Miranda Kerr Shows Off Her Engagement Ring Using Everyone's Favorite Snapchat Filter

miranda kerr engagement ring selfie snapchat

Photo: Courtesy Miranda Kerr via Instagram

She is enjoying that newly-engaged glow — with the help of her hubby’s Snapchat filters! Miranda Kerr flashed her gorg engagement ring from Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel on the social media app on Sunday, showing off her beautiful sparkler with a selfie in the car.

In her smize-worthy selfie, the 33-year-old model rocked the Snapchat filter that makes pretty much every user feel like a flawless model with bronzed, sparkly skin and a butterfly crown glittering atop your head (so basically, it’s not fair that Kerr is a model and gets to use the filter…just saying). Of course, her gigantic diamond ring didn’t hurt the cause; the model rested her left hand strategically on her shoulder for all to see.

Back in July, founder and CEO of Snapchat popped the question to the former Victoria’s Secret model after a year of dating, People reported — with a classic round-cut center stone and two tapered baguette diamonds sitting on either side. When she announced her engagement, the bride-to-be shared a ring selfie with a Bitmoji overlay of the couple’s proposal moment (so 2016), which is quite fitting as her soon-to-be hubs is now the owner of the personalized emoji app under the Snapchat umbrella. (To be honest, we expected a little more — is a Snapchat live proposal too much to ask!?)

As far as her groom is concerned, when it comes to wedding planning, we hear that the social media mogul (worth a casual $2.1 billion dollars) is looking to have quite the over-the-top wedding. (Side note: Can you blame him? He’s a billionaire and may have just a liiiittle money to blow). A source shared with US Weekly that he is the one looking to have an “extravagant wedding, in true Evan style.” Spiegel also reportedly just bought a $12 million dollar mansion in Los Angeles, which he will share with his fiancée.

See More: 70 Amazing Engagement Ring Selfies

Since this is Kerr’s second marriage, we can totally understand why her groom would be more outspoken about his plans for the upcoming nuptials. The model and skincare line creator was formerly married to Orlando Bloom from 2010 to 2013, and the two have a son together, a 5-year-old named Flynn. Since their divorce, they both appear to have happily moved on, as her ex-husband has been dating Katy Perry (whom Kerr seems to have a great relationship with — she was quoted saying she is “happy” for her ex-husband, reports E! News). Kerr describes Perry as “a really cool woman and a talented singer.” On Papa Bloom’s hand, Kerr told The Edit, “Orlando thinks he’s great. We’re just a modern family now!”

Since then it’s been nothing but Instagram selfies (but no Insta stories, we’d assume!) and snaps of the happily engaged couple — with Snapchat selfie filters, obviously. Enjoy that fresh engagement (and Snapchat) glow, girl.

A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Aug 28, 2016 at 10:10pm PDT

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A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Aug 24, 2016 at 1:01pm PDT

I said yes!!! **********

A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jul 20, 2016 at 8:39am PDT

Happy Birthday to my love!!! ****** I feel so incredibly blessed to have you as my partner ********

A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Jun 4, 2016 at 12:48pm PDT

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A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on May 14, 2016 at 3:35am PDT

5 Ways to Plan a Marriage Proposal Inspired by The Bachelor

how to plan a bachelor style proposal

Photo: Booje Media

The greatest and most heart-wrenching moment of watching a season of The Bachelor is, without a doubt, the proposal. There’s something so dreamy about the whole set up of the situation. It’s usually somewhere exotic, where waves are crashing in the background and the suspense of it all is enough to make your heart race for a good thirty minutes. So if you’re about to propose to someone who watches The Bachelor religiously, here are 5 ways you too can plan a television series-worthy moment that you and your fiancéee will never forget.

1. Pick an Exotic Location
When you’re brainstorming spots to pop the question — think big. Your local park or beach won’t do the trick. Instead, find an exotic locale that is remote and romantic. Make sure there’s a lot of greenery behind you, and that the spot is totally picturesque.

2. Make it Suspenseful
A true proposal on The Bachelor isn’t one that happens quickly (there are at least 5-10 commercial breaks, let’s be serious). The building of suspense is a key factor in this situation, so plan to arrive at the location an hour or so before it all goes down to build up your nerves and emotion. Give your partner instructions as to where to meet you and how to get there.

3. Rose Petals — EVERYWHERE
It’s not romance without red rose petals all over the place. Roses — or any flowers for that matter — set the mood.

4. Give a Long, Heartfelt Speech
With all the nerves, you may have the urge to jump down onto one knee. Instead, wait until they arrive and give them a long, 3-5 minute speech about how you can’t imagine your life without them, building up perfectly to the main event.

5. Have a Camera Crew Filming It
If it’s not on film and the whole world can’t watch it later, then did it really happen? A camera crew will definitely elevate the proposal to a new level — and once you add some edits and include a tear-jerking music score, it will be a memory you can rewatch over and over for years to come.

See More: These Real Life Proposal Stories (and Photos!) Are Giving Us ALL the Feels

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 NOT to Do On Your Wedding Day, According to Real Brides

real-brides-wedding-day-mistakes.jpg

Photo: Getty Images

You only get one shot at this whole wedding thing so might as well make the most of it and learn from your fellow brides’ mistakes, right? Take it from these ladies, and don’t do these seven things on the day of your big day.

Don’t drink too much (or eat too little).
“Trust me, you’ll regret it, especially if you combine the two. Make sure you munch on food getting ready and don’t down too many glasses of champagne before the ceremony. A good balance of food, booze and water during the reception should get you through the night.” — Anna

Stop trying to control everything.
“That’s what the whole year of wedding planning was for! You’ll only drive yourself crazy trying to take control on the day of. And who wants memories of stress instead of sheer bliss getting ready? Allow your wedding planner, day of coordinator or literally anyone else to worry about the day-of details for you.” — Liz

Don’t let the little mishaps get you down.
“I promise you, things are going to go wrong. Chances are, you’ll be the only one who notices those little mishaps though. So seriously, don’t sweat it and just enjoy yourself.” — Jodi

Don’t underestimate how long you need to get ready.
“However long you think you need, add a few hours to that! I thought I’d have a full face of makeup, my hair done and plenty of time to eat something by the time the photographer got there for getting ready pics but we were all running behind schedule since we didn’t allow for enough time. The more time, the merrier and the less stressed you’ll be.” — Kacie

See More: Wedding Planners Reveal the Most Jaw-Dropping Bride/Groomzilla Moments They’ve Ever Seen

Don’t neglect any of your guests.
“On our wedding day I wanted to spend a lot of time with my friends who traveled from afar and who I don’t see often. In hindsight, I didn’t hang out nearly enough with everyone else, my family especially. I wish I had more party photos with them instead of just formal shots.” — Ashton

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“If you’re lucky enough to have supportive friends and family, don’t be afraid to lean on them the day of and ask for help. Even if it’s just as simple as fixing you a plate to eat while you get your hair done or running a love note down to your fianc&#233. They are there for you and happy to help!” — Tiara

Don’t forget to take pictures with non-bridal party members.
“I have a ton of photos with my bridesmaids and family members, but not really any great ones (other than dance floor shots) of me and my other friends. I wish I had asked our photographer to get some cute friend group shots during our reception!” — Alison

Blue Ivy's VMAs Dress Probably Cost More Than Your Wedding Dress

Blue Ivy VMAs 2016 Dress

Photo: Getty Images

Is it strange that we’re jealous of a 4-year-old? Whatever. We’re admitting it: We’re officially super envious of Blue Ivy Carter. Not only does she have a pair of bonafide superstars as parents, but she’s a mini celeb in her own right, slaying the red carpet just like Mama Beyoncé. Take this past weekend’s MTV’s Video Music Awards for instance, where little Blue commanded attention in her metallic tulle gown. Heck, that dress nearly outdid Beyoncé’s beaded and feathered frock. And it should with its über-hefty price tag… In fact, Blue Ivy’s VMAs dress probably cost more than your wedding dress. (Yes, really.) Sure she might be just four-years-old, but with a dress in her closet costing as much as a bride’s, flower girls of the world ain’t got nothing on this tiny tot.

So just how much did Blue Ivy’s pint-sized red carpet gown cost? Hold onto your hats and clutch your pearls, because the floor-length frock cost a whopping $10,950. Yep. According to E! News, the gorgeous gown was crafted by couture kiddie designer Mischka Aoki. Dubbed the “Grande Royalle” dress, the frock features a laser-cut rose gold bodice, an extravagant tulle skirt, and 3D metallic appliqués. The mini fashtionista completed the look with a tiara by Lorraine Schwartz and pretty-in-pink Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers.”Oh, this old thing?” — Blue Ivy, probably…

See More: Believe It! 41 Wedding Dresses That Cost Under $1,500

Considering that most brides on average shell out less than $1,500 for their wedding dress (excluding those pricey alterations, of course), you could’ve bought a closet full of wedding day wear for the cost of Blue Ivy’s VMAs gown. Le sigh. Back to the wedding dress sample sale

Wedding Dress Sample Sale

Photo: Giphy

But, hey, if you happen to be in the market for a five-figure flower girl dress for your mini-me, you can pick up Blue Ivy’s VMAs dress at Bergdorf Goodman (and pray she doesn’t spill anything on it…)

A First Look at Our BRIDES October/November 2016 Issue

BRIDES Magazine October November 2016

Photo: Tom Schirmacher; Styling by Eleanor Strauss; Hair by Eric Gabriel/The Wall Group; Makeup by Valery Gherman/ The Wall Group; Model is wearing a Mikado gown from Ellis Bridals

Uh-oh! We hate to break it ya, but no matter how meticulously you plan all those wedding day details, sometimes something can still manage to go wrong. Whether that one groomsman takes too many pre-ceremony shots or the wedding cake takes a dive, big day disasters can — and do — happen. But as the BRIDES October/November 2016 issue proves, brides-to-be can survive any catastrophe. (Trust us!) In our latest issue, real brides are sharing their wedding nightmares — from a groom landing in jail the night before the “I do’s” to a big day E.R. visit. But don’t worry, everyone still had their happily ever after. See? Brides can handle anything!

Our advice? Try not to stress about potential big day mishaps. After all, all that stress could seriously impede your gorgeous bridal glow. An easy fix? Heading to the detox havens in our latest issue. These posh wellness retreats are filled with workout classes, healthy meals, and luxe spa treatments that’ll get your pre-wedding beauty regimen in check for the big day. Why not bring your bridesmaids along for the healthiest and most relaxing bachelorette party, like, ever?

Sound expensive? Well, you’ll definitely have some cash to spare after following our seven tips for getting the wedding you want for less — including how real brides sealed the deal and negotiated for the best price with their wedding vendors.

And that’s not all you’ll find in our October/November 2016 issue. We’re showing you how to freshen up the classics, from gorgeous gowns, beautiful blooms, blinged-out engagement rings, and modern bridal updos that are anything but your grandma’s beehive.

See More: 30 Ways to Style Your Wedding Party

And if that’s not enough to get you popping the bubbly, we’re serving up a whopping 298 ways to wow your guests and the ultimate guide to planning the biggest dinner party of your life — including personalized menus, expert wine pairings, and dazzling desserts — according to culinary insiders. Something even yummier?

Our covergirl this issue is Victoria’s Secret model Bridget Malcolm, who recently tied the knot with her musician sweetheart in a rustic and light alfresco affair. She looked just so darn beautiful in her body-hugging lace wedding dress, we just had to see her in a few more!

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get inspired!

Subscribe to BRIDES now for the best wedding dresses, advice, and big-day inspiration.

BRIDES Washington DC: 5 Unique Elopement Ideas in the DC Metro

dc elopement spots

Photo: Michelle VaTine Photography via Instagram

Having an intimate elopement in a big city can often seem like a daunting task, but D.C. brides will be pleased to know that there are plenty of options for spectacular, personal elopements in the city. Whether it’s a local pizza chain, trendy Mexican restaurant, or Virginia museum, the options for small weddings are many. With the backdrop of the exquisite city and its many diverse neighborhoods and communities, D.C. elopements are truly enchanting. Here are five unique elopement ideas for the D.C. bride.

&pizza
This popular eatery is more than just a regular pizza joint. On Pi Day in 2015, a local couple married at &pizza, creating the perfect elopement trend for pizza-loving couples to have a fun, stress-free wedding day. The trend caught on, and on March 14th of this year, the Columbia Heights &pizza location transformed into a Vegas-style wedding chapel, offering weddings for interested couples looking to elope. For couples who want to tie the knot at other times of the year, the expenses are on you — but it makes for a delicious afterparty!

Mission Dupont Circle
If an elopement featuring tacos and margaritas sounds like an ideal wedding, Mission Dupont Circle is the place for you. For fun-loving couples, the 20th Street Mexican restaurant will provide the couple with a Mariachi band and a bottle of Don Julio tequila — engraved with the couple’s names and their wedding date, of course. With its overstuffed burritos, spicy nachos, and spicy margs, Mission Dupont Circle is sure to make for an exciting elopement. Couples can have their elopement celebration in any space at the restaurant, including its upstairs loft, the bar (complete with stained glass windows), and an outdoor patio. For those asking their families to join post-nuptials, there’s a spacious downstairs, complete with four dining areas and a giant 60-foot bar.

See More: Pick Your Perfect Ceremony Song With One of These Local Vendors

Athenaeum
The museum in Alexandria, Virginia is an elegant venue for an intimate elopement with close friends and family. Architecture buffs in the wedding party will be pleased to know that the art museum is one of the few remaining examples of neo-classical Greek Revival architecture in the D.C. area. The brick-enclosed courtyard is perfect for private, romantic elopement ceremonies, and as an art museum, the Athenaeum’s exhibits change frequently, which is sure to be a unique backdrop for your wedding photos. Read real brides’ reviews here!

The Newseum
If being in the presence of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs and other American news-related memorabilia is your thing, the Newseum offers wedding packages — including small elopements. Intimate ceremonies can be held on the rooftop, complete with stunning views of the Capitol building. Wolfgang Puck catering provides food, making for a culinary experience that guests won’t soon forget — whether it’s a cake and champagne reception or a larger dinner. The Newseum’s location on Pennsylvania Avenue makes it the perfect place to have a cozy wedding amidst the backdrop of Washington, D.C.

Use Pop! Wed Co.
Steven and Maggie Gaudaen shot their first wedding together when they were 16 — and haven’t looked back since. To make a long story short: when Maggie went to work at a digital agency in D.C., she wasn’t able to spend as much time photographing elopements and weddings as she wanted. After talking with Steven, the two agreed to provide pop-up weddings in a fun way — and Pop! Wed Co. was born. Steven serves as officiant, Maggie plans and shoots, and an additional photographer helps out at weekday elopements. Some noteworthy recent pop-up weddings include the Renwick Gallery, Apothecary Museum in Alexandria, and the National Building Museum’s 2015 “Beach” exhibit. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Is your wedding planning to-do list looking a bit overwhelming? Get help from one of our favorite local vendors!

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BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up Challenge: Day 30, The Final Push(-Up)

Wedding Workout Push-Ups

Photo: Getty Images

This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!

Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card. Let’s get started!

Day 30: Do Push-Ups Right Before Putting On Your Wedding Gown

Today’s the day! And we’re thrilled for you! Savor every moment of this special event. Wondering why we’re suggesting a mini workout moment before you walk down the aisle?

“It’s actually an old trick bodybuilders use before a competition. It directs blood flow to your muscles and makes them pop a little bit,” notes Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in San Diego. He recommends doing two sets of 10 to 15 push-ups and chair dips to enhance all that great shoulder and back definition you’ve been working on.

See More: 4 Ways to Keep the Pounds Off and Your Confidence Up Post-Wedding

This “pop” doesn’t last very long, so take two minutes before you get dressed to bang out these moves. (Don’t worry, you won’t even get close to breaking a sweat.) That little bit of exercise might also help keep butterflies at bay — physical activity is a well-known stress buster.

Then slip on that killer gown, sip a glass of bubbly, and get ready to slay them down the aisle. We wish you joy-filled “I do’s” that go off flawlessly.

Just getting started on our 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up? Kick off your journey from Day One, here.

6 Super-Easy DIY Summer Detox Teas

iced tea

Photo: Getty Images

With endorsements from celebrities like the Kardashians and fitness models with six-pack abs, it’s easy to see why social media is abuzz over packaged detox teas right now. On its own, tea boasts a number of natural detoxing properties. But the packaged kind — the teas you see splattered all over Instagram and Pinterest — promises gulpers those same results (just on steroids).

However, recent studies have shown that many of the most popular packaged teas aren’t necessarily healthier than the real thing. In fact, they can even be associated with a slew of unintended health consequences.

Of course, that’s not to say that all detox teas are bad. You just need to be in charge of what ingredients go in them. Here are six healthy, all-natural detoxing tea recipes you can whip up in your own blender by tomorrow morning.

Apple cider vinegar detox tea
Despite apple cider vinegar’s sharp-smelling aftermath, many beauty bloggers rave about it as an all-natural alternative to conditioner. And the benefits don’t just stop there — it can be used as relief for constipation, itchy skin and even as an energy booster. But if gulping down the acidic stuff straight from the bottle isn’t your thing (we feel ya), this easy-to-drink detox recipe should do the trick.

What you’ll need:
30-60 oz. of water (roughly two glasses), 4 Tbsp Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar (make sure there are chunks floating in the jar), 4 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) and 4 Tbsp honey (raw if possible).
Recipe: Bembu

Green detox tea
From helping to lower blood pressure to (possibly) preventing cancer, it’s no wonder that Chinese medicine has tapped into green tea’s detoxifying properties for thousands of years. And really, who are we to mess with a good thing? All you’ll need for this blend is some old-fashioned green tea, a few additional fruits and a splash of lemon and sweetener (if you prefer).

What you’ll need:
1 green tea bag, 1 slice of lemon, 1 tsp honey or stevia (for sweetening), 2 strawberries (sliced) and 2 slices of cucumber.
Recipe: Skinny Mom

Matcha detox tea latte
Although you’re probably best off not trying to pronounce its name out loud (it’s mah-cha, by the way), matcha tea — or green tea’s leafier Japanese cousin — has been trending in health food shops and restaurants across the country. Made from the young leaves of Camellia sinensis plants, it’s stored away from light and oxygen to preserve its antioxidant properties and is sad to contain calming, memory-boosting effects.

What you’ll need:
This one’s simple: 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and half tsp matcha powder (available in most health food shops).
Recipe: Prevention.com

Ginger detox tea
Not just your favorite carbonated hangover cure, ginger boasts a number of detoxifying properties in tea form, too. It’s primarily a digestive aid, speeding up the removal of toxins in your gut and improving overall circulation. And did you know it can enhance your complexion, too? Ginger is high in Vitamin C, one of the key ingredients in fighting aging effects.

What you’ll need:
Half inch of raw, organic ginger, boiled water (enough to submerge the ginger in a boiling pot, and 1 lemon.
Recipe: Living Pretty Naturally

Watermelon/cucumber or lemon/lime basic DIY detox tea
Detox teas are meant to cleanse the body’s circulatory and digestive systems with a purified, all-natural concoction. So it would make sense that a tea without a long list of complicated ingredients might boast the best effects, right? Not to mention, this tasty, refreshing no-frills recipe is perfect to sip on a warm summer’s day.

What you’ll need:
1-2 liters of water, part of 1 watermelon or one cucumber, 1 lemon or lime, a handful of fresh mint leaves (approximately 10-13) and ice cubes.
Recipe: EverydayRoots.com

The ultimate detox tea

If you’re serious about detoxification and sipping tasty, refreshing drinks really isn’t your goal, you might want to consider a detox tea that runs on all cylinders. This 15-ingredient mega-tea might not taste so stellar going down, but you’re sure to feel superhuman afterword.

What you’ll need:
1 and a half cups of spring or distilled water, 4 Tbsp dandelion leaf, 3 Tbsp dandelion root, 2Tbsp burdock root, 3 Tbsp milkthistle seed (crushed), 3 Tbsp cleavers, 4 Tbsp lemon balm, 4 Tbsp pau d’arco, 4 Tbsp horsetail, 5 Tbsp red clover, 2 Tbsp chickweed, 2 Tbsp angelica root, 3 Tbsp yarrow herb, 5 Tbsp nettle leaf and 4 tbsp plaintain. (Phew!)
Recipe: MyNewRoots.com

ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,000 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Have you been thinking about trying it? Start now on the Base Plan and get five classes for your first month for only $19.

See More: 7 Signature Cocktails for Summer Weddings

The 3 Kinds of Songs to Keep Off Your Wedding Playlist

songs to avoid at wedding

Photo: Getty Images

I’m a huge advocate of brides and grooms choosing and using the music they like for the wedding and wedding and reception, regardless of what anybody else’s opinion might be. It’s your wedding day and nobody else can tell you what you should, or should not, listen to while you’re celebrating.

I certainly followed my own advice for my wedding, choosing songs that were significant to us, and to our loved ones, with little regard for the lyrics, and a zero care-factor about whether anybody was offended. There was some teasing when Shaggy’s “Wasn’t Me” started playing, but the dance floor was totally full.

With that said, despite the fact it’s your wedding, you may want to think twice before choosing music that could actually offend some of your wedding guests. There are a LOT of obscene lyrics in some of the most popular hits today. And while it’s so common that you might not even notice them anymore, odds are your grandmother and her friends will be shaking their heads. You have to be especially careful if you’ve invited a lot of children to the wedding because you don’t want to make their parents angry.

See More: The Perfect Wedding Playlist … According to a Groom

As a general rule, there are three themes to be avoided. Unless, of course, they’re your favorite songs and you don’t care what your guests think.

1. Songs About Anger or Revenge
Think Alanis Morisette, Papa Roach, Avril Lavigne… unless it’s really danceable, you’re just creating an awkward moment where it didn’t exist. Pretty much everything by Pink has something in it about Carey Hart, most of it not very nice.

2. Depressing Ballads
Love songs are one thing, but songs about loves lost are entirely different. If you’re a Clapton fan, go with “Wonderful Tonight” in lieu of “Tears in Heaven.” George Straight lovers are better off using “I Cross my Heart” than “All My Exes Live in Texas.” Unless, of course, you’re actually from Texas and your guests will find it hilarious.

3. Bitter Jams
“You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Tainted Love,” “I Will Survive,” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” may actually draw your friends to the dance floor, but they don’t convey the loving vibe you want your day to have. There are just as many happy dance tunes to work into your playlist.

Remember, it’s your wedding and even if your favorite music isn’t popular or necessarily appropriate, you can still use it. Just remember to ask the DJ to sandwich anything potentially controversial between typical wedding standbys, like a Michael Jackson mix, or the Grease mash-up.

If you like line dances, you should do them no matter how much flack you get from your less coordinated friends. Ignore anybody who doesn’t like country music if that’s your fave. At the end of the day, the wedding music you choose should reflect the taste and personality of the wedding couple, even if that taste isn’t the current trend.

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.

A Foodie's Honeymoon Guide Through the Italian Dolomites

Gardena Grodnerhof Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof

Skiing the sky-high peaks of the Italian Dolomites is one of the main draws of the a honeymoon in the slopes sitting next to the Austrian border. But the region has earned a reputation for more than just world-class winter sports. Chefs are playing with local cuisine here adding international flair to fine dining restaurants that offer award-winning fare and views that are just as jaw-dropping. Book a room and pull up a seat at one of these tables honeymooning in the finest of foodie fashion.

Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof (Above)
The first five-star hotel in Ortisei, 54-room Gardena was converted from a private home into one of the valley’s top resorts over 90 years ago. If you’re planning a winter honeymoon, the ski slopes sit right next door with a cableway leading up to the renowned Val Gardena. After a day of hiking around the surrounding trails, linger over a lavish dinner at the one Michelin-starred Anna Stuben restaurant, where chef Reimund Brunner and the sommelier will map out the perfect dinner for two prepared with the finest local ingredients and vino. Think Italian pastas like tagliatelle and tortelloni filled with ricotta, shrimp and pecorino.

Ciasa Salares Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Ciasa Salares

Ciasa Salares
Let Italy’s youngest Michelin-starred chef woo you and your new hubby during one of the most picturesque picnic set-ups possible. You’ll be treated to a white table clothed-meal overlooking the pastures and woods of the surrounding Fanes Park. Chef Matteo Metullio will present the perfect spread of local delicacies to top off your honeymoon feast, from suckling pig to smoked guinea fowl, plus the most delicious of Italian desserts like white chocolate-filled sesame cannoli. If this wasn’t lavish enough, make your way through a guided tasting of 40 chocolates paired with fine wines and spirits at the restaurant’s Chocolate Room for a sweet way to end the evening.

Alpina Dolomites Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Alpina Dolomites Lodge

Alpina Dolomites Lodge
Set on Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, the Alpe di Siusi, you’ll feel like you’re literally sitting on top of the world here with sweeping views across the mountains from the panoramic pool. The lodge’s philosophy revolves around relaxation, so all you and your other half have to worry about is which couples’ treatment you’re going to indulge in next. After a spa day, continue the theme with a meal that centers around going local and green with a blend of Mediterranean, regional and international flavors served up with some of the most stunning views of the cragged peaks.

Rosa Alpina Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa

Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa
Serious foodies after a gourmet fix will be in for a treat at the two Michelin star Restaurant St. Hubertus nestled in the Rosa Alpina Hotel. Once upon a time a tiny pizzeria, starred chef Norbert Niederkofler has over the last 20 years transformed the spot into one of the top restaurants in the region. Make yourself at home in one of the eatery’s lodge-style rooms that are a modern play on rustic chic with a menu that’s just as eclectic. Work your way through a Dolomite-themed meal of eel and chamomile from Venosta Valley, lamb from the Isarco Valley and pigeon from Moncucco farmstead. You can even take dinner al fresco to a private mountain hut for two picnicking at an altitude of 6,500 feet.

La Perla Italy Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of La Perla

La Perla
Think of La Perla as an antique-inspired Alpine escape, where rooms as swathed in sumptuous fabrics and balconies look right out to the slopes. The restaurant is just as romantic with its Old World vibes, from the rustic wood-paneled walls to the candle-lit tables spread throughout six intimate dining rooms. Curl up at one of the tables and prepare for a meal of South Tyrolean cuisine at the Michelin-starred La Stüa de Michil, paired with one of the wine cellar’s 30,000 bottles.

See More: Italian Honeymoon Idea: 3 Days in Venice