Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry Collection Sells for $115 Million

December 14, 2011, 9:00 am

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Photo: Fairchild Archive

Elizabeth Taylor's legendary jewelry collection sold at auction yesterday for $115 million—more than double the estimated value of the movie star's treasures. And true to her legacy, part of the proceeds from the sale will benefit The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Topping the list of 80 pieces auctioned by Christie's was a necklace featuring the 16th-century "La Peregrina" pearl, which fetched $11.6 million and set the record for the highest amount paid for a pearl. Taylor's 33.19-carat diamond ring (a present from Richard Burton) collected $8.8 million, while her famed tiara (a gift from Mike Todd) sold for $4.2 million. The auction of Taylor's haute couture and art collections continues today. —Phillip B. Crook

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Wedding Cake of the Week: Antique Silver

December 14, 2011, 11:00 am

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Photo: Courtesy of Yummy Cupcakes & Cakes

This week's stunning design comes to us all the way from Australia. Cake designer Patricia Hardjopranoto, proprietor of Yummy Cupcakes & Cakes near Sydney, created this gorgeous two-tier confection. A gleaming antique silver finish on the bottom tier enlivens the design's neutral color palette and a sculptural magnolia blossom, carefully fashioned from gumpaste, is the finishing touch. —Heather Lee

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

Get the Look: Glamorous Braids

December 14, 2011, 1:00 pm

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Photos: Conde Nast Digital Studio

Need hairstyle ideas for your wedding? We love the braided bun that Kerastase hair stylist Brandon Yamamoto created for the Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 bridal show. "Monique's collection is very springy, young and flirty, so we went with a French braid so that it was textured and young looking, but clean at the same time," says Yamamoto. Here's how to get the look in five easy steps:

1) Start off by prepping dry hair with Kerastase Fibre Architecte, an end sealer and filler, to give the hair a polished shine.

2) Next, use a leave-in hair lotion such as Kerastase Sublimateur Jour to control the hair while braiding.

3) With the edge of your comb, create a strong side part from your hairline all the way to the crown. Work a French braid around the face, keeping it looser so you can really see the texture of the braid coming off the head. Follow the hairline and continue braiding.

4) Next, add the opposite side of the part into the braid and work your way around the head. As you get to the ends of the hair, twist the braid up and then braid through the ends.

5) When you're done braiding, wrap the braid on itself and tuck the ends in to create a bun. Secure with bobby pins.

Find more wedding hairstyle ideas in our Hairstyles gallery. —Stephanie Davila

Real Wedding Spotlight: Bluegrass Bride

December 15, 2011, 7:00 am

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Photos: Andrew and Jessica Photographers

Rebecca and Adam love the outdoors and wanted their wedding to reflect their laid-back style. While Adam was biking on Lookout Mountain one day, he stumbled upon Boettcher Mansion. "I loved the idea of getting married at the top of a mountain because Adam had proposed to me on a mountaintop during a hike," says Rebecca.

After an outdoor ceremony held on the patio, the couple and their guests moved inside the mansion, where, in lieu of a first dance, Rebecca and Adam dedicated Ray LaMontagne's "You Are the Best Thing" to each other. The couple's friend Heather Luttrell and her father, along with friends from local band Oakhurst, performed bluegrass music. "We're not big dancers, but there was some spontaneous dancing that took place!" says Rebecca. "At the end of the night, I remember looking at everyone laughing and enjoying themselves—exactly what we wanted."

Follow the jump to see more from Rebecca and Adam'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.

Real Wedding Spotlight: Hometown Sophistication

December 16, 2011, 7:00 am

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Photos: Blaine Siesser Photography

Jennifer and Brett live in New York City but wanted to host their nuptials in the bride's hometown. "We wanted to show our guests a side of Detroit that you rarely read or hear about," says Jennifer. To achieve this, the couple set about planning an event that was "elegant and romantic." Jennifer wore a Pronovias gown and carried a bouquet that combined calla lilies, cymbidium orchids, tulips, and hydrangeas. She accessorized with a Kate Spade necklace that Brett had given her as a wedding gift.

The 2 p.m. ceremony was held at the historic St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church near downtown Detroit. "I love the Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows," Jennifer says. Following the ceremony, guests moved to The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit for the reception, where tables were decorated with champagne-colored linens, glowing candles, as well as white hydrangeas and ivory roses arranged on gold pedestals.

Follow the jump to see more from Jennifer and Brett'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.

Did Britney Spears Get Engaged?

December 16, 2011, 8:20 am

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Photo: AFP

Dare we think it true—did Britney Spears get engaged last night? TMZ reports that Spears' boyfriend, talent agent Jason Trawick, is planning to propose in Las Vegas tonight, but the star tweeted a not-so-cryptic message this morning: "OMG. Last night Jason surprised me with the one gift I've been waiting for. Can't wait to show you! SO SO SO excited!!!! Xxo" Trawick was spotted with jeweler Pascal Mouawad back in September, supposedly shopping for engagement rings from the private collection. If and when the news becomes official, this will be the 29-year-old singer's third marriage. —Phillip B. Crook

Wedding Dress of the Week: Anne Bowen

December 16, 2011, 11:00 am

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Photo: Conde Nast Digital Studios

Anne Bowen's bridal collections are always a breath of fresh air because her designs truly embrace a modern bride's aesthetic: one that's elegant yet sexy, timeless yet modern. For Fall 2012, Bowen opened her runway show with this gown, called John F. Kennedy Rosa, which features layers of ombré organza in shades of creme and nude. The strips of raw-edged fabric make the dress feel organic while the silhouette adds sophisticated flair—keeping it from veering too much into boho territory. —Stephanie Davila

See more neo-classic designs in our Wedding Dresses gallery, and visit our local vendor listings to find a bridal salon near you.

5 Ways to Personalize Black-Tie Groom Style

December 16, 2011, 1:00 pm

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Photo: Jennifer Livingston/DETAILS

Our friends at DETAILS rebooted the standard black-tie uniform to offer men five fashionable ways to personalize their formal look. Grooms take note—with tips like these, you can easily punch-up your tuxedo or suit and preserve the sense of style that makes you, you. Because no one should have to get married feeling like just another penguin.

Tip: Don't Be Afraid of Velvet
The material is especially appealing in a jacket because its weight creates structure, and the light sheen will also add a festive touch to your outfit.

Tip: Go Navy
When you want to stand out without totally sticking out, this classic hue is a smart way to bend—not break—the rules.

Tip: Strike a Contrast
Pair a tux blazer with suit pants for a fashionably offbeat look. Make sure to choose dramatically different colors.

Pick up the DETAILS December 2011 issue or head to Details.com to see the rest of the tips, and visit our Grooms & Guys Style page for even more ideas. —Phillip B. Crook

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This Week on the World Wide Wed

December 16, 2011, 2:00 pm

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Photos: Courtesy of Jeremy Lawson Photography

We love this Chicago wedding's vintage details, from the floral bridesmaids dresses to the charming antique-shop venue. –Elizabeth Anne Designs

This San Francisco pier comes alive with vibrant pops of orange and soft pewter hues combined in dramatic driftwood centerpieces for this nautical-themed shoot. –100 Layer Cake

Add some merriment to your holiday party or winter wedding with these gingerbread centerpieces, which will likely taste as delicious as they look. –Snippet and Ink

A canopy of trees dripping with Spanish moss provides a dramatic backdrop for this South Carolina plantation wedding –Ruffled

—Rosie Purdy

Britney Spears Is Engaged!

December 17, 2011, 10:53 am

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Photo: WireImage

Speculation that talent agent Jason Trawick proposed to Britney Spears earlier this week turned out to be true, after Trawick later told Access Hollywood the two are engaged. Having taken their relationship from professional to personal in 2009, Spears and her one-time manager were sharing an intimate dinner Thursday night to celebrate Trawick's 40th birthday when he got down on one knee. The couple spent Friday night toasting their engagement in Las Vegas. —Phillip B. Crook

Photos of Britney Spears' Engagement Ring

December 17, 2011, 11:30 am

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Photo: WireImage; AFP (Britney)

"Still glowing!" Britney Spears tweeted Friday afternoon following her engagement to Jason Trawick Thursday night—although, given the 3-carat Neil Lane diamond on her hand, she might have actually been talking about her engagement ring. The round stone and pave band were in full view Friday night while the couple partied in Las Vegas, hitting up Sugar Factory's Chocolate Lounge at the Paris Hotel and Chateau Night Club at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Spears ended the night with one final tweet for her fans: "Tonight was one of the most magical nights of my life. Such an amazing time with my new fiancé and our closest friends and family. #Blessed." —Phillip B. Crook

Get the Look: BRIDES' January 2012 Cover

December 19, 2011, 7:00 am

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For our January cover, we wanted to ring in a new year with a fresh look, and Carolina Herrera's stunner, with its embroidered black-and-white floral motif, was the head-turner we were searching for. To keep all eyes on the dress, the BRIDES fashion team outfitted our cover girl with beautiful and understated diamond earrings and a ring from H.Stern. The soft pink bouquet by Zezé Flowers made up of roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, and Japanese cucurmas complements the flower at the gown's waist.

Want to see if this daring black-and-white dress is something you would try for your wedding? Click here to virtually try on this style, along with tons of other beautiful dresses featured in the magazine. Once you have found your dress, don't forget to complete the look by trying on the perfect virtual hairstyle, too! —Beth Swanson

Watch: An Indian Wedding with a Southern Flair

December 19, 2011, 9:00 am

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Courtesy of Pixotheory on Vimeo.

Nitya and Neal, who grew up in Georgia and Tennessee, respectively, wanted their wedding to reflect their Southern roots as well as their Indian heritage. They held their ceremony and reception at Summerour Studio, a refurbished warehouse space in Atlanta. Following the traditional Indian ceremony, the venue was transformed into an elegant reception with sparkling chandeliers and a vibrant navy-and-fuchsia color palette. Before the newlyweds entered the reception, they played for their guests a video (above, created by their videographer Pixotheory) as a tribute and thank-you to their friends and family members.

See more photos from Nitya and Neal's India-meets-Atlanta celebration, visit our Real Weddings page to find other great style ideas, and search our revamped local listings to find wedding vendors near you.

Real Wedding Spotlight: "A Welcome Escape"

December 19, 2011, 12:00 pm

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Photos: Jamee Photography

Maggie and Jeremiah live in Dallas but decided to wed in Vail, a place they'd both visited with their families as children. "We both love the mountains, and we thought the fresh mountain air would be a welcome escape from the brutal Texas heat," says Maggie. The couple chose the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail to host their festivities, beginning with a 4:30 p.m. ceremony that took place by Gore Creek on the grounds of the resort. "We wanted our wedding to be refined yet relaxed," says Maggie. "The colors of the mountains were our inspiration."

Follow the jump to see more from Maggie and Jeremiah'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 Dress Redux: Holiday Parties

December 19, 2011, 2:00 pm

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Photos: Kimberly Sentner (dress); courtesy of the vendors (all others)

Somewhere in your rack of once-worn bridesmaids dresses is an ensemble just itching to party this holiday season. From full-length to cocktail, formal to relaxed, we re-styled a variety of dresses for a range of festive events. Take this bridesmaid dress by Alfred Sung, for example—the cap sleeves are conservative enough for an office holiday party, while the vibrant fuchsia hue keeps the look feeling fun, especially when set against understated gray and black accessories. So what if you tipsily admit to sometimes napping in the supply closet? At least you'll look professional. —Phillip B. Crook

See all of the re-styled ensembles in the full slideshow, and visit our Bridesmaid Dresses page to find more great ideas.

Style D500, $190, Alfred Sung; DAY Birger et Mikkelsen necklace, $170, net-a-porter; Prada Mary Jane pumps, $503.99, Saks; Effy Collection earrings, $1,200, Lord & Taylor; invitation, Paperless Post

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Win $10,000 for Your Wedding!

December 20, 2011, 7:00 am

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As editors of BRIDES, we know it takes major moolah to throw a wedding, so we decided to give one lucky bride $10,000 to spend on whatever she wants. Enter now through January 16 for your chance to win. And if you subscribe to BRIDES, you'll not only automatically be entered to win, but you'll also receive a cute tote and a copy of our 50 Ways to Save guide, all for free. So stop stressing about going over budget and enter now—that dream dress (or cake! or honeymoon!) might actually become a reality! —Jennifer Cress

Real Wedding Spotlight: Antebellum Romance

December 20, 2011, 9:00 am

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Photos: Jessica Horwitz Photography

Mike asked Jeanette to marry him in August 2008—seven years, seven months, and seven days after the couple began dating. "He proposed after we had cooked and eaten dinner together at home, just the two of us. It was perfect," Jeanette says. The couple married in the garden at Primrose Cottage, drawing on the antebellum mansion's classic design and incorporating a palette of slate blue and spring green.

After the ceremony, the couple and their 100 guests then moved into the cottage's ballroom, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the surrounding forest. To create an inviting space for the reception, Jeanette and Mike selected ivory damask tablecloths and alternating low and high centerpieces of white and green hydrangeas and ivory roses surrounded by votive candles.

Follow the jump to see more from Jeanette and Mike'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.

Get the Look: Britney Spears' Engagement Ring

December 20, 2011, 12:00 pm

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Photo: WireImage; AFP (Britney)

If you like the look of Britney Spears' sparkling Neil Lane engagement ring, we've found some round-cut baubles that have a similar feel. Check out our favorite options under the jump.

Watch: The 5 Most-Viewed Proposals on YouTube

December 20, 2011, 1:00 pm

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If you weren't surprised with your own caught-on-camera proposal in 2011, chances are you participated in one (flash mobs require mobs, after all), or at the very least contributed to the millions of views proposals generated on YouTube this year.

Leading the pack of engagements-gone-viral was a cinematic-themed proposal one man staged back in May when his girlfriend went to see Fast Five with her brother. The lights dimmed, the screen rolled out, and then he...well, you'll have to watch to find out why this proposal earned more than 20 million views in a matter of months. And follow the jump to see the remaining videos rounding out the top five. —Phillip B. Crook

Real Wedding Spotlight: Disney Done Right

December 21, 2011, 7:00 am

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Photos: Heidi Ryder Photography

Ashley and Stephen, who met in high school (in the marching band!), chose the Disneyland Hotel as the setting for their nuptials. Their wedding day also marked the eighth anniversary of their first date. "We both grew up in Disney-loving families," explains Ashley. "And once we began dating, we made several trips to Disneyland together—we couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else." The 5:30 p.m. ceremony was held in the hotel's Rose Court Garden. All 52 guests received wands filled with white- and gold-colored confetti, which they tossed as the newlyweds exited the ceremony.

During cocktail hour—held on the hotel's lawn—guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres as a harpist played a selection of classic Disney songs, including "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella. Later, the festivities moved to the Sleeping Beauty Pavilion for the reception. "The room is beautiful—very warm and inviting," Ashley says. "It feels magical, with just the right amount of that 'Disney' feel."

Follow the jump to see more from Ashley and Stephen'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.