BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up Challenge: Day 14, Drink More Water!

drink more water

Photo: Courtesy of SodaStream

This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers, deciding on your first dance song — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!

Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card. Let’s get started!

Day 13: Drink Up!

No, not champagne, silly! We’re talking about good old H2O. Make sure you get plenty of it every day. “Research shows that sipping water before a meal helps fill you up, and being well hydrated will prevent bloating and give you glowing skin,” says Vandana Sheth, R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Scared you won’t be able to give up that calorie-heavy soda habit? Replace it with water! Invest in a SodaStream to kick that nasty habit to the curb in no time. Bubble your own water at home any time, then toss in some cucumber slices or fresh fruit, like strawberries for extra flavor — cucumbers help with the glow, trust us. You’ll be looking at your H20 as a special treat, just like that.

Miss the caffeine? Brew up a batch of unsweetened iced tea (it counts toward your daily quota, as does coffee).

See More: 5 Ways to Maximize Your Outdoor Couple’s Workout

How much sparkling water should you aim to drink daily? The same as flat water! There are no hard-and-fast recommendations (that eight-glasses-a-day business is actually bunk). But Sheth suggests dividing your body weight by two to get the number of ounces you should be consuming. For example, a 120-pound woman would need the equivalent of seven and a half cups a day. Bump that number up if you workout, and aim to guzzle seven to 10 ounces of fluid every 10 to 20 — and have another cup of water within 30 minutes after you stop.

Just getting started on our 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up? Kick off your journey from Day One, here.

Olympic Games Rio 2016: Michael Phelps' Fiancé Nicole Johnson Shares Wedding Details

Nicole Johnson Michael Phelps Wedding Details

Photo: Getty Images

Michael Phelps may have just completed his last Olympic race ever after snagging the gold for the men’s 4×100 medley relay on Saturday night, bringing his gold medal count to a whopping 23, but before we know it the Olympian will be adding yet another piece of gold to his collection — his wedding ring! Phelps’ fiancé Nicole Johnson just spilled her and Phelps’ wedding day details and the big day sounds like it’ll be a splash! (Get it? Splash? Swimming? We’ll show ourselves out…)

In between cheering on our favorite athletes, we’ve been spending the Rio de Janeiro Olympics positively swooning over the sheer adorableness of Phelps’ little family. Nicole Johnson and her and Phelps’ baby boy, Boomer, may have stolen the title as the Olympics’ cutest cheering section, but as it turns out, it took the Olympian and beauty queen awhile to get where they are today. The pair had originally started dating in 2007 before ending their relationship four years later. “I’m pretty sure we both shared stuff with our parents and were like, ‘Oh, this is it, there’s no way we are getting back together,'” Johnson recently shared with Access Hollywood. “And then when we finally did, it was still a little rocky and figuring things out, figuring each other out because it had been some time. But we didn’t miss a beat.”

In 2014, the two were officially a couple again with Phelps later popping the question to Johnson in February 2015. And this bride-to-be already has her mother-in-law’s stamp of approval. “When he called me, and he said ‘I’m getting back with Nicole,’ I said, ‘That’s where you should be.’ And so he said ‘I’m determined to make this happen,'” remembers Debbie Phelps. And happening it is! The wedding is on and coming up fast, and the bride is finally opening up on those big day details.

“We have a date,” Johnson began, stating that the destination wedding will take place at the end of the year. “It’ll be small and intimate for the wedding and then we’re throwing a massive bash for everyone in the States. So we’re kind of getting things rolling. I’ve been planning as we’ve been leading up to [the Olympics] so I think I have the wedding in order, and now it’s onto the party.”

From the sound of it, this big day is shaping up to win the gold in weddings!

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

Ray J and Princess Love Are Married! See Photos From Their Fairytale Wedding

Ray J and Princess Love Wedding Photos

Photo: Getty Images

Ray J and Princess Love just threw a wedding fit for, well, a princess! The couple — who has been engaged since January — are officially married after throwing a fantastic fairytale wedding on Friday evening, and everything from the bridal attire to the luxurious venue is practically royalty-worthy. Would you expect anything less than regal nupitals after the groom proposed with a $130,000 engagement ring?

“It was never a dull moment in planning and designing Princess and Ray J’s dream wedding,” the wedding planners behind the epic event, Darryl Wilson and Diann Valentine, told People magazine. “They wanted a royal, elegant, and enchanting reception fit for a princess and prince.” And from the looks of these picture-perfect wedding photos (see below), that’s exactly what this bride and groom got! The big day took place at the gorgeous Vibiana in Los Angeles, where Princess Love walked down the aisle in a glitzy and glam Lazaro ballgown which she accessorized with a beaded headpiece. Meanwhile, Ray J donned a traditional black suit jazzed up with a regal chain draped around this chest.

If the couple’s wedding day style wasn’t enough to impress, their star-studded bridal party will sure do the trick. Ray J’s famous sister, Brandy, served as bridesmaid and rapper The Game stood by Ray J’s side as a groomsman. The ‘maids and men walked down the aisle as Anthony Hamilton sang “The Point of It All,” but that wasn’t the only live performance of the night.

At the reception, the bride changed into a slinky, curve-hugging second wedding dress before Brandy performed “At Last” for her brother and new sister-in-law’s first dance. Afterwards, guests dined on a towering eight tiered wedding cake. Yes, eight! Now that’s our kind of fairytale…

“I just want her to have the time of her life and remember it as the best day in the world,” Ray J said ahead of the big day. “Even when I wasn’t with her, I told my friends ‘She the one, she the one.’ It was just something about how I felt when she was around me.” And the bride sounds just as head-over-heels with her new hubby. “He’s the only person I’ve ever been with that I couldn’t see myself without,” said Princess Love.

Congratulations to the bride and groom!

A photo posted by Onthesneak.tv (@onthesneak.tv) on Aug 13, 2016 at 10:41am PDT

A photo posted by The Tropixs (@thetropixs) on Aug 13, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

A photo posted by THE URBAN LEAK (@theurbanleak) on Aug 13, 2016 at 3:54pm PDT

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

Couture-Inspired Wedding Centerpieces That Are Totally Runway-Worthy

Armani Inspired Wedding Centerpiece

Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images; David Meredith

How could one not get inspired when they first lay eyes on the latest couture creations making their way down the runways during Fashion Week? With the endless yards of luxe fabrics, epic embellishments, and unexpected silhouettes, the designer duds couturiers send down the runways give us enough wedding dress inspiration to last the whole year. But we aren’t the only ones feeling inspired. These New York florists used the new couture collections as their own personal muses to create six seriously stunning wedding centerpieces.

Purple Reign (Above)
Inspired by this piece from the Armani Privé Spring 2016 collection, Brooklyn floral designer Denise Fasanello used a laundry list of blooms — ranunculus, delphiniums, anemones, hyacinths, garden roses, muscari, and more — to create an arrangement that’s “elegant and chic but still has lots of movement,” she says. “I especially love how the frilly sweet-pea blossoms perfectly mirror the flowing silk pleats on the dress.” (Price upon request, Denise Fasanello)

Valentino Inspired Wedding Centerpiece

Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images; David Meredith

Fresh Greens
To channel this earthy-but-glam gown from Valentino’s Spring 2016 line, designer Todd Rigby of VSF used serious foliage (eucalyptus, jasmine vines, dusty millers) as the backdrop for a garden-fresh array of spray roses, phlox, lilacs, and lisianthuses. (Price upon request, VSF)

Giambattista Inspired Wedding Centerpiece

Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images; David Meredith

Ruffled Whites
Manhattan floral designer Olivier Giugni of L’Olivier Floral Atelier used phalaenopsis orchids as the spotlight for this chic white-on-white arrangement inspired by a Giambattista Valli Spring 2016 minidress. Dianthuses, lisianthuses, and white lilacs fill out the look. “We used diverse textures to capture the layers and ruffles of the fabric,” he says. (Price upon request, L’Olivier Floral Atelier)

Ralph and Russo Inspired Wedding Dress

Photo: Richard Bord/Getty Images; David Meredith

Textured Pinks
Fringed tulips and novelty roses create a dense field of color in this over-the-top centerpiece by Lisa George at Michael George Flowers. “The concept was tight and sculptural on top and looser and lush at the base,” she says of the arrangement, inspired by a show-stopping Ralph & Russo gown. “The dress is unquestionably bold, and so is the centerpiece.” (Price upon request, Michael George Flowers)

Chanel Inspired Wedding Centerpiece

Photo: Richard Bord/Getty Images; David Meredith

Soft Pastels
Brittany Asch of BRRCH paired the silver and nude tones of Earl Grey roses, carnations, and lilacs with feathery agonis and chocolate cosmos to create this centerpiece inspired by Chanel’s Spring 2016 edgy-fem look. “I added dark accents for contrast and edge,” says Asch. “I wanted it elegant but also a bit glam.” (Price upon request; BRRCH)

Zuhair Murad Inspired Wedding Centerpiece

Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images; David Meredith

Rosy Outlook
To get the look of Zuhair Murad’s gorgeous gown, floral designer Bridget Vizoso blended exotics — orchids, passion vines, amaranths, and monstera leaves — with a medley of bridal classics, like roses, sweet peas, lisianthuses, and ranunculus. “The ruffled, lighter flowers add an airy delicacy,” she says. “Combined with tropical elements, the result is dramatic and sensual.” ($450, Bridget Vizoso)

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See More: 15 Stunning Wedding Flower Wall Ideas

Do I Still Have to Set Up a Registry if We Created a Honeymoon Fund?

parents pay for honeymoon

Photo: Getty Images

Cash wedding registries can be a total boon for the couple who already has everything they need to create their home together. Sure, upgrading is nice, but if you love your dishes and couldn’t possibly fit another kitchen appliance in your cabinets, extra money toward your honeymoon or home-improvement projects will be just as appreciated — and won’t take up any space. But for pre-wedding parties like your bridal shower, when guests traditionally arrive with either kitchenwares or lingerie, is creating an actual registry required? Here’s what our experts have to say.

While you probably have a really good reason for skipping the traditional registry in the first place (we hear you, newlywed kitchens are SMALL!), when it comes to your bridal shower, putting together an abridged registry is a good idea. After all, guests will want to arrive with a gift in hand and save the check for your wedding day, and a registry makes that process much easier. Take a good look at your inventory, and opt for items that you really could use, even if you don’t need them. Remember items like towels, sheets, and other soft goods — they might need an update, or could be great items to have an extra set of on-hand.

Another great idea is to ask your bridal shower hostesses to choose a more specific theme so guests can get you more creative gifts. Do you love to cook? Create a list of cookbooks you’d love to have (our list of must-have titles is a great place to start!), whether it’s every single aspect of Italian cooking or a variety of publications from around the globe. Are the two of you big wine drinkers? Invite your friends to bring their favorite bottle so you can have a wine-tasting night. Love getting everyone together for Game Night? A collection of board games will keep the fun going.

See more: Do All Bridal Showers Need a Theme?

WATCH: One Couple Hosted a Serious Party in the Heart of Kansas City, Missouri

Wedding planning is totally fun, but with so many decisions to make and seemingly boundless ideas to inspire those choices, it’s no surprise that most couples feel stressed out at least once during the process. Browsing through tons of wedding cakes and endless numbers of bouquets can be great, but it’s always better to see how those ideas can all come together. One of our favorite ways to do just that is by watching real couple’s celebrations come to life on the BRIDES video channel. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for a sweet summer wedding that’s a total party, then look no further than Janea and JP’s epic celebration in Kansas City, Missouri.

Thanks to Cork Creative, we got an inside look at every moment of this fun-filled party. One of our favorite takeaways from this couple’s wedding was their incredibly emotional first look. The bride and groom didn’t just meet to ooh and ahh over their significant other’s attire — they shared private notes that were packed with their promises and hopes for their future together.

See More: 25 Wedding Bouquets Full of Fresh and Fragrant Herbs

We loved that this couple shook up a few classic wedding traditions. The flower girl’s black dress felt modern and unique, as did the couple’s modern ceremony décor. And speaking of the ceremony, how sweet was the groom when he saw his bride walking down the aisle? Although they had already seen each other for the day, JP still got teary-eyed seeing Janea walking towards him. Take that first look naysayers!

This twosome knew how to throw a series party, too. The reception kicked off (literally!) with the couple’s loved one’s throwing their shoes to the side so they could tear up the dance floor. In addition to dancing to the couple’s lively band, it looks like their guests spent tons of time enjoying Janea and JP’s photo booth, which was packed with tons of unique props.

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Bar Refaeli Just Gave Birth to a Baby Girl — and We Love Her Name!

Bar Refaeli Gives Birth

Photo: Getty Images

This supermodel just earned her badge as a super mom! Sports Illustrated model Bar Refaeli has just given birth to her first child with husband Adi Ezra. And while we loved seeing Refaeli’s bare baby bump selfies, we have a feeling her little one is even more adorable than those belly baring pics!

Refaeli rang in the New Year with some super exciting news, as she announced that she was pregnant with her first child. Refaeli first shared her mom-to-be status with her Instagram followers in early January, posting a pic of her positive pregnancy test. “2016 is going to be like…” the 31-year-old model captioned the photo, including the baby and bottle emojis that her year was bound to be full of. And now, that baby and bottle have finally arrived!

Us Weekly reports that just a month ahead of their first wedding anniversary, Refaeli and her hubby have welcomed their first child into the world — a little girl weighing in at seven perfect pounds. The model reportedly gave birth at the Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, where the proud parents named their daughter Liv. Simple, short, sweet, and so cute! How could we not love it?

“I think this will be a decade of family,” Refaeli previously said, sharing her plans for more children in the future. “I come from a family of four children… A lot of [moms] could read this and think, ‘Yeah, try having one first.’ Hopefully, I’ll have a big family, but I’ll take it one by one.”

Throughout her pregnancy, Refaeli certainly hasn’t been shy about showing off that baby bump of hers. In a slew of social media photos, we’ve seen Refaeli showing off her tummy in itty bitty bikinis. (What else would you expect a Sports Illustrated star wear?) “You can come out now … I’m ready. And heavy,” Refaeli captioned one snapshot of herself lounging in the pool, her big baby bump in full view.

With all of the pregnancy pics the model has shared, let’s hope she’s just as generous with those baby photos!

You can come out now .. I'm ready. And heavy.

A photo posted by Bar Refaeli (@barrefaeli) on Jul 31, 2016 at 10:32am PDT

A photo posted by Bar Refaeli (@barrefaeli) on Jul 18, 2016 at 10:13am PDT

2016 is going to be like.. ???????? ???? Happy & Healthy New Year !

A photo posted by Bar Refaeli (@barrefaeli) on Dec 31, 2015 at 2:41pm PST

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

Not a Ballroom Bride? Check Out 5 of the Country's Most Gorgeous City Halls

Beyond the fact that a city hall wedding can be as romantic as any other (just ask Carrie Bradshaw), there are tons of reasons it might be right for you. Maybe you love the small, intimate setting or want to officially say your “I dos” before heading out of town for a destination bash. Whatever the reason, you’re in luck: City halls tend to be the most architecturally beautiful buildings in the country. Check out five stunning city hall locales from coast to coast — perfect for your nuptials.

San Francisco City Hall

Photo: Getty Images

San Francisco City Hall
The Beaux Arts-inspired building just might be the crown jewel of the entire country’s civic architecture. And it’s a sight to behold: Rows of trees on each side of a grassy patch lead up to the monumental structure that occupies two full city blocks. Inside is just as breathtaking, with a grand staircase and elegant rotunda offering the perfect backdrop to your post-ceremony photos — or as a reception venue unlike any other if you decide to rent it out for the entire night.

Pasadena City Hall

Photo: Getty Images

Pasadena City Hall
Parks and Recreation fans might recognize Pasadena City Hall as the building used to represent Pawnee City Hall on the show. The six-story domed structure and surrounding grounds take you to the Mediterranean, with one wall studded with more than a dozen arches, a picturesque fountain, and plenty of palm trees. Brides should note that while there isn’t a Commissioner of Civil Marriages at the City Hall itself, you can bring in a wedding officiant and rent out the space for your ceremony and reception.

Cleveland City Hall

Photo: Getty Images

Cleveland City Hall
Once your civil ceremony wraps up, celebrate your new relationship status with photos around the Neoclassically designed building, the outside of which has remained pretty much unchanged since it was first built 100 years ago. Inside, the rotunda’s high, domed ceiling and stately columns make for the perfect spot to capture just-wed shots. Or, you can rent out the rotunda for your reception. Bonus: The second floor mezzanine offers the ideal place to enjoy cocktails and marvel at the building’s architecture.

St Louis City Hall

Photo: Getty Images

St. Louis City Hall
St. Louis’s elegant, Parisian-inspired City Hall can be rented for a quick ceremony and photos for $150 or $1,200 for a large-scale evening reception. You and your hubs-to-be can exchange vows on a grand white marble staircase beneath a ceiling of stained glass that’s been making visitors “ooh” and “ahhh” since the 1890s. Follow the ceremony with photos in front of the building as the Missouri pink granite and brick façade give off an old-world European vibe.

Philadelphia City Hall

Photo: Getty Images

Philadelphia City Hall
Francophiles will swoon over Philadelphia’s City Hall building, which takes a cue from the Louvre and Palais des Tuileries in Paris. You can invite eight of your loved ones to join you and your fiancé on the big day (just be sure to make an appointment in advance — the awe-inspiring architecture means it’s a top pick for Philly brides). Even if you go the more traditional ceremony-and-reception route, plan to do a drive by during your photo session. The shot taken from Broad Street with City Hall in the backdrop may be cliché, but it’s worth it.

See More: 60 Short Wedding Dresses You Can Buy Now

Adrienne Bailon is Engaged to Israel Houghton! See Her Gorgeous (and GIANT) Engagement Ring

Adrienne Bailon and Israel Houghton

Photo: Getty Images

Looks like Adrienne Bailon recently suffered a romance overload! (That poor, poor girl…) Not only is Bailon newly engaged after her beau Israel Houghton popped the question, but the groom-to-be got down on one knee in one of the world’s most picturesque locales — the Eiffel Tower! Could the moment possibly get anymore romantic? As it turns out, yes it can, thanks to a mega-watt engagement ring whose sparkle could compete with that of the City of Lights.

The Real star took to social media to announce her and Houghton’s happy news by posting a très belle engagement ring selfie and a few other celebratory shots (see below) during their Parisian getaway. “You. Me. Oui,” Bailon captioned an Instagram video of her super sparkler glittering in front of the Eiffel Tower. And guys, that rock is HUGE. Even the Eiffel Tower couldn’t compete with the beauty of Bailon’s emerald-cut ring and its haute halo.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Bailon — who was previously linked to music executive Lenny Santiango and formerly dated Rob Kardashian — and Houghton originally jetted to Paris to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the bride-to-be’s parents. But apparently the Grammy-winning Christian musician had some tricks — and a ring! — up his sleeve. After popping the question, he took to his own Instagram page to write a sweet spiel about his to-be wife.

“I have seen and felt the essence of Gods grace through the life, the kindness and the courage of this woman,” Houghton began. “I’ve seen her attacked, lied about, wrongfully accused, mocked, laughed at, and misunderstood. But, I’ve also seen the shining example of the eagle she is that rises above the cacophony of the noise of ignorants — I’m learning from her example.”

“I’ve taken a giant leap of faith in asking her to share life with me forever and to give me a shot at getting it right this time,” the gospel singer continued. “She has graciously granted my request… She said yes. Thanks Be To God. Thank you @adriennebailon for graciously loving me.”

Congratulations, you two! We couldn’t be more excited as you say bonjour to this new chapter.

You. Me. Oui.

A video posted by Adrienne Bailon (@adriennebailon) on Aug 12, 2016 at 6:29pm PDT

I have seen and felt the essence of Gods grace through the life, the kindness and the courage of this woman. I've seen her attacked, lied about, wrongfully accused, mocked, laughed at, and misunderstood. But, I've also seen the shining example of the eagle she is that rises above the cacophony of the noise of ignorants- I'm learning from her example. She loves Jesus. She loves her family. She loves people. Even the ones that don't love her back. I pray God give me that same grace in my life. I've taken a giant leap of faith in asking her to share life with me forever and to give me a shot at getting it right this time… She has graciously granted my request… She said yes. Thanks Be To God. Thank you @adriennebailon for graciously loving me.

A photo posted by Israel Houghton (@ihoughton) on Aug 12, 2016 at 7:22pm PDT

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

BRIDES Southern California: 5 Romantic L.A. Restaurants to Toast Your Engagement

Il Cielo LA Restaurant

Photo: Courtesy of Il Cielo

After he gets down on one knee and pops the question, tradition dictates that you celebrate with an engagement party surrounded by your closest friends and family. But, we think taking a moment to celebrate such a momentous occasion just the two of you is just as important. If the love of your life recently put a ring on it (congrats!), hold off on the engagement party planning for a bit and instead pencil in a date night at one of these romantic Los Angeles restaurants perfect for an engagement celebration.

Il Cielo (Above)
Magic is in the air at this dreamy restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s romantic package is perfect for kicking off your fairytale love story. They’ll adorn your table with fresh rose petals and candles and you and your honey will toast your new betrothed status with a bottle of champagne and a heart-shaped raspberry chocolate cake. Read real brides’ reviews here!

One Pico LA Restaurant

Photo: Courtesy of Shutters on the Beach

One Pico
A romantic candlelit ambiance and sweeping ocean views make One Pico at Shutters on the Beach a winning choice for celebrating your engagement. The glam yet beachy restaurant will spoil you and your soon-to-be hubby with a decadent dinner starring plates like grilled Mediterranean branzino, bucatini pasta and warm chocolate molten cake for dessert. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Yamashiro Hollywood LA Restaurant

Photo: Courtesy of Yamashiro Hollywood via Facebook

Yamashiro Hollywood
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, Yashamiro — Japanese for mountain palace — beckons starry-eyed couples with its blooming Japanese-inspired gardens, koi ponds, and sweeping city views. For the most romantic dinner ever, make your reservation just before sunset and ask for a table by a window so you can watch the sky change colors as you enjoy lots of sushi and sake.

See More: Now That You Have the Ring, Start Planning Your Big Day with the Help of These Local Wedding Planners

Inn of the Seventh Ray

Photo: Courtesy of Inn of the Seventh Ray

Inn of the Seventh Ray
This tucked-away Topanga Canyon gem has seen many reincarnations over the years as a church, feed store, and gas station, but now it serves as a downright dreamy restaurant. Indulge in seared scallops, roasted halibut, or handcut linguine under the stars surrounded by lush sycamore trees, waterfalls, and twinkling lights. Finish with a champagne toast. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Melisse LA Restaurant

Photo: Courtesy of Melisse

Melisse
Getting engaged is a big deal and it calls for a splurge-worthy Michelin-star caliber celebration. If you and your babe love food as much as you love each other, then there’s no better place to toast your new ring than chef Josiah Citrin’s fine dining restaurant Melisse in Santa Monica. Get all dressed up and take a seat in the restaurant’s elegant dining room and prepare to be seduced by the chef’s decadent ten-course tasting menu.

To check out even more Los Angeles locales for your engagement party, bridal shower, and even your wedding day, head to our L.A. Venues page!

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