Why You Shouldn't Stress About Strippers at His Bachelor Party

Strippers at Bachelor Parties

Photo: Getty Images

Every week, we give our readers a glimpse inside the mindset of a guy’s brain on weddings with the help of the hilarious and smart editors at The Plunge.

Let us put it to you plainly: Don’t worry about strippers at our bachelor party.

Men hire strippers for two reasons. The first is obvious — we like to have beautiful naked women sitting in our laps. The second is more subtle, but just as important. We hire strippers to bond with other men.

That might seem counter-intuitive, but think about it: If we wanted to have sex with a strange woman, would we really invite our friends, cousins, siblings, parents and future in-laws to watch?

You know the phrase “bros before hoes?” Sure, it’s juvenile and offensive, but it does get at an essential truth about guys: we like to feel connected to our fellow men. Aside from war, golf, and Fight Club (which obviously we can’t talk about), the most intense form of male bonding is bragging about women. Telling crazy stories, making shit up, and generally lying through out teeth — these are all ways we establish our connection to other guys.

Getting married, however, is the ultimate refutation of “bros before hoes.” We’re setting aside our “bros” and acknowledging you as the most important person in our life. (Sorry, that makes it sound like you’re the “hoes” in this example — you’re not, it’s just such a good rhyme). The bachelor party is a final dip in the pool of idealized singledom, a farewell to a lifestyle we probably gave up years ago (if we ever really led it at all).

See More: Should You Be Worried About Wedding Hook-Ups? THIS is What Your Groom is Telling His Friends

The image of the crazy, sex-drenched bachelor party is a powerful one, but the reality is a usually more prosaic. As pointed out in this article and this article — both written by women who’ve worked a lot of bachelor parties — for the most part guys just want to get drunk and hang out. The strippers are only there for an hour or so and they most definitely don’t want to sleep with the groom or any of the guests. They aren’t sexual adventurers, they’re just professional entertainers trying to make a living. They’ve done this hundreds of times. Your fiancé is the man of your dreams, not theirs. To them, he’s just another guy handcuffed to a chair with his shirt off, about to be humiliated in front of his friends and family.

What about the worst case scenario, the one in which your fiancé has sex with one of the strippers? No doubt that does happen sometimes. But here’s the thing: A bachelor party is not going to make your man cheat on you if he isn’t already prepared to do so. If you’re worried about his behavior now, you should really be worried about his behavior later.

Donald Trump's Daughter Tiffany Trump Makes for One Beautiful Bridesmaid

donald trump tiffany

Photo: Getty Images

While Ivanka Trump has been rocking sleek dresses and pencil skirts on the presidential election circuit with her dad, Donald Trump, her younger half-sister just stunned in an ensemble of an entirely different kind — a bridesmaid dress! The youngest daughter of the Republican presidential nominee, Tiffany Trump, served as maid of honor at a recent family wedding. Think best dressed bridesmaid will be on the ballot this November? Because Tiffany would definitely be in the running for the title!

Over the weekend, Trump attended the wedding of her aunt — Marla Maples’ sister, Danielle Haynes — and scored an extra special role in the nuptials, according to People. The 22-year-old was maid of honor, wearing a floor-length strapless bridesmaid dress in a soft blush hue. Featuring a sweetheart neckline and subtle ruching on the bodice, the frock was ultra-flattering and totally fitting for the Georgia nuptials that were full of Southern charm.

Trump showed off her wedding day look on her Instagram page with a sweet snapshot of herself at the rustic-chic venue, holding a baby’s breath bouquet and with her blonde locks swept up into a loose, curly ponytail. “#Proudmaidofhonor,” Trump captioned the photo, totally looking the part.

See More: Melania Trump Wore a Wedding Dress to the Republican National Convention

She also posted a black-and-white pic of herself and her boyfriend Ross Mechanic — who scored plus-one status at the affair — where her beau is seen adorably pushing Trump on a swing. Super cute, y’all!

Maples also got in on the wedding fun, posting a must-see selfie on social media featuring her daughter and the bride heading to the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage. “#Favemomentever,” Maples captioned the snapshot. “The most glorious bride & day ever.” Maples was twinning with her daughter, also donning a pale pink dress for the big day.

So what do you think of Trump’s style of bridesmaid dress? We have a feeling it’s going to be HUGE.

Saturday down South #proudmaidofhonor

A photo posted by Tiffany Ariana Trump (@tiffanytrump) on Sep 17, 2016 at 4:18pm PDT

6 So-Called 'Healthy' Foods Nutritionists Wish You Would Stop Eating

smoothie

Photo: Getty Images

Eating healthy should be as easy as strolling through a park on a sunny afternoon, but it’s actually more like maneuvering through a minefield. You may think you’re eating good-for-you-foods, but you could be wrong. There are a lot of things out there that sneakily pack in unnecessary sugars and extra calories, all the while parading around like they’re part of a well-rounded diet. The worst part? Even the most diligent clean-eaters get tripped up by these so-called healthy foods from time to time. Seriously, no one is safe.

If you aren’t sure about the nutritional value of something, check out that ingredients list. If sugar, or some mysterious, unpronounceable ingredient is towards the top of list, you may want to opt for something else instead. According to nutritionists, these six foods are the ones that are most likely to fall into that healthy-seeming trap.

Smoothies
“I love smoothies, but they can be deceptively high in calories and not necessarily filling, which could cause you to end up eating more in the long run. Smoothies made fresh with fruit, vegetables, and nuts can be a good way to add more vitamins and minerals to your diet. However, if you aren’t making it at home, watch out for the ingredients. Some smoothies can end up having over 400 calories while sneaking in a lot of added sugar$even if that sugar is in the form of honey, agave, or maple syrup, it still counts as added sugar!” — Jen Flachbart, M.S., R.D.N.

multigrain bread

Photo: Getty Images

Multigrain bread
“This is a tricky term. Multigrain may mean the bread was made with a variety of grains, but it doesn’t mean it was made with whole grains. The various grains may still be refined. The only way to know you’re getting whole grains is to check the ingredient list, and the first words listed should be ‘whole grain.’ Instead of multigrain, choose a whole grain bread.” — Abbey Sharp, R.D., Abbey’s Kitchen

See More: A 5-Day Clean-Eating Meal Plan

flavored oatmeal

Photo: Getty Images

Flavored instant oatmeal
“Flavored instant oatmeals are loaded with added sugars — if you check the ingredients list, sugar is usually the second ingredient listed after oats. One packet of instant oatmeal usually adds about 3 teaspoons of sugar to your day. Ditch the instant oatmeal and make your own overnight oats for a quick, healthy breakfast. For ultimate control over your added sugar intake, sweeten it with real fruit or a teaspoon of maple syrup.” — Kara Lydon, R.D., L.D.N., R.Y.T., author of Nourish Your Namaste and The Foodie Dietitian Blog

bottled salad dressing

Photo: Getty Images

Bottled salad dressing
“Bottled salad dressings can carry stabilizers, sweeteners, and much more salt then you would add to your own dressing. Instead, just whisk together some dijon mustard, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar for a simple and clean dressing. Add some fresh or dried herbs to elevate it even more.” — Miranda Hammer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

See More: 8 Sneaky Ways To Debloat In Just One Day

sushi

Photo: Getty Images

Sushi
“I often find that people think all sushi is healthy because it’s made with fish and they think of rice as low-fat. However, there are dramatic differences in calories among the variety of menu items. A shrimp tempura roll can pack over 500 calories, nearly as many calories as a Big Mac. Additionally, each roll can include up to one cup of white rice. That’s a lot of refined carbohydrates. To keep your sushi meal healthier, ask for brown rice — which will fill you up faster — and choose rolls with more fish and veggies and fewer crunchies and sauces. Also, fill up on miso soup, or salad with dressing on the side which are both low-calorie choices.” — Lauren Harris-Pincus, M.S., R.D.N., owner of Nutrition Starring You

frozen dinner

Photo: Getty Images

“Light” frozen dinners
“Many of these are lower in calories, but are also lower in whole grains, vegetables, and food overall. Whole grains and vegetables are two foods that will keep you fuller for longer. You’re better off cooking up a lean protein source and pairing it with a serving of grains and vegetables.” — Sharon Palmer, R.D.N., The Plant-Powered Dietitian, author of Plant-Powered for Life

Quotes have been edited for clarity.

See More: 8 Myths About Healthy Eating You Need To Stop Believing

BRIDES Chicago: 5 Libraries You Can Totally Get Married In

Nothing goes better with a storybook romance than actual storybooks. Here in Chicago, book-loving brides and grooms looking to start their next chapter surrounded by the classics can check out several literary locations in the area. Whether you’re hoping for a more academic atmosphere or just a touch of tattered covers, Chicago’s volume of volumes, shelves, and cerebral charm is bound to impress you and the love interest in the story of your life. Here are five Chicago libraries that can totally double as wedding venues.

Harold Washington Library
As a working public library and the Chicago library system’s main location, this downtown structure named for the city’s first black mayor has perhaps the most authentic library energy of the bunch. On the building’s ninth floor, the grand glass-roofed Winter Garden is a rentable sun-drenched reception favorite with its many architectural details and room for up to 400 guests. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Newberry Library
For a more studious feel, the Gold Coast’s Newberry Library for independent research offers a number of exclusive scholarly settings. The 1893 library (which, like the Harold Washington center, is also still in use) has been fully-restored in recent years and provides spaces including Ruggles Hall with its soaring ceilings, the oak-paneled Towner Fellows Lounge and the ornate original lobby. Across the street, Washington Square Park is an ideal spot for photos. And brides looking for a grand entrance won’t have to search far: historic details like a dramatic staircase, chandeliers and columns can be found throughout the building. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Chicago Cultural Center
Once you’ve experienced the spectacular Tiffany dome — the world’s largest — that anchors the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall, it’s hard to focus on much else. What is now the Cultural Center served as Chicago’s first central public library from the time it was completed in 1897 and today is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the area. Architecture buffs will appreciate “The People’s Palace” for both its sparkling mosaics and dramatic archways, and of course, its nods to its bookish past. Beyond the “crowned jewel” Bradley Hall, several other rooms, galleries and rotundas are also available. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Find The Perfect Wedding Caterer On Our Local Vendors Page

Pritzker Military Museum & Library
It may not sound as traditionally romantic as the other locales, but spaces like the gallery and The Point within this downtown collection feature sweeping views of Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. For a touch of timelessness, The Point displays artifacts like a hand-sewn 1898 American flag and a World War II Medal of Honor veterans or history fans on your guest list will love.

University of Chicago Ida Noyes Hall

University of Chicago student groups and university departments make use of this 1916 former women’s gymnasium and social center for a variety of gatherings, but couples looking to wed within its walls will find the cozy confines of the building’s library and adjacent lounge to be a perfect fit. With room for an intimate seated dinner and views of the university’s Midway Plaisance and Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, the scene is academic chic right down to the wood-paneled fireplace and built-in bookshelves.

The Library

Old world charm meets modern style. Decked out with more than 50,000 law books lining dramatic two-story shelves, this palatial place can accommodate up to 200 guests. Other sophisticated highlights include a custom mahogany bar, Palladian windows overlooking Lake Michigan and old school leather chairs and sofas dotting intimate alcoves.

Haven’t quite found the library of your dreams? We’ve got even more option on our Local Vendors page!

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TBT: The Grey's Anatomy Weddings We Can't Get Enough Of

greys anatomy weddings

Photo: Getty Images

Welcome back Grey’s Anatomy! We’re so excited for the return of fall TV, and that especially includes seeing our favorite doctors back in action at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. As always we can hopefully expect loads of romance from those love-starved docs, and hopefully that means adding more to our list of favorite TV weddings. There’s been no shortage of couples to ship over the years on Grey’s Anatomy, that’s for sure! From OG love birds Meredith and Derek, to Izzie and Alex, Cristina and Owen, and Callie and Arizona, romance is always in the air, even through unspeakable tragedy. And for us that means weddings, weddings, weddings! In honor of the show’s 13th season premiere we’re looking back at our favorite Grey’s Anatomy weddings.

greys anatomy weddings meredith derek

Photo: Giphy

Meredith and Derek
An over the top wedding was planned for Grey’s Anatomy’s resident love birds, but the duo gave their fancy wedding away to Alex and Izzie when Derek discovered Izzie had another tumor. It’s technically not a legal wedding, but Dr. and Mrs. McDreamy’s post-it vows were 100% marriage goals: “Love each other even when we hate each other. No running. Take care when old, senile, and smelly.” And topped it off with a simple “This is forever.” They did get their official city hall wedding later on, but this will forever be the moment MerDer made it “official.”

greys anatomy weddings izzie alex

Photo: Giphy

Izzie and Alex
Izzie gets her fairy tale wedding when her condition becomes worse and Meredith and Derek handover the day she helped plan for them. Knowing Izzie was not long for this world was so heartbreaking, even if we got one of the sweetest wedding vows to grace TV courtesy of Alex: “Today I become a man, a husband. I become accountable to someone other than myself.”

greys anatomy weddings callie arizona

Photo: Giphy

Callie and Arizona
After many ups and downs and family drama — what wedding doesn’t have them? — Callie and Arizona got a gorgeous wedding filled with family (even if it was the family they made at Grey Sloan Memorial). Bailey ended up officiating the couple’s super touching and traditional wedding ceremony, and Callie’s dad eventually showed up to honor her with a father-daughter dance.

greys anatomy weddings cristina owen

Photo: Getty Images

Cristina and Owen
Only Cristina could get away with wearing a red dress down the aisle! The famously non-conformist doc thought wearing white was “sexist and vaguely racist.” A far cry from Cristina’s first attempt at marital bliss: the wedding that never was with Burke.

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Photo: Giphy

greys anatomy weddings bailey and ben

Photo: Getty Images

Bailey and Ben
It was a wedding for the Seattle Grace Mercy West books for Miranda Bailey — Callie, Arizona and Meredith even served as bridesmaids. A wrench was thrown into the wedding plans when Bailey and the Chief were en route to the ceremony and got word that Adele’s condition had worsened. Bailey immediately swapped her wedding dress for scrubs and jumped in to the O.R. to operate on the Chief’s love. Five hours later, Bailey and Ben said their “I dos” and made it official by jumping the broom, and promising to love each other, 5 minutes at a time.

greys anatomy weddings bailey and ben

Photo: Giphy

greys anatomy weddings april jackson

Photo: Giphy

April and Jackson
How do they manage to keep the drama going on Grey’s? With a runaway bride of course!
“I love you, April. I always have. I love everything about you. Even the things I don’t like. I love you and I think you love me too,” Jackson said. Viewers had to wait 10 weeks of hiatus to see that April eloped with her best friend Jackson. Now here’s the important question: do we think perhaps Meredith as bridesmaid is bad wedding day juju? How many weddings have been called off with her at the bridesmaid helm?


See more:
The 24 Best TV Wedding Dresses

greys anatomy weddings owen amelia

Photo: Giphy

Amelia and Owen
Season 12 of Grey’s Anatomy closed with Derek’s little sister Amelia and Owen tying the knot. Things get off to a rocky start (Runaway Bride Part 2?), but it’s Meredith who manages to get her sister-in-law to come to her senses and stop seeking permission from other people to be happy. Maybe we shouldn’t write Dr. Grey off as bridesmaid after all!

greys anatomy weddings meredith bridesmaid

Photo: Giphy

The Best Luggage and Travel Accessories for the Jet Setting Couple

Honeymoon Luggage and Travel Accessories

Photo: Getty Images

Once the honeymoon is booked and rapidly approaching, the last stressful task to complete is packing. Determining what to pack for the trip of a lifetime can be a bit overwhelming to say the least. You always want to look and feel your best, but you unfortunately can’t bring everything you own with you. Fortunately, you can bring some of the best luggage and accessories to make traveling seamless and get you to where you’re going in the easiest, most relaxing way possible. Check out our favorites.

Samsonite Spinner Luggage

Photo: Courtesy of Samsonite

Spinner Style Luggage
Spinner style luggage makes zooming through, and navigating around airports a lot easier (and maybe even a little bit less stressful!) Add this style suitcase to your registry stat! We highly recommend the Samsonite Spinner set. Designed to be able to roll 360 degrees around (which eliminates heavy tugging on your arms and shoulders) spinners come in hard shell casing, or soft design in a variety of sizes and colors sure to meet everyone’s luggage needs. (“Omni PC” spinner luggage 3-piece set, $469, Samsonite)

Samsonite Luggage Scale

Photo: Courtesy of Samsonite

Luggage Scale
The struggle is REAL. Packing for any trip can be tough, but for your honeymoon? Forget it. Unfortunately, unless you want to spend extra for overweight baggage, a luggage scale is a must-have to make sure you pack smart and fit everything you need within the airline weight limits. (Manual luggage scale, $10, Samsonite)

Longchamp Tote Bag

Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Packable Tote
Every bride-to-be needs at least one of these in their bag arsenal. Some of our favorites include the Long Champ Large Le Pliage Tote, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, and the Tory Burch Ella Packable Tote. These styles expand to large shoulder totes perfect for those types of trips where you bring home more than what you came with (the best kind!) and are light to pack when you’re trying to keep things light. (“Le Pilage” large tote, $145, Long Champ available at Nordstrom)

See More: 6 Must-Pack Items for Your Resort Honeymoon

Travel Car Insurance

Photo: Getty Images

AAA Membership
The perfect accessory that fits in your wallet? Yes, please! Not only is AAA a super helpful service for those hitting the road, but it also offers tons of travel discounts and benefits for wherever you’re headed. With modest member pricing, this little card packs a big punch and is a no-brainer for those traveling domestically, too.

J-Pillow Travel Accessory

Photo: Courtesy of J-Pillow

Get Cozy
It is possible to relax in-flight, you just need the right tools. A quality eye mask, headrest and blanket can have you snoozing off in no time, waking up at your destination relaxed and ready to go. Voted British Invention of the Year in 2013, the J-Pillow is a washable, strategically designed pillow/headrest combo that provides support to your head, neck, and chin so you can comfortably sleep. We also love the Barefoot Dreams travel shawl to keep you warm and cozy while you rest, as well as the Sephora Instant Depuffing Eye Mask to keep it dark enough to sleep while ensuring you arrive as a fresh faced new Mrs. (Neck travel pillow, $60, J-Pillow)

These Geometric Wedding Cakes Will Totally Amaze Your Guests

If you’re having your wedding in a contemporary setting like a loft or art gallery, complement the modern space by incorporating geometric patterns like squares, hexagons, and triangles into your wedding cake design (don’t forget to add a touch of gold for a more luxe look!). Get inspired for your own geometric wedding cake with these six unique and creative examples (guaranteed to wow your guests!).

Marbled Cake (above): The marbled fondant tiers and gilded geometric accents were inspired by the pattern on the couple’s wedding invitation. Cake design by the Cake Whisperer.

Chic Paint-Splattered Cake: Modern-minimal tiers are decorated with subtle flecks of paint and a sculptural applique.

Watercolor Cake: Gold-painted fondant triangles add a bit of edge to this pretty, pale-pink-and-green watercolor confection by Jay Qualls of The Frosted Affair.

modern geometric wedding cakes

Photo: Ali & Garrett

Modern & Chic Wedding Cake: A hexagon-shaped middle tier adds visual interest to this stylish cake by Sweet Indulgence.

Contemporary Cake: This fresh, fun take on a wedding cake features bright colors and geometric shapes to make a modern statement.

Watercolor Details: The combination of the textured watercolor details and golden geometric shapes is chic and unexpected.

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5 Bachelorette Party Favors Your Girls Will Love

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Photo: Getty Images

Girls just wanna have fun! And what better way to thank your gals for packing their bags and celebrating YOU all weekend at your bachelorette party than with a fun favor? Not just fun, but practical too, of course. Something they can either use throughout the weekend or bring back home or even better, both! We’ve rounded up five fab bachelorette party favors we think totes fit the bill.

1. Hangover Kits
After all that booze, these kits are bound to come in handy like whoa! Include items like bottles of water, some Advil, breath mints or gum, Emergen-C, Alka-Seltzer and Band-Aids for any drunken accidents, of course. Because, you know, they happen! For the lazy bride and/or host, you can purchase these kits fully assembled on the Internet. Easy peasy, huh?

2. Beauty Bags
Chances are, you’ll be hitting the town all weekend so why not pretty your gals up along with you? Stuff the bag with a few essentials, like fake lashes (who doesn’t love to put those on!), a mini bottle of nail polish and nail file, lip gloss or lipstick (think the drugstore kind to keep your budget in check) and flash tattoos to add an extra dash of sparkle and glam for a girls night out.

3. Floral crowns
If you’re having a tropical-themed bachelorette or really, any summertime bash, floral crowns as favors are always a great idea. They’re fun to wear for day drinking and other activities, look killer in group pictures and best of all, they won’t be tossed right after the bachelorette party. Get a special crown for the bride and gift your girls the same style or personalize them based on each gal’s personality or preferences.

See More: 5 Ideas for Unique Bridesmaid Gifts (That Your Girls Will Love!)

4. Booze
Having your bachelorette party in Napa? Send your girls home with a good bottle of wine from one of the vineyards you hit up! And even if you’re not doing the whole winery thing, vino is basically a universal gift that can be appreciated by all. Do, however, wait until the end of the party to gift your gals. Otherwise, you may wind up downing their booze during the party…um, oops!

5. Jewelry
What girl doesn’t love a cute new pair of earrings or a chic bracelet she can wear beyond the bachelorette party? You can either go all out matching or find jewelry in the same price range to suit each attendees’ style. We’d personally recommend finding something that’s simple enough that everyone will like though, otherwise you might drive yourself a little bit crazy trying to shop. You already have enough on your plate and bachelorette party favors shouldn’t be something you overly stress about.

These Are the Only Travel-Friendly Beauty Products You Need for Your Wedding Day and Honeymoon

Between your wedding dress, accessories, honeymoon outfits and everything in between, there’s no doubt that space in your luggage is at a premium. But even though it’s important to pack light, there are some things — like your toiletries — that you don’t want to skimp on. Whether it’s a glow-inducing face mask to brighten up your complexion before the big day or a texturizing spray your hair will survive off during your honeymoon, these pretty little minis are all under 3.4 ounces so you can look amazing no matter the itinerary or destination.

Travel Ouai Wave Spray

Photo: Courtesy of Ouai

Stylist-to-the-stars Jen Atkin’s buzzy collection of hair products includes this gorgeously scented wave spray — now in a luxe mini size. Sneak it into your wedding day clutch if your hair starts to fall flat or spritz it on during your honeymoon to add a beachy wave to your strands (and complement your care-free, just-married vibe). (Mini wave spray, $12 for 1.7 oz., Ouai)

Origins Travel Frothy Face Wash

Photo: Courtesy of Origins

That moisture-zapping hotel bar soap isn’t going to cut it — especially on your face. This rich, yet gentle face wash wicks away excess oil while encouraging hydration with a unique mix of broad leaf extract, wheat protein and tourmaline. What’s more, it smells amazing, and the spearmint and lavender scent immediately puts you in a cheery mood. (“Checks and Balances” frothy face wash” $12 for 1.7 oz., Origins)

Clinique Travel Makeup Wipes

Photo: Courtesy of Clinique

We’re sticklers for waterproof makeup that stays put throughout the entire wedding day, but that means taking it off before bed can be a struggle. Each of these towelettes are soaked with soothing, hydrating micellar water that instantly melts away stubborn foundation, mascara and lipsticks without tugging at your skin. Plus, the resealable package means it won’t dry out when you toss it in your carry on. (“Take the Day Off” micellar cleansing towelettes for face and eyes, $14 for 50 towelettes, Clinique)

Travel Pillow Spray

Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Between long nights figuring out seating arrangements to pre-wedding day jitters, it feels like you haven’t gotten a good night’s rest in ages. That’s where this little spritz steps in. Its calming blend of lavender, vetiver and wild chamomile essential oils work together to lull you to sleep faster and help you wake up in the morning feeling more refreshed. (“Deep Sleep” pillow spray, $29 for 2.5 oz., This Works available at Net-a-Porter)

Verb Travel Shampoo

Photo: Courtesy of Sephora

Whether you’ve colored or curled your hair into oblivion for your perfect bridal hairstyle, this hard-working shampoo reverses the damage. Great for all hair types, sunflower seed extract, quinoa protein and keratin restores smoothness and strength back into your strands while protecting it against dryness, color fading and frizz. (Hydrating shampoo, $7 for 2.3 oz., Verb available at Sephora)

See More: The 9 Makeup Artists Every Bride Should Follow on Instagram

Sara Happ Travel Lip Scrub

Photo: Courtesy of Sara Happ

You want your first kiss with your new spouse to be perfect, and that starts with soft, supple lips. Eliminate dry, flaky skin by massaging this sugar scrub onto your mouth — the blend of jojoba, grape seed oil and rosemary extract does all the work for you. Plus, to add a dose of fun to your nightly routine, the limited-edition flavor tastes just like the red velvet cupcakes from Sprinkles. (“Sprinkles Red Velvet” lip scrub, $24 for 1 oz., Sara Happ)

Herbivore Botanicals Travel Face Mist

Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

We’re not sure what we love more: the clean, crisp packaging that makes for total Instagram bait, or the hydrating coconut water-based formula inside. This face mist is made with pure plant actives and complexion-boosting hibiscus flower petals to instantly add that coveted bridal glow to your skin. Plus, it features healing aloe vera and redness-reducing antioxidants that are perfect for stressful days leading up to your wedding. (“Rose Hibiscus” hydrating face mist, $32 for 2 oz., Herbivore Botanicals available at Urban Outfitters)

Travel Makeup Spray

Photo: Courtesy of Essence

Make sure your wedding day makeup stays put all night, or simply give your skin a hydrating refresh, with this lightweight, transparent spray. It won’t smear away your look and the fragrance-free formula makes it great for sensitive skin types. (“Keep it Perfect” make-up fixing spray, $5 for 2 oz., Essence)

Travel Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Photo: Courtesy of Tata Harper

Fresh, raw honey harvested from green beauty pioneer Tata Harper’s Vermont farm — even just reading it makes your mouth water. On top of skin-soothing honey, this resurfacing mask is packed with good-for-you ingredients made to deliver intense hydration and a dewy glow in as little as 15 minutes. (“Honey Blossom” resurfacing mask, $65 for 1 oz., Tata Harper)

Travel Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast

Photo: Courtesy of Living Proof

Flat or fine hair instantly turns full and lush with this high-tech texturizing spray. The magic lies in the brand’s latest proprietary breakthrough, a molecule called ETAS, that’s 30x lighter than standard powders (a.k.a. it boosts and lifts hair without adding any weight). Spray it on once, and tousle your hair with your fingers anytime you want to activate its volumizing powers. (“Full Dry Volume Blast” texturizing spray $15 for 3 oz., Living Proof)

This Woman Went to Her Engagement Photos Alone for the Most Empowering Reason

The majority of our favorite Disney classics feature a knight in shining armor who comes to the rescue of a “helpless” princess. But what happens when the prince bails? Well, one woman found out the hard way when she and her fiancé called it quits — right before their magical engagement photo shoot. Instead of having her prince by her side, Brooke Lowry found that it’s ok, even beautiful, to be a princess all by yourself.

Three weeks after her engagement was broken off, Lowry headed to Disneyland for her “Happily Ever After” photo shoot — sans fiancé. “It was a bittersweet day,” she told Huffington Post. “What was supposed to be engagement photos turn out to be a solo session because of unforeseen circumstances. The shoot was already confirmed past cancellation, and the dresses carefully chosen and tailored, so I decided to show up anyways hoping to one day look back on the pictures knowing they marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new adventure.”

Are we the only ones tearing up here?!

Instead of feeling crummy during her solo photo shoot, Lowry found that people were extraordinarily nice, even for Disneyland. “Everyone was so, so kind,” Lowry said. “My hair and makeup artist Tatiana gifted me her services, a precious Disney employee named Pearl ‘Jay’ Wang heard me talking to the photographer and escorted me on a private tour of the Royal Hall, the princesses inside treated me so gently, I got into the park for free, I had a few guests ask me which princess I was, which made my day, and my photographer Drexelle Park was absolutely amazing in every way…I’m so grateful for the smallest acts of daily kindness that make all the difference in a broken world.”

Although Lowry is a fan of Disney’s classic princesses, she’s also very into the modern ladies who are redefining what it means to be a Disney princess. “These remarkable female characters are put in extreme circumstances, but still display qualities that we all have — strength, beauty, compassion, and courage,” she told HuffPo.

See More: Subtle Ways to Embrace Your Inner Cinderella Bride

And Lowry embodied just that at her magical Disneyland photo shoot. Who knows how many brokenhearted women will benefit from seeing her strength and courage in the midst of such hardship, but what we do know is that she’s most certainly the bravest real-life princess there is. As for her next steps?

“I am not quite sure what the next chapter holds…After wrapping up the shoot at Disneyland and watching the fireworks over the castle on my own, I left feeling like anything was possible. All I can do is have courage, be kind, let go of the past, work hard, dream big, and keep believing.”

Anyone would be lucky to have her in their life.