Okay, so you totally thought he was going to propose during that romantic weekend vacation you took last month, but he hasn’t popped the question yet — what’s a woman to do? A lot, actually. Here’s how to handle that tricky position, regardless of the current situation with your significant other.

Scenario 1: You are already living together but he won’t discuss marriage.

The mere fact that you are sharing a home means you are both invested in the here and now of being together. The question, though, becomes, what about the future? Is there anything holding him back from making that final move toward your joint life together? Before you take it personally, consider his career path, specifically where he is now and where he hopes to be down the road. Has he reached his goals, or might be still be striving for financial and professional security before he makes that huge commitment to you and to the demands of planning, and possibly paying for, a wedding and a honeymoon?

Once you have a sense of that, suggest a conversation during which you can talk about all this and each discuss your feelings and hopes, and he might have a chance to give you a sense of his timeline, what he is looking to achieve before proposing, and if he is, in fact, planning on marriage in the first place. With that information you will be able to make an informed decision about if it is worth the wait.

Scenario 2: You are long distance and he wants you to come be with him.

The big question here is if you trust the relationship enough to give up the life you are living now and go join him. Again, a conversation would be in order to figure out what he envisions your future together to be: Does he have a sense of the timing in his mind? Can he map out the next phases for you?

If he is giving you clarity that this is just one of the steps that is on the path toward the engagement, and you both believe him and feel comfortable that he will follow through, then go ahead. If, however, he won’t talk about anything beyond your getting there, refuses to look ahead, and won’t offer any reassurance that he plans to commit to you one day, then you might consider waiting it out before making that big move.

See More: Real Brides Share: My Boyfriend’s Fear of Marriage (And How He Overcame It)

Scenario 3: He wants you to move with him (for example, he got a new job in another state).

The fact that he is interested in the relationship enough that he wants you to continue to be together even though he has to move is very positive in terms of what he is thinking about your being a couple. But before you uproot yourself and leave your friends and family behind, here are a few things to consider. How long have you been living together? What is the quality of your relationship? Are you getting along most of the time with a few disagreements, or do you end up arguing a lot and doubting yourself and questioning your bond? If you feel you have a solid foundation, and are able to handle some of the differences that come up, that’s important because a big move like this can be very stressful and you are going to need to support each other through the process.

Being secure and able to work as a team plays an important role in successfully navigating these big changes. Additionally, you can look back on things you’ve planned together and see how well they’ve worked out, such as trips, celebrations, and family events. Have your plans generally come to fruition in a positive way that has given you both a sense of well-being? Considering these factors will give you an indication of how stable your connection is, how committed you both are, and the skills that you have for handling this big a change. Also, it can be helpful to have a conversation to make sure that he is looking to get married down the road. If he is, and it’s a matter of just getting your lives set up in this new location, the move can be something that can deepen your commitment to each other. Otherwise, you might end up feeling that you are sacrificing your life to join his and not feel grounded enough to trust that marriage is in your future.

Dr. Jane Greer is a New York-based relationship expert, radio host, and the author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship. Connect with Dr. Jane Greer on Facebook and follow @DrJaneGreer on Twitter for her latest insights on love, relationships, sex, and intimacy.

It’s true that your wedding day beauty starts from the inside out. Eating, and drinking, right is the first step in achieving that coveted bridal glow. And that’s where Sakara Life — the plant-based meal delivery service with a cult like following — comes in.

If anyone can convince you to drink Sakara Beauty Water (aptly named; it tastes like roses), it’s the preternaturally radiant creators themselves, Whitney Tingle and Danielle DuBoise. The friends started the meal delivery service in 2012 after stressful hours on Wall Street (Tingle) and a slew of unsuccessful fad diets (DuBoise) left them dull and lackluster. Fast forward five years, and not only have they gained a celeb following that includes heavy hitters like Oprah and Gwyneth Paltrow, but they’ve also gotten engaged in the process. On the heels of DuBoise’s wedding, and in the throws of Tingle planning her own, the girls share their bridal beauty secrets.

1. First and foremost, do you. “I wore a custom Wendy Nichol slip dress, duster, and choker—very me,” says DuBoise, who had an intimate dinner to celebrate her City Hall wedding. She let her hair air dry with macadamia oil on the ends to prevent frizz, and stuck to her favorite tried-and-true makeup: Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Cassis ($28), W3LL People Expressionist Mascara ($22), and Universalist Multi-Stick Luminous ($24), a brand she loves for its clean, organic ingredients.

2. A healthy body can be your best accessory. “I always told myself I’d be in the best shape of my life for my wedding,” Tingle says. “I’m using a new company in New York City, wellns.com, that lets you select a personal trainer who resonates with your workout style. Mine has a background in Pilates and Physique 57 and comes to my house before work. I’d rather spend the money on getting fit than on an expensive dress, because when you feel sexy in your body, anything looks good on you.”

See more: 25 Boutique Fitness Studios to Kick Off Your Wedding Workout

The beauty gurus gave us a couple of their favorite recipes. Read on for some of Sakara Life’s top rated.

Spicy Citrus Detox Salad: Key Ingredients

Grapefruit: Contains Vit C to support the production of collagen for bright, even, youthful skin. Also boosts immunity.

Dandelion Greens, Arugula + Raddicchio: Bitter greens are extremely functional and nutrient dense. They cleanse the liver and stimulate the production of enzymes that facilitate digestion.

Turmeric + Cayenne: These cleansing spices reduce inflammation in the body and rev the metabolism.

Beets: Contain antioxidant betalain pigments to protect cells against free-radical damage and fend off signs of aging.

Cleansing Watermelon + Cucumber Gazpacho (Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 pounds tomatoes, quartered
5 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1/2 English cucumber, chopped
2 cups cubed watermelon
1 Serrano chili, seeded
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 to 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar
1/2 cup hemp seeds
Pepper and Himalayan salt
Handful basil leaves

DIRECTIONS
1. In a blender, puree tomatoes, watermelon and oil until smooth.
2. Add cucumber, chili, garlic and vinegar to taste; blend until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate at least 4 hours (or up to 2 days).
4. Divide soup among four bowls, top with remaining watermelon slices, sprinkle with hemp seeds and drizzle with remaining oil. Finish off with basil leaves. Enjoy!

A wedding in Northern California’s most famed wine country region is unforgettable on many levels: gorgeous scenery, relaxed California vibe, and, of course, amazing wine! If you’re lucky enough to have your wedding take place in the magical Napa or Sonoma regions, then you want your big day to be special for everyone coming in to celebrate with you. While planning your epic wine country wedding, make sure to consider how you can make your guests’ journey extra special. Here are some unique ideas for gifts to give to your closest friends and family that will allow them to take a little bit of beautiful wine country home with them.

For wine enthusiasts:
While a bottle of wine is an obvious — and still very thoughtful — choice for a wedding guest gift, there are often other beverage options available from many wineries. Anaba Winery in Sonoma offers their delicious red and white port wines in smaller, less bulky bottles adorably named Aeroports. The famous Coppola Winery (as in Francis Ford) makes sparkling wine in mini cans complete with straws for on-the-go imbibing. They’re named for his daughter Sofia, and come in party-perfect pink boxes.

For a taste of something different:
California wine country is also known for producing delicious olive oil. Many wineries create a variety of flavors and infusions — think jalapeno, thyme, white truffle — which makes for a perfect non-alcoholic gift. Sampler bottles, like those from The Olive Press, offer mini takeaways that make ideal wedding favors. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Still Need a Wedding Photographer? Check Out These Local Shutterbugs

For that hint of local flavor:
Amidst the lush rolling hills of Napa and Sonoma counties, you’ll also find a thriving scene of locally made goods. What better way to take a piece with you than with some gifts from locally sourced farms and markets? Shed in Healdsburg is a James Beard award-winning dining and retail space that offers not only locally sourced food, but many kitchen accoutrements, such as pottery, gadgets, linens, and cookbooks that all make for wonderful, heartfelt gifts for your guests. They have an online store as well!

For something to pamper:
After a long weekend of celebrating, a gift meant to pamper is a thoughtful idea for your guests. The acclaimed restaurant, The Girl and The Fig has an extensive online store that offers an assortment of giftable items. They also create delectable body lotions, salves, and balms made from unique ingredients like goat milk, Tuscan fig, bergamot, and orange. Their pieces are also available online, and come in travel-friendly gift sets aptly titled “Overnight” and “Weekender.” Read real brides’ reviews here!

Browse even more local wedding favor vendors here!

Welcome to the modern wedding registry, where couples are encouraged to get creative with their gift lists by choosing the items (and experiences) that make the most sense for their personalities and lifestyle. For those of you who are tech-savvy, that’s good news: It’s no longer taboo to stock your registry with the latest gadgets and coolest electronics. Ready to start shopping? Find six of our favorite tech picks below.

Voice-Controlled Bluetooth Speaker
Consider this hands-free device your own personal assistant: It’ll play your favorite tunes, read off the latest headlines, update you with weather and traffic reports, order a pizza for dinner, and even request an Uber — all you have to do is ask. Plus, if you’re looking to transform your digs into a smart home, you can use Echo to control your lights, thermostats, and TVs, too. (“Amazon Echo” $179.99, Amazon)

Connected Coffee Maker
Too tired to get out of bed to turn on the coffee machine? No problem. The Behmor Connected 8-cup coffee maker is smartphone compatible, so you can adjust the brew temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and brewing time with the brand’s easy-to-use app. You’ll get a text to let you know that your coffee is brewed and ready to go. (“Behmor Connected” 8-Cup Coffee Maker, $299.95, Williams-Sonoma)

A Streaming Blu-ray Player
Sure, streaming may be today’s most popular way to watch your favorite movies and shows, but that doesn’t mean your impressive DVD collection has to fall by the wayside. A Blu-ray player — like this one from Samsung, which has built-in Wi-Fi and 3D technology — offers the best of both worlds by allowing you to stream videos from Netflix and Youtube and play your Blu-ray disks and DVDs. Movie night never looked so good. (“BD-J6300” Blue-ray player, $149.99, Samsung available at Best Buy)

Digital Food Thermometer
Thanks to this handy little kitchen gadget, you’ll never have to question whether or not that roast you made for dinner is completely cooked through. Just hook the silicone cable to your iPhone or iPad to get a temperature read on whatever dish you’re cooking. The best part: You can set digital alerts on your device that’ll notify you when your food is ready, without you having to hover in the kitchen all night. (“Range Smart” iPhone/iPad thermometer, $60-$80, Supermechanical available at Food52)

See More: The 5 Best Apps for Newlyweds

Hot and Cold Fan Heater
Dyson’s popular AM09 fan heater is totally worth the investment: Not only does it pull double duty by providing heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, but it projects a powerful stream of airflow that can be focused in one direction or diffused to fill the entire room. Bonus: It’s super quiet, too. (“AM09” fan heater, $449.99, Dyson)

Electronic Kitchen Scale
When a recipe requires precise measurements (think cake, cookies, and other baked goods), a quality kitchen scale is a must-have. Techie couples will love the Drop Kitchen Connected Scale, which syncs to your iPad to make measuring ingredients easier than ever. Just download the free Drop Kitchen app and you’ll have access to tons of recipes and cooking tips; step-by-step instructions show up on the screen and you can weigh all of your ingredients in the same bowl for quick cleanup. (“Drop Kitchen” app-connected scale, $79.95, Sur La Table)

Just like any relationship, the one between a bride and her your wedding planner is built on quality communication. There are things you should say and things you definitely shouldn’t say if you want the outcome (i.e. your wedding) to be a raging success. So avoid all the stress and pissing your planner off at the same time by not letting these no-no phrases leave your lips.

“My [insert family member] does florals as a hobby and offered to help!”
While wedding planner Marilisa Schachinger of Martel Event loves when couples want to incorporate family members into the planning details, unless that person is a licensed professional, it often adds more stress and work than relief or help. “My hope when brides hire me is that trust my vendor referrals and relationships that have been vetted and proved top-notch. When brides ask to involve family members in large logistical details, it can come across like they don’t value your expertise.”

“My [insert friend or family member] thinks I should…”
According to Greg Jenkins, founder of Bravo Productions, this indicates there are too many people in charge, which creates a ‘Fellini Film.’ It’s a hodge-podge, mish-mash of decisions and input, often resulting in chaos for the planner, he tells us. Basically, too many cooks spoil the pot. “Brides and groom should make the final decisions. Whoever signs the contract is the one who has the say-so.”

“My friend said her planner did such and such…”
As a planner, Jessica Janik, founder of The Invisible Bridesmaid, hates hearing this line. “You hired us for a reason to fulfill your dream of having the best wedding.” This is why she advises her clients not to talk to anyone about the specifics of their big days. “You never know the real reason behind the advice people give you and everyone’s style is so different. In order to have a wedding that’s truly ‘you’ its best to leave everyone else out of it.”

See More: What Your Zodiac Sign Says About Your Wedding Planning Style

“Well, we can spend more than we said.”
Followed by an embarrassed giggle…grrrr! It’s frustrating when brides and grooms give a budget to work with, and then continue to overspend on every single item, despite my warnings, says wedding planner Sandy Malone, owner of Weddings in Vieques. “Do they not understand how we squeeze and pinch every penny to try to keep them on budget? If they have a bigger budget, why not tell us that up front so we can help them make realistic decisions? We want our clients to feel satisfied that we’ll keep them on budget, but we can’t do that when they’re spending based on a secret budget inside their own heads.” True dat!

“I know we said $75,000 was the budget but we need to cut it to $40,000.”
Oh and we don’t want to compromise on the design either. Uh yeah, okay. This is especially infuriating when couples wait until the last minute to let their wedding planners in on this little tidbit, notes Jenny Orsini, Owner and Creative Director of Jenny Orsini Events Inc. Lynn Jawitz, owner of Florisan Wedding and Event Design in NYC agrees. Her biggest pet peeve? Photos of multiple million-dollar weddings ripped straight from Pinterest along with the phrase, “But I’m on a budget.” Well, turns out, “lavish Pinterest weddings cost money, and in weddings as in life, one gets what one pays for.”

“I’m not sure what my budget is.”
The reality is, you have a sense of your budget, but you may think that if you give the planner a high number, she will spend every penny, points out Nicole Matthews, founder of The Henley Company. Rest assured, a professional planner is not trying to bleed your budget dry. “Instead, our job is to provide and find value. So when you tell us you have no budget, we never believe you.” Remember: even a range is helpful. Also, be clear about what your budget includes. “Is it just for the ceremony and reception, or are you also including the dress, rings and honeymoon? A professional planner will help you to manage your budget from concept to completion!”

There hasn’t been a Caribbean spot as hot as Cuba in recent memory. Not that the other islands aren’t gorgeous—they are. But Cuba, just now being opened up to Americans for the first time since the diplomatic break in 1961, is en fuego. It’s also, of course, literally quite steamy. These factors and many others make it a buzzy, memorable and ideal beach honeymoon destination.

An ever-growing list of tour operators offer chic and stylish Cuban getaways, but it’s also a good idea—especially if going it alone, as in just the two of you—to have an idea of the must-sees and must-dos around the capital and beyond. With direct and affordable America-to-Cuba flights has come greater exploration of the island, but because internet connections are still extremely rare, it’s not as if you can run a Google search for a restaurant to visit that night, nor read Yelp reviews of it. Once you land, it’s as if you’ve gone back in time—talking to locals will take you far — they’re extremely friendly and love visitors.

One can’t-miss is a place natives consider the hottest ticket in town, where VIPs go. La Guarida is in fact the most buzzed-about restaurant in Havana, and arguably the most delicious and romantic, too. If you need proof it’s that Beyonce and Jay Z dined there while celebrating their anniversary this April. (Also, Usher is rumored to have gotten married there.) It’s a paladar, meaning a privately owned restaurant, perched at the top of a crumbling yet impressive marble-clad home. It’s hard to go wrong ordering from the eclectic menu—think suckling pig, filet mignon and duck (none of which you’ll find on offer at government-owned eateries). Afterward, daiquiris under the stars on the elegant rooftop bar are a must.

See More: How to Honeymoon in Cuba

Also in Havana, visit El Del Frente for dinner or, at the very least, finely prepared cocktails. The bartenders use tweezers to put together the vivid libations that are as refreshing as they are tasty. Rio del Mar is another private spot in the tony neighborhood of Miramar with excellent food and pineapple mojitos, served all day long. Those who love to dance can indulge in a sweaty salsa session accompanied by a live band at Casa de Musica, but beware the show doesn’t usually start until around 1 a.m.

In between mojitos and piña coladas, a trip to the cigar factory allows a fun look into the making of those legendary smokes, and a wander down the Malecón—the pathway along the ocean, where waves crash dramatically at all hours—after nightfall gives you a sense of real Cuban life. A drive in one of Havana’s famous ’50s classic American convertibles should be a non-negotiable. Pick out your colorful ride after strolling on the Prado, where artists sell their wares, and enjoy the feeling of the wind in your hair as you cruise, cuddling in the backseat, past the city’s highlights.

To get off the beaten path a bit, consider also checking out another area such as Santiago (the second capital of Cuba has colonial architecture, lots of music, some beautiful beaches and a huge Carnaval celebration every July) or Trinidad. The latter is quaint and very walkable, full of pastel-hued facades, small museums and a lively set of cobblestone steps where locals and tourists gather with canchanchara cocktails (rum, honey, lime) to watch live bands play every night and, of course, dance along. Sandy beaches lined with Royal palms—the national symbol of Cuba—are also close at hand. And in Viñales, a couple-hour drive from the capital, it’s possible to ride horses through farms, learn to roll a cigar and eat incredibly fresh organic cuisine. When it comes to Cuba “love at first sight” definitely applies.

Finally, How to Rock‘s Max Schneider and his now-wife Emily can scream their love from the rooftops! After keeping their relationship (and engagement) a secret for so long, the newlyweds are super excited to reveal their love story to the world. In an exclusive interview with BRIDES, Schneider and his wife gave us all the deets on their sweet, intimate wedding day, not to mention their drop-dead-gorgeous photos. Just be prepared: these two are insanely adorable and have been known to make people cry with their cuteness. Ok fine, guilty as charged…

“We officially tied the knot at the NYC Courthouse on April Fool’s Day, which may have been just as magical as the ceremony we had a few days later,” Emily gushed. “On April 3rd we had about 75 of our closest family and friends over at Max’s parent’s loft, which is actually where his parents got married as well!”

The newlyweds had considered getting married in a swanky hotel or a members-only club, but ultimately decided that Schneider’s loft was where they felt most comfortable saying their “I dos.” As for how they managed to pull off a wedding in a mere two months, it all came down to the magic of DIY work. “My mom really saved us form stressing at all, which was amazing,” the Nickelodeon star explained. “She’s a boss. Emily is the same way, so between the two of them it was pretty incredible how they put it all together in two months. I just smiled and nodded a lot.”

Because of the intimate loft space, décor was minimal. “We just covered the place in flowers and candles, and pretty much called it a day as far as decorating goes,” Emily said. The couple even skipped many wedding traditions, like the bouquet toss and the first dance, but not because they meant to. It was because they were so caught up in the excitement of their big day! Can you say cuteness overload? And although the actual celebration was amazing (as you can see), their favorite part wasn’t their first kiss or the reading of their vows — it was the part when they got to run away from their wedding as Mr. and Mrs. and enjoy their mini-moon at the Ludlow Hotel together.

“It was the best when we got back to our little mini-moon and had lamb burgers in the bathtub,” Schneider said. “It was just nice to know our love didn’t change at all, and that we were the same little weirdos.”

See More: iCarly Star Nathan Kress Releases His Wedding Video! Watch the Emotional and Beautiful Montage

Speaking of food, the newlyweds not only opted for a very cool, very necessary chocolate fountain, but they swapped a traditional wedding cake with a crepe cake from Lady M. “The cake was great, but the chocolate fountain was actually the life of the party,” Emily stated, to which her new hubby replied, “True, I should have known she would choose the chocolate fountain [as the best dessert]. I even put in my vows that I would always have chocolate ready to go whenever she needed it.”

As for how married life is treating them, Schneider puts it perfectly: “It’s rad. We rescued a one-eyed dog named Wink about a month after the wedding. He’s like our baby son. And I just love telling everyone Emily is my wife. I’m so proud to be her husband. Waking up next to her every day and our little dog sleeping above our heads… It’s just the best.”

Ugh, stop being so CUTE, you two! If you missed their wedding video last week, stop what you’re doing and start swooning over the emotional footage right meow.

It’s no surprise that Brittney Magee’s wedding to Chase Stone was totally stylish. After all, the bride is a PR Manager for Watters! But back in August of 2012, she was just a junior at Texas A&M who needed a new computer. “Chase was working behind the counter, and helped me with my purchase,” she remembers. “He mentioned he was new in town, so I left him my number.” While Brittney says she was just trying to be nice, later that afternoon Chase asked her out on their first date. Two years later, after she begged him to join her family in Indiana for Thanksgiving, Brittney finally accepted that Chase wouldn’t be joining her and headed home alone. The night before Thanksgiving, her family headed to a local farm-to-table restaurant for dinner. “When we walked inside, there was Chase waiting with a bouquet of roses!” she remembers. She thought he was just surprising her for Thanksgiving with her family, but then he got down on one knee.

With family all over the country, the couple decided a destination wedding would be their best bet. “We knew we’d have a hard time getting everyone in the same place,” Brittney explains. She grew up spending vacations in Mexico, so the pair decided that Riviera Maya would be the perfect place for an escape with friends and family — and their wedding! In the end, 55 guests headed south to El Dorado Royale Resort, where the highlight of the trip was an elegant blush-and-gold wedding ceremony in the sand, the perfect balance between formal and beachy. Brittney and her mom planned the whole bash — with a little help from their loved ones — and, on September 5, 2015, she and Chase finally made it official. Just wait until you see the photos by Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography: You’ll be ready to book a flight to Mexico!

The elegant blush and gold invitation suite featured soft, sandy hues balanced by formal details, like the classic script and the shimmering bellyband.

Of course, Brittney wore a Watters wedding dress for her big day. The blush hand-beaded corset was fun and sparkly, while the soft net skirt was just the thing to catch an ocean breeze.

Since she isn’t a heel girl, Brittney splurged on stunning Rene Caovilla gladiator sandals instead. “They were so comfortable, I didn’t want to take them off!” But the bride’s favorite accessory was her “something borrowed,” a bracelet that belongs to her mom. “It’s one of my favorite pieces of hers, and it meant so much to wear it on my big day,” she says. She opted for a soft updo, accented with white blooms, and a bouquet of blush roses that perfectly matched her gown.

We can see why guests were eager to join the couple on the beach in Mexico! Before the festivities began, they spent their days relaxing in a palm tree grove strung with hammocks.

The ceremony took place beneath a dark wooden altar draped in white fabric and tied with pomanders of pink and ivory flowers. The sandy ground was perfect for barefoot guests and the ocean served as an unbeatable backdrop!

“Before I walked down the aisle, our officiant had Chase turn to look at him. Then, once I’d come around the corner and was walking down the aisle, he had Chase turn back toward me,” Brittney says. “I’ll never forget the look on his face when he saw me!”

The two exchange vows they’d written themselves, then recessed to “Make You Mine” by Us the Duo.

Brittney’s bridesmaids also wore Watters, all donning floor-length lace dresses in a soft blush hue. Says the bride, “Even though it was a beach wedding, we wanted elements like our attire to be somewhat formal.” Chase and his groomsmen looked both formal and beach-appropriate in light gray suits from Jos. A. Bank.

“Most importantly, we wanted our wedding to be a huge celebration with our family and friends all together,” says Brittney. “We wanted it to be a memorable trip that we’d all cherish for years to come. I think we succeeded!”

While planning from afar was tough (especially because Brittney and her mom live in different states — hello, FaceTime!), she loved how supportive Chase was. “He never got impatient with my countless questions, and helped with whatever was needed.”

The couple’s biggest undertaking was the miniature champagne bottles escort cards. “We had multiple people transporting them in their suitcases. Then each one had to be assembled and tied once we got to Mexico,” says Brittney. We’d say the DIY project was totally worth it.

She and Chase were seated at a sweetheart table covered in blush sequins. Centerpieces combined blush and white roses, glowing in candlelight. The reception space was strung with paper lanterns, and each guest received a menu outlining the buffet spread of local cuisine.

Once dinner was underway, Brittney swapped her floor-length net skirt for a short blush tulle one. “It made dancing easier! The skirt was a custom Watters piece designed to match my corset and my shoes,” says the bride.

Instead of a full cake, the newlyweds cut into a miniature vanilla cake and served cake pops to their guests. “I met a bride who’d been married at the same resort, and she advised against a full-sized cake because it would melt in the Mexico heat before it was time to serve,” says Brittney. “I hesitantly took her advice and I’m so glad I did!”

To get the party started, a wise guest kicked off the dancing with a Conga line. “It was a great icebreaker to really get everyone excited!” says Brittney. “The dancing was my favorite part of the day — everyone was on the dance floor for hours!”

Venue, Catering &amp Florist: El Dorado Royale Resort || Bride’s Wedding Dress & Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Watters || Shoes: Rene Caovilla || Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Reis-Nichols || Invitations & Paper Goods: Oliver’s Twist; Wedding Paper Divas || Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen || Videographer: Jordan Bellamy || Photographer: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography

Want more destination wedding ideas? Then check out another couple’s stunning celebration in the video below.

Getting to finally wear an engagement ring is so exciting: Not only is it a brand new accessory, it’s one that symbolizes the love you and your fiancé have for one another, and the chapter in your lives that is about to begin. But, as you’ve probably guessed, this fancy bauble isn’t something you can just toss into your jewelry box or slip off and leave on your desk if your fingers need a break. So where should you keep your engagement ring, to make sure it’s safe? We’ve got a few ideas.

One of the first things you should do when you get engaged is go purchase at least two ring dishes (one for your bathroom, one for the kitchen) so you have a designated place to put your ring when you’re doing things like washing your hands or making dinner. Set the dish far from the sink so there’s no chance of it falling in, as well as out of the way so it doesn’t get knocked over. Then remember to put your ring in the dish whenever you take it off!

Put the box your ring came in on your bedside table (or grab another ring dish) so you have a secure place to put your ring at the end of the day, and know where to find it when you get up in the morning.

You should also consider getting a ring dish for your desk at work. The last thing you want is to lose it in a jumble of papers (or accidentally slide it into a filing cabinet or the trash!) on a busy afternoon. And if you’ve gotten in the habit of applying hand lotion a few times a day, you don’t have to worry about piling your jewelry next to your keyboard if you have a special place to stash it, instead.

If you’re heading out of the house and don’t feel comfortable wearing your ring at your destination, either put it back in the ring box and tuck it into a drawer, or look into getting a small safe to keep in the back of your closet. Consider one that’s fire- and water-proof and large enough to fit a few documents: You’ll be able to keep your marriage license in there when the time comes, too!

See more: 4 Things to Know When Choosing Engagement Ring Insurance