Until Niki Damascus and Joseph Gesualdi tied the knot, the long-distance couple had never lived in the same state. That’s right: From the time mutual friends set them up until they said their vows, the couple commuted from Boston to Rhode Island to sneak in time together. But the distance actually brought them closer together. “Even when we first met, I remember thinking how strange it was that there were no awkward pauses or weirdness,” Niki says. “It was like we had known each other forever.”

To celebrate joining their lives — metaphorically and (finally!) geographically — the couple simply envisioned one big party. But it turned out that their July 25, 2015, wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, was more than just an epic bash. With a soft peach-and-pink color palette, their day was romantic and glamorous, with charming vintage touches.

It took a little more than a year — and the help of wedding planner Details With Love — to pull off the big day. “This wedding truly was a labor of love,” says Niki. “Even though we hired a wedding planner, it was important to me that I be involved in selecting every wedding element, from the largest to the smallest detail.” And, as you’ll see in these images from Jack Jeffries of Christian Oth Studio, her attention to detail more than paid off.

Says Niki, “When it came time to pick a wedding location, we wanted somewhere that was not only meaningful to us as a couple, but also a place that could serve as a weekend getaway full of fun and festivity for our guests.” Therefore, they invited their 150 guests to join them in Newport, Rhode Island, where they have vacationed with friends for years, selecting the stunning Rosecliff Mansion as the site of their reception.

“It was very important for us that our guests have an amazing weekend start to finish, from the rehearsal dinner to the wedding and brunch and the beach the next day,” Niki says. “Since wedding days are typically a blur, we wanted the opportunity to spend the entire weekend making memories with our favorite people.”

The bride knew her Carolina Herrera wedding dress was The One when she couldn’t bring herself to slip out of the lace fit-and-flare gown. “With every other dress I tried there was always something I wasn’t sure about or that I wanted to change,” Niki says. “But with my dress there wasn’t a thing I wanted to change.”

The lesson? “There’s the perfect dress out there for every woman, and you should never settle for something you’re not absolutely in love with,” the bride says.

Niki initially wanted to carry a peony bouquet but with the time of year that the couple got married, the beloved bridal bloom wasn’t an affordable option. Instead, her florist created a for a romantic and organic bouquet packed with less spendy — but equally gorgeous — garden roses in hues of cream, blush, and peach.

In keeping with the rest of the wedding, Niki wanted the bridesmaids’ dresses to feel romantic and ethereal. The bride chose off-the-shoulder, floor-length Amsale gowns in the party-appropriate hue of “Bellini.” Meanwhile, the groomsmen kept their looks classic in traditional black-and-white tuxedos.

Niki and Joseph held their ceremony at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, a small but beautiful church with décor that really packed a punch. “Because Greek Orthodox churches tend to be very ornate, we decided to keep our ceremony décor to a minimum,” the bride says. A few pews were adorned with small floral arrangements and pink ribbons while two large arrangements flanked the altar.

The couple’s traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony didn’t include vows, but did include a tradition in which the bride and groom don crowns tied to one another to symbolize their union.

When it came to their reception, it was very important to the couple that the grandeur and natural beauty of Rosecliff Mansion be able to speak for itself without being overpowered by additional decorations. The couple’s soft color palette made that easy to do, even with towering arrangements of garden roses, hydrangeas, orchids, and greenery throughout the room. “We wanted the space to feel warm and inviting, so we used candlelight, lanterns, and soft amber lighting throughout the room,” the bride says.

The couple’ reception décor included a mix of towering and low floral arrangements, all accented with trailing sprays of Dendrobium orchids. “We chose vintage inspired gold and crystal vases for the high arrangements, and mixed metals and mercury glass for the low tables,” the bride says, adding that candles on each table lent a romantic ambiance to the party.

Table settings included vintage-inspired flatware, glasses, plates, and chargers, while menus cards and table numbers where etched in gold calligraphy. “We also incorporated our monogram throughout the day on the menus, our welcome notes, and seating chart,” Niki says.

Because the bride and groom are huge foodies, the menu was very important detail for both Niki and Joseph. In the end, they decided to serve casual fare like mini short rib sliders and truffle tries, fish and chips in newspaper cones, and nachos paired with margarita shooters during cocktail hour, then indulged in a more formal dinner of Greek and Italian table stations, and capped off the night with a taco truck. “We thought that was the perfect post-bubbly snack for our guests on their ride home,” Niki says.

The couple’s five-tier wedding cake was made from layers of toasted almond cake with dulce de leche over apricot preserves and vanilla mousseline, and dark chocolate cake with raspberry mousseline and bittersweet ganache over raspberry preserves. It was covered in cascading sugar flowers, gold dusted piping, and fondant pearls.

Niki and Joseph didn’t want a traditional bridal party entrance, so they walked into the reception and straight onto the dance floor, taking their first twirl to Leon Bridges’ “Coming Home,” a moment the bride says she’ll never forget.

Looking back on their wedding day, Niki urges couples with the means to hire a wedding planner. “The last thing you want is to be stressed out about details or what is or isn’t happening,” she explains. “The best decision I made was having a wedding planner who not only helped with the planning, but also handled everything the day of. I don’t even think my phone range once the whole morning. It was so nice to have the day to relax and spend time with my girlfriends without having to worry about anything.”

Ceremony Venue: St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church || Reception Venue: Rosecliff Mansion || Wedding Planner: Details With Love || Bride’s Wedding Dress and veil: Carolina Herrera || Jewelry & Wedding Bands: Tiffany & Co. || Shoes: Prada || Hair & Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale || Groom’s Attire: Armani || Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux || Florist: Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design || Invitations: Sugar Paper || Music: Occasional Brass & Strings; Vali Entertainment || Catering: Russell Moring Catering & Events || Cake: Ana Parzych Cakes || Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen; Rentals Unlimited || Favors: The Booth || Videographer & Photographer: Christian Oth Studio

Want more wedding inspiration just like this? Then check out another couple’s mansion celebration in the video below.

Figuring out where each of your guests will sit brings up a lot of questions — and a lot of politics. From aunts who haven’t spoken in years to divorced parents to that high school friend who doesn’t really know anyone, picking a seat for each guest can be stressful! And while at this point anyone who has agreed to be in your wedding party pretty much has to follow whatever directions you give them, you’ve still got to decide where they’ll sit. So do you have to seat them all together? Our experts weigh in.

Where you seat your wedding party depends on where you’ve decided to seat yourselves. If you’ve opted for a sweetheart table instead of a head table, you can either have a separate table where your bridesmaids and groomsmen all sit together (either themselves or along with their dates), or you can opt to have them serve as hosts for a few tables throughout your reception. The latter is a great option if you’re bringing a number of groups of friends together who don’t know one another: Split up your wedding party to host tables full of guests they know, or mix-and-match and ask them to introduce everyone and get the conversation started.

If you’re having a head table, the traditional option would be to seat your bridesmaids and groomsmen by your sides, whether on either side of the two of you or alternating around the table. If you have the space, invite their dates and plus-ones to join you, as well.

You could also opt for a family head table, sitting with your parents and siblings and having your wedding party host other tables.

If you do decide to have your bridesmaids and groomsmen sitting at separate tables, try to disperse them evenly throughout the room. Even if three of your bridesmaids are close friends and the other two are from different phases in your life, avoid the urge to seat those ‘maids together and separate the rest of them — you wouldn’t want those two remaining bridesmaids to feel left out of the fun!

See more: Should We Seat Relatives Our Age with Family or with Friends?

With more designers embracing modest wedding dress trends — long sleeves, high necklines — there’s more variety to suit any bridal style. Which means choosing a wedding dress with a bit more coverage, that suits every bridal style, doesn’t have to break the bank! Sheer lace cap sleeves feel utterly romantic while bell sleeves are perfect for a boho bride. From modern sheaths to lavish ball gowns, we’ve rounded up 15 gorgeous modest wedding dresses all under $5,000.

1. (“Prospere” gown, $2,900, available at BHLDN) shown above

2. (Embellished tulle gown, $1,298, Needle and Thread available at Net-a-Porter)

3. (3D Floral Dress, $291.15, available at ASOS)

4. (“Candela” embroidered tulle dress, $3,750, available at Jenny Yoo)

5. (“Exotico” lace and tulle ball gown, $2,925, Rosa Clara available in-store at Nordstrom)

6. (“Angeli Lattice” embellished chiffon gown, $3,395, Temperley London available in-store at Nordstrom)

7. (Illusion lace mermaid dress, $4,230, Jesus Peiro available in-store at Nordstrom)

8. (“Lainee” silk chiffon gown, $2,950, Christos available in-store at Nordstrom)

9. (“Ella” crepe wool gown, $4,610, Roland Mouret available at Net-a-Porter)

10. (Short sleeve lace dress, $1,298, White by Vera Wang available at David’s Bridal)

11. (Lace wedding dress, $1,250, Melissa Sweet available at David’s Bridal)

12. (“Lita” silk gown, $2602, available at Catherine Deane)

13. (“It Dress” micro rib gown, $550, Badgley Mischka available at Shopbop)

14. (“Louise” lace gown, $1,495, Theia available at Shopbop)

15. (“Empire Guipure” bell sleeve dress, $1,350, Zimmermann available at Revolve)

See More: 3 Ways You Can Get Your Dream Wedding Dress for Less

Whether you were ready to start trying yesterday or you’d like to get pregnant in the coming months, it’s never too early to ask how you can have the best and healthiest pregnancy possible, says Maria J. Brooks, president of Lamaze International and a labor and birth nurse.

“Choosing to have a baby is a huge decision that is best made when you are physically healthy enough to carry and birth a baby, emotionally ready for the changes baby brings and financially able to support the costs of raising a child,” she says. “Preparing for pregnancy mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially will promote a healthier and more positive experience and the best start for your baby.”

Here are seven questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you’re ready.

1. Is my partner fully on board?
Teamwork makes the baby dream work. So before you put a proverbial bun in the oven, have a serious talk with your partner about whether he or she is ready to be a parent, and how he or she envisions the parenting process. You may be surprised to find you have different opinions, warns Alison Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Moms. “And you certainly don’t want to start from a place where the decision was one-sided and your partner comes grudgingly to the table.”

2. Am I or is my partner a carrier of a genetic disorder?
Knowing may not prevent you from getting pregnant, but knowing whether you pose a genetic risk to your child could change the way you move through your pregnancy. “A simple blood test can be ordered for you and your partner and with the help of your physician you can review these results and move forward,” says Jane L. Frederick, M.D., reproductive endocrinologist and medical director at HRC Fertility. “If a genetic disorder is discovered, there are options such as IVF to prevent your future child of having the disorder.”

3. Are we fertile?
As women age, the health and number of our eggs often diminishes, and the motility and health of men’s sperm can be affected, too. Frederick advices that women in their late 20s and older should visit their doctors in order to test their fertility as well as their partners. Now’s also the time to look at how your lifestyle habits could affect your fertility. “It’s important to avoid smoking, drugs, or drinking alcohol, as these can all impact your fertility, making it difficult to conceive or result in an unhealthy conception,” Frederick says.

See More: How to Have Better Sex After Having a Baby

4. Who do I choose to be my pregnancy and childbirth care provider?
Your instinct may be to turn to the OB/GYN you’ve visited since you hit puberty. But you may find yourself scrambling after you’ve conceived if your OB/GYN doesn’t deliver. Plus, you may choose to supplement your OB/GYN care with a midwife or family physician. “Healthy woman with healthy babies have many options for their care,” says Brooks. “Your choice of care provider is very important and can impact how you feel during pregnancy and the type of birth you experience. You will be seeing him or her often during pregnancy and it is best to have a provider who is easy to talk to, meets your needs and shares your goals for pregnancy and birth.”

5. Have I optimized my health and medical conditions?
Before you get pregnant, says Jason S. James, M.D., medical director of FemCare Ob-Gyn, you’ll want to check your medications to make sure they’re pregnancy safe. “Many medications can be unsafe in pregnancy, and particularly in the first trimester,” he warns. But women who suffer from health afflictions, such as diabetes and lupus, will also need to consult with their doctor to make sure their health won’t affect their babies. “If you have any significant medical problems, it is best to make sure they are well controlled before getting pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby,” James says.

6. Are my finances healthy?
Let’s be honest: Some people might never have children if they waited for all their financial stars to align. But if you’ve just graduated from law school with several thousand dollars in student loan debt, or you’ve heard whispers at work that layoffs are coming, you might want to hit pause until you find yourself on firmer financial footing, warns Bishop. “So many new parents would like to take time to be home with their new baby, but just can’t make it work financially,” she says.

7. Have I been taking prenatal vitamins with enough folic acid?
According to James, there is significant research to support that taking prenatal vitamins with a folic acid supplement for three months prior to conception significantly reduces the risk of birth defects like anencephay or spina bifida, and other conditions such as autism. So it’s worth popping these pills way before you try to get pregnant. Ask your physician to recommend the right ones for you.

Who doesn’t love curling up on the couch after a long day of wedding planning and popping in your favorite wedding movie? And here at BRIDES, we have quite a few! (No surprise there, right?) In our opinion, after dealing with crunching the numbers for your wedding flowers, venue, and invites, and factoring in those unexpected, pricey wedding dress alterations, there’s no better stress-reliever than ogling over a fictional someone’s no-budget-in-sight big day. But when it comes to those over-the-top nuptials of the movie world, did you ever start to wonder what on earth those no-budget-budgets add up to?

Take Carrie and Big’s wedding in Sex and the City, for instance. No surprise that Carrie Bradshaw’s New York City wedding was just as fabulous as the bride herself. We’ve seen Carrie’s expensive taste (So. Many. Manolos.) throughout the television series, but between that Vivienne Westwood wedding dress and that New York City landmark venue, her and Big’s credit cards must have been stretched to their limits, right? Sure, Bradshaw managed to snag her couture frock for free, but an average dress by the famous designer goes for about $24,000. Yup…

And what about that flower-filled big day of the Twilight series? Most brides-to-be know that wedding flowers don’t come cheap, so what could’ve possibly been the price tag of all those pretty petals? And what about those couture bridesmaid dresses in the modern classic, Bridesmaids? Maid of honor Annie could barely afford the pricey frock. Would you be willing to fork over the $300 bucks for a bridesmaid dress you’re pretty much guaranteed to only wear once? And let’s not forget about that expert wedding planner Steve Martin had to shell out for in Father of the Bride…

The folks over BeFrugal crunched the numbers behind five famous and fictional weddings to find out the exact big day budgets of those costly characters. Scroll down to see the full budget info-graph and prepare for some serious sticker shock!

See More: Memorable Vows from the Best TV and Movie Weddings

The hunt for your dream wedding dress is no easy feat! If you’re getting hitched in Atlanta, we’re helping make your planning process a bit easier by rounding up a few of our favorite local bridal boutiques. From first-class service to an endless supply of beautiful gown options, you’re sure to find “the one” in this list.

Fabulous Frocks of Atlanta (Above)
It’s almost impossible to feel stressed at this airy bridal boutique. The space is serene and inviting, adorned with twinkling chandeliers, full-length mirrors, and racks brimming with gowns. Book a one-on-one appointment to check out the dresses by Claire Pettibone, Christina Wu, Nicole Miller, and many other designers. The salon also carries a variety of accessories to complete your look including custom veils, sashes, headbands, and garters. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Anya Bridal
Anya Bridal boasts a huge selection of gowns for all different budgets (hello, clearance sales!). With 1,500 dresses in stock, you’ll definitely find the perfect dress to say yes to from brands like Allure Bridal, Mori Lee, Madison James, and many more. Once you find the one, they’ll also help you pick out your bridesmaids dresses too. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Brides by NoNa
If you’ve searched high and low and just can’t find a dress you adore, then consider having one custom made just for you. Brides By NoNa creates bespoke wedding gowns for Atlanta brides-to-be. The process begins with a consultation at least 12 to 14 weeks ahead of the big day. We suggest opting for the All the Bells & Whistles package, which includes unlimited rounds of complimentary alterations. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Ensure Stunning Snapshots of You in That Gorgeous Gown with These Local Wedding Photographers

Brides by Demetrios
Embellished ball gowns? Check. Mini cocktail frocks for the reception? Check. Strapless mermaid dresses? Check. Brides by Demetrios stocks many different styles of dresses for every type of bride. Even if you don’t fancy yourself a traditional white-dress-wearing bride, they’re also able to create a unique pink or gold wedding dress just for you. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Joan Pillow Bridal Salon
Founder Joan Pillow has been working in the bridal industry for almost three decades, so it’s safe to say you’re in good hands at her Atlanta salon. Find jaw-dropping designs by a variety of cult-favorite designers. Think ethereal dresses by Monique Lhuillier, glamorous gowns by Oscar de la Renta, high-fashion creations by Marchesa, and more. Read real brides’ reviews here!

To continue your hunt for that dream dress, be sure to check out these other local bridal boutiques!

Have you spotted the cover of our new August/September 2016 issue yet? Get ready to “awwww” at the adorable snap of model — and newlywed — Nicole Trunfio (clad in one of our favorite Amsale wedding dresses) and her too cute son Zion. (Faille de soie ball gown, price upon request, Amsale; Earrings and bracelet, De Beers; Ring worn throughout, Nicole’s own)

We caught up with the model, and new mom, for a day of wedding dress trials in Calabasas, California, just ahead of her epic desert wedding to rock star Gary Clark Jr. — and she brought along a super cute visitor to set — her one-year-old son Zion! Trunfio got down to the business of looking amazing while test-driving some breezy bridal looks, while Zion got down to being a sweet toddler gushing at his beautiful mama. (Silk-Mikado gown with side pockets and plunging V-back, $4,990, Carolina Herrera; Earrings and bracelet, Tiffany & Co.)

Even though she had already found her dress, Trunfio of course loved slipping on these fresh-from-the-runway wedding gowns (J. Mendel, Mark Zunino, Oscar de la Renta, oh my!). “Some of the gowns I saw on set I never saw when i was shopping,” she told us. “My reception dress might have been different if I had done this first!” But according to Trunfio her ceremony dress was a no-brainer — she walked down the aisle in a figure-hugging beaded ball gown from Steven Khalil, complete with a plunging neckline and lengthy train. “This moment everyone talks about when they find the dress? As skeptical as I was about it, it happened to me. It was so epic. I couldn’t take it off for two hours!” Now THAT’s how you know you’ve found the one! For the poolside reception Trunfio slipped into a boho Yolan Cris gown. (Embroidered lace dress with illusion neckline, $4,300, Yolan Cris available at Kelinfeld; Bracelets, Karma El Khalil available at roseark.com; Silk-faille two-piece dress with cutours and open bow back, price upon request, Austin Scarlett; Earrings and bracelet, Tiffany & Co.)

The natural mountain setting couldn’t have been more perfect for the natural beauty, who shined in a barely-there makeup look and loosely-waved or easily-braided tresses for the shoot. Looking to recreate Trunfio’s glowing bridal beauty look created by makeup artist Vanessa Scali? Try this makeup by Maybelline New York: Dream Fresh 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector, Fit Me! Bronzer, Eye Studio Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon in Bronze Truffle, Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencil, the Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara, and Color Sensational the Buffs Lip Color in Nude Lust. (Strapless silk-faille ball gown with pleated skirt and corded pansy lace, $7,899, and silk-organza halter-neck tie-back blouse, $1,3900, Oscar de la Renta available at Mark Ingram Atelier; Earrings and bracelet, Tiffany & Co.)

The jewelry was also kept simple on Trunfio — after all that much new-mom glow doesn’t need any extra sparkle! A couple of statement earrings added a dash of style, but for the most part a timeless tennis bracelet, and diamond studs was all it took to get Trunfio — who wore only her engagement ring for her own big day jewelry — wedding-ready.

Your wedding is one of the most important events in your life. It’s no wonder so many brides spend the evening before tossing and turning in anticipation. So how can you up your odds of getting a good night’s rest before walking down the aisle? We asked sleep experts and wedding pros for their input.

Tip #1: Read a book, write in your journal or just chat with friends, but try to avoid screens so that your sleep hormone, melatonin, can build up uninterrupted. -—Christine Hansen, Integrative adult sleep coach

Tip #2: Don’t drink alcohol. Its digestion will set in around 3 or 4 a.m. and can make it difficult to fall back asleep. —Christine Hansen

Tip #3: A soft massage can do wonders. If a body massage isn’t possible then massaging your face with your night cream will do as well. -—Christine Hansen

Tip #4: Since you can’t eliminate all stress, I recommend scheduled worry, prior to winding down for bed. Give yourself permission to worry for a discrete period of time and when you are done, you are done. If you do feel stressed in bed, consider relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, visualization and meditation. —Cathy Goldstein, M.D., Neurologist

Tip #5: Avoid caffeine after 1 p.m. Caffeine has a long half-life and can suppress slow-wave sleep, the restorative sleep in the first half of the night. —Cathy Goldstein

Tip #6: Exercise a few hours before bedtime. Exercise can increase the amount of deep restorative sleep we get. —Cathy Goldstein

Tip #7: Drink milk, eat cheese, yogurt, or ice cream before bed. Yes, there is truth to the old saying about hot milk! The ingredient tryptophan has a natural calming agent that actually relaxes you without medication. —Dr. Fran Walfish, Beverly Hills child, parenting, and relationship psychotherapist

Tip #8: Pop a supplement, like the Olly Nutrition restful sleep gummie. The melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the internal clock that controls your sleep cycle. L-Theanine is an amino acid that encourages calmness, so you can hush those voices in your head. And the combination of chamomile, passion flower, and lemon balm soothe and relax.” —Dr. Taryn Forrelli, OLLY‘s VP of innovation, nutrition and herbal expert

Tip #9: Turn off all phones! Use the “Do Not Disturb” mode so you are not distracted or woken up in the middle of the night by notifications or messages. —Jyl Deering, Chancey Charm Boston Wedding Planner

Tip #10: Breathing exercises may be the key. I prefer breathing in for 4 counts, holding for 4, and breathing out for 4. Once I can do that comfortably, I work my way up to in for 8, hold for 7, out for 6. This systematic slowing of your breathing can help relax your body and trick you into falling asleep. —Skylar Caitlin, Chancey Charm Houston Wedding Planner

Tip #11: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace and accept that you just might not get your best night sleep and don’t dwell on it. —Kerrie Hileman, Founder of The White Magnolia Bridal Collection

See More: How to Fake a Full Night of Sleep for Your Wedding Day

Emily Post never imagined social media when she established her rules of etiquette. That means most of the time, brides and grooms have to use their own common sense when it comes to figuring out the rights and wrongs of social media and weddings.

Unfortunately, the number of social media posts I see that violate every tenet of basic wedding etiquette tells me that it’s time for a refresher course (or a primer for some of you) on what is, and what is not, the appropriate way to handle social media during your engagement and wedding weekend. In my professional opinion, these are the five things no bride or groom should publicize on social media:

1. Every Single Detail
Remember that not everybody on your “friends” and “followers” lists will be invited to your wedding, and that includes genuine friends that you’re not close to anymore. When you post constantly about your wedding, and they realize they’re not invited, every post with too much detail is like rubbing their noses in the fact that they aren’t important enough to be invited to the biggest day of your life. This doesn’t mean you can’t share pictures from bridal showers or other wedding events, but you need to take care that you’re not flooding social media with pictures that would be better shared in a closed group.

2. Drama, Drama, Drama
Keep your wedding drama to yourself. Never post negative things about your wedding party, your wedding vendors, your family, or anything else wedding-related on social media. You might decide to delete it after you’ve gotten it out of your system, but that’s too late to take back the screenshots people have inevitably taken — and shared — of your social media wedding etiquette faux pas. At the worst, you may lose friends or vendors.

3. Gifts
Don’t post pictures of individual wedding or engagement gifts. It’s not a competition. No matter how great the gift is, you don’t have to publicly thank all of your guests and give them a round of applause on Instagram. That’s why writing a heartfelt thank you note (on paper, not in messenger or email) is so important. Because you don’t want to make other guests feel badly about having given you something less expensive than somebody else.

4. How Much It Costs
It’s impolite to discuss money with friends, and that includes complaining about how expensive your wedding is on Facebook. None of your guests will feel comfortable reading that you’re going to have to work a second job just to pay for them to have dinner at your reception.

5. Calling It Quits
Breaking up is hard to do, and nobody else wants to experience your traumatic reaction if your engagement ends, or you have to cancel your wedding. If, God forbid, you decide not to get married, don’t post about it. Don’t even rush to change your relationship status. The people who matter will know about it through traditional channels of communication and you don’t need to hate on your fiancé via social media, even if things ended terribly. And you certainly don’t notify your guests of a canceled wedding on Facebook.

See More: To Share or Not to Share? That is the Engagement-Period Question

Sandy Malone is the owner of Sandy Malone Weddings & Events and author of How to Plan Your Own Destination Wedding: Do-It-Yourself Tips from an Experienced Professional. Sandy is the star of TLC’s reality show Wedding Island, about her destination wedding planning company, Weddings in Vieques.

There’s no better way to unwind after a wild wedding weekend than with an amazing honeymoon. Forget about packing your passport — the options for incredible destinations state-side are nearly endless, and we bet you haven’t thought of them all. Sure, Hawaii, Napa, and the Florida Keys might get a lot of attention, but why not step off the beaten path and explore a new region of the United States as you get used to being called Mr. and Mrs.? If you’re looking for spectacular views, delicious restaurants, and the perfect glass of wine to share as you toast your new life together, we’ve got the perfect honeymoon destination for you: Washington Wine Country. With vineyards nestled along the Columbia river (and 13 distinct appellations!), miles of bike trails, and quaint inns begging you to stay under the covers just a little while longer, there’s no better way to celebrate. We’ve put together an itinerary to help you start planning this trip of a lifetime — so you can focus your planning efforts on the wedding day!

Where to Stay
Located in quaint Walla Walla (and in the heart of the Walla Walla appellation), the Inn at Abeja (above) is a turn-of-the-century farmstead and working winery that has been expertly restored and transformed into luxury accommodations that are comfortable, spacious, and perfectly private. Book the Edison House, a lofted cottage with an airy room and retro furnishings, complete with a porch and secluded garden sitting area. Head to the dining room for a gourmet breakfast, then tour the vineyards and taste the Cabernet Sauvignon or Estate Syrah.

A photo posted by Barnard Griffin Winery (@barnardgriffin) on Sep 4, 2015 at 10:49am PDT

Where to Drink
You can’t go to wine country without touring a vineyard or two (or three, or four…), and Washington vineyards have been churning out award-winning wines for decades. Whether the grapes are from France or Italy, the estate wines and expert blends are totally mouthwatering.

If you love Bordeaux, head to Seven Hills Winery in Walla Walla. The tasting room is surrounded by their Bordeaux-varietal wines, so you really can’t get much closer to the source.

Looking for Malbec? Why fly to Argentina when you can find fantastic bottles at Union Gap Vineyard, Owen Roe‘s Washington location in the Yakima Valley? Tour the organic estate on the vineyard’s utility vehicle, or post up with a picnic lunch on the lawn.

It wouldn’t be summer without a glass of rosé, and Barnard Griffin has been winning awards for their Rose of Sangiovese for years. Grab a meat and cheese plate, or snack on their house-made flatbreads for a treat to pair with that crisp, cool wine.

Want some tunes with your wine? The Amphitheater at Maryhill Winery is just the place to catch acts like John Legend and Willie Nelson gracing the stage. Pack a picnic, then head to the bar to buy a glass (or a bottle!) of the winery’s award-winning Pinot Gris.

See more: 7 Good “Rules” to Follow on Your Honeymoon

A photo posted by Lindsay (@lind_say_whaaat) on Oct 3, 2014 at 2:21pm PDT

Where to Eat
A great glass of wine is even better alongside a great meal, and Washington Wine Country doesn’t disappoint. For a locally-grown menu prepared by a chef who is locally grown, himself, head to Tendril Restaurant at Cave B Inn in Quincy, WA. The Chef’s Garden provides the restaurant with vegetables and herbs, and invites local school children to learn about plant life and sample the produce. Tuck in to an Italian-inspired menu — with the best of wine pairings, of course!

We’re willing to argue that your honeymoon is the perfect excuse to eat brunch every day, and at The Maple Counter Café in Walla Walla, you can do just that. From French baked omelettes to bacon pancakes (yes, bacon!) to biscuits and gravy, it’s the best way to have breakfast all day.

What to Do
Had enough wine, or looking to mix it up a little bit? Stop by Woodinville Whiskey Company‘s distillery, where you can tour the facility, ogle their one-ton copper still, and taste their bourbon, whiskey, and rye alongside the owners. Their bourbon was named the 2016 Whiskey of the Year, so you’ll probably want to pick up a bottle in addition to those cases of wine you’re shipping home.

While buses, bikes, and even limos might be the most popular transportation options when it comes to vineyard tours, here’s one you might not have heard of before: a vineyard tour on horseback. Yakima Valley’s Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast and Barn will get you into the saddle — on one of the horses they’ve saved as part of their on-site rescue program — and lead you to two local wineries, explaining their operation and the environment that makes Washington wine special along the way. Expect a gourmet picnic lunch (and plenty of photo opps!) to go along with your Western adventure.

A honeymoon wouldn’t be a honeymoon without some time spent relaxing at the spa. The award-winning spa at Salish Lodge overlooking the Snoqualmie Falls is the perfect place to escape and unwind. Indulge in a hand and foot treatment using honey from their own hives, get scrubbed down with coffee (it is Washington, after all) or unwind together on the Hidden Terrace, with the sound of the Falls in the background.