WATCH: Afraid of Wedding Day Rain? This Celebration Proves You Don't Have to Be

If you’re a bride-to-be, we have a feeling your weekend looks a little something like this: Eat, sleep, plan a wedding, and repeat. With two free days to devote entirely towards wedding planning, you might be in need of a little inspiration. Enter our real wedding video channel, packed with sweet love stories and idea-packed celebrations. Each week we take a deep dive into one of our favorite new parties, and today we’re giving you the inside scoop on Cristina and Ryan’s romantic Philadelphia wedding.

Is rain on your wedding day your biggest fear? This beautiful party, which was captured by Florescio Films, will put those worries to rest. Despite less than perfect wedding weather, Cristina and Ryan’s wedding at Stone House went off without a hitch — and looked beautiful, to boot. Rainy skies simply meant guests would have one extra accessory: Umbrellas!

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

Despite the stormy weather, nothing could put a damper on this couple’s good mood. They met for their first look on a covered porch, meaning they could stay dry while still having the natural surroundings as their backdrop. The darker lighting also lent a romantic vibe to their ceremony, thanks in large part to floor-to-ceiling windows behind the altar.

You would have no idea that it was raining during this couple’s dinner reception and dance party. Guests danced the night away without giving a second thought to the weather outside.

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How to Know You're a Pinterest Addict (And the ONE Thing You Need to Do to Cure Yourself)

Pinterest Wedding Addiction

Photo: Leggy Bird

When wedding planning, it’s only natural to want to peruse Pinterest for all of the latest trends and wedding décor ideas. But if you’re like some brides, this Pinterest addiction can get out of hand — sucking up all your time and taking you away from the wedding tasks that need to get done. Here, therapist Allison Moir-Smith shares how she helped a client with a Pinterest addiction as well as what to do when you realize you have a serious pinning problem.

“Hi, I’m a bride-to-be, and I’m a Pinterest addict.” That’s how one bride introduced herself to me. Jokingly. But also kind of not joking.

She’d been engaged for four months, and at the very beginning, her behavior was completely normal by today’s terms: she went straight to Pinterest. She created boards galore for every possible wedding she could have: City chic, country quaint, vintage, modern, destination — the list goes on! At this stage of her engagement, the world was her wedding oyster, and she had the spectrum of Pinterest boards to prove it.

But she got a bit weirded out when large chunks of times disappeared down the rabbit hole that is Pinterest. In her quest for her Holy Grail of centerpiece designs, she’d look up from her computer and 45 minutes had evaporated. And she still hadn’t pinned that perfectly rustic mason jar with precisely styled wildflowers, that impeccably matched her color scheme. “If I just click around enough and spend enough time,” she thought, “I absolutely will find my perfect centerpiece.” The big question is — did she really need to find her ideal centerpiece on Pinterest? Or could she go on using the information she had in her imagination? There comes a time in each bride’s Pinterest journey when you must shift from “everything is possible” to getting actual tasks done.

Making that transition requires you to know what you like, make final decisions, start executing your plans, and get off Pinterest — so you can get your wedding planned. Going cold turkey with Pinterest isn’t easy; it’s a wonderland of possibility and pretty things. But, the website can be a time suck and avoidance tactic as well.

So, if you find yourself still down the Pinterest rabbit hole when you really should be working on prototypes for your centerpieces, do this: Set a timer.

See More: The Flower Wedding Cakes We Absolutely Loved on Pinterest This Week

The bride who called herself a Pinterest addict did just that: she set the timer on her phone to 15 minutes per day, and she let herself click around to her heart’s content during that timeframe. And then she logged out and got to the work on her wedding that actually needed to be done.

If you’re a Pinterest-addict, the good news is that you don’t need to cut Pinterest out completely. For Pinterest, as with anything, can be consumed in moderation.

Allison Moir-Smith is a bridal counselor and author. She counsels newlyweds, too. Visit Emotionally Engaged for information.

The Bachelor's Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell Double Date with JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers

Ben Higgins House of Representatives

Photo: Getty Images

Start practicing your officiant lines, Chris Harrison, and break out the rose bouquet because it sounds like Lauren Bushnell and Ben Higgins of Bachelor fame are getting closer and closer to tying the knot! The Season 20 couple recently spilled their upcoming wedding plans, how they’re enjoying their to-be-wed status, and, oh yeah, the double date they recently went on with The Bachelorette‘s <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2016/08/bachelorette-finale-2016-jojo-fletcher-winner.html“>JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers. Awkward, much?

Double dates with your ex and their significant other? Only in Bachelor Nation! After Ben Higgins chose current fianc&eacut;e Lauren Bushnell and said goodbye to JoJo Fletcher during the Season 20 finale of The Bachelor — after saying “I love you” to both women, we might add! — Fletcher snagged the Bachelorette title and found love with her now-fiancé Jordan Rodgers on Monday’s season finale. And to celebrate, the foursome headed out on the town for a double date!

Bachelorette JoJo Fletcher Engagement Ring

Photo: Getty Images

According to an eyewitness, the two engaged couples chatted over mimosas and sushi, with the brides-to-be comparing and complementing one another on their engagement bling. Reportedly, Higgins also told his ex how happy he is to see that she’s found love. “He said it was crazy that seven months ago he was ending a relationship with JoJo, and was genuinely concerned about her and that he is so happy that she found in Jordan what he has with Lauren,” the source shared with Entertainment Tonight. “JoJo kept saying over and over, ‘It’s so hard to explain the process of what we have gone through to find love.'” All’s well that ends well, right?

But it’s only the beginning for Bushnell and Higgins. Since announcing their engagement back in March — with a gorgeous Neil Lane engagement ring, of course — the couple has moved in together in Denver, Colorado, and the perfect pair is currently filming a new reality show, Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After?. But don’t let that question mark fool you, as The Bachelor couple seems just as in love as ever. “It’s been really fun to kind of step out of the spotlight — the Bachelor world — and just really start our life together,” Bushnell recently told Entertainment Tonight. And that of course entails — drumroll, please… — wedding plans!

Can't wait to eat grilled cheese forever with this man. ????

A photo posted by Lauren Bushnell (@lauren_bushnell) on Mar 27, 2016 at 7:58am PDT

“We don’t have a date yet, but we have kind of started the initial phases,” said the blonde beauty. “We both kind of talked more about maybe a winter wedding… Hopefully cameras will catch it, and I think that’s something that’s really cool, because I know nothing about wedding planning. I wish I could’ve watched someone else plan!”

We’re here to help, Bushnell! Just give us a ring — and a rose!

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

BRIDES Boston: Boston's Best Italian Bakeries for Wedding Sweets

Boston’s North End is considered the city’s Little Italy, lined with authentic Italian bakeries and pizzerias founded by immigrants generations ago. Share a slice of the city’s culture sourcing traditional sweets from some of the best bakeries outside of Italy. Whether you stack these treats on a table for guests to nosh on or offer them as prettily packaged party favors, these local goodies will definitely add a unique touch to traditional wedding day dessert — and have your guests lining up for more.

Mike’s Pastry
This family run bakery is a Boston legend, with a constant queue circling the block at its North End location. Mike has been in the biz for more than 50 years and still hand-selects all the ingredients himself for the Italian-inspired pastries. It’s hard to go wrong here when it comes to picking the perfect wedding pastries, from ricotta- and chocolate chip-filled cannolis to the cream-stuffed lobster tails, which can also be ordered in cake form. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Bova’s Bakery
What could be better than a 24-hour bakery? This North End hotspot has been in Boston since 1932 and has made quite a name for itself — not only for its nonstop service, but also for its freshly baked Italian round bread. The pastries are also a local fave, especially the ricotta cannoli, but why not leave the choice up to your guests? Curate a dessert table that’s topped with tons of traditional sweets, from tiramisu to fresh fruit tarts, that’ll pair beautifully alongside your wedding cake.

Maria’s Pastry Shop
The North End pastry shop is a winner when it comes to cannolis — voted best in Boston. Three generations — from grandma Filomina to Maria and her daughters — are behind these award-winning goods that also include Italian classics like flaky Sfogliatelle clam shells and cream-filled Aragosta lobster tails. Of course you can also go the cake route here, opting for something that’s both sweet and slightly savory — like the soft crust ricotta pie that’s an Italian version of a cheese cake.

See More: Need Some Catering to Go with That Cake? These Boston Wedding Caterers Are the Best of the Best

Modern Pastry
On the opposite side of the street, the shoebox-sized Modern Pastry has drawn its own cult following over its 70 odd year history. The family run bakery brings together three generations of master chefs who’ve perfected Italian traditions like Amaretto sponge cakes and spongy rum-soaked Baba cakes, both great off-the-beaten-path options for your big-day dessert. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Parziale Italian Bakery
It’s been almost 100 years since Grandpa Joe and Grandma Anna landed in Boston from Naples, Italy, who were among the first to open a pizza bakery in New England. The business has been passed down to their son and is now run by Augie Parziale, who has been instrumental in helping keep the family recipes alive. The real draw here is the bread, which comes in styles from ciabatta to French, but couples can also stock their dessert tables with batches of the bakery’s stand-out Italian butter cookies. These are covered in powdered sugar — sure to be a hit with the adults as well as the kids.

Have your (wedding) cake and eat it too at these other yummy Boston bakeries!

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BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up Challenge: Day 6, Have an Afternoon Snack

30 Day Wedding Workout Day 6

Photo: Getty Images

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 6: Have An Afternoon Snack

“I can’t tell you how often I see women wanting to get in shape for a big event and snacks are like the first thing to go. They think it will help them ‘save’ those calories. But if you skip it, your body will work against you,” says New York City nutritionist Keri Gans, R.D., author of The Small Change Diet.

“Your blood sugar will plummet and you’ll overeat at dinner. Guaranteed.” So don’t pass up that P.M. snack, especially if you’re going more than four hours between meals. And be sure to plan for it, too, so you don’t face a vending machine situation.

Gans recommends stashing nonperishable snacks in your bag, desk drawer and car, so wherever you are, you’ll have something good to eat, and keeping other ready-made nibbles in the fridge.

See More: Healthy Breakfast Ideas to Help You Lose Weight Before the Big Day

The ideal snack should be no more than 150 or 200 calories, as unprocessed as possible and contain a mix of sustaining protein and complex carbs to keep your energy up. Think: An apple and a small handful of almonds, a cup of vegetable soup, or half a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread.

How to Handle Bridesmaids with Clashing Personalities

bridesmaids personalities

Photo: Universal Pictures/Courtesy Neal Peters Collection

Your bridesmaids are supposed to be your support system before and during your wedding day — aside from your fiancé, of course! So the last thing you want to have to deal with is clashing personalities in pastel pink. But what if you just know that one or more of your best gals is likely to be a handful? We asked the pros for their advice on managing your maids and enjoying your big day.

If you’re anticipating some drama, no matter how big or small, it’s best to communicate early and often, says Megan Velez of DestinationWeddings.com. “Be mindful of your bridesmaids’ sensitivities or potential issues in advance — you know them best!” Relationship and etiquette expert and author April Masini agrees that talking through things without pointing fingers is best. “Tell them that you’re really stressed because of the conflict and ask if they’d help you with that.” This may put them in more of a problem-solving than combative state of mind.

Still, close friends or family members may have their own meltdowns when there’s the usual stress or anxiety surrounding the big event. “Remember too, that it’s a special day for them as well,” says Aviva Samuels of Kiss The Planner. Although it’s your wedding, your ‘maids are viewing it as their best friend’s wedding, older sister’s wedding, and so on, and they’ve likely spent a ton of time and energy (and money) preparing and anticipating it as well. “If you remember that they too are in the spotlight on this special day, then it will be easier to understand how they can be on edge and with this new found empathy it will be much easier to deal with.”

Velez recommends having plenty of pre-planned meals and excursions on the agenda so everyone keeps busy, and staying calm in hopes that it will diffuse any tension. Of course, if the wedding party members are prone to clashing with one another, you may want to limit the number of times when they’ll be together. Velez says it’s fine to connect virtually (group text, anyone?) or to do in-person meetings one-on-one. Your friends will likely jump at the chance to have some alone time with you, and that may be time you can spend working out whatever issues are at play.

See More: The 49 Mistakes Bridesmaids Always Make

Another great tactic is to give each person in your wedding party a project that doesn’t require collaboration with whoever she doesn’t mesh well, says Stephanie Aspinwall of Pretty Entertaining. “Emphasize to each ‘maid that you’re giving her this job because you know she’s just the right person to manage it, then let her fly and support her as needed,” she says. Masini suggests having one bridesmaid host the grannies and another deal with the florist so they can focus on the task at hand and feel useful. “Building people up often helps keep them from tearing others down,” Aspinwall adds.

Looking for one more way to keep everyone happy and reduce any competitiveness? Let your girls choose their own looks, Aspinwall suggests. If you provide them with a color palette and a few style directions, feel free to let them find gowns they love. And hope that any energy that might have gone into feuding will go into finding the perfect dress.

When it comes to the wedding day, build in some buffer and schedule the clashing bridesmaids far apart from one another for hair, makeup, processional order, and formal photos. Play it safe and seat them at different tables, both at the rehearsal dinner and at the wedding reception, if possible. “Give them the opportunity to enjoy some personal space, rather than throwing them together all day long,” Aspinwall adds.

If all else fails, never underestimate the value of a sincere heart-to-heart. It’s important to acknowledge that your friends aren’t getting along but to ask that they get to know each other better and see why you love both of them. “Ask them to give it a chance for your sake,” Samuels says. “If you handle it in this way, at the very least there won’t be any ill will and they will respect your need for bridesmaid-harmony.”

Honeymoon Packing Ideas: Cute Travel Fashion for the New Mrs.

woman-traveling.j

Photo: Getty Images

Whether you’re dying to show off your new “Mrs.” title to the world or just looking for a little extra travel comfort, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fashions for the new “Mrs.” headed out on her honeymoon.


Wear it With Pride

You’ve waited a long time to be a Mrs. — so sport your new title with pride. With endless options available on Etsy and tons of other shops, too — sport your Mrs. moniker, or Wifey status on travel friendly t-shirts, tanks, or trendy off the shoulder sweatshirts for a trendy trek. For the extra “aww” factor, consider matching or complimenting Mr. and Mrs. themed shirts you can sport along with your new husband.

keds sparkle sneakers

Photo: Courtesy of Kate Spade

Chic and Comfy Shoes
Both footwear fashionistas and comfort-before-style believers will agree — whether you’re taking planes, trains or automobiles, comfy, supportive footwear is essential, and can make or break your positive traveling experiences. Pack away the heels and trendy sandals for dinners, and opt for practicality without it being at the expense of fashion. Luckily, there are tons of fashion forward footwear options to keep you comfy AND chic while your headed to, or returning from your honeymoon. Embrace the throwback to the classic Adidas staple with the Stan Smith sneaker. You also can’t go wrong with Converse Chuck Taylors. (‘New York’ glitter sneakers, $80, Keds for Kate Spadeavailable at Kate Spade)

Want a little bit more glam? The Keds for Kate Spade glitter sneaker can be worn on your big day and travel days, too. Don’t call it a comeback (but it really is) Birkenstock sandals are back “in” and are extremely comfortable and supportive (and will make TSA lines a breeze.) The Tory Burch travel flat is also a phenomenal staple for your travel and work wardrobe.

travel leggings athleta

Photo: Courtesy of Athleta


Reliable Black Leggings

Pretty much a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, we can’t stress enough how important it is to have a solid pair of leggings for travel days. Ditch the thin, possibly see thru fabrics for a thick, reliable construction and possibly even moisture wicking features for warmer temps. (Added bonus — these are easy to wash in any hotel room sink and you can rock them for your workouts abroad, too!) Our favorite beloved legging superstore Lululemon‘s High Times Pant with Full-On Luon are high-rise and 7/8 length with flat seams and a “no-dig” waistband for extra comfort. Athletic and athleisure retailer Athleta‘s Metro High Waisted Legging will keep you stylish and happy all trip long. (‘Metro’ High Waisted Legging, $79, Athleta)

mcm backpack

Photo: Courtesy of MCM

Cute Carry On
You’ll need magazines, books, water, headphones, beauty essentials and more readily accessible to help pass the time on your journey to wedded bliss, so be sure to pick the best carryon for you. Always reliable (and super on trend at the moment) backpacks are a convenient hands-free way to lug around your necessities. Check out Hershel for fun and funky colors and prints, while luxury lovers may opt for the hot new MCM Backpack.
Cute yet durable carry-all totes are also fabulous option to not only contain your travel items but to complete your chic travel ensemble. Longchamp, Furla, Louis Vuitton and Kate Spade are amongst some of our favorite shopper-style tote designers. (‘Stark’ backpack, $595, MCM)

See More: How to Get Sexy Honeymoon Hair Without Packing the Blow Dryer

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Might Be Secretly Engaged

blake shelton gwen stefani wedding planner

Photo: Getty Images

Are Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani getting ready to walk down the aisle? Rumors of upcoming engagements have swirled around the adorably in love couple for months but new reports have it that they have already secured a wedding planner to help with their wedding day.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani have cemented their place on the list of our favorite Hollywood couples. The PDA-loving couple seems so genuinely in to each other that we can’t help but wonder when they will decide to make it official. And we’re not the only ones! TMZ is reporting that the The Voice couple is officially engaged to be married and wedding plans are in the works! Sources have shared with TMZ that Blake and Gwen have reportedly retained the services of celebrity wedding planner Jerri Woolworth. It should be noted that Woolworth has offices in Tennessee, where Blake calls home.

Other sources have told People.com that the couple sees a longterm future together but that there’s no wedding in their immediate plans. “Everyone is expecting it to happen at some point, but Gwen is touring and busy,” the Stefani source told People. “The time just hasn’t been right.”

So are they or aren’t they? One thing’s for sure, the couple shows no sign of slowing down their courtship, and Blake even bragged about how he wooed his girlfriend with a song to the Today show. “It’s funny because I only started the song to just try to impress her,” he explained. “At that time we were getting to know each other and I thought, ‘I’ll write her a song, that’s what I’ll do!'”

See more: The Most Iconic Celebrity Brides of All Time

Earlier this week a source revealed to People magazine that the country star and the “Make Me Like You” singer were not headed down the aisle just yet. How could you not be hearing wedding bells after seeing that, right? You can’t play coy with us, you two! In fact, how lovey-dovey Shelton and Stefani were last night supports the latest rumor about the future of their relationship. “They are not engaged yet,” a source close to the “Make Me Like You” singer recently divulged to People. “Everyone is expecting it to happen at some point, though.” Obviously! We already dreamed up all their wedding details, after all!

So is it true? Are Blake and Gwen making all of our dreams come true and getting married this year? For now all we can do is cross our fingers and picture Adam Levine as the greatest best man possible!

The Punchy Color Palette at This South Carolina Beach Wedding Will Leave You Saying Goodbye to Blush

If you had asked Bri McDaniel and her friends where the best place to find a potential suitor would have been in 2009, you’d get one resounding answer: the Georgia Tech campus. “You gotta love those engineers,” Bri laughs now. Humor aside, their instincts were on point. It was there, at a campus pizzeria, that Bri first bumped into Phil Richards. And she hasn’t left his side since.

Five years later, Phil popped the question at a park, and the couple began to plan their casual March 21, 2015, wedding on Folly Beach, South Carolina. As Bri says, the process was quite relaxed — thanks in large part to the help of the team at Detailed I Do’s — as was the couple’s barefoot, sandy ceremony and gold,
black, and white reception near the beach. And with Michelle Scott Photography there to capture every colorful detail, you’re sure to find ample inspiration for your own eclectic fete.

Bri and Phillip invited about 70 guests to join them at their celebration. “I wanted a very chill beach trip for my guests, where we just happened to be getting married,” the bride says.

Bri knew she didn’t want to go the traditional white route for her wedding dress. “I was looking for a gold dress with over-the-top sequins,” she says of the perfect gown. When she spotted her Vienna dress on the rack at a store, she admits the glittering material immediately stood out. And with its $100 sale price tag, this bride couldn’t resist buying it on the spot. That being said, Bri does admit she wondered about her final choice until the wedding day. “It didn’t really feel right until I was walking down the aisle toward Phil,” she says. “His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, so that was when I knew then that I had made a pretty good choice.”

Bri went without a veil, choosing to wear a floral crown in hues of red, orange, pink, and peach instead. She carried a bouquet of roses, anemones, greenery, favoring the same cheery colors as her crown.

And if you needed more proof that their wedding was entirely relaxed, just listen to this: Phil’s suit came from H&M. And his stand-out accessory? “He carried a flask that his best friend engraved for him,” Bri says.

Bri’s bridesmaids chose their own black dresses from either Rent the Runway or Forever 21. “I wanted them to choose a dress that they felt the best in and that represented their personal style,” the bride says. Each ‘maid also carried a slightly different bouquet, in hues of red, pink, peach, and yellow.

The twosome envisioned a wedding ceremony in the sand, where the natural beauty of the beach could speak for itself. “I really wanted to be surrounded by nature during my ceremony,” Bri says, so it was no surprised that the couple kept their décor to a minimum. A wooden arch served as the focal point of their celebration, and was covered in an asymmetrical garland with pops of pink, orange, and red flowers.

Bri’s father walked her down the aisle, with the sounds of the ocean as the only processional music to be heard, and her grandfather acted as the couple’s officiant.

While the couple did write their own vows, they didn’t put pen to paper until minutes before the ceremony began. “I wanted them to truly come from the heart,” she explains. “No special quotes. Just short and simple.”

The newlyweds held their reception at a nearby open-air pavilion. “It allowed my guests to have the beach as a reception backdrop,” Bri says, and for the couple to yet again let the natural beauty that surrounded them take center stage.

Bri and Phillip sat at a sweetheart table, topped with a sparkling gold runner and a bottle of hot sauce, all the better to slather their Southern Comfort dinner with. “We used the food to tell who we are as a couple,” the bride says. On the menu: chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and collard greens.

Their sweetheart table included gold marquee letters in the couple’s initials, flanked by flowers.

Other tables were topped with the couple’s DIY project: Mismatched wine bottles spray painted gold, and filled with bright flowers. While some wooden tables remained bare, the couple dressed others up with black and white chevron table runners. Their sweet favors, miniature fruit pies, also doubled as dessert.

Bri and Phillip danced to “Just the Two of Us,” by Bill Withers, then opened up the dance floor for their guests to get down.

At the end of the night, Bri and Phillip gathered their guests on the beach and sent off Chinese wish lanterns. “It was really special because Phil and I made a private wish along with everyone else,” Bri says. “It just seemed like everything was full of hope and promise.”

If Bri and Phillip’s laid-back wedding sounds like a dream, it can be yours, too. No matter how complex your wedding day plans are, Bri says to remember everything will work out. “Chill out and everything will naturally fall into place as it should. Nothing will really go as planned on the wedding day, but that’s what makes it exciting and special.”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Pelican Watch Shelter at Folly Beach || Wedding Planner & Invitations: Detailed I Do’s || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Vienna || Hair: Shear Rhythms || Makeup: India Drummond || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Rent the Runway; Forever 21 || Groom’s Attire: H & M || Wedding Bands: Helzberg Diamonds || Florist: Victory Blooms || Music: DJ Chuck Nice Inc. || Catering & Favors: Carolima’s Low Country Cuisine || Rentals: Synder Event Rental Company || Photographer: Michelle Scott Photography

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Searching for more beach wedding inspiration? Then watch another couple say
“I do” with the ocean as their backdrop in the video below.

What to Do When You and Your Sister-in-Law Don't Get Along

Future Sibling In-Law Dislikes You

Photo: Touchstone Pictures/Courtesy Neal Peters Collection

Weddings are about more than just your love for one another and the new family you’re creating: It’s the joining of both of your families, parents and siblings included. And while you absolutely love your fiancé, there’s no guarantee you’ll be equally enamored with their siblings. So what’s a bride to do when she and her sister-in-law just don’t get along? Our experts have a few tips.

The good thing is, there’s no rule that says you and your sister-in-law have to be the best of friends. Especially if you live far away from your fiancé’s family, as long as the two of you can be cordial when you get together for family celebrations and visits, you’re golden. Just be friendly, do your best to get to know her, and put a smile on your face. She is his sister, after all!

If it’s more than just not getting along, that’s when things get sticky. Whether the two of you have had some sort of fight, she doesn’t approve of your marriage, or she’s jealous, any sort of animosity between you two has the potential to cause rifts with your fiancé, as well. Begin by trying to talk about it. Did one of you offend the other person somehow, and you haven’t had a chance to clear the air? Use your upcoming nuptials as a reason to get it all out on the table, and at least try to get to a place where you can tolerate one another. If it’s a bigger issue and she really doesn’t believe that the two of you should get married, you and your fiancé should discuss how you want to handle it as a couple. Don’t ask him to choose between you and his sister — that would be making the problem even worse — but instead ask how he recommends you handle any time you need to all spend together, and find a balance that you are BOTH comfortable with.

No matter the situation, the only behavior and reactions you can control are your own. Be kind and civil, avoid causing drama or bringing up past issues that are already resolved, and know when to excuse yourself for a breath of fresh air. The more you can stay calm, cool, and collected, the easier it will be — and hopefully you’ll be able to warm up to one another over the years.

See more: Can Having a Mean Sister-in-Law Make or Break Your Marriage?