Once you decide to join your lives, you might be tempted to also join your bank accounts. And if you’re footing the bill for your big day yourselves, a joint bank account can be especially appealing. But is joining your bank accounts before you tie the knot taking the whole becoming one concept a tad too literally?

“Every relationship is truly unique, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for an issue like this,” says Elle Kaplan, finance expert and owner of LexION Capital. “Some [couples] will have only a small joint account, while others will have a combination of accounts. But what every great [couple] has in common is financial transparency and honesty.”

How do you know what will work for you as a couple? Before you rush to the bank to combine your finances, consider the pluses and minuses. A big plus, Kaplan says, is that joining your accounts can help foster even more trust and teamwork for your twosome. As you work toward your big wedding day goals, you’ll have complete transparency if you’re working from a single account. And, if you plan to share bank accounts once you tie the knot, you could consider time this practice for marriage.

See More: 6 Things You Should Never Hide From Your Partner

But on the big minus side, if you can’t trust your partner, allowing him or her access to your money, could be very bad for your bank account and your relationship. “Couples need to be completely open and honest before considering joining accounts,” warns Kaplan. “Financial infidelity, such as secret spending, can ruin a [relationship] and become dangerous if the cheater has access to all the money.”

If you want to test the waters, consider opening a joint account only for your wedding-related expenses — one you only add money meant to be spent on the wedding, while keeping your own separate checking accounts filled with finances for bills, living expenses, and discretionary spending. This model can work, albeit in an edited way, once you tie the knot, too.

“Couples often find it helpful to have separate accounts for day-to-day discretionary spending,” says Kaplan. “There’s always going to be small spending that couples won’t do together, like buying new flats or going to a sports game, and they can help avoid money spats by keeping these spending accounts separated.”

Finally, Kaplan adds, “joint accounts or not, there still absolutely needs to be accountability when it comes to a couple’s finances,” and that’s true even before you tie the knot. Beyond whether you’ll open a joint bank account, be sure to discuss your financial goals, debts, and how you’d like to spend and save your money once you’re married. “Being financially open like this can bring a whole new level of intimacy to your marriage,” says Kaplan.

Get ready for some serious fireworks in your relationship this week, brides! Astrologer Celeste Longacre, author of Love Signs, breaks down exactly what the stars have in store for you and your relationship this 4th of July week.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Pay attention to a dream early this week, which could reveal hidden motivations. Your fianc&#233 finds you incredibly sexy at home on Wednesday; cook dinner for him and he’ll be eating out of the palm of your hand. Tensions late in the workweek are smoothed over by a mellow weekend.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
New ideas, wedding-related and not, are brewing in your mind this week. Communication with your fianc&#233 is ideal right now so don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with him. A solo project works best on Thursday, while fun is the ticket for you and your hubby-to-be this weekend.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Looking to purchase a new home together or upgrade your d&#233cor budget? A moneymaking idea is yours early this week. Your fianc&#233 is in the mood to treat you on Wednesday so definitely take him up on it. Keep an eye on your wallet on Thursday though. A lovely mellow weekend at home together follows.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
It’s a good time for some self-care and self-renewal at the beginning of the week. Your fianc&#233 wants to have fun with you only on Wednesday so perhaps plan a date night. Avoid an argument with him on Thursday by spending time with your girlfriends. Communication flows this weekend; try talk out any issues that have been on your mind or lingering.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leo, it pays to be you this week, as you’ll soon discover a hidden moneymaking talent you never knew you had. Your fianc&#233 finds you incredibly sexy behind closed doors mid-week so slip into some lingerie and spice things up a bit in the bedroom. Being quiet on Thursday is advisable, however, as words can really trip you up right now. Relax this weekend, and enjoy some downtime.

See More: The 9 Biggest Black Tie Wedding Mistakes Brides Make

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Butting heads with your fianc&#233? Turn to your friends for some love advice, as they may have the solution you’ve been seeking. Listen to them through Wednesday, but keep your own counsel on Thursday. You are the queen of the universe this weekend, and your partner will treat you as such.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Introducing your fianc&#233 to all of your work friends or bringing him along to an office function works well early this week, as it reflects positively on you. Avoid tension on Thursday with a solo project. You shine as everyone sees things your way on Sunday.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Sparks fly on the 4th of July, and your fianc&#233 literally can’t keep his hands off you early this week; he may even want to take you out and show you off. Thursday is a good day to stay quiet and stick close to home. A road trip could be fun this weekend, be it with your significant other or just your girlfriends.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Your fianc&#233 may have a gift for you early this week, but it’s one he’ll want to give to you behind closed doors. Avoid an argument about money on Thursday by not adding fuel to the fire. This weekend you shine out and about around town.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Your fianc&#233 may turn over a new leaf at the start of the week, and on Wednesday he manages to make a good impression on new friends. Avoid having him get on your nerves on Thursday by doing something solo. Travel beckons for the two of you this weekend so get away together.

See More: 10 Things You Learn About Yourself Through Wedding Planning

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Your fianc&#233 wants to show you off on the 4th of July (and the rest of the week really)! Get out to be seen at your favorite lounge or club, especially on Wednesday. Don’t let co-workers antagonize you on Thursday; instead, avoid them and ignore any passive aggressiveness. Your honey hopes to eat healthy this weekend. Oblige.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Fun can be had with an unexpected road trip early this week to celebrate the holiday. You may even want to play hooky from work on Tuesday! Friends aren’t helpful this Thursday so don’t count on them for relationship advice. Your fianc&#233 wants to have fun this weekend; you both deserve it.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s love for their first child — the oh-so-adorable, 11-week-old Luna Simone — knows no bounds… or depths, for that matter. As the new parents settle into life as a family of three, Teigen and Legend seem to be finding that parenthood is challenging them in totally unexpected ways — specifically, to finally learn how to swim!

During a 4th of July party in Southampton, New York, the new mom and cookbook author opened up to People about her and John’s inability to jump into the deep end of a swimming pool, an obstacle that they don’t want their daughter to face.

“I can’t swim, but I’m trying to learn for Luna, of course,” Teigen, who was hosting a 4th of July barbecue at the Revolve summer house, revealed. “There is nothing I want to do more than to get her into the water and for her to learn to swim.”

The drive to teach Luna to swim is pushing Teigen, 30, and her singer hubby Legend, 37 into the water. “John can’t swim, either,” she explained. “And we don’t want to be helpless in any way, so we’re going to try to learn for Luna. We’re going to have someone come to the house.”

The Lip Sync Battle host also indicated that their inability to swim isn’t because of a fear of water, but rather circumstance. “I have no fear of water. John has no fear of water,” she says. “Or animals, or sharks or what have you. We just didn’t have water in our face when we were growing up.”

“It wasn’t something where we were dunked,” she said. “I just want to make sure that she feels that she can cope with it.”

By the sound of it, Luna won’t have to wait too long before swimming lessons begin! When People asked if Teigen wants her daughter to become an early swimmer, Teigen answered emphatically, “Absolutely!”

It looks like Teigen and Legend got a head start on their swimming adventure in the Hamptons. The supermodel posted a photo to Instagram of she and Legend floating together in a pool, adorably lounging on each other. Teigen also shared a cute snap of her splashing around, with the playful caption: “Hashtag cant swim.”

☀ￏ☀ￏ☀ￏ #REVOLVEinthehamptons

A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jul 4, 2016 at 8:07am PDT

Hashtag cant swim #cantswim #REVOLVEinthehamptons #cravingsBBQ @revolve

A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jul 4, 2016 at 7:34am PDT

Teigen also opened up to E! News while at the Revolve event, revealing that her crooner husband looks at Teigen in a new way now that she’s the mother of his child. (Aww!)

The model also opened up about the “strong bond” Luna shares with her famous dad. “He’s her world.”

She is innnnnn love!

A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jun 25, 2016 at 2:18pm PDT

“She comes to me, she wants boobs, she wants food, and she looks at me and she giggles at me and she laughs,” she revealed, “but when she looks at him, it’s like these dreamy, weird, different eyes and it’s so sweet to see…I think there’s no relationship like a father-daughter relationship so it’s really cool to see them together.”

❿ￏ

A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jun 19, 2016 at 9:38pm PDT

Teigen also confessed that she’s in no rush to lose every bit of baby weight. According to the supermodel, Legend is a very supportive husband, and he’s part of the reason she’s not rushing to lose those last few pregnancy pounds. “John actually loves the new pieces!” Teigen said.

The new mom admitted that she’s “in a rut” when it comes to getting back to her pre-baby body (Teigen credited her “strong undergarment game” for making us think otherwise, according to E!), but she’s too busy enjoying little Luna to lose her cool about it. “You just realize you have to give yourself time and understand that you push out a baby, and it took this long to put on the weight, and it’s not going to peel right off, and that’s OK,” she said.

“Because listen,” she said, “you should’ve have to rush to shed anything. It’s OK! It’s fine. Enjoy your baby. Don’t go crazy.”

Amen to that!

Look at john lookin like a hot senior that got held back 19 years ??? I love you my handsome man! Thank u @monicarosestyle for teaching me to love and embrace these new inches lol ❿ￏ you @1maryphillips and @laurapolko!

A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jun 29, 2016 at 10:07am PDT

The standard chicken, fish or vegetarian dish? Um, how about checking none of the above please! Nowadays, as Lead Event Planner Brian Reddick at Lisa Dupar Catering in Seattle points out, modern brides and grooms are expecting much more from their wedding menus than couples traditionally have in the past. “Long gone are the days of the tried-and-true salmon, beef and chicken plated dinner,” he says. And thank goodness for that, right? Because you’d hate to leave a bad taste in your guests’ mouths, here are five tips that will help you spice up your wedding menu and create some serious food porn.

1. Find a caterer that can bring your food porn Pinterest board to life.
Really do your research, ladies and gents. And before booking your venue, make sure you aren’t locked into one specific caterer in case that person isn’t the perfect fit for you or your vision. “It’s imperative to partner with someone who can translate your Pinterest board, for example, into an executable menu that excites your closest friends and family,” tells Reddick.

2. Get inspired by everything but the wedding.
We know it sounds counterintuitive, but it’s really not! According to Reddick, a great caterer should forgo wedding talk first and instead ask what you do for fun, where you met and where you love to travel. “Then from there, as the expert in food development and presentation, the caterer can start to create a menu that feels uniquely ‘you’ and anything but cookie-cutter.” Take an east coast couple planning a Pacific Northwest wedding, for example. “They might want to translate their New York roots into an outdoor summer soiree on the opposite coast by focusing their celebration around their globetrotting adventures. So for passed appetizers, maybe we start with mini Dungeness crab patty melts, open face and garnished with Old Bay aioli (very Pacific Northwest), followed by a plated butternut squash gnocchi (an homage to the groom’s favorite gnocchi dish back in New York.” The point is, with the right idea and communication, most any vision, concept and dish can be presented in a modern way.

3. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
Sarah Hall, President of Joel Catering & Special Events, knows how scary it can be to make a bold decision with your wedding menu when you’re trying to make everyone happy, but that’s the way to make it memorable and exciting, she says. “Think about the current food trends and work with some of those menu items, like flank steak instead of filet.” You can still be unique without being too out there if you’re dealing with a less than adventurous crowd.

4. Remember: Looks are (almost) everything.
Presentation is huge! After all, you want your food to make a great first impression, don’t you? Whether it’s seated, family style or a cocktail reception, Hall advises creating a wedding menu that’s going to be just as beautiful as it is delicious.

See More: Wine and Meal Pairings Have You Puzzled? Our Wine Expert Is Here to Help

5. Give your caterer some creative freedom.
Sometimes it really is best to just leave it to the experts. Hall recommends asking your caterer, either working directly with the chef or through your contact, to put together some new, exciting menu ideas for your tasting. “You should be prepared with some thoughts, even examples of the direction you want to go in of course, and then let them be creative and do their thing.”

6. Let them eat cake, but something else too.
Just like your wedding reception meal menu offers a variety of choices, so should your dessert menu, says Hall. “Many couples want a traditional tiered cake, but smart couples know there should be much more, such as mini-cupcake displays, gourmet cookies, butterscotch puddings or pass around handheld desserts like s’more bites and miniature toaster pastries.” Not all desserts require a high sugar quotient though. For instance, you could offer something on the savory side like an array of fine cheeses and fresh seasonal fruit, she suggests.

It goes without saying that the age-old tradition of wearing something blue for your wedding is still going strong today. While adding the old, the new, and the borrowed can be fun, you can be especially creative when it comes to that something blue. From the traditional to the unique, here are some ways to incorporate beautiful bridal blue into your wedding ensemble — and where to find them in San Francisco.

Jewelry
Perhaps one of the most popular and effortless ways to incorporate blue into your look is with a piece of jewelry. Elle-Meme in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood is a cozy boutique featuring vintage costume and fine gems in a range of hues, such as sapphire, lapis, and aquamarine. If you’re seeking something new and blue, check out Azil in Hayes Valley. You’ll discover dainty, modern creations from Swarovski studs to raw diamond bar necklaces for the minimalist bride.

Hair Accessories
Adding a bit of blue into your hairstyle is a whimsical way of continuing the tradition. For some sparkle, opt for an elegant barrette or intricate headband from Renee Rivera. Rivera offers a ready-to-wear bridal line of accessories as well as couture creations. If you prefer a more natural feel, flowers from Birch Florist can be delicately sprinkled throughout your tresses.

See More: More Inspiration From Our Local Vendors Page For Your Something Blue

Lingerie
Adding a bit of blue underneath your wedding gown is always a cheeky way to play along with the nuptial rhyme. Hanky Panky is the go-to brand for sexy, yet wedding day appropriate, lace undies that come in both pale and deep blues. At the Nordstrom on Market Street you can find ones specifically emblazoned with a crystal ‘I DO’.

Shoes
Even if your wedding day look includes white from head to toe, you can always add in a hint of blue under your shoes. Betsey Johnson’s aptly named line, Blue by Betsey Johnson offers gorgeous bridal heels with heavenly blue soles. Alternatively, bold blue heels can accent your reception ensemble in a chic and modern way. Browse selections online and opt to pick up at the newly revamped DSW in Union Square.

Vintage add-ons
When it comes to something old and something blue, the choices at Torso Vintages fit the bill. Torso’s array of vintage dresses and accessories are kept in impeccable, nearly never-been-worn condition. Among their top-notch inventory, you’ll find unique blue ideas, such as a stunning cobalt fox fur stole and a 1940s blue ostrich feather hat. Perfect for the bride who yearns for something that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Check out more places to find something blue on our Local Vendors page!

There are certain things your wedding invitations must include, like time, date, location, and RSVP information. As for the rest? It’s up to you to add personal touches to really make them yours and for Chicago brides, that can be a custom map that points out where the wedding festivities and events will take place. For guests attending your Windy City nuptials, a personalized map is a visual treat that can help them plot their wedding-weekend moves — no matter if it’s their first time in the city or they’re Chicago natives. Here are five of our favorite Chicago illustrators to turn to for custom maps and other details that will make your invites shine.

EVR Paper Co.
This Chicago-based paper shop specializes in hand-painted details. Think: city skylines, save the dates depicting you and your groom, and pretty landscapes. You can meet with the uber-talented founder and illustrator Christine Bellagamba in person so she can get a feel for what you’re looking for. Then, she’ll work on the designs and give you the option to print them with her — or elsewhere. Her illustrations can even be added to your envelope liner — a stunning first impression when guests open your invite.

EJD Design
Liz, the owner of EJD Design, has lived in Chicago for the past 10 years, so she knows the highlights worthy of inclusion on your custom invite or map. The main job of the map, of course, is to be useful, but her custom watercolor creations combine beautiful form and function. Each one shows guests where to go for the ceremony, reception, next-day brunch, and whatever else you’d like to call out, all while serving as standalone pieces of art.

See More: Customize Your Walk Down the Aisle With One of Our Favorite Ceremony Music Vendors!

Sarah Drake Design
Lean on Sarah Drake Design to create your entire invitation suite as well as day-of details like place cards, escort cards, menus, table numbers, and programs. The team specializes in luxury weddings and custom invites, and their portfolio includes everything from invitations featuring custom silhouettes of the bride and groom to a hand-drawn map of Mexico for a destination wedding in Tulum. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Hueynie
Each item from the Chicago-based Etsy shop is made to order, so feel free to let your imagination run wild. Share your ideas and wedding details with Hueynie and then talk illustration. She’s well versed in marker, watercolor, and color pencil and can illustrate every style from cartoony to realistic. Look no further than her own wedding invitations for proof of how creative you can get: They featured illustrations of her and her groom and were printed onto fabric that was folded like a pocket square.

Eight21 Studios
Artist Carol Woldhuis has years of experience creating custom Chicago maps out of her Grayslake studio, located northwest of the city. She can include up to 12 locations on each map, so you can plot your essential hometown destinations even beyond the church and hotel locations. Maybe you have a favorite brunch spot in the Loop that will inspire guests to grab a bite or a must-see view of the city that gives you butterflies every time. By adding them, the map serves as a mini guide for how guests should spend their time in Chicago.

Click here to see even more vendors that will upgrade your invitations.

There are so many options for your bridal beauty look — from soft and romantic to bold and dramatic. But one universally flattering wedding makeup look is a fresh, healthy glow. During the warmer months, when our skin is already glistening, it’s important as a summer bride to pick highlighters with light-weight formulas to avoid looking greasy. There are so many different formulas, shades, and intensities to pick from, so we streamlined your choices and rounded up our top 5 highlighter picks to help you get that sun-kissed glow on your wedding day.

1. For an all-day glow without the glittery effect, Glossier’s Haloscope highlighter, infused with genuine crystal extracts, is your go-to beauty buy. (Haloscope highlighter, $22, available at Glossier)

2. The sheer coverage from the light reflecting pearls in BECCA’s liquid highlighter means it’s perfect mixed in with moisturizers and primers for a natural glow, or layered with another highlighter for an intense shine. (“Shimmering Skin Perfector” liquid highlighter, $41, available at BECCA)

3. Elcie’s Glow Enhancer dry oil packs a double punch with its moisturizing mix of jojoba and rose-hip oils and shimmering glitter fragments. Try mixing it into your foundation for a dewy, hydrated finish. (“The Glow Enhancer” dry oil, $48, available at Elcie)

4. Your face shouldn’t be the only part of you that glows on your wedding day. This body oil from Tom Ford will give your entire body a luminescence that will last through every dance. (“Soleil Blanc” shimmering body oil, $98, Tom Ford available at Neiman Marcus)

5. We would be remiss not to add this cult classic to our list of glow-inducing favorites. Swipe on NARS’ light-reflecting liquid illuminator for a fresh peachy-pink flush of color on your cheeks. (“Orgasm” illuminator, $30, NARS available at Sephora)

See More: The Beauty Products That Will Give You A Radiant Bridal Complexion

Congratulations, you’ve said, “Yes!” and now your ever-growing wedding to-do list probably wont stop until you say “I do.” Amongst the slew of wedding-planning tasks between celebrating your engagement and walking down the aisle is registering for wedding gifts — a fun yet time- and thought-consuming task that you certainly won’t regret. But determining exactly when to register within your giant timeline of events can be confusing, so we’re here to help!

If You’re Having an Engagement Party…
If you and your new fiancé decide to have an engagement celebration, or if a close friend or family member is throwing one for you, it’s important to consider creating your wedding registry beforehand (unless it is a surprise, of course!). While some couples opt for a “no gift” message to spread before an engagement party, most people will still want to give a gift to celebrate your milestone. Without registering prior to the celebration, you might end up with a ton of “Mr. & Mrs.” paraphernalia, or stuff you don’t really need (or want). While all gifts should be graciously accepted and appreciated, if you can register before your engagement party, it’s ideal.

The Must-Register Deadline: Your Bridal Shower
This is a must. As long as you’re having a bridal shower, you really need to register for wedding gifts. Even if it is a surprise, you should aim to have your registry completed at the time your invitations are created and/or mailed. Whether you opt for filling your wedding registry with traditional housewares, honeymoon funds, or newlywed adventures — it’s all relative in terms of timing. Guests at your shower will want the guidance to help them select the perfect gift, and you’ll be happy that you did.

General Rules of Thumb
In terms of general etiquette guidelines, most professionals agree that within the 7-9 month range before your wedding date is the ideal time to register. Within this time, it’s implied that your bridal shower and any other pre-wedding festivities will take place, and with your registry created and ready to go, gift giving (and receiving) will be a breeze.

DON’T go out to celebrate your engagement by scanning everything in sight right away. There are many more wedding tasks to complete before creating a wish-list of wedding gifts, and jumping right into it might very well give off the wrong impression, and add extra stress that you don’t (yet) need. As with everything in wedding planning there is a time, and a place!

Consider Your Needs
Don’t feel obligated to register at one of the “standard” retailers all your married friends registered before you. If you and your fiancé already live together and/or don’t have a need for new bakeware or monogram towels, don’t register for them. Your guests want to give you gifts you will truly love, not that you’ve added out of obligation.

Remember, nearly all registries are digitized now, and you can edit and update your lists at any time, so if you go in person to scan for wedding fits, try not to feel too pressured into making the perfect registry — and happy “shopping”!

See More: Everything You Need To Register For

It’s takes more than being madly in love with a man or woman to be ready to tie the knot. Rather, “you have to be ready for marriage in general before you can be ready to marry a particular person,” says Lesli Doares, marriage coach and author of Blueprint For A Lasting Marriage.

How does one know if he or she is ready for marriage? Our experts say these are the signs to look out for when you’re ready to take the leap.

You’re happy with yourself — with or without your partner.
Says Doares, “It sounds trite, but if you don’t have a good relationship with yourself it will be hard to have a successful marriage.” Why? Because, as Doares says, “being married is about joining two lives together, not giving up one. Being content in your own skin means you won’t be looking to your partner to fill the voids in your life.”

You don’t ask if there’s someone better for you.
According to Toni Coleman, psychotherapist and relationship coach, you’re not ready for marriage if you still wonder whether your true soulmate is still out there. “If your feel torn, confused or concerned about the decision you have made to marry, you are not ready,” she says. “If you look around you ate others’ relationships with a feeling of envy, wishing you had that, then you are not ready. But if you feel certain of this person and who you are together, then you are ready for marriage.”

You’ve got more than love on your side.
Ask yourself what holds your relationship together. If your answer is all about love, you may need to dig deeper before you head toward a big day. “Marriage is the most challenging relationship that exists,” Doares says. “While love is necessary, it won’t be sufficient to make your marriage successful. Marriage is about you and what you want for your life.”

See More: If Your Love Passes THESE 9 Tests, You’re Ready For Marriage

You’re emotionally and financially stable.
Money matters when it comes to marriage. It’s one of the top reasons couple’s report bickering with their partners. Being in a healthy financial state, then, starts your marriage on the right foot. “If your finances are in disarray, or you carry a heavy debt, you need to at least address this before marriage as it will become a major issue and impact your life together,” Coleman says.

You’ve learned from previous relationships.
According to Doares, “being able to stay in love requires you to be able to set boundaries that honor who you are.” And often, she says, we learn to set those boundaries in other relationships. “Getting married before you have this clarity makes it more difficult for it to succeed,” Doares says.

While the West Coast might get most of the attention when it comes to honeymoon planning (after all, it’s hard to say no to wine country and sandy beaches!), there are plenty of amazing locations if you head east. One such locale that’s under-the-radar, but definitely packs a punch when it comes to romance, amazing food, and stunning views is Maine. From quaint inns to waterfront restaurants, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. To help you navigate this secluded honeymooners’ paradise, we’ve put together an itinerary to give you a taste of all Maine has to offer.

Where to Stay
For your romantic getaway, really get away at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport. Surrounded by 60 acres of forests and just a mile from nearby Goose Rocks Beach, this lodge boasts Earth, a restaurant developed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winner Ken Oringer, as well as a spa with treatment rooms high up in treetops. Settle into an intimate bungalow, grab a drink at the Back Porch Bar, or wander the nearby hiking trails. You’ll be a true Mainer in no time!

Where to Eat
You can’t go to Maine without having a lobster roll, and locals will tell you one of the very best is at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset. You’ll know you’ve found it when the traffic on Route 1 slows to a crawl and you spot a line backed up onto the bridge over the Sheepscot River. Grab a spot along the water and dig in.

For more fresher-than-fresh seafood, Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland is a go-to spot for, well, oysters. With 10 or more Maine varieties on the menu, plus a Korean BBQ-inspired broiled oyster and lobster stew with green curry, it’s the perfect spot for a serious fish fix.

Speaking of fish, another hidden gem is Miyake, a Portland sushi bar with global influence. Put yourself in chef Masa Miyake’s hands with the omakase menu, and get ready for some of the best sushi you can get outside of Japan.

Looking for a sweet treat you can feel good about? Head to The Holy Donut in Portland. Get there before noon for your pick of flavors, like pomegranate glaze or Allen’s Coffee Brandy (a local favorite). The secret? The donuts are made with Maine potatoes, which gives them their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

See more: This Couple Said “I Do” on a Farm in Maine — With Anna Kendrick as Maid of Honor!

Where to Drink
Originally opened as a mocktail bar and family-friendly soda shop selling specialty items for soda and cocktail enthusiasts alike, Vena’s Fizz House in Old Portland added a liquor license and has transformed into an evening hot-spot. With unique ingredients and specialty techniques, they shake up concoctions like the gin, pine, and spiced tonic Lumbersexual and a Vodka Collins dressed up with elderflower liqueur and hops — not to mention an apothecary of boozy libations designed to cure what ails you.

Committed to taking care of the planet (they donate 1% of their proceeds every year to environmental causes) as well as making amazing beer, Maine Beer Company in Freeport is just the place to find IPAs and pale ales that would be perfect for an afternoon on the shore.

For a sleek spot with a “geeky” cocktail list, head to Portland Hunt and Alpine Club. Drinks include barrel-aged spirits and are organized into four categories: Refreshing, Adventurous, Classics (and Riffs), and Brown & Bitter. If you can’t decide, ask for a cup of their Daily Punch, an ever-changing combination of spirits and flavors — and only $6!

What to Do
A visit to this coastal state wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the amazing beaches, from three-mile Ogunquit beach to a secluded sand beach in Acadia National Park. Want to get out on the water? If you’re honeymooning from June to August, join Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. for a tour of the Gulf of Maine in search of humpback, finback, and Minke whales. The on-board galley serves beer and wine, so you can sip and snack while you search for these impressive creatures. Or stay closer to shore on one of their light house tours, seeing some of Maine’s most popular lights (as well as coastal mansions like the Astors’ Breakwater Estate and Martha Stewart’s Skylands).

Ready for some relaxation after all that activity? The White Barn Inn‘s spa boasts treatment suites with soaker tubs, a hot stone massage using stones from the Kennebunk River, and body wraps with Maine sea salt. Spend date night in the Couple’s Spa Suite, with 90-minute massages followed by canapé and sparkling wine.