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5 Reasons Why Fall Weddings Are the Way to Go

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Fall Wedding Ideas from Pinterest

Photo: Colin Cowie Weddings

Summer is the time for weddings and there's a 90 percent chance that we all attended one before the season came to a close. Well, that begs the question: Why not get married in the fall? The weather is beautiful (and tolerable), the leaves are changing colors, vendors are less busy, and everyone is in the festive spirit right before the holidays. We tapped the thoughts of the Manager of Catering and Sales at New York City landmark venue The India House, Grace Lui on the five pros of an autumn celebration.

Fall foliage makes everything look magical.
Though blooming, fresh flowers are hard to resist, they're no match for the richly-hued leaves of fall. Of the season's backdrop, Lui says, "If you're in an outdoor space with autumn foliage, the warm orange, reds and yellows will definitely make every image pop."

The summer heat is behind you which means the partying possibilities are endless.
Outdoor weddings can become quite sticky due to the balmy weather, but none of that matters for autumn as the weather is more temperate. This means your guests will hit the dance floor and party until they drop without worrying about the heat and humidity getting the best of them.

See More: An Eclectic Fall Wedding in North Carolina

It's the perfect time of year for a long-sleeve gown or a bit of fur thrown in the mix.
"Wedding trends have been moving in the vintage direction for some time but even for the most modern bride, the colder season definitely calls for a more romantic feel for a bridal silhouette", says Lui. She adds, "The elegant sleeved and lace style is more popular in the fall partially due to cooler temperatures, but also because it is complemented by the lush elements of décor often woven through the wedding design and theme. Elegant wedding gowns are often paired with a stylish fur or cape. Also, boutonnieres with berries and maple leaves create a burst of color on a crisp gray suit."

A lot of fun can be had with décor that simply doesn't fit the spring or summer months.
Autumn has its own special brand of seasonally-special details. "You can have a lot of fun in a fall wedding with props and décor that may not match the summer months like centerpieces with strings of pearls, gold mercury glass candles, pumpkins and berries," states Lui. "Pumpkins, gourds and bronze-colored lamps give the space an amber glow."

Warm drinks and holiday-inspired pies can be served to your guests' delight.
"Signature cocktails like Spiced Rum Apple Cider and Old Fashioned can be featured as the bride and groom's choice", suggests Lui. "Bisques and pies are often selected for their warm sense of familiarity, too."

Are you throwing a fall wedding? Let us know by tweeting us @BRIDES!


The Belated Wedding Reception: What It Is and How to Plan It

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Though most couples have their full wedding reception immediately following the reception, it doesn't always happen that way. When a small, private, or destination wedding has taken place, some couples decide to give a party in the weeks following the ceremony to share their happiness with friends and family. The couple may host their own wedding party, or the bride and groom's family can host a wedding reception for the couple. This is frequently done when the couple has married privately or away from home or did not have a reception at all. Following are some guidelines for a post-wedding party:

What kind of reception is appropriate?
If no wedding reception was held or if only a small reception was held, this celebration may include all the components of any wedding reception. It can be as formal or as informal as the couple wants. If the bride wore a wedding gown for the ceremony, she may wear it again at the reception party if she wishes. They can even have a wedding cake ready to be cut and served to guests.

Should I expect gifts?
No gifts are expected. However, some guests choose to bring gifts. The couple should open any gifts they do receive after the party and send prompt thank-you notes.

How do I word the invitation?
Fill-in cards or printed invitations can be used and should be sent four to six weeks in advance. Invitations for a reception hosted by the bride's parents would read:

Mr. and Mrs. William DeRosa
request the pleasure of your company
at a reception
in honor of
Mr. and Mrs. John Nelson
[etc.]

Princes William & Harry Attended a Wedding This Weekend (No, It Wasn't George Clooney's)

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Princes William and Harry Attend Friends Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

It's been a busy wedding season for Prince William and Prince Harry. Earlier this summer they were the star guests at Guy Pelly's wedding, last month they reveled with longtime friend Charlie Gilkes at his Italian nuptials, and just two days ago, the brothers reunited with childhood friend Victoria Inskip and her fiancé Robert Davies-Jones for their big day!

Noticeably absent from the festivities was pregnant Kate Middleton, who is still said to be suffering from acute morning sickness. Harry's rumored on-again girlfriend Cressida Bonas was also missing. Last week reports surfaced that Harry and Cressida had reunited for the prince's 30th birthday. They were also spotted at a movie theater near Kensington Palace catching a movie.

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

Ultimately, the two ladies weren't really missed at the wedding. According to the Daily Mail, the royals used their solo outing as an opportunity to reunite the "Glosse Posse" — the reported name for Harry and William's circle of friends, which included Pelly and Inskip, when growing up at Highgrove House, the Gloucestershire home of Prince Charles.

Hopefully the royal brothers kept their partying in check without Kate's presence. The last time the duo attended a wedding with friends, Prince William reportedly lost part of his tooth! According to the Daily Mail, William and Harry went to the wedding of friends Tom van Straubenzee and Lady Melissa Percy last June while Kate was home, pregnant with Prince George. "William was dancing into the small hours when Tom knocked the tooth out on the dance floor," a source says. "William was joking that if Kate went into labour that night, he'd have to smile for the cameras with a missing tooth."

10 Signs You Might Be Too Chill of a Bride

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Laid Back Bride

Photo: Getty Images

You're so not one of those brides who spent hours pinning wedding dresses and table settings before you were ever even in a relationship. You're cool as a cucumber and laissez-faire about the whole planning process. But what you don't realize is that all your chillness is actually not all that chill at all. While being super demanding of your friends and family and shooting down their every idea is rude, so is expecting others to literally make up your mind for you.

If you're worried you might be too chill of a bride, keep on reading to see if these signs apply to you.

1. You'd never in a million years tell your bridesmaids what dress to wear. Much less make them wear the exact same dress. They've got good taste ... um, right?

2. You decided not to have any bridesmaids at all solely because you didn't want to inconvenience anyone. Your friends and family have enough going on in their lives right now to help you.

3. Your wedding planner is basically there to make the decisions for you. And [insert whoever is paying for the wedding here] too. Might as well just let the two of them figure it out; it'll be easier that way.

4. Deadlines shmeadlines. You'll get around to sending those save the dates out when you get a chance. People don't really need to know your wedding date six months in advance, do they?

5. There's literally nothing that scares you more than being dubbed a bridezilla. Oh, the horror!

See More: Quiz: Are Your Wedding Updates Annoying People?

6. Your wedding Pinterest board is a mile long. With so many options, how are you ever supposed to pick a color scheme?

7. Or you never bother created a wedding Pinterest board at all. In fact, you don't really have a vision for your big day. Is that bad?

8. You said yes to the dress your friends and family liked the best, but now you can't get that beautiful boho gown off your mind...

9. You were guilt tripped into inviting more than a few friends to your wedding that you could honestly care less about. But hurting their feelings would be way worse; you simply couldn't do that.

10. You spend a ton of time researching ideas. When it comes time to actually pull the trigger though, you freeze up. What if nobody likes it?

Your Second Wedding 101: An Expert Answers Your Top 5 Questions

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Tips for Your Second Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

If you're entering into your second marriage, there may be things you are totally sure about — like your choice of groom! But there may be things that you wonder whether you can repeat, get away with or should even consider doing. And if that's the case, we're here to answer five questions that are likely giving you pause.

Is it alright to have a big church wedding?
"If it's all right with you, your groom and the church, by all means," says etiquette expert Diane Gottsman. "While in the past second weddings have usually been smaller, more discreet affairs, there is no rule preventing you from a bigger, more traditional wedding if this is your preference." If you didn't get your large, elegant affair the first time around, this is your chance! Of course, this could be your groom's first wedding, too, and he may want the whole she-bang.

Should the bride wear white?
"Ivory is a good option," suggests Gottsman, "but white is not out of the question these days. It's entirely up to the bride."

See More: How to Avoid Annoying Your Wedding Planner

Should the bride have another wedding shower?
"For a second wedding, a shower is more about celebrating the impending nuptials rather than giving the bride things she'll need for her new married life," says Gottsman. "Again, follow the bride's wishes; some second-time brides prefer to keep things low-key, some want to go all out." If you don't want a traditional shower, consider other ways to mark the occasion, such as a lunch or spa day with friends, a gift-free recipe shower, or even a co-ed couple's party.

If you are close friends with your ex or his or her family, should they be invited?
"The right answer here can only come from a conversation between the bride and groom," says Gottsman. "If you all have a good relationship and the new spouse is in truly favor of — and not just tolerant of — inviting the previous one or his family, by all means, invite them."

We have everything we need for our household; can we ask for money?
"Some people opt to set up honeymoon funds, or some other type of monetary gift, however, the best choice when soliciting monetary gifts, or any other specific gift is to communicate your wish to family members or close friends so that they can answer questions from other guests," suggests Gottsman. But just know that "there will always be guests who prefer to give a wrapped present, not cash and those that prefer the opposite."

Get a Look at Amal Alamuddin's Oscar de la Renta Wedding Dress!

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Amal Alamuddin wedding dress picture

Photo: Courtesy of Hello! Magazine

Amal Alamuddin paraded around Venice, Italy, in some gorgeous couture during the festivities surrounding her wedding to George Clooney last weekend. From Giambattista Valli minidresses and Stella McCartney pantsuits to Dolce & Gabbana frocks, it was the kind of attire you'd expect from the wife of a mega A-list actor. But now we finally get a glimpse of her most important big-day ensemble: her wedding dress!

Oscar de la Renta designed the bateau-necked French lace wedding dress, which had a princess-y feel to befit the Cinderella-like story we've all seen her enjoy over the past year. According to Hello!, the gown was embroidered with pearls and diamanté accents and featured a lace overlay.

See more: 98 of the Most Bridal Red Carpet Looks Ever

Luckily for us, Vogue snagged a behind-the-scenes look at her dress fitting with the iconic designer, which she attended with her mother and sister.

Clooney and Alamuddin released their official wedding portraits to Hello!, as well as People, and gave some exclusive details and quotes on their big day. Marriage, Clooney says, "feels pretty damn great."

The magazines reported that Clooney was a stylish match for his bride at the altar. His black tux was designed by friend Giorgio Armani, and he wore it with a white shirt, black bow tie and black leather oxfords and the finishing touches were cufflinks gifted from Alamuddin, with "George" inscribed in Arabic.

If it all sounds impossibly romantic and personal, it's because it is — but who wouldn't want it that way when exchanging vows in the international spotlight?

How to Plan the Perfect Late-Night Snack Menu

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late-night snacks wedding menu

Photo: via Colin Cowie Weddings

We've all been there. You're at a wedding and you've been drinking and dancing for the last three or four hours. The party's winding down and the hunger pangs are setting in and, much to your dismay, you realize you missed dessert and all the slices of cake are gone. Almost in a panic, you're half-considering a fast-food run when suddenly, you spot waiters making their way to the dance floor, carrying trays of sliders and piping-hot french fries. In an instant, it's become the best. wedding. ever.

There's no better way to keep the party going than to surprise guests with a delicious, late-night snack. More and more couples are adding an end-of-night treat to their wedding menu, and while there really are no hard and fast rules, here are a couple of suggestions to make sure everything goes smoothly:

See More: Can I Host a Cake-Only Wedding Reception?

1. Keep 'em bite-sized.
When it comes to late-night snacks, think mini. Anything larger would seem too much like an hors d'oeuvres or appetizer. Keep it small—just enough to satisfy without having to use any utensils.

2. Serve something sweet or savory (or one of each!).
Choose your favorite sweet or salty snack to serve. If you decide to offer one of each, start with the savory treat then finish up with the sweet one. Here are some of our favorite tasty ideas:
Sweet: Ice cream cones, popsicles, donuts or donut holes, mini milkshakes, milk and cookies, s'mores, root beer floats, churros
Savory: Sliders and fries, hot dogs, corn dogs, pizza, Chinese noodles in mini takeout boxes, mini tacos, soft pretzels, mini ramekins of mac 'n cheese, nachos, mini grilled cheese sandwiches

3. Time it right.
Have your caterers set up a late-night snack station next to the dance floor or send servers out with trays of treats about an hour or hour and a half before the end of the reception.

4. Order enough food.
Since many guests will begin to leave long before the last song is played, you should aim to order enough snacks to feed about half of your guest list. However, this depends on your specific crowd, of course, so if you know most of your guests will stay to the very end, then you'll need to up the quantities.

NBC Sports's Josh Elliott and Eyewitness News's Liz Cho Are Engaged!

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Josh Elliott Liz Cho Engaged

Photos: Getty Images

Separate networks couldn't keep these two anchors apart: Eyewitness News's Liz Cho and NBC Sports's Josh Elliott are engaged!

According to the New York Daily News, the two TV vets — Elliott is known for his time on ABC's Good Morning America, and various spots on ESPN — got engaged while on vacation in Europe this past summer and have kept quiet since.

Page Six reports that the proposal was "spur of the moment." "He gave her a simple gold band that was a family heirloom and meant a lot to him," a source says. "It's been very low-key, and people may not have even realized she was engaged, because she's not wearing a standard diamond engagement ring." The insider adds: "They had been so discreet about the engagement, they have just started revealing the news to close family and friends.

See more: The Best TV Proposals Ever

And while sources close to the couple confirmed their pending wedding, it was Elliott's former colleague, Sam Champion, who first broke the news via Twitter. "Im not going to b at work tomorrow. @JoshElliott32 and @LizCho7 announced their engagement tnite!!" the weatherman tweeted.

He also posted a photo of a large group celebrating the exciting news, including newlywed Katie Couric.

This will be the second marriage for both Elliott and Cho who each have children from their previous marriages. They've together since 2012, once Cho called it quits with her first husband Evan Gottlieb. Both the bride-to-be and groom-to-be's children reportedly get along. No word yet on the wedding plans, but we're sure it will be small and family-oriented.


What We're Pinning: Amazing Honeymoon Ideas!

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Follow BRIDES's board Honeymoons on Pinterest.

Let's be honest — the honeymoon is what most grooms (and brides!) look forward to the most during wedding planning. It's where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy each other's company in a location you've probably only dreamt of previously. But first, you have to figure out where to go! As couples get more adventurous with their destinations (African safaris and jungle adventures in Central and South America are becoming wildly popular), the choices can get downright overwhelming.

Enter Pinterest. The very same site that likely helped you pick out wedding details is also a hotspot for honeymoon content. We constantly search for wanderlust-inducing photos of far-off destinations where newlyweds can really feel alone, as well as more practical ideas, like where to stay and what to do. Not only are the pictures pretty, but they're a great way to discover that tropical island you'd never heard of but now have to go to. We plucked three of our favorite pins off of our "Honeymoons" board to show you exactly what we mean. Read about them below and don't forget to follow us on Pinterest for more wedding ideas of all kinds!

Most popular honeymoon destinations PinteresT

Photo: Getty Images

First things first: Where on earth do you go? Generally, couples flock to the same places over and over again — Fiji, Italy, Hawaii, the usuals. This pin, for instance, shows the number-one destination for 2014, French Polynesia. With that picturesque scene taken on its isles, it's no wonder why.

Bali honeymoon

Photo: Getty Images

Once you pick a destination, it's crucial to find a hotel that you'll enjoy and that will provide the best possible honeymoon experience. This pin leads to a slideshow of the best honeymoon resorts in Asia and Australia. From seaside spas in Thailand to rustic hideaways in New Zealand, it's a goldmine of information that you'll definitely want to pin.

10 Must-Read Books for Your Honeymoon

Illustration: Christina Park

Finally, you need to round out your packing list! You'll obviously need cute clothes and maybe a passport, but don't forget that travel and relaxation often entail a good book. That's why this graphic is so great — it's filled with honeymoon-friendly reading material you'll want to check out (if you can steal away time from your new husband, that is!).

Like what you see? Check out all of our honeymoon pins on Pinterest and don't forget to follow BRIDES

Our Favorite Newlywed Celebrity Couples to Follow on Instagram Right Now

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Newlywed Celebrity Couples to Follow on Instagram

Photos: via Instagram

A whole host of celebrities got married this year and so many of those couples are documenting their newlywed lives on Instagram. From trips abroad to sweet moments spent together, they are giving us glimpses into their everyday lives with each post. Check out these photos from our favorite newlywed celeb couples for a sweet addition to your day.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West: After the most talked about wedding of the year, the selfie queen and rap mogul have finally embarked on married life together. As you might have guessed, it's mighty stylish! From tour stops to vacations in far-flung destinations, the power couple are taking the world by storm.

Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine: Models and musicians have been falling in love since the beginning of time, thus it only makes sense for Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine to get together and tie the knot. Though we're still waiting for the pair's wedding photos to emerge on the photo sharing site, we love their fun snaps of their red carpet appearances, style choices, and special moments spent with friends.

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka: As you can see, this couple loves quality time spent with their adorable children! We've all loved Neil Patrick Harris for years, but it's clear that husband David Burtka loves him just a bit more than us Doogie Howser and How I Met Your Mother fans. Family photos and lots of smiles are always present in this twosome's pictures, which brings us all a lot of joy.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson: Jessica Simpson, takes pleasure in showing love for her husband, Eric Johnson on the 'gram with sweet family portraits and even a few silly snaps. With two beautiful children already, we cannot wait to see how the newlyweds expand their household.

See More: Newlywed Jessica Simpson Reveals She's Happier Than Ever

Ted Gibson and Jason Backe: Love beauty? Well, so does this couple! Ted Gibson and Jason Backe are the co-owners of Ted Gibson salons all over the country and do the hair of the world's most gorgeous celebrities. If you love behind the scenes pictures, video, and funny moments, you'll love the musings of this pair.

Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent: When these two got hitched, we knew it was a match made in interior design heaven. The happy couple loves to travel and frequently posts snaps of themselves at stylish parties: both of which serve as daily inspiration.

Olivia Palermo and Johannas Huebl: On the list of the most stylish couples of this decade, our former cover girl Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl will definitely be in the top five. They're both incredibly good looking and frequent fashion shows, movie premieres, and red carpet affairs arm in arm — always looking chic.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade: Another sartorially-savvy duo makes our list! Union and Wade had one of the most fashionable weddings of the year and though they've just tied the knot, we've already been following them both on Instagram way before they were engaged.

Kaley Cuoco and Ryan Sweeting: The last name "Sweeting" is absolutely befitting of these two as they just cannot get enough of one another — always taking the sweetest and most affectionate snaps. The Big Bang Theory actress and pro tennis player are clearly still madly in love, which gives us all a bit of inspiration.

Jewelry Designer Kendra Scott's Glam Wedding in Sedona, AZ

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The theme of jewelry designer Kendra Scott and now-husband Matt Davis's wedding, kisment, or fate, was incredibly fitting. "From the moment we met, we knew it was meant to be," says Kendra. "We were at dinner with separate groups of friends, locked eyes across a crowded restaurant, and took each other's breath away." And when Matt took Kendra back to the doorway where they'd shared their first kiss and got down on one knee, she didn't hesitate to say yes. "It was perfect!"

Even the venue was destined. Matt and Kendra were in Sedona after she opened a store in Scottsdale, and fell in love with Enchantment Resort while sitting on the balcony of their hotel room. Inspired by their location, Kendra's design aesthetic, and the joining of the couple's families, they hired Amy Mancuso Events to handle the details and Katrina Wallace Photographers to take the gorgeous photos on June 6th, 2014.

After hunting for a wedding dress from New York to Los Angeles, Kendra finally struck gold when she called up Claire Pettibone and found out they happened to be having a bridal trunk show the next day. The timeless vintage feel was exactly what she was looking for and — a major bonus — was totally comfortable.

Kendra's built a career on her passion for jewelry design, so there was no question that she'd be wearing pieces she'd created on her wedding day, including statement earrings and the wedding band she'd designed. "I wore my best friend's wedding band on another finger as my something borrowed," she says. To complement her embroidered and lace gown, Kendra carried a white bouquet with hints of yellow, made up of roses, lisianthus, and cattleya orchids.

The Moroccan-inspired flower petal carpet down the aisle mimicked the inspiration for the Kendra Scott logo, and incorporated the bride's favorite colors, white and yellow.

Her two oldest sons walked her down the aisle. "There wasn't a dry eye in the house when our guests saw the two of them next to me," Kendra remembers.

In addition to writing their own vows, Kendra and Matt had their closest friends read "I Carry Your Heart" by e.e. Cummings during the ceremony.

The reception took advantage of the gorgeous Arizona weather, with tables set up in front of the red rock cliffs. Tables were topped with arrangements of lilies, roses, and lush greenery. The menu? All local. "I'm still dreaming about the salad," Kendra says. Guests sipped on Kismet Cocktails, a mix of Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka and lime soda.

The couple shared their first dance to "All of Me" by John Legend before inviting guests to join them on the dance floor. They'd planned to choreograph a dance, but realized that it wasn't quite them only a few minutes into their first lesson and ended up improvising. "My favorite memory," says Kendra, "is of Matt and my 10-year-old son having a dance-off. They weren't even on the dance floor, but everyone stopped dancing to watch."

Matt and Kendra, who honeymooned in the Maldive Islands, advise couples to keep sight of who they are. "After all, this night is about celebrating the beauty of your relationship," she says, "no matter how silly, imperfect, or uncoordinated you might be!"

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Enchantment Resort || Wedding Planner: Amy Mancuso Events || Bride's Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Jewelry: Kendra Scott || Hair & Makeup: Alyssa Garcia || Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew || Florist: Events by Show Stoppers || Invitations: Paperless Post || Music: ceremony - Miguel de Maria, reception - Desert House Productions || Catering: Enchantment Resort || Videography: Keith Pitts || Photography: Katrina Wallace Photographers

BRIDES Investigates: Did Angelina Jolie Really Gift Brad Pitt a $3 Million Watch for Their Wedding?

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Brad Pitt Angelina Jolie Wedding Gift Rumors

Photo: Getty Images

Ever since their late August wedding, it's impossible not to hear how much Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are loving newlywed life. Now, just over a month since the celebrity couple finally tied the knot, we've learned about nearly every detail of their romantic and intimate French countryside wedding. One thing we hadn't heard about, though, was whether or not the new Mr. and Mrs. Pitt exchanged gifts to commemorate the occasion.

As of yesterday evening, the rumor mill was churning with news that Angie did, in fact, gift her new husband with an amazing present in honor of their wedding: a coveted, 1952 "JB Champion Observatory" platinum watch, which the Daily Mail reports is worth more than $3 million. According to reports, the rare timepiece from the esteemed Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe was inscribed with a short love note from Angie to Brad — "To Roly from Nessa," a nod to their characters in their upcoming drama By The Sea.

See More: Brad Pitt on His Marriage to Angelina Jolie: "It's More Than Just a Title"

So did Angie really drop a small fortune on a watch for her new husband? We thought the spendy present seemed out of character for the philanthropic actress, so we investigated the story.

And it turns out our suspicions were correct: Brad is not the proud new owner of the pricey watch. Forbes is debunking the rumor, saying that while the watch did recently change hands, it was not sold to the high-profile actress. "Only moments ago was this confirmed NOT TRUE, though the watch has indeed been privately sold," Forbes reports.

Sorry, Brad, maybe you'll get a rare watch for your first anniversary!

Beyond the Thank-You Note: People You Definitely Need to Thank

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wedding thank you notes

Photo: Julie Song Ink

As you write thank-you notes after your wedding, remember that not all gifts come wrapped in pretty paper! Though most, if not all, guests will surely give you a present from your wedding registry, there are other loved ones who have go above and beyond with support during wedding planning that definitely deserve some extra-special appreciation. The following categories include both gift givers and the people who make a wedding special through their efforts and goodwill.

People who do kindnesses for you
The neighbor who accepts delivery of your gifts when you're at work, the cousin who supervises guest parking at the reception — anyone who assists you during your preparations, the wedding itself, and after the big event should be graciously thanked. It's also nice to send notes to your officiant and anyone else (the organist or music director, for instance) who worked with you on the ceremony, even though you've paid them the customary fee.

Suppliers and vendors
You don't have to write everyone you hire for services, but anyone who exceeds your expectations will appreciate a courteous note of thanks.

People who entertain for you
When there is more than one host for a shower or party, write to each person or couple. These notes should go out no later than two days after the event. The one exception is when a large number of people in your office or workplace host a shower or party in your honor and give a group gift. While it's preferable to thank everyone with an individual note, it is acceptable to write to the organizer or organizers only. Be sure your note includes your appreciation for everyone's participation. The person who receives your note should forward it to coworkers or post it in a common area. But if individual presents are given, write individual notes.

Exclusive: See Little People, Big World's Jeremy Roloff and Audrey Botti's Entire Wedding Album!

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Last week, Little People, Big World star Jeremy Roloff wed Audrey Mirabella Botti on his family's farm in Hillsboro, Oregon, and we've got the exclusive photos of their outdoor celebration!

Six months after Jeremy popped the question to his girlfriend of three years with a custom-designed engagement ring, the pair made it official, walking down the aisle on September 20th, 2014 at Roloff Farms and celebrating with nearly 300 guests.

From the hay bale pews to the mismatched china and everything in between, this one's a stunner. Read on to see all the seriously sweet — and exclusive — details, planned by Mandi Wiley of Champagne Wedding Coordination and gorgeously captured by Christianne Taylor!
(Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek of their wedding special airing tonight!)

The creative-minded bride designed her own wedding dress, purchasing a preowned gown and working with a seamstress to make it truly one-of-a-kind. She topped off her bridal ensemble with a yellow rose crown created by Vanessa Schmidt.

Audrey's neutral-hued bouquet included garden roses, ranunculus, lavender, and stalks of wheat.

Jeremy wore a made-to-measure suit by PROPERSUIT. He had 11 groomsmen, with his brother, Zach Roloff, serving as best man. The groom and groomsmen's ties were made of the same floral material as the bridesmaids' dresses.

The ceremony took place at the farm's chapel, decorated with vines and flanked by arrangements of dahlias, hydrangeas, and grasses. Guests sat on hay bales topped with quilts as the couple exchanged personalized vows.

Audrey's 12 bridesmaids wore floral dresses by the Lauren Graebner of EVA's by Reclamation and crowns of baby's breath.

Before the reception, the newlyweds took to the fields for a few photos.

Round tables were topped with lace overlays and lush arrangements of dahlias, hydrangeas, and roses, while the wedding party was seated at a long wooden table decorated with a runner made of fresh blooms, created by Kelly of Blooming Bouquets. Places were set for dinner with mismatched china and glassware. On the menu? Chicken Mirabella (Mirabella is Audrey's middle name!), polenta, and grilled vegetables.

The couple decided to skip the wedding cake, instead serving guests a seasonal selection of berry, peach, and cherry cobblers baked by Mindy of Decadent Creations.

Audrey and Jeremy's first dance was to "I Don't Dance" by Lee Brice. The groom danced with his mother, Amy Roloff, to "You Are My Sunshine," a choice with sweet sentimental value. When Jeremy and his twin brother, Zach, were little, that was the song she sang to them as she put them to bed. Audrey and her father danced to "Together At Last" from the musical Annie. She and her father performed the song together when she was in third grade!

After the wedding, the pair took off to Jamaica for their honeymoon, where they're enjoying sun and sand.

Watch all of these details come to life during Little People, Big World wedding special airing tonight at 10/9c on TLC. Can't wait 'til then? Brides.com has an exclusive sneak peek of Jeremy and Audrey's wedding-planning process — watch it below!

Yes, You Can Actually Get Married In a Castle! Here Are 3 Options

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Castle Destination Weddings

Photo: Getty Images

If you're looking for a standout venue for your destination wedding, it's time to give a castle some serious consideration. Aside from the obvious draws — hello, you can get married in a castle — there are tons of logistical reasons why it's worth checking out a turreted locale for your nuptials. With tons of space to house your guests, a gorgeous backdrop for your vows, and lots of local history to absorb, these beautiful castles are the perfect way to truly feel like the king and queen on your big day.

We're spotlighting three amazing destinations for your fairytale "I dos!"

Ashford Castle, Ireland
Why here: Ashford is a castle, seen above, with a capital C, with a glittering lake, endless lawns, and major historic cred. (It was built by the de Burgo family in 1228.) And with 83 guest rooms, it's the right size for a buyout.

Where to wed: Get married in one of two churches or in the walled Victorian gardens, then do diner in the lakeview dining room.

Insider tip: Ashford offers archery and falconry lessons for any members of your party who want to pick up new skills.

Iolani Palace, Honolulu
Why here: The official home of Hawaiian royalty until 1893, America's only actual palace remains sacred ground to locals.

Where to wed: Get hitched in the courtyard of the old military barracks or on the lawn of Coronation Pavilion, where King Kalãkaua and Queen Lil'uokalani were crowned.

Insider tip: You can't get married inside, but you can arrange for guests to take tours of the palace's galleries, where the royal family's crown jewels are displayed.

See More: Gorgeous Hairstyles for a Destination Wedding

Fairmont le Château Frontenac, Quebec City, Canada
Why here: Built in 1893, this storybook resort in the walls of the old city just emerged from a $75 million renovation.

Where to wed: Take your first dance under the chandeliers of the huge Grand Ballroom in front of up to 1,000 of your closets friends.

Insider tip: Organize a cable-car trip to the top of Montmorency Falls. The views of the St. Lawrence River and Île d'Orléans are mind-blowing.

Keep this in mind if you do settle on a castle, though: Many castles, particularly in Europe, don't have the 21st-century amenities we're used to — like heating. Find out exactly what you'll need to bring in before signing on the dotted line.


Exclusive: What We Learned About eat.sleep.wear Style Blogger Kim Pesch's Wedding Dress

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Style blogger Kim Pesch is the mastermind of eat.sleep.wear. She writes daily posts about her favorite fashion finds, and is a social media powerhouse when it comes to sharing photos of her inspiration. Naturally, Kim started thinking about her wedding dress almost immediately after she got engaged to her fiancé, Blake Lapides. Luckily for us, she decided to share her journey toward finding the dress — a major task for a trendsetter! Kim brought along photographer Alison Conklin as she went to appointments and shared with us her favorite dresses — as well as some fashion insight — from the fun day. Check out our favorite snapshots from her Instagram takeover, and get some exclusive details on her upcoming wedding!


For us, the obvious highlight of the dress-shopping day was the gorgeous details that she shared with us. But for Kim, the entire experience was a lesson in remaining open-minded. "It was about letting go and trying on as many styles as possible. Even if I thought they might not suit my body type or I might not think they were 'my style,'" she tells us. "I think if you have an open mind going into your dress shopping, you might surprise yourself by what you like, what looks great. Because at the end of the day, you want to look and feel your best and with that big smile on your face, it's going to be hard for everyone not to be staring."

One person who will definitely be staring? Her proud fiancé, whom she happily says is letting her plan the wedding of her dreams. As for the type of wedding dress he'd like to see her in? "Not a princess gown," Kim says. "I know he would love to see the beautiful woman that he sees me as and that means showing a bit of my shape with a more form fitting dress."

Kim and Blake are planning an outdoor, coastal wedding, which is informing nearly everything about her details — except for the dress! "I wish I could blurt out where it is but it's a truly special and beautiful place," she told us of the secret spot. "Filled with lush palms and greens tones and set on the ocean. It will be an elegant garden party ... with lots of pineapples." Though that sounds like the recipe for a flowy, garden-party appropriate wedding dress, she insists that that's not the case. "I didn't let the location dictate my style. I am getting married once, and I will wear the dress that I fell in love with. It has a modern twist to it. And I am obsessed with the neckline," she added.

The self-described "Pinterest obsessed" bride-to-be is keeping the rest of her wedding details under wraps for now, though she does admit to loving Lauren Conrad's rustic, romantic wedding. "I loved that she stayed true to her style and nothing was over done," Kim explains. "I think that is one of the more important things I have on my mind as I am making all these decisions. Keep true to myself, and keep it chic but simple."

As for her fiancé, he might have a hurdle to jump in that regard. "He is very involved in what he wants to wear," Kim says lovingly. "He will definitely be wearing a tux. In a perfect world, he would love to style an ode to Humphrey Bogart with a crisp white tuxedo jacket. We shall see about that."

Whether or not he gets his dream tux, Kim is positive that their wedding will be an absolute dream come true. "To be in the moment," is how she describes her ideal state of mind for her nuptials. "I am having a very intimate gathering so I can take everything in and really just have the best time celebrating with the people that I love."

You'll Never Guess Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka's First Dance Song

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George Clooney wasn't the only celeb to recently wed in ItalyNeil Patrick Harris married longtime love of ten years David Burtka earlier this September in Perugia. And, thankfully for us, he divulged even more big-day details on the Late Show with David Letterman.

"We wanted to do a destination wedding, our first trip together was in Italy so that seemed fun, and then, in the beginning of the year, a friend of a friend knew a dude who had a castle," Patrick Harris hilariously explained. "So we were like 'Oh hey that's fun!'"

At their destination ceremony and reception was an intimate group of 50 people, including close friend Sir Elton John. Excitedly, Patrick Harris says the music legend also announced their first dance — which was to the tune of "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson.

See more: The Adorable Way Neil Patrick Harris Is Celebrating His 10-Year Anniversary

"That was always kind of our song," Patrick Harris explained of the selection, because, he says that he and Burtka were "Team Kelly" from the beginning of American Idol.

Neil Patrick Harris Wedding Photos

Photos: Courtesy of Late Show with David Letterman

But, according to the actor, like his famed How I Met Your Mother character Barney Stinson, he had a few tricks up his sleeve. "I love games and puzzles and stuff, so it was all these surprises, no one kind of knew what was happening as it was going on," Patrick Harris said of his sweet celebration. "We started dancing to ["A Moment Like This"] and we had a plan: We had a firework guy, who, when the song crescendos, fireworks were supposed to go off." But, because they were in a small town in Italy, Patrick Harris didn't have faith that it would occur "at 2:27 like at Disneyland." To his delight, "It happened perfectly."

Neil Patrick Harris Wedding Photos

Photos: Courtesy of Late Show with David Letterman

After showing a few snaps from that spectacular moment, Letterman and Patrick Harris said together: "Take that, Clooney!" Watch the entire interview, above!

5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Your Wedding Destination

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Destination Wedding Tips

Photo: Ashley Camper

What if you and your fiancé have decided that you definitely want to have a destination wedding but you're not entirely sure where? How do you begin planning your wedding? Simple Answer: You can't begin planning a wedding until you have definitely decided exactly where you want to get married.

Many couples want to get married "anywhere" but at home so they have a whole lot of different options to choose from and that's good, but it can also be confusing. Asking yourselves — and answering — the following questions should help you narrow down your options quite a bit:

1. Cold weather or hot weather? A mountain top or a beach? Fall leaves or aqua seas? Figure out what time of year you're getting married and what kind of optimal weather you'd like to have on your wedding weekend.

2. Passports required or not? Do all of your guests have passports or will this become a nuisance factor that prevents many of your guests from accepting the invitation? While you don't have to poll your guest list, you should have some idea as to how well-traveled they are. When it doubt, think Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin islands if you want a tropical destination wedding. No passports required in those destination for U.S. citizens.

See More: 10 Questions to Help You Decide if You Should Throw a Destination Wedding

3. Do you need to have handicap accessibility at your wedding venue? There are great historic estates and amazing island villas that are wholly inappropriate venues if you have somebody in an electric wheelchair attending who cannot be easily lifted up a short staircase. Historic buildings and venues outside the continental United States may not meet ADA standards so you have to do your research based on your guests' needs.

4. Are you concerned about your guests' budgets? All-inclusive resorts may sound easy, but really, they're only affordable to the bride and groom because they place the cost obligation on the guests who attend your big day. Everybody is paying for all their own food and beverage, you're just dictating what they get to eat at your specific events. Some of your guests may want to stay at a different hotel or event rent a house, so you have to factor in how that affects your all-inclusive wedding package. Also, there may be multiple weddings going on the same day or weekend at that resort. Do you care?

5. How private or public do you want your wedding ceremony and reception to be? Many historic landmarks can be rented for ceremonies, but they don't shut down the property to the general public. The same with parks, beaches and many hotels. If you want to get married in a field with nobody but your nearest and dearest, make sure you're using private property or can obtain a permit for a private event. Make sure your hotel has a reception venue space that isn't in the middle of the general hotel chaos — it's weird to have people in wet bathing suits or bathrobes walking through the background of all your candid photos.

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.

A Hypochondriac's Guide to Staying Healthy for the Wedding

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Guide to Staying Healthy Before Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

Brides have plenty to worry about the week of their wedding, but if you're a bit of a hypochondriac (like some over us here, oops) you can also add staying healthy to your list of concerns. To calm your worrying mind, here are five ways to make sure your maintain your health the week of the wedding. We also suggest that you just stay off WebMD... forever... for all of our sakes.

1. Avoid the Undercooked
Salmonella poisoning, while not common, is a real thing. If you're truly concerned about maintaining tip-top health, avoid raw fish, eggs, and meat the week of your wedding. You probably would have been fine eating that steak tartar or tuna sashimi, but with an event as big as your wedding coming up, why risk it?

2. Plan Ahead
Stress is not only mentally taxing, it also weakens your immune system. To keep your immunity high, get as much as possible done well in advance of the week of the wedding. We know, it's easier said than done and last minute issues will come up, but your body will appreciate the forethought.

See More: Your Scariest Wedding Nightmares Decoded (Yes, They're a Real Thing!)

3. Up the Vitamins
Proactively counteract stress by upping your intake of vitamins in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Incorporate foods rich in Vitamin C — like bell peppers, citrus, or broccoli — into your diet to prevent colds. Also consider taking Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Garlic, or Zinc supplements, as all are said to prevent illness and up your immunity.

4. Sleep!
Catching your zzzz's is a crucial part of staying healthy. Sleep not only boosts your immune system, it also keeps your skin glowing, your mood pleasant, and your mind sharp — all essentials in our book. If wedding planning has your mind too scrambled to sleep, consider taking a natural melatonin supplement to help you doze off.

5. Wash Your Hands
Yes, you're a functioning adult with good hygiene so you likely know to wash your hands, but did you know you should suds up at least five times a day? Doing so cuts your risk of illness nearly in half, so excuse us while we go run to the nearest sink ...

Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard's Engagement Left Him a Nervous Wreck!

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Last week Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard pulled off a super romantic proposal to girlfriend Hayley Stommel. The country crooner planned an elaborate evening, including an intimate helicopter ride, plenty of celebratory champagne, and quality alone time. And while he seemed totally put together and confident in their post-proposal Instagram photo (seen above), the singer was actually a nervous wreck!

Hubbard recently opened up about the engagement, and how he kept cool under pressure. "I had the ring for about three weeks or so," Hubbard tells CMT News. "I didn't know exactly how I wanted to do it, so I was trying to be patient with it."

See More: A Groom Tells All: 11 Things He's Really Thinking Before He Asks You to Marry Him

Ultimately, Hubbard came up with the helicopter idea in one of the most unromantic locations: the gym! "I just met this guy last week on a private jet that we were on who happened to live 10 minutes from my house and have a helicopter," Hubbard says. "We just kind of hit it off. I don't know why, but it hit me one day. I was in the gym, and I thought (the helicopter ride) would be a cool way to still propose at the house by not very typically."

While it clearly worked out for the best, his elaborate plan to pop the question had the singer feeling understandably anxious. "It was a cool night. And man, I was nervous as heck."

Luckily, the duo got to wind down with a quiet dinner and time alone in a private room, which Hubbard admits doesn't happen often given his busy schedule.

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