Photos: Fairchild Archive (Jessica); Conde Nast Digital Studio

Although she's a relative newcomer to the awards show circuit, Jessica Chastain has already defined her red-carpet style with clean lines, trendy color choices, and unexpected details. Any one of those elements alone could make an Oscar-worthy gown, but together they'd assure the actress a top spot on best-dressed lists.

Recast from white into a rich jewel tone (emerald, perhaps?), this Douglas Hannant gown would set Chastain apart from the other Best Supporting Actress contenders, swathing her petite frame in a sleek column with one dramatically exaggerated sleeve. And because it's the Academy Awards we're talking about here, the gown also features a trail of metallic embellishments along the neckline—so no extra bling required!

Whatever sartorial choice the actress ultimately makes for the big night, it better be a good one. With two nominations to her name—one for her role in The Help and one as member of The Tree of Life cast—there's a high chance Chastain will be giving an acceptance speech in front of a lot of people. But, you know, no pressure.

See more of our runway-to-the-red-carpet gown picks for this year's nominated actresses.

—Phillip B. Crook

Photo: Courtesy of Pizza Hut

We kinda can't blame them—between the sizzling pepperoni, cozy booth seating, and ample parking, proposing at Pizza Hut sounds like the ultimate scenario for couples who love stuffed crusts and marinara.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Pizza Hut announced their Tie the Knot with a $10 Pizza Hut in a Box engagement package, which includes a ruby engagement ring, limo service, flowers, fireworks, a photographer, a videographer, and of course, pizza (the $10 Pizza Hut Dinner Box, to be exact). The $10,010 proposal package, which is limited to 10 lucky couples, seems to be an instant hit. According to The Huffington Post, a rep for the company said that after announcing the package, they have received 800 "serious inquiries." If you had to choose, which fast-food chain would you want your boyfriend to propose in?

Photo: Anne Robert Photography

"Justin and I really wanted our ceremony to be a quiet affair that would allow us to focus on each other," says Kassandra ("Kc" for short). As the first stop along their three-part affair, Kc and Justin exchanged vows with just their parents in attendance.

Kc wore a dress by Kim Elleen, which she paired with Nine West shoes and a floral headpiece (from Enchantedly Yours). Her bouquet, by Nouveau Fleur, featured craspedia, yellow tea roses, and lemon leaves. The groom sported a gray bespoke suit by Indochino, a polka-dot tie and pocket square (from Gracey Bags), and a boutonniere of yellow tea roses.

After the ceremony, the couple surprised 25 of their friends at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden with the news of their marriage. (Their friends thought they were attending the couple's engagement party.) The "engagement party" invitations were by J Press Designs.

"The National Gallery of Art holds a 'Jazz in the Garden' event every Friday night during the summer, and it's one of our favorite pastimes," says Kc. "It just made sense to share our news with our friends in that setting."

Guests sat on vintage quilts while listening to live music from the jazz group Natty Beaux and nibbling on a variety of cheeses, crackers, breads, jams, and fruit, which were displayed atop whitewashed wine crates. "It was laid-back and comfortable, but a little more upscale than our typical Friday night summertime jazz picnics," says Kc.

About three months later, the couple and 90 guests celebrated at a reception aboard the Cherry Blossom riverboat. "We wanted our reception to feel different from the garden party, and we wanted to share the iconic views of the District with our out-of-town guests," says Kc. "We liked that the riverboat had a bit of a Southern feel to it."

Kc wore the same Kim Elleen dress and accessorized with a navy and yellow ribbon belt (from Danielle Hensley) and yellow Steve Madden shoes. Justin wore a navy bespoke Indochino suit and a striped J.Crew tie.

Photos: Anne Robert Photography

As the boat cruised the Potomac, guests dined on chicken roulade, an assortment of dishes featuring locally sourced vegetables, and a variety of soups, all catered by Windows Catering. For dessert, Kc and Justin served a "cheese cake" assembled by Windows using wheels of the couple's favorite regional cheeses and crowned with a whimsical wooden topper.

Photographer: Anne Robert Photography || Bride's Dress: Kim Ellen || Bride's Headpiece: Enchantedly Yours || Bride's Ribbon Belt: Danielle Hensley || Groom's Suit: Indochino || Groom's Tie and Pocket Square: Gracey Bags || Invitations: J Press Designs || Reception Site: Cherry Blossom Riverboat || Floral Design: Nouveau Fleur, 202-543-8616 || Catering: Windows Catering || Cake Topper: Goose Grease || Cupcakes: Baked and Wired

Visit our Real Weddings page to find more modern style inspiration.

Photos: Courtesy of Chronicle Books

This Valentine's Day, skip the overly crowded restaurant, roll up your sleeves, and spend some quality time together in the kitchen. Food writer and blogger Sarah Copeland, whose Newlywed Cookbook just hit shelves, shared a romantic Valentine's Day dinner menu with Brides.com.

The main course is a hearty short ribs dish paired with creamy polenta and a salad of roasted beets and pistachios. And for dessert: slices of a bittersweet chocolate tart, sprinkled with smoky sea salt. Click here for the full menu and recipes.

In his American Idol days, judge Simon Cowell often scolded contestants (and that's putting it nicely) for tackling iconic songs without doing justice to the icons who made them famous. How fitting, then, that former American Idol star Jennifer Hudson was entrusted to pay the late Whitney Houston tribute at last night's Grammys by delivering a powerful performance of the Houston hit "I Will Always Love You."

Watching Hudson struggle to hold back tears as she belted out the ballad (originated by Dolly Parton), we were struck not only by the raw emotion of the moment, but by how enduring the song truly is—which is obviously how "I Will Always Love You" became such an immensely popular first-dance song. But it's not the only one. In honor of her passing last weekend, we rounded up our favorite Whitney Houston songs ideal for your own powerful, raw, emotional first-dance moments.

Photos: Dominique Bader Photography

If you and your groom aren't all that fond of cake, skip the sweet stuff in favor of a (literal) cheese cake, constructed with wheels of your favorite cheeses (which is what today's featured couple Kc and Justin actually did). This towering cheese display, photographed by Dominique Bader Photography, is one of the most elegant cheese "cakes" I've seen—it looks amazingly delicious, topped with fresh grapes and figs.

See a close-up photo of the cheese "cake" after the jump.

When she found a collection of love letters her late-grandfather had written to her grandmother, photographer Lauren Fleishman discovered not only a priceless family treasure, but also the subject of her next project.

Called Love After After, Fleishman's forthcoming book features moving portraits of New York-area couples who have been married for 50 years or more. Her aim is to "preserve their stories and to illuminate our universal experience of love," writes Fleishman on her website after spending the past three years documenting those stories.

"Everyday my wife expresses her love for me. She says, 'Did I tell you how much I love you today?' Everyday. Everyday she says that." —Moe Rubenstein. Photo: Lauren Fleishman

If you feel just as inspired as Fleishman after watching the above sneak peek inside her book, check out her Kickstarter page to learn more about helping to fund the project.

—Phillip B. Crook

Photo: Courtesy of Delphine

For their outdoor celebration, our featured couple Kc and Justin opted for an invitation by JPress Designs depicting bright dahlias—a flower with concentric rings of petals that packs a modern, graphic punch. Another great, bold bloom to feature on your invitation design is the chyrsanthemum—I love this option from Delphine depicting a detailed illustration of spider mums.

See more invitation designs in our Invites Gallery and find a stationer near you in our local vendor listings.

If you have a wedding invitation you'd like to submit for the blog, please email photos and a brief description to Heather Lee at contact@brides.com.

—Heather Lee

As Washington State became the seventh state to legally recognize (and protect) same-sex marriage this afternoon, Gov. Christine Gregoire addressed a celebratory crowd at the state Capitol in Olympia. "We did what was just. We did what was fair," she said. "We stood for equality, and we did it together, Republicans and Democrats, gay and straight, young and old, and a number of our faith organizations. I'm proud of who and what we are as a state."

Two weeks ago, the state Senate passed a bill approving the measure, which quickly moved through the House last week before ending its journey into law on Gregoire's desk for her signature—although it won't take effect until June 7. If opponents of same-sex marriage are successful in filing a challenge to postpone the law before then, the issue will go up for state-wide vote on the November ballot.

At least for today, however, opposition is the last thing on openly gay Sen. Ed Murray's mind. "My friends, welcome to the other side of the rainbow!" he said at the bill signing. "No matter what the future holds, nothing will take this moment away from us."

—Phillip B. Crook

Photo: Getty Images

It may have been Justin Timberlake's raunchy 2006 hit, but country starlet Carrie Underwood brought "SexyBack" to the 2012 Grammys—with glitter to boot. Underwood sported a long-sleeved, backless Gomez-Gracia gown drenched in sequins at last night's ceremony, showing off both her slender figure and one of this season's sexiest bridal trends.

Plunging, barely-there backs appeared in Fall 2012 collections ranging from Marchesa to Claire Pettibone to Rivini to Lela Rose. With panels of intricate lace, crystal-embellished tulle, and daring exposures of skin, designers interpreted the trend with their own fashion-forward, vintage, sophisticated, or sweet aesthetics, but each with special attention to creating head-turning styles—although, technically, Underwood was doing most of the head-turning last night, flashing her cutout backless dress (and her dazzling smile) for the cameras.

See our picks for this season's top sexy-back wedding dresses.

—Phillip B. Crook

Photo: Courtesy of ASOS

Visit ASOS's website to view more patterns, and see browse our Valentine's Day Lingerieslideshow for more romantic honeymoon accessories.

—Rosie Purdy

Photos: Getty Images (Taylor); Conde Nast Digital Studio (runway)

Say what you will about Taylor Swift and her blonde-ringleted, cotton-candy country songs, but at Sunday's 2012 Grammy awards at least, the star's red carpet look alone earned her a place among music's finest. Swift donned a nude-and-gold gown from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. "I saw it months ago and knew I had to save it for the Grammys," Swift said before the show, where she snagged two awards for solo country performance and country song.

To find the look's bridal equivalent, we turned to Marchesa, who showed this high-necked, lace mermaid gown in the Fall 2012 collection, mirroring the illusion neckline and slight cap sleeves of Murad's design. And like Marchesa's on-trend gown, Murad played with monochromatic texture, highlighting the champagne underlayer with glittering, scrolling embellishments that lend the look an extra flash of pizazz—what every Grammys dress requires. But let's be thankful Swift went in the correct direction with her attention-grabbing ensemble, instead of, say, this.

See more gowns by Marchesa in our Wedding Dresses gallery.

—Phillip B. Crook

Photo: Brookelyn Photography

Eric and Amita dated long-distance—traveling between Boston and New York—for more than two years before Eric proposed. As for the event's style, "I wanted an Indian wedding, and Eric loves Bollywood movies," Amita explains.

For the ceremony, she wore a jeweled lehenga (bridal dress) and Eric wore a sherwani (long coat and pants), both designed by Amita's sister in collaboration with Om the Origin. The bride's jewelry was given to her by her grandfather and brother, and Amita's wedding band, by Michele Mercaldo, was designed to match her vintage ruby engagement ring; Eric's band was by Michael C. Fina.

The couple researched venues in both cities before finally deciding on Alder Manor. "It's a beautiful place, with so much character," says Amita. As part of the Hindu celebration, the wedding party carried fruit to the altar to represent the food that will nourish the couple during their lives together. The ends of Amita's and Eric's garments were tied together to symbolize a firm and lasting commitment.

The couple's 104 guests found their seats via marble coasters that featured black and white images of New York City and bore names and table assignments sandblasted into them by Eric. In the dining area, tables displayed tall centerpieces of roses, lilies, and hydrangeas, along with branches hung with votives and crystal beads. All floral design was by Metro Floral Decorators. Dinner consisted of a choice of five entrees, including malai kofta and pork tenderloin. All catering was provided by Chefs at Work.

For their first dance, the newlyweds chose "Then He Kissed Me" by the Crystals, spun by DJ Brother Cleve. Later, Eric and four of his friends performed a dance to a song from his favorite Bollywood film.

Photos: Brookelyn Photography

As favors, guests received tote bags featuring an illustration of the newlyweds by Wei Lieh Lee.

Photographer: Brookelyn Photography || Bride and Groom's Traditional Attire: Om the Origin || Ceremony Site: Alder Manor || Bride's Wedding Band: Michele Mercaldo || Groom's Wedding Band: Michael C. Fina || Floral Design: Metro Floral Decorators || Reception Music: DJ Brother Cleve || Favors: Wei Lieh Lee

Visit our Real Weddings page to find more glamorous style inspiration.

Photos: Getty Images (Miranda); Conde Nast Digital Archive (runway)

Having already worn her mother's lace wedding gown at her own wedding and changed into a modern knee-length second dress at her reception, country star Miranda Lambert unveiled a third wedding-worthy look at Sunday's Grammy Awards in LA. Attending the show with husband and fellow country singer Blake Shelton, Lambert donned a strapless nude Pavoni gown with a tulle overlay and scalloped neckline embroidered with metallic floral details. The gown offers a conservative amount of coverage while still delivering on sex appeal thanks to the fit and embellishments.

Badgley Mischka's fitted nude gown from the Fall 2012 collection similarly features a floral motif translated from thread into rosettes and crystals, as well as an illusion neckline that tapers into cap sleeves. Both looks offer brides a glamorous, romantic alternative to traditional white gowns.

See more Badgley Mischka gowns in our Wedding Dresses gallery.

—Phillip B. Crook

Photos: Cate Scaglione Photography

Indian weddings are always an incredibly festive affair, and are usually complemented by similarly exuberant wedding details, such as this amazing elephant groom's cake by Heather Barranco Dreamcakes. The New York City baker was inspired by a family trip to Jaipur and modeled the decorations after traditional Indian patterns and color schemes. Here, the elephant is carrying a stack of luggage, signifying the groom's rite of passage to the next phase of his life—marriage.

See a close-up photo of the cake after the jump.

Photo: Courtesy of Bedroom Kandi

If you don't know Kandi Burruss from Bravo's Real Housewives of Atlanta, you'll certainly know her songs. The singer/songwriter is a music industry veteran with two Grammys to her name for TLC's "No Scrubs." (She also wrote Destiny's Child's Grammy-nomitated hit "Bills, Bills, Bills.") Now, the musical reality star is taking on yet another industry: Luxury adult toys.

Through hosting her weekly web series, Kandi Koated Nights, Burruss discovered her passion for talking to women about their sex lives—and helping them make it better. In partnership with boutique adult toy company OhMiBod, the star recently launched her Bedroom Kandi collection of five intimate products—one of which even vibrates to your favorite songs when you sync it to iTunes.

We caught up with Burruss to find out which toy is her favorite, how to navigate sex-toy taboos, and what kind of vibes we can expect from her new Bravo special, Kandi Factory. Read the full interview after the jump.

Bedroom Kandi aside, do you have a sweet tooth for actual candy?
Kandi Burruss: I don't. It's so funny—I've heard it all my life: "Kandi doesn't eat candy?" The only candy I'll eat is a Kit Kat. I like the crunch I guess.

Why did you decide to create your own toy line?
I'd been doing Kandi Koated Nights for a year, which created an online following of people who like to talk about sex and relationships. And I've always had a couple of toys myself [laughs] so I knew there was a need for them. A lot of women are shy and don't want to admit to using toys, so I wanted to make a line that women didn't feel ashamed to say they owned. It's sad that the majority of women have never experienced an orgasm because you have to know how to please yourself before you can tell someone else what you like.

Few celebrities put themselves out there to champion women's sexuality—so what made you so vocal?
I'm very outspoken anyway, so it wasn't a conscious decision to champion sex—it just kinda happened that way. I guess I didn't feel the need to put out yet another perfume. I didn't know what people were going to think about the toys, but surprisingly so many people come up to me asking where they can get them. I've even seen preachers' wives buy everything we sell!

Photos: Fairchild Archive

That consummate source of wedding-appropriate accessories, Kate Spade showed a collection this week for Fall 2012 inspired by the flirtatious, whimsical side of Paris. From boldly hued cloche hats to smartly cropped jackets to belted cardigans, Spade's Parisian woman donned several looks we'd gladly steal for bridal-adjacent events—a red satin baby doll dress with a beaded Peter Pan collar (top right), for example, is a great option for a dressy downtown rehearsal dinner.

Bolder still are Spade's printed bags and shoes (perfect to pair with understated wedding dresses), which range from floral motifs in a cool, Monet-esque palette (top left) to punchy cream-and-black polka dots (bottom right). Whether or not you actually go to Paris on your honeymoon, the collection even carries a "Pardon My French" tee (bottom left) that can easily dress up or down for a fresh destination look.

See the full collection, and visit Kate Spade online for more.

—Phillip B. Crook

Illustration by Maurice Vellekoop/BRIDES

News flash: when it comes to sex, men and woman are really, really different. Here, three things he must know to keep things blazing in the bedroom.

1. She needs to turn off. They say the brain is a sex organ, but for women, it can also be a sexual saboteur. Stress and crazy to-do lists can send your wife's mind into a tailspin, effectively cutting off arousal. Prep her for passion by helping her relax: Give her a glass of wine, book her a massage at the spa, or have her take a hot bath while you do the dishes.

2. She needs validation. It's no secret that women have body issues—in fact, many are so self-conscious about the way they look, they avoid sex entirely. To help get her mind in the game and off the size of her thighs, make sure to tell your wife what you dig about her body on a daily basis.

3. She needs patience. Your girl is going to need more time than you do to get there. In fact, according to Louann Brizendine's The Female Brain, it takes an average of 3 to 10 times longer for women to climax than for men. The moral of the story: Foreplay is not optional, fellas!

Once you've mastered that, here are 15 ways to keep your marriage sexy.

—Lucy Henry