Jessa Duggar is Pregnant! The Counting On Star Expecting Second Baby with Husband Ben Seewald

Jessa Duggar Baby Name

Photo: Courtesy Jessa Seewald via Instagram

The Duggar family is just getting bigger! Just a few months after the exciting news broke of another Duggar wedding in the works, former 19 Kids and Counting star Jessa (Duggar) Seewald and her husband Ben Seewald have their own happy news to break — they’re expecting their second child!

“We are overjoyed to announce that Spurgeon has a new title in life as ‘big brother!'” the stars of the TLC spin-off Counting On, who are parents to 9-month-old Spurgeon Elliot, told People. “We are so thankful that God is adding to our family.”

The couple added that “2017 is shaping up to be a wonderful year already, and we know Spurgeon will do a great job in his new role. Having Spurgeon has been such a wonderful blessing, and we cannot wait to see the face of this sweet new baby (or babies!).”

Jessa, 23, who married Ben, 21, in a televised religious wedding in November 2014, is one of 19 children from the TLC-famous Duggar family. Every child in the controversial clan has a name that begins with the letter “J”, so when the Seewalds announced the unique name of their baby boy back in November, we were slightly shocked that it wasn’t in line with the family’s tradition. The origin of Spurgeon Elliot’s name comes from a British Baptist who was considered the best-known preacher in England, Charles Spurgeon. “One guy that has really impacted my life is a great preacher of the past, Charles Haddon Spurgeon,” Ben revealed to People at the time. Jessa added that the couple wanted to choose a “strong name, with a lot of meaning,” that favored, “heroes from the Christian faith.”

See more: WATCH: Get a Glimpse of Jessa Duggar in Her Wedding Dress Moments Before She Walked Down the Aisle!

The finalization of Baby Seewald’s exclusive title, came after a whirlwind pregnancy — and the result of being a two-day labor — having taken over 100,000 suggestions from eager fans on ideas for the name of the newest Duggar grandchild. Shortly after Baby Seewald’s birth, the new parents revealed that they were already thinking about baby number two but “would love it if [their] next baby is adopted,” a source told People. “When I was in labor, I told Ben, ‘Babe we are not having any more kids after this,'” Jessa confessed, only to laugh about the “teasing” later saying, “we will have more kids. But in that moment of pain, I believed it!”

And Jessa’s not the only Duggar who’s basking in the “new mom” glow. Jill Dillard, Jessa’s older sister, gave birth to a baby boy, Israel David Dillard in April 2015, after marrying husband, Derick Dillard, in an on-air “Duggar I Do!” special the previous year.

Happy Easter….one day late! Jesus is alive! 🙂 #dillardfamily www.dillardfamily.com

A photo posted by Jill Dillard (@jillmdillard) on Mar 28, 2016 at 1:34pm PDT

In a sneak peek video of Counting On‘s second season, we learned that, not so surprisingly, Jessa and Ben won’t be the only Duggars looking to expand the family this year. At one point in the series, Derick tells Jill that he’s set on “trying to have another baby before next year.” Twin pregnancies for these two sisters? It’s always a possibility with the Duggars!

And, of course, that’s not the only exciting news for this ever-growing family! Daughter Jinger Duggar is set to wed soccer player Jeremy Vuolo after only a one-month-long official courtship. Jinger, 22, announced that she was being courted — the Duggar family-approved form of dating that consists of no sex, no kissing, chaperoned dates, and side-hugs only — by Vuolo earlier this summer after meeting the pro athlete in May 2015 and attending a mission trip together. The bride-to-be shared the celebratory news that her beau popped the question in July, stating, “I cannot believe that I’m engaged to the man of my dreams, the man that I’ve asked God for. God is so kind and I just cannot believe it!” But can her parents? After all, they’ve only been courting for a month. Was that enough time for Jim Bob to get to know his future son-in-law during those chaperoned dates?

So excited about this next chapter in our life together?????? #engaged

A photo posted by Jinger Nicole (@jinger.n.duggar) on Jul 26, 2016 at 8:16am PDT

See More: The 4 Most Tearjerking Moments from Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald’s Wedding

BRIDES Florida: 10 Wedding Experts Every Miami Bride Needs in Her Phone Book

wedding professional

Photo: Getty Images

Most Miami brides we know are confident and unique when it comes wedding day style and aesthetics. But even the most organized and resourceful of brides needs a little help from the pros from time to time. To help you out, we’ve gathered a list of Florida’s top wedding experts, from floral designers to caterers, so that you can create the Miami wedding of your dreams. Here are 10 wedding experts every bride in the 305 needs in her phone book.

1. Jessica Lorren
Known for capturing life’s most beautiful moments through the eye of her lens, this Florida maven derives inspiration from natural elements and natural light to create forever moments captured in a single photo. Read real brides’ reviews here!

2. Tom Mathieu & Company
Stemming from his natural passion for the beauty of flowers, this established floral design expert has been adored by Florida brides since establishing his renowned floral company in 1996.

3. Julia Rohde Designs
One of Florida’s most celebrated floral and event firms, this expert in all things design incorporates organic aesthetic using eclectic elements such as berries, fruits, and vegetables to inspire every clients personal vision. Read real brides’ reviews here!

4. Elegant Temptations
Quickly becoming one of Florida’s premiere cake design teams, lead designer Rosie Cunill continues to transform traditional wedding cakes into personal works of art using custom components — from wedding invitations, personal color schemes, and overall themes. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More:Explore All of Our Favorite Miami Experts on Our Local Vendors Page

5. Eggwhites Catering
Experts in guiding brides through big menu decisions, Chef Gary Lampner is a leader in the South Florida catering industry. Through his catering company, he brings the highest standards of excellence to every personal event. Read real brides’ reviews here!

6. Creative Edge Parties
Dedicating themselves to over 25-years of culinary excellence through flawless event management, it’s no surprise that this innovative tool in the world of catering frequently finds inventive ways to present high-quality food through unforgettable events. Read real brides’ reviews here!

7. Ever After Wed

This full-service event design and planning firm offers a wide range of wedding planning services and wedding necessities for every busy Florida bride. Read real brides’ reviews here!

8. Carolyn Jones Makeup
Having spent 15 years helping Miami brides look naturally flawless on their wedding day, this celebrated beauty company is essential for brides looking for a wedding day look inspired by high-profile editorial spreads.

9. Chirp-Paperie
One of Florida’s top stationery design studios, Chirp-Paperie customizes personal wedding invitations and day-of stationery that help set the tone for any bride’s essential wedding day style. Read real brides’ reviews here!

10. Amanda Uprichard

Miami’s premiere bridesmaid salon, Amanda Uprichard is equipped with a variety of feminine, daring, and elegant styles for every type of bridesmaid. Regardless of your girl squad, the salon will help you create the perfect aesthetic for your best girls that goes seamlessly with your wedding palette.

Need a wedding planner to get the ball rolling? Check out our Local Vendors page!

UPDATED Find Local Vendors Button

BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up Challenge: Day 23, Sip This A-List Approved Belly Flattener

Parsley Soup Recipe

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 23: Sip This A-List Approved Belly Flattener

“A week before a big event, I have all my clients sip parsley broth — and they’re obsessed with how effective it is,” says Rachel Beller, R.D., of Beller Nutritional Institute in Beverly Hills and author of Power Souping.

That’s because parsley is a diuretic, and Beller’s beloved concoction has the added benefit of eliminating gas and bloating, too.

See More: Beauty Foods: What to Eat for Pretty Hair, Skin and Nails

Here’s what to do: Put a bunch of parsley in a pot with three cups of water and a tablespoon of fennel seeds. Add a few slices of fresh ginger root and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes. Strain the solids and sip one cup of the broth.

Bonus points for nibbling on the ginger — it’s amazing for digestion. Save the extra servings and enjoy them either chilled or reheated.

“Have this broth once a day every day until your wedding and you won’t believe how flat your stomach will feel,” says Beller.

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

The Best Bridal Salons of 2016 in the Northeast

Best Northeast Bridal Salons

Photo: Courtesy of Lovely Bride

Finding the right wedding dress may be trial-and-error, but finding a bridal salon shouldn’t be. Our editors polled more than 1,500 brides to discover the places with the prettiest dresses (from the designers like Carolina Herrera, Mira Zwillinger, and Houghton, just to name a few!), nicest consultants, and chicest spaces from coast to coast. Every single shop on this list is a true standout in style, service, and atmosphere whether it’s the white dress mecca in your state or a gem in the middle of nowhere (we didn’t judge!). Get ready for our curated, tested, and fully endorsed list of The Best Bridal Salons in America. Here, our editors narrow down the best bridal salons in the Northeast. Happy shopping!

A Little Something White, Darien, Conn.
If you’re the sentimental type, make an appointment with Ashley Krauss, who adds a personal touch to each gown — like sewing in your married initials as your “something blue” or adding lace from your mom’s veil — to yours.

Everthine, Madison, Conn.
Here, dresses are ruled out by sudden death: “You’re allowed two at a time, and you have to choose between them before you can see another. It sounds restrictive, but it works,” says one bride.

Ceremony, Boston
You get this industrial-chic loft in Beacon Hill to yourself, so go ahead and blast the Beyoncé while playing dress-up in romantic, easy-to-wear looks from cool designers like Rose & Delilah and Rue De Seine.

L’élite Bridal, Boston
Fashion types head straight to this Newbury Street salon for the latest looks from Monique Lhuillier and Amsale. Bonus: The consultants are rock stars. “I tried on my dress at the designer’s boutiques in NYC and L.A. but ended up buying here because I knew they would guide me through the entire process,” says one devotee.

Elizabeth Johns, Morristown, N.J., and Ardmore, PA.
You don’t have to hit Manhattan to find familiar names (Reem, Lela). Beyond the labels, brides dig the pristine samples and in-the-know stylists who’ve worked for our sister mag Vogue.

Bridal Reflections, New York
Want a “Big Salon Experience?” This Fifth Avenue mecca has endless options and an actual red carpet for the reveal — plus an out-of-this-world seamstress, Zizi. “She knows her stuff,” says one reviewer. “Even when you think you know better, you don’t.”

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, New York
At this SoHo hot spot, the honest, genuine stylists feel like true partners in the selection process. And heads up: They’re known to crack a good joke or two, so don’t forget to bring your sense of humor.

Mark Ingram Atelier, New York
Ladies fly in from across the country to shop industry heavy Mark Ingram’s collection of right-off-the-runway designs from the biggest first names in bridal (Vera, Carolina, Oscar).

Wedding Atelier, New York
This intimate boutique near Madison Square Park is for city brides who want to get their zen on while shopping. Yes, that is possible even in NYC. One smitten client says, “They had the most exceptional customer service I’ve ever experienced, and I work in the customer-service industry!”

Lovely Bride, Philadelphia
Most reviewers discovered this gem on Instagram and were glad they did; it has a mix of nontraditional and classic styles at a wide range of price points, plus amazing accessories, like Twigs & Honey headpieces.

Glitter & Grit, Pittsburgh
Erin Szymanski’s Lawrenceville shop is filled with gowns that are romantic and sparkly but slightly less traditional. (She calls it a balance of glitter and grit.) If that’s your style, book a one-on-one with the boss, who reviewers describe as “inviting and relaxing, just like her salon.”

Andria Bird Bride, Newport, R.I.
Tons of Rhody brides tie the knot in Newport, but even those who don’t make a beeline for this seaside shop selling only made-in-America gowns. After you find yours (from up-and-coming designers like Rebecca Schoneveld of Brooklyn and Lindee Daniel of Santa Monica), owner Andi Sperl will custom make any silk flower crown you dream up to wear with it.

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

See More: 50 Things to Know About Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress

A Photographer's 4 Secrets to Looking Natural in Your Wedding Photos

How to Look Natural in Wedding Photos

Photo: Julia Franzosa

Those beautiful shots of you and your wedding party cheesing for the camera are essential, but many brides find the natural, not-posed photos better capture the pure happiness of their wedding day. “The photos that I feel the most connected to are when the couple isn’t even really looking at the camera,” says Julia Franzosa, a wedding photographer in Chicago and San Francisco. “They’re connected to each other, and you can actually feel that joy.” In theory, that sounds all sorts of romantic — but what if you feel awkward and stiff when the spotlight is on you? We turned to Franzosa for tips on how brides (and grooms!) can loosen up in front of the camera.

1. Connect with your photographer.
Feeling comfortable with your photographer will come through in photos. Set up an initial consultation and meet for drinks or coffee so you can get to know one another, Franzosa suggests. “I spend more time with the bride than the groom does that day,” she says. So it’s important that you find a photographer that jives with your style and makes you feel at ease. Franzosa also recommends booking an engagement session, so you and your guy can get used to having your photo taken and won’t stumble over any what-do-I-do-with-my-hands awkwardness on the big day.

Natural Wedding Photography Tips

Photo: Julia Franzosa

2. Hire a wedding planner.
It’s tough to sit back and let the sparks fly when your mind is overwhelmed with all of the wedding details, like whether the cocktail napkins are set up at the bar or your parents are where they’re supposed to be. The fix: Hire a wedding planner, Franzosa suggests. “If you have a planner, they’re going to handle all the details,” she says. “That can make a huge difference if you’re trying to get natural and relaxed photos.” You’ll be free to enjoy the day and take it all in.

See More: 50 Must-Have Wedding Photos

3. Focus on the moment.
If you feel your face getting stuck in a forced smile (it’s bound to happen by photo No. 400!), take a breather. Walk off with your groom and have that “Holy crap, we’re getting married!” moment. Not only will stepping away reset your face, but your photographer will also be able to capture shots of the two of you interacting. “Being in the moment that day, when you’re just focused on each other, is going to be authentic, when you’re not worried about what photos I’m taking and just allow it to happen naturally,” Franzosa says.

Tips for Natural Wedding Photos

Photo: Julia Franzosa

4. Book your photographer for an extra hour.
When you’re signing contracts and plotting out the day-of timeline, err on the side of having too much time for photography if budget allows. That way, you won’t be pressed to squeeze every shot on your shot list into a tight timeframe. “If you add one extra hour, in the grand scheme of your entire wedding budget, that’s nothing, and you won’t feel that pressure or stress that everything has to be done right now,” Franzosa says. “All you should have to worry about is yourself and having a great time on your wedding day.”

The 3 Things Brides Should Never DIY for Their Weddings

Wedding DIY Projects Brides Should Never Do

Photo: Getty Images

I’m a huge advocate of the do-it-yourself generation of brides and grooms. It’s more difficult to DIY a destination wedding because you probably won’t have the same resources you have at home, but that doesn’t mean that planning your own wedding at home is all that much easier. Hometown weddings are usually bigger than destination weddings. And bigger weddings tend to require bigger budgets… and bring more drama.

Just because you CAN do something yourself, doesn’t always mean it’s the best idea. I mean, face it — we can’t all be experts at everything. And you want a certain level of expertise creating all the different elements of your wedding. It’s okay for guests to look at things and admire the personalization, but you don’t want it to look like a kindergartner made your cake pops or place cards. A successfully DIY’d wedding should look like it was planned and executed by professionals. That’s the whole point.

I always remind DIY brides and grooms that there’s no rule that says you can’t hire professionals to execute as many parts of your wedding as you like. No reputable wedding vendor would claim to be able to be a wedding photographer and a wedding planner at the same event because we can’t be in all places at all times. If professionals can’t multitask beyond a certain point at the same event, what makes you think it will be easy for you at your own wedding?

See More: When You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself: An Epic DIY Wedding Fail

Some things can be done well in advance. You can have all the décor prepped that doesn’t include live flowers. You can make wedding favors a week ahead if you package them properly. But some things require entirely too much time and attention on the day of the wedding for the bride to do them herself.

Hair and Makeup
A bride with a free afternoon can do her own hair and makeup if she’s a stylist, or has practiced a lot in advance. But even a bride who is a professional hair and makeup artist should not try to do the hair and makeup of every member of her wedding party, and the moms. If you’re DIYing other aspects of your wedding, you’ll hardly have time to do your own.

Photography and Videography
Whomever is taking the pictures cannot be part of the party, or in the pictures. Using a friend who isn’t a wedding photographer means you’re unlikely to get the detail shots a professional wouldn’t miss. If you must DIY your videography for budget reasons, consider using a service like Wedding Mix so that the results look almost professional.

Catering
Unless it’s a family potluck in the backyard, the bride cannot coordinate the food and beverages at her own wedding, and still have any fun at all. At the very least, do as much prep as you can on the food, and hire a catering company to finish and serve it to the guests. Nobody at the wedding should be doing dishes.

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.

The Bachelor's Ashley Salter Had an Adorable Bridal Shower! See the Photos

ashley salter bridal shower

Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Salter via Instagram

Ashley Salter, The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise alum, had her bridal shower over the weekend, and, spoiler alert, it looked like her bridal party used all of the best Pinterest decor tips.

Salter shared a series of photos on Instagram, which you can see below, and we couldn’t decide whether to love her outfit or her shower decor more. It’s unknown where Salter and her guests were celebrating, but all of the photos she posted were taken in front of a gorgeous fireplace with black, pink, white, and gold tassels strung across a mantel that was topped with a very Etsy-esq wooden “Mr. & Mrs.” sign. Salter gave off major wedding dress vibes by wearing a simple white tea-length dress with thick spaghetti straps. Her accessory of choice? A bouquet of bows from her shower gifts, of course!

Salter and her fiancé, Austin Brannen, attended Auburn University and were college sweethearts before her appearance on The Bachelor. The pair reconnected when Salter returned to Georgia to film season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise and got engaged last September. Reports claimed that Brannen popped the question after taking Salter to Atlanta’s W Hotel helipad with a bundle of roses and a gorgeous view of the city. They even took photos from the helipad and shared them on Instagram!

See more: 3 Common Bridal Shower Questions (And Answers!)

Shortly after announcing their engagement, the couple revealed that they were expecting in February of this year, and a few months later in April they welcomed their son, Brooks, into the world. It has certainly been an exciting and eventful year for Salter and Brannen!

We may not have any details yet on their upcoming nuptials, but if Salter’s style and wedding decor are anything like what we saw at her bridal shower, it is bound to be a chic and Pinterest-worthy affair!

Great day thanks to all of you! Xx #saltertothealtar #austingotthefinalrose

A photo posted by Ashley Salter @clearwatervodka (@absalt) on Aug 21, 2016 at 5:45pm PDT

So glad you came @stephbarger love you!

A photo posted by Ashley Salter @clearwatervodka (@absalt) on Aug 21, 2016 at 2:27pm PDT

Bridal shower! @kelseyrosebentley @sarahgricius @brittnett1189 @lexiw1031

A photo posted by Ashley Salter @clearwatervodka (@absalt) on Aug 21, 2016 at 2:25pm PDT

Fridays with the family #brooksbrannen @agbrannen

A photo posted by Ashley Salter @clearwatervodka (@absalt) on Aug 12, 2016 at 5:30pm PDT

See How One Couple Totally Embraced a Wine Theme for Their Wedding in Brooklyn

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Bride and Groom Portrait

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

It was at a 1920s-themed party that Nicole Murphy met the love of her life, Anders Nelson. Nicole almost stayed home that night, but fate brought the pair together. On their fifth date, as they crossed the Gowanus canal in Brooklyn, New York, Nicole found coins in her purse and both she and Anders tossed them into the water to make a wish. Two years later, in October of 2014, the pair enjoyed a walk along the Hudson River and ended up revealing what they each had wished for that night on the canal — to spend the rest of their lives together. It was then and there that Anders popped the question, and Nicole agreed to make their mutual dream of lifelong love come true.

To celebrate their union, Nicole and Anders invited 160 guests to Brooklyn Winery for their ceremony and reception. “It was the perfect balance of urban and rustic-chic, taking the elements that had initially enticed us about having a country style wedding and placing it in the city,” the bride says. Armed with a day-of coordinator provided by the venue, this couple created a wine-themed celebration to remember, where even guests came dressed in their best wine tones! Read on to see the details, photographed by Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective.

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Custom Invitation Suite with Graphic Illustration

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

Nicole tackled quite a few pre-wedding projects, the first of which was working with her sister, a designer, to create the couple’s dream invitation suite. “I created the idea for the design and she drew it,” the bride says. “I then designed a paper in the color palette which I printed on Spoonflower and we that to create envelope liners for the invitation.” The DIY project paid off: In the end, the couple send out a one-of-a-kind suite with a graphic illustration in a colorful motif.

In order clue loved one’s into their unexpected color palette, the couple included a note on their invitations that guests should come dressed in a wine-toned outfit of their choosing. To help guide their decision-making, Nicole and Anders included a color palette of vino-inspired shades on their wedding website! “The entire place was a boozy rainbow, from pale chardonnay yellow to deep merlot and everything in between,” the bride says. “One guest even went so far as to create a giant champagne bottle dress, complete with popped bubbly headpiece!”

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Bride in Reem Acra Wedding Dress with Bridesmaids
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Wine-Hued Wedding Bouquet
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Wine Colored Wedding Bouquet

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

After searching high and low for her dream lace wedding dress, Nicole decided to extend her budget and try a Reem Acra gown with a blush underlay and illusion neckline. “There is something about putting on a Reem Acra dress that is unlike any other experience,” Nicole says. “I knew it would work well with the style of the space and that I would be able to move, dance, eat, and still feel glamorous!”

She paired the show-stopping silhouette with vintage jewelry borrowed from her maid of honor and a hand-dyed silk crown from Stone Fox Bride. To further personalize the floral headpiece, the bride asked that it include her late grandmother’s pearls and had wine-toned florals to fit in with their venue.

Nicole’s sister and best friend served as her maids of honor and wore mismatched dresses in burgundy and rosé. “I wanted them to choose their own dresses based on what they felt good about wearing,” the bride says. The three women carried bouquets of dahlias, calla lilies, roses, artichoke, and greenery in shades of burgundy, white, and blush.

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Bride and Groom Photo
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Groom's Rose Suit and Merlot Tie
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Groom with Groomsmen
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, DIY Dyed Socks

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

Don’t assume the groom’s attire broke the wedding’s wine theme! Anders rocked a rosé-hued suit and merlot tie. His groomsmen wore white seersucker suits, mismatched wine-toned bow ties, and socks the bride had tie-dyed in vino-inspired tones.

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Custom Made Ceremony Programs with Penny
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Bride and Father Walking Down the AIsle
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Groom's Band Playin
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Bride and Groom Ceremony

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

“I love DIY and crafting,” the bride says. “I love custom touches and had such fun with the process of personalizing our wedding. I found it therapeutic to keep my hands busy.” Another project she took on was creating the ceremony program bags, which listed the order of events and custom logo. Inside, guests found pennies in small plastic bags, which instructed guests to make a wish — a nod to the couple’s fifth date!

The celebration kicked off with the groom’s band (appropriately named the Chardonnay Sunset Singers!) performing acoustic covers of the couple’s favorite tunes. Underneath a glass skylight roof in the venue’s atrium space, Nicole made her way down the aisle lined with candles.

The ceremony was led by the groom’s aunt, a minister, and was held atop a Moroccan wedding blanket. There, Nicole and Anders exchanged vows they wrote themselves and asked a friend to share the what they have now dubbed their “penny story.”

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Moroccan Wedding Blessing Blanket with Blessings from Guests
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Wedding Blessings Under Blanket

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

Before the ceremony, guests wrote blessings for the couple and placed those messages underneath the blanket. “We felt the communal spirit of love uniting us all,” the bride says.

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Barrel Room
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Wine and Dine Seating Chart
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Long Tables with Low Pink and Yellow Centerpieces

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

One of the main reasons Nicole and Anders chose Brooklyn Winery for their wedding was the venue’s innate character. “The layout was cozy and inviting,” the bride says. “We wanted people to view the intimacy of the space as a reflection of us as a couple. The winery had something for every type of guest.” In addition to touring the property’s beautiful barrel rooms, there was plenty for loved ones to see during the reception, which was held in front of the venue’s living wall.

In keeping with their wine-theme, the couple’s seating chart invited guests to “Wine & Dine” — another DIY project that Nicole decided to tackle.

Friends and family sipped on delicious Brooklyn-made wine, Manhattans, and Martinis and dined family-style at long wooden farm tables. Low floral centerpieces were arranged in mason jars that had been spray painted with metallic gold accents. The mix of burgundy, yellow, and green blooms complemented the venue’s warm wooden décor.

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Olive Branch Decorations
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Vintage Place Settings with Dip-Dyed Place Cards
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Guests at Reception
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Naked Wedding Cake

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

Wine barrels topped with overflowing arrangements of olive branches and plenty of candles kept the space feeling romantic.

Each place setting featured a dip-dyed card tucked into a wine cork with the guest’s name written in gold. For dinner, Nicole and Anders selected a crowd-pleasing spread, including escarole caesar salad, herbed panko-crusted fluke, roasted chicken with rosemary marinade, green beans, and a root vegetable gratin. “We didn’t need a signature cocktail because the venue’s wines were so good!” the bride says.

The couple’s wedding cake was a three-tiered naked cake made by their good friend and pastry chef, Ariella Feller. The mint-infused chocolate cake was finished with mint buttercream icing and fresh mint-infused whipped cream.

Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Photo Booth Photos
Wine-Themed Brooklyn Wedding, Bride and Groom Photo Booth

Photo: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

The reception was full of entertainment and laughs, as the couple wanted an interactive day with their guests. They provided a photo booth with props to invite friends and family to loosen up and create some memories of their own. “We got some of the most entertaining photos from here! A boa can work wonders to loosen up an otherwise shutter-shy uncle,” Nicole says. Speeches from guests even incorporated costumes, songs, bubble machines, and karaoke.

For brides planning their wedding day, Nicole shares this reminder: “Embrace the unexpected and don’t let anything ruin the day. You’re marrying your person!”

Venue & Catering: Brooklyn Winery || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Reem Acra || Floral Headpiece: Stone Fox Bride || Hair: Bobbie Yanoupeth || Makeup: Morgan Gates || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Reformation; ASOS || Groom’s Attire: J.Crew || Groomsmen’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank || Engagement Ring: Love Adorned || Wedding Bands: Catbird || Flowers: Saffron; Alyssa Lewis || Invitations: Jessa Murphy; Lion in the Sun; Spoonflower || Music: Chardonnay Sunset Singers; DJ Scribe || Cake: Ariella Feller || Videographer: Zach Amundson of Zephyr Wedds || Photo Booth: Studiobooth || Photographer: Gary Ashley of The Wedding Artists Collective

Find Local Vendors Wedding Wire

Did you love this beautiful celebration? Then get inspired by another couple’s Brooklyn wedding in the video below.

Who Should Help Me Put On My Wedding Dress?

Things Every Bride Wants to Hear While Wedding Dress Shopping

Photo: Samm Blake

You’ve picked a wedding dress, gone to fittings, planned the day, and gotten your hair and makeup done. Now’s the time to put on your bridal gown, but you can’t do it alone. So who should be in the room zipping zippers and buttoning buttons? Here are a few ideas from our experts.

The most traditional option for who to have help you put your dress on is Mom. She’s been there for you since day one, so why not have her there on your wedding day? There’s also a good chance she was with you when you picked out your dress and at least one fitting, meaning she’s seen how to get your dress on and is probably familiar with your bustle. Want to keep the moment family-only? Consider asking your sister to step in to help with all the buttons.

Another common choice is to have your maid of honor be the one who helps put your dress on. She may do it alone, giving the two of you a moment of peace and calm, or she might have all your bridesmaids behind her to point out if she missed a button or help her hold your bodice while she laces the corset. Of course, a bride who opts to include the entire bridal party in the dressing process should remember that her ladies will be seeing a lot more of her than they may have before — there isn’t much room for a bra and boyshorts under most wedding gowns!

Looking for a little more peace and quiet? Putting on your dress doesn’t have to be such a to-do. Instead, ask your wedding planner to help zip you up. You could have your photographer document the moment, or take some time to yourself to breathe, brush your teeth, and have a little water. Then head out for a big reveal with the whole gang, and ask your photographer to capture the finishing touches like your jewelry and veil.

See more: 7 Things to Do to Break in Your Wedding Dress Before the Big Day

Olympic Figure Skater Sasha Cohen is Married! See Photos from Her Romantic Cape Cod Wedding

Sasha Cohen Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

Olympic figure skater Sasha Cohen may already have a silver medal around from the 2006 Olympic Games, but if you ask us her recent Cape Cod nuptials just won the gold when it comes to weddings! (Wedding planning is totally an Olympic sport, right?) Over the weekend, the champion skater married her sweetheart, Tom May. And every aspect from their big day — from Cohen’s wedding dress to their stunning wedding flowers — all earned perfect 10s from us!

After competing on the ice back at the 2006 Olympics, Cohen snagged a piece of ice of an entirely different kind when her boyfriend of two years popped the question. The skater returned to academics after her silver medal win and met hedge fund manager Tom May at a Harvard Business School party in 2014. A year later, Cohen announced their to-be-wed status in an #EngagementRingSelfie on Instagram, where she showed off her new oval-cut bling and her hubby-to-be. “Engaged to the most incredible man… I’ve never been so happy,” she captioned the photo. Now, the perfect pair are officially newlyweds, after having tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on Cape Cod on Saturday.

Before the “I do’s,” Cohen got her bridal beauty on, lounging around her bridal suite wearing a white silk robe with her bridesmaids (see below). Then the bride slipped on her ethereal wedding dress featuring lace and beaded embroidery and tufts of tulle for her walk down the aisle. Confession: We used to be majorly jealous of the Cohen’s sparkly skating costumes. But that’s nothing compared to the envy we feel looking at her gorgeous gown!

The couple said their “I do’s” at sunset beneath a ceremony arch of lush white blooms and greenery, overlooking the beautiful blue sea. Next up was the reception, where the couple was lifted into the air during the traditional Jewish Hora before cutting into a scrumptious three-tiered white wedding cake, with the bride’s sister, Natasha Cohen, capturing all the unforgettable moments on Instagram.

Pre wedding snacks XXXXXXXY #berries #trifle #robelife #scenesfromthebridalsuite #mayday

A photo posted by N.Z.C. (@n_coco) on Aug 21, 2016 at 9:43pm PDT

Love love love these ladies. Thank you for making my day. XXXX

A photo posted by Sasha Cohen (@sashacohennyc) on Aug 21, 2016 at 2:10pm PDT

But what was the bride’s favorite memory of the day? “Walking into the reception for the first time as a married couple as everyone clapped and cheered,” Cohen told Entertainment Tonight. “The room was magical.”

Now, the newlyweds are just looking forward to some post-“I do’s” relaxation. “We’re mostly just looking forward to finally being a married couple — no more wedding planning — and our honeymoon!” said the skater.

We feel you, Cohen. Wedding planning is tough. But we’re sure it’s nothing compared to a triple axle…

My sister, the bride. XX #mayday

A photo posted by N.Z.C. (@n_coco) on Aug 20, 2016 at 5:40pm PDT

A photo posted by N.Z.C. (@n_coco) on Aug 21, 2016 at 9:45pm PDT

A photo posted by Sasha Cohen (@sashacohennyc) on Aug 21, 2016 at 2:00pm PDT

A video posted by N.Z.C. (@n_coco) on Aug 21, 2016 at 9:29am PDT

Ended the night with a little sparkle… XXXXXY #mrandmrs #wianno #capecod #wedding #weekend

A photo posted by Sasha Cohen (@sashacohennyc) on Aug 21, 2016 at 11:33pm PDT

See More: Michael Phelps’ Fiancé Nicole Johnson Shares Wedding Details