12 Ridiculously Delicious Ways to Serve Cheese at Your Wedding

Goat Cheesecake Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of JoCooks

Weddings can certainly be a bit cheesy — and if you and your fiancé are mad about the good stuff than you’ll love all the ways you can incorporate cheese into your wedding day. From bar snacks to appetizers and mains and even dessert, there’s no limit to the number of ways you can celebrate cheese at the same time as celebrating you. Just try one of these delicious, ooey-gooey cheese recipes below.

Goat Cheesecake with Figs, Pecans, and Honey (Above)
If you and your fiancé always opt for the cheese plate over standard dessert fare, then buck tradition and serve up a creamy goat cheesecake instead of a traditional tiered wedding cake. Top this one with figs, pecans, and honey to really sweeten the deal. Get the recipe here.

Pepper Jack Crackers Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of A Beautiful Mess

Pepper Jack Crackers
Skip lining the bar with traditional snacks like peanuts and opt for these savory, slightly spicy crackers instead. Made with flavorful pepper jack, they also make a good alternative to a bread basket. Get the recipe here.

Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of Just a Little Bite

Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket
This appetizer combines two favorites in one: Mini hot dogs and cheese. Instead of the tradition pig-in-a-blanket, surprise your guests with this version, stuffed with cheddar cheese. Get the recipe here.

Garlic Basil Parmesan Crisps

Photo: Courtesy of Bless Her Heart Y’all

Garlic Basil Parmesan Crisps
After your first kiss as a married couple, we won’t be surprised if you end up hiding in a corner snacking on these deliciously herby treats. The crunch parmesan crisps are a crowd favorite, and totally addicting. Get the recipe here.

Cheese and Cherry Pop Tarts Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of How Sweet It Is

Puff Pastry Pop Tarts with Goat Cheese and Cherry Peach Chutney
Yes, savory pop tarts are a thing, and you’re going to love serving these easy-to-handle appetizers at your wedding. Especially when you try the sweet and tangy goodness that is goat cheese, cherries, and peaches in one bite. Get the recipe here.

Cheesy Potato Pancakes Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of Just a Taste

Cheesy Potato Pancakes
Make these full-sized for a first course or side dish, or serve them up in bite-sized portions during cocktail hour. Either way, these gooey, savory, and cheddar-y pancakes will delight your guests! Get the recipe here.

Cheese Stuffed Pretzels Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of Baker by Nature

Mozzarella-Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels
Move over bread basket, there’s a new dough in town, and it’s in the form of these herbaceous, cheese-stuffed pretzels. After your guests are through with these twists, they may not have room for the main course! Get the recipe here.

See More: 21 Food Bar Ideas for Your Wedding

Creamy Caprese Pasta Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of Give Recipe

Creamy Caprese Pasta
Everyone will be choosing the vegetarian option when they find out this is on the wedding reception menu! This creamy pasta is packed with rich tomato flavor, herby basil and mint, and of course, tons of mozzarella cheese. Get the recipe here.

Tomato and Grilled Cheese Soup

Photo: Courtesy of The Cozy Apron

Tomato and Grilled Cheese Soup
Instead of the standard tomato soup shooter and grilled cheese wedge, why not consider serving the duo as your main course? Especially if you’re throwing a fall or winter wedding. This soup is extra-filling given its crispy crouton and cheese topping. Get the recipe here.

Blueberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of Amanda K by the Bay

Balsamic Blueberry Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is a jack of all trades: A tasty appetizer, a delicious main course, or a sweet and savory dessert! Stuffed with a jammy mixture of tart blueberries, brown sugar and vinegar, this sweet sandwich gets its balance from arugula and creamy Havarti or White Cheddar. Get the recipe here.

Grilled Peach and Burrata Recipe

Photo: Courtesy of Just a Little Bite

Grilled Peach and Burrata Drizzled with Honey Balsamic Vinegar
Forget peaches and cream, this dessert (which can also make for a light appetizer) will have everyone’s mouths watering. And if you’re worried bread is too filling for dessert, skip it! The peach and cheese dessert is just as good without it. Get the recipe here.

Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts

Photo: Courtesy of How Sweet It Is

Lemon Cheesecake Doughnuts
No offense to you and your new spouse, but these doughnuts might just be the most memorable thing about your wedding. That’s because they’re stuffed with a delicious lemon-infused cheesecake, making them the ultimate rich, tangy, creamy, and fluffy dessert. Get the recipe here.

6 In Flight Beauty Tips and Tricks to Arrive Fresh Faced

airplane beauty

Photo: Getty Images

You will never look or feel more beautiful than on your wedding day. Beaming from the inside out, you’ve been professionally made up and coiffed, and everything is perfect. Then, as fast as you can say “I do,” many brides wake up the next morning and head straight to a long flight (and jet lag) en route to their honeymoons. Fear not! Keep that beautiful bridal glow and arrive to your honeymoon fresh-faced and ready to embrace your first trip as Mr. and Mrs. by following these 6 tips.

Hydrate

Drink up! Water, that is. Save the indulgences for your destination and focus on hydrating beverages such as water, coconut water, natural juice or decaffeinated tea. Alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration, resulting in tired, dry skin. No, thank you. While you may need some Starbucks to wake up for an early flight, try to limit it to that. Your skin, and complexion will thank you.

Moisturize
This is a no-brainer. Not only will flying and traveling dry out your skin, chances are your skin can use some TLC after wearing professional makeup, crying happy tears, and sipping one too many celebratory cocktails on your big day. External moisture is just as important as hydrating internally.

Eye Cream
It’s simple — if you don’t use one regularly, it’s about time to start. And regardless of whether you slather it on religiously or are a first-timer, the right eye cream can really help to keep eyes bright, tight and alert. (Or at least help to fake it!) Look for eye potions specializing in brightening and cooling specifically for in-flight treatments.

Lip Treatment
Altitude and dry air can also lead to cracked, dry lips — NOT what you want heading into your honeymoon where tons of kisses are inevitable. Combat these unpleasant possibilities by liberally applying a lip balm the moment you feel you need it. Start with a scrub (you should do this prior to the wedding for extra kissable lips on your wedding day!) to exfoliate and follow it with a hydrating and soothing treatment. Then, pucker up!

Beauty Sleep
There’s a reason it’s called beauty sleep. If the time zones and flight schedules allow, try to catch some quality slumber. In the restorative phase, sleep can help repair cellular damage, dehydration, and help you avoid those dreaded dark circles and under-eye bags. If you have trouble sleeping in flight be prepared with a comfy neck pillow and eye mask to make the most of your nap.

Touch Ups
Packing your entire makeup bag in your carry on just won’t do. But with the help of a few essentials, you can fool onlookers by looking rested, bright eyed and bushy tailed when you arrive. You’ll be surprised at what a bit of under eye concealer, a créme blush that doubles as tinted lip balm, and a coat of mascara can do after a long flight.

See More: 5 Items from Net-A-Porter’s New Beauty Travel Kit You’ll Love to Have on Your Honeymoon

A Kilt at a Mexican Destination Wedding? See How This Couple Pulled it Off

Have you ever seen a groom wear a kilt on the beach? Neither had we, until now. When Stephanie and Andrew got engaged in Cabo San Lucas, two years after they met at a tech conference in Las Vegas, they knew exactly where they would say “I do”: On the beach in Sayulita, Mexico. “My family has been spending the holidays there since I was a child, and Andrew fell in love with it during his first visit. Thank goodness, since he didn’t actually visit Sayulita until after we’d sent out our save the dates!” says Stephanie. For their May 9, 2015, wedding, the couple booked a private residence, Villa del Oso, as the setting for their 125-person bash. The beachfront estate, with stunning sunset views, was the perfect place for their sunny celebration!

Stephanie and Andrew pulled out all the stops for their big day, serving amazing local food and flying in a DJ from the U.S. to keep the dance party going all night long — with a few surprises tossed in for good measure. And of course, the Scottish groom made his grand entrance in a kilt! Take a look at this colorful Mexican celebration, photographed by Ryan Flynn Photography, below!

Pops of coral were perfect against the green palm trees and blue ocean. Stephanie found the hints of color in her Christian Louboutin pumps and her bridesmaids’ J.Crew dresses.

The bride caught the sea breeze in a BLISS by Monique Lhuillier mermaid wedding dress with overlapping layers of tulle. “We planned our wedding in six months, so I didn’t have a lot of time to shop for dresses. With this one, I knew I wouldn’t have to fuss over alterations when it came in, which was two weeks before the wedding!” Stephanie says. Her bouquet combined peonies, orchids, and local blooms, with the ruffled petals and yellow centers adding some Mexican flair.

About that kilt: Andrew hails from Scotland, so he wore a traditional kilt in his mother’s tartan. “It’s pretty colorful and has some coral notes in it, so it ended up being perfect alongside everything else,” says the bride.

The villa and surrounding streets provided a unique backdrop for portraits prior to the ceremony, with colorful flags and white stone streets tying right into the couple’s theme.

To complement both the bridesmaids’ dresses and the groom’s punchy attire, Andrew’s groomsmen wore tan suits with coral ties. The mix of neutral and bright hues worked well with the couple’s colorful bash.

The ceremony program featured a blue and coral floral design that was also used on the invitations.

An altar draped with white fabric and tied with roses and greenery was set up on the villa’s lawn, with a perfect view of the ocean. “We had umbrellas set between the benches to shade our guests,” says Stephanie. Everyone was greeted with margaritas and miniature beers to help fight the heat.

The couple wrote their own vows, for two reasons. One, to add a personal touch to the proceedings. The second? “We wanted the ceremony to be quick!” says Stephanie. “We didn’t include any special readings so it wouldn’t last too long.”

With epic views of the ocean, Stephanie and Andrew knew their reception didn’t need much to look incredible. Wooden tables were decorated with blue glassware, coral napkins, and low centerpieces in peach, coral, and white. “We had a lounge area overlooking the water, sting lighting over the tables, and Mexican star lanterns over the dance floor,” says the bride.

With food as a main focus of the event, Andrew and Stephanie offered three entrée options after the grapefruit and avocado salad: Mahi mahi with passion fruit purée, coconut and jasmine rice, and vegetables; chimichurri flank steak with potato planks; and vegetarian risotto. Instead of cake, guests snacked on cheesecake, Belgian chocolate cake, and gelato.

A Mariachi band serenaded guests during dinner, then a DJ took over for the dance party.

Stephanie wouldn’t let a few injuries prevent her from having an incredible wedding. “I suffered a pelvic stress fracture a few months before the wedding, and was on crutches until just a week before I walked down the aisle,” she says. But that’s not all! “An Uber driver slammed my hand in the car door the day before I left for Mexico. I had to wear a brace on my fingers the whole week — thankfully I could take it off for pictures!”

After their first dance, Andrew and Stephanie had a surprise for their guests: A fireworks display! “It was one of my favorite memories. It was a great way to get the party started, and caught everyone off-guard!”

Stephanie is a good reminder that it isn’t worth sweating the small stuff. “I was planning the details instead of enjoying my week in Mexico with everyone, and none of those details ended up being important. What we really remember is the dance party!”

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Villa del Oso || Wedding Planner: Sayulita Weddings; Elyssa Cahill || Bride’s Wedding Dress: BLISS by Monique Lhuillier || Shoes: Christian Louboutin || Hair & Makeup: Misty Spinney || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew || Groom’s Attire: Kinloch Anderson || Groomsmen’s Attire: Harvey Nichols || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Tiffany & Co. || Invitations & Paper Goods: Bella Figura || Music: DJ Cobra || Catering: Naef Cuisine || Photographer: Ryan Flynn Photography

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Planning your own destination wedding? Then check out another far-flung celebration in the video below.

How Can We Encourage Guests to Actually Buy Gifts on Our Registry?

Wedding Registry Rewards

Photo: Getty Images

Couples are constantly told that setting up a wedding registry will make it easier for their guests to pick out wedding gifts. However, sometimes it feels like no one told guests that, and they start picking gifts they think the couple will love — even with a perfectly good registry easily accessible on the bride and groom’s wedding website. It can be extra frustrating when you really need new plates or a less-ratty set of towels, so how can you encourage guests to actually buy gifts from your registry? Here are a few tips from our experts.

While you can’t force your guests to get you a particular present, you can do your part in encouraging them to follow your lead. First up? Make sure your wedding registry information is SUPER accessible. Ensure that the page on your wedding website with links to your registries is easy to find and well labeled, and clearly list where you’ve registered. Are you really hoping someone will chip in for those new dishes? Add a note along with the link letting guests know why you registered where you did, whether it’s to finally upgrade from those plastic plates from college or to spring for a new couch for your home together.

The only invitation where etiquette allows you to print your registry information is for your bridal shower, so ask your host to include a list of where you’ve registered along with the invite. Bonus: If there’s one store you’re really hoping guests will head to, only include that store on your invitation, or choose just one other to give guests an option.

And of course, ask your parents and wedding party to spread the word. While cash gifts are great (as are those perks and discounts for shopping where you registered in the months after your wedding!), this is a great way to encourage guests to steer clear of picking up anything off-registry and instead shopping where you’d like them to shop.

See more: Do We Have to Add More Gifts to Our Wedding Registry if Every Item Has Been Bought?

Famous Photographer Gray Malin Helped Two Couples Pull Off Their Dream Proposals

It takes a lot of work to pull off the perfect proposal — hours of planning, rehearsing the speech, and having to pick out a beautiful, yet affordable, engagement ring can put tons of pressure on a guy. Which is why we were SO excited when we found out famed photographer Gray Malin ‐ who we actually use for tons of beach honeymoon inspo (seriously, just take a look at his Instagram!) — is getting in on the proposal game. In the first round of his “proposal series,” Malin helped two couples bring their perfect idea of a proposal to life. Here, you can read their adorable stories and see the amazing photos.

Couple #1 — Don and Nicole:

In Don’s perspective — “We have been fans of Malin Gray’s work for years, starting our collection the year that we moved to LA. We both take a lot of pride in our home and are always on the lookout for cool pieces that we’ll be able to keep forever. Our first purchase from Gray was one of his classic beach scenes and we’ve since added several more. When Nicole surprised me with the ‘I AM BUSY’ print, I was inspired to incorporate our shared love of Gray’s work into my wedding proposal.”

“I reached out to Gray to ask if it’d be possible to shoot something with the phrase ‘MARRY ME,’ thinking that I was really setting myself up for disappointment given the demand for his work. But, sure enough, Gray responded and told me how much he loved the idea and that he could shoot it two short weeks later. I was able to curate the entire proposal around the print — which turned out absolutely perfect, I should mention, I decided to recreate the photo in person at our favorite celebration spot, Mr. Chow. Fast forward a few weeks and she said YES!”

As for what was going on in his head before he dropped to one knee, Don told Gray, “I remember pulling up to the restaurant with intense pain in my stomach, hoping that all of the work that I had put into this surprise would play out without any problems. Nicole and I spend all of our time together, so pulling everything off without her knowing was a HUGE feat. I also remember being absolutely speechless as I got down on one knee — fortunately the balloons and the print ‘said’ it all for me.”

And Nicole’s reaction? She told Gray, “Honestly, the fact that Don was able to pull it off is really impressive. He has the hardest time keeping surprises from me and there were so many fine details to the event that I really can’t believe it! We have been dating for several years and grown so much in our time together that I was absolutely overcome with emotion when I realized what was going on. He always goes above and beyond to take care of me, but he totally outdid himself. Seeing the print was the icing on the cake — our shared admiration for Gray’s work is even greater now than before.”

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

Couple #2 — Jesse and Becky:

In Jesse’s perspective — “Becky bought one of Gray’s Prada Marfa photos years ago. It was really the only piece of art in her studio apartment. When we moved into a one bedroom together, it came along too and had a prominent place on our wall. Becky and Gray actually started to work together on a few projects and she adored him. She always mentioned their projects to me and how much she loved working with him, so I reached out to Gray to create the most special surprise and to be an important part of our engagement.”

As for getting a picture of Becky from above (for the “MARRY ME” photo in Washington Square Park Gray would create), things proved more difficult. “It was easy to photograph me on a knee. I went home and had my dad take a picture of me from above on a balcony while I was across the street. But photographing Becky was hard. How do you take a good, clear picture of your girlfriend from several stories up without giving it away or feeling like a complete pervert? Not easy. So naturally, I decided the best idea was to get Becky drunk. There was one snowstorm that seemed like a good excuse, but the lighting and the depth were off. A few weeks later, I took her to brunch and then we walked along the High Line. I told her I was feeling ‘artsy’ and asked her to stand below the High Line so I could take pictures from above. That should have been a red flag, but she didn’t oppose. Mission accomplished.”

And Becky’s reaction to this well-thought out proposal? “I was incredibly surprised and impressed! He thought about every single detail and crafted such a special proposal. We have always loved Washington Square Park — we live two blocks north and spend a lot of time there so it was very meaningful that he asked me to marry him in the park. I didn’t know at the time that there was one more surprise, which of course, was Gray’s beautiful photograph.”

“After the initial shock wore off, Jesse told me he had one more surprise, which I would get that evening. I had no idea what he had planned. When I got to the bar and saw the photo, I was overwhelmed with love. It is, by far, the most thoughtful gift I have ever received and I can only image the amount of time and effort that went into creating such an incredible piece of art. Before I knew Gray, I loved his work and then when I got to know him, I absolutely adored him, so his involvement in our engagement means the world to me.”

We can’t wait to see more of Malin’s incredible work!

Alessandra Ambrosio, Camilla Belle, and Kim Kardashian West All Channeled Serious Bridal Fashion Vibes This Week

Alessandra Ambrosio Camilla Belle and Kim Kardashian

Photo: Getty Images

Alessandra Ambrosio sizzled in a thigh-high slit, Camilla Belle was elegant in an illusion neckline, and Kim Kardashian West demonstrated the power of the maxi skirt. Here, the red carpet looks we couldn’t get enough of this week.

Alessandra Ambrosio at The Omega House in Rio de Janeiro Party: When you’re a supermodel, you can look fantastic in just about anything. Case in point: Alessandra Ambrosio this week in Rio. But her look was something to write home about: a white halter top, gold sandals, and a Misha Collection Astrid Skirt. This ensemble screamed engagement party, and would totally start the journey to your wedding with a sartorial bang. Her sleek hair and flawless skin were the perfect complements to the sultry getup, though you could easily wear a ponytail and an eye-catching lip for a pop of color.

Camilla Belle at The Omega House in Rio de Janeiro Party: Carolina Herrera is one of our favorite designers of all time. Whether it’s bridal or the red carpet, few make a dress as beautiful as she does. Camilla Belle slipped on one of her designs this week in Rio: a Short-Sleeve Tulle-Embroidered Midi frock that was the epitome of elegance. Wear this number for your rehearsal dinner if you’re looking to flaunt your decolletage. You’ll definitely want to pull your hair away from your face to let the dress’s neckline play centerstage — pulled back behind your ears like Camilla works, though we also love a simple chignon.

See more: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

Kim Kardashian at BlogHer 2016: Fashion is all about bringing the boudoir to the street right now: slip dresses and nighty-inspired skirts are all the rage. Kim Kardashian is one of the fans of the trend, and chose a Nili Lotan Maya Skirt to uplift a white t-shirt this week. Her gold Gianvito Rossi sandals anchored her look — perfect for your bachelorette party or post-ceremony brunch. Her sleek angular bob is a great cut to choose if you’re looking to switch up your hair for your wedding, though your voluminous natural curls or iron-created waves would pair amazingly well with this ensemble.

Entourage Star Jerry Ferrara is Engaged! See His Fiancé's Stunning Engagement Ring

Jerry Ferrara Engaged to Breanne Racano

Photo: Getty Images

Looks like Jerry Ferrara’s entourage just got a little bigger! The Entourage star has just announced his engagement to actress Breanne Racano in a sweet Instagram spiel. And the bride-to-be’s sparkly solitaire engagement ring is worthy of an entourage of its very own!

“I SAID YES!!! Wait I mean..,” Ferrara jokingly began, captioning a photo of himself embracing his sweetheart. “I’ve had many great blessings in my life. But this one by far is the best of all time. You are the greatest person I ever met!” Racano also posted the celebratory snapshot on her Instagram page, writing “I am so lucky to marry this man.” Aww! And needless to say, she’s also pretty lucky to be rocking such a beautiful bridal bauble. In the photo, the bride-to-be can be seen showing off her engagement ring that features a haute and hefty round-cut solitaire stone. Who knew Turtle had such great taste in jewelry?

According to Us Weekly, the to-be-wedded couple has been dating since 2014 after Racano had appeared in a 2011 episode of the HBO hit and scored an uncredited role in last year’s Entourage movie. Nowadays, the couple has been keeping busy with their podcast Bad 4 Business with Jerry Ferrara and celebrated their 100th episode earlier today with an on-theme installment called “Bad 4 Engagements.” But don’t let that title fool you as it sounds like these two couldn’t be happier with their new relationship status.

“Is it bad for business to go on your podcast and talk about the fact that you just got engaged?” Ferrara reportedly asked guest psychotherapist Sarah Michael Novia. His bride-to-be certainly didn’t think so as she gleefully added, “Yay! I’m getting married!”

Yay is right! Crossing our fingers that Vince, Ari, E, and Drama all make the groomsmen cut — or at least take this groom-to-be out for an Entourage-esque bachelor party!

See More: Entourage Star Perrey Reeves Marries Aaron Fox

6 Crazy Stories of Brides Who Were Late to Their Own Weddings

bride and groom under tree

Photo: Getty Images

When your wedding planner gives you a wedding timeline, most brides know that they must stick to it. But, what happens when something goes awry, and you have to run a few minutes late? It’s not the end of the world — and eventually makes for a good story, once the stress calms down. These six real brides had just that happen when they couldn’t make it the chapel on time. Here, they share their stories of how they were late to their own weddings.

“My wedding was postponed because my uncle had to swing by my parents’ house to pick up my father’s false teeth! It would have been a funny photo seeing him slip my dad his teeth seconds before he walked me down the aisle. I was mad at the time, but now we laugh about it!” — Sandy

“I am still with my husband of almost 15 years, despite my being over 90 minutes late to my own wedding! The morning of, my mother and I got into a spat over how to wear my hair. It resulted in her trying to redo it, failing miserably, and taking a long time to fix the do. This was before everyone had a cell phone and guests were starting to wonder if I had gotten cold feet. The photographer had a sense of humor: I have dozens of wedding photos featuring guests pointing at their watches and the clock in the church! My tardiness is well known amongst my family and friends!” — Cori

“I was over an hour late to our wedding. My mother’s husband (NOT my father) was driving, with my mother in the passenger seat, and me in the back. We were hopelessly lost. This was before cell phones, so there was no way to get in touch with the event place. We finally came across a phone booth, and a police officer was using it. I tried to get him to let me use the phone, explaining that I was late for my own wedding, but he didn’t care and made me wait 10 minutes. Despite all this, it was a great wedding and it’s been an even better marriage.” — Maddy

“I was married on a golf course. While everyone were arriving I waited with my MOH, mother, and MIL in a guest cabin. My mother drove us up to the site of the wedding. When I got there I became suddenly overwhelmed by how many guests there were and that as soon as I stepped out of the car they’d all be staring at me! I didn’t want to get out of the car! My mother was freaking out, ‘Rachel! What are you doing! Everyone is waiting. You have to go!’ but I was just so nervous. Finally my dad came around to the back seat and coaxed me out. As soon as I saw Justin I felt better and couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle. My mother still jokes about how, ‘Rachel wouldn’t get out of the car.’ ” — Rachel, founder of Love Stories TV

“Long story short: My wedding was delayed by nearly two hours because my bridesmaid’s shoes were wet and we had to return her shoes to the store!” — Tamara

“I was married to my husband 12 years ago. Both of us had been married previously. Our wedding was at the august Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles. On my way to walk down the aisle in the Bel Air gardens with swans afloat in the lake, I had to walk through the restaurant where Nancy Reagan was having lunch with Merv Griffin. She stopped me in my tracks by complimenting me on my floral wedding dress and Anglo-inspired high tea hat. Mrs. Reagan was so chatty as was Mr. Griffin and so complimentary I couldn’t insult their attention, albeit, by this time, I was, indeed, running late to the alter. I told her I hoped to be as happy as she was with Ronnie. Her lovely words still resonate in my ears offering her good wishes. My husband and I have lived happily ever.” — Arlene

See More: Real Brides Share Their Biggest Wedding Compromises

Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW is a New York City-based marriage therapist and author.

These Are the Lamest Excuses Guests Have Ever Given for RSVP'ing 'No' to a Wedding, Hands Down

monogrammed ceremony program

Photo: Courtesy of Brides Fine Wedding Papers

Excuses, excuses! When it comes to weddings and guests and RSVP’ing no, we’ve literally heard it all. But we must say, these lame excuses definitely take the cake for being the worst of the worst!

Pet Problems
“My husband’s cousin actually told him he couldn’t attend our wedding because he had to watch his dog. Umm, I didn’t know dogs need babysitters? And yes, this guest lived within driving distance to our wedding. WTH!?” — Carey

Potential Work Trips
“My mom insisted on inviting her best friend’s daughter and offered to pay for several of the guests she wanted to attend so I agreed. Well, this girl never sent in her RSVP so I had to follow up and she told me she probably couldn’t come because she ‘might’ have a work trip at the same time. Social media later proved she really just went on a weekend getaway with her now ex-boyfriend.” — Christine

High School Frenemies
“One of my high school friends refused to come because a girl she didn’t like (also from high school) was invited. Granted this was a 200+ person wedding so it’s not like it would’ve even been a big issue or one at all! The best part is, the girl she didn’t want to run into couldn’t come anyway. Oh well, their loss.” — Leigh

Broke as a Joke
“My cousin RSVP’d no because she didn’t have the money to attend our destination wedding. Over the next year I swear she went on a Euro trip, to Vegas, Miami and Cabo for a bachelorette party. So makes me think money probably wasn’t the real issue. Annoying.” — Jackie

Weight Issues
“I kid you not, my husband invited a friend of his from college to our wedding and this guy literally told him he couldn’t come because Florida is ‘too hot’ and his wife didn’t feel like losing weight either. I died laughing! My husband wasn’t quite as amused, but we crack up about it now.” — Dana

See More: How to Politely Remind People to RSVP for Your Wedding

Carsick Whoas
“My aunt gave us a long sob story about not being able to attend because her two kids just get too carsick to make it for the two hour drive to our wedding. Yeah, okay!” — Stephanie

Car Shows
“My uncle is really into cars so this excuse didn’t really shock me. Anyway, he told us he couldn’t come because there was a vintage car show in town that same weekend and he was planning to go.” — Marisa

Directionally Challenged
“A guy I worked with actually RSVP’d yes, but then didn’t show up. Later, he gave the excuse that he got lost on the way there and wound up in a different state. The funny thing is, he’d been to the venue before and had told me his cousin got married there a couple years ago and how beautiful it was!” — Maipan

Soccer Rules
“My cousin RSVP’d no because her daughter had soccer practice that day. Wow. Just wow.” — Karen

No Ride
“One of my relatives took forever to tell us whether or not their family could attend. Ultimately they declined because they didn’t have a ride. Um, they own a car. And there’s always Uber!” — Jen

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Step Up with the BEST Photo

Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum Step Up

Photo: Getty Images

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 whole years since the dynamic duo that is Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum first danced into our lives in a little movie called Step Up. You remember that flick, right? Where Channing and his future real life sweetheart met on the dance floor for cheesy romance and hip-hop galore? A decade later and the grooving co-stars are still dancing through life in wedded bliss with their adorable three-year-old in tow. Crazy, right? And even crazier is how gosh darn adorable these major movie throwbacks are that the Tatums just shared to celebrate the anniversary of the movie that brought them together. Prepare yourselves for some serious cuteness, y’all…

We remember practically seeing the sparks fly straight off our movie screens back in the early oughts as Channing spun and dipped his future bride. It was obviously love at first pirouette, no?

Step Up Gif

Photo: Giphy

Seriously. We can’t even.

Step Up Gif

Photo: Giphy

After meeting on set and completing the film, the pair brought their onscreen romance to the real world and began dating. And the rest, as they say, is history. Back in July, the couple celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary, but that wasn’t the only major milestone they marked this summer!

See More: Channing Tatum Talking About His Sex Life with Jenna Dewan Makes Us Seriously Blush

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Step Up, Dewan Tatum posted a throwback photo of herself and her hubby on set of the 2006 film. And guys, they are BABIES! “#tbt to on set of Step Up,” the actress captioned the too-cute pic of her cuddling up to a baby-faced Tatum. “I cannot believe it’s the 10 year anniversary of the release today!! Ahhhh where does the time go?? Love you all and thanks for all the love all these years.”

But that wasn’t the only throwback the Tatums shared. (We guess you could say they really stepped up their nostalgia game, huh? We’ll show ourselves out…) On her Instagram page, Dewan Tatum also posted a short video of her and her sweetheart recreating the memorable lift they performed in the movie a decade before. “We had to,” she captioned the clip.

Ten years later and these two have still got it!

We had to. #stepup10years

A video posted by Jenna Dewan Tatum (@jennaldewan) on Aug 11, 2016 at 4:03pm PDT