Photo: Getty Images

In case you ever doubt the staying power of a honeymoon period, use Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo as exhibit A. The couple, who have been married for four months, showed off their passion at a Lakers game on Sunday for all to see.

The Maroon 5 frontman and his Victoria's Secret model wife were sitting courtside at the basketball game when the Kiss Cam panned over them and challenged them to smooch. The duo happily accepted, sharing a steamy lip lock while Prinsloo triumphantly raised her arm in the air. Challenge accepted — and then some.

See more: The Most Iconic Brides of All Time

Levine, who is currently acting as one of four judges on season 7 of The Voice, married his Namibian-born love at a destination wedding at Flora Farms in Los Cabos, Mexico, in July. Their nuptials, which were attended by stars like Stevie Nicks and officiated by Jonah Hill, were a romantic start to what's been a lovey-dovey union so far — Prinsloo recently showed off a tattoo on her left ring finger that she intends to stand in as her wedding band when she needs to take it off.

"Shocker! Everyone's going to talk about it," she jokingly explained to Yahoo! Style of her fresh ink. "I wanted a ring [tattoo], but everybody does the ring. So I did three dots. It means being one with the earth. And I just wanted it on my ring finger so when I take [my engagement ring] off, it's still there!"

Photo: Clove & Kin

It all started with post-game beers. "Nathan was on a recreational softball team with some of my friends, and we met when everyone went out together after a team victory," Kate remembers. "He faked me out when he went to shake my hand and pulled me in for a hug instead!" And he faked her out again on December 8, 2012 when a "surprise" day off (he arranged it with her boss!) led to a late morning walk on the beach, which led to a proposal in the sand. But Nathan wasn't done with surprises. "He'd had my two best friends set up a picnic nearby with a blanket, champagne, and my favorite flowers. Over the course of the day, friends appeared, resulting in an engagement party full of laughter — and lots more champagne!

Ten months later, on October 26th, 2013, they invited all those friends (and then some!) to celebrate at L'Auberge Del Mar, north of San Diego. Check out the beautiful photographs, captured by Clove & Kin.

Photo: Clove & Kin

"I had a clear focus when I was shopping for my wedding dress," says Kate. "I wanted to look beautiful, not sexy." Her Monique Lhuillier dress was the perfect fit, with a structured corset bodice, modified a-line tulle skirt, and delicate embellishments. She dressed the gown up with an all-white bouquet of hydrangeas, orchids, and gardenia.

Nathan took his inspiration from Sean Connery as James Bond, wearing a shawl collar tuxedo with a French-front shirt.

Photo: Clove & Kin

Kate's bridesmaids wore strapless chiffon dresses from J.Crew. "I wanted something elegant, but with a beach-y feel because of our venue." Nathan's groomsmen decided to take the plunge and also purchase Hugo Boss tuxedoes. "They promised they'd all wear them in each other's weddings," says Kate.

Photo: Clove & Kin

The flower girls, in white J.Crew dresses and crowns of baby's breath, performed splendidly. So well, in fact, that the ring bearers ended up tiptoeing down the aisle so they wouldn't mess up the petals!

Photo: Clove & Kin

The ceremony took place overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The aisle was decorated with arrangements of white hydrangeas, dahlias, and sweet peas.

Nathan and Kate were wed by the pastor who had led the groom's mission trip to Haiti. The couple said "I do" beneath an altar of white hydrangeas, roses, ranunculus, and dahlias and flowing chiffon.

Photo: Clove & Kin

The "Parisian Garden Party" reception took place under the stars on L'Auberge Del Mar's Pacific Terrace. Guests' escort cards were nestled into miniature topiaries, written with whimsical calligraphy.

Photo: Clove & Kin

Each table was topped with all-white arrangements of hydrangeas, tulips, freesia, garden roses, and dahlias. Round tables featured all-white linens, while rectangular tables were covered with graphic black and white linens.

Guests dined on short ribs, bacon-wrapped scallops, risotto, and butternut squash ravioli before hitting the dance floor. "Our friend DJ'd, and he was wonderful. We played classic wedding dance songs, as well as our Top 40 favorites," says Kate. A little something for everyone!

Photo: Clove & Kin

Kate and Nathan's cake, decorated with a tier accented with gilded flowers, featured four mouthwatering flavors: banana cake with chocolate-peanut butter frosting, lemon cake with vanilla bean buttercream, devil's food cake with salted caramel buttercream, and German chocolate cake.

Photo: Clove & Kin

When they weren't grooving, guests headed outside to the fire pit to roast marshmallows for s'mores.

"The best thing we did during our wedding planning was to go on dates where there was no wedding talk allowed," Kate says. "We needed the time to just have fun!"

Ceremony & Reception Venue: L'Auberge Del Mar || Wedding Planner: Adele Meehan at L'Auberge Del Mar || Bride's Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier || Shoes: Cole Haan || Hair & Makeup: Savanna Aragon of A Toast to Beauty || Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew || Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss || Wedding Bands: Kay Jewelers, James Allen || Florist: Cherry Blossom Floral Designs || Invitations & Paper Goods: Bella Figura || Calligraphy: Jessica Albers || Topiaries: Beau-coup || Music: ceremony and dancing - Justin Wright, dinner - Rob Bondurant || Catering: L'Auberge Del Mar || Cake: Sweet Lydia's || Rentals: Concepts Event Design, La Tavola || Favors: Sweet Lydia's || Photography: Clove & Kin

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After spending nearly ten years of their lives together (and sharing a family of six!), you wouldn't think that marriage would make a profound change on the every day lives of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, but you'd be wrong! The newly minted Mrs. Jolie-Pitt recently opened up about how married life has changed the dynamic in their household.

In an interview with NBC's Today (seen above), Jolie shared her feelings about that intimate big day, and how her life immediately felt different after exchanging vows. "It did change, in just a feeling of that security and comfort that we always had but recommitting after 10 years of being together," Jolie said. "We were fortunate enough to be in that unusual situation where we got married with our children, and they were part of the ceremony and they wrote some of the vows. So, it was all of us, agreeing to be together and to just commit to this life together — not because we had to, not because anything was missing in our lives — but because we were absolutely sure."

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

Aside from feeling more stable and secure in their relationship, Jolie has also noticed a change in herself that most brides can surely relate to. Since her late August wedding, she's found that she tries harder to be a better partner for Pitt. One such way she's making a change? By cooking!

"I think we have more moments where I'll say, 'I'm going to be a better wife. I'm going to cook.' And he says, 'Oh, honey. Just know what you're good at. Know what you're not," Jolie said. "But I do this, 'No, no, no! I'm gonna get this wife thing down.' But he knows my limitations and where I'm a good wife and a good mom."

Jolie also has a surprisingly funny attitude about her working honeymoon (the pair started filming By the Sea just days after their wedding). "It's a film about a very troubled marriage. So, it felt like the appropriate thing to do on our honeymoon," she joked.

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Happy Thanksgiving week! Can't stop pinning all those great wedding details on Pinterest? Us either! Every week, we round up our favorite profile pins of the week, from helpful visual guides to gorgeous wedding dress inspiration, to show you what's popular in the bridal world right now. Read on to see everything we're currently pinning, repinning, and obsessing over!

Nothing catches our eye as quickly as a perfect tablescape. And let's be honest, this one is one of the prettiest we've seen this season — the winter woodland theme is simply perfect, with the tree stump chargers, white taper candles, gold goblets and pine cone accents.

Sure, we pinned this one because of the dapper groom's suit, but it just so happens that the link tells brides how to make their guy look as stylish as the photo!

Apparently, crowns and tiaras are having a major moment as wedding cake toppers. This pin shows how an already-perfect cake (can't go wrong with white buttercream frosting and fresh flowers) goes to sublime heights with a cute crown on top! This is a trend we can get behind on Pinterest and beyond.

Oh, rose gold, how you never fail to enchant us. It's engagement rings like this one, which obviously lives on our Pinterest board, that confirm that the metal is more than just a passing phase, it's a timeless look that's here to stay.

Last, but not least, is this adorable wedding program idea. It even doubles as a "fun facts" sheet? Yes, please!

Like what you see? Don't forget to follow BRIDES

Photo: Mattie's Studio

One of the more popular venues for bride and grooms who want to be outdoors but don't want to fall subject to the weather are tented receptions. The best part of throwing your party inside a tent is that it's totally customizable — unlike the landscaping or layout of a garden or the interior of a hall or estate. If you want to pitch the biggest party of your life in a tent, here's what you need to consider beforehand.

Tents are whatever you want to make them. From size to flooring and even climate control (need heat or extra AC? No problem!) the options are endless when choosing a tent. There are, however, a lot of things to keep in mind when shopping for the place you'll party as Mr. and Mrs. First, unless you're hosting a reception in a private backyard, you must ask your venue's location if a tent is allowed and where they recommend it's set-up. If the venue confirms that it is allowed, then ask if they work with a particular tent vendor or have a few recommendations — tent prices can vary and you'll want to ensure you find a reputable dealer. Most of all, don't forget that everything added on to a tent — whether its bathrooms, sound systems, generators, ground cover, dance floor, permits, etc — will come at an extra cost, so be sure to accommodate the necessities in your budget and compare prices across companies. Lastly you better go see the tent before you order it! No one needs a hidden surprise on the day of their wedding.

Photo: Readyluck

There's a reason this chic loft space made our list of the best wedding venues in the country: Front & Palmer is as "green" as it is glam, making it the perfect spot for your super cool and environmentally-friendly nuptials.

Powered entirely by solar panels, this renovated barrel factory can comfortably host 250 guests for a seated dinner or over 325 for a cocktail reception, although they have no minimum guest list, so you can have a very intimate affair here, too!

See More: The 5 Most Common Wedding DIY Mishaps

Their on-site caterer, Feast Your Eyes, will create your dream menu with locally sourced and sustainable food. Tasty options like vegetarian summer rolls, crabcakes, Baja fish tacos, and short ribs are sure to keep your guests full and happy. Serve up mini mango margaritas in single-serve tequila bottles for a signature cocktail your friends and family won't soon forget.

Another perk of getting married in this trendy venue? Their talented staff (which boasts 25 years of experience!) handles all of the details — from chairs and tables to your wedding cake.

Need more reasons to consider Front & Palmer for your wedding day? Just look at the photo above! The venue is modern and cool, but still feels warm and so romantic, meaning it's the perfect place to tie the knot for couples that are muddling through their traditional-meets-contemporary aesthetic.

See the complete list of the best wedding venues in the U.S. here!

Photo: Christian Oth Studio

Let's face it: A lot more thought goes into shopping for your wedding-day look than it does for your guy. While it's true that finding your dream wedding dress among the thousands and thousands of options available does take effort and planning, you'd be wrong to assume you don't need to give much thought to your future husband's ensemble. How hard can it be to find a really great fitting suit or tux? Turns out, it's harder than you thought. So Chicago-based stylist Danielle Darah shares her top tips to make sure your groom looks just as good as you do on your big day!

Focus on fit.
A jacket's too tight if the fabric pulls across the buttons or the biceps. If you can pinch the extra fabric along the waist, it's too loose.

Look inside for quality.
A "canvassed" suit will have an interior layer of canvas or horsehair, ensuring that it will hold its shape better than a flimsier fused one.

Beat sweat.
Upgrade his undershirt to a microfiber one. We love Tommy John's Second Skin ($40, Tommy John's).

See More: 35 Men's Wedding Bands He'll Love

And if you're planning to rent, you're in luck! Tuxes for hire no longer mean sweat-stained polyester with elastic band waists. Jos. A. Bank and Men's Wearhouse now offer stylish slim-cut lines (like Vera Wang Black). Or at theblacktux.com, you can rent a suit for $95 and add accessories like a tie and shoes. Guys type in their measurements and a well-made GQ-approved suit or tux comes in the mail!

Pick up our December 2014/January 2015 issue starring model Elyse Taylor on newsstands today or download it here for more of our guide to the groom!

Photo: Getty Images

Wedding planning can be a stressful business. This doesn't mean couples can't have fun planning together, it just means that they need to face reality from the beginning — there will be things you fight about.

The bride, for example, may get frustrated when the groom doesn't have his guest list (and that of his parents') ready to go when she's ready to address the invitations. The groom may think it's absolutely ridiculous that his fiancé is insisting on dance lessons. If the bride is crafty, their house may be filled with wedding paraphernalia for months ahead. It's a recipe for an explosion if you're not careful.

While you're planning, it's important to take time for yourselves too — time that doesn't involve anything having to do with your engagement and upcoming wedding. Check out these five ideas for keeping the peace in your relationship during the engagement period:

1. Talk about things other than the weddings.
Before you were engaged, you discussed work, television, news, sports — sometimes once the planning starts, the bride gets tunnel-vision and it can make her future spouse insane. Have designated "no wedding talk" nights in your house.

2. You've heard of "Baby-moons," right?
It's when pregnant couples have a last hurrah together before the little bundle of joy arrives. Brides and grooms should do the same thing. You don't have to break the bank — a weekend at a B&B or a camping trip (if that's your thing) will give you the alone time you need to bond.

See more: The Surprising Way to Divorce-Proof Your Marriage

3. Continue to do things separately with your friends.
You used to have "Girls' Night" and "Guys' Night," so why stop because you're engaged? Continuing to maintain the friendships you have independently is important, and will not only keep things peaceful in the bride and groom's house, but it will also keep your friends from feeling neglected and ignored.

4. Spend time together improving (or cleaning up) your house.
Just because you're wedding planning doesn't mean all the home improvement projects have to stop completely. Working together in your garden, or putting a fresh coat of paint up in the master bedroom, is a bonding experience.

5. Remember it's the little things that count.
Budgets are usually tight pre-wedding and it's not the time to give extravagant gifts, but it doesn't cost you anything to slip secret love notes into his or her laptop bag before they leave for work. And a sentimental card with a love note is something they'll probably keep forever. Passive activities that reinforce your love are usually free.

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.

Photo: Getty Images

Stuffing: A breaded dish commonly enjoyed on Thanksgiving or what you'll be doing to your face with aforementioned dish and more. If you regularly find yourself filled with remorse come Friday, it might be time to make some changes, especially with a wedding on the horizon. While one day of indulgence won't kill you, healthy eating is a lifestyle and that unfortunately includes holidays, according to registered dietitian Danielle Colley.

She says a typical Thanksgiving meal can rack up to about 1,700 calories — nearly a days worth of calories for most. If you eat leftovers for the rest of the week, you could gain up to two pounds by Sunday. Fear not, brides, we're not here to depress you with statistics then leave you hanging. Colley suggests following these simple tips so you can enjoy without guilt.

Start your day off right.
While eating more food might sound counterintuitive, it's important to eat a filling breakfast so you aren't starving come mealtime. Colley recommends eggs and whole grain toast for lean protein and filling fiber for breakfast and a broth-based soup and salad to fill you up without the calories for lunch or dinner (depending on when you eat your big Thanksgiving meal).

Choose these healthy swaps.
Sometimes you just know there's not going to be anything healthy on the table. Adding a low calorie dish or making swaps that resembles Thanksgiving favorites can save you.

Instead of sweet potato casserole, try roasted sweet potatoes (Calories saved: 150)Instead of pecan pie, choose pumpkin pie (Calories saved: 200)
Skip the skin on your turkey (Calories saved: 50)
Skip the gravy (Calories saved: 50)
Instead of fried onion on casseroles, try panko bread crumbs (Calories saved: 50 per serving)

See more: 5 Ways to Beat the Bloat for Your Wedding

Eat more of this ...
Veggies are your best friend when faced with a table full of food. "Veggies provide fiber and fill you up with less calories than protein foods and breads," Colley says. Aim to fill half your plate with veggies like salad, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, roasted carrots and other non-starchy kinds.

Eat less of that ...
You're eyeing mom's mashed potatoes, but you wish you didn't know there are two sticks of butter and cream in there. Good news is you can still enjoy your favorites, just have a serving size equivalent to three to four bites. "That's all you need to enjoy the food, but no so much that it will derail your goals," Colley says.

Remember drinks have calories, too.
We all choose to forget alcohol has calories too, so keep it in moderation. Avoid sugary cocktails and stick with low calorie mixers like sparkling water or diet soda to come in at around 100 calories per drink. For wine, you have to mind the pour five oz. will give you 125 calories.

Take a break in between courses.
Leave the table and take a break before gobbling up dessert. "This will give your body time to register all the food you just ate and may keep you from overindulging," Colley says.

What are your tips for staying on track during Thanksgiving? Tweet us @BRIDES!

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are arguably one of the cutest newlywed couples in Hollywood, but their sizzling hot romance didn't quite start as a burning flame. After tying the knot in a gorgeous ceremony in Lake Como, Italy, last September, these two have been nothing but blissfully in love, but now the songwriter is admitting their fairytale love story didn't start off as love at first sight.

That's right: According to Us Weekly, Legend sat down with Los Angeles Confidential and said when he first met Teigen seven years ago, he had no idea she was the woman he'd ultimately marry.

See More: Chrissy Teigen Says She Can't Wait Until John Legend Needs Viagra, and Other Hilarious Marriage Details

When asked if he immediately felt a love connection to his now wife, he replied, "Not right away." But it wasn't for lack of interest! Legend dished that he wanted to grow into their relationship. "I'm more cautious than that. I wasn't like, 'This is the woman I'm going to marry' from day one. For me I'm the kind of person who needs to grow into that feeling. It was probably a couple of years in when I could already see us being together forever."

As for Teigen, she admits she was smitten from the get-go, but played it cool to impress Legend. "I'm not going to lie. I left him by himself for a while," she told Cosmopolitan in June. "The worst thing you can do is try to lock someone like that down early on, then have them think, 'There's so much more out there.' I played it cool for a long time. Never once did I ask, 'What are we?' Marriage was never my goal, because I've never been very traditional. I was just happy to be with him."

No matter how their relationship started out, these two seem happier than ever!

Photo: Readyluck Photography

You've finally said yes to the dress! But now you're fraught with fear that your fiancé will somehow see it before the big day. Relax, because, truth be told, the thought of searching through the house (or your phone, for that matter) just to get a glance at your gown has probably never even crossed his mind; men simply don't think like that. In fact, if he happens to discover it at all, it'll likely be one big accident he wishes he could take back ASAP once he sees the look on your face.

So why tempt him with mysterious garment bags in the guest room closet or dress pics he had no idea existed until he attempted to send himself a throwback Thursday photo from your phone? For the sake of both parties, it's best to take precautionary action — here's how.

Be sly with your subject lines
In other words, don't be so obvious. "When I was a bride, any e-mail I sent with a photo of my dress had a random subject line on it," says Stephanie Uchima, owner of Preppy Chic Events. "I archived the photos in a mislabeled folder on my computer too just in case."

Close any open tabs on your computer
If you and your fiancé already live together, you've definitely got to be extra careful about constantly checking out your wedding dress on the Internet. This means closing any open tabs with pics of your gown when he's around and even when he's not.

See More: Going Wedding Dress Shopping? Don't Forget to Bring These 3 Key Things

Save multiple dress photos
"If you really want to keep your wedding dress a secret from your fiancé, the key is to always have multiple options on hand," points out Sunny Ravanbach, president of White Lilac Events. "Have multiple pictures of the wedding dress on your phone or computer so that if they are ever found, no one will know which dress it actually is." Genius!

Don't store it at your house
Currently cohabitating? Then that wedding gown should never darken your doorstep, warns Sandy Malone, owner of Weddings in Vieques. "It goes from the bridal shop directly to your mom's house. Or if you live out of town, ask a reliable friend with a niece, safe space to hang it up for you in its dress bag," she advises. "You can also have the bridal shop package it up and ship it directly to your parents' if you're getting married in your hometown." Another trusty option that might be available to you? Leaving it at the bridal salon or alterations.

Photo: Sam Hurd

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 feature everything we're thankful, like holiday wedding ideas and thoroughly festive colors — just in time for Thanksgiving!

Planning a winter wedding means you have plenty of holiday cheer to inject into every aspect of your big day, so go for it! These 14 unique ideas are so pretty and inventive, you might want to use them all. —POPSUGAR

This couple's real wedding will make you thankful for love this holiday season. ALS patient Anthony Carbajal met his soulmate, Laarne Palec just before he was diagnosed. We helped them pull together their wedding, and their album is gorgeous and heartwarming — you have to check it out! —Brides

You don't need to celebrate Christmas to incorporate wreaths into your wedding décor! These cool ones are made of corn stalks, pom poms and more. —100 Layer Cake

A wedding in Hawaii is reason for some real celebration, especially when it's this one! The vibrant striped bridesmaid dresses, oversized flowers, and abundant confetti are so much fun, we wish we were there to see it in person. —Ruffled

This Secret Garden-inspired photo shoot will fill you with ideas for a romantic wedding filled with lush florals, deep jewel tones, and vintage-style details. —Green Wedding Shoes

Photo: Marissa Lambert

Basketweave
A popular pattern for wedding cakes — most often, white-on-white creations — that is made using a piping technique interweaving vertical and horizontal lines (resembling a wicker basket).

Buttercream
A mix of butter, sugar, and eggs that makes a delicious filling and rich icing. Watch the temperature: If buttercream isn't kept cool, it can melt.

Cornelli
A delicate design that's created by using an elaborate piping technique to produce a lacelike pattern.

Dragées
Silver- or gold-coated edible sugar balls that are used as decorative elements.

Fondant
A chewy, sweet sugar dough that's rolled out and wrapped around each tier, creating an ultrasmooth finish to your cake. It's an ideal icing for outdoor receptions, as fondant does not need to be refrigerated.

Ganache
A luscious icing or filling made by heating and stirring together semisweet chocolate and whipping cream.

Gum paste (or sugarpaste)
A sugary dough that's used for making realistic-looking ribbons, flowers, and other beautiful decorations for the cake. Unlike fondant, gum paste hardens when it dries.

See More: 24 Wedding-Worthy One-Tier Cakes

Latticework
An ornamental design created when strips of icing are crisscrossed over one another to form a pattern of open spaces.

Marzipan
A dense almond paste that has a multitude of uses: It creates an even, fondant-like finish when wrapped around cake layers; it can serve as a decadent filling; and it can be used like sugarpaste to adorn the cake with fruits, flowers, and other ornamental elements.

Piping
A decorative technique requiring a pastry bag and various metal tips that can be used to create leaves, borders, basket-weave designs and flowers.

Pulled (or spun) sugar
Heated sugar syrup that's been twisted to make decorations. Pulled sugar can make caramelized adornments like ribbons and flowers; spun sugar can be used to create gossamer strands, aka angel's hair. Both are too fragile to transport, so they have to be made onsite.

Royal icing
A blend of egg whites and sugar, which forms a thick frosting that can be used for lace and latticework. Royal icing should not be refrigerated because, when dry, the texture becomes hard and brittle.

Sugar flowers
Delicate, incredibly detailed and realistic-looking flowers made from sugar. They are often hand-painted.

Swiss dots
A piped pattern made with masses of tiny dots, resembling Swiss-dot fabric.

Whipped cream
This light, delicious filling or frosting is very delicate; use it only if you are able to have your cake refrigerated until just before it's served.

Photo: Getty Images

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade have been lying (relatively) low since their lavish August wedding and an incredible-looking honeymoon to the Maldives, but all that's changing now that Union is doing press for her upcoming movie, Top Five. Which is fine by us, as she's opening up about her marriage to the star Miami Heat player!

"Married life is good. We have a lot of fun," Union dished to E! News last night in a video interview (click to watch), adding details about their favorite activity to indulge in together. "A lot of it is about TV," she said. While their laundry list of must-watch shows sounds more than entertaining for them, it wasn't their TV picks that got us excited (although those were good, too!). Instead, we were plenty mesmerized by her blinding engagement ring during the video!

See more: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

We didn't miss their newlywed entertainment, though! "We are obsessed about HGTV — remodels. Yes. Property Brothers, Flip This House is everything. If I watch without him, that's when we get into trouble. But, Nashville, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder — our TV watching is sort of our family time," the ageless star added.

Their home-improvement indulgences are appropriate for a newly-married couple; even an athlete and a movie star have to go through nesting phase, after all! And hey, the couple that binges TV shows together, stays together, right?

Photo: Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck

Though Nilam Trivedi and Rick Desai met as students at Georgetown University in 2002, it took nine years for the pair to start dating. But it was worth the wait when, in December of 2012, Rick popped the question. "For a few week, he kept saying 'will you carry me?' to keep me on my toes," says Nilam. Finally, Rick told her that he'd made plans for dinner and poured her a glass of wine in a mason jar while they got ready to leave. "I finished my wine and saw 'will you carry me?' etched in the bottom of the jar," she remembers. Rick then proposed, giving Nilam a necklace (just like his father did when he proposed to Rick's mother!), and then a ring.

The duo invited 375 guests to Baltimore on October 5th, 2013 for a day-long celebration that combined their Hindu heritage with Western elements and bright, rustic details. Keep reading to see how their planners, Lemon & Lime Event Design, brought it to life, all photographed by Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck.

Photo: Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck

For the ceremony, Nilam wore a traditional silk Panetar. "My mother brought it back from India for me," she says.

Photo: Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck

She accessorized with mehndi, as well as jewelry borrowed from her grandmothers, mother, aunt, and sister. "The day before the wedding, my father-in-law gave me Rick's late mother's jewelry, including her engagement ring. I couldn't believe something so special had been handed down to me," Nilam says.

The bride carried a textured bouquet of white and yellow roses, dahlias, and lots of greenery.

Photo: Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck

The ceremony began with a Bharaat, where the groom's family and friends enter the ceremony with dancing and music. "Rick chose to enter on an auto rickshaw with his sister, then danced through the venue to meet my family at the ceremony," says the bride. During the ceremony (officiated by Nilam's brother-in-law), the couple combined elements of a religious Hindu ceremony with vow's they'd written themselves. And Nilam added a surprise to hers: when she was done with her vows, the DJ hit play and she serenaded her groom to the tune of "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys. "Rick loves to end nights out in Chicago with his own rendition, so I sang the end of my vows to him!" she laughs.

Photo: Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck

A costume change was in order for the reception. Nilam changed into a custom-made gown with a lace-edged v-neck and sequined belt. "It was the most personal and rewarding part of the planning process," she says. "It was amazing when she handed me the gown that I'd be wearing to celebrate being a married lady!" Rick swapped his traditional Indian garb for a sleek gray suit.

Photo: Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck

"We really wanted to highlight the natural beauty of our venue, the Cylburn Arboretum," says the bride. A clear tent gave everyone a view of the property, and rustic touches created a relaxed vibe. Guests found their table assignments on an oversized window frame, then sat at tables decked out in white and blue. Centerpieces featured a mix of locally-grown white and yellow flowers, including sunflowers and daisies.

Photo: Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck

The bride and groom kicked off the dancing to "Bones" by Michael Kiwanuka, then guests flooded the dance floor. "It was so great to see how much fun everyone had, and how much they enjoyed our take on an Indian wedding," says Nilam. "Our main priority was for our guests to have a fantastic time, and they did!"

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Cylburn Arboretum || Wedding Planner: Lemon & Lime Event Design || Groom's Attire: Trunk Club || Wedding Rings: Silam's Fine Jewelry || Florist: Local Color Flowers || Invitations & Paper Goods: Designed by the bride and groom, printed by Weldonberry || Music: Aditya Desai of Absolute Entertainment || Catering: Linwoods, IndAroma || Rentals: Loane Bros., Rusty Love, Le Rêve || Videography: Adora || Photography: Jacqueline Schlossman of Readyluck

Photo: Getty Images

Eva Mendes is keeping quiet about her relationship with Ryan Gosling, but there's another love in her life she can't quit gushing about: their new daughter, Esmeralda Amada! In a recent interview with Violet Grey founder Cassandra Huysentruyt Grey, Mendes dished on all things baby — from how she and Gosling chose their daughter's unique name and keeping Esmeralda out of the limelight to her first months as a parent.

"Ryan and I both love the Esmeralda character from the Victor Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and just think it's a beautiful name," Mendes said. "Amada was my grandmother's name. It means 'beloved' in Spanish."

See More: The 25 Most Iconic Movie Proposals

Although she has a hunky partner in crime to help get her through late nights with their baby girl, Mendes notes that her first months as a parent have been difficult. "I thought my wild nights were over but these are some of the wildest nights I've ever had," she said. "Everything is a struggle for her. For instance, I haven't thrown up since the '90s and she's thrown up twice since we started this interview. Motherhood is cake compared to what it's like to be a baby."

Mendes even shared the sweet reason why she and Gosling kept their happy pregnancy news a secret for so long. "Whether we like it or not, privacy is going to be very difficult for Esmeralda. I think it's unfair but that's our reality. So Ryan and I decided early on to give her as much privacy as we could. And my pregnancy was the first opportunity to give her that."

While she made no mention of wedding plans, we're holding out hope that these two (and what we can only imagine is their incredibly beautiful daughter) make their way down the aisle soon!

Photo: Getty Images

The moment he puts the ring on your finger and the two of you start making plans for the rest of your life, things start seeming surreal. It's hard to make careful, rational decisions. That's why we're doing it for you. Don't wake up with regrets after the wedding about how you might have done things differently. Instead, read the stories below. I wish:

I Hadn't Rushed to Choose a Wedding Gown
Renae became engaged in October, 2011 and bought her gown one month later, a decision she came to regret. The wedding didn't take place until April 2014. The newlywed recalls wistfully, "My tastes had changed and I no longer wanted a strapless organza fit and flare gown."

Even more of a regret is that by rushing into buying the gown, she missed out on involving her mother in the experience. Renae says, "Being the last child and only daughter to get married I know mom wishes she'd been there too."

Renae's hard-won advice: "There's a reason why it's recommended you allow yourself at least 10 months from your wedding date to buy your dress!"

See more: The 50 Mistakes Every Bride Makes

I Hadn't Stressed Endlessly Over Seating Charts
Stacey became engaged in December 2012. Her wedding was May 2014. In retrospect she now realizes, "The things I worried most about were the things that mattered least on the day."

Major worries centered on table plans. "I was so stressed which friends and family needed to sit together, and which should be apart. In reality the only people we'd invited were people who loved us and wanted us to have a great day." Stacey finishes, "The wedding had such a celebratory feel no one cared who they sat with — and I forgot all about the table plan!"

I'd Given Myself Time to Enjoy Being Engaged
When Jane happily accepted her boyfriend's marriage proposal in March 2012, she leapt instantly into wedding plans even though the actual ceremony and party weren't scheduled until May 2014.

Jane shares, "The intense pressure of choosing venues, invitations, the photographer, music, flowers, caterer — whew! All of it — put way too much stress on Jim and me. The engagement period became all about wedding planning. It should have been a loving, tranquil period to enjoy each other's company and spend time with friends and family before jumping full steam ahead into the whirlwind."

She adds, "The wedding was beautiful but it would have been just as beautiful if we'd given ourselves a few months of calm before the storm!"

Sherry Amatenstein is a New York City-based marriage therapist and author.

Photo: Courtesy of Turtle Island

Since the honeymoon comes after the wedding, you'd think that logically you should plan it last. Wrong! Why do you have to pick out your dream honeymoon destination, resort, activities, and stay length as you're sorting out your wedding date, venue, and guest list? Because your wedding budget — the first decision you should ever make when wedding planning — largely relies on the honeymoon cost (which, unfortunately is often a lot more expensive than one would think). To ensure you get your dream wedding and your dream honeymoon, here's what you need to plan for your honeymoon — before you get to your reception's seating chart and ceremony's officiant.

As we said before, honeymoons are expensive. And like your wedding, you need to adhere to a strict budget to ensure both your big day and first romantic getaway as a Mr. and Mrs. goes off without a hitch. Maybe you don't need to book your honeymoon before you put a deposit down on your venue, but you should consider when you'd like to honeymoon (immediately following the reception or a few months later), where you'd like to stay, and how long you'd like to vacation. Also, figure out a general, realistic number you'd be ok spending. Once you take into account meals, transportation, souvenirs, sightseeing and all of the tips you'll need to be shelling out, the cost of your honeymoon starts to spike — you should be mentally prepared ahead of time. The worst thing you could do is get lost in the wedding planning and leave no money left for your honeymoon. Plus, who wants to rush coordinating what's supposed to be the most magical vacation of your life as you're scrambling the week before your wedding? That's right, no one. Best part is this is truly a team effort, something you can do together (besides, you know, getting married and jetting off to a gorgeous locale).

Photo: Paperlily Photography

At your wedding reception, make your newlywed chairs stand out from the rest of your family and friend's seats by decorating them with a pretty sign. From your initials to your new "Mr." and "Mrs." titles, here are six creative ways to make you and your new husband's seats extra special.

Better Together (above): This sweet saying looks especially pretty hand-painted onto wood slabs and hung with ribbon. It would look perfect at a romantic outdoor wedding.

Photo: Jose Villa

Mr. and Mrs.: Complement the rustic look of an outdoor reception with salvaged-wood signs like these — so understated and elegant.

Photo: Clary Pfeiffer

Initials: Looking for a creative way to use florals? Ask your florist to create your initials using flowers, like baby's breath as seen here.

Photo: Jose Villa

Just Married: For a sophisticated look, add a laurel of greenery to simple calligraphed signs. (This would make a super easy DIY project for more crafty brides!)

Photo: Chaz Cruz Photographer

His and Hers: These "I'm His" and "I'm Hers" signs are a clever twist on the trendy idea.

Photo: Max Koliberdin

Ampersand: Want to do something more symbolic? Connect your chairs with pretty ribbon and an oversized ampersand.

Photo: Getty Images

If you've ever flown Emirates, you'll notice the flight attendants look polished the entire way. Their strict dress code requires red lipstick, shiny chignons, and manicured nails — regardless of how many hours they're in the air. Who better then, to give us tips on how to stay pretty during honeymoon and holiday travel? Here, their best-kept beauty secrets.

1. Drink water.
And then drink a lot more water — it's the best way to combat dry air. Their rule of thumb? Consume three liters for an eight-hour flight.

2. Go for the fresh-faced look.
Layers of foundation and powder can look cake-y after a while, so these savvy girls concentrate on perfecting their skincare regimens instead. For daytime (or flying time, rather), they stick to a bit of concealer and blush, and rely on face masks at night. Their favorites? Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask, which draws impurities and oil from the skin, and practically every product from Skin Food, a South Korean skincare brand that incorporates nutrients from food to cleanse, repair, and protect.

See more: Wedding-White Swimwear for Your Honeymoon

3. When in doubt, use coconut oil.
It doesn't have to be fancy — any organic tub from the grocery store will do — but it's basically a cure-all for everything from frizzy hair to dry skin and stubborn makeup removal.

4. Wear your hair up.
To ensure their hair doesn't get unruly, they choose between a classic low bun or French role — both of which stay in place no matter how long the journey.

See more: The Best Vacation Spots to Visit with Your Other Married Friends

5. Red lipstick is an instant rev-er upper.
They may shy away from foundation, but red lipstick is required on board. Their favorites? MAC Ruby Woo and Russian Red, which are universally flattering shades. For longevity, they prime with Nivea lip balm, add a coat of lip liner, and finish with lipstick. (They avoid matte formulas, as some don't wear well and can be difficult to wash off.)

6. Clear nail polish is super low-maintenance.
It adds a glossy, polished finish without having to worry about chipping. They also change it up with red nail polish, in which case they use Gelish Color Gels — they're more durable than regular formulas.

7. Bring healthy snacks.
Downtime during the flights can lead to mindless eating. To stay trim, they soak Chia seeds in water, which expand for longterm satiety.