A Rockin' Ring Bearer

December 7, 2011, 12:00 pm

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Photos, clockwise from left: Courtesy of Target; Steven Torres; Courtesy of Rock Pop Gallery

If you're planning a reception with an alternative vibe, you can't go wrong with this adorable ring bearer ensemble from Gwen Stefani's new Harajuku Mini for Target line. The black corduroy jacket and bow tie keep it formal, while the plaid pants give the outfit just enough punk-rock edge. Finish off the look with a pair of black Cons and a ring bowl fashioned from a vintage LP—now your ring bearer is ready for the spotlight. —Allison Bean

If you're going traditional, check out our local listings for a tux shop in your area or see more cool ring bear looks here

Corduroy jacket, $25, bow tie woven shirt, $17, plaid punker pants, $20, plaid newsboy hat, $10, canvas slides, $17, all Harajuku Mini for Target; Converse kids Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers, $27, Zappos; 12-inch LP record bowl, $24.95, Rock Pop Gallery

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100,000 Facebook Fans ...and Counting!

December 7, 2011, 1:00 pm

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Photo: Luigi Menduni (cupcakes by Magnolia Bakery)

Last night, BRIDES magazine reached 100,000 Facebook likes—woohoo! We celebrated this morning with cupcakes for breakfast, made by our friends at Magnolia Bakery. (Visit them at magnoliabakery.com, where you can place an order online for your own baked goods including brownies, bars, and cookies.)

Big thanks to all our amazing fans. We love reaching excited brides-to-be and browsing through all the insightful, fun, and—sometimes—crazy comments. Keep the suggestions, questions, and shout-outs coming!

Our next goal is to reach the big 1 mil. We may just splurge on a full-blown wedding cake to mark that milestone! —Jackie Lebowitz

Watch: The Trailer for The Five-Year Engagement

December 8, 2011, 7:00 am

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If you loved Bridesmaids (and all of us staffers did!), then get ready for The Five-Year Engagement—a new wedding comedy that looks just as hilarious. Jason Segel and Emily Blunt play an engaged couple who can't quite pin down a wedding date, much to the dismay of their friends and family. And once the bride-to-be accepts a job offer that relocates the pair to Michigan, the wedding-planning process comes to a screeching halt and (we're guessing) hilarity ensues. The Five-Year Engagement, written by Segel and Nicholas Stoller (Get Him to the Greek) and produced by Judd Apatow (Bridesmaids, Knocked Up), hits theaters April 27th, so mark your calendars. Fingers crossed it's on par with Bridesmaids and that this trend of genuinely funny chick flicks continues.—Allison Bean

Wedding Cake of the Week: Modern Geometry

December 8, 2011, 9:00 am

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Photo: Courtesy of Gateaux Inc.

To complement their wedding venue—a modern art museum—the bride and groom chose a contemporary invitation design that featured the text printed right-justified. Inspired by that detail, cake designers at Gateaux Inc. decided to mimic the look by taking crisp, fondant-covered square tiers and stacking them so they aligned on the right, creating ledges to display handcut gumpaste rings to balance out the overall design. A handpainted arabesque pattern was the finishing touch. —Heather Lee

See more modern wedding cakes or visit our local listings to find your cake baker.

Real Wedding Spotlight: A Contemporary Art Museum

December 8, 2011, 12:00 pm

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Photos: Olivia Leigh Photographie

New Jersey natives Kristen and Scott met in 1993, but didn't start dating until eight years later. Now residents of Chicago, the couple wanted to hold their wedding at a site that would showcase the city to their out-of-town guests, and they found the ideal venue in Terzo Piano, a restaurant in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Following the ceremony—held at the couple's parish, St. Michael in Old Town— the reception at Terzo Piano reflected modern details and vibrant floral designs by Hello Darling. History books on the Art Institute of Chicago served as escort cards and the dinner menu featured a meal the couple had enjoyed at the restaurant when they celebrated Valentine's Day there earlier in the year. Before the end of the evening, the newlyweds stole away for a walk on the Modern Wing's bridge. The bride recalls, "That quiet moment with Scott was just magical."

Follow the jump to see more from Kristen and Scott's wedding, visit our Real Weddings page to find other great style ideas, and search our revamped local listings to find wedding vendors near you.

We're Loving: Festive and Affordable Wines

December 8, 2011, 3:00 pm

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Photo: Courtesy of Clos du Bois

If you're looking for a festive hostess gift to bring to one of your upcoming holiday parties, check out Clos du Bois' limited–edition wine bottles. The labels for their 2010 Chardonnay and 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon were created by Banana Republic creative director Simon Kneen and feature sketches of cocktail dresses paired with glitzy gold accessories. The labels also have a QR code that, when scanned with your mobile device, lets you download a holiday–party soundtrack as well as party–hosting tips from Kneen and Clos du Bois. Best of all, the bottles are affordably priced—$16.99 for the chardonnay, $18.99 for the cabernet sauvignon—so you can stock up. And if you're hosting a winter wedding, we think the bottles would be a festive addition to the cocktail–hour menu, don't you think? The limited–edition bottles are available through the New Year. —Rosie Purdy

To see more wine and cocktail suggestions, check out our Food & Drinks gallery.

Honeymoon Hidden Gem: Hotel Jashita Tulum

December 9, 2011, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Editor's Favorites: New Winter Wedding Dresses

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Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Jashita

Hotel Jashita in Tulum, Mexico, is a hidden gem for honeymooners looking for a secluded beach vacation that's not too far from home. My friend recently returned from a trip to the resort and couldn't stop gushing about how amazing every aspect of the experience was—from the boutique hotel's interior design and prime beachfront locale to the incredible dining experience at the resort's Cafe Sahara restaurant (high praise, considering she's a serious foodie!) to the extremely attentive, friendly, knowledgeable staff. Her rave reviews prompted me to check out this paradise for myself—unfortunately, via Internet and not in person. More photos and details after the jump.

Editor's Favorites: New Winter Wedding Dresses

December 9, 2011, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Holiday Trend: Sparkly Accessories

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Photos: Conde Nast Digital Studio

Baby, it's cold outside—so what better time to seek out wedding dresses with sexy sleeves, embellished coverups, and frost-inspired details? We combed the Fall 2012 runways to find the season's top ten winter gowns from designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, and Dennis Basso. Check out our favorites in the full slideshow, and head to the Wedding Dresses page for more style ideas. —Phillip B. Crook

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Holiday Trend: Sparkly Accessories

December 9, 2011, 11:00 am

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Photos: Courtesy of the vendors

Glittery accessories always pop up in stores around the holidays, but this season, we're seeing sparkles even on the runway. Designer Elie Saab debuted several bedazzled gowns in his latest collection and celebs like Taylor Swift have embraced the look on the red carpet. But if head-to-toe shimmer is a little too much for your taste, then simply opt for a sparkly accessory or two. A glittery clutch, pair of heels, or jewelry piece will instantly liven up your LBD—the look would be perfect for, say, a tree-trimming party or even a winter wedding. Here are a few of my favorite sparkly accessories, all of which can be paired with your favorite cocktail dress or even wedding gown. —Rosie Purdy

See credits and more accessories after the jump.

Wedding Dress of the Week: Alvina Valenta

December 9, 2011, 1:00 pm

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Photo: Conde Nast Digital Studios

Alvina Valenta sent a beautiful collection of wedding gowns down the runway for Fall 2012, but this dress is particularly sweet. The origami folds on the bodice create a happy medium between strapless and asymmetrical necklines, keeping it simple yet sophisticated, while the embellished tulle overlay on the trumpet skirt adds just the right amount of softness to an otherwise sleek silhouette. See more sexy-and-sweet designs in our Wedding Dresses gallery. —Stephanie Davila

Real Wedding Spotlight: From the Inn to the Barn

December 12, 2011, 7:00 am

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Photos: Daniel J Photography

Larke and Jon hosted their intimate candlelit wedding at the Raritan Inn at Middle Valley, where a horse and carriage transported the couple and their guests from the ceremony to the reception held in a barn on the inn's property.

"We wanted it to feel as if the party was set in a clearing in the woods," says Larke. The barn was decorated with grapevines interwoven with twinkle lights and arrangements of dogwood and cherry blossoms. Dinner featured an assortment of dishes prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients, including poached salmon with cucumbers, apricot-glazed ham, and fare from a create-your-own-pasta station.

Follow the jump to see more from Larke and Jon's wedding, visit our Real Weddings page to find other great style ideas, and search our revamped local listings to find wedding vendors near you.

Bridesmaid Gift Idea: Socially Responsible Goods

December 12, 2011, 9:00 am

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Give a unique bridesmaid gift that is socially responsible and affordable. Consider the product offerings from Lotus Jane, a fair trade shop with handcrafted goods from marginalized producers throughout the world, mainly Cambodia.

Photo: Courtesy of Lotus Jayne

After adopting a daughter from Cambodia in 2000, Jill Kimball was determined to give something back to this devastated country. A year later, she launched Lotus Jayne, a company through which she sources fine handicrafts from disadvantaged populations and sells them here in the United States. She works only with suppliers whose efforts assist in bringing these underprivileged communities into the global marketplace.

Lotus Jayne offers a range of goods—from 100 percent hand-woven silk scarves (from $22) to jewelry made from recycled materials like brass artillery shells (pendants from $18) and magazine pages transformed into paper beads (cuffs from $10)—that would make lovely keepsakes for your bridesmaids. Visit the Lotus Jayne website to see the full scope of products. —Danine Alati

What to Wear to Pre-Wedding Parties

December 12, 2011, 11:00 am

≫ Next: Bachelorette Party Idea: Jewelry Design Class

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Photos: Kimberly Sentner

Sure, your bridal style boils down to which gown you choose, but that's not the only sartorial statement you'll make after getting engaged. As the guest of honor at a slew of wedding-related events, dressing the part shows your hosts and guests that you care. From the bridal shower to the bachelorette party to the rehearsal dinner, we put together a range of versatile looks to help you dress for every occasion. See all of the styles in the full slideshow, and visit our Wedding Dresses and Style page for more ideas. —Phillip B. Crook

Bachelorette Party Idea: Jewelry Design Class

December 12, 2011, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: Behind The Scenes of Next Great Baker

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Photos: courtesy of Modnitsa Atelier

Not interested in the same old (read: lame) bachelorette party options? Try a jewelry-design class instead. New York-based image stylist Dina Rudman offers such a class through the jewelry design division of her company Modnitsa Atelier, located in midtown Manhattan. During a one-hour, hands-on workshop, an expert instructor will give a brief overview of color theory, examine elements of design, and guide students through the proper techniques for constructing their own pieces. Then you and your gals will create your own stylish custom earrings or necklaces using semi-precious stones. Perhaps you can treat your gals as a bridesmaid gift—and maybe they can even design their own jewelry for the wedding day. One hour classes cost $85.

Behind The Scenes of Next Great Baker

December 13, 2011, 6:39 am

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Back in August, Buddy "Cake Boss" Valastro and his crew invaded the BRIDES office to film a challenge—which aired last night—for his hit TLC show Next Great Baker. Here's a quick recap if you missed the episode: The contestants were split into three teams, each of which had to create a wedding cake inspired by an assigned theme: "vintage romance," "princess," or "Hollywood glam." The winning team's creation would be featured in BRIDES.

In the end, Buddy and his guest judge, BRIDES fashion editor Terrie Collymore, chose the gorgeous "vintage romance" confection created by Chad Fitzgerald, Heather Grubb, Ryan Cimorelli, and Marissa Lopez. Be sure to pick up our January issue to see the winning cake, and keep tuning in on Mondays at 9 p.m. to find out who wins the grand prize: his or her own feature in an upcoming issue!

Also, check out the exclusive video above to see what actually went down when Buddy and the bakers took over our digs.—Jennifer Cress

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Real Wedding Spotlight: Rain, Rain Go Away

December 13, 2011, 7:00 am

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Photos: Kyle Hale

Although Michele had hoped she and Matt would marry in front of a beautiful pink sunset, Mother Nature had other plans. "I was feeling anxious about the rain," Michele says. "But when I looked out the window and saw some friends scurrying across the wet dirt road, making their way to the ceremony, I remembered that no amount of rain could change the fact that I was marrying my best friend. I couldn't help but smile."

Because of the rain, the early-evening ceremony was held under the candle- and lantern-lit Lake Pavilion at The Inn at Serenbe, an organic farm about an hour outside of Atlanta, which also hosted the reception. And after the evening's official festivities were over, "our guests wrapped up the night with us under Serenbe's Guest House cabana," Michele recalls. "We sat on the porch swing—drinking, talking, and laughing until the wee hours of the morning."

Follow the jump to see more from Michele and Matt's wedding, visit our Real Weddings page to find other great style ideas, and search our revamped local listings to find wedding vendors near you.

A Mad Men-Inspired Cake

December 13, 2011, 9:00 am

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Photo: Courtesy of Cake Hero

This adorable cake by Cake Hero was for a couple of Mad Men fans. Before their wedding, the groom's coworkers threw a party for the couple and commissioned the cake as a gift. Brooklyn-based cake designer Melissa Torres used MadMenYourself.com to create custom Mad Men-inspired avatars of the bride and groom, which she carefully replicated in fondant. —Heather Lee

See more creative groom's cakes or visit our local listings to find your cake baker.

Designer Spotlight: Olia Zavozina

December 13, 2011, 11:00 am

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Photo: Courtesy of Olia Zavozina

Check out this wedding mini from Olia Zavozina, a Tennessee designer by way of Russia. The lace texture and satin sash make it bridal appropriate and a great option for your wedding reception. Overall her latest Royal Elegance collection is simple and sweet, and geared towards brides looking for a more traditional look. Currently Zavozina's gowns are available in Alabama and Tennessee, and range between $2,000 and $3,500. Browse similar flirty dresses here or visit our vendor listings to find a bridal salon near you. —Stephanie Davila

Get the Look: Rooney Mara's Dragon Tattoo Dress

December 13, 2011, 12:30 pm

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Photo: WireImage

Lisbeth Salander isn't a woman you'd catch wearing white lace. Ever. So it's jolting to see Rooney Mara, who plays the black-leather-clad character in David Fincher's Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, grace the film's premiere last night in a Givenchy Couture white mesh-and-lace gown. If the actress hoped to distinguish her style from that of her breakout role, it worked. Nothing could be further from Salander's aggressive, biker-inspired aesthetic (which H&M turned into a Dragon Tattoo line last month) than Givenchy's delicate design featuring cutout details, a skin-baring back, and lace sleeves.

If you're more leading lady than crime-solving hacker too, you're in luck. Recent bridal seasons featured a combination of lace appliqués and sexy backs from the likes of Claire Pettibone, Elizabeth Fillmore, and Peter Langner. Follow the jump to see wedding gowns that evoke the same fit and feel as Mara's couture creation, and find more red carpet coverage on our Celebrity Weddings page. —Phillip B. Crook

Real Wedding Spotlight: In the Family Garden

December 14, 2011, 7:00 am

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Photos: Alea Moore Photography

After five years together, Miranda began to speculate exactly when, where, and how Colin would propose. But Colin wanted the moment to be a total surprise. So one day in 2010, while the two were in Colin's parents' house, he simply turned to Miranda and said, "You know, I've had your ring for a long time."

The couple chose that family home as the site for their cocktail hour and reception following an outdoor ceremony at Brumby Hall & Gardens at the Hilton Marietta. The backyard offered plenty of room for the 225 guests, with white tents creating three seating areas. Tables covered in light aqua seersucker tablecloths displayed centerpieces of roses, peonies, billy balls, hydrangeas, and wildflowers set in blue mason jars. The party started with the couple's first dance to Neil Young's "Harvest Moon," performed by a surprise group of singers. "Our friends and family serenaded us. It was one of my favorite moments," recalls Miranda.

Follow the jump to see more from Miranda and Colin's wedding, visit our Real Weddings page to find other great style ideas, and search our revamped local listings to find wedding vendors near you.