Photo: Jonny Valiant

Marrakech, Morocco (one of our favorite surprisingly romantic cities), is home to famed markets, intoxicating spices, and boldly colorful tapestries. For the offbeat, bohemian bride, this exciting locale offers tons of unexpected inspiration for a gorgeous and exotic wedding day. Even if you're not planning to travel for your nuptials, you can capture the flavor of Morocco no matter where you tie the knot.

Create Structure
Since you're trying to transform the ordinary into something alluring, it's important to set the scene. Start with a backdrop that is equal parts pretty and unexpected. We love the look of this structure that feels so reminiscent of Moroccan palaces. To achieve it, have a minaret shape cut out of an ordinary garden trellis. Rather go the DIY route? Just paint a minaret shape onto a trellis using a neutral color.

Be Bold
To really give your guests the feeling of faraway Marrakech, consider bringing in the bold colors so reminiscent of the area. Sure, a lawn covered in purple poufs may not be for the color shy, but for the boho-bride who loves this glamorous style it's the perfect ceremony seating idea! Jewel tones — the more dramatic the better — and neutral metallic embellishments are what really make this look work.

Photo: Jonny Valiant

Include Authentic Flourishes
Hit the souk — or, you know, Etsy — for décor items. One way to welcome (and refresh!) your guests is with a Moroccan mint-tea service. Or find a way to include the refreshment as your signature cocktail. Consider other easy places to add a dash of Moroccan-flare to your wedding day. Runners, lanterns and programs with arabesque motifs and Islamic art patterns add visual interest and drive the theme home.

Photo: Austin Gros

When it comes to a wedding, why not double the happiness?! Sisters, close relatives, or good friends may wish to express their mutual fondness for each other by sharing their wedding day and planning a double wedding. This kind of affair, in the long run, can save both couples money. At the time, however, it can be quite an extravaganza to plan and coordinate, with twice the number of attendants, more guests, and a lavish outpouring of food and drink. And, of course, a joint reception always follows a double wedding. So what should both sets of brides and grooms keep in mind when planning one of these events? Here are some tried-and-true etiquette guidelines.

How can I differentiate myself from my fellow bride? What about our bridal parties?
Brides can wear differently styled wedding dresses with trains and veils of about the same length. Attendants of both brides dress with the same degree of formality, and in the same color or complementary shades (deep plum and pale lavender, for example). For a formal wedding, ushers all wear traditional black-and-white formalwear (with different but complementary bow ties and cummerbunds for the grooms and best men) or, for a ceremony before 6 pm, cutaways.

What's the best way to announce a double wedding on the invites?
The two brides may wish to issue a joint invitation, particularly if they are sisters or very close friends. List the elder bride's name first on an invitation for a double wedding. If the brides are twins, list their names alphabetically. It is also appropriate to send separate invitations if the brides are not sisters or simply want their own stationery suites, but insert a card informing guests about the unique situation.

Anything in specific I should keep in mind for the ceremony?
For the procession (if there is one aisle), you can split the entire bridal party (ushers, bridesmaids, honor attendant, flower girl, bride) to go one after the other for each bride, in the same way as you did for the invitations. The attendants can also walk two by two, one sister's maid of honor paired with the other's honor attendant, and so forth. At the head of the aisle, attendants usually separate so that those of the first bride are on the left, and those of the second bride are on the right. The ceremony may be divided into sections, with each couple completing each part in turn: First one couple speak their vows, then the other. However, the final blessing may be given to both at the same time. Then each pair kiss and turn to face their guests.

Kyle and Melissa King came up with an adorable alternative to your standard wedding video: a film-strip, stop motion-style video using thousands of photos.

When the pair was initially set to wed back in May, they were in need of a last-minute photographer, New York Daily News reports. Luckily for the couple, one of Kyle's groomsmen knew a commercial photographer, Steve Thackson, who happened to shoot weddings. When Thackson went to photograph the barn bash, he approached it how he would any job: with fast paced clicks and thousands of proofs.

See more: Emotional Father-of-the-Bride Photos

The newlyweds ended up with more than 3,000 photographs. Kyle, who works at a video editing studio, saw the pictures and began editing them down to share on social media with friends and family. But as he was sifting through all of the proofs, he realized they'd make for an amazing animated video.

The result, above, showcases friends, family and the wedding planner putting the final touches to their nuptials in an Atlanta suburb. Everything from the ceremony set-up to the band belting it out at the reception and the cake cutting is captured in a lively and unique way.

The best part? Stolen moments that may not as easily be highlighted in a traditional wedding video — like the mother-of-the-bride and bride pre-ceremony, the dad giving his girl away, and a quick look between bride and groom from afar — are placed front-and-center in this animated showcase. Think of it as a longer, more finessed Flipagram for friends and family to watch and share!

Photo: Dennis Kwan Weddings

Having a friend or a family member officiate your wedding is a growing trend among couples, and one that may be particularly appealing to those who are not affiliated with a church or prefer a secular ceremony. After all, getting a friend ordained to do the job is as easy as a few clicks online.

The upsides are plentiful: It's more intimate and personal than having a stranger officiate, it's much cheaper than hiring somebody, and it's a very special way to ask someone who is important to you to be involved in your big day. But the job also comes with a lot of responsibilities and some tricky rules (not the kind you can break), so before you pick up the phone to ask your bestie to do the honors, read the info below.

1. Figure out who is allowed to officiate in your area.
Each state, county, or even city has its own rules on who is allowed to legally make your union official. Check with your city's Marriage Bureau for the complete guidelines before you begin figuring out who should officiate.

Laws regarding the officiant are truly varied: in Colorado couples can solemnize their own marriage, and in parts of other states (such as Virginia) only pastors of certain churches are allowed to perform the wedding — and someone who got ordained online doesn't count. Remember, just because your friend got his uncle to perform his wedding doesn't mean it's allowed where you tie the knot.

See More: Interfaith Ceremonies: Options and Practices

2. Get your friend ordained.
Once you've figured out that your friend can officiate the wedding, the next step is to get him or her ordained. An easy way to do this is to point your browser to TheMonastery.org, where you can become a minister of the Universal Life Church. Other places that offer ordination include the Church of Spiritual Humanism, First Nation Ministry, American Fellowship Church, and the Church of Latter-Day Dude — a religion that spawned from the movie The Big Lebowski. (Yes this is legit, but once again, double check your regional laws by calling your county clerk).

3. Determine if the officiant needs to be registered.
Once your friend has been ordained, the next step in the process is to make sure all the paperwork and other legal checkboxes, if any, are checked off. Some regions require that the officiant file credentials with the local court and others do not. For example, in California, it is not necessary to register, but in New York City, not only do officiants have to register, they have to appear in person at the City Clerk's office to do so.

See More: 3 Unexpected Sources of Wedding Vow Inspiration

4. Write the ceremony.
Many couples will want to work with their officiant to write the ceremony script, and one of the benefits of having a friend perform the wedding is the ability to highly personalize the ceremony. But don't get too carried away with the reminiscing and forget about the legal requirements. In Seattle, for example, a marriage is not recognized legally unless the couple declares during the ceremony that they take each other to be spouses. Once again, work with your local marriage-governing bureau to determine requirements for your area.

5. Sign and send in the marriage license.
After the ceremony and reception, it is your officiant's responsibility to send the completed marriage license and return it to the state within the required timeline.

Photo: Getty Images

As if wedding planning weren't stressful enough, clashes with your fiancé can heighten the anxiety. You scoured the internet to find the perfect vendor for your flowers and he doesn't like any of their designs. Or maybe he's introducing elements into the wedding plan that just don't fit. Perhaps he's even being a bit of a control freak, wanting to sign off on every single detail. To sum it up: He's become a groomzilla.

If this sounds all too familiar to you, we've consulted a few relationship experts for ways to cope with planning clashes and turn disagreements into constructive ways to work together.

Communicate from the Star — and Keep Talking
Before you even start your wedding planning, dream together about what your ideal wedding would be like. The operative word here is "dream." This is is the brainstorming stage; so let the ideas flow. Don't shoot down or get too attached to any ideas now. Just let them be heard. The purpose? To find out what each of you wants from your wedding so you make informed decisions with your partner's desires in mind as your planning progresses.

Let Go of Your Fantasy Wedding
So often, brides have been planning their weddings since they were wee girls. But this can cause unrealistic expectations. Make sure you do tell your man which aspects of the ceremony are most important to you, but don't expect that he's going to fully agree with them. Remember, it's his wedding, too. Work together to incorporate details you both will love.

Be Ready to Compromise
No two people are ever going to agree 100 percent, but this doesn't mean disagreements have to be a negative. According to April Masini, relationship expert and columnist at AskApril.com, the fact that you're having an issue is less important than the opportunity it creates to resolve conflict in your relationship. Alisa Ruby Bash, Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Beverly Hills agrees: "How you deal with disagreements now is going to set the groundwork for the rest of your marriage. You're always going to have to compromise, so develop positive ways to work through arguments together."

See More: Tough Talks: Tactics for Communicating About Difficult Topics

Keep It Private
If you do have a disagreement that gets particularly hairy, don't publicize it, says Masini. The last thing you want to do is get friends, or worse, family involved. "That's a fail. Make a pact with your fiancé to keep this issue between the two of you while you work on resolving it."

Remember What You're Actually Doing
It's so easy to get bogged down by details, which can cause you to lose sight of the bigger picture. Keep coming back to the reason you're getting married in the first place. As Bash advises, "It's important to remember that you're not alone. All couples have dealt with this kind of stress. And stress and anxiety is a waste of time. Spend time nurturing each other and focus on the love. When you look back, are you going to remember the napkin rings, or the amazing time?"

Jolène M. Bouchon is a regular contributor to Brides.com and a freelance writer.

Photos: Getty Images

Prince Harry has had an interesting year, love-wise. After breaking things off with Cressida Bonas, the girl many thought he would marry, in April, there's another twist in his romantic world — his longtime girlfriend Chelsy Davy is reportedly engaged.

Though she's been called the love of his life (she even attended the Royal Wedding as his guest after they'd officially broken up) and many assumed they'd get back together after his split with Bonas, Davy has officially moved on with jeweler Charles Goode.

According to Vanity Fair and other sources, Davy is expected to announce her engagement to Goode, whom she's dated for more than a year, after he proposed during their vacation in Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Davy, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer who now works in London, and Goode have been traveling through Africa, Vanity Fair stated. Last week, they climbed up Malawi's Mount Mulanje, where friends believe Goode popped the question.

See more: Prince William and Kate Middleton's Relationship: A Timeline of Their Royal Love Story

"Charles was planning to propose on holiday and everyone thinks he has now done it," a source told The Daily Mail, adding, "He is off-comms out there, so if there is an announcement it will come this week when they return home."

"Chelsy and Charles are very serious and we are all expecting a wedding to happen soon," a source said.

After dating Prince Harry on and off for more than seven years and decidedly not wanting to marry, we can assume that Davy knows this is the real deal! While her nuptials won't be a royal wedding, we're sure it will be a grand affair.

Photo: Noah Hawthorne Photography

With destination weddings on the rise and for brides whose closest friends and family are scattered all across the country, the concept of having "non-bridesmaids" is becoming more and more popular. According to family and relationship expert Dr. Ruth Nemzoff, Ed.D, non-bridesmaids are people you honor in the wedding and who help you plan it but do not march down the aisle. "They can pass out the booklets, sing, read prayers, bustle your gown or just join you for dressing," she says. They may also help organize your bachelorette party or go dress shopping with you, for instance. Plus, "the role has the added bonus of not costing the person the price of a dress that they may not have chosen themselves." If you're curious about the idea, we've put together a quick list of pros and cons to help you make your final decision.

Pro: You can include more friends
Many brides get stressed out and anxious at the mere thought of having to narrow down the number of bridesmaids they have in their wedding. "Having a friend help out with certain tasks and outings allows someone that would otherwise not be involved in the wedding planning to be a part of it," notes Melia Spring Coordes, creative director and owner of WedSpring. "Many new friends want to be included even if they don't make the bridesmaid list."

Con: You might hurt some feelings
"When the wedding weekend comes along some of the friends that have helped the bride through various planning tasks and decisions may be left out of formal gatherings that are for the wedding party only," points out Coordes. Unfortunately, this can lead to hurt feelings and damaged friendships, particularly if the non-bridesmaid doesn't feel like her contributions were properly recognized or appreciated.

See More: No, You Can't Be My Bridesmaid

Pro: It's less of a financial obligation
If you're having a destination wedding and you know a particular friend isn't exactly rolling in dough at the moment, asking her to be a non-bridesmaid can help ease the financial burden for everyone. A bride can choose friends to be her "go-to" people on her wedding day. It may be assisting with making sure lunch is delivered, flowers are in water or the groomsmen are dressed appropriately," explains destination wedding planner Michelle Fage of Paradise Planning. "Having a friend in that role truly allows her to be a part of the wedding without the stress or financial obligation of being an actual bridesmaid."

Con: There are blurred lines of responsibility
For brides looking for a more casual experience with less coordination and stress, having a few official bridesmaids and several non-bridesmaids may be the way to go. However, it also blurs the lines of responsibility and which friend is responsible for what part of the wedding, warns Alex Haslam, founder of Bali Dream Day.

Pro: Non-bridesmaids aren't afraid to speak up
Not only can non-bridesmaids be a great voice of reason when the bridal party may be too close to a situation to be helpful, but they're also able to assist with wedding tasks that they would truly like to do for you without feeling any sense of obligation, says Florida-based wedding planner Aviva Samuels of Kiss The Planner.

Photos: Getty Images

Enough is enough! Kim Kardashian is reportedly no longer chasing after Beyoncé for the coveted spot of Bey's BFF after Bey and Jay Z's infamous absence from Kimye's wedding.

According to Radar Online, Kim is through with the superstar. "Kim blames Beyoncé for Jay Z skipping their wedding," a source close to Kimye says. "Kanye considered Jay family, and the last minute decision for him to not come to their wedding was extremely selfish."

Besides being regular collaborators, Yeezy holds Hova in such a high regard that he was reportedly in line to be his best man. But after Bey and Jay were spotted in the Hamptons the weekend Kimye exchanged vows in Florence, Kimmie isn't holding back when it comes to closing out the Carters. "Kim has absolutely no use for Beyoncé and Jay, and doesn't think they are worthy to be friends with Kanye," the source adds.

See more: Bey and Jay Finally Release Their Wedding Video!

The source continues: "[Kim] thinks that that Beyoncé has always been very arrogant and aloof around her. Kim always made a real effort to get to know her and Jay, but she was always left with a very cold feeling. Beyoncé made Kim feel very insecure and that isn't something that she is used to. For a very long time, Kim didn't tell Kanye how she felt, but after Jay skipped out on their wedding, she let it all come out."

The bad blood made its way to the VMAs where Queen Bey received the highest honor, the Video Vanguard award (and killed it, FYI). Apparently, the two were not even close to friendly.

Sorry Kimmie, but we completely respect Bey's decision to skip out on your circus of a wedding (she reportedly didn't want Blue filmed for Keeping Up with the Kardashians ... a very valid excuse!).

We're sure somewhere the flawless superstar is singing "D-d-d-diva" with a slight smirk.

Photo: Dove + Sparrow

You'd never plan your wedding at work (cough, cough) — but your lunch break is a whole other story! For your #WeddingWednesday lunchtime, we rounded up gorgeous real weddings, pretty style details, and helpful tips from across the web. Our favorite recent wedding blogs have one of two things in common: Amazing wedding music to perfectly-executed themes! From a pump-up playlist for the morning of your big day to luxe New York nuptials inspired by Truman Capote, take a peek at the best wedding blogs:

Don't let your nerves get the best of you on the morning of your wedding! This pre-wedding playlist will keep you blissfully distracted from stress and focused on love, light and fun. —POPSUGAR

And now, the music for the end of your wedding day! The last dance song should capture the joy and warmth of your wedding and get everyone onto the dance floor. Listen to this curated playlist for some classic and bright ideas. —Brides

This Wisconsin wedding was styled to look like a camp, and the bride and groom looked, appropriately, as in love as two teenagers. The best part? The bride walked down the aisle to a song the groom wrote! —100 Layer Cake

This real couple fully embraced their wedding venue, San Diego's New Children's Museum, by incorporating a chalkboard into their ceremony backdrop and bright, youthful patterns and colors into their reception. And yet, the whole thing is impeccably stylish. —Ruffled

Every detail of this antique-inspired wedding is soft, vintage, and romantic, without feeling cheesy or tacky. It's a master class in nailing down a wedding theme. —Green Wedding Shoes

The crazy-stylish couple donned designer duds and entered to Lana Del Rey's "Young and Beautiful." Needless to say, it was like a Truman Capote party with a dash of classic New York elegance. —Brides

Photo: via Jill Thomas Photography

If you love the look of lush flower arrangements that are full of texture, ask your florist about incorporating viburnum berries, which are in season right now. These hardy berries come in a variety of colors, from bright red and orange to green and deep blue (that almost looks black). The red and orange varieties produce a large, round berry with a wonderful glossy sheen — they're perfect for weddings with a red color palette, of course, and also have a very festive holiday feel. The navy-blue varieties produce smaller-sized berries, but their deep, dark color makes a big impact in bouquets and centerpieces. Also, since navy is such a popular wedding color and there aren't many blue flowers that exist in nature, viburnum berries are the perfect solution. To help get you inspired, we've gathered together some of the prettiest arrangements we found that feature viburnum berries.

Vibrant Bridal Bouquet (above): This gorgeous bouquet by Twiggs Botanicals includes red viburnum berries, chamomile, maidenhair ferns, ranunculus, lisianthus, Juliet garden roses, and anemones.

Photo: Jill Thomas Photography

Textured Boutonniere: We love this groom's boutonniere of viburnum berries, raspberries, ferns, and millet, tied with a textured ribbon.

Photo: Sylvie Gil Photography

Bridesmaid Bouquet: Viburnum berries also come in a deep indigo shade and look beautiful when combined with cream-colored flowers and a pale blue bridesmaid dress.

Photo: via Silvana di Franco

Berry-Colored Centerpiece: If you love deep berry tones, check out this beautiful, lush centerpiece combining garden roses, dark foliage, chocolate cosmos, Concord grapes, and indigo viburnum berries.

Photo: Lisa Lefkowitz

Bright-Red Centerpiece: This vibrant floral arrangements includes red viburnum berries, red and orange dahlias, dark red scabiosa, pieris, hydrangeas, and mokara orchids.

Photo: N. Underwood

Yellow Centerpiece: Summer is coming to an end, which means fall is right around the corner. This bright-yellow centerpiece is perfect for an end-of-summer celebration, don't you think? It combines red viburnum berries with garden roses, bittersweet, euphorbia, and fresh persimmons.

Special thanks to Sean Nestlerode at Torchio Nursery in San Francisco for his help with our "In Season Now" flower series!

While we loved Laverne Cox's white Marc Bouwer Emmy Awards look, the Orange Is the New Black star wore an equally amazing gown to the after party: a gold-tinged lace stunner with an illusion neckline from bridal powerhouse Marchesa. The gilded gown is both extremely elegant and glamorous, perfect for the girl looking to make a major statement while still remaining inherently bridal. The shimmering, metallic lace would make any bride-to-be feel like an A-lister, and the illusion neckline ties in one of the most beloved modern trends.

Here's how to get a gown similar to Cox's custom Marchesa.

Photo: John Aquino

Oscar de la Renta: This Oscar gown offers all the same perks as Cox's Marchesa number. It's ultra-elegant, features a gilded exterior, and the popular illusion neckline. And check out the volume too that trumpet skirt — so glam!

Illusion cap-sleeve trumpet wedding dress with all-over embroidery, Oscar de la Renta

Photo: John Aquino

Christos: With a warm ivory underlay, airy tulle skirt, and off-the-shoulder lace appliqué, this Christos gown is an ethereal take on Laverne Cox's magnificent Marchesa.

Corded lace sheath wedding dress with an illusion high neckline and cap sleeves, Christos

Photo: John Aquino

Angel Sanchez: Modern brides will love this contemporary illusion mermaid. Still holding true to Cox's slim-fit lace mermaid, this gown serves up a flirt, sheer illusion skirt too.

Style N11009, sleeveless lace A-line wedding dress with an illusion bateau neckline and sheer leg, Angel Sanchez

Photo: John Aquino

Theia: Not a golden girl? No problem! Go for another metallic hue, like silver, to up the wow-factor. Plus, this Theia gown offers a similarly sophisticated silhouette.

"Cameron" sleeveless silver metallic lace sheath wedding dress with a sheer bateau neckline, Theia

Photo: High Pass Productions

In the frenzied sea of details and etiquette and tulle (aka wedding planning) there's an illusive creature that lurks beneath the surface: the cool bride. Blessed with effortless personal style and a mellow attitude, this breed of bride is the most illusive and enviable of all. How do they do it? How do they turn a blind eye to the botched canapés while simultaneously pulling off the most stylish soirée anyone has ever been to? We investigated the phenomenon and found five uniting characteristics all laid back brides have in common.

1. You're Not Married to Tradition
Wedding planning comes laden with a lot of tradition and etiquette. So much so, that sometimes a bride can feel overloaded with all of the things she has to do, instead of the things she wants to do. Cool brides are over that. If they'd rather skip the wedding cake and pin the tail on the groomsman, they will. In their eyes, traditions are optional, not absolute, and this perspective majorly diminishes pressure.

2. You Delegate
Nobody is cool and collected when she has one million and three details to worry about the morning of her wedding. To stay calm under pressure, cool brides delegate — to their planners, day-of coordinators, bridesmaids, moms, friends, vendors, whoever — and trust them to handle details on their wedding day.

See More: Plan a Stress-Free Wedding with Our Planning Resources

3. You Embrace Imperfection
Have you ever noticed how many cool girl icons like Kate Moss always have one element that's slightly off in their outfit? Maybe it's an un-tucked shirt, or messy, undone strands, but they always seem to keep one ounce of nonchalance in the mix to prevent them from looking too "done." Laid-back brides also adhere to the concept of perfect imperfection, much to the benefit of their mental state. "Oh the fur blankets fell off the guest chairs onto the ground? How bohemian!" "So, the forks didn't come in on time? Matching china is passé anyways."

4. You Stick to the Budget
Nothing ruins the vibe faster than the tension of over-extended purse strings and resentment. Mellow brides know that style can be achieved within any budget. They're not afraid to pop some wildflowers into soda bottles, throw on a vinyl and embrace simplicity.

5. You Stay True to Your Style
Similar to their take on wedding traditions, cool brides realize that the best thing the dress they can wear is the one that represents their unique style. Whether that's a short shift dress, a classic ball gown or a bohemian kimono, every bride is at her coolest when she's comfortable and utterly herself.

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

For Andrea, 30 and Ted, 40, one wedding ceremony just wasn't enough. The couple wanted the groom's cousin to officiate, so they had a civil ceremony to make it official, then invited 100 guests to the Strathmore Mansion in North Bethesda, Maryland, for their March 30, 2013 wedding. And that's not all! A few months later, in June 2013, the two headed to Taipei, Taiwan for a third ceremony—this time saying "I do" in front of 250 guests!

After searching for a venue online, Andrea and Ted's wedding planner, Courtney of A Sweet Soiree Events, took them to visit the Strathmore Mansion. It was the first venue they visited in person, and the couple fell for the classic style. "I loved we could use the mansion's different rooms," the bride says. "It made the wedding feel like a cozy dinner party." Andrea and Ted are classically trained musicians, so the mansion's art exhibitions and proximity to the Strathmore Music Center made the venue even more perfect for their stateside celebration.

Keep reading to see how this couple dressed their traditional venue with a stylish, modern twist, as captured by Michelle VanTine.

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

When Andrea first flipped through wedding magazines after getting engaged in February of 2012, she stopped when she saw the Henriette gown by Vera Wang. "I wanted something different from the sea of strapless dresses out there," Andrea says of the dress's high collar and cap sleeves. But after wearing the gown's beautiful lace top for the ceremony, this fashionista created a second look by removing the lace top, adding a belt, and bustling the wavy tulle skirt.

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

For her wedding shoes, Andrea looked to her personal style icon, Kate Middleton, and chose to wear the pair of strappy Jimmy Choo sandals that the princess frequently wears with evening gowns. The bride also wore the same nail polish as Kate, Essie's Allure, over a shade of pale pink.

With socks in his favorite color and a classic dress shoe, the groom's footwear was equally as stylish. The style of his Ferragamo shoes? The bride's name, Andrea, of course!

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

The bride added a brooch from her grandmother, who was too old to travel from Taiwan to the US for the wedding, to her all-white bouquet of roses and hydrangeas. For her jewelry, Andrea wore diamonds borrowed from her mother's jewelry collection.

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

Andrea and Ted said "I do" under hanging orchids (a nod to their Taiwanese heritage!) inspired by Lily's wedding to Bart on Gossip Girl. With the room's dark-stained wood and antique gold details, the couple let the beautiful space speak for itself. With music chosen by the groom's mother, a piano teacher, the groom's sister played the piano while her husband played the cello during the processional.

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

Instead of one giant centerpiece, hydrangeas, roses, phalaenopsis orchids, and calla lilies were clustered together on a mix of round and long rectangular tables in the reception area. Candles of different heights and mirrored titles were added for a romantic look.

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

For their three-tied wedding cake, the couple incorporated their wedding colors: pale pink, champagne, and light beige. The confection, topped with sugar flowers and a quilted pattern, featured layers of German chocolate and lemon cake.

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

The wedding favors were soaps handmade by the bride's mother. Andrea designed the wrapping herself and included the Chinese double happiness character.

Photo: Michelle VanTine Photography

After transforming the ceremony space for the reception and a quick dress change for the bride, the new Mr. and Mrs. took to the dance floor for their first dance to "Only Fools Rush In" by Elvis. Changing the beat on the dance floor, Andrea and her father showed off their ballroom skills to "The Tennessee Waltz." Later, the DJ spun a mix of old and contemporary Taiwanese tunes.

The couple headed to Taiwan for a wedding reception a few months later. "We were totally pampered," says Andrea. "It felt like a mini-moon!"

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Strathmore Mansion || Event Planner: Courtney of A Sweet Soiree || Bride's Wedding Dress: Vera Wang || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Hair & Makeup: Linda of Beautiful Life Salon || Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo || Florist: Davinci Florist || Invitations & Paper Goods: DIY || Music: Brian Jones of My Dee Jay || Rentals: Davinci Florist || Cake: Sally Kwok of Cakebee || Photography: Michelle VanTine Photography

Photo: Olivia Leigh Photographie

You've probably had the common nightmare that something bad will happen to your wedding ring on your big day. Whether it gets lost or into the wrong hands, the last thing you want is an emergency related to the symbol of everlasting love and marriage. That's why we sourced some etiquette expert-approved solutions to the most common problems that arise with wedding bands!

I don't really trust my ring bearer to not misplace the ring, but he's so excited to be included! What should I do?
Sew a faux ring onto the ring bearer's pillow and ensure him that he's performing the most important task of the ceremony. Just don't make a big deal when you give the real one to the best man for safe keeping!

My maid of honor's dress doesn't have pockets. Where should she hold the ring?
Suggest that she wear the groom's ring on her thumb, which she should keep securely bent around her bouquet. Speaking of pockets, make sure the best man checks his for holes! It's best for him to not slip it onto his finger (especially if it's bigger than yours), as the ring might slip off or get stuck.

But actually, I'm really concerned a ring will get lost or forgotten. What should I do if this happens?
If the worst-case ring scenario occurs, borrow one from a parent or attendant. In a pinch, turn your engagement ring so the stone faces the inside of your hand. Later, your clergy member or officiant can bless the real wedding ring.

Photo: Courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.

What's old is new again — particularly when it comes to wedding invitations. While there are lots of cool trends emerging in wedding stationery (watercolors, geometric designs, and metallic touches) a long-time bridal favorite is experiencing a resurgence: Timeless and ultra-romantic, the floral wedding invitation is back in a big way.

From custom bespoke suites to digitally-printed styles, there's a floral wedding invitation for every type of couple. Classic and romantic brides, this trend is a natural fit for you. Sweet illustrated pieces from Rifle Paper Co. or soft-and-airy watercolor designs from Julie Song Ink will easily capture your wedding's aesthetic. Also, modern girls shouldn't rule out the trend: Contemporary suites from Bliss & Bone and Up Up Creative offer a fresh take on floral details. And for that whimsy, off-beat bride who longs to avoid the expected, check out Mr. Boddington's Studio and Jolly Edition — here floral details meet playful accents for seriously cool yet elegant stationery. (Fearful your groom won't give your favorite floral pick his stamp of approval? Then incorporate some groom-approved details like cool gold foil details or graphic bold fonts.)

One thing is for sure: None of these invitations will resemble your grandma's old tablecloth or curtains.

Ready to get inspired? Click through to see 28 of our favorite floral wedding invitations in the full slideshow!

Photo: Luc Decker Photography

Do you and your husband-to-be consider yourself major foodies? Then plan a honeymoon that reflects your tastes — literally! You don't have to eat your way through Italy or escape to the south of France to enjoy a honeymoon filled with good food and wine, either. With tons of incredible eateries and even better wine right here in the U.S., you can plan a foodie's dream escape, no passport required!

If you Instagram more food pics than selfies, go to Savannah.
Dripping in Spanish moss and southern charm, this Georgia city has almost as many award-winning chefs as it does local characters. From Brian and Jennifer Huskey's brunch mecca, B. Matthew's, to Roberto Leoci's Leoci's Trattoria, Savannah knows how to do haute comfort good. And down-home fare too; don't miss the fried chicken at Mrs. Wilkes. After you've stuffed yourselves silly, check in at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, a Victorian manor with a Lalique chandelier in the lobby and multicourse feasts at the in-house restaurant, 700 Drayton, a popular wedding spot.
Doubles from $199, Mansion Forsyth Park

See More: Love the Idea of Honeymooning in the U.S.? Check Out More Incredible Destinations

If you love wine, try Sonoma.
Think Tuscany without the transatlantic commute. Just an hour outside of San Francisco, Napa's quieter cousin is all rolling hills, bucolic vineyards, and rustic farmhouses. It's also bigger than the state of Rhode Island, which means that honeymooners who comes here to sip and spa have plenty of room to roam. Some of the best wines in the world come from the 400-plus wineries, making daily tastings a must. When you need a break, there's always sunning on a seal-dotted beach, wandering the lavender-scented farmer's markets, ziplining through a redwood forest, or devouring plates of local oysters and duck at Sebastopol's French Garden Restaurant, where most ingredients are grown on the owner's organic farm. Your homestead? Farmhouse Inn, just outside Healdsburg, where you can sleep in a sumptuous, airy renovated barn.
Doubles from $595, Farm House Inn

Looking for an escape a little more off the beaten path? Be the first of your friends to visit these wine regions.

Columbia Valley, Washington: Oregon's Williamette Valley may get most of the press, but its neighbor to the north has award-winning wines and gorgeous scenery (waterfalls! rivers!) to spare. Hit Walla Walla Vintners for its big cabernet francs and lush merlots and J. Bookwalter for its red blends and outdoor seating — perfect for tastings with a view.

Hill Country, Texas: Vineyards in the Lone Star State? Believe it. And there are enough delish vintages to add a wine-tasting tour to your Texas-honeymoon to-do list. Try Bending Branch, with its award-winning cabernet sauvignons, and Becker Vineyards, with a cab and a chardonnay that have been served at the White House.

North Fork, Long Island: Just two hours outside of New York City and a quick shot from the Hamptons, this area has become a destination in its own right, and many of its wines are served in NYC's hottest eateries. Toast your trip with Paumanok's sparkling blanc de blanc, Croteaux's rosé, or Bedell's Musée, a red blend that racks up awards year after year.

Photo: Getty Images

Our Associate Fashion & Beauty Editor Elizabeth Swanson test drives the latest beauty products and treatments to help bring our brides-to-be the best of the best in the skin care, makeup, and hair world. Here, she's dishing on a laser hair removal that's perfect for engaged girls in search of a gentle, but effective treatment.

One thing that would be nice to not worry about when it comes to wedding-day beauty prep? Hair removal, that tedious but non-negotiable part of our beauty routines. So when Dr. Dennis Gross's office unveiled a new form of laser hair removal, it sounded perfect for brides-to-be. It's called Syneron Candela Gentle Max Pro Laser Hair Removal (a mouthful, yes) but this is what you need to know: it's the first type of laser that can treat every skin tone. It also boasts a cooling effect that makes it very gentle for a bride (or, you know, me) who has a low threshold for pain.

What it's like: First, you have to make sure you're prepped and ready to go. I was instructed to arrive without a tan — no problem since I basically repel the sun — and without having waxed for three weeks. "Waxing pulls out the follicle," Dr. Gross' office said. "The laser targets the blood supply to the follicle in order to stop growth." Shaving the day before, however, is recommended in order to create a smooth surface.

Valentina, my aesthetician, examined my skin tone, set the laser accordingly and gave me a pair of goggles to ensure the light from the laser wouldn't irritate my eyes. She started with my right leg, noting that it's useless to laser your upper thighs, since that hair is hormonally induced and will return. She kept asking me if I was alright — I probably couldn't hide the bit of nervousness I felt — but it turns out that the "little prick," as she described it, felt just like that. Nothing worse. Could I feel it? Yes. Does a massage feel better? Yes. But it was totally and completely tolerable, even for my finicky self.

See more: Editor-Approved: A Gentle Peel That Will Leave You with a Wedding-Ready Complexion (No Downtime Required!)

My left leg was more sensitive than my right, which could be explained by a variety of reasons including hormones, allergies, or reaction to a cream, but it still wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Zapping both my legs and underarms took about half an hour. I was scooted out the door with instructions not to take a hot shower, apply lotion or deodorant for 24 hours to avoid unnecessary irritation.

See more: Five Hair Mistakes to Stop Making Before Your Wedding Day

When I got home, I noticed tiny little red bumps on my lower legs. "They should be gone within the week," Dr. Gross' office said. "But you can put topical cortisone on it if you'd like." I went the lazy route and decided to not do anything about it. Sure enough, they were gone a week later and I was left with smooth, hairless skin.

The fine print: For the best results, six treatments once a month is recommended, depending upon the person. Prices differ among dermatologists and based upon the amount of area you want to cover. At Dr. Gross' office, they start at $150 for under arms and go up to $700 for legs. (He offers a buy five sessions, get the sixth free.) Go to Syneron Candela to find a dermatologist in your area.

Our verdict: If you're ready to make an investment, this is a total game changer. (Even if you go less than six times, I say it's still worth it, since it lessens the amount of hair that grows back each time. I went in for two sessions and am still hairless, a whole month later!) Oh, and did I mention it gets rid of in-grown hair, too? Plus, if you tally all of the times you'll have to spend buying razors or getting waxed in your lifetime, well, the price might very well be comparable.

19 Kids and Counting star Jessa Duggar and her new fiancé Ben Seewald have only been engaged for 12 days, but that hasn't stopped them from jumping straight into wedding planning. Case in point: The engaged couple has already set the date!

According to The Stir, a November 1, 2014 wedding is in the works. The site figured out the date after stumbling upon a Bed, Bath, and Beyond wedding registry for Jessa Duggar and Benjamin Seewald of Arkansas. That means by the time the couple says "I do" they will have only been engaged for just under three months — talk about a short engagement.

Amongst the usual pots, pans, and kitchen electrics, we noted some interesting registry picks: The couple selected monogrammed towels, EnjoyBedding to ensure they can accommodate the large Duggar family, and plenty of Arkansas-themed items, like a doormat and cutting board.

See More: Which Celebrity Couple Is Getting Married Next?

Ben proposed on August 15 with an elaborately laid out scavenger hunt that took Jessa from her home in Springdale, Arkansas to Eureka Springs. According to People, Ben enlisted the help of Jessa's pilot brother, John-David, to fly the bride-to-be to her first clue. In order to find Ben waiting with a ring, Jessa has to complete a series of tasks, including scoring a hole in one on a mini golf course, collecting roses from strangers, and answering quiz questions on a trolley ride. Finally, she met Ben at Thorncrown Chapel, where he was waiting for her with a .75-carat princess-cut diamond engagement ring.

Earlier this week, Jessa opened up to People about her wedding vision. "I think my wedding might be similar to Jill's in a lot of ways," Jessa said. "I don't want to spend a whole bunch of money and buy a new set of decorations. We will save that money for the honeymoon."

One thing we know for sure — if Jessa and Ben host a wedding anything like sister Jessa's 1,000-guest affair, friends and family should expect their registry to sell out fast!

Photo: Getty Images;

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are now Mr. and Mrs. Pitt! After nine long years and six adorable children, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finally made their union official. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed to the Associated Press that the pair married at a small ceremony at their French estate, Chateau Miraval, this past Saturday.

As we would expect, Pitt and Jolie kept their wedding very intimate. ABC News reports that the pair married at a nondenominational civil ceremony in a small chapel, witnessed only by their closest friends and family. To keep their happy news quiet, the couple enlisted the California judge from whom they obtained their marriage license to conduct their ceremony in France.

See More: This Is How Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Kids Envisioned Their Wedding — Were They Right?

And, of course, their children played a major role in the ceremony. Reportedly, Maddox, 10, and Pax, 8, walked Jolie down the aisle while Zahara, 7, and Vivienne, 3, stood in as flower girls and Shiloh, 5, and Knox, 3, served as ring bearers. We'd expect nothing less from this family-oriented couple!

While there's no word on Pitt's best man (Was Clooney even invited?) or what wedding dress Jolie wore (We'd imagine something understated but still elegant and sexy!), we're just thrilled to learn that these two finally made their relationship legal.

Pitt proposed in 2012 with a 16-carat table-cut diamond ring custom designed by the groom himself (with the help of jeweler Robert Procop).

Congrats to the happy couple and their growing brood!

Photo: Erin + Tara

Owner of Weddings in Vieques, a destination-wedding planning company off the coast of Puerto Rico, Sandy Malone has helped countless couples plan their big day since 2007. Here, the pro planner reveals that having a pet at your wedding doesn't always go as expected.

I have nearly eight years and 500 weddings of planning experience to draw from and I'm going to tell you something straight out: having animals at your wedding isn't always a good idea. Here's proof:

— Our island has literally thousands of semi-wild horses roaming everywhere so it's not uncommon for a bride to request horses at her wedding ceremony — either to arrive or depart on, or to tie to the arbor as décor. Most wedding gowns aren't terribly horseback friendly unless you're a true equestrian, so you have to keep that in mind. Also, you can't tie horses to something covered in flowers — they will munch on them during your wedding ceremony (great blooper pictures but very distracting). Finally, horses aren't decoration. They aren't trained wedding personnel. And when one steps on your wedding veil as you're walking away into the sunset and you stand there and scream, it makes for a hilarious video but an embarrassing memory.

— Some religious traditions call for love birds (doves) to be released during the wedding ceremony. At one wedding, they fed the birds for two days at their villa and then they wouldn't fly away as they did the big release. Instead they sat in a tree above the wedding table and pooped. Then they went and sat, appropriately, right on the bride's dinner plate.

See More: Advice Brides Are Most Likely to Ignore

— They may look cool, but live fish are not good centerpieces. You have to have a plan for getting them set up. Then you have to consider the guests who think you're torturing the fish — we had a waitress who kept moving the fishbowls out of the sun because she was afraid we would hurt them. (Nevermind they're fish and can survive in water when the sun is out.) Finally, what are you going to do with the fish afterwards? We had a grand plan to return them to the fish store (we didn't want our money back), but the owner got sick and the store closed down the day before the wedding. As a result, every child in my neighborhood has a fishbowl now. It was the best solution, but a huge hassle.