These Are the Most Pinned Wedding Cakes on Pinterest

If there’s one thing that gets us really excited here at BRIDES, it’s wedding cakes (trust us, we’ve tasted quiiite a few in our day!). And after hunting down the most-pinned wedding dress and engagement ring on Pinterest, it only felt natural to check out what the top performers were in the confection department. To be honest, we expected more “trendy” cakes to be front and center on the list, but it turns out brides still appreciate the classics. Sorry, our beloved geode cakes!

#1:

The wedding cake with the most pins (97,300 to be exact) on Pinterest is this simple, four-tiered cake that is adorned with pink and orange roses and covered in what appears to be a white buttercream frosting. But what really sets this minimalistic cake apart from the rest is what’s beneath it — a wide chunk of a tree with the names Lindsey and Jake carved out of the bark as a nod to the age-old tradition of couples marking their love in trees for years to come. Too cute.

#2:

Coming in at 68,600 pins, this adorable — and totally DIY — naked wedding cake is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The spongy strawberry and cream tiers look beautiful in photos, but let’s be honest, they look even better in our stomach. Nom.

See More: Go Bare: 43 Naked Wedding Cakes

#3:

Much like our top contender, this wedding cake beams with understated elegance. Covered in a wonderful layer of white buttercream frosting and topped with a bundle of fresh flowers, it’s easy to see why Pinners have gone nuts over its simple beauty.

#4:

This cake is anything but simple, with blue orchids trailing the side of the five-tier treat and intricate frosting designs grazing the white fondant. It clocks in at a total of 63,700 pins, which definitely makes sense when you catch sight of the too-cute penguin characters on the left-side corner.

#5:

Again with the simplicity! We’re totally crushing over the tiny frosting dots on this three-tiered floral cake. It looks like Pinners are definitely into it as well, pinning it 61,500 times.

Here are three other cakes who scored rave reviews on our fave wedding planning social platform:

The key takeaway to these rather revealing stats? Well, it seems the simpler the better when it comes to your wedding day dessert (and your wedding décor TBH). That being said, we’ll NEVER say no to a naked wedding cake covered in fresh peonies or a cake painted in gold. To each their own!

6 Wedding Photos You'll Totally Regret Not Taking

It’s true what they say: a picture really is worth a thousand words. And we’d personally hate for you to miss out on capturing a single magical moment on the biggest day of your life. So bookmark this page (or grab a pen and pencil, old school brides), and be sure to jot down these must-have image ideas to add to your wedding photo shot list.

1. The First Look
Although tradition states that a couple shouldn’t see each other until their walk down the aisle, first look photos tend to be our clients’ favorites, tells wedding planner Bianca Hall of Estera Events. Not only does it help alleviate some of the pre-ceremony jitters, but having some time alone with your fiancé before the day really gets moving is such a cherished time. Being able to get it captured on camera makes it even better!” She likes to recommend her clients to do their first look from far away. “This creates an absolutely beautiful art piece and allows the couple a little bit of privacy to experience the actual first look.”

2. One-On-One with Grandma and/or Grandpa
While grandparents are added to the photo list when it comes to group shots post-ceremony, wedding planner Marilisa Schachinger of Martel Event thinks it’s so important to take one-on-one photos with each of your grandparents. “You’ll cherish those photos as the years go on,” she notes. “Plus, they make for fabulous gifts for the matriarchs and patriarchs of your families.”

divorced family wedding photos

Photo: Getty Images

3. The Extended Family
Because how often is it that everyone has the opportunity to get together and look their best? Oh and with a professional photographer to capture it at that! Dezhda “Dee” Gaubert, owner of No Worries Event Planning, agrees. “Always be sure to get photos of family, including extended family. It’s great to memorialize who was there so for generations to come there is a record of family members throughout the years.” Not to mention, these pics make for awesome Christmas gifts for everyone.

See More: 5 Unique Photos to Take on Your Wedding Day

4. An Aerial Shot
One of the best (and super hard to get) is the aerial phto, says Regina Young, owner of Meant2Be Events. “If you’re lucky enough to have a venue that can provide an awesome perspective, whether the couple is a few stories up or the photographer, the image is always amazing.” Depending on your venue rules and budget, drones are also great for getting drop dead gorgeous aerial shots.

5. Sibling Moments
Seems obvious, but believe it or not, solo sibling shots are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of things, points out Chancey Charm Richmond wedding planner Alana Futcher. After all, how often do you get a great pic with your brother or sister and taken by a professional? It’s a win-win! “Always get a photo with your siblings as a present to your parents (or grandparents),” she says.

6. Your Stationery Suite
According to wedding planner Leah Weinberg, owner of Color Pop Events, couples often forget to bring their save the date and invitation suite on the day of the wedding (unless the planner or photographer reminds them). This means the photographer isn’t able to get a photo of all of the paper goods laid out together, and trust us, you’ll want this! “I didn’t get a photo of my invitation suite at my wedding (this was before I became a planner myself) and I absolutely regret not having it,” tells Weinberg.

5 Nature-Themed Bachelorette Party Destinations Around the U.S.

Nature-Themed Bachelorette Party Destinations

Photo: Getty Images

Should you consider planning an outdoorsy bachelorette party? Perhaps the bride-to-be is an avid skier or hits the hiking trails every weekend. Or maybe she’s an outdoor lover but hasn’t had the time to be one with nature in months (blame all the wedding prep!). Now’s the moment to surprise the bachelorette with the ultimate outdoor getaway that can be just as rustic as you’d like. From glamping in volcanoes to slope-side butler service, here are 5 stand-out bachelorette party destinations across the country that redefine the concept of communing with nature.

St Regis Deer Valley

Photo: Courtesy of The St. Regis Deer Valley

The St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, UT
Ladies who want to be close enough to the Great Outdoors while still getting pampered in luxury will feel right at home at The St. Regis Deer Valley. The slope-side resort sitting at the base of Park City’s Wasatch Mountains is perfect for both summer and winter getaways with the girls thanks to its split-level infinity pool and private ski beach. Of course one of the major perks here is the signature butler service in the suites so you and the ladies don’t have to lift a finger, but another is the super cozy Mountain Terrace overlooking the valley and Deer Hollow Run — the perfect spot for cocktails al fresco. When it comes to daytime activities, the options are endless. Take your pick of adventure from kayaking and river rafting to hot air ballooning or simply sunbathing in one of Park City’s many state parks.

Small Graces B and B

Photo: Courtesy of Small Graces B&B

Small Graces B&B at Forget-Me-Not Farm in the Fingerlakes, NY
At Small Graces, digital detoxing never looked so good. The family built and run cottage is just four hours from New York City, which makes for an easy (and budget-friendly) road trip, so all you have to do is plan the perfect playlist and jump in the car. The B&B fits four guests and comes with a farm-fresh organic breakfast served straight to your cottage door. When you’re ready to leave the confines of the cottage, head out and explore the nearby historic village of Owega, where you can also hit the Susquahanna River on kayaks, or take the girls for wine tastings along one of the region’s wine routes.

Red Reflet Ranch

Photo: Courtesy of Red Reflet Ranch

Red Reflet Ranch in Ten Sleep, Wyoming
Ranches aren’t just for cowboys and horses. Bachelorettes can also turn traditional ranch stays into luxe retreats at the Red Reflet Ranch, tucked between the Chugwater sandstone cliffs and Bighorn National Forest peaks. Groups of up to 14 can escape to the Ranch House with Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, a sauna and an eight-person hot tub on the deck that makes for the perfect meeting place for Champagne cocktails. Of course you can still take part in dude ranch activities here like skeet shooting and horseback riding, or you can turn the weekend into a yoga retreat with sun salutations overlooking the area’s coral-colored cliffs.

Hawaii Volcano House

Photo: Courtesy of Volcano House

Volcano House in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The oldest hotel in Hawaii — and the only one sitting in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — Volcano House makes for a gorgeous glamping getaway. The historic hotel dates back to 1846 with 33 rooms overlooking the Halema’uma’u Crater at the summit of Kilauea. Spend the day hiking along the Napau Trail where you can witness the volcanic eruptions that formed the Hawaiian archipelago over the past 28 million years. If the ladies want to really be out in nature, spend a night camping in the park in a wooden camper cabin 4,000 feet above sea level, or take in the views from the comforts of the indoors at The Rim restaurant over a round of mimosas.

Death Valley California

Photo: Getty Images

Country Walkers Tour through California’s Death Valley
Looking to hit the great outdoors but not quite ready to take (or plan) the trek? Leave the leg work in the hand of the masters with a light hiking trip through Death Valley National Park with Country Walkers. The four-day tour will take your group through the Amargosa Mountains and peaks of the Panamint Range with two- to five-mile daily light hikes. After soaking up the stunning scenery each day, spend the evening with the girls at the historic Inn at Furnace Creek lounging at the spring-fed pool or cozying up with sunset cocktails on the Stargazers Deck.

See More: Oh Snap! 7 Social Media Rules You Must Follow at Bachelorette Parties

JoJo Fletcher Shares Sweet Message for Jordan Rodgers on His First Day of Work

jordan fletcher first day of work

Photo: Courtesy of JoJo Fletcher on Instagram

Supporting one another is one of the key aspects of any relationship, and it seems like the former Bachelorette JoJo Fletcher is filled with support for her fiancé, Jordan Rodgers!

Rodgers, a former NFL player and brother of current Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, started his new gig yesterday as a college football analyst for ESPN’s SEC Network in Dallas, Texas. Rodgers shared a photo on Instagram of himself and his fellow sportscasters on Instagram (which you can see below), with the caption, “Fun day back in the SEC, much easier without 100k screaming fans and giant angry men trying to kill me… but only slightly.”

The Instagram photo that really has people talking, though, is the one shared by Fletcher on her Instagram page. A sweet picture of the newly engaged couple out to dinner was accompanied by sweet words of encouragement (and of course, the kissing face emoji).

“So proud of this boy right here — Not only is he the most loving, kindhearted and selfless man. But also unbelievably hardworking and driven,” the caption reads. “Congrats on your first week w/ the SEC Network bubbi! You deserve it.” So sweet!

Though being an analyst for the SEC Network is his newest job, Rodgers told a group of reporters earlier this month that he has been working on some other business ventures as well, according to People.

“I own a company that does nutrition coaching (MetPro), and I’ll be doing that from Dallas as well,” Rodgers said. “And then I’ve been doing broadcasting for the past year — doing radio for ESPN and doing some TV stuff here and there — and I’ll be working with ESPN and SEC Network as a college football analyst.”

Rodgers even took the time to address his failed NFL career, which has been a big elephant in the room for quite some time, especially since the news broke that he and his brother Aaron are the opposite of close.

“I’ve devoted my life to football. I was never the most talented player on the field. I had to work hard of fit, and sharing those experiences and that knowledge is my new focus.”

See More: How JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers Spent Their ‘First Week of Freedom’

Fletcher presented Rodgers with the final rose during The Bachelorette finale last month, and, in tern, Rodgers popped the question with a $100,000 3.75-carat engagement ring. Just two weeks later, the couple road tripped from Tennessee to their new home of Dallas (and took plenty of Instagram pictures in between). The couple has yet to release any details on their upcoming wedding, and fans are dying to know whether or not they will be able to watch the ceremony unfold on television.

We, for one, love seeing the support and positive vibes that come from Fletcher and Rodgers, and we are eagerly awaiting more wedding details!

It's Safe to Say This California Couple Nailed Their Charming & Elegant Seaside Aesthetic

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom Portrait

Photo: Marisa Holmes

Although they grew up just a few miles apart (and attended rival high schools!), Katie Albright and Tyler Miller didn’t meet until mutual friends introduced them during a night out in Newport Beach, California, where they were both living. Once they officially met, it was clear that the similarities ran far deeper than neighboring hometowns: Both Katie and Tyler attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and lived just blocks apart while there. “As fate would have it, timing was everything and we did not formally meet until 2010,” Katie says. Four years later, Tyler asked Katie to marry him at the start of their vacation in Hawaii on November 12, 2014. “It was the best way to begin our trip!”

This California duo gave themselves just over a year to plan their West Coast “I do’s,” enlisting the help of Brooke Keegan Special Events to help bring their vision of a charming and elegant seaside wedding to life. “When I got engaged, the best advice I received was to get a good wedding planner. I know first hand how unpredictable life can be so finding the right person to help take charge in planning my wedding was the best thing I could have ever done for myself,” Katie says. “I was told that Brooke was fearless, loved to be challenged, and was the one person I could depend on to always get things done at the end of the day. I couldn’t imagine anyone else in charge of planning my wedding.”

The end result was an absolutely breathtaking wedding at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, in Dana Point, California. The bride and groom invited 173 guests to take part in their November 14, 2015, nuptials and, lucky for us, Marisa Holmes captured every perfect detail.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Venue Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Pacific Ocean Below Venue
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Elegant Invitation Suite with Custom Monogram
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride's Engagement Ring

Photo: Marisa Holmes

When considering possible venues, Katie and Tyler had a strict list of credentials that needed to be met, all focused around keeping the bride’s mother, who is fighting brain cancer, comfortable and part of the action. “My vision for a wedding included somewhere close in proximity to our home in Newport Beach that was wheelchair accessible and where we could host the ceremony and reception on the same property,” the bride says. “I also wanted a venue where my mom would have somewhere to lay down during part of the day if she felt tired. Our first and only scouting visit was to the Rtiz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. As we toured the property, we were immediately met with outstanding service.”

Other pluses? The couple loved the scenic lawn with ocean views, perfect for their ceremony, and the elegant ballroom, complete with a terrace patio. “Basically everything about this venue was a dream for us,” says Katie.

They invited guests to the party with an elegant paper suite from Jen Simpson Design that featured a custom monogram and calligraphy penned by Little Miss Press.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride in Strapless Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride on Wedding Day
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Romantic Bouquet with Peonies and Garden Roses

Photo: Marisa Holmes

Katie took an open-minded approach to wedding dress shopping, visiting her first salon without any expectations and tried on a variety of different silhouettes and fabrics. “I probably tried on 30 dresses and didn’t fall in love with any of them, but that experience helped me narrow down my search,” she says. With an idea of what she wanted — a fit-and-flare mermaid style with a sweetheart neckline — she headed back out to find her wedding dress, and she did just that with the second style she tried on. Once she put on this Monique Lhuillier gown, Katie knew she didn’t want to take it off. “That ‘this is it’ feeling was profound and I had absolute conviction that this was the dress for me.” Her favorite part about the blush Spanish tulle frock? How it twirled!

She accessorized with her great grandmother’s vintage diamond brooch, which was pinned to the base of her veil, and her mother’s diamond and sapphire eternity band and her wedding band, which was retrofitted to wrap around Katie’s engagement ring. “I love that it reminds me daily or two people who hold the biggest pieces of my heart: my husband and my mother,” the bride says.

Her bouquet was an ultra-romantic mix of peonies, garden roses, and greenery, all tied together with a blush ribbon and a touch of Spanish tulle from the hem of Katie’s dress.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Groom in Black and Navy Tuxedo
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ranunculus and Greenery Boutonniere

Photo: Marisa Holmes

Tyler’s attire was a slight twist on classic. He chose a navy blue tuxedo jacket with a narrow black satin shawl lapel, which he paired with black dress pants and a bowtie. As a longtime blackjack lover, the groom kept two lucky chips from his favorite Las Vegas hotel in his pocket on the wedding day — but didn’t tell the bride about them until the next day! “I just loved the story and we will always keep those chips as a sentiment to our incredible day,” Katie says.

A white ranunculus boutonniere finished his look.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bridesmaids in Blue Jenny Yoo Dresses
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Wedding Party

Photo: Marisa Holmes

With a large bridal party (18 attendants in total!) the bride and groom wanted to keep everyone’s attire simple. Katie let her ‘maids pick between two different Jenny Yoo dresses in a dusty blue color while Tyler asked his groomsmen to rent the same blue tuxedos.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom with Dog
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Dog with Greenery Collar
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ring Bearers with Sign

Photo: Marisa Holmes

The couple’s Labrador, Harlow, has been with them since the very start of their relationship, so it was important was she was included in the day. “When I first met Tyler, I had just gotten Harlow, and luckily for me, he was a dog person,” the bride says. “We had a family friend bring her down to our hotel to take pictures with us before the ceremony. Our florist made a beautiful collar for her. We loved having her there and she made us feel so relaxed and happy.”

Since the adorable pup couldn’t stay for the entire celebration, Katie and Tyler tapped their two nephews and niece to serve as ring bearers and flower girl.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ceremony Space Overlooking Ocean
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ceremony Decorations
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom at Alta

Photo: Marisa Holmes

The outdoor ceremony space absolutely nailed the couple’s charming and elegant seaside vibe. With views of the Pacific Ocean behind them, Katie and Tyler didn’t need to add much for a spectacular setting. Potted arrangements of peonies, garden roses, eucalyptus, and olive branches welcomed guests into the space while a border of lavender, rosemary, and white roses lined the aisle. For their altar, the duo had their florist covered a wooden arbor with cascading flowers and foliage. “It made for a completely picturesque moment, and really enlivened the space where we exchanged our vows,” the bride says.

A string ensemble performed their own rendition of John Legend’s “All of Me” while the bride and her father made their way down the aisle. Once at the altar, Katie and Tyler exchanged traditional vows, but personalized their ceremony with plenty of touching, funny, and memorable anecdotes from their relationship.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ceremony Exit
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Custom Monogramed Cocktail Napkin

Photo: Marisa Holmes

“There’s so much excitement, joy, and cheer in that moment when a bride and groom kiss and are announced as husband and wife,” says Katie. “We wanted our recessional song to be upbeat and make our guests want to leap out of their seats with happiness.” So they made their official exit and Mr. and Mrs. Miller to a string rendition of “Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men.

The couple repurposed their invitation monogram for their cocktail hour napkins. Immediately following the ceremony, guests toasted the newlyweds with tall flutes of bubbly.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Long Wooden Tables with Greenery Garland
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Table Settings
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Silver Bowls with Low Arrangements of Roses, Peonies, and Hydrangea
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Low Floral Centerpieces
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Textured Square Chargers

Photo: Marisa Holmes

The reception included a mix of long wooden farmhouse tables and round tables topped with taupe linens. For each farmhouse table, a long garland of eucalyptus and roses was draped down the center. “I really wanted the natural wood to be exposed,” Katie says. Plenty of candles in a variety of different sizes were the perfect finishing touches.

On each round table, the bride and groom selected silver-footed bowls that were filled with a lush mix of ponies, roses, hydrangeas, and greenery. At every seat, guests found a square ceramic charger and a menu card topped with a fresh flower or olive branch. There, everyone enjoyed a surf and turn dinner.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Red Velvet Wedding Cake
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom Cake Cutting

Photo: Marisa Holmes

One of the bride’s biggest wedding pet peeves is when guests have to wait for dessert long after the cake is cut. “In my experience at weddings, after the couple cuts the cake it usually takes a while for it to be plated and served,” Katie says. “By that time, everyone is already out on the dance floor and hardly touches dessert.” Their solution was to have the venue make a smaller confection for the bride and groom to cut with sheet cakes in the back pre-sliced for guests to enjoy immediately after the cake cutting.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom Dancing

Photo: Marisa Holmes

Guests danced the night away before seeing the newlyweds off for one seriously cool honeymoon. Katie and Tyler rented a campervan and enjoyed a month on the North and South Islands of New Zealand, where the bride’s mother grew up.

Venue, Catering & Cake: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel || Wedding Planner: Brooke Keegan Special Events || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier, purchased at Erin Cole Couture Bridal || Hair: Hair and Makeup Girl by Heidi Garrett || Makeup: Mirror Mirror Beauty by Berit || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo || Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Friar Tux || Engagement Ring: Watch Expo Limited || Wedding Bands: Carol Klein Fine Jewelry; Robbins Brothers || Floral Design: Isari Flower Studio || Invitations & Paper Products: Jen Simpson Design || Calligraphy: Little Miss Press || Music: Enchanted Evening Music Productions; West Coast Music || Linens: La Tavola || Rentals: Signature Party Rentals || Photo Booth: Smilebooth || Videographer: Cloudless Weddings || Photographer: Marisa Holmes

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Planning your own California wedding? Then check out another couple’s West Coast nuptials in the video below.

What's the Best Way to Get Guests to Leave When Our Wedding is Over?

You’ll never want the night to end, but unfortunately every wedding celebration much come to a close. The music has faded, lights are on, and the bartenders stopped serving half an hour ago, but there are still guests milling around. What’s the best way to get them to head toward the door? Here are a few tips from our experts.

You’d think turning up the lights and cutting the music would be enough, but after a night full of fun, your guests may not want it to end, either. If your venue has time and noise restrictions, you could face a fine if it takes too long to clear everyone out. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, ask your band or DJ to make an announcement when their set is over, letting guests know the location of your after party if you’re having one. Ask the catering or venue staff or your wedding planner if they can slowly sweep the room to gently direct guests toward the exit.

Are you providing shuttle service, and the last shuttle is ready to go? Even if the microphones have all been unplugged, have someone announce that the very last shuttle is boarding, and that there will be no more transportation available once it leaves. That should get guests going! Make sure you’ve also made the shuttle schedule available in advance, whether it’s a note in the welcome bag or a sign on the bar, so guests have an idea of when the last shuttle will be departing.

Of course, if you’re simply ready to sit down and put your feet up, if you leave the room, guests will get the picture. Head toward the door, find a quiet spot on the front porch, or go upstairs to your hotel room. When the guests of honor are gone (even if you’re actually planning to meet up with your wedding party at the bar!), everyone else will follow.

Elena of Avalor Star Aimee Carrero and Tim Rock are Married! See Photos of Their Fairytale Wedding

aimee carrero married tim rock

Photo: Getty Images

They’re married! Elena of Avalor star Aimee Carrero married fiancé and longtime love Tim Rock this past weekend. The two tied the knot in Aspen, Colorado in a stunning outdoor ceremony.

Thank goodness for Instagram, where we caught a glimpse into the Disney star’s big day, where Carrero, 28, shared photos from their fairytale wedding. In the photo, the newly married husband and wife are nose to nose in an embrace with the stunning backdrop of the forest, offset by the Rocky Mountains.

aimee-carrero-wedding.jpg

Photo: Instagram via Aimee Carrero

In her caption, the Young and Hungry actress wrote, “Day 1” with a red heart, signifying her first day of married bliss. The bride also shared a wedding gift that they received in the field near where they got married — several knives, a lighter, flashlight, feather, and some other trinkets. With it came a note, which Carrero shared in her caption.

“Blessings to you, A few gifts we bring to you from the mountain people for your journey. A flashlight to light the way in times of darkness. A feather for your dreams to take flight. A palo santo to burn when you need clarity and cleansing,” said the letter that Carrero found along with the symbolic objects. A beautiful pendant to mirror your beauty. Knives as tools to give your fathers. And one to keep your wits sharp. A lighter to keep the passionate fire burning. Tape to mend disagreements. And a paper and pen to write your story. Breathe Deep Seek Peace Fly High All our love, The Rodkes.” While initially a slightly alarming group of random artifacts, the note accompanying it was truly touching.

At the rehearsal dinner, which went down the night before the wedding, Carrero opted for a sleeker look, with her hair parted down the middle rocking a smokey eye and dark red lip. Her white one-shouldered top with black culottes created a sophisticated, elegant look which many brides opt for — rocking a different look — during their wedding weekend.

The bride and her groom, got engaged last November. Their wedding guest list included co-stars Jonathan Sadoski, Rex Lee, and Emily Osment — who were also present during the rehearsal dinner. On the big day, the beautiful bride wore a Naeem Khan lace wedding gown and flowing Cathedral-length veil, which created a beautiful effect during their wedding photos, which were captured by Colorado wedding photographer Rachel Havel and planned by Bluebird Productions.

See More: Beautiful 2017 Wedding Dress Trends for Every Type of Bride

It was a celebration with quite the quintessential Aspen backdrop, breathtaking enough to make any Colorado bride a bit envious. Congratulations on the beautiful affair, you two. See below for the rest of the sneak peeks from their big day!

Day 1 $$

A photo posted by Aimee Carrero (@aimeecarrero) on Aug 21, 2016 at 5:22pm PDT

These Miami beauties and this girl. Love you Aimes!

A photo posted by Beth (@bethie222) on Aug 21, 2016 at 1:02pm PDT

I find it difficult to speak briefly about something so great. My heart is overwhelmed with gratefulness and joy to have been a part of the story of this sweet couple. When speaking of their love story, one of their friends compared it to having been able to see what happens in the movies, happening in real life that day. The amount of love and unity these two posses is inspiring and unreal. I feel so humbled to have witnessed such a sacred part of their lives unfold. To hear the sweetest of stories of who they were before this love of theirs forever shaped them into their best versions of themselves. Yes, A&T, it really was a dream. For you, and for everyone else who was so fortunate to be a part of your incredible day. I can't say enough about the most amazing team involved! @bluebirdproductions @premastyle @elysiumweddings @yonder_house @lutzkarpf @lizweg @hoteljeromecatering @janelemonade @coxmorgan @jstettner @christinemoree @bizziesteel @meganwphoto

A photo posted by Rachel Havel Photography (@rachelhavel) on Aug 22, 2016 at 8:35am PDT

#CarreroRockWedding

A photo posted by Emily Osment (@emilyosment) on Aug 21, 2016 at 8:24am PDT

Never knew I waited my whole life for you ??????

A photo posted by Aimee Carrero (@aimeecarrero) on Jul 17, 2016 at 9:46am PDT

How to Hack Your Happy Hour to Make It Healthier

happy hour

Photo: Getty Images

Finally summer’s in full swing, which means more outdoor classes, more after-work drinks, more weekend parties and more boozy beach days in the sunshine. You want to join in on the fun, but not at the sacrifice of all of your entire winter’s worth of hard classes. Because, let’s face it, those post-work cocktails and deep-fried appetizers can make you feel more guilty than happy.

But good news: There are ways to hack your happy hour so it’s not a waste of time, energy and calories. Here are seven strategies to help you do it all (and still make it to that morning Pilates class):

Slow things down
It’s only natural to make a beeline for the bar after sitting in an air-conditioned office cubicle with limited windows for 9 or more hours a day. But remember that it doesn’t take all that long to acquire a buzz, and your happy hour will likely last two hours or more.

Save yourself the sudden hit of tipsiness and the next-morning hangover by sipping on your drink slowly. Or, better yet, swap out each alcoholic beverage with a water or seltzer. Not only will this help you pace yourself, it will also limit the amount of high-calorie alcoholic beverages you’re consuming. Remember, that margarita might be tasty, but it also clocks in at upwards of 400 calories per drink.

Don’t show up starving
When you’re going to a party with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering appetizers, you may be tempted to skip lunch, but don’t. Saving calories for later might sound like it will all add up just right at the end of the day, but we promise you’ll be worse off.

Instead, enjoy a hearty, healthy and filling lunch so that by the time happy hour rolls around, you’re not in starvation mode and gulping down the nearest fried whatever. After a few drinks, you’ll probably be tempted to go back for seconds anyway, so avoid that desperate race to the buffet by coming hungry — but not too hungry.

Have a limit in mind — beforehand
You’ve been itching for that Thursday or Friday night happy hour since you first sat down at your desk Monday morning. So by the time the day finally rolls around, your mind’s focused on finally holding that ice-cold beer or cocktail in your hand and socializing freely with your coworkers or friends. Not front of mind? How fast the time’s going by and the number of drinks you’ve racked up along the way.

Be smart about how much you consume by going into the event with some kind of a limit. You know how much booze you can handle and how you feel after one, two, three or four, so do your next-day self a favor and anticipate how much you intend to drink.

Walk to the bar if possible
Sure, the train or bus may take only 15 minute, but walking sneaks in some easy exercise and, if you’re accompanied by a group, gives you a nice chance to catch up without having to yell over the loud music and crowd at the bar.

Fun fact: The average person can burn as much as 180 calories just from walking at a 3.5-mph pace for 30 minutes straight. Depending on what you order, that could equate to an entire cocktail burned off! Plus, that rush of endorphins you’ll experience from getting your heart rate up will lift your mood, thus enhancing your happy hour experience (obviously!).

Use a smart mixer
A Coke and rum is delicious, but as “light” as it may taste —because, sure, it’s no frozen smoothie or super-sweet margarita — it still clocks in at about 150 calories. Multiply that by four drinks and you’re looking at over a third of your daily caloric needs. Instead, opt for a Diet Coke and rum, which is only about 66 calories per drink. If you’re really craving that margarita, ask the server if he can make it a “skinny.” This essentially means he’s using fresh-squeezed lime juice, natural agave nectar and a splash of orange juice as opposed to a pre-mixed margarita loaded with a sugar-saturated sour mix.

Ask for extra ice
Aside from keeping your drink nice and cold while you’re outside, ice helps keep your drink filled longer, thanks to the liquid displacement. (The more ice you put in, the higher the liquid inside will rise). Ice also helps dilute the alcohol, sneaking in some hydrating and sobering water. Win, win!

For every beverage, drink a full glass of water

While this might not be the best idea for your bladder (or long bathroom lines at a local fave watering hole), it might save you a major headache the next day. Plus, drinking a full glass of water before going for another round will help you stay hydrated, feel fuller and ultimately, slow you down (see tip #1!).

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See More: Spending More Time Outside Can Help Manage Wedding Stress

Former Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete is Engaged! See the Beauty Queen's Beautiful Ring

Ximena Navarrete is Engaged

Photo: Getty Images

It looks like Miss Universe is about become Mrs. Universe! Former pageant queen Ximena Navarrete is officially engaged, after her sweetheart Juan Carlos Valladares popped the question. And after seeing Navarrete’s #EngagementRingSelfie on Instagram, we’re even more jealous of her stunning sparkler than we were of her blinged-out pageant crown! (Seriously, how much sparkle does one woman need?!)

After snagging the Miss Universe crown back in 2010 — and becoming only the second Mexican citizen to do so, we might add! — Navarrete has been keeping busy as a successful actress, working on popular telenovelas. So of course, her proposal was totally soap opera worthy!

According to E! News, the beauty queen’s boyfriend of one year, Juan Carlos Valladares, took Navarrete to the Palacio Museum of San Agustín, where he pre-arranged for the installations of the art gallery to serve as perfect proposal ambiance. Valladares then popped the question with a to-die-for engagement ring, featuring a large-and-in-charge center diamond on a silver band. And of course, the bride-to-be couldn’t help but show off her new beautiful bauble with an #EngagementRingSelfie (see below) on the ‘Gram. No worries, Navarrete — we wouldn’t be able to help ourselves, either!

“Today my @jcvalladares gave me the most beautiful surprise in the world!!!!!,” Navarrete wrote in Spanish, captioning a photo of herself and her beau embracing. “I am the happiest woman in this universe!!!!! I’m getting married to the best man, my best friend, and the man with whom I dream about forming a family. I love you!!!! You’re the best!!!”

See More: A Photographer’s 4 Secrets to Looking Natural in Your Wedding Photos

After the proposal, the perfect pair headed to an engagement party with their family and friends to celebrate. With a ring like that, we’d be popping the champagne too!

Now, on to the wedding planning! We’re crossing our fingers that Navarrete opts for a tiara over the traditional veil come the big day. What could be more fitting for a to-be-wedded pageant queen? After all, the bride is basically the queen of the day anyway, right?

A photo posted by Ximena Navarrete (@ximenanr) on Aug 20, 2016 at 9:41pm PDT

A photo posted by jcvalladares (@jcvalladares) on Aug 21, 2016 at 1:46pm PDT

The 5 Things Guests Hate Most About Weddings, According to Real Guests

things guests hate about weddings

Photo: Getty Images

For the most part, wedding guests are simply happy to be a part of your big day. But it turns out, they’ve got a few pet peeves when it comes to weddings. Here are five things guests hate most about weddings, from real wedding guests.

“I have been to my fair share of weddings and love being a part of their special days. But with that said, I absolutely hate delayed receptions — the ones where you get there and no beverages or food are served for more than an hour. Especially if children are invited, there should be activities to keep them busy or else you end up with a room full of hungry guests and bored kids running around.” — Crystal

“Every wedding I’ve attended has been a wonderful celebration filled with laughter, love, tears, and lots of dancing, which makes for a great party every time. But even though every one has been a blast, a couple weddings I’ve attended had some rough starts and the cause usually started with the planning — or lack of planning — that went into communicating with the guests. My one piece of advice as a guest is think about the best way to stay in communication with all of your guests as the wedding progresses, because something almost always changes last minute. We as guests want to make sure we’re bringing our A-games to your big day!” — Jessica

See More: The 8 Things That Are Guaranteed to Make Wedding Guests Happy

“I understand that a lot of guests look forward to weddings for the free food and booze. But not me. I’m in it for the ceremony. What can I say? I’m a big sap. So my biggest pet peeve as a wedding guest is when couples don’t consider whether their guests can actually hear them during the ceremony. If you don’t use a microphone, chances are we won’t hear anything that’s happening. And instead of sharing the moment along with you, we’ll just be stuck twiddling our thumbs.” — Anna

“I just went to a wedding in which the bride sat down at our table to say hello and just launched into this very long speech about how tough wedding planning was and how she wished she had just eloped. When she got up from our table and moved to the next, I heard her give the same spiel to another guest. I get that she was probably just stressed from it all and needed to vent. But as a guest, it made me feel pretty uncomfortable. Your wedding is a happy occasion, but it’s pretty difficult to see it that way when you spend the whole reception complaining about how miserable it was to get there.” — Marianne

“Cash bars. I understand that not everyone has the budget for an open, full bar. That’s OK. But in that case, try to offer a limited bar, such as just beer and wine. Guests will really appreciate it — especially the ones who have traveled or had significant expenses in order to come to your wedding.” — Jennifer

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