5 Things No One Tells You About an Outdoor Wedding

Having an outdoor wedding may seem like a great way to celebrate your love of nature and put a fresh spin on a traditional wedding. But before you say “I do” and dance the night away underneath the stars, you need to do your research about outdoor weddings — and how to handle the potential issues that may arise. Here are five things no one tells you about outdoor weddings (so that you can be prepared!).

1. It’s going to get hot.
Whether you decide to have your outdoor wedding in the middle of winter or you rent a tent to protect you from the summer heat wave, it’s going to get hot. When people are spending the night close to one another — let alone breaking it down on the dance floor, body temperatures will be hotter than usual. Be sure to give guests fans if possible, and also consider having an indoor spot or lounge tent they can take a breather in if they need some refreshing between dances.

2. Bugs are a given.

Outdoor weddings mean that your number one wedding crasher may be uninvited bugs. As a precautionary measure, be sure to have cans of bug spray available — and even chat with the outdoor venue to see if they can spray the property beforehand. Another great way to avoid bugs is to purchase fans, which can be turned on to blow air throughout the space, helping to keep the airflow moving throughout the night.

3. You may have more wedding crashers than normal.
Since you’re doing your wedding outdoors, blocking off the property from the general public may be difficult. This is especially true if the wedidng is taking place at a public beach or park. There are a few options when it comes to this conundrum: Find a way to barricade the area, hire security, or just accept the fact that you may have a few crashers that want to partake in all the fun!

4. Dirt will be everywhere.
You’re spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on the wedding dress of your dreams and a pair of shoes, and of course you want to keep them looking pristine. However, being outside in the elements will definitely take its toll on your ensemble. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about this besides have a backup pair of shoes and a Tide stick on hand. Ultimately, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, it’s important to be at peace with the fact that at the end of the night, your dress and shoes may be black instead of white.

5. Remember to have a bad weather back-up plan.

While you can control many things during the planning process, weather is never one of them. So if you’re going to do your wedding outdoors, have a viable and easy bad weather back-up plan. No one can truly predict what will happen hours — or even minutes — before it’s time to walk down the aisle, so make sure that you have a location that you can fall back on if the weather gets out of hand.

See More: How to Have an Outdoor Winter Wedding Ceremony

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.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Celebrates 14th Wedding Anniversary to Freddie Prinze Jr. with a '90s #TBT

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr

Photo: Getty Images

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. (a.k.a. your favorite celebrity couple of the 1990s) just celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary! Woah — major throwback, right? We may not have Freddie Prinze Jr. posters taped to our bedroom walls anymore (you’re welcome, fiancé) or spend our nights watching Buffy slay the vampires of Sunnydale, but we’re still totally obsessed with these former teen dreams. And speaking of throwbacks, Gellar just shared one herself, posting an old #TBT photo (see below) of her and hubby on Instagram.

Okay, okay, so we might still be a little miffed that Buffy didn’t end up with Angel IRL. Yes, it’s been over a decade since the series ended and we’re still not over it. Cue our teenage tears…

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Photo: Giphy

Honestly though, Gellar and Prinze are just too darn adorable for us to hold a grudge. After they met on the set of 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer, the pair wed in 2002 in Mexico and have been making us melt ever since. He may not literally be named Angel, but he’s her angel (We’re really sorry… We had to.)

Buffy

Photo: Giphy

Anyway, we always love a good #TBT — especially when they serve as a sweet social media shoutout amongst couples on the ‘Gram. And it doesn’t get much sweeter than today’s #TBT from the former Buffy star. To celebrate 14 years of happiness with her hubby, Gellar posted a photo from the 2000 MTV Movie Awards where she and Prinze cozied up in all their leather jacket and 90s halter top glory. “Happy anniversary @realfreddieprinze,” she captioned the sweet snapshot. “You stole my heart, so I got my revenge and took your last name!!” Ugh, quit it with the cuteness, you guys!

See More: 12 of Our Favorite Celebrity Proposal Stories

And this isn’t the first anniversary #TBT Gellar has shared. Last year, she posted one of their wedding photos — a too-perfect pic, featuring the pair sharing their first dance.

14 years later and they’re still totes adorable…

Happy anniversary @realfreddieprinze You stole my heart, so I got my revenge and took your last name!!

A photo posted by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar) on Sep 1, 2016 at 3:25am PDT

Your Fiancé Is Voting for Donald Trump, You're Not: How to Handle Political Differences Together

fiance voting for donald trump

Photo: Getty Images

There’s something about politics that can turn even the most sensitive and loving couple against one another. But there’s something about this election, in which the first ever female presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, will face off against a brusque billionaire businessman, Donald Trump, that’s especially polarizing between partners.

“Politics can be a hot-button issue because they cut to the core of people’s values and what they believe is right,” explains Jane Greer, Ph.D., relationship expert and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship.

What’s more, points out etiquette and relationship expert April Masini, couples often (perhaps subconsciously) impose a black-and-white political litmus test for their partners: Hate my candidate, hate me; love my candidate, love me, explains Masini. “When politics become a hot button issue, it’s usually because couples have strong feelings without a lot of empathy or room for gray areas,” she says.

Plus, with this election, “the atmosphere is more toxic than usual,” says Lesli Doares, marriage coach and author of Blueprint For a Lasting Marriage. Emotions are raw, language is, err, harsh and sometimes downright dirty. Because of that, “it is very difficult to keep emotions in check,” Doares says, “and this can pose real problems in your relationship.”

But it doesn’t have to. Your partner can vote for Donald Trump and you can support Hillary Clinton (or a third party candidate, for that matter) without any harm coming to your relationship. Here’s how.

1. Stick to the facts.
When it comes to talking politics with your partner, “simply present the facts of what a candidate has said, without adding your opinion,” suggests Greer. “That way, you won’t provoke an argument or disagreement. It allows room for discussion, but it doesn’t make your partner feel judged or criticized.” More importantly, she adds, “never insult or belittle their opinions,” if one or two sneaks into the conversation.

2. Don’t give it more importance than it’s worth.
To some, it may seem like the world will end if Trump is elected. And vice versa for Clinton. But, “[try to] be aware that, in most cases, the outcome of any given election will have limited direct impact on your life,” says Doares. “Weighing any one event against your life together should be done carefully. Making your relationship a priority is always a choice and making this choice as often as possible will make it successful.”

See More: The Pros and Cons of Marrying Each Zodiac Sign

3. Use this as an opportunity to learn about one another.
As Masini points out, “Any conflict is an opportunity for growth.” And that includes conflict over politics. “So take a few steps back and imagine why your partner has an opposing view,” Masini encourages. “Most people react instead of analyzing and considering the opposing side’s views and how they got there. If you can open a discussion with ‘why’ questions instead of coming out swinging, you may learn a lot about your partner and yourself, and you may become more intimate because of this deeper understanding and cleared channel of communication.”

4. Put boundaries in place.
Don’t let your disagreements over this election eek out into other aspects of your life. Instead, Greer says, set up boundaries for when and where you will discuss politics so that it doesn’t impose on your otherwise healthy relationship. “Don’t discuss politics with each other out in public,” she suggests. Also consider that date nights and before bed are also not the best time to debate your candidates’ foreign policy plans. “And if necessary, don’t discuss them at all and just allow your partner to independently explore their own political interests,” says Greer.

5. Cool your self-righteousness and certainty.
According to Doares, “It’s easy to slip into a superior position when you believe you are right.” But with your partner, it’s important to not politically posture. “Anything that diminishes your partner’s viewpoint, even if you don’t agree with it, hurts your relationship,” she explains. be open and receptive to your partner’s viewpoints, and walk away if you feel the need to tell him or her just how wrong he or she is.

6. Be a diplomat yourself.
Do you ever notice that super-savvy candidates often lead with a compliment? So should you when you talk politics with your partner, says Masini, who suggests you “start by approving and complimenting something about your partner’s choice. You can say, ‘It’s great that you’re so passionate,’ or ‘I can really see how you feel that way.'” Only then should you calmly express your opposing view. “If you can turn the conversation from battle to banter or make or break opposition to friendly sport, you have a much better chance of preserving differences and the relationship,” says Masini.

7. Don’t turn your friends against your partner.
If your friends all support the same candidate as you, it might be tempting to get them to gang up on your partner. However, “don’t use them to take sides against your partner,” warns Greer, “because it’s really divisive, and your partner will feel unsupported and even betrayed by you.” Doares agrees, adding that your political debates should be kept between you two, and not made fodder for gossip amongst friends.

BRIDES Florida: 5 Places to Buy Wedding-Night Lingerie in Orlando

Florida Wedding Night Lingerie Stores

Photo: Getty Images

You may have made your public debut as husband and wife the moment you uttered “I do,” but now it’s time to make things official going more naughty than nice when it comes to wedding day white in the bedroom. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box, choosing something that’s the opposite of your everyday lingerie. If you were ever going to rock a pair of thigh-highs with matching corset, now’s the time. Feel just as sexy as you did underneath your wedding dress sporting a stunning ensemble picked out with the help of these lingerie specialists around Orlando.

Bloomingdale’s Orlando, The Mall at Millenia

Bloomie’s makes lingerie shopping a cinch for brides thanks to a special section in the department that’s devoted specifically to your wedding night. Be as demure or provocative as you like, letting the lingerie experts here guide you through the designer collections that range from pale blue Kate Spade robes with baby doll-style matching chemises to the most outrageous L’Agent by Agent Provacateur lace onesies that would make even the French blush.

Anthropologie
Also located in The Mall at Millenia, Anthropologie is an unexpected gold mine of lingerie finds with sexy lace cut-out bodysuits, silk chemises and short kimono-style robes. While you’re deciding on just the right wedding night look, peruse the boho-inspired matching bra and underwear sets, stocking up on everything you need to feel like perfection throughout your entire honeymoon — and newlywed life to follow.

See More: Find The Perfect Wedding Jewelry With One of Our Favorite Local Jewelers

Victoria’s Secret at Orlando International Premium Outlets
No need to wait until the Victoria’s Secret semi-annual sale to revamp your underwear drawer. The outlet shop is even better than any kind of NYC sample sale you could find, with every type of lingerie imaginable — at prices that will allow you to load up a suitcase worth of underthings — without dipping too deep into your honeymoon wallet. We give you permission to go a bit crazy here, so step out of your comfort zone and select a few hot numbers that are sure to surprise your spouse post-reception.

Frederick’s of Hollywood
Really spice things up in the bedroom for your first round as Mrs. with one of the bridal-themed pieces from Frederick’s of Hollywood’s Orlando outpost. White lace takes on multiple forms here — from drapey babydoll dresses to tie-up corsets — plus all the accessories to go along with them. Complete the look with the ultimate lace eye mask, perfect for your newly married slumber. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with wedding planning? Enlist the help of some of our favorite Local Vendors!

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TBT: A Look Back at Britney Spears' Two Weddings

britney spears wedding photos

Photo: Getty Images

Britney Spears killed it this week at the 2016 VMAs, rocked Carpool Karaoke on The Late Late Show with James Corden, and has a sold out residency in Las Vegas. Needless to say the “Toxic” singer is having a pretty great month. Which of course gives us more than enough reason to look back on her walks down the aisle. From becoming Mrs. K-Fed to a quickie wedding in Vegas (foreshadowing her current stint in Sin City perhaps?), Brit Brit proves she never does what’s expected. Let’s take a look back at the weddings of Britney Spears.

britney spears wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy of Pinterest

Jason Alexander, January 3, 2004
It was a whirlwind marriage for Brit and her childhood friend Jason Alexander (no, not the Seinfeld star). After a fun-filled New Year’s Eve week in Sin City, where she partied at Rain and Ghostbar, Brit Brit shocked the world by tying the knot. Like Ross and Rachel before them, Brit and Alexander did the whole middle of the night, drunken, quickie Vegas marriage in a green stretch limo thing.
“It was just so crazy, man,” Alexander told Access Hollywood. “We were just looking at each other and said, ‘Let’s do something wild, crazy. Let’s go get married, just for the hell of it.'”

Dressed in a baseball hat and ripped jeans, Brit Brit paid $70 to say her “I do’s” in Vegas’s A Little White Wedding Chapel at 5 a.m. on Sunday, January 3rd, 2004. “They weren’t dressed in wedding attire, but it was very romantic and there was a feeling of love between them,” chapel owner Charolette Richards told Rolling Stone. “They appeared to be extremely happy. They were laughing, but crying, too, during the ceremony. I thought it was a marriage that would last forever.”

55 hours later, the pop princess had the union annulled. Brit Brit reportedly went out dancing after.

britney spears wedding photos

Photo: Tumblr

Kevin Federline, September 19, 2004
Oops, she did it again! It’s been almost 12 years, but we can’t forget the moment Britney Spears, our sweet girl next door, became Mrs. K-Fed. After meeting on the dance floor — where else! — at Hollywood club Joseph’s, the tumultuous couple announced their engagement in July of 2004. Brit famously balked with tradition and popped the question to Federline on her private plane. “Then all of a sudden I said, ‘What if you want to get married?’ And I kind of went from there to asking him if he would marry me. I asked him… He said no because he thought it wasn’t the right way to do it,” the singer told People. A week later Federline slipped a 5-carat diamond engagement ring on Britney’s finger.

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Photo: Giphy

The pair set off planning a wedding for October 16, 2004, even sending out 100 invitations to the event. After too much paparazzi attention and stress, the couple surprised the world with a top-secret wedding! “It became this huge thing and I was like, ‘What are we waiting for? We know this is the real thing, why not just do it now?’ That’s why I wanted to sneak and do it our little way,” she told People.

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Photo: Giphy

The couple surprised 30 of their closest friends and family with a wedding at their Studio City home — guests thought they were attending an engagement party. Wearing a $26,000 strapless Monique Lhuillier wedding dress, accessorized with lace half-gloves and a cathedral-length veil. For the casual backyard reception, Britney changed into another Lhuillier dress, this time a very mini lace number, complete with the traditional garter — which Federline removed with his teeth. After the reception, featuring a very Britney dinner of friend chicken fingers, crab cakes, ribs, and mashed potatoes, the newlyweds and their wedding party — wearing matching sweatsuits — hit up hotspot XES for a late night of dancing.

See more: The Most Iconic Celebrity Brides

Two kids, one reality show, and three years later the couple would call it quits. After one annulment and one divorce it’s no wonder Brit Brit is skeptical about taking the plunge again. “I think [I won’t] ever do the whole men thing anymore, or get married. I’m just done with men — I may French kiss someone, but I won’t ever get married,” she told James Corden during Carpool Karaoke last week. That doesn’t mean she shouldn’t make an appearance on every wedding playlist.

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Photo: Giphy

5 High Collar Wedding Dresses for the Modest (and Modern!) Bride

There’s something about a high collar neckline we can’t get enough of — let’s just say that modesty has never looked so sexy. This high and mighty look is regal and sophisticated, while feminine and striking. While plunging necklines and illusion bodices have taken the runways by storm, so too has a high neckline. Whether it’s Victorian-inspired lace, intricate beading, or a chiffon caplet, the style always screams elegance. And it isn’t always as modest as you’re led to believe — a high collar can also balance out an otherwise revealing gown, with sheer fabric or cut-outs.

Whether you need to be covered up for a religious ceremony (or grandma) or you’re merely a fashion-forward bride with high taste, these stylish demure designs are anything but stuffy.

Naeem Khan High Neckline Wedding Dress

Photo: Courtesy of Naeem Khan

This Naeem Khan look is all Egyptian princess. A nude underlining beneath gleaming geometric details keeps the style sexy and fitted without being too revealing. A stacked collar mimics the patterns in this “Luxor” dress.

Angel Sanchez High Neckline Wedding Dresses

Photo: Conrado Veliz

A rippled caplet with glittering embellishments steals the show in this Angel Sanchez confection. Coupled with a billowing ball gown of a skirt, this look is dreamy and romantic.

Christian Siriano for Kleinfeld Wedding Dress

Photo: Courtesy of Christian Siriano for Kleinfeld

Christian Siriano for Kleinfeld complements a clean and minimalistic look with gorgeous Kate Middleton inspired lace sleeves that embrace the dress’s upper portion, coming to a delicate point at the collar.

Angel Sanchez High Neckline Wedding Dress

Photo: Conrado Veliz

In this lace Angel Sanchez dress, the high collar is highlighted by bare shoulders in a halter style design. A ruched bodice and illusion cut-out put a twist on this A-line fit.

Houghton High Neckline Wedding Dress

Photo: Courtesy of Houghton

Houghton’s “Carla” Bodysuit and “Constance” Skirt set is both modest and revealing, taking full-on inspiration from the Victorian Era with a long-sleeve lace bodysuit and ruffled skirt.

See More: The Ultimate Wedding Dress Guide: The Best Necklines by Body Type

6 Mouth-Watering Menu Ideas for a Late-Summer Wedding

menu ideas for a summer wedding

Photo: Jose Villa

Planning a summer celebration? Celebrate the season’s incredible bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables by incorporating them into your wedding reception menu. Here are six of our favorite summer-inspired wedding menu ideas.

Prosecco & Popsicles (above): Help guests cool off during cocktail hour by adding berry popsicles to glasses of chilled prosecco or champagne.

menu ideas for a summer wedding

Photo: Lauren Kinsey

Shrimp Gazpacho: A chilled soup like tomato gazpacho (added bonus: shrimp!) served in a shot glass is a guaranteed cocktail-hour crowd pleaser.

menu ideas for a summer wedding

Photo: Caroline Tran

Frozen Watermelon Slices: During cocktail hour, have servers pass out slices of frozen watermelon skewered on a stick.

Caprese Salad: You can’t go wrong with a quintessentially summer salad—the caprese, with slices of ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

See More: 35 Modern Wedding Cakes for Chic and Unique Couples

Poke & Seaweed Salad: If your guests have a more adventurous palette, serve up small plates of poke (a raw fish salad in Hawaiian cuisine) and seaweed salad.

Strawberry Shortcake: Nothing screams summer more than strawberry shortcake! We love this version served in individual mason jars.

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The Case for Having a Caribbean Destination Wedding *Not* on the Beach

Not every bride who chooses to get married in the tropics wants to get married on the beach. Caribbean weddings don’t necessarily involve beach ceremonies, unless the bride and groom want to have their toes in the sand when they exchange vows.

I literally ask every new set of clients the specific question: “Do you want your feet in the sand?” when we first start planning, so I can direct them to the most appropriate venues with the best beach access. The fact of the matter is that brides and grooms who don’t require a beach ceremony have a lot more venue options than those who are committed to standing on sand.

You might ask why brides and grooms would go to the trouble of having a destination wedding if they’re not going to get married on the beach. The answer is that couples who don’t want the actual wedding ceremony on the beach still want to have a tropical destination wedding experience — meaning sun, palm trees, great weather, and fun pre-wedding beach activities for all of their guests — but they’re looking for a more traditional venue for their actual wedding. Or just someplace without sand.

But why don’t all island brides and grooms choose to get married on the beach? Sometimes, it’s all about the shoes. Seriously. Many of my brides have chosen not to set foot on the sand on their wedding day because they wanted to wear gorgeous, high-heeled wedding shoes that they wouldn’t be able to walk in through the sand. Really, they want to wear the amazing shoes for the dancing and pictures at the wedding reception, but if they have the dress hemmed to the right length for the shoes, they can’t walk in it without tripping if they go barefoot, or wear a flat sandal, for a beach ceremony. Because the shoes are more important to them than the sand, they avoid the beach.

See More: Caribbean Honeymoon Destinations For Every Couple

In my case, it was all about my dress. I chose to get married on the terrace of a boutique hotel overlooking the water because I was planning to wear my silk wedding gown again a week later at a formal reception back home, and I’d been warned not to risk getting the hem of my dress wet in the water. But I’ve encountered plenty of women with no plans to immediately re-wear their gowns who wouldn’t even consider dragging their skirts through the sand.

Some couples skip the beach ceremony for very practical reasons. They think it will be too hot for some guests, or they have elderly VIP guests who would struggle to traverse the sand with all the guests watching them.

Many of the most stunning wedding pictures I’ve seen have been from destination wedding venues high up on the side of a hill, looking down on a crystal blue sea. These couples are able to incorporate the stunning beach into their wedding photos without having to stand in the sand.

Sandy Malone is the owner of Sandy Malone Weddings & Events and author of How to Plan Your Own Destination Wedding: Do-It-Yourself Tips from an Experienced Professional. Sandy is the star of TLC’s reality show Wedding Island, about her destination wedding planning company, Weddings in Vieques.

These 5 Underrated Honeymoon Destinations Are Romantic Without the Hype

alberta

Photo: Getty Images

Not feeling a cookie-cutter honeymoon? Luckily, there are some hidden honeymoon gems that the rest of the world’s newlyweds don’t tend to flock to, but offer just as romantic — or adventurous, depending on your preference — of an experience as the more traditional spots. These five destinations don’t get the hype they should, which will take you off the beaten track and away from the crowds.

Islamorada Florida

Photo: Getty Images

Islamorada, Florida
Get the vibes of the Caribbean without leaving the states and the color of Key West, without the crowds, in Islamorada, Florida. Part of the Florida Keys, Islamorada offers an ideal combination of relaxation and exploration. Most of the island’s accommodations offer spa services for two to indulge in. Even better, there’s a variety of options to best suit the mood of your honeymoon — bungalows, resorts, cottages, the choice is yours. Sun at Anne’s Beach or picnic at the hidden Library Beach during the day, or take to one of the many state parks to discover the island’s secrets, such as shipwreck remains in Indian Key Historic State Park or the lagoons in Long Key State Park.

alberta lake louise

Photo: Getty Images

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, this alpine escape is breathtaking with beauty. A diamond in the wild, Lake Louise has much to offer besides its scenery of vast mountains and still turquoise waters. View it up close with a romantic canoe ride, or bring out your adventurous side hiking up one of the many mountain trails or white water rafting. If you and your groom are a pair of ski bunnies, visit in the winter to hit some of Canada’s best slopes or take a twirl on the ice. Where to stay? Try Fairmont Lake Chateau for a luxury experience.

albania riviera

Photo: Getty Images

Albania Riviera
When it comes to Eastern Europe, Croatia and Montenegro usually take the cake for honeymoon hot spots for their proximity to the Adriatic Sea, but the Albania Riviera’s craggy coastline along the Ionian Sea isn’t without its own idyllic spots. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, take up residence at the beach of Palasa, a strip of unspoilt sand dotted with just a few cafes, or the charming cove of Bunec, surrounded by mountains and, at dusk, a gorgeous sunset. When you’re looking to step away from the gentle crash of the waves, go for a romantic stroll through one of the many old colonial towns rich in architecture and charming bazaars.

rekjavik iceland

Photo: Getty Images

Reykjavik, Iceland
Often an overlooked destination when it comes to celebrating wedded bliss, Iceland is becoming more popular for couples wanting to go off the beaten path. Get a taste of local color at Reykjavik — from relaxing in one of the many hot springs to devouring seafood fare. Outside of the capital, there are many natural wonders to explore. Head to the Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths for a romantic dip, or trek your way to the Dettifoss Waterfall or Gullfoss. And, of course, the Northern Lights are a wonder not to be missed at night.

curacao

Photo: Getty Images

Curacao
Located outside the hurricane belt, the island of Curacao is known for great weather year-round. Near Aruba, it’s one of the Caribbean’s less popular honeymoon spots, but without good reason. The island’s Dutch roots marry Caribbean flair to give the island a splash of color. Jazz clubs, martini bars, and beachfront nightclubs make Curacao’s nightlife pop, and the days are just as lively with an island outback to explore. Make your way via jeep to bat caves and sea caves, or snorkel and windsurf the turquoise waters at Cas Abou Beach. Avila Hotel — Curacao is the island’s longest running resort, a restored 18th-century mansion offering modern luxury and an infinity pool.

See More: 20 Honeymoon Destinations For Adventurous Couples

Gene Wilder's Love Story with Wife Karen Boyer Will Tug at Your Heart Strings

gene wilder

Photo: Getty Images

People are mostly familiar with Gene Wilder’s acting career, like his portrayal of Willy Wonka in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but it turns out that he was living out one of the sweetest love stories we have ever heard.

Wilder, who died due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease on Sunday at the age of 83, was a famous Hollywood actor, director, and author, known for such films as Young Frankenstein, The Producers, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Blazing Saddles. In the 1980’s he married his first wife, famed comedian and SNL cast member Gilda Radner, and remained happily married until their romance ended suddenly in 1989 when Radner died of ovarian cancer just four years after their wedding. Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, told People that Wilder was unsure if he would ever be able to date again after losing his wife.

“I think a part of him, after Gilda, wondered, ‘Will I ever find someone who excites me again,’ ” Walker-Pearlman told People. “He never went on a single date after Gilda died.”

That is, until Karen Boyer walked into his life.

Wilder and Boyer, a speech consultant, met around 1989 while Wilder was doing research for the movie See No Evil, Hear No Evil, but didn’t go on their first date until a year after they first met. Walker-Pearlman tells People that Boyer was the only woman on Wilder’s mind when he decided that he was ready to date again.

Isn't that the truth. #RIP Gene Wilder ??????

A photo posted by BRIDES Magazine (@brides) on Aug 30, 2016 at 10:44am PDT

“After Gilda [pictured with Wilder above] passed away, it was so devastating to him, and that Karen would walk into his life was such a wonderful miracle,” Walker-Pearlman said. “He never had a date with anyone else until Karen and he ended up marrying her. He was worried he wouldn’t know how to date anymore, but once he realized he could date, he didn’t want to date anyone but Karen.”

The couple dated for two years before getting married in a private ceremony at Wilder’s home in Connecticut with only the closest of family and friends in attendance. Wilder and Boyer remained happily married for 25 years, and Walker-Pearlman’s description of their romance is enough to make your heart swell.

See More: Jena Malone’s Engagement Ring Selfie is Legit the Cutest Thing We’ve Ever Seen

“Most people would consider their daily life a romantic vacation. He built a very idyllic life. There was nothing that brought him the tranquility that his marriage to Karen did,” Walker-Pearlman said. Wilder’s nephew told People Wilder and Boyer enjoyed spending quality time together playing tennis, writing and painting.

Wilder died in the couple’s home in Stamford, Connecticut just days before his and Boyer’s 25th wedding anniversary, and Walker-Pearlman says that his aunt and uncle lived out their wedding vows until their last days together.

“They wrote in their wedding vows how they were going to dedicate their lives to each other,” Walker-Pearlman said. “And that’s what they did.”