JoJo Fletcher Shares Sweet Message for Jordan Rodgers on His First Day of Work

jordan fletcher first day of work

Photo: Courtesy of JoJo Fletcher on Instagram

Supporting one another is one of the key aspects of any relationship, and it seems like the former Bachelorette JoJo Fletcher is filled with support for her fiancé, Jordan Rodgers!

Rodgers, a former NFL player and brother of current Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, started his new gig yesterday as a college football analyst for ESPN’s SEC Network in Dallas, Texas. Rodgers shared a photo on Instagram of himself and his fellow sportscasters on Instagram (which you can see below), with the caption, “Fun day back in the SEC, much easier without 100k screaming fans and giant angry men trying to kill me… but only slightly.”

The Instagram photo that really has people talking, though, is the one shared by Fletcher on her Instagram page. A sweet picture of the newly engaged couple out to dinner was accompanied by sweet words of encouragement (and of course, the kissing face emoji).

“So proud of this boy right here — Not only is he the most loving, kindhearted and selfless man. But also unbelievably hardworking and driven,” the caption reads. “Congrats on your first week w/ the SEC Network bubbi! You deserve it.” So sweet!

Though being an analyst for the SEC Network is his newest job, Rodgers told a group of reporters earlier this month that he has been working on some other business ventures as well, according to People.

“I own a company that does nutrition coaching (MetPro), and I’ll be doing that from Dallas as well,” Rodgers said. “And then I’ve been doing broadcasting for the past year — doing radio for ESPN and doing some TV stuff here and there — and I’ll be working with ESPN and SEC Network as a college football analyst.”

Rodgers even took the time to address his failed NFL career, which has been a big elephant in the room for quite some time, especially since the news broke that he and his brother Aaron are the opposite of close.

“I’ve devoted my life to football. I was never the most talented player on the field. I had to work hard of fit, and sharing those experiences and that knowledge is my new focus.”

See More: How JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers Spent Their ‘First Week of Freedom’

Fletcher presented Rodgers with the final rose during The Bachelorette finale last month, and, in tern, Rodgers popped the question with a $100,000 3.75-carat engagement ring. Just two weeks later, the couple road tripped from Tennessee to their new home of Dallas (and took plenty of Instagram pictures in between). The couple has yet to release any details on their upcoming wedding, and fans are dying to know whether or not they will be able to watch the ceremony unfold on television.

We, for one, love seeing the support and positive vibes that come from Fletcher and Rodgers, and we are eagerly awaiting more wedding details!

It's Safe to Say This California Couple Nailed Their Charming & Elegant Seaside Aesthetic

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom Portrait

Photo: Marisa Holmes

Although they grew up just a few miles apart (and attended rival high schools!), Katie Albright and Tyler Miller didn’t meet until mutual friends introduced them during a night out in Newport Beach, California, where they were both living. Once they officially met, it was clear that the similarities ran far deeper than neighboring hometowns: Both Katie and Tyler attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and lived just blocks apart while there. “As fate would have it, timing was everything and we did not formally meet until 2010,” Katie says. Four years later, Tyler asked Katie to marry him at the start of their vacation in Hawaii on November 12, 2014. “It was the best way to begin our trip!”

This California duo gave themselves just over a year to plan their West Coast “I do’s,” enlisting the help of Brooke Keegan Special Events to help bring their vision of a charming and elegant seaside wedding to life. “When I got engaged, the best advice I received was to get a good wedding planner. I know first hand how unpredictable life can be so finding the right person to help take charge in planning my wedding was the best thing I could have ever done for myself,” Katie says. “I was told that Brooke was fearless, loved to be challenged, and was the one person I could depend on to always get things done at the end of the day. I couldn’t imagine anyone else in charge of planning my wedding.”

The end result was an absolutely breathtaking wedding at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, in Dana Point, California. The bride and groom invited 173 guests to take part in their November 14, 2015, nuptials and, lucky for us, Marisa Holmes captured every perfect detail.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Venue Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Pacific Ocean Below Venue
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Elegant Invitation Suite with Custom Monogram
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride's Engagement Ring

Photo: Marisa Holmes

When considering possible venues, Katie and Tyler had a strict list of credentials that needed to be met, all focused around keeping the bride’s mother, who is fighting brain cancer, comfortable and part of the action. “My vision for a wedding included somewhere close in proximity to our home in Newport Beach that was wheelchair accessible and where we could host the ceremony and reception on the same property,” the bride says. “I also wanted a venue where my mom would have somewhere to lay down during part of the day if she felt tired. Our first and only scouting visit was to the Rtiz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. As we toured the property, we were immediately met with outstanding service.”

Other pluses? The couple loved the scenic lawn with ocean views, perfect for their ceremony, and the elegant ballroom, complete with a terrace patio. “Basically everything about this venue was a dream for us,” says Katie.

They invited guests to the party with an elegant paper suite from Jen Simpson Design that featured a custom monogram and calligraphy penned by Little Miss Press.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride in Strapless Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride on Wedding Day
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Romantic Bouquet with Peonies and Garden Roses

Photo: Marisa Holmes

Katie took an open-minded approach to wedding dress shopping, visiting her first salon without any expectations and tried on a variety of different silhouettes and fabrics. “I probably tried on 30 dresses and didn’t fall in love with any of them, but that experience helped me narrow down my search,” she says. With an idea of what she wanted — a fit-and-flare mermaid style with a sweetheart neckline — she headed back out to find her wedding dress, and she did just that with the second style she tried on. Once she put on this Monique Lhuillier gown, Katie knew she didn’t want to take it off. “That ‘this is it’ feeling was profound and I had absolute conviction that this was the dress for me.” Her favorite part about the blush Spanish tulle frock? How it twirled!

She accessorized with her great grandmother’s vintage diamond brooch, which was pinned to the base of her veil, and her mother’s diamond and sapphire eternity band and her wedding band, which was retrofitted to wrap around Katie’s engagement ring. “I love that it reminds me daily or two people who hold the biggest pieces of my heart: my husband and my mother,” the bride says.

Her bouquet was an ultra-romantic mix of peonies, garden roses, and greenery, all tied together with a blush ribbon and a touch of Spanish tulle from the hem of Katie’s dress.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Groom in Black and Navy Tuxedo
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ranunculus and Greenery Boutonniere

Photo: Marisa Holmes

Tyler’s attire was a slight twist on classic. He chose a navy blue tuxedo jacket with a narrow black satin shawl lapel, which he paired with black dress pants and a bowtie. As a longtime blackjack lover, the groom kept two lucky chips from his favorite Las Vegas hotel in his pocket on the wedding day — but didn’t tell the bride about them until the next day! “I just loved the story and we will always keep those chips as a sentiment to our incredible day,” Katie says.

A white ranunculus boutonniere finished his look.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bridesmaids in Blue Jenny Yoo Dresses
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Wedding Party

Photo: Marisa Holmes

With a large bridal party (18 attendants in total!) the bride and groom wanted to keep everyone’s attire simple. Katie let her ‘maids pick between two different Jenny Yoo dresses in a dusty blue color while Tyler asked his groomsmen to rent the same blue tuxedos.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom with Dog
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Dog with Greenery Collar
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ring Bearers with Sign

Photo: Marisa Holmes

The couple’s Labrador, Harlow, has been with them since the very start of their relationship, so it was important was she was included in the day. “When I first met Tyler, I had just gotten Harlow, and luckily for me, he was a dog person,” the bride says. “We had a family friend bring her down to our hotel to take pictures with us before the ceremony. Our florist made a beautiful collar for her. We loved having her there and she made us feel so relaxed and happy.”

Since the adorable pup couldn’t stay for the entire celebration, Katie and Tyler tapped their two nephews and niece to serve as ring bearers and flower girl.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ceremony Space Overlooking Ocean
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ceremony Decorations
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom at Alta

Photo: Marisa Holmes

The outdoor ceremony space absolutely nailed the couple’s charming and elegant seaside vibe. With views of the Pacific Ocean behind them, Katie and Tyler didn’t need to add much for a spectacular setting. Potted arrangements of peonies, garden roses, eucalyptus, and olive branches welcomed guests into the space while a border of lavender, rosemary, and white roses lined the aisle. For their altar, the duo had their florist covered a wooden arbor with cascading flowers and foliage. “It made for a completely picturesque moment, and really enlivened the space where we exchanged our vows,” the bride says.

A string ensemble performed their own rendition of John Legend’s “All of Me” while the bride and her father made their way down the aisle. Once at the altar, Katie and Tyler exchanged traditional vows, but personalized their ceremony with plenty of touching, funny, and memorable anecdotes from their relationship.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Ceremony Exit
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Custom Monogramed Cocktail Napkin

Photo: Marisa Holmes

“There’s so much excitement, joy, and cheer in that moment when a bride and groom kiss and are announced as husband and wife,” says Katie. “We wanted our recessional song to be upbeat and make our guests want to leap out of their seats with happiness.” So they made their official exit and Mr. and Mrs. Miller to a string rendition of “Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men.

The couple repurposed their invitation monogram for their cocktail hour napkins. Immediately following the ceremony, guests toasted the newlyweds with tall flutes of bubbly.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Long Wooden Tables with Greenery Garland
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Table Settings
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Silver Bowls with Low Arrangements of Roses, Peonies, and Hydrangea
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Low Floral Centerpieces
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Textured Square Chargers

Photo: Marisa Holmes

The reception included a mix of long wooden farmhouse tables and round tables topped with taupe linens. For each farmhouse table, a long garland of eucalyptus and roses was draped down the center. “I really wanted the natural wood to be exposed,” Katie says. Plenty of candles in a variety of different sizes were the perfect finishing touches.

On each round table, the bride and groom selected silver-footed bowls that were filled with a lush mix of ponies, roses, hydrangeas, and greenery. At every seat, guests found a square ceramic charger and a menu card topped with a fresh flower or olive branch. There, everyone enjoyed a surf and turn dinner.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Red Velvet Wedding Cake
A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom Cake Cutting

Photo: Marisa Holmes

One of the bride’s biggest wedding pet peeves is when guests have to wait for dessert long after the cake is cut. “In my experience at weddings, after the couple cuts the cake it usually takes a while for it to be plated and served,” Katie says. “By that time, everyone is already out on the dance floor and hardly touches dessert.” Their solution was to have the venue make a smaller confection for the bride and groom to cut with sheet cakes in the back pre-sliced for guests to enjoy immediately after the cake cutting.

A Charming and Elegant Seaside Wedding in California, Bride and Groom Dancing

Photo: Marisa Holmes

Guests danced the night away before seeing the newlyweds off for one seriously cool honeymoon. Katie and Tyler rented a campervan and enjoyed a month on the North and South Islands of New Zealand, where the bride’s mother grew up.

Venue, Catering & Cake: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel || Wedding Planner: Brooke Keegan Special Events || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier, purchased at Erin Cole Couture Bridal || Hair: Hair and Makeup Girl by Heidi Garrett || Makeup: Mirror Mirror Beauty by Berit || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo || Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Friar Tux || Engagement Ring: Watch Expo Limited || Wedding Bands: Carol Klein Fine Jewelry; Robbins Brothers || Floral Design: Isari Flower Studio || Invitations & Paper Products: Jen Simpson Design || Calligraphy: Little Miss Press || Music: Enchanted Evening Music Productions; West Coast Music || Linens: La Tavola || Rentals: Signature Party Rentals || Photo Booth: Smilebooth || Videographer: Cloudless Weddings || Photographer: Marisa Holmes

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Planning your own California wedding? Then check out another couple’s West Coast nuptials in the video below.

What's the Best Way to Get Guests to Leave When Our Wedding is Over?

You’ll never want the night to end, but unfortunately every wedding celebration much come to a close. The music has faded, lights are on, and the bartenders stopped serving half an hour ago, but there are still guests milling around. What’s the best way to get them to head toward the door? Here are a few tips from our experts.

You’d think turning up the lights and cutting the music would be enough, but after a night full of fun, your guests may not want it to end, either. If your venue has time and noise restrictions, you could face a fine if it takes too long to clear everyone out. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, ask your band or DJ to make an announcement when their set is over, letting guests know the location of your after party if you’re having one. Ask the catering or venue staff or your wedding planner if they can slowly sweep the room to gently direct guests toward the exit.

Are you providing shuttle service, and the last shuttle is ready to go? Even if the microphones have all been unplugged, have someone announce that the very last shuttle is boarding, and that there will be no more transportation available once it leaves. That should get guests going! Make sure you’ve also made the shuttle schedule available in advance, whether it’s a note in the welcome bag or a sign on the bar, so guests have an idea of when the last shuttle will be departing.

Of course, if you’re simply ready to sit down and put your feet up, if you leave the room, guests will get the picture. Head toward the door, find a quiet spot on the front porch, or go upstairs to your hotel room. When the guests of honor are gone (even if you’re actually planning to meet up with your wedding party at the bar!), everyone else will follow.

Elena of Avalor Star Aimee Carrero and Tim Rock are Married! See Photos of Their Fairytale Wedding

aimee carrero married tim rock

Photo: Getty Images

They’re married! Elena of Avalor star Aimee Carrero married fiancé and longtime love Tim Rock this past weekend. The two tied the knot in Aspen, Colorado in a stunning outdoor ceremony.

Thank goodness for Instagram, where we caught a glimpse into the Disney star’s big day, where Carrero, 28, shared photos from their fairytale wedding. In the photo, the newly married husband and wife are nose to nose in an embrace with the stunning backdrop of the forest, offset by the Rocky Mountains.

aimee-carrero-wedding.jpg

Photo: Instagram via Aimee Carrero

In her caption, the Young and Hungry actress wrote, “Day 1” with a red heart, signifying her first day of married bliss. The bride also shared a wedding gift that they received in the field near where they got married — several knives, a lighter, flashlight, feather, and some other trinkets. With it came a note, which Carrero shared in her caption.

“Blessings to you, A few gifts we bring to you from the mountain people for your journey. A flashlight to light the way in times of darkness. A feather for your dreams to take flight. A palo santo to burn when you need clarity and cleansing,” said the letter that Carrero found along with the symbolic objects. A beautiful pendant to mirror your beauty. Knives as tools to give your fathers. And one to keep your wits sharp. A lighter to keep the passionate fire burning. Tape to mend disagreements. And a paper and pen to write your story. Breathe Deep Seek Peace Fly High All our love, The Rodkes.” While initially a slightly alarming group of random artifacts, the note accompanying it was truly touching.

At the rehearsal dinner, which went down the night before the wedding, Carrero opted for a sleeker look, with her hair parted down the middle rocking a smokey eye and dark red lip. Her white one-shouldered top with black culottes created a sophisticated, elegant look which many brides opt for — rocking a different look — during their wedding weekend.

The bride and her groom, got engaged last November. Their wedding guest list included co-stars Jonathan Sadoski, Rex Lee, and Emily Osment — who were also present during the rehearsal dinner. On the big day, the beautiful bride wore a Naeem Khan lace wedding gown and flowing Cathedral-length veil, which created a beautiful effect during their wedding photos, which were captured by Colorado wedding photographer Rachel Havel and planned by Bluebird Productions.

See More: Beautiful 2017 Wedding Dress Trends for Every Type of Bride

It was a celebration with quite the quintessential Aspen backdrop, breathtaking enough to make any Colorado bride a bit envious. Congratulations on the beautiful affair, you two. See below for the rest of the sneak peeks from their big day!

Day 1 $$

A photo posted by Aimee Carrero (@aimeecarrero) on Aug 21, 2016 at 5:22pm PDT

These Miami beauties and this girl. Love you Aimes!

A photo posted by Beth (@bethie222) on Aug 21, 2016 at 1:02pm PDT

I find it difficult to speak briefly about something so great. My heart is overwhelmed with gratefulness and joy to have been a part of the story of this sweet couple. When speaking of their love story, one of their friends compared it to having been able to see what happens in the movies, happening in real life that day. The amount of love and unity these two posses is inspiring and unreal. I feel so humbled to have witnessed such a sacred part of their lives unfold. To hear the sweetest of stories of who they were before this love of theirs forever shaped them into their best versions of themselves. Yes, A&T, it really was a dream. For you, and for everyone else who was so fortunate to be a part of your incredible day. I can't say enough about the most amazing team involved! @bluebirdproductions @premastyle @elysiumweddings @yonder_house @lutzkarpf @lizweg @hoteljeromecatering @janelemonade @coxmorgan @jstettner @christinemoree @bizziesteel @meganwphoto

A photo posted by Rachel Havel Photography (@rachelhavel) on Aug 22, 2016 at 8:35am PDT

#CarreroRockWedding

A photo posted by Emily Osment (@emilyosment) on Aug 21, 2016 at 8:24am PDT

Never knew I waited my whole life for you ??????

A photo posted by Aimee Carrero (@aimeecarrero) on Jul 17, 2016 at 9:46am PDT

How to Hack Your Happy Hour to Make It Healthier

happy hour

Photo: Getty Images

Finally summer’s in full swing, which means more outdoor classes, more after-work drinks, more weekend parties and more boozy beach days in the sunshine. You want to join in on the fun, but not at the sacrifice of all of your entire winter’s worth of hard classes. Because, let’s face it, those post-work cocktails and deep-fried appetizers can make you feel more guilty than happy.

But good news: There are ways to hack your happy hour so it’s not a waste of time, energy and calories. Here are seven strategies to help you do it all (and still make it to that morning Pilates class):

Slow things down
It’s only natural to make a beeline for the bar after sitting in an air-conditioned office cubicle with limited windows for 9 or more hours a day. But remember that it doesn’t take all that long to acquire a buzz, and your happy hour will likely last two hours or more.

Save yourself the sudden hit of tipsiness and the next-morning hangover by sipping on your drink slowly. Or, better yet, swap out each alcoholic beverage with a water or seltzer. Not only will this help you pace yourself, it will also limit the amount of high-calorie alcoholic beverages you’re consuming. Remember, that margarita might be tasty, but it also clocks in at upwards of 400 calories per drink.

Don’t show up starving
When you’re going to a party with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering appetizers, you may be tempted to skip lunch, but don’t. Saving calories for later might sound like it will all add up just right at the end of the day, but we promise you’ll be worse off.

Instead, enjoy a hearty, healthy and filling lunch so that by the time happy hour rolls around, you’re not in starvation mode and gulping down the nearest fried whatever. After a few drinks, you’ll probably be tempted to go back for seconds anyway, so avoid that desperate race to the buffet by coming hungry — but not too hungry.

Have a limit in mind — beforehand
You’ve been itching for that Thursday or Friday night happy hour since you first sat down at your desk Monday morning. So by the time the day finally rolls around, your mind’s focused on finally holding that ice-cold beer or cocktail in your hand and socializing freely with your coworkers or friends. Not front of mind? How fast the time’s going by and the number of drinks you’ve racked up along the way.

Be smart about how much you consume by going into the event with some kind of a limit. You know how much booze you can handle and how you feel after one, two, three or four, so do your next-day self a favor and anticipate how much you intend to drink.

Walk to the bar if possible
Sure, the train or bus may take only 15 minute, but walking sneaks in some easy exercise and, if you’re accompanied by a group, gives you a nice chance to catch up without having to yell over the loud music and crowd at the bar.

Fun fact: The average person can burn as much as 180 calories just from walking at a 3.5-mph pace for 30 minutes straight. Depending on what you order, that could equate to an entire cocktail burned off! Plus, that rush of endorphins you’ll experience from getting your heart rate up will lift your mood, thus enhancing your happy hour experience (obviously!).

Use a smart mixer
A Coke and rum is delicious, but as “light” as it may taste —because, sure, it’s no frozen smoothie or super-sweet margarita — it still clocks in at about 150 calories. Multiply that by four drinks and you’re looking at over a third of your daily caloric needs. Instead, opt for a Diet Coke and rum, which is only about 66 calories per drink. If you’re really craving that margarita, ask the server if he can make it a “skinny.” This essentially means he’s using fresh-squeezed lime juice, natural agave nectar and a splash of orange juice as opposed to a pre-mixed margarita loaded with a sugar-saturated sour mix.

Ask for extra ice
Aside from keeping your drink nice and cold while you’re outside, ice helps keep your drink filled longer, thanks to the liquid displacement. (The more ice you put in, the higher the liquid inside will rise). Ice also helps dilute the alcohol, sneaking in some hydrating and sobering water. Win, win!

For every beverage, drink a full glass of water

While this might not be the best idea for your bladder (or long bathroom lines at a local fave watering hole), it might save you a major headache the next day. Plus, drinking a full glass of water before going for another round will help you stay hydrated, feel fuller and ultimately, slow you down (see tip #1!).

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See More: Spending More Time Outside Can Help Manage Wedding Stress

Former Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete is Engaged! See the Beauty Queen's Beautiful Ring

Ximena Navarrete is Engaged

Photo: Getty Images

It looks like Miss Universe is about become Mrs. Universe! Former pageant queen Ximena Navarrete is officially engaged, after her sweetheart Juan Carlos Valladares popped the question. And after seeing Navarrete’s #EngagementRingSelfie on Instagram, we’re even more jealous of her stunning sparkler than we were of her blinged-out pageant crown! (Seriously, how much sparkle does one woman need?!)

After snagging the Miss Universe crown back in 2010 — and becoming only the second Mexican citizen to do so, we might add! — Navarrete has been keeping busy as a successful actress, working on popular telenovelas. So of course, her proposal was totally soap opera worthy!

According to E! News, the beauty queen’s boyfriend of one year, Juan Carlos Valladares, took Navarrete to the Palacio Museum of San Agustín, where he pre-arranged for the installations of the art gallery to serve as perfect proposal ambiance. Valladares then popped the question with a to-die-for engagement ring, featuring a large-and-in-charge center diamond on a silver band. And of course, the bride-to-be couldn’t help but show off her new beautiful bauble with an #EngagementRingSelfie (see below) on the ‘Gram. No worries, Navarrete — we wouldn’t be able to help ourselves, either!

“Today my @jcvalladares gave me the most beautiful surprise in the world!!!!!,” Navarrete wrote in Spanish, captioning a photo of herself and her beau embracing. “I am the happiest woman in this universe!!!!! I’m getting married to the best man, my best friend, and the man with whom I dream about forming a family. I love you!!!! You’re the best!!!”

See More: A Photographer’s 4 Secrets to Looking Natural in Your Wedding Photos

After the proposal, the perfect pair headed to an engagement party with their family and friends to celebrate. With a ring like that, we’d be popping the champagne too!

Now, on to the wedding planning! We’re crossing our fingers that Navarrete opts for a tiara over the traditional veil come the big day. What could be more fitting for a to-be-wedded pageant queen? After all, the bride is basically the queen of the day anyway, right?

A photo posted by Ximena Navarrete (@ximenanr) on Aug 20, 2016 at 9:41pm PDT

A photo posted by jcvalladares (@jcvalladares) on Aug 21, 2016 at 1:46pm PDT

The 5 Things Guests Hate Most About Weddings, According to Real Guests

things guests hate about weddings

Photo: Getty Images

For the most part, wedding guests are simply happy to be a part of your big day. But it turns out, they’ve got a few pet peeves when it comes to weddings. Here are five things guests hate most about weddings, from real wedding guests.

“I have been to my fair share of weddings and love being a part of their special days. But with that said, I absolutely hate delayed receptions — the ones where you get there and no beverages or food are served for more than an hour. Especially if children are invited, there should be activities to keep them busy or else you end up with a room full of hungry guests and bored kids running around.” — Crystal

“Every wedding I’ve attended has been a wonderful celebration filled with laughter, love, tears, and lots of dancing, which makes for a great party every time. But even though every one has been a blast, a couple weddings I’ve attended had some rough starts and the cause usually started with the planning — or lack of planning — that went into communicating with the guests. My one piece of advice as a guest is think about the best way to stay in communication with all of your guests as the wedding progresses, because something almost always changes last minute. We as guests want to make sure we’re bringing our A-games to your big day!” — Jessica

See More: The 8 Things That Are Guaranteed to Make Wedding Guests Happy

“I understand that a lot of guests look forward to weddings for the free food and booze. But not me. I’m in it for the ceremony. What can I say? I’m a big sap. So my biggest pet peeve as a wedding guest is when couples don’t consider whether their guests can actually hear them during the ceremony. If you don’t use a microphone, chances are we won’t hear anything that’s happening. And instead of sharing the moment along with you, we’ll just be stuck twiddling our thumbs.” — Anna

“I just went to a wedding in which the bride sat down at our table to say hello and just launched into this very long speech about how tough wedding planning was and how she wished she had just eloped. When she got up from our table and moved to the next, I heard her give the same spiel to another guest. I get that she was probably just stressed from it all and needed to vent. But as a guest, it made me feel pretty uncomfortable. Your wedding is a happy occasion, but it’s pretty difficult to see it that way when you spend the whole reception complaining about how miserable it was to get there.” — Marianne

“Cash bars. I understand that not everyone has the budget for an open, full bar. That’s OK. But in that case, try to offer a limited bar, such as just beer and wine. Guests will really appreciate it — especially the ones who have traveled or had significant expenses in order to come to your wedding.” — Jennifer

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This Couple Took Wedding Photos by an Active Volcano ACTUALLY Spewing Lava in Hawaii

hawaii couple wedding photos with volcano lava

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

When most brides talk about “braving” the weather on their big day, they usually are referring to wind, rain, and possibly a bit of snow. But, when you’re in Hawaii, it’s a totally different ballgame. Case in point: One incredibly brave Hawaiian couple, Lauren and Alex Michaels, and wedding photographer Jenna Lee braved insanely hot temperatures and actually stood next to a volcano spewing molten hot lava for their bridal portraits.

A month after her June wedding, Hawaiian wedding planner Lauren Michaels and her husband, Alex Michaels, told Jenna of Jenna Lee Pictures that they wanted to do something “different” to capture a few more shots of themselves as bride and groom. So after their nuptials at a private residence in Kauai, they planned a bridal portrait session (think: trash the dress on the ultimate level) with wedding photographer Jenna Lee on Kalapana on the Big Island. But an adventure photographer at heart, Lee had bigger plans for the Hawaiian natives: a bridal portrait session on top of an actively flowing volcano, complete with hot lava flowing in the shot, which she shared exclusively with BRIDES. “I am obsessed with adventure wedding photography — taking couples on incredible adventures and capturing wedding photos of a lifetime. I’m pretty much down for anything,” Lee explained.

Excited about the idea, Lauren and Alex agreed to shoot with Lee on July 23, but unfortunately they had to reschedule the shoot due to a major tropical storm (which closed the side of the island with the active volcano). Instead, the couple ended up hiking 5.5 miles into a secluded black sand beach with wild horses which was an amazing shoot in itself.

wedding photos hawaii jenna lee pictures

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

Still, Lee wanted to make the lava wedding portraits happen while the lava was flowing and active which is a very unpredictable and sporadic occurrence.

Finally, on August 11, the day came. The trio hiked out at 3:30 in the morning — several miles through a lava field (complete with headlamps to navigate the pitch-black darkness at that hour of the morning!). As if it were fate, there was also a meteor shower that night, adding to the intense skies and setting.

lava wedding shoot barefoot jenna lee pictures

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

Once they reached the flowing lava, the couple posed for what now appears to be bridal portraits that have never been done before in the history of wedding photography — but not without a bit of danger mixed in. Says Lee, “As you walk across the ground you can see the magma glowing from cracks beneath your feet — with each crunch you feel like you could fall through the solid ground and get swallowed by the lava at a moments notice. But luckily we survived to talk about it!” And if most pictures speak a thousand words, these wedding portraits speak about a million.

See More: Unique Wedding Photo Ideas from Our Favorite Photographers

lava wedding portraits jenna lee pictures

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

Says Lee, “It becomes unbearably hot if you’re downwind and too close,” (just a casual 1600 degrees Fahrenheit). We had to move away from the lava river after a few frames because the heat became too intense. But they were actually barefoot!” she shared in astonishment. “I really wanted them to connect with the earth, be grounded for the shoot, and when we felt the earth’s surface it was cool to the touch — absolutely bizarre as there’s molten lava just below the surface.” Turns out, however, that it was easier to gauge with their feet the stability of the ground and how close to the surface the lava was. A win-win in photography-world.

jenna lee pictures lava

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

lauren and alex michaels lava volcano shoot hawaii jenna lee pictures

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

While many would say these photos are one-of-a-kind, Lee shares that they were more than just the ultimate photo op. “Lauren and Alex’s love blossomed in Hawaii so this was a very special way to capture that.” The couple actually began talking during their first meeting because they both knew sign language; Lauren is hard of hearing and wears a hearing aid, and Alex is the child of a deaf adult. “During the shoot, they could actually communicate with each other from across the beach by signing which was really beautiful,” she shared.

As far as her dress, the bride was totally down with getting a little lava soot “And being the adventurous beauty that she is, she [the bride] wasn’t worried [about her wedding dress] at all! We had already taken the dress on a 6-mile hike in a tropical storm to a secluded black sand beach and her AMAZING dress held up wrinkle-free!” They packed it in a backpack… and when she put it on for this shoot it still looked absolutely perfect!

bride protea bouquet flower crown

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

The bride held a protea bouquet with ferns and tropical accents created by Grace Flowers Hawaii, and on her head she wore a flower crown of the same aesthetic. Says Lee, “Pele the Hawaiian goddess of fire, was honored with gifts at the end of our shoot, and she consumed all flowers the lava consuming her haku [flower head piece].”

lava-consumes-bouquet.jpg

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

While Pele definitely received some great gifts, it seems that the true gift was seeing this bride and groom’s love for one another amidst the most stunning and jaw-dropping background, ever. See below for the video footage shot by Makai Creative.

lava photo shoot jenna lee pictures

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

lava-consumes-bouquet.jpg

Photo: Jenna Lee Pictures

Love + Lava ????????????????????

A photo posted by Jenna Lee (@jennaleepics) on Aug 20, 2016 at 9:59pm PDT

Why Ciara and Russell Wilson Called Off Their Wedding Twice Before They Tied the Knot

Ciara and Russell Wilson Cancelled Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

Remember Ciara and Russell Wilson’s fairytale wedding earlier this summer? Yep, we’re still not over it. (Are you even surprised?) From the singer’s Roberto Cavalli lace wedding dress to the honest-to-goodness English castle wedding venue, the nuptials were the definition of a fairytale wedding. But, as it turns out, the big day almost never came to be. What?! Yes, apparently we were almost denied the delight of fawning over Ciara’s gorgeous gown and picture-perfect wedding photos. In fact, the now-newlyweds had actually canceled their wedding twice before their July ceremony in England. But the reason might surprise you — and make you love these two even more…

Postponing a wedding is never fun. Obviously, right? With so many logistical things to worry about — from informing friends and family of the pushed-back date to vendor contract battles — most brides would never think to postpone their nuptials unless it was super duper necessary. That’s why we find Ciara and Wilson’s wedding postponement so admirable, as they cancelled their wedding — the first time around — in response to the North Carolina bathroom laws. A bride who sticks up for what she believes in? What could be more awesome than that?

The couple’s wedding planner, Mindy Weiss, recently shared that the wedding between the sultry singer and football player was originally to take place in North Carolina. “I did the whole thing — three times,” said Weiss (poor girl!). “They were first getting married in North Carolina, but they called it off due to the transgender bathroom laws,” Weiss shared, explaining how they to-be-wedded couple cancelled the nuptials in protest of the state’s controversial law that mandates that transgender citizens must use the bathroom that corresponds with their birth gender.

Ciara Russell Wilson Wedding Photo

Photo: Dennis Leupold

So next up after North Carolina was a no-go was Paris. After all, what could be more romantic than Parisian “I do’s?”

“It ended up being [Couture] Fashion Week,” explained their wedding planner. “And it was really difficult.” Oops! Well, on to round three…

ciara wedding dress

Photo: Courtesy Russell Wilson via Instagram

The third time really was the charm, as the couple’s third go-around at wedding planning was a sweet, sweet success. “We ended up in London,” said Weiss of Ciara and Wilson’s beautiful July nuptials. “They wanted to be away. And we found a castle that was an hour out of Liverpool and they had about 110 guests.”

And judging by how totally stunning the big day ended up being, we couldn’t envision a more perfect ‘happily ever after’ for this (kinda crazy) wedding planning journey!

See More: Ciara’s Custom-Made Wedding Shoes Are EVERYTHING

Why This Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress Every Year

Wearing Wedding Dress on Anniversary

Photo: Courtesy of Samantha Burns

The thought has crossed more than one former bride’s mind every now and then… can I wear my wedding dress again? You LOVE how you look in it, plus it was probably the most expensive piece of clothing you ever purchased, but you find yourself without an excuse to put on that bridal gown once again. Spoiler: You’ve got one, and it happens every year. Millennial Love Expert and Brides.com contributor, Samantha Burns, is a Relationship Counselor and Dating Coach working with couples to create love lives that thrive — and she plans to proudly put on her wedding dress every year. Here’s why.

As my husband and I wrapped up our wedding celebration, I did not want take off my dress. I had looked forward to the day for so long and couldn’t believe in a matter of hours it was over. It was in that moment that I turned to my husband and told him that I intended to wear my wedding dress for every anniversary as long as I could fit in it! I envisioned myself doing the activities we enjoy as a couple, frolicking around restaurants, parks, and ice cream shops in my white gown. As we embarked on our happily ever after, I felt giddy about the idea of celebrating each milestone with such a fun and sentimental tradition.

Re-Wearing Wedding Dress

Photo: Courtesy of Samantha Burns

For our first anniversary, my husband planned a surprise weeklong getaway. I threw the dress in our car and told him that whatever he had in mind to make sure I could do it sporting my gown. Let’s just say no one had ever seen someone play golf in a wedding dress before! I made quite the impression at the driving range, sampling fudge in the ma and pa candy shop, and while eating chocolate chip pancakes at a casual brunch spot.

Wedding Dress Tradition

Photo: Courtesy of Samantha Burns

For year two, I zipped up the dress (with a slight struggle) and headed out into the rain for a sunset dinner cruise around the Boston harbor; no way was I letting the weather stop my fun. Just as we pulled away from the dock, the storm cleared and like out of a movie scene, we watched the sherbert colored skyline melt away under the cotton candy clouds. After a champagne toast and some sunset selfies, of course, we tore up the dance floor, which we had to ourselves because it was a Wednesday night. We twirled, laughed and reminisced. It was magical.

Three days after my two-year anniversary, my dress is still laying on my bedroom floor. It’s collected some stains on the bottom, but I much prefer this than keeping it in a pristine box that will never see the light of day, or my husband’s adoring eyes. I smile when I walk past it, the light catching the sparkles, as if it’s winking at me, saying, “I’ll see you next year!”

wearing wedding dress on anniversary

Photo: Courtesy of Samantha Burns

I hope my wedding dress tradition inspires some brides to do the same. But, if you still need a little convincing, here are five reasons why you should say yes to your dress once a year:

1. Get your money’s worth
You paid and arm and a leg for it, so you may as well get as much use of it as possible! No sense of letting it collect dust in the back of your closet, only to resurface for a retro Halloween costume in 30 years.

2. Fitness motivation
You always hear women talk about sweating for the wedding, well what happens after that? The daily grind and having babies aren’t the kindest to your figure. You busted your butt to look and feel great on your big day, so why not use this goal as an annual inspiration to stay fit? Think of it as a yearly challenge to keep you on track.

See More: 5 Anniversary Date Ideas That Are Anything But Ordinary

3. Rekindle romance
Hugging, kissing and dancing in that dress again is a surefire way to reminisce and rekindle the romance in your relationship. Your biggest priority is no longer wedding planning and honeymooning, and your relationship may have slipped to the back burner now that you’re settled in. to married life. A unique anniversary tradition like this is an extra special way to make your relationship a priority for the evening. Plus, anytime you do something new and adventurous, your brain’s reward system gets activated and that burst of dopamine makes you feel excited, giddy and even more connected.

4. Create new memories
The first time your spouse saw you in that dress it was the happiest day of his life. Why not add to these fond memories, but this time in a way that’s less stressful, more carefree and easier on your wallet? Go out dancing, get competitive with bowling, or head to a sentimental spot. Be silly, let lose, and love each other. You can capture the night with some great photo ops, then add these to the back of your wedding album, or use the pictures as a thoughtful gift for future birthdays, holidays, or even anniversaries.

5. Feel like a celebrity for an evening
If it’s a seemingly random night and you’re strolling around looking gorgeous in your gown, you’re bound to get loads of attention and congratulations. It’s a great endorphin rush that makes for fun stories and laughter with your mate. Let these well-wishers know that this is your annual tradition to celebrate your anniversary, or roll with it and pretend you just got hitched. Spontaneity is sexy. Enjoy it as your spouse shows you off and gleefully recounts to the passerby about how you met. You’ll probably bump into that wise, old couple that gives the most valuable advice. Plus, cool perks such as complimentary champagne, comped dessert, or an invitation on stage at a concert make you feel like a total rockstar.