walk down the aisle in a wedding dress by Stella McCartney.

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Johnny’s island, Little Hall's Pond Cay, offers 45 acres of lush grounds and beaches named after his children, Hunter S. Thompson, and Marlon Brando. (Lily Rose, Jack, “Gonzo,” and Brando, respectfully.) According to People, a fifth beach, Paradis beach, is named for his former partner, French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis

Accommodations on the island are limited, so guests will reportedly stay aboard a yacht for the wedding weekend. Johnny sold Vajoliroja, his 156-footer, a few years ago. Time to get Diddy on the horn? (Diddy has to have a yacht, right?)

Thoughts on Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s private island wedding? Are you surprised it’s happening?

Copycat This: 13 Gorgeous Bridal Bouquets in Every Color of the Rainbow

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Maybe I’m wrong, but I feel like a bridal bouquet is one wedding element that should be easy to copycat. Not every bride can hire Washington, D.C.-based event designer and florist Holly Heider Chapple, but with her breathtaking bridal bouquets as inspiration, I bet you could achieve something similar, no matter where on the globe you’re walking down the aisle. Here are 13 of Holly’s bouquets to screengrab for your “Wedding Inspo” board






















I literally could have kept pulling photos of her bouquets all day, but I had to stop somewhere. Hopefully these 13 are sufficiently inspiring.

How amazing are these wedding bouquets? Which bouquet is your favorite?

Our 3 Favorite New Hair Accessory Ideas for Brides—Which Would You Wear?

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Choosing a wedding hair accessory might have been my favorite part of the whole planning process—SO much less pressure than choosing a dress and a chance to add lots of personality for not a lot of money. I ended up choosing a gold leaf crown on Etsy when I got married five years ago (back then they were hard to find), but here are the new wedding hair accessory ideas I'd consider if I were getting married again tomorrow.

1. Bolder botanical accents Gold leaf crowns still add romantic character to a wedding hairstyle, but they've become pretty common. Now's a great time to wear a bigger and more unexpected nod to nature. This Jennifer Behr's Palm Comb is the perfect example; tucked in the back, it won't overpower your whole look, yet wedding guests will get to fully appreciate its bohemian/art deco flair as you pass down the aisle. If you love it, hurry, this comb's in the end-of-season sale for $90 (down from $625) at jenniferbehr.com.

A photo posted by jenniferbehr (@jenniferbehr) on

2. Actual botanical accents Kim called hair foliage as a wedding hair accessory trend for 2015 (not surprising since we share a brain), and I think she's totally right. This is a fresh alternative for the bride who could pull off a flower crown but is looking for a little twist. You could design one that incorporates the same leaves as your bouquet, as seen in this photo posted by Paper Crown.

3. A "diamond" necklace for your hair Add a touch of twinkle without the princess vibe that you get with a tiara. This skinny Swarovski version by Liv Hart looks so sophisticated, especially draped atop hair that's worn in loose waves and won't be something your guests have seen a hundred times before. Shown here: Enchanted Atelier by Liv Hart Eloquence Headband, $275 at livhart.com.

Would you wear any of these more unexpected new hair accessory ideas for brides, or do you have something more traditional in mind? Tell us below!


Are Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Already Married? She’s Not Saying. (So, Yes?!)

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Well, Mila Kunis is certainly playing coy. Currently on press tour for Jupiter Ascending(see her wedding dress here), Mila stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show today—and landed right in the hot seat when Ellen shared this snap from Ashton Kutcher’s Facebook, which reads “Happy New Year, [Love] The Kutchers.”


“Now, there's something he posted,” Ellen said. “It's my duty…as a talk-show host to ask you the question if you’re married because he posted this so it means something…. It says ‘the Kutchers,’ so it sounds like you're married.”

When Mila squirmed in silence, Ellen guessed: “I'm gonna say yes.”

To which Mila responded: “We could just be a plural. My daughter has his last name legally. So thus, there's multiple Kutchers. He has a brother.” (Mila and Ashton welcomed baby Wyatt in the fall, if you missed the news.)

Sounds to me like the wedding bells already rang, right? I mean, if they weren’t married, wouldn’t she just say no? And that line about him having a brother? Suspect. Unless, of course, she’s trying to throw the paparazzi off the scent of some upcoming nuptials.

Do you think Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are already married? And If so, will we get to see wedding pictures?

I’m going to say a big, fat yes to the secret wedding, no to the pics, sadly.

Don’t Want a Diamond? Here’s Your Just-As-Sparkly, Way-Less-Expensive Engagement Ring

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Look, I love my diamond engagement ring. I also love crunchy peanut butter, wearing all-black errthing, and having the TV volume set precisely at 20. But I get that the things I like aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, which is why I show a lot of gemstone engagement rings—and want to get moissanite on your radar.

Moissanite is a naturally occurring gemstone that a company called Charles & Colvard has been able to create in a lab setting. They recently sent me a bunch of pictures of moissanite engagement rings, which seemed extremely pretty to me, but I wondered if the prettiness would hold up in person. So I asked them to loan me a few. (It’s RESEARCH people!) Here are the rings that popped through my mail slot:


They stones looked really, truly, ridiculously sparkly to me. I held them next to my diamond engagement ring, and I honestly couldn’t see a difference. So I decided to take them out on the town:


I got plenty of compliments on my loaner bling. (The center stone was around the equivalent of a 2-carat diamond, so it was borderline blinding.) After people ohh’d and ahh’d I’d tell them the rings weren’t diamonds, and every last person was truly shocked. I also took them to an industry event—so around people who see a lot of engagement rings—and while plenty of people noticed the rings, not a single person asked whether the stones were diamonds. So they definitely hold up in the looks department.

Oh, and moissanite rings in at a fraction of the cost of diamonds. The engagement ring in the bottom picture retails for around $1,900. Obviously that’s still a lot of money, but a diamond engagement ring with similar setting and center stone costs more than five times that. (I built something similar on Blue Nile—which is kind of my standard for fair diamond pricing—for $10,500.) As with diamonds, a smaller moissanite would be less expensive. I’m especially fond of the engagement rings by Etsy seller KristinCoffin, whose moissanite rings start at $975.

And moissanite feels like an obvious choice if you’re concerned about blood diamonds. (See my thoughts on that matter here.)

In case you’re curious—I was—a jeweler can tell moissanite from diamonds with a loop. I forget the technical terms, but suffice to say, you shouldn’t invest your life savings in moissanite if your plan is to swindle people. But I seriously doubt even jeweler could tell the difference with a naked eye.

Would you want a moissanite engagement ring?

I’m pretty sure there are several Save the Date readers who have ’em! Thoughts, ladies?

18 Dogs That Prove a Puppy Makes Your Wedding Pictures Infinitely Better

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When these two cuties popped into my Instagram feed this morning, obviously it sparked a search for more four-legged wedding guests. I mean, those faces! I love the expression of the one on the right, who’s all, “You’ve GOT to be kidding me with this wreath.”

A photo posted by Jose Villa (@josevilla) on


Here are 16 more four-legged wedding guests I found:








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Will you have your pets at your wedding?

Our dog, Bradley Wayne, was at our ceremony!

Wedding Dress? Check! But It’s the Accessories That Will Make Your Look ALL You

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I know most brides breathe a huge sigh of relief after finding their wedding dress. {You’re not walking down the aisle naked! Yay! } But don’t let your wedding accessories become an afterthought. The baubles and bling that you accessorize with on your wedding day can take your look from OK to amazing—so choose them wisely.

“But how different can ONE dress look?” you’re asking? VERY different, I’m telling you. Here to prove my point, three real-life brides—all friends of Glamour—modeling the exact same dress (the Dakota Gown from BHLDN) with BHLDN accessories that make it look totally new from bride to bride.

To start, here’s the Dakota in BHLDN’s look book: a super-straightforward fit-to-flare gown with infinite possibilities.

1-real-brides-model-new-bhldn-wedding-dresses-wedding-gowns-0204Nicole Miller Dakota Gown from BHLDN, $1,035.

First, here it is at its most basic, with bling-heavy earrings, a sparkly belt, and a short, sassy veil on Caty from The Knot. Can you even take her smile?! Total future toothpaste model.

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Aurora Crystal Sash, $350. Cirque Veil, $210. Crystal Marquee Drops, $180.


Let’s get a better look at those earrings. **swoon**

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Crystal Marquee Drops, $180.


Next up, Nicole from Brides, who looks like Amal Alamuddin’s kid sister. See how the romantic little shoulder wrap and the lace-trimmed chapel-length veil soften the dress? It looks 20 times more romantic, I think. (And SO different than it looked on Caty, right?!)


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Visionary Chapel Veil, $650. London Wrap, $170. Ampoule Earrings, $100.


And then the dress heads into boho territory on lovely Johannah, who covers fashion for the New York Post and is going to be a striking destination bride. (I basically made her give me a minute-by-minute description of her island wedding, which sounds like heaven. #stowawayguest) Yes, I know with the lace topper the Dakota looks like a totally different dress here—which is perfect if you want to switch things up between your ceremony and reception without buying two dresses.

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Pearly Dreams Halo, $380. Luciana Topper, $250. Zadie Sash, $400.


Here’s a side view of that delicate headband. And Johannah’s impossibly shiny hair.

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Pearly Dreams Halo, $380.


All the gorgeous hair and makeup is by JoAnn Solomon, who does hair and makeup for real-life brides and is super fun to work with.

Stay tuned for more super-stylish BHLDN wedding-dress-and-accessories combos, coming soon!

How would you style the Dakota Gown? Which of these three looks is your favorite? And are you putting a lot of thought into your accessories?

Please remember these are real brides. You don’t have to love any of the looks above, but you do have to play nice in the comments.


PS: Want a stylish bridal updo that’s similar to Caty’s? Copy this one from the BAFTA awards.


More from our friends at Brides:

Just Kidding: Nikki Reed’s Engagement Ring From Ian Somerhalder Is Enormous

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Today in “oops” news, that super-simple diamond eternity band I spotted on Nikki Reed last week wasn’t her engagement ring from Ian Somerhalder. (I WAS kind of shocked when it seemed like Ian went with a diamond band.) It turns out Ian gifted his future bride with a much more statement-making ring: a round diamond in a halo of not-itty-bitty diamonds. (Usually halo settings have teeny diamonds, but these look more substantial.)

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Of course I don’t have the right to the photos, but you can click your way over to People to see a picture of Nikki Reed’s engagement ring from Ian Somerhalder. Then you can get back over here to discuss.

Thoughts on the engagement ring Ian Somerhalder proposed to Nikki Reed with?

I’m going to reserve judgment ’til we get a more in-focus picture. I’m glad it’s not a diamond band though, which felt super-similar to her engagement ring from her previous marriage. Perhaps the most recent band was just a placeholder.

Speaking of sparkly accessories, check out these gorgeous brides modeling baubles and bling.

What to Wear When Trying on Wedding Dresses

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Shopping for a wedding dress is exciting (congrats if it's on your to-do list!). It's tempting to book the first appointment possible and run straight in, but let's talk—this is one of those situations where some thoughtful prep is a good idea. Before you head in, make sure to plan out what undergarments you wear or bring.

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The bra
Wear or pack a strapless style. Even if you think you want straps on your gown, you'll likely still end up trying on a few sans coverage and you'll want to see what it looks like without unsightly bra straps. Underpinnings can make a huge difference in how a garment fits and looks, so do your best to figure out what bra you'll likely be wearing on the big day (it's fine to shop after you've found the dress, but avoid bringing in an old number you kind of hate and barely fits). If you're like me and do not want to wear a bra, don't. I knew whatever alterations I had done to my dress would include fixes to make sure it'd work without one, so I tried everything on freestyle: I wanted to see what my upper half would look like without added padding or oomph.

The underwear
This isn't the time to be distracted by panty ines or the peek of hot pink lace. Wear the plainest, simplest pair of undies you've got in your drawer.

The shapewear
I called in the experts for this one: the pros at Spanx, who I bet outfit at least half the world's brides. They recommended the brand's In-Power Line Super High Footless Shaper for coverage from below the chest to the midcalf and said it's one of their most versatile for when you're not quite sure what you'll be trying on. It sits under the bra too, smart so you can wear whatever piece you prefer, and at $28, it's not too painful on the pocketbook.

In terms of non-undies, don't forget a ponytail holder and a pair of shoes that are a similar height to what you plan on wearing on the big day. The hair elastic is vital so you can see what the neckline and back of the dress look like (and, honestly, you might work up a little sweat trying on all those beautiful dresses). A lot of stores and boutiques have shoes for the exact purpose of trying on dresses, but I'd rather bring a favorite pair than slip into something that doesn't fit or isn't your style.

Also, bonus points if you think ahead and bring a mini bottle of champagne. I mean, what could be better than toasting the perfect dress?

Was there anything you brought (or forgot) when you tried on dresses? Pass the wisdom along!

Any Which Way but White: Wedding Dresses in Every Color of the Rainbow

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Want a white wedding dress? You can’t swing a cat around Save the Date without hitting a dozen. (Try here.) Want a wedding dress in any color BUT white? {Anything but white, Lord.} You’re in luck too. In the past five or so years, brides have been clamoring for colorful wedding dresses—and designers are listening. Here are 15 to consider.

PINK & RED
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Wtoo. Vera Wang. Vera Wang.


GOLD & PEACH
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Watters. Badgley Mischka. Legends by Romona Keveza.


YELLOW
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Alfred Angelo Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. Romona Keveza Couture.


GREEN
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Alfred Angelo Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. Carol Hannah.


BLUE
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Isabelle Armstrong. Kelly Faetanini. Houghton Bride.


PURPLE & GRAY
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Monique Lhuillier. Vera Wang.


Would you wear a nonwhite wedding dress? Which of these wedding dresses is your favorite?

I think I’d pick the gray. It’s been a favorite of mine for a while. Although I love the curve-hugging shape of the pale pink.

PS: Here’s another look for an unconventional bride:


4 Ways to Prevent Workout Breakouts Before Your Wedding

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There's nothing like a wedding to turn you into a 2x/day gym girl—and there's nothing like being a 2x/day gym girl to make your skin start breaking out in new places. The last thing you want is bacne or chestne peeking out from the gorgeous gown you've waited your whole life to wear, so keep in mind these tips from dermatologist Jeremy Fenton, M.D., of NYC's Schweiger Dermatology Group.

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1. Shower STAT - This prevents sweat from sticking around and mixing with dead skin cells to clog pores. If you can't shower right after a workout, do a quick wipe-down using a medicated pad with salicylic or glycolic acid (such as Clear Clinic ClearMe Pads).

2. Upgrade your body wash - If you're experiencing body breakouts, an antibacterial or anti-acne wash with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be helpful. Try leaving it on for a few minutes after you lather (while you shave or brush your teeth in the shower) so the medication has time to sink in.

3. Exfoliate regularly - This is key to preventing the buildup of dead skin cells that lead to clogged pores. Using an exfoliating scrub, body brush, or just a washcloth can make a big difference.

4. Let your skin breathe - So many of the gym clothes we love are made from synthetic fabrics. But it's better for your skin if you try to wear loose fitting, breathable cotton clothing. Tight synthetic materials compress sweat and dirt into your pores.

This Insanely Chic Star Wars Wedding Features Storm Troopers and Princess Leia Buns—and It’s Amazing

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You say, “Star Wars wedding!” I say, “Ehhhhh….” Theme-y weddings can very easily tread into DON’T territory, so I’m always wary of them. But I’m happy to report that this wedding is a DO from beginning to end. Every last detail of Jennifer and Joshua’s Star Wars wedding is so chic, it hurts. And every wedding picture is more captivating than the last.

I first spotted pics from their wedding—which happened at Loftseven Penthouse in Los Angeles on September 20, 2014—in an Instagram post by Haute Bride, who designed the bride’s accessories.



And I was thrilled when I was able to track down their super-talented photographer, Caca Santoro, who was kind enough to let me share the photos here. Ladies, brace yourselves for a whole lotta gorgeous. (And light sabers.)

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How amazing is this Star Wars wedding? What would your wedding theme be?

Here are all the credit details, which I snagged from Green Wedding Shoes, where the wedding was first featured:

Photography: Caca Santoro Photography // Venue: loftSeven Los Angeles, California // Event Planner: Stephanie Estes Events // Florals: Primary Petals, table centerpieces made by Barbara Busch (mother of the groom) // Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige from Blush Bridal Couture in Tustin; Star Wars-Inspired Belt: handmade by bride // Hairpieces: Be Something New // Shoes: Menbur // Bridesmaid Dress: Amsale // Hair: Sabrina Skinner // Makeup: Melissa Soriano // Flower Girl Dresses: Red Carpet Tutus; Belts: handmade by bride // Groom Suit: Hugo Boss // Videography: Jack & Hannah Film & Photography // Paper Goods + Coasters: MaeMae & Co. // Catering + Bar: Chris Brugler Catering // Cake: The Buttered End // Rentals: Premiere Party Rents, Yeah! Rentals // Officiant: Rev. Dr. Roche Vermaak, Ph.D., from Brentwood Presbyterian Church // Music: Naples Chamber Ensembles, Kristen Schreiber and Michael, Joaquin Romero // Storm Troopers: Mark Edwards and Michael Bender of the 501st Legion // Photo Booth: Snap Yourself! // Lighting: Images by Lighting

Found: An Affordable Wedding Video Alternative That's Also Pretty Fabulous

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My fall wedding had a budget in place and with it, many silver linings. I had to investigate some alternative options for certain things and honestly, I think some of the "budget" options ended up being way more enticing. I used WeddingMix for my video where, iin lieu of a traditional videographer who tags around the party, you're provided with some flip cams and pass them around to family and friends so they can catch the action. Afterward, you ship the cameras back to the company and they edit the footage. I'm sharing a small preview clip of my video here so you can get a feel for what the result looks like.

Prices start at $99 (mine was around $400—the number depends on how many cameras you get and what editing package you chose. Guests can also upload video and photos shot with their cells via a free app). I'm a happy camper: Our friends and family got to record messages and footage from the entire weekend and since they were just with each other, they were more comfortable to do silly or personal stuff. Plus, it was nice to not have another stranger hovering around and close during these major, intimate moments.

"We started the company in the spring of 2011 mainly because my husband and I regretted not getting a wedding video," founder Ariane Fisher told me. "We'd spent months choreographing a first dance and had no video to show for it."

Both before my wedding and after, I quizzed Ariane on what some of her favorite caught-on-camera moments were. "The first thing that pops into my mind is the wedding where the bride's adorable little nieces performed a 'newlywed rap' for the couple," she said. "I also want to give honorable mention to the bridesmaid that backflipped during the reception, the bride and MOH that braved a mechanical bull, and the swing-dancing bride that totally got dropped by her new husband. I think couples find that the most candid, unexpected wedding moments are also the most awesome to re-watch later." [See examples on the brand's YouTube page.]

As a newlywed, I give that last statement a big amen. Those sort of kooky, crazy moments feel a bit personal to share with a stranger with a video camera, but your best friend from high school? Game on.

Did you or are you planning on getting a wedding video? Has anyone considered something like this? What was your experience?

How to Take the Perfect Engagement Photo in 5 Simple Steps

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One of the most nerve-wracking things that comes along with being engaged? Taking your engagement photos! The pressure can be intense to capture the essence of your life as a couple in one beautiful, flattering image, but the process doesn't have to be rocket science. Here are five expert-approved suggestions for creating a natural engagement photo.

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1. Engage in an Activity
The best way to ensure a natural photo? Choosing a low-pressure activity for the shoot according to Lauren Saldutti and Michael Kelley of A Guy and A Girl Photography. "In our experience, most non-professional models are a little uncomfortable being photographed. They are often unsure of what to do with their hands...so give them something to do!" Saldutti suggests.

2. Get to Know Your Photographer
Set aside some bonding time to get to know your photographer, recommends Saldutti. "We always try to take a 10 minute breather with our couples. Getting to know each other better is always good for the wedding day--and the second half of the engagement shoot," Saldutti advises.

3. Stage Stolen Moments
"I try not to pose my subjects, but rather set up scenes where they can relax and express themselves," explains New York-based photographer Agaton Strom. "[Couples] work together with me to create genuine moments that I can capture. I want the subjects to feel free to express and represent themselves. Sometimes that means putting on a tux and dancing the tango in the middle of Grand Central or drinking moonshine in a honky-tonk bar."

4. Tell Your Love Story
Photographer Angela Cappetta encourages couples to choose a location or activity that mirrors their relationship. "Did you meet at a park, a party, the dog run? We can shoot your engagement session in a way that relates to your story," Cappetta states. "Shoot in a café you frequent or a fun brick alley in your neighborhood that you both like. Is there a walk you like to take? If so, shoot that."

5. Embrace the Great Outdoors
"Pictures in natural daylight of you two together can be the loveliest, most intimate kind of pictures," Capetta states. "Lens flare is gorgeous. Don't be afraid to let your photographer do something unexpected with the sun."

—Written by Tyler Atwood for Brides.

More from Brides:
*50 Ways to Save $500 on Your Wedding
*The Best Celebrity Engagement Rings
*50 Mistakes Every Bride Makes

Sneak Peek: Lauren Conrad Is About to Deliver the World’s Prettiest Bridesmaid Dress

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I’ve been a fan of Lauren Conrad’s Paper Crown bridesmaid dresses—starring soft colors and beautifully draped silhouettes—since they launched this summer. And Paper Crown dresses are about to get even prettier:

Paper Crown and Anna Bond of Rifle Paper—who designed Lauren’s wedding stationery—are hosting a pop-up shop next weekend (Feb. 13-15) at The Grove in Los Angeles. And it looks like there will be Paper Crown dresses cast in fabric with Rifle Paper designs. It’s like an explosion of pretty.

I don’t know for sure that they’re bridesmaid dresses (Paper Crown has non-bridesmaid dresses too), but I can’t imagine anything prettier for bridesmaids. If they don’t make bridesmaid dresses in this fabric, they’re nuts. I would SO buy stock in that line.

Thoughts on Paper Crown x Rifle Paper? Would you wear one of these dresses as a bridesmaid dress?

I’m confident saying yes, even though we’ve seen only 14 inches of each dress.

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