Why One Bride Is Not Shedding For Her Wedding

Why Brides Are Not Dieting for Weddings

Photo: Getty Images

‘You’ll want to get that in a size smaller to accommodate for the weight you’ll lose before your wedding,’ the sales assistant said as I stood in just my thong waiting for her to help me in to my favorite wedding dress of the day.

‘Oh, er OK,’ I stammered back as I stared more self-consciously at my reflection in the mirror.

I’m a size US 6 and UK 10. I don’t think I’m overweight, but I don’t have a six pack. I run marathons, I work out regularly, I eat mostly right. Is this what the sales assistant tells every future bride? Are there girls more petite than me being effectively told to diet, or those who are more conscious of their weight after having it highlighted for all browsing nearby to hear?

And what if the smaller sized dress, the US size/UK size 8, didn’t fit during my final fitting next year? The big sign in the changing rooms announced that it would be my liability, my fault, if that happened, and the store accepted no responsibility.

After leaving the shop and ranting over my Shakshuka with a side of toasted sourdough, I went for a run to clear my head.

I felt great as I clocked up 5 miles at an 8-minute mile pace and realised that this was how I wanted to feel on my wedding day. You’re supposed to feel special in your wedding dress, on one of the most special days of your life, not hungry and over-exercised. I love feeling strong, fit and healthy, not just ‘thin.’ And dieting to get to a specific size is not going to make me feel good.

I want to get married looking like me, the best version of me. I don’t want to look back in years to come and find the girl in the white dress unrecognisable. Although don’t get me wrong, I would like people to comment about how awesome my back and arms look in my v-back dress. If anything, I want to add muscle.

My fiancé loves me as I am.

That’s why he’s asked to spend the rest of his life with me — despite my oversized collection of activewear, my tendency to get up around 6 a.m. even on weekends and the fact that I plan our vacations around marathons. He isn’t marrying me for my thin legs but for my determination to push those legs faster and faster on my runs.

See More: Is Working Out Better Than Couples Therapy? Experts Weigh In

So, lady, no, I won’t be ordering my dress in a smaller size (or from you at all, in fact). I will order my size, the size I’ve been since I started running five years ago. I won’t drastically diet or shed for the wedding. I will continue my regular workout regime, training for three marathons in the months preceding my wedding, and I will eat to fuel and nourish my body through those workouts.

Plus, who wants to get married when they’re hangry?

This post was originally published on ClassPass’s blog, The Warm Up by Danielle Page. ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,500 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Learn more here.

BRIDES Northern California: 5 Historical San Francisco Landmarks Where You Can Tie the Knot

Swedenborgian Church San Francisco Wedding Venue

Photo: WeddingWire

Sometimes newer isn’t always better. San Francisco’s magnificent historic landmarks serve as a testament, and if you’re the type of bride that gets more excited about your ‘something old’ than your ‘something new,’ we’ve found five historic San Francisco landmarks rife with a storied past and oozing with old-school elegance.

Swedenborgian Church (Above)
Built in 1895, this magnificent church was named a National Historic Landmark in 2004 for paving the way for the Arts & Crafts movement on the west coast. Inside, the sanctuary will be awash in warm candle light as you walk down the aisle to meet your fiancé at the alter, which is beautifully flanked by arching beams. After you seal your marriage with a kiss, celebrate in the Parish House, or if the weather permits, opt for an intimate party in the church’s lush garden. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Firehouse 8 San Francisco Wedding Venue

Photo: WeddingWire

Firehouse 8
Once home to San Francisco firefighters, this historic 1916 Russian Hill firehouse (complete with a firepole!) has since been transformed into a Pinterest-worthy event space. The brick-walled building’s Skylight Room (seats 127) and Engine Room (seats 100) can easily be dressed up for a rustic party or be glammed up for a more opulent affair. The possibilities are endless. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Payne Mansion Hotel San Francisco Wedding Venue

Photo: Courtesy of The Payne Mansion Hotel

The Payne Mansion Hotel
As soon as you step foot inside, you’ll fall in love with the Payne Mansion Hotel. Formerly a mansion, which was transformed into a luxury boutique hotel, it’s easy to see why the striking 1881 structure was declared a San Francisco historic landmark. Its Victoria-period architecture is downright glorious. Rent out the place for just few hours or host all your wedding festivities here by booking the entire weekend. Whatever you decide, the hotel’s main event space (accommodates 300 guests) complete with five different rooms can be easily arranged to create your dream configuration.

See More: Adorn Your Venue in Beautiful Blooms from These Local Wedding Florists

Bently Reserve San Francisco Wedding Venue

Photo: WeddingWire

Bently Reserve
Constructed during the Roaring 20s, the Bently Reserve is the jaw-dropping venue that wedding dreams are made of. If you crave a fairytale wedding complete with a storybook venue, this is for you. The locale’s Banking Hall is perfect for a lavish affair (seats 805) with its solid bronze doors, Doric columns, high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and Italian marble floors. When it comes time to walk down the aisle, make a dramatic entrance by floating down from the bronze and marble imperial staircase. Read real brides’ reviews here!

San Francisco Ferry Building Wedding Venue

Photo: WeddingWire

San Francisco Ferry Building
The stunning San Francisco Ferry Building first opened in 1898 and served as a ferryboat station welcoming locals and travelers alike to the San Francisco Bay. Rife with history, the waterfront venue offers an inspiring event space on its second level (seats up to 400 guests) that sets the scene for romance with its marvelous architecture, soaring ceiling, and mosaic floors.

Click here to see even more Bay Area venues to say “I do!”

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The Photos of Paul Anka's Floral-Filled Wedding Are Our New #WeddingFlowerGoals

Paul Anka Wedding Photos

Photo: Getty Images

Paul Anka is a married man! Anyone else wondering if this groom pulled double duty as a wedding singer at his own reception? The 75-year-old singer just tied the knot with his longtime love Lisa Pemberton in a floral-filled wedding day that’s giving us some serious #WeddingFlowerGoals.

On October 22, the legendary crooner tied the knot for the third time, marrying his girlfriend of the past six years at the swanky Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California. “It was a small, cozy and meaningful event,” Anka shared with People magazine. “She’s a great lady,” he said of his new bride. “And a big animal lover like me.” And apparently also a wedding flower aficionado, considering the totally stunning florals that seemingly covered every inch of the venue.

In wedding photos Anka posted to Instagram page, the newlyweds can be seen saying their vows under an arch drenched with blush and white roses. A chandelier also sparkled overhead and a carpet of flower petals lined the aisle of the beautiful outdoor ceremony space. “Me and my beautiful bride Lisa,” Anka captioned one of the snapshots. “What a magical day!”

To make the ceremony even more special, Anka’s 11-year-old son, Ethan, walked the bride down the aisle. “He’s a cool little guy and my only son,” explained the “Diana” singer. “I wanted to make him be a part of it.”

See More: These Are the Top 10 First Dance Songs in the World, According to Spotify

After the “I dos,” the wedding party headed inside for dinner, dancing, and cake. Guests — who included famous friends like producer Brian Grazer, Warren Buffet, Bob and Tamar Manoukian, and Steve Wynn — dined on a four-tied wedding cake (also covered in dozens of roses, of course!). And the couple shared their first dance to Van Morrison’s “Someone Like You,” played by a 21-piece orchestra.

“It was a really special night,” said Anka. That’s putting it lightly!

A photo posted by REVISTA BORDO (@revista_bordo) on Oct 29, 2016 at 12:32am PDT

5 Questions You NEED To Ask Your Honeymoon Travel Agent

Questions for Honeymoon Travel Agents

Photo: Getty Images

The time has come to finally start planning your honeymoon! With everything you have on your plate — they never said wedding planning was stress-free — you may want to seek out the help of a professional and hire a travel agent to help put together the trip of your dreams. Before you pick a destination, and even a date to head there, there may be some important things you want to know about ahead of time. But where to start? Here, 5 important questions to ask your travel agent before you pay for those plane tickets.

1. What Deals Can You Get on Travel?
Destinations and resorts have travel deals going on throughout the year. Ask your agent about any packages that are on-sale. You may be able to head somewhere more exotic and expensive when there’s a sale or a deal going on.

2. When’s the Best Time to Go?
You may be in a rush to jet off right after your wedding, but some destinations are more enjoyable during different times of the year. Ask your agent when the destination isn’t too crowded and the weather isn’t too bad.

3. What’s the Cancelation Policy?
Be sure to look into what the cancelation policy is before you book your honeymoon. See if you can add on trip insurance in case there’s a reason you need to reschedule or cancel the trip all together.

See More: 5 Honeymoons You Can Put on Layaway

4. Is There Anything I Should Know About the Destination?
Ask your travel agent to fill you in on anything important you should know about your chosen honeymoon destination. Perhaps it’s information on whether it’s easy or hard to get around or if it’s a spot that you need to know the native language in order to be able to communicate.

5. Where Have Other Couples Gone and Loved?
If you’re unsure of where to go for your honeymoon, ask the expert. See if they can suggest other locations that couples went to in the past and enjoyed.

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

What Should We Do With Unwanted Wedding Gifts?

wedding gifts

Photo: Getty Images

Even the best-curated wedding registry results in gifts you don’t love, don’t want, or simply don’t have space for. (Hello, tiny newlywed apartments and over-zealous scanning at that registry event!) So once you’ve jotted down who sent what and thoughtfully crafted a thank you note, what should you do with those unwanted wedding gifts? Here are a few tips from our experts.

The best thing about creating a registry at a store you really like (that has a great return policy!) is that it’s relatively easy to simply bring back any items you don’t want to keep, whether they’re duplicates or you seriously over-estimated your cabinet space. Make sure everything is in its original packaging, and try to bring the shipping invoice with you when you return the items. Can’t find it? Most big box stores will be able to retrieve your registry information in their system with your names or an email address, and will be able to confirm the return that way. Keep in mind that you may get a store gift card instead of cash — but it’s a good opportunity to browse the store for something else you’d love to have!

If the item is from a store where you weren’t registered, check the box to see if it came with a gift receipt, which will enable you to return the item (again, probably for store credit) or exchange it for something else.

Is it something you can’t return, or do you have no clue where the gift was purchased? You have a few different options. The first is to tuck it away (if you have room, of course!). Sure, you may not need a crystal vase right now, but whether it’s the first time you host the whole family for Thanksgiving or when you’re a little older and your tastes have changed, a gift that’s timeless is a good one to hold on to, even if it isn’t your style at the moment. You could also try to resell the gifts online, though the hassle may not be worth it! And finally, while it’s pretty taboo, there’s always regifting. Make sure you keep track of exactly who gave you the gift in the first place, and pass it on to someone in an entirely different social circle to avoid any awkward interactions. Check out our guide to regifting to figure out the best way to regift without the regret!

See more: The Best Wedding Registry Rewards and Perks

Getting Married at City Hall? Don't Skip These Traditional Wedding Details

Inviting Guests To City Hall Wedding

Photo: Shawn Connell and Jack Jeffries of Christian Oth Studio

Not all couples dream of a huge wedding with hundreds of guests and a massive production. Some prefer something a little more intimate, with just a few friends and family members in attendance — or even an elopement for two. Whether it’s because you don’t love being the center of attention, can’t imagine spending so much money when you’d rather go on an incredible trip or buy a new house, or simply can’t wait any longer to say “I do,” there is something incredibly sweet, romantic, and genuine about having a City Hall wedding. We spoke with Anne Book, founder of Anne Book Event Design in Washington, D.C. about the wedding traditions you shouldn’t skip, no matter what you’ve planned for your wedding.

“A lot of my clients choose to get married at City Hall before their wedding, especially if they’re marrying in a different state or out of the country,” says Book. “I always recommend that, instead of treating it like an errand, they still make a special day out of it, even if they have what they consider their real wedding taking place not too long after.” She emphasizes that a few little details will make the day feel momentous, no matter when you choose to celebrate your anniversary.

Start the morning off by getting your hair and makeup done. “You could have people come to your home, head to a local salon, or have a close friend or family member help you out,” says Book. “Order breakfast or lunch, have a mimosa, and take the time to feel your most beautiful.” Even better, Book loves the idea of booking a hotel room the night before, or inviting a girlfriend for a sleepover the night before the wedding for your last night as a single gal.

Of course, wear something that makes you feel like a million bucks! “It doesn’t have to be a white dress, though you could choose to go the traditional route. Pick something amazing that looks stunning on you,” Book suggests. One of her favorite ideas? A little white dress and a pillbox hat — a nod to traditional getaway looks that would look fabulous coming down the courthouse steps!

“I love when my clients exchange love notes or gifts before their wedding ceremony, and you should do the same even if you’re heading to City Hall,” says Book. “Exchange gifts that morning, as sharing that message of how much you love one another will really set the tone for the day.”

See more: Not a Ballroom Bride? Check Out 5 of the Country’s Most Gorgeous City Halls

And don’t skip the vendors! “You should definitely have a bouquet or nosegay or a crown of flowers for your hair,” Book advises. “A photographer is also totally necessary, even if it’s just a friend with a camera. This is an important day in your lives, so you should have it documented.”

Next comes the celebration. “I love the idea of inviting ten or 15 guests to join you for a brunch or luncheon in the private dining room of your favorite restaurant, or in the cozy lounge of your favorite hotel,” Book describes. “Draft a sweet letter to your guests inviting them to celebrate with you, then have a calligrapher handwrite each one for a personal touch.” You’ll also have the note as a memento to cherish as the years go by. “Have a boozy lunch, and invite each of your guests to make a toast. If someone isn’t able to join you, invite them to write you a letter that you can share during your celebration.” What a great way to keep things personal and intimate!

While it might seem counter-intuitive, marrying at City Hall doesn’t mean you have to skip the more traditional vendors. “Definitely have a cake and work with a florist,” says Book. You may not be able to have a traditional tasting, but if there is a local bakery you love, take the time to pick up a few cupcakes to sample flavors, and then order a small cake once you’ve chosen a favorite. “When it comes to a florist, ask them to create a bouquet for you, as well as a few small centerpieces that you can use during your brunch or lunch,” Book says. “And don’t feel tied to a purely bridal design. Peruse home décor magazines for a more sophisticated tabletop to use as your inspiration.”

Don’t forget family traditions, either. “If there is something your family has always wanted to do to celebrate your wedding, find a way to incorporate it,” says Book. That could be wearing jewelry borrowed from your grandmother, having your sister sing, or inviting an uncle or friend to do a reading.

When the day is over, don’t just head home! Advises Book, “Check into a beautiful suite at a luxury hotel in town and take a nap so you wake up somewhere beautiful. Then order a pizza to celebrate!”

And if you’re eloping to City Hall, with someone from the waiting room serving as a witness? “You should still have flowers, a great outfit, and a photographer,” Book recommends. “But instead of a brunch or lunch, hire a getaway car, pop some Champagne, and take off to a romantic inn for a minimoon weekend!”

Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson's Wedding Photos Are Finally Here!

Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson Wedding Photos

Photo: Getty Images

Is there a gold medal for wedding dresses? Because, in our opinion, Michael Phelps’ bride Nicole Johnson just totally snagged it with her absolutely stunning bridal gown. Yes, the very first photos of the super secret wedding between the Olympic swimmer and the former Miss California have arrived — and we’re freaking out over here!

Just last week, Phelps and Johnson revealed to the world that they had tied the knot on June 13 in a small and intimate ceremony, before the family headed to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Reportedly, the secret nupitals took place in Paradise Valley, Arizona with the groom’s close friend and agent, Peter Carlisle, officiating the “I dos.”

“I’ve been married for a while,” Phelps finally admitted during a recent Facebook Live video. “A couple months,” he shared. “I had to keep it a secret from y’all. I had to keep it hush-hush from you guys. But Nicole and I are married. We are officially married and now we are getting the chance to kind of kick it and hang out now.” And with the cat officially out of the bag, the newlyweds have finally released two of their wedding photos from that oh-so-special day.

In a snapshot Phelps posted to his Instagram page, the pair can be seen full of that newlywed glow, walking back up the aisle after saying their “I dos.” We know now that the wedding took place outdoors in a totally dreamy spot with palm trees and the sun shining overhead. And if the space wasn’t already beautiful enough, the aisle was lined with white flower petals and a ceremony arch teeming with greenery can be seen in the background. “My best friend…. I love you!!” Phelps, who wore a grey suit with a pale blue tie for the occasion, captioned the photo. But it’s the bride’s elegant ensemble that’s turning heads!

See More: The 23 Most Shocking Secret Celebrity Weddings

For the big day, Johnson donned a slinky, form-fitting wedding dress that featured a deep v-neck bodice with lace detailing and a sleek skirt with a sultry high silt. The bride had her hair pulled back with a beaded hairpiece and completed the luxe look with a lush white bouquet. “Truly the happiest day of my life,” Johnson captioned another wedding photo she posted on her own social media account.

These photos are so darn beautiful, this is almost just as good as scoring an invite! (Almost…)

My best friend…. I love you!!

A photo posted by Michael Phelps (@m_phelps00) on Oct 30, 2016 at 3:07am PDT

Truly the happiest day of my life @m_phelps00 thank you @boonestudios for capturing this day ????

A photo posted by Nicole Michele Johnson (@mrs.nicolephelps) on Oct 30, 2016 at 1:11am PDT

6 Wedding-Day Disasters That Actually Happened (So You Can Avoid the Same Fate!)

Even from early youth hood, many imagine what their wedding day will be like. No matter the décor scheme, no matter the dress, no matter the venue, there’s one commonality among everyone’s wedding day dreams: it’s a perfect day that goes off without a hitch.

Once the planning process begins, many soon-to-be-wed couples go above and beyond to prevent snafus, mishaps and embarrassing moments, scrupulously going through every minute detail to ensure it’s all been covered. No matter how hard you try, though, something inevitably goes wrong.

Potluck Wedding Gone Wrong
Trista Crass and her husband, located in Fairbanks, Alaska, opted for a pitch-in style reception. Come the big day, they quickly realized they probably should have given people more direction about what food items bring. “We had a very ‘medieval’ meal when people brought only moose, salmon, fried chicken — and a giant plate of sausages,” she says. At least there was a lot of protein to go around to fuel the dancing!

Bad Photo Positioning for the Entire Ceremony
It’s ultimately the photographer’s job to think about how photos will look. However, if the bride and groom are insistent on having things set up a certain way, there’s not much the photographer can do. Wedding officiant Aidan Rogers was the unfortunate victim in one of these cases. “I did this one wedding at a couple’s house, and they thought it would be cool to have me standing on the fireplace ledge with them standing on the floor in front of me,” she says. Sounds cute, yeah? Not so much. “Every wedding picture is my crotch between their love-stricken faces. That’s all you can see of me — just a horribly misplaced crotch.”

Open Mic for Guests Turns Roast
“I knew a couple who’d had a somewhat tumultuous, and somewhat public, romantic history,” says Sandra Mitchell of Miami. “I couldn’t help but cringe when a drunk guest got her hands on the open microphone and started blabbing about the couple’s rough times. I get that every couple goes through ups and downs, but everyone was horrified.” Lesson: open bars and open mics don’t always mix.

Forgotten Toasts
All that said above, some of the most important and heartfelt moments of your wedding day come from toasts by people who are closest to you. It can be easy to get caught up in the general partying that takes place on your wedding day, though, as experienced by Andrea Hipps and Todd Zuercher of Phoenix. “I would say our only regret was that — in the excitement of wanting to be married and wanting to be in the partying moment with our friends from near and very far — we skipped over doing toasts,” says Hipps. “A number of people had something heartfelt to say, and while they shared it with us afterwards, it would have been even more special in the midst of the crowd!”

See More: The 7 Worst Wedding Planning Tips Every Bride Should Avoid

Guests Who Can’t Get Their RSVPs Together
Here’s one for the guests: be very considerate when RSVPing. Each head you RSVP for costs the couple real money, so pulling a no-show or miscounting your party is not only noticed by the bride and groom, but expensive, as well. Faz Gaffa-Marsh of Los Angeles says they had one guest “RSVP to a wedding for three people — when we only inviting him — and not show up. No apology, no heads up, nothing.”

Forgetting to Do the Garter Toss
Everyone gets a kick out of wedding day traditions, but they don’t always go according to plan. “I forgot to put on my garters and didn’t realize it until after the DJ made the announcement to gather everyone around for the tosses,” says Christine Toler. “One of the groomsmen rushed over and looped his tie around my leg so that we could complete the tradition.” The lesson learned here is that even if you make a mistake, the show can still go on without a hitch.

At the end of the day, this advice from Steph Kaiser Bowers of Indiana is what you should live by: “Never forget what matters most: Being married at the end of the day. Never forget that the wedding really is for the guests and the marriage is for life. Never forget that graciousness is always in fashion. Never get so wrapped up in perfection that you can’t be present.” #TRUTH

BRIDES Chicago: 3 Totally Unique Ideas for a Chicago Bachelorette Weekend

Chicago Bachelorette Party Ideas

Photo: Getty Images

Looking for some cool ideas for your bachelorette party weekend in Chi-Town that are more interesting than the usual spa and club night? Look no further that these unique Chicago bachelorette ideas — we’ve definitely got you covered.

Idea #1: Around the World Eating Tour
Do you dream of going on an international girl’s road trip, but just don’t have the time or the budget? Consider doing an Around the World themed bachelorette weekend and take your bridesmaids to some of the coolest international themed restaurants and stores throughout the city.

Drop by Eataly or the Chicago French Market to get a taste of European culture and cuisine, followed by Russian Afternoon High Tea at Russian Tea Time. And then for a change of pace, treat yourself to some pampering with the latest skincare innovations at Choc Choc Cosmetic, Chicago’s newest Korean Beauty supply before heading down to the Argyle neighborhood to experience some of Chicago’s best Asian street food. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Idea #2: Dessert Crawl
Do you and your bridesmaids love all things sweet and sugary, but find yourselves avoiding desserts so you can be in the best shape for the big day? Perhaps a dessert-themed bachelorette weekend might be right up your alley. Leave the Fitbit at home and give into your sweet tooth just for the weekend — nobody needs to know!

Start your weekend right by dropping by Dylan’s Candy Bar, where you can find two floors of candy heaven: M&Ms of every color possible, almost every type of candy under the sun, and a cafe with luscious menu option like cookie butter dessert pizza, cheesecake fantasy ice cream sundaes, and chocoholic martinis. Next up, head over to the Chicago classic: Molly’s Cupcakes. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in creating your own cupcake, visiting the Sprinkle Station, or treating yourself to one of Molly’s famous center-filled cupcakes, with delicious options like Nutella, peach cobbler, and Creme Brûlée, among many others. Finally, cap off your day with a visit to either Amorino, an authentic traditional Italian gelato shop that serves gelato shaped like a beautiful rose, or to Paciugo Lincoln Square, which has more flavors than you can imagine. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Thank Your ‘Maids for Coming with Fabulous Favors Made by Local Vendors

Idea #3: Body and Mind Spa Weekend
Are you more interested in doing a fun activity with your bridesmaids than just sitting around at a spa? Why not spend it engaging your Body and Mind by taking a variety of fun classes throughout the city? At the Aloft Loft, you and your friends can explore the aerial and circus arts, from silks and trapeze to acrobatics and tightrope wire. If you’d rather stay on the ground, perhaps consider a group class or two at Pure Barre, which combines the art of ballet with cardio for a fun and challenging workout.

If you’re of a more artistic frame of mind, Bottle and Bottega is a great place to have a low-key bachelorette weekend. There are locations throughout Chicagoland, and you can reserve a 2-3 hour block to drink wine and paint the evening away. If you’ve got a few musicians in your party, a musical workshop at the Old Town School of Folk Music would also be another fun and unique way to spend your special weekend with the girls. Depending on the time of year, there are a wide range of classes — from the roots of Tap to Mexican fiddle to Blues Harmonica and Country Dancing. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Need more ideas for where to host your bachelorette bash? Browse our Chicago Venues page to see dozens of party and wedding locales.

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Luann de Lesseps' Bachelorette Party Photos Make Us Want to Join the Countess' Squad

Luann de Lesseps Bachelorette Party

Photo: Getty Images

Leave it to Luann de Lesseps to throw a bachelorette party fit for a countess! The Real Housewives of New York star just celebrated her bachelorette bash in Miami with co-star Jill Zarin in tow.

These bachelorette party snapshots make us wish we were a part of this Real Housewives‘ squad! De Lesseps and her crew headed to Miami on Friday to celebrate her bride-to-be status, hosted by none other than Real Housewives of Miami star Marysol Patton. But obvi, we didn’t catch RHONY‘s Bethenny Frankel amongst the pre-wedding partiers. Frankel lost her place amongst de Lesseps’ gal pals (and the wedding guest list) when she dropped the bomb that de Lesseps’ fiancé Tom D’agostino was cheating on her. However, the wedding is still on and this bride is putting the scandal behind her. And TBH, we’re super thankful. Can you imagine if we never got to see de Lesseps’ three (!!!) wedding dresses or these bachelorette party pics?

Luann de Lesseps Bachelorette Party 4

Photo: Luann de Lesseps via Snapchat

Luann de Lesseps Bachelorette Party 5

Photo: Luann de Lesseps via Snapchat

Luann de Lesseps Bachelorette Party 3

Photo: Luann de Lesseps via Snapchat

The lovely ladies took over a private lounge at Miami hotspot Coya where they sipped cocktails and dined on yummy treats. And because no bachelorette bash is complete without a little sparkle, de Lesseps and her pals donned matching tiaras. Super cute, ladies!

Luann de Lesseps Bachelorette Party 1

Photo: Luann de Lesseps via Snapchat

Luann de Lesseps Bachelorette Party 2

Photo: Luann de Lesseps via Snapchat

Last month, de Lesseps celebrated her bridal shower in New York with a big bash that included her co-stars Sonja Morgan and Dorinda Medley, dozens of gold and white balloons, and a lace-embellished blush gown for the bride-to-be.

See More: 5 Must-Follow Style Rules for Bachelorette Party Guests

With both of her pre-wedding parties now checked off of her to-do list, it’s almost time for de Lesseps to walk down that aisle! The one-time Countess is set to wed her business man beau on New Year’s Eve and promises it will be quite the party. “It’s Tom’s birthday, he’s going to be 50, it’s our wedding, and it’s New Year’s Eve,” de Lesseps previously told Entertainment Tonight. These two definitely have a lot to celebrate!